REVIEW: Philips MoistureProtect Straightener HP8372/03

~AG~

This hair straightener is not a hair care tool that I use everyday. Instead, I use this hair straightener to try to tame my frizzy and wavy hair on special occasions. Unlike my hairstyling habit in the US, I find it too time-consuming to straighten my hair daily in Singapore's humid climate. In total, I have used this hair straightener less than 10 times. So what do I like about it?

Philips MoistureProtect Straightener 

 The rose gold plates and interior

The colouring of the hair straightener is very girly. Instead of the usual black hair straightener, the outside of this Philips MoistureProtect Straighener is a pearl white, while the inside is a rose gold shade. It comes with three temperature setting. (150, 175 and 200 degrees Celsius). For my wavy and frizzy hair, I mostly use 175 degrees Celsius. This temperature is just right for my hair. But on days when my hair is especially unruly, I set it to 200 degrees Celsius. Even at that temperature, it is not too harsh for my dry and damaged-pone hair. Philips MoistureProtect technology prevents the plates from overheating. Also, there is a display for the temperature. The hair straightener heats up quickly. There is no need to wait around. Philips claims that it can heat up in just 15 seconds, and I can attest to that claim. Another thing that I like about this hair straightener is its lock option. It makes it so much more handy to travel with. I do not have to wait for the hair straightener to cool down before placing it in the pouch.

In lock position

From Left to Right: The Temperature setting, Ionic setting and Power On/Off Button

This hair straightener does straighten my unruly wavy hair. It takes me about 15-20 minutes to do my whole bed of hair. To be honest, this hair straightener does not make my hair silky smooth. My unruly hair still get frizzy mid-day even after straightening it. Another thing that I like to be improved on this hair straightener is the temperature setting button. On several occasions while straightening my hair, I accidentally changed the temperature setting without realizing it. The position of the temperature setting button makes it prone to be accidentally pressed on.

I bought MoistureProtect Straightener at Harvey Norman for $119. It is a rather expensive hair care tool but it is a useful to have especially if you do not have straight hair. Though, I have to say that I prefer my GHD Classic Styler. This Philips MoistureProtect Straightener needs to improve on its frizz-fighting capabilities.

DRX Clinic Journey Part 5 (Week 20)

~AG~

Here is my updated skincare regimen:
1) Milk Cleanser: used only at night to remove sunscreen
2) Cleanser: use day and night
3) Toner: apply with a cotton pad, use day and night
4) Comodone Formula: use day and night, apply only on T-zones
5) Blemish Formula: use day and night, apply only on pimples or areas with blackheads
6) Alpha-Beta Gel: use day and night, apply only on the T-zones
7) Max-C: use day and night, all over my face
8) Laneige Water Bank Essence: used day and night, all over my face
9) Acne Spot Lotion (ASL): only use when necessary
10) Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30+: only in the morning

It has been over three weeks since an additional product, Alpha-Beta Gel, has been added to my skincare regimen. As mentioned before, I am still taking spironolactone but no longer taking doxycycline (antibiotics). Dr. Tsu said to take spironolactone for a longer period to be able to see its effects. In actuality, I should have seen results within six weeks. But I think my skin is being stubborn. *argghhh* Misbehaving skin, please cooperate with the acne treatment.

You can see some pimples on my forehead and on my brow area

Some pimple scars on my chin

So, have I seen any changes with my skin?
1) Alpha-Beta Gel did not cause any peeling or redness on my sensitive skin, even though I apply it twice a day. After using Alpha-Beta Gel for a few days, I notices one or two whitehead pimples emerging on my T-zones. Dr. Tsu's assistant instructed me to put the Alpha-Beta Gel only on the T-zones. The pimples might be triggered due to the peeling effects of the Alpha-Beta Gel. Since the peeling effect is trying to get rid of the dead cells and built-up, the pimples might be the consequences of trapped impurities.
2) Even with the daily consumption of spironolactone, my skin still suffers from breakouts during that time of the month. I thought spironolactone will help with my monthly battle with pimples.
3) My T-zones still suffer from breakouts, though, not as much as when I first saw Dr. Tsu in May. I see about two or three pimples appearing every two weeks or so.  
4) The skincare regimen does not do much for pimple scars. Those pigmented scars are still evident with the use of Max-C and Alpha-Beta Gel. This is something I need to ask Dr. Tsu on my next visit.

