Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum vs. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

~AG~

C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum is one of Drunk Elephant's best-selling product. It costs US$80 (S$109) for 30 ml of product. It is an expensive product! But it is worth having as part of your skincare regimen. 

This Vitamin C day serum contains fruit enzymes and antioxidant to combat environmental aggressors and free radicals. Active ingredients include:
-  Vitamin C, ferulic acid and vitamin E: firm and brighten skin 
- Chronocyclin: has antioxidant benefits for more youthful-looking skin.
- Pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extract: to enzymatically dissolve dead surface skin cells
- Vitis vinifera (grape juice): antioxidant improes skin tone.
- Indian gooseberry: that helps slow signs of oxidative stress 
- Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer: delivers excellent hydration and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

This Drunk Elephant serum is similar to award-winning Skinceuticals C E Ferulic. So below is a comparison of the two Vitamin C Serums.

Similarities
1) Both comes in 30 ml bottle 

2) Both serums contains 15% pure Vitamin C, 1% Vitamin E and 0.5% feluric acid.

3) Both serums has a dark smokey scent. Though Skinceuticals has a stronger scent. 

4) Both claims to have an reservoir effect on the skin. Both can stay on skin for 72 hours and not be washed off. 

5) Both has a slightly sticky texture. 

Differences 
1) Skinceuticals comes in a brown glass packaging with a dropper. Drunk Elephant C-Firma comes in a plastic packaging with a twistable pump. This makes the Drunk Elephant a more convenient product to travel with. 

2) Skinceuticals is considerably more expensive. It costs S$230 while Drunk Elephant costs less than half at S$109. 

3) Drunk Elephant C-Firma does not cause make skin to be irritated. When I was using the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic and had used AHA scrub, my skin felt a slight stinging. 

4) Drunk Elephant C-Firma works better for my combination skin, as Skinceuticals seemed to cause some breakouts. That is why I stopped using Skinceuticals C E Ferulic. 

Overall, I would highly recommend Drunk Elephant C-Firma as part of your daily skincare routine. It helps to brighten skin tone and firms the skin. If you are in your 30s like me, it is good to incorporate some anti-aging products to your skincare regimen. Thought Drunk Elephant C-Firma is not cheap, it is worth buying. Unlike Skinceuticals C E Ferulic which is even more expensive and it not suitable for my sensitive, combination skin. 

REVIEW: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

~AG~

Bought this popular Skinceuticals C E Ferulic to try out. This is the first product from Skinceuticals that I have tried. Ever since falling in love with Derma-RX Max C, Vitamin C serum has become an essential part of my skincare regimen. Vitamin C helps to brighten my skintone and counteracts free radicals which causes premature aging. This Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is suppose to be one of the best Vitamin C serums in the market. It is an established product, having won 24 beauty awards.  Wow! That is a major feat.

This daytime Vitamin C serum delivers advanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens skin's complexion. The serum contains 15% pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) and 0.5% feluric acid. Their Duke Antioxidant patent formula delivers effective and stable Vitamin C to the skin. Once absorbed, this serum remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours. I have not heard of this claim from other serum.  

So instead of using this serum in the morning as directed, I use 2-3 drops of Skinceuticals C E Ferulic at night. Why do I not follow the directions? Because Vitamin C makes skin more susceptible to sunburn. Since I do not wash my face in the morning, only use toner and continue the rest of my skin care regimen. Thus, the serum is effectively on my skin for a longer time. 

The serum (30ml) comes in a dark glass bottle with a dropper. The first thing I noticed about Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is that it has a strong smoky scent. I would say it reminds me of smoky wood. Been using it daily for over three months, and there is no noticeable skin improvements. The serum does has a slight tacky feeling upon application, and it takes a while for the product to be fully absorbed into the skin. After using Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, my skin has been more sensitive to some products. So, I avoid using any facial polish or scrub that contains AHAS and BHAs. 

Overall, I would not repurchase this serum because it is too expensive and does not show significant results. It does not brighten my skin tone.  Moreover, the texture of the serum is rather sticky. Vitamin E might be detrimental for those with acne-prone skin as it can clog the pores. 

