Summer Skincare~My Current Daily Skincare & Routine

 
 



Hi everyone! long time no see! =D

Gosh, its really been a super duper long time since I updated a post here.. Its been months I guess and I apologise for that as I was really quite busy with work, life etc.. Life has been good so far ever since I hit eerrmm... you know.. 30...well I can't say it's great and fantastic but I do count my blessings each day and so far things has really been quite good and smooth going for me.

Well, anyway.. today I'm just going to make it short and quick.. no more rubbish and nonsense talking. XD I'll be introducing my current daily skincare essentials and routine for this summer.

Just a quick update. My skin type is combination with oily T-zone and previously I had a major breakout of acnes on my jawline area. it really did freaked me out. I dislike squeezing acnes and pimples so what I did at that time was to apply acne and pimple cream and treated my skin more gentle than ever, I switched my facial brush head to the one for sensitive skin and swapped my cleanser for a soap free formula that's suitable for sensitive and blemish prone skin to minimised the irritation on my skin. So here are my current skincare squeeze:

CLEANSER:

Eau Thermale Avene Soapless Cleanser.

Suitable for oily and blemish prone skin. Its mild and soapless formuala makes it suitable for even the most sensitive skin. I used this on a daily basis, morning and night together with my facial cleansing brush. After washing, my face felt cleaner and refreshed with no sense of tightness and my T-zone became slightly less oily. thus, I recommend this to any gals with oily or acne skin problems.

Already more than half gone. =P One of the good cleanser I have used so far.

TONER:

Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion

 

For toner, I'm actually using two different types. One for night and one for morning. This cucumber lotion has a soothing effect after using. It fights against oily build up and bacteria that caused acne and has a pore tightening effect with a antiseptic deep cleansing effect. Thus, its very good for gals with enlarged pores, oily skin and after a day of all the dust and pollutants from outside after a day's work. I used this at night time to deep cleanse my pores.

White Formula Intense Brightening Toner.

 

A new range of skincare from the company that produced the famous facial mask My Beauty Diary. This Taiwan brand is finally now available in Singapore! With a 2% of tranexamic acid, the highest concentrate in whitening products, a-Arbutin and AA2G, its helps to lighten pigmentation and brighten up uneven skintone. I use this every morning after cleansing to achieve a more bright and even skin tone.

 

Tranexamic Acid- Regulates melanin production, prevent formulation of dark spots.

 

a-Arbutin- Permeates skin easily, enhance the level of Tyrosinase which restrict the production of melanin.

 

AA2G- Release high concentrate of Vitamin C that helps brightening of skin and reducing dark spots.

 

Best part is that it contains no alcohol, no fragrance, no colorant and low irritation and its not expensive too. ^_^ this is one toner that I will definitely make a second or third purchase.

 

Eyliplex-2 Eye Cream.

I'm sure most of you are quite familiar with this brand. Developed by GoodSkin Labs. I have also recommended this before in one of my previous blog. Check out the link here: (^_^)/
http://snowy84.blogspot.sg/2014/01/beauty-hall-of-fame-my-2013-personal.html
This is already my second tub. =) The white cap side is for morning use and the blue is for night time. It helps lighten my dark circles and fine lines quite effectively and pricing wise is rather reasonable.

ESSENCE/SERUM:

Loreal HydraFresh Mask-In-Lotion

 

A new range by Loreal Paris group. This mask-in-lotion I say its a definite must have for all busy ladies! =D Why I said that. Ok, here goes: it can be use as a toner, essence and a mask. How cool is that!? One bottle solve all your hydration problem. I used this on a daily basis morning and night. Sometimes when I reach home very late from work and etc or when I'm in a hurry to leave the house,  after cleansing I will use this straight away plus eye cream and a moisturiser and go straight to bed or leave the house.  

 

Infused with French grape seed extract that provides 50x anti oxidant power to neutralize free radicals to protect our skin against the dulling and damaging effects of external aggressors and double hyaluronic acid for intense hydration. Hydration is a must for me as I zzzz in air conditioned room every night. (Weather is so hot.. how not to have air con? XP) Recommended for all skin types especially those with dry or dehydrated skin.

 

MOISTURISER/NIGHT CREAM:

 

Boots N.O 7 Whitening Day Cream.