I am at wits end on what to do next. Overall, I am not satisfied with the results of the Derma-RX skincare products. Even with more skincare products than my usual skincare routine, my skin has not improved significantly. Especially since the Derma-RX is costlier than my typical skincare products, it did not meet my expectations. It has been almost four months since I religiously apply the Derma-RX products day and night.

I will have to ask Dr.Tsu during the next appointment on what else can we do to improve my skin conditions. Last visit, he did asked whether I was interested in taking Accutane, but I said I was not. Now, I am wondering whether I should try it out. What do you all think? Have any of you taken Accutane? How was it for you? Please let me know.

REVIEW: Derma-RX Toner

New improved packaging

With 150ml of toner

~AG~

The new packaging comes with 150 ml of toner compared to 170ml for the older version. The price stays the same at S$40 (excluding GST). When I bought it last week, DRX clinic was having a 10% off promotion, so it ended up being only S$36. The promotion is only till the end of September. With that being said, the new version is more pricy if you compare the price per ml. 
The new packaging is slimmer and longer. It has a twist cap instead of the press down cap, which should make it less prone to spillage during travel. With the older packaging, I experienced some mishap when traveling with it for the first time. The press-down cap would accidentally open and the toner will be spilled all over. Almost 1/3 of my toner was wasted that way. 

The older packaging not the left, and the new packaging on the right

The formula of the toner is the same. I do like this toner. It is infused with AHAs (glycolic acid, malic acid and lactic acid) and botanical antioxidant to gently exfoliate and maintain skin pH balance. Best of all, it does not leave my combination feeling dry. My sensitive skin also did not have any adverse reaction to it. 

Before using this product, I used to think that toner is an unnecessary product to have. But now I am convinced that my combination skin has become more balanced by the use of this toner. This alcohol-free toner preps my skin for the next steps of my skincare regimen. It allows products to be more easily absorbed. It also helps remove the excess impurities that persists after facial cleansing. Even though, I double cleanse my face every night, I still see residues on my cotton pad after going through my face with this toner. The AHAs content is gently formulated to exfoliate my sensitive without any peeling. *two thumbs up*

NEW BUY: Kinohimitsu D'Tox Plum Juice 6-Day Program

~AG~

 This 6-day detox program
 

A pack comes with 6 bottles of this D'Tox Juice

Ingredients list

This D'Tox Plum Juice by Kinohimitsu is for those that have busy and stressful lifestyle. It helps detoxify the toxins in your body especially if you are constantly exposed to unhealthy environment such as air pollution. The directions said for first time user to consume on bottle daily for six days consecutively. Watsons was retailing it at $31.90. It is pricey for plum juice, but it is more affordable way to detox compared to juice cleanse program.

My work requires me to travel overseas at least once a month. Recently, I was in China for the week for a business trip and noticed my bowel movements were not so regular. I was rather constipated at the end of the trip. I hope this D'Tox Juice will help regulate my bowel movement so I do not feel so bloated. Stay tuned for my review on this D'Tox Juice.

REVIEW: Etude House AC Clinic Intense Hinoki Water Mist

~MG~

100 ml of product

Q: What attracted you to buy Etude House AC Clinic Intense Hinoki Water Mist?
A: Because this mist contains salicylic acid which helps combat acne while at the same time hydrates my face. So this is a 2-in-1 mist. There were several online reviews that mentioned that this face mist works well for their acne. 

Q: How much did you buy it for?
A: Bought it at Etude House, Singapore, for S$19. 

Q: How do you use it?
A: I spray it all over my face after cleansing and before I apply toner. Then continue with the rest of my skincare regimen. 

