Tuesday, 24 May 2016

NEW: Bifesta Acne Lotion

 Water-based Cleansing Lotion
~AG~ 
Recently saw this Acne Care version of the Bifesta Cleansing Lotion. Bifesta Cleansing Lotions comes in a variety of range. They have the Sebum, Enrich, Moist, Bright Up, AgeCare and Acne Care. So many types to chose from. I am unsure whether the Acne Care Bifesta Cleansing Lotion is new, but I did not notice it before. 

Bifesta Cleansing Lotion Acne Care retails for only S$15.10 at Guardian. It comes with 300ml of product. Compared to Bioderma Sensibio or Sebium H20, Bifesta Cleansing Lotion is easier on the pockets. Bioderma Sensibio and Sebium retails for S$26.90-$29.90 for 250 ml of cleansing water. Unlike other cleansing water, Bifesta Cleansing Lotion comes in a convenient pump packaging.  
Removes Makeup Thoroughly. Fights & Prevents Acne 
Since this cleansing lotion is designed for acne-prone skin, it contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredients. It also contains absorbent hyaluronic acid that will improve skin's moisture retention, and leads to brighter and more supple skin. Hypoallergenic formulation, Allergy tested, Colorant-free, Fragrance-free, Paraben-free and Alcohol-free. 

New cleansing ingredients derived from facial toners, remove even the heaviest makeup easily. With improved cleansing power and gentler formula, cleansing is faster, more thorough and gentle to skin. Bifesta Cleansing Lotion removes skin dullness to reveal clear and smooth skin. It is a 100% oil-free formulation that leaves the skin feeling refreshed and hydrated, without any greasy or sticky feeling. 

Cannot wait to try it out after I am done with my bottle of Bioderma Sebium H20. Hopefully Bifesta Cleansing Lotion will work as an affordable alternative to Bioderma Cleansing Water. 

Thursday, 19 May 2016

REVIEW: belif Anti-Dark Circle Eye Serum

belif Anti-Dark Circle Eye Serum
~AG~
Bought this belif Anti-Dark Circle Eye Serum a few months ago, finally done with my Fresh Lotus Eye Gel, and it is time for me to try this. it Since years and years ago, I have been plagued with severe dark circles. Even when I have enough sleep, or sleep early, I would still have dark circles. My panda eyes are very noticeable. That is why I resort to heavy duty concealer for disguising my dark circles. Having tried numerous drugstore and high-end eye care products, no eye care product has successfully diminish my dark circles. Being a beauty product junkie, any eye cream on the market that claims to reduce dark circles will be in my "to-try" book. Belif eye serum, tested and proven to ease dark circles, is formulated with red sage, gallnut and other special herbs, the Napier's Dark Circle Formula is backed by 150 years of traditions.

belif Anti-Dark Circle Eye Serum comes in a squeeze tube with a narrow tip applicator. It has a cream texture, that is more hydrating than Fresh Lotus Eye Gel. Though, it is not as rich as Kiehl Creamy Eye Treatment. Since my under eyes area is prone to milia (oil seeds), I try to stay clear off rich eye creams. So far, belif Anti-Dark Circle Eye Serum did not cause me to have any new milia. *cross my fingers* I have been using this belif Eye Serum nightly for over a month. When I first used it, I woke up and noticed that my under eyes areas were brightened. But after subsequent use, I did not notice anymore significant changes. So if I were to say whether this eye serum diminishes dark circles? I would say its effect is minimal. The only thing I like about the eye serum is the texture; it is moisturizing without being too rich. 
 Slightly tapered tip for easy dispensation
 Slim packaging that is great for traveling 
This eye care product is pricey at $68 for 20 ml of product. The reason why I am willing to shell out that much $$ for the Belif Eye Serum is because it is free of mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, synthetic preservatives and animal origin ingredients. Overall, I would not repurchase this belif Anti-Dark Circle Eye Serum because there are some comparable eye creams on the market that are more affordable.
A pea-sized amount is all I need

Wednesday, 18 May 2016

NEW BUY: Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel & Thermal Spring Water Spray

200ml of Cleansing Gel and 50 ml of the Thermal Spring Water Spray
~AG~
Bought this set today at Guardian for $29.90. Such as good for value purchase. The retail price for the Cleansing Gel alone is $30. So the travel version of Avène Thermal Spring Water is basically free :) This Avène Cleansing Gel has been on the market for years. I remember seeing it ever since I was in Secondary School which was decades ago. 

Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel is suitable for sensitive oily, blemish-prone skin type. 
Its benefits are:
1) Cleansing:  It gently cleanses your skin with its gentle cleansing base
2) Mattifying: Monolaurin (patent pending) regulates the hyperproduction of sebum.
3) Soothing: Avène Thermal Spring Water provides soothing and anti-irritating benefits.
It leaves the skin clean, clear and refreshed

Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray is an award-winning product. Avene's star product works especially well for sensitive, hypersensitive and irritate skin. Avène Spring Water soothes and softens the skin. My friends who are plagued by rosacea or redness, swears by this Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray. However, unlike MG who is a devoted fan of facial mist, I am not big on this skincare product. From my past experience, facial mist does not have any noticeable effects on my skin. I will probably pass this Thermal Spring Water Spray to MG instead. 