A UK brand that has recently make its way into Singapore. I chanced upon it when I was at Orchard shopping and its was sold in Guardian pharmacy. Besides skincare, they so carry cosmetics range as well. Lisa Eldridge a famous UK makeup artist is one of their cosmetic fan.

This day cream has a light weight texture though its says cream but it does absorb pretty fast and its non greasy. It does helps in evening out and brightening my skin tone but what I like most about it is that it comes with a SPF 30 PA+++ with both UVA and UVB protection which is good enough for a normal daily basis. thus with this sometimes I will skip sunblock and go straight to makeup or leave house if I'm going out for a short while.

Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream

A Korea brand that I recently came across on the web and decided to gave it a try as I was looking for a night cream and I had never doubt snail repair cream. Its effect simply amazes me! it does not have any weird or funny smell, texture is a mucus like texture but its non sticky. Once applied on the face it absorb very well and once after you applied it, you can immediately feel your face became more firmer and tighter! I did some research and found out that it is a very popular brand in Korea Watsons however, its not available in Singapore Watsons from what I know. (correct me if I'm wrong) Price is reasonable and its 75ml which can last you a very long time.

My first tub and its almost finished! =P will most likely be making a second purchase soon.

EXFOLIANT:

Beta Salic 2.0 Daily Dead Skin Control Facial Cream

As I mentioned earlier, I had a previous major breakout and since then I did not dare to use any scrub or exfoliant on my skin. I came across this product on the web as well and decided to gave it a try since it claims that it can remove dead skin cells simply just by applying at night. I have been using this for about one week plus on an alternate basis with my night cream and I have to admit that when I woke up in the morning, my face does felt abit smoother and not so oily. Will continue to use it to see its long term effect though.

MASK:

Hanaka Extremely Glacial Mineral Mud Face Pack

This mud face pack is one of the most effective mud mask I have ever used. It helps to control oil, pore purifying and tightening, revitalise and calm your skin. I use this once every 2 weeks to deep cleanse my pores and skin.

Directions: Applied onto face, wait for 5-10mins(Avoid smiling or talking during this period) then rinse off with water.

Ok. That's about all I guess. These are what I'm currently using for my skin ever since I had the major breakout and now still trying to recovering from the scars and spots. Come to think of it, I seem to have covered all skin concerns, Hydration, whitening, oil control, firming.. O.O but then again I felt that skincare is still a very personal thing as different people have different skin type and concerns and our skin changes daily according to weather, diet, internal and external factors, thus choosing the right and suitable products for oneself is still the most important thing.

 

Hope you all enjoyed today little sharing and happy weekend! =D

 

xoxo

Snowy

Makeup Artist & Beauty Editor.

 

 

                       

[Product Review] Black & Whiteheads OUT!! Brighter & Clearer Skin x Kose Clear Whitening Mask

Hi everyone!! Its me again.. hurhur.. =3 Hope everyone is having a great week so far? TGIF!! Woohoo!!! \(^3^)/

Anyway today will be a short and simple session. =P something not too "heavy" to read for the weekend. I'm sure most of you ladies out there are already very familiar with the product up above, so I'm not going to do much introduction about it. =) Basically I will be sharing my thoughts and feel after using it.

Honestly speaking, I had never used their product before all along in the past... @_@ ( Though there was a period of time whereby I was crazy about everything Japanese related.. from their dramas to their lifestyle and culture to their skincare and makeup.. ) but now I guess Korean craze has already taken over the world by storm.. XD (Super Junior.. Shinee.. G-Dragon.. BigBang..  (=3=)

OK. Back to topic.. Ahem.. Basically for me my skin type is combination skin.. with occasional breakouts before that thing... ( you know... ahem... that thing..) so that time I was looking for a whitening and clarifying mask.. and I decided to give this a try when I was shopping around at BHG Clementi mall. (They have a Kose counter there)

Love its deep blue packaging.. ^^

Don't worry if you can understand Japanese, they have a instruction manual inside or you can always check with the beauty consultant on how to use it.