Q: What are the effects of this face mist?
A: It does help moisturise my face but I find that it  does not help with my acne. It does not reduce my acne. I experienced about the same number of breakouts or even more when I used it. 

Q: Why do you not like this face mist?
A: I do not like this face mist because I was expecting that it would help with my acne. It does not help at all! I was so disappointed. The AC Clinic line is targeted for those with acne-prone skin but this face mist did nothing for my acne. I stopped using the product after two months because I don't think it works. There is about 1/4 of the face mist left. I usually use my face mist until the last spray, but not for this one. 

Q: Will you recommend this face mist to your friends?
A: I would not recommend this product nor would I repurchase it. A big disappointment!

REVIEW: Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX

~AG~

 

My friend helped me buy Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX  from Shilla Duty Free at Changi Aiport. It costs S$42.99 for 60 ml of product. This essence should lasts me 5-6 months. Previously, I tried the older version of Laneige Water Bank Essence, and it worked well for my sensitive combination skin. REVIEW: Laneige Water Bank Essence (Previous Version) Since I was done with the dermatologist-purchased Derma-RX Hydrator, I decided to turn to a more affordable alternative. The Derma-RX Hydrator costs $70 for merely 30ml of product. Even though I do like the texture of Derma-RX Hydrator, I am sure Laneige Water Bank Essence can work just as well.

 

This Water Bank Essence_EX is the updated version of the Water Bank Essence. It comes in the same sturdy glass bottle, with a capped pump packaging. The scent of the Water Bank Essence_EX is similar to that of Water Bank Essence. I <3 the oceanic scent! It is very refreshing.

 

This Water Bank Essence_EX has become a part of my skincare regimen. Even though it is an essence, I use it as an everyday moisturizer. I use it day and night, a single pump is all I need to moisturize my face. My sensitive skin has not had an adverse reaction to this moisturizer. It did not cause any new breakouts on my face. This moisturizer is great for humid climate. The gel texture is rather lightweight, and is absorbed swiftly into the skin. The best part is that it does not leave a tacky feeling on the face. I really do appreciate this moisturizer. It is a GREAT addition to my skincare regimen. The only thing that I will change about the product is the glass packaging. On several occasions, I have almost dropped this moisturizer from a great height. It caused my heart to skip a beat. Imagine the glass bottle shattering to pieces. How 'sayang'! Though, I have to point out that the glass packaging is rather thick and might not break, but I rather not take the risk. Overall, I will recommend this product to anyone who wants a moisturizer that is lightweight and does not feel sticky. This is a trusty product to have as part of your skincare regimen.

 

REVIEW: Esthetic House CP-1 Keratin Silk Injection

Each ampoule contains 20ml of product

 

Each pack comes with 5 ampoules

~AG~

Finally found the time to try this leave-on hair treatment, Esthetic House CP-1 Keratin Silk Injection. Since the instructions were all in Korean, I had to google for more information. I could not find their official website, but other websites mentioned to apply this treatment after washing your hair. You apply it to your hair when it is still damp, and you do not have to rinse it out. Sounds easy enough.

This Keratin Silk Injection is designed for dry and damaged hair. This product claims to hydrate and protect hair from heat damage. It contains keratin, amino acids silk, elastin and wheat protein. The keratin contents supposedly nourishes for your hair gradually. The product claims to penetrate, absorb and protect hair cuticles. On the packaging, it states that it is a Professional Hair Care System which means it is usually used in hair salons. But I managed to buy this at Olive Young, Korea. Since Olive Young was having a promotion for this product, I decided to try it. The word "Keratin Silk" attracted me to this product.

So how do I apply the Keratin Silk Injection ?
Last night, after washing my hair as usual, I towel-dried my hair. The instructions available online did not say to use in-shower conditioner, so I opted out of it. After air drying my hair for about 10 minutes, I apply the treatment to the ends of my hair first, and then apply it to the bottom half of my hair. I smoothed my hands over the middle and the ends of my hair, to ensure that the product is evenly distributed. Do avoid applying the treatment to the scalp, if you have oily scalp, like me. When you apply the product, you can feel your hair feels instantly silkier.
This morning, I felt my hair was not as frizzy. It felt softer and looked smoother. Another plus is that this treatment does not weigh my hair down. The more important questions is how long will the effects of this Keratin Silk Injection lasts?