Please stay tuned for my review of Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel. I hope it works for my sensitive combination skin. *fingers crossed*

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

NEW BUY: Nature Republic Ultra Fresh Jeju Carbonic H20 Cleansing Water

~MG~
Continuing my love for cleansing water. This is a cleansing water by Korean brand, Nature Republic. This cleanser contains carbonic water from Jeju Mountain Sanding Springs, which functions as both a makeup remover and a facial cleanser. It eliminates impurities requiring no additional facial wash.
510 ml (17.22 fl. oz) of product. A HUGE bottle!
 How to use: Damp an adequate amount of product onto a cotton pad and wipe the whole face clean. You can use this cleansing water on your lips and eye area. After going over with a cotton pad, you rinse off with lukewarm water. No extra facial wash is needed. 
The major difference between Nature Republic Ultra Fresh Jeju Carbonic H20 Cleansing Water and Bioderma Sensibio H20 is that the Nature Republic Cleansing Water contains carbonic or sparkling water. Another difference is that you have to rinse off Nature Republic Cleansing Water, while you do not have to do so for Bioderma Sensibio H20. Carbonic water is supposedly great to purify the skin by removing dead skin cells. It also helps to firm and tighten the skin, and create a healthier-looking skin. I remember hearing about the benefits of carbonic water a few years ago, but did not get around to try it. Since this cleansing water has carbonic water, it is a 2-in-1. I cannot wait to try it out! Please stay tuned for my review of Nature Republic Carbonic Cleansing Water. 
The new packaging 
This cleansing water has since been repackaged and renamed. P.S: I bought my cleansing water a year ago. It is now been renamed Jeju Sparkling Cleansing Water, and comes in a green packaging. It retails for KRW 10, 500 (S$12) on their official website. Check out their website for more info. https://www.naturerepublic.com

Saturday, 7 May 2016

REVIEW: IOPE Air Cushion Blusher SPF 30 PA ++

~AG~

Bought this cool IOPE Air Cushion Blusher for KRW 22,000 (S$26) from Aritaum store in South Korea. IOPE Air Cushion Blusher is pricey for a blush, but the advanced packaging and applicator warrant for it. You have probably heard of CC Cushions that have transformed the beauty market. CC Cushion is available not only by Korean beauty brands, but established Western beauty brands such as Lancome, Bobbi Brown and Dior have their own version of a CC Cushion. The CC Cushion technology was created by Amore Pacific which is the parent company of well-known Korean brands such as Laneige, innisfree, IOPE and Etude House.

IOPE Air Cushion Blusher comes in two shades:
01 Rose Pink
02 Peach Sherbet

The shade that I purchased was 02 Peach Sherbet, I was contemplating between getting this one or the 01 Rose Pink. But opted for 02 Peach Sherbet because it is a blush shade that I do not have. 
The usual CC Cushion packaging 
Peach Sherbet

So after trying it for a few week what can I say?
IOPE Air Cushion Blusher is very pigmented, and the shade Peach Sherbet shows up well on my medium skin tone. This peach shade surprisingly looks nice on my NC30-35 skin tone. A little product goes a long way. You only need to tap the cushion slightly to get enough pigment. IOPE Cushion Blusher gives a nice glowing finish, and will work especially well for those with dry skin type or live in drier climates. I can imagine this blush will be very suitable for my mother who was dry skin type, as it will not accentuate her fine lines. 
This IOPE Cushion Blusher has fine shimmers that look flattering. For those that do not like a moist look, you can apply a bit of colourless powder after applying this blusher to make it matte. This is what I usually do after application of IOPE Air Cushion Blusher, because I have oily-combination skin. IOPE Cushion Blusher stays on pretty well, it does not lasts all day in Singapore's humid weather, it lasts for about 4-5 hours. 

Shimmery blush

The blush shows up even on fair complexion
It gives a lovely peach glow
IOPE Air Cushion Blusher 

Wednesday, 4 May 2016

REVIEW: Nexcare Acne Dressing

~AG~

Bought this Nexcare Acne Dressing for THB 95 (S$3.70) at Boots Pharmacy in Bangkok. While in Bangkok, I was experiencing a cystic acne on my chin. The acne was so red and painful, even after applying my DRX Clinic Acne Spot Solution for two days. Acne Spot Lotion usually works well on emerging pimple, but it did not help in this case. On the last day in Bangkok, I was browsing through Boots Pharmacy and decided to buy this Nexcare Acne Dressing. This box comes with two 16-patches strips. The patches come in two sizes: 0.8 (small) and 1.2 (medium). There are 12 small patches and 6 medium patches in each strip. 
The exterior packaging
How one strip looks like. It comes with 6 medium and 12 small patches.
Nexcare Acne Patch works like a sponge to absorb pus and oil from acne blemishes. The cover turns white when all the oil has been absorbed, giving you a visible sign that it is working. It is drug-free, non-drying way to absorb oil from clogged pores. They act as protective cover, reducing the urge to squeeze or pick at a blemish. They are breathable and comfortable to wear. 
What can I say about Nexcare Acne Dressing?
- Even though it is translucent, the patch has a yellow tinge and is rather thick; and therefore quite visible. If you are self-conscious, you definitely would not wear it in the daytime. 
- I tried using it to bed, and it stayed on well throughout the night. The adhesiveness is good! I do not use any other acne treatment when wearing Nexcare Acne Dressing. 
- The patch becomes cloudy in the morning as it absorbs the oil and pus from the acne, as evidenced below. 
 The morning after, you can see a yellow residue from the whitehead of the pimple
Used acne patch which have turned cloudy

- Nexcare Acne Dressing does not provide immediate results. It does not noticeably reduce the size of acne or dries up whitehead pimples. 
- It does not dry out the skin, unlike harsh acne treatment such as Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. 
- For less than S$4, I think Nexcare Acne Dressing is handy to have. It is especially good if you are travelling to countries with polluted conditions. The patch works as a protective cover from environmental factors. I would repurchase this product because it works, and is easy on the pockets.