 

After cleansing face, apply this preferably with a facial brush onto dry skin avoiding your eyebrows and hairline. You can apply on whole face or selected areas. For me, I usually applied on my T-zone, chin, and both cheeks as I have combination skin and my nose can gets a little oily with enlarged pores sometimes.. @_@
(Heh.. you all must be thinking why its in black colour when it says clear whitening mask... XD so that when we remove it the dirt, black and whiteheads "trapped" onto the mask can be seen more obvious. )

After applying, wait for about 20-30mins or until its totally dry. During this period it will be best not to talk or laugh. (That's what I will do) because as its getting drier, it will also feels tighter and tighter. So perhaps can do something that doesn't require talking while waiting. XD

After when its totally dry, you peel it off! yes, its a peeling mask and this is the part which I don't really fancy about this product. I will start peeling from bottom up in a fast but gentle speed . =P to minimize the pain factor haha. But the effect I have to say its really good. You will feel that your pores are all cleared up and no longer clogged. All black and whiteheads are removed. Skin is smoother and brighter. After this you can apply toner and move on to the rest of your skincare products.

Usually I will use this once every 2 weeks or whenever I feel that my skin need a "spring cleaning" XD depending on your skin condition. Thus, one tube can last me for quite sometime. By the way, this product is unisex. So guys out there don't forget to give your skin a "spring cleaning" once in awhile. You will feel more fresh and look even better!! ^^

Ok. That's all for today.
Hope you all enjoy this little review session.
Happy weekend!!

Snowy
Makeup Artist/Beauty Editor

 

 

[Product Review] Cleansing: The First Important Step To Your Skincare Regime. Achieve Smooth Radiant & Soft Skin With Philips VisaPure Facial Cleansing Brush.

 Hi everyone!!! Long time no see!! =D

Sorry for the loooooonnnnnggg waiting gap... >/////< coz previously was busy with work and stuff.. and then it was Chinese New Year... =__= the non-stop eating routine during that period.. now thinking back... was rather scary... @__@ it was only recently got a bit more time to start blogging again.. =P but don't worry people.. recently I've got tons of new stuffs and products to share with you guys so stay tune ya? =D

Today I'm going to share with you all one of my most prized possession after being in the beauty line for so long.. (not very long also...about 4 years to be exact.. =P) and of course the importance of cleansing... (sounds bored?) well.. not exactly for me after I got this beauty tool. ^^

Philips VisaPure Facial Cleansing Brush.

Awarded IF Product Design Award 2013, it is said to be able to cleanse 10x better than using hands! and reveal radiant skin.

I first got to know this product when it was recommended on Popular Taiwan variety show Nu Ren Wo Zui Da by Teacher Kevin. It was that time after seeing the demo and effectiveness I wanted it so badly.... but back then it was only available in Taiwan.. =(  but now after a long waiting time its finally available in Singapore. ^^

Ta-da! The real actual size. ^^ The long sleek elegant design makes it easy for holding when using it. (No wonder it was awarded.. O.O) I hate to say this.. but doesn't it reminds you of a Olympic torchlight..? XD and I'm soooo glad and happy that they come in pink!! ( My favourite colour for those of you who don't know.. =P) and yes.... only in pink..heehee.. ^^

The vibrating and rotating brush head with its vertical pulsating movement helps to deeply cleanses our pores, breaking up surface impurities like dirt, dead skin cells and makeup residues and sweeping away all the impurities. which using hands might not be 100% effective. All these dirt and impurities we cannot see them with our naked eyes and living in a urban country like Singapore, with all the air pollution, the wind and dust they will remain on our face clogging up our pores and in the long run causes all sort of skin problems. And if your pores are clogged... no amount of serum or moisturizer will be absorbed into our skin. So now you all do see the importance of cleansing.. right? O.O ( Believe me when I said I have met gals who only cleanse their face with water... @__@) which is a big no no!! this way is definitely not enough ok??

It comes with a plastic cap for covering up the brush when not in use to prevent bacteria or dust settling onto the brush. Very thoughtful idea. ^^ The brush head are changeable and are available in several function. This one is suitable for normal skin and there is one specifically designed for sensitive skin which is included in together and...which I forgot to take picture... sorry!!! >//////<

There is 2 different speed setting. When press one time on this button is for a mild and gentle cleansing. When press a second time is for a more comfortable but intensive cleansing. Its not very complicated to use unlike some cleansing brush that has several buttons which can be rather confusing sometimes. Very simple function. ^^

Some of you may be wondering.. "will I get an electric shock when cleaning halfway because its an electrical device and have to touch water." Don't worry.. This cleansing brush is waterproof and can even be easily use in the shower or when u are soaking in the bathtub. ^^ (How I wish I have a bathtub at home to soak and relax every night... *Daydreaming... *)

After wetting the brush head, squeeze a small amount of your cleanser onto it. You will only need about half the size of your regular amount of cleanser when using hands. (Which also means our cleanser can be use for a even more longer period thus in a way helping us save some $$$. )XD

Infused with a 1 minute timer, our face basically can be divided into three zones: Forehead and left and right cheeks. Start by cleansing one area of the three zone. For me I always like to start with my right cheek. You do not need to use a lot of force, basically just gently move the brush around your skin area, let the rotating and vibration do its job.

