AG & MG Beauty Award 2015

AG'S TOP 5 PRODUCT FINDS FOR 2015

SKINCARE 

Favorite makeup remover: Bioderma Sebium H20
- - Still on my favorite list for 2015! It is a must-have to remove sunscreen, makeup and impurities. Gentle on the skin, and effectively removes face makeup. The acne-fighting ingredients such as zinc gluconate and copper sulphate help purify the skin. My skin feels fresh after use.

Favorite toner: Derma-RX Toner
- - Never thought that toner is an essential part of skincare regimen till I met this Derma-RX Toner. It thoroughly preps my face for the next skincare steps. Plus, its AHAs content helps exfoliate my sensitive skin. 

MAKEUP

Favorite lip product: VDL Expert Color Lip Cube EX
- - Creamy texture. Very pigmented lip color, almost like a lip stain. Its unique packaging makes application super precise.  

Favorite eyeliner: Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Liner
- - Super fine eyeliner tip. It goes on smooth and stays on all-day! 

Favorite facial moisturizer: Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX
- - Perfect for my sensitive combination skin,  it hydrates my skin without leaving it feeling sticky. The scent is refreshingly oceanic.

MG'S TOP 5 PRODUCT FINDS FOR 2015

SKINCARE

Favorite toner/essence: SK-II Treatment Essence and SK-II Clear Lotion

::: I use the treatment essence and clear lotion twice a day.
Treatment essence has been consistently part of my skincare regimen since the start of this year.
Clear lotion has only been part of my skincare regimen since September of this year. Clear lotion has salicylic acid which helps fight off blemishes. It acts as a toner.

Favorite lip balm: Nivea Watering Lip Care
::: Because it goes on very smoothly. It leaves my lips well-moisturised without feeling sticky or leaving a residue. The thin and sleek packaging makes it handy to carry around.

Favorite cleanser: Korres Wild Rose Daily Brightening & Refining Buff Cleanser
::: My blackheads are reduced after I use this daily cleanser. It is a scrub that is gentle enough for every day use. 

MAKEUP

Favorite concealer: Cle de Peaue Beaute
::: Starting using this concealer this year. Because it is GOOD! It covers up my dark circles, acne scars and any redness. This concealer provides high coverage and fully hide my blemishes. Other concealers does not fully cover my acne scars. Plus, it lasts the whole day!

Favorite lip product: VDL Lip Tint
::: I love the color! It is nice! The texture is smoooth and it is moisturising. An easy way to create gradient lips.

DRX Clinic Journey Part 7 (7 Months After)

~AG~

It has been about 7 months since I started the skincare regimen recommended by Dr. Tsu. During that time, I have switched out some of Derma-RX products. For example, I no longer use the Derma-RX Milk Cleanser, Foaming Cleanser and Hydrator. The reason why I switched out these products is because they are more affordable alternatives that work just as well or better than the Derma-RX product.  

8-Steps Skincare Routine

Here is my current skincare regimen (those in bold are Derma-RX products): 

1) Bioderma Sebium H20: use only at night to remove sunscreen and if any makeup
2) Cetaphil Oily Skin 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) Max-C: use day and night, all over my face 

7) Laneige Water Bank Essence: use day and night, all over my face 

8) Acne Spot Lotion (ASL): only use when necessary on large, red pimples

9) Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30+: only in the morning

In addition to the skincare regimen above, I am also on oral medication, spironolactone. It has been about 5 months since I am on this medication, I do find that it does help with my breakouts. My current skincare regimen and the extra help of oral medication have significantly reduced my breakouts, especially the crazy pimples on my eyebrows and between my brows. 

I definitely trust Dr. Tsu for my skincare needs. I feel that he does not hard-sell the products or treatments provided at DRX Clinic. With that being said, I have to mention that his nurse/assistant does hard-sell to buy Derma-RX products and to sign up for facial treatments. There were a couple of times when she tried to pressure me to sign up for facial and laser treatments because of the supposed instant results. I, on the other hand, was unconvinced by her persistence. Overall, I do like Dr. Tsu and the service he has provided. He tailors the treatment according to the patient's preference. For example, my body did not react well to the antibiotic, so he took me off that medication. Another example: I told Dr.Tsu that I was unwilling to try Accutane, so he did not prescribe that treatment to me. For those suffering from resistant acne breakouts, I would recommend that you consult a dermatologist for long-term solutions.

REVIEW: belif Hungarian water essence

~AG~

This essence contains hydration secrets of the legendary Hungarian Water that enabled Hungarian Queen Elizabeth to maintain her beauty into old age. This product is applied cool like a spritz of water, and clings to the skin lightly without stickiness, prolonging suppleness and softness.