At first, I thought each ampoule is only good for one use. But even with my thick shoulder-length hair, each ampoule should be able to last 3 to 4 uses. My hair was generously treated with four 50-cent sized amount. This Keratin Silk Injection is a more convenient way of applying hair treatment compared to in-shower hair mask. It saves time and is easy to use. I will definitely recommend it to anyone who has dry and frizzy hair. My unruly hair can be a disaster at times, but this at-home treatment has helped it be more manageable. It is an affordable hair product that works. Costing less than S$2.50 per ampoule, it is one of the beauty products that I will stock up when I go to Seoul again.

NEW BUY: Shiseido Professional Fuente Forte Scalp Care Shampoo

 Shiseido Professional Fuente Forte Shampoo
 

~AG~

This Shiseido Professional Fuente Forte Scalp Care Shampoo eliminates sebum and impurities that cause scalp issues. It claims to leave hair and scalp clean without stripping its moisture. This shampoo was featured on a Singapore magazine for being the top pick for scalp issues such as oily and itchy scalp. I was on the lookout for a new shampoo and happened to see this at the beauty store, Red Tomato at Ang Mo Kio. Actually, Shiseido was not my shampoo of choice. The brand that I initially wanted, Matrix Biolage, seemed to be unavailable in Singapore. Thus, this Shiseido shampoo was the second best option. It was more affordable option than pricier haircare brand such as Kerastase and Redken. 

Shiseido Fuente Forte Scalp Care Shampoo retailed at S$28 for 250ml of shampoo. It also comes in 500 ml version, but I decided to try a small version to reduce the risk of buyer's regret. At almost thirty dollars, it is pricey shampoo indeed. 

My hope for this scalp care shampoo is for it to help reduce the flakiness on my scalp. I usually do not spend more than $10 on a shampoo, but I feel that it is time for me to invest more on hair care. May my investment in this "Professional" shampoo help improve the condition of my scalp. *cross my fingers* Please stay tuned for my review of this product.

Please click link for more information regarding Shiseido Professional Haircare Products
http://www.pro.shiseido.com/haircare/fuenteforte.html

REVIEW: The Face Shop Face It Radiance Concealer Dual Veil

A compact concealer

~AG~

This product is such a disappointment! This award-winning concealer provided little to no coverage for my dark circles and pimples. See my previous post about this concealer highly reviewed by Get it Beauty. NEW BUY: The Face Shop Face It Radiance Concealer. First off, the shade of the concealer does not match my skin tone. The shade that I bought was NB21, which was the medium selection available. While trying the testers at The Face Shop, I hesitated between purchasing the NB21 or NB23. But opted for NB21 because it matched better with my skin tone. NB23 did not blend as well to my skin tone. When I applied NB21 stick concealer on my under eyes area, it had an ashy undertone instead of a warm undertone. It was very unflattering. 

The stick concealer

The texture and shade of the stick concealer

The stick concealer end which I though would be similar to my HG Cle de Peau concealer was nothing close to it. Even after applying a generous amount of the stick concealer, it did not brighten my under eyes area at all. Contrary to what I had though initially, the liquid concealer provided more coverage than the stick concealer. The liquid concealer was somewhat better in concealing my pimples. Though, it did not provide as much coverage as Cle de Peau concealer. 

Liquid concealer with a sponge applicator

Creamy texture of the liquid concealer 

Overall, I would not recommend this concealer to anybody. It does not meet the basic function of a concealer which is to hide skin imperfections. It retails for KRW 10,900 (~S$14), which is not that cheap. I rather pay more to have a quality concealer, since it is the one beauty product that I use almost everyday. Sorry, The Face Shop, this concealer is No Good in my books.