REVIEW: Skinceuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50

~AG~

This Skinceuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense is now know was Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50. This sunscreen was recommend by an Italian pharmacist. She said it is a good sunscreen for daily use as well as for outdoor use. Bought it last April before my trip to the sunny island of Maldives. It is a high-end sunscreen that costs US$45 (S$50) for 50 ml of product. 

Tested it during my trip to Maldives, and happy to report that even with snorkelling everyday, my skin was not sunburnt at all. Applied this Skinceuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense each time I went outdoors. Even when you reapply the sunscreen, it is blends well. What is unique about this product is that it uses 100% mineral filter to provide broad protection from the sun. This liquid sunscreen is lightweight and does not feel sticky. My skin does not look oily after use. It is a natural tinted sunscreen that does not have a greyish or white overcast. You only need a 10 cents size to cover your whole face. Been using Skinceuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense for over five months and there is still plenty of product. A bottle can lasts for a good 7-8 months. The good thing is that it is also paraben-free.

My only dislike about this sunscreen is that there will be streaks if it is not properly applied. So be sure to apply the sunscreen evenly to prevent that. Other than that, this is a good sunscreen for daily use as it is not sticky and feels comfortable on the skin. Will definitely repurchase Skinceuticals sunscreen!

AG Current Skincare Regimen

~AG~

Hello everyone! It has been a while since my last post. Met someone yesterday and she asked me about my skincare regimen. So here is an updated post.

DAY:

1) Thayers Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Formula Rose Petal
Been using this product for over a year. This is the 2nd bottle that I am on. It is an affordable product that helps to keep my skin balanced. It costs less than S$15 and one bottle can lasts more than 6 months.

2) Biossance Squalene + Peptide Eye Gel
This is my 2nd bottle of this product. This lightweight eye gel targets puffiness and dark circles. It is an expensive product @ US$54 (S$79) for 15 ml of product. Though, one bottle lasts me about 8 months. It does not do much for my severe dark circles. But I like that it does not cause milia and is hydrating for my under eyes area.

3) Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè
This is my favorite French drugstore product. It only costs S$28 for a bottle of 75ml product. It is my HG moisturizer! I am on my 4th or 5th bottle of Embryolisse Creme Concentre. It works well to hydrate but does not feel greasy. The only downside is that this product is not sold in Singapore. So I stock up or asks those traveling to France to help me buy. 

4) Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50
This product was recommended by an Italian pharmacist while I was looking for a sunscreen. Skinceuticals is an expensive brand. This sunscreen costs about US$35 (S$50). It is 100% mineral filter, yet it feels lightweight. It is a tinted sunscreen and great for everyday use. The only downside is that it might leave a white patches if not blended properly.

NIGHT

1) Bioderma Sensibio H20

Been using Bioderma cleansing water since 2013. Bioderma has 3 types of cleansing water to meet your skin needs. Currently, I am using the Bioderma Sensibio H20 since my skin feels more dry. It is one of my skincare must-have items. It thoroughly removes sunscreen and impurities without causing skin irritation.

 

2) Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel 
This product is one of Mario Badescu's best-sellers. It costs S$27 for 236 ml of product, which is reasonably priced. This product targets oily and combination skin types. This papaya and grapefruit infused face wash has a light gel texture. The formula helps to remove excess oil and impurities. Been using it for over 3 months, and it is an okay product. Though it takes time to get used to it since Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel does not foam up.

3) Thayers Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Formula Rose Petal

4) Biossance Squalene + Peptide Eye Gel

5) C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum
Been wanting to try this highly raved product from Drunk Elephant. It is expensive at USD80(S$114) for one bottle. Tried a few Vitamin C serum before, namely Skinceuticals and Derma-RX. Vitamin C serum is packed with antioxidant to brighten the skin. Similar to Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, C-Firma has a reservoir effect and can stay on the skin for 72 hours. You are supposed to use it daytime but I apply it at night instead. It has a smokey scent and has a somewhat sticky texture when applied. Overall, it helps to brighten my skin tone.

6) Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè

  

7) Sulwhasoo Radiance Energy Mask
When my skin is feeling dehydrated, I apply this Sulwhasoo sleeping mask to lock in the moisturizer. It helps to nourish the skin while sleeping.

REVIEW: July 2018 Skincare Regimen

~AG~

The skin condition tends to vary throughout the months due to lifestyle changes - time of the month, traveling, lack of sleep and etc . So, I tend to switch up my skincare products. This is my current skincare regimen. It is a mix of affordable drug store and high-end products.

1) Bioderma Hydrabio
500ml
S$41.90
This cleansing water is designed for dehydrated skin types. It has Hydrabio serum that stimulates the skin and reactivates natural hydration. I use it twice a day to gently remove sunscreen, makeup and other impurities. Since my skin has been on the drier side recently, Bioderma Hydrabio makes my skin feels comfortable. This 500 ml bottle will lasts me around 5-6 months.

2) Avène Gentle Cleansing Foam
150 ml
$37.70
This is my 3rd bottle of Avène Cleansing Foam. This cleansing foam comes with a pump for convenience. It gently cleanses sensitive skin without irritating the skin. One bottle of Cleansing Foam lasts about 4-5 months since I only use it once a day. I would switch to another cleanser after this bottle because my skin has been feeling dry.

3) Thayers Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Formula Rose Petal
355ml
$11.69 
This alcohol-free toner helps keep my skin in check. It contains Witch Hazel to tighten pores and control production while Aloe Vera hydrates the skin. Rose Petal contains ingredients to create a healthy complexion. After using it for over 2 months, my skin has become more balanced. Thayers Witch Hazel Hazel Aloe Vera toner is an affordable drugstore buy.

4) Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
30ml
$231 
Been using this serum for over month. I apply this serum all over my face only at night. So far, I cannot tell that Skinceuticals C E Ferulic significantly improves skin appearance or reduce fine lines or wrinkles. Would have to use it for a more extended time to verify whether there is any skin improvements.

5) Clinique All About Eyes
15ml
S$52.20
This lightweight eye cream hydrates the eye area and is supposed to help with dark circles and eye puffiness. Even though it does not diminish my dark circles, this eye cream works well and you only need a small amount. I apply it using my ring finger, twice a day. A tub of Clinique All About Eyes can lasts 3-4 months.

6) Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè
75ml
S$28 
This is my favorite beauty find of 2017. This is my HG moisturizer! I am on my 2nd bottle of Embryolisse Creme Cocentre. It works well to hydrate and soothe my combination skin. The texture is light and does not feel greasy. Even when I travel to dry climate countries, this Embryolisse moisturizer works well. The only downside is that this product is not sold in Singapore. So I stock up or asks those traveling to France to help me buy.

7) Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen
50ml 
S$69
Wearing sunscreen everyday is a must! Due to my sensitive skin, I am hesitant to try new sunscreen. Sunscreen tends to be the skincare product that aggravates breakouts for me. This is probably the 3rd bottle of Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen I have used. The new version is good and does not make my face looks greasy. With SPF 50, it provides protection against UV damages. One bottle of Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen lasts 5-6 months with everyday use.  This is a staple of my skin care regimen.

NEW BUY: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

~AG~

Bought this award-winning serum from Skinceuticals. The C E Ferulic Serum has won a total of 24 beauty awards! This is the most expensive serum I have ever bought at Euro 145.98 (S$231). This daytime Vitamin C serum delivers advanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens skin's complexion. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum claims to help neutralize free radicals, which accelerates skin aging, induced by UVA/UVB, infrared radiation and ozone pollution. This serum is suitable for normal, dry and sensitive skin types. 

The serum contains 15% pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) and 0.5% feluric acid. Their Duke Antioxidant patent formula delivers effective and stable Vitamin C to the skin. The high potency combination claims to show visible anti-aging results. Once absorbed, this serum remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours. I have not heard of this claim from other serum.  The direction recommends to use 4-5 drops in the morning on the face, neck and chest. I have been only using it for a week, so will have to use it for at least a month to give it a fair review. Stay tuned for my review of this popular Vitamin C Serum.