This belief product has been on the backburner of my to-try product list. Finally decided to try it since my Laneige Water Bank essence was empty. This belief Hungarian Water Essence is very light and water-like. It is absorbed quickly into the skin, and does not leave a sticky feeling. Compared to Laneige Water Bank Essence, belif Hungarian Water Essence is not as moisturizing. I feel as though you have to layer it on with moisturizer for desired hydration. With Laneige Water Bank Essence, I can use it as a daily moisturizer without feeling any tightness (caused by dryness). The same cannot be said for belief Hungarian Water Essence, especially since I spend my workdays in an air-conditioned office. 

The GOOD thing about belief is that its products are free of mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, synthetic preservatives and animal-origin ingredients. This is particularly great for those with sensitive skin like me. Since it is free of synthetic fragrance, belief Water Essence did not have much scent to it. Its plastic packaging makes it safe for traveling, and the pump dispenser makes it easy to dispense the right amount. So far, my sensitive combination skin has not had any adverse reaction to this product. *thumbs up*

This belief Hungarian water essence would work great for those with sensitive skin and/or oily-prone skin. If you are looking for a lightweight essence, this Water Essence from belief should do the trick, but be sure to layer it with a moisturizer for more hydration.

NEW BUY: Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect Rose Peche

~AG~

Beautiful tweed design

Mademoiselle’s legendary tweed now comes in a refined blush for lovely sheer makeup. This duo of shades, sprinkled with golden or silver pearly pigments, is delicately woven to reveal the softness of the powder. Its soft and airy long-wear texture ensures easy application. Slightly sheer, satiny and ultra-soft, LES TISSAGES de CHANEL lightly drapes the face in radiance and helps sculpt it by creating a subtle interplay of shadow and light.

This has been on my makeup wishlist for a long long time! Finally decided to get it because I LOVE beautiful shimmery shade. The shimmer is slight yet very flattering. Bought this at Changi Airport Shilla Duty Free for S$57.30. There were 2 other available shades: Tweed Pink and Tweed Corail. The shade I selected was Rose Peche, which has a warm pink undertone. It will complement my medium, warm skin tone. When I swatched this shade, the pigment was absolutely beautiful. There was no way that I could control myself from resisting it. I cannot wait to try it!

With hints of shimmer

NEW BUY: Skin Inc. Facial in a Flash Licorice

~AG~

Another product that I bought during the Sephora Singapore 1-Day Sale was the Skin Inc. Facial in a Flash. The actual retail price is S$39, but with the 15% discount, it became $33.15. Been wanting to try Skin Inc. best-selling serum, but due to the sensitivity of my skin, I am hesitant to try new skincare products. This value set is a great way to introduce my skin to Skin Inc's products.
This value set from Skin Inc. includes: Pure Revival Peel (5ml) , Licorice Serum (5ml), Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask (5ml).
--> Pure Revival Peel is a revolutionary non-abrasive peel that visibly but gently removes dullness and dead skin cells. It combines high-performance ingredients AC-11, Arbutin and Fullerene to revive your skin's youthful vitality.
--> Licorice Serum is especially designed for sensitive, inflamed and irritated skin. This Licorice Serum also suitable for those that have acne or pimples.
--> Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask is a triple-treat mask containing nutrient-rich Okinawa deepsea water, Soybean extracts and Hyaluronic Acid for a luxurious daily treatment for your skin.

I cannot wait to try these products, especially the Licorice Serum. Stay tuned for my review on Skin Inc. products!

REVIEW: Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer

Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer

~AG~

This highly-raved eye primer from Etude House has been part of my beauty kit for over two weeks now. This product was one of my must-buys from Etude House while I was in Korea. An affordable eye primer that I bought for ~ KRW 8,000 (~S$10). FYI: Etude House Singapore retails it for slightly more at S$12. This price tag is much cheaper compared to eye primer from brands such as Urban Decay, Too Faced or NARS. Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer is only one-third the price of my HG NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, which retails for SS$35. You can get 3 Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer for the price of 1 NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. Definitely a value-for-money product!

Sponge applicator

Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer comes in a plastic packaging with a rounded bottom. The packaging is more bulky compared to NARS. But it is still sleek enough to fit into my makeup bag. This flesh tone eye primer comes with a sponge-tip applicator. It comes with 10 g (0.35 oz) of product. While, NARS Eyeshadow Base comes with only 0.26 oz worth of product. Another point for Etude House Eye Primer!