After cleansing for a while, you will feel there is a short 20 seconds pause. This is when its time to change to other skin area. For eg: left cheek. After cleansing for awhile, again there will be a 20 seconds pause then again you can move to other area example: forehead.

For me, I also remember to cleanse my chin area by gently moving over when cleansing my cheek.

After cleansing, my skin feel more smoother and soft. Pores are slightly minimize.  I hardly have this kind of feel or result when I was using my hands back then.  ( Yay..! so happy..^^)

One more good thing is that this is an eco friendly and fuss free device. =) Meaning? Meaning you don't have to clumsily fumble around to change its batteries because this is a charging cord device! ( Can save $$$ on batteries too.. ) =P

Besides being a stand for the device and elegantly complementing the whole outlook of the cleansing brush, this stand itself is the charger! Secret lies in this little socket hole at the bottom back. Simply just insert the cord head in, plug into socket, on the switch and there you go! So easy! =D

When it is charging, there will be this little light in front that will keep blinking meaning that charging is in progress. When its fully charged the light will goes off. A 6 hour charge each time can withstand 30 minutes of cordless usage, which can last me for around one to two weeks. Twice per day.

If really not quite sure on the usage, can refer to the user guide included inside. But trust me its real easy to use! =D

Included inside is a sliver pouch for you to put the cleansing device in when you go travelling. Very good idea and so thoughtful of them! ^_^

The entire set includes: One cleansing device. Two brush heads (Normal skin & sensitive skin) One charger stand, One charging wire cord and one silver pouch. I have been using this for a month now and I must say this beats the rest of the cleansing device out there. My skin now feels more smoother, softer and more radiant. Pores are also minimize. One which I never experience when using my hands last time. Besides choosing the right and suitable cleanser, sometimes the method of cleansing is also important too. Remember the first step to clean healthy soft skin always starts with cleansing!
^^

Hope you all enjoyed today little sharing!

  xoxo
  Snowy
~Beauty Editor/Makeup Artist ~

Philips VisaPure Facial Cleansing Brush is available at major electronic stores.

Do check out Philips official website for more information and details on the product. ^^
http://www.philips.com.sg/c/skincare/visapure-sc5275_10/prd/

 Retail Price: $269

PS: I got mine at only $220+ (Wahahahaha....*Evil laugh...* XD) Slightly cheaper than the normal retail price. (Whispering... I got it at Harvey Norman Millenia Walk...Ssshhh.....) XD

[Beauty Hall Of Fame]: My 2013 Personal Favourite Skincare Products

  Hi everyone! Happy 2014!! =D

  Gosh.... time really flies.. another year gone just like that.. and I really couldn't help thinking.. I'm 
  one more year older... sob sob...=(

 2013 has been a rather great year for me. I made new friends.. caught up with old friends.. rekindle
 old friendship and working relationship.. and I'm still continuing what I love to do which is being a
 makeup artist and of course sharing with you all my beauty secrets and bits and pieces of my life.^^

Last year Christmas and new year was a rather quiet one for me. I caught up with my old friend Edmund who recently just got back home from Shanghai after living and working there for 3 years! we went for dinner and then strolling along Orchard road admiring the Christmas decors and he was amazed at how much Singapore has change for the past 3 years while he was gone. But he did not have a great start to the new year as he recently fell and injured his hand while at his friend house during new year. =(  Hope you get well soon Edmund! ^_^

New year I went shopping with my gal friend and then together with my sis we went over to our cousin place for steamboat and countdown together. The feeling of just the few of us hanging out
together and sleeping over at her house was great as this was the first time that we actually did that. Hopefully there will be more hanging out sessions like this in the future. ^_^

Today I will be sharing with you all what are some of my favourite or rather effective skincare products that I have been using all year round from last year. =)

My skin type is combination skin, with occasional dryness on both cheeks and occasional breakout during.......ahem... ( that time of the month... *shy..... @_@) I also have "natural" dark circles which I have been battling for years since I was a teenager.