Light pink shade but goes on colorless

Proof 10 Eye primer supplies coverage to eyelids, to enhance eyeshadow and to make it more longer-lasting. This eye primer helps keep my eye shadows and eyeliners in place for much longer. My eye shadow does not fade when I apply this eye primer underneath. Plus, it does not make my eyeshadows look powdery or ashy. Most eyeliners are prone to smudging on my oily eyelids, but this eye primer prevents my eyeliner from creating a racoon look. To further test its effectiveness, I used this eye primer with Etude House Play 101 Pencil, which is a creamy multi-purpose pencil that can be used as eye shadow and blush. Since creamy eyeshadows and eyeliners are more likely to smudge, this will be a great way to test whether Etude Proof 10 Eye Primer is able to keep eye makeup in place Without eye primer, Play 101 Pencil creases on my monolids within an hour or two of application. But it stays on well with the use of Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer!

I would totally recommend this eye primer. It is effective, and yet it is affordable. For those that have problems with their eyeliners smudging or eyeshadows fading, Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer would be a good addition to add to your makeup bag.

NEW BUY: Benefit Lip Lovin' Tinted Balms Sephora 1-Day Sale

~AG~

Sephora Singapore is having a 1-day sale for UOB Cardholders. 15% off your purchase for today only! Hurry to your nearest Sephora store!

Bought this Benefit Lip Balms set during the sale. It comes with a trio of Benefit Cosmetics tinted lip balms: cha cha balm, posie balm and bene balm. The actual retail price is S$30, but with the discount, it came down to S$25.50. Not too bad for 3 travel-sized versions of the Benefit tinted balms. The tinted balms hydrate the lips with mango shea butter. It glides on sheer, but is buildable for more color.

I cannot wait to try it out! The benebalm has a rose tone. The cha cha balm has a sheer peach tone. The posie balm has a poppy pink tone. So, I can switch up my lip balms depending on my mood.

REVIEW: Redken Extreme Anti-Snap / Distressed Hair Treatment

~AG~

This has been my go-to heat-protectant product. Since my hair is prone to split ends, I decided to invest on a leave-in product that will help protect it. Also, I use a hair dryer to blow dry my hair everyday. This was purchased at British Essential for about S$28. It contains 250 ml of product.

This leave-in treatment from Redken is especially designed for damaged hair that is prone to split ends and hair breakage. That sounds good to me. I discovered this product when I was casually browsing Redken official website. Extreme Anti-Snap Treatment is one of Redken's bestsellers. There are also many good reviews  about this leave-in treatment online.

Its enhanced formula repairs, strengthens and protects hair shine. Extreme Anti-Snap distressed hair treatment is an award winning product and one of Redken's best sellers. Reduce breakage and split ends by fortifying hair. Leave-in treatment provides heat protection and reduces mechanical damage of hair from brushing.

On the packing, it says that with Interlock Protein Network and Fortifying Complex, this treatment delivers protein and ceramide to fortify weakened areas, protect internal strength and reinforce surface protection and shine.

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Treatment smells great! It smells like strawberry yogurt! The texture of the leave-in treatment is lightweight. Thus, it does not have much moisturizing properties. On some days, I would apply Nuxe Dry Oil on my hair after blow drying to keep my hair more moisturized. Before my recent haircut to shoulder-length hair, I would use two pumps of Extreme Anti-Snap Treatment for my long hair. Now, I only use one pump of the product. Since this product is a fortifying treatment, I only apply it to middle part and ends of my hairs, where it is most prone to damage. This leave-in product provides heat protection when I am blow drying my hair. I do feel that this product help prevent split ends. I cannot say that it protects hair shine, as my hair looks the same. Overall, I wish this leave-in product has moisturizing properties. I might not repurchase this leave-in hair treatment even though it helps with my hair breakage issue. I prefer a leave-in product that is 2-in-1, provides heat protection as well as hydrates the hair.

All about Under Eyes Concealer

 

~AG~

Ever since Secondary School, I have been plagued with dark circles. It has been over 10 years since my search for the best under eyes concealer. My dark circles are exactly that of a Panda's. T_T
Some friends have commented on how severe my dark circles it. Though some articles mention that dark circles are caused by the lack of sleep. But from my personal experience, no matter how much restful sleep I get at night, I will still have dark circles. Thus, concealer is my long-term best friend. Over the years, I have tried quite a few highly-rated under eyes concealers. Right now, my #1 concealer is Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer. See below for my comparison of other under eyes concealers.

Bobbi Brown Corrector
THE GOOD: This salmon tone Corrector is meant to be worn under the yellow-based Bobbi Brown concealer. Though, I usually wear this Corrector on its own. It was designed specifically to cover severe dark circles. It covers my dark circles well.