1st. Makeup Remover

 

Bioderma cleansing water. Suitable for all skin types especially sensitive skin. Its strong cleansing power removes makeup effectively yet doesn't irritate the skin. Can be use for face and eyes and its oil and fragrance free. I have use before many other types of cleansing water or makeup remover yet I still find this to be the most suitable and gentle on the skin.

I often came across many gals telling me that their foundation clog their pores etc thus they don't dare to use or apply makeup. I would hereby like to emphasis again. "Wrong! foundation or makeup does NOT clog your pores UNLESS you did not remove your makeup properly and thoroughly." therefore, the first essential step to your skincare is definitely removing makeup. Never ever zzzz with them on!

2nd. Cleanser

Vichy Normaderm 3-In-1. This is by far one of the best and time and cost saving cleanser I have used which can be fit into my busy schedule. It can be use as a cleanser, a leave on mask and a exfoliating scrub. Suitable for most skin type especially sensitive and acne prone skin. It doesn't contain soap, alcohol and its paraben free. As I mentioned earlier on, I have combination skin and occasional breakouts, I used this as a leave on mask on my T-zone twice a week for about 5 mins and rinse off.

It helps matify and clarify my complexion. The exfoliate beads inside helps to unclog pores and the cleansing cream texture helps reduces sebum on my oily T-zone and other impurities. Price wise also very reasonable. $33 for 125ml. ^^

 

3th. Toner

Loreal Hydrafresh Mask-In-Lotion. This new product was launched by Loreal just last year. Yet among so many Loreal products I have used, this is by far one of the best one. Again it is a multi function product which can be use as a toner and essence, also contain grape seed extract that can helps hydrates our skin. As I zzz in air con room every night, thus hydrating is essential for me too. when you have well hydrate skin, you can easily continue other regime like anti aging and whitening etc. Simply just apply with fingers all over face and neck after cleansing.

 

4th. Eyecare

Eyliplex-2 by Goodskin Lab. Among so many different types of eye cream products, this is really the best and most effective one I have used. It worked extremely well for my fine lines and dark circles. Divided into two pots, the green one is for morning usage which helps to lift, firm and reduce fine lines around the eyes. The white colour is for night use which help to reduce dark circles and puffiness. My dark circles and fine lines reduce drastically after using for around 3 weeks. This is definitely one of the product that I will purchase and continue use again.

 

5th Serum Booster

Loreal Youth Code Pre Essence. A serum booster that I will use before my serum and moisturiser. Very smooth texture and helps to boost the effectiveness of your other skincare products. This is already my 3rd bottle I think.. @_@

 

6th Serum

I only got into contact with Kiehls products just last year. Of course before that heard many reviews about them and thus decided to give it a try. I was looking for a anti aging and brightening serum at that time and was recommended this which I thus find it to be rather effective. Very nice and comfortable texture and brighten up my complexion with its pure vitamin C ingredient. My skin also feels smoother and less rough.

 

7th Moisturiser

Sothys Paris Energizing night cream. Got these for free when I attended their launch event last year. ^^ check out my review here.
 http://snowy84.blogspot.sg/2013/11/skincare-product-event-give-your-skin.html

Bio-essence face lifting cream. Helps to lift, sculpt and firm the face. One of the effective firming cream I have used. Face shape becomes more sharp and defined too. =)
http://snowy84.blogspot.sg/2013/10/skincare-product-review-get-firm-v.html

8th. Mask

Kose Clear Whitening Mask. I only started using just last year and I'm totally in love with it. I'm sure many gals out there are familiar with this. A leave on peeling mask that helps to removes black and whiteheads, dirt and impurities and unclog pores. I use this once or twice a week whenever I feel that my skin needs a "Spring cleaning" XD

 

Basically these are some of my favourite skincare products and my routine for day and night. Though now I'm trying to incorporating some other products into my regime but for overall these are my basic. Unlike makeup where you make a mistake you can simply remove it, skincare is really more of a trial and error process You have to know your skin type well and what are the conditions or areas that you would like to improve or the effect that you would like to achieve and then from there you work on it.

 

Ok. That's all for today. Hope you all enjoy my little sharing. ^o~

 

Snowy

Makeup Artist & Beauty Editor

xoxo