THE BAD: This product can be too thick. The thickest under eyes concealer out of the rest on the list. It tends to cake up even when eye cream is applied beforehand.

Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer
THE GOOD: Provides high coverage, stays on well. You only need a little bit to fully cover your dark circles. Plus, it does not melt in Singapore's humid weather!

THE BAD: Super expensive! US$80 for this stick concealer. But it lasts for a long time, I have been using mine for almost two years, and still no signs of defeat. Though on some days, I wished it has a more salmon tone to neutralize my dark circles.

 

Benefit Erase Paste
THE GOOD: Value for money, US$26 for more than 6 months' worth. The texture of this concealer is very creamy. You only need a tiny bit to cover your dark circles.

THE BAD: Due to its creamy texture, it tends to melt in humid weather - even thought I set it with a loose powder. This is the creamiest under eyes concealer out of all on the list. It would work better for those with dry under eyes areas, or for people who live in drier climate.

Benefit Fake Up
THE GOOD: Nothing

THE BAD: Not much coverage and tends to crease in Singapore's humid weather. A gimmick product!

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer
THE GOOD: It has a salmon undertone to conceal dark circles, and brightens the under eyes area. Its creamy texture is great for those with dry under eyes area. But it is not as creamy as Benefit Erase Paste. It does not melt in humid conditions.

THE BAD: It does not provide enough coverage for very severe dark circles. Coverage not as high as Cle de Peau Beaute concealer, but better than other concealers on the list. It provides good enough coverage for an everyday concealer.

Laura Mercier Undercover Pot
THE GOOD: It comes with a Secret Concealer, a Secret Camouflage as well as Translucent Setting Powder. 3-in-1! With that being said, Secret Camouflage is more of a blemish concealer. It does not work well for dark circles. The Translucent Setting Powder is alright.

THE BAD: Expensive at US$34. Since I did not use the Secret Camouflage and Translucent Setting Powder as much, I rather buy Laura Mercier Secret Concealer which only cost US$25.  

REVIEW: Mediheal Collagen Impact Essential Mask

Cellulose Sheet Mask

~AG~

This Mediheal Collagen Impact Essential Mask was recommended to by one of my Korean friends. While browsing through Olive Young, she pointed out that this Mediheal collagen mask is popular in Korea. Previously, I have never heard of Mediheal sheet mask.

This cellulose sheet mask contains hydrolyzed collagen and hydrolyzed elastin. This mask claims to help with fatigued skin by adding moisture to dehydrated skin. It has a silky touch that provides intensive care for fine wrinkles, and delivers the efficiency of the high-concentrated essence. The instructions on the packaging recommends that it will be most effective when used consecutively 2-3 times a week for a month. Since I only bought two of these Mediheal Collagen sheet masks, I am unable to do that. 

Don't mind my sleep eyes.. Zzzz...

This cellulose sheet mask is thicker than My Beauty Diary, The Face Shop or innisfree sheet masks. It is generously soaked with essence. The mask was dripping with essence when I removed it from the enclosed packaging. The first thing that I noticed was that it did not have a plastic film, unlike My Beauty Diary sheet masks. So, I had to carefully unfold the mask. Since it is a cellulose sheet mask,  the resilience material makes it less likely to tear. Even without the function of the plastic film, I was able to unfold the mask without any issues such as accidentally ripping the mask. 

I would have to say that this sheet mask is a little too big for my face. There was excess of sheet mask on the sides of my face. Besides that, it thoroughly covered my face well - including my large forehead area. This sheet mask was left on for about 30 minutes. It stayed on very well. There was no need to position it back in place during that waiting time. Even after 30 minutes, the sheet mask still felt full with essence. 

The bottom of the mask is too big

Does not fit well on my cheeks

My skin felt cooler after the sheet mask application. It felt so relaxing to put on the sheet mask before bed. The essence felt sticky, and does not absorb that easily into the skin. It takes 15-20 minutes for the essence to be fully absorbed from the skin. My dehydrated skin felt replenished after mask application. It felt so well-moisturized, that the next day, I skipped my daytime moisturiser. My sensitive skin did not have any adverse reaction to this sheet mask - no redness, no bumps, no new pimples. Yay! 

I cannot remember how much I bought this Mediheal Collagen Mask for in Korea. It should be less than US$1.50 (~S$2) for a piece of this mask. They are available at Olive Young, which is a beauty/personal care store with multiple locations in Korea. With that being said, I will totally recommend this sheet mask to anybody who finds that their skin is dehydrated and/or tight. This affordable cellulose sheet mask works well to replenish moisturise back into the skin. On my next trip to Korea, I would definitely check out the other Mediheal masks.