REVIEW: Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

Photo Courtesy of : Drunk Elephant

~AG~

Bought this Drunk Elephant Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser about a year ago. This expensive cleanser costs S$46 from Sephora. It contains 150 ml of product, which lasts about 6 months with daily use. Note: I only use the Drunk Elephant Jelly Cleanser at night. 

This cleanser has been on my wish list for a while. It is expensive compared to other cleansers on the market. Drunk Elephant Jelly Cleanser claims to remove all traces of makeup, pollution, oil and grime without irritating the skin. It is free of SLS, fragrance and essential oils. The Jelly Cleanser has a P.H of 5.5 which would not strip the skin. This sounds perfect for those with sensitive skin, like me. 

So what are my thoughts on this Drunk Elephant Jelly Cleanser?

Drunk Elephant Jelly Cleanser is a transparent gel that creates a nice foam.  It works well for my sensitive combination skin. My skin does not feel tight or dry after use. 

The gel texture reminds me of Avène Soapless Foaming Gel. Even the scent is reminiscent of Avène Soapless Foaming Gel The difference is that Avène Foaming Gel contains thermal spring water which is targeted for its soothing properties. In terms of costs, Avène Foaming Gel comes  in 120 ml packaging, and costs $32.60. For comparison, Avène Foaming Gel costs $0.27 per ml while Drunk Elephant costs $0.31 per ml. 

Photo Courtesy of : Avène

REVIEW: Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask

Photo credit: Peter Thomas Roth

~AG~

The skin around my nose area has been clogged and full of blackheads. So it is time for me to address these problems with a mud mask. Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask was part of a 6-piece kit that I purchased. Since it was part of the Peter Thomas Roth Mask Kit, this tub only costs me US$12.50 (S$17), which is a great deal. Each 50 ml tub usually retails for US$42 (S$57). That saves me S$40! This tub should lasts me for more than 6 months with weekly use. 

PTR Mud Mask purify, decongest and hydrate the skin. It contains:

• Irish Moor Mud Mask to draw out impurities 
• Hijiki Seaweed provides nutrition for the skin
• Volcanic Ash & Activated Charcoal that draw out dirt and impurities 

The texture of this Peter Thomas Roth Mud Mask is different than that of other mud mask. It has a soft cream texture. You are supposed to leave it on for 10 minutes then remove it with a warm, damp washcloth. Though, my preferred method of removal is simply with warm water. One thing that I like about this mud mask is that it does not make my skin to feel dry. On the directions, it states that you can use it 2-3 times a week. 

So what I can tell after using this PTR Mud Mask is that it does extract impurities. Each time after use I would get a small whitehead pimple. I feel that the PTR Mud Mask brings the excess grime and dirt to the surface and the skin is trying to remove it through the whitehead pimple. This cause-and-effect does not stop me from using PTR Mud Mask. Regarding blackheads, PTR Mud Mask does not completely remove it, but my skin feels less congested after use. 

Overall, it is a decent mud mask for my sensitive, combination skin. I much prefer it to the expensive Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment Though I would probably not repurchase it as there are other mud masks to try on the market. 

NEW BUY: Japanese Facial Sheet Mask LuLuLun Blue & Saborino Pink

Saborino Morning Facial Sheet Mask (Moisture Rich)

~AG~

Decided to get some Japanese facial sheet masks before the circuit breaker restriction. Saborino Morning Facial Sheet Mask (Moisture Rich) has a 3-in-1 performance of cleansing, skincare and primer. It is supposed to be used in the morning for 60 seconds before makeup application. My thoughts are, who has time for that? Saborino Moisture Rich contains hyaluronic acid, collagen, honey, apple acid, peppermint leaf, raspberry, pomegranate, grape, blueberry and peach leaf. Bought Saborino sheet mask for S$6.90 from BHG Welcia. You can also find Saborino Morning Facial Sheet Mask at Watsons and Guardian stores. Each pack comes with 5 sheets of facial mask. Cannot wait to try it on days when I am lazy to do my morning skincare routine. 

Another facial mask that I bought was the Lululun Deep Moisturizing. Tried this Lululun daily sheet mask before and decided to repurchase.  It is a highly popular sheet mask brand in Japan and has sold over 1 billion sheet masks. Lululun masks are available at BHG Welcia, Watsons, Guardian. Each pack costs S$8.90 and comes with 7 sheet masks. It works well to hydrate the skin and is at an affordable price. 

Will definitely spend some time with self-care during this circuit breaker period. One of the simplest way to self-care is by putting on a facial sheet mask to pamper the skin. Stay tuned for my review on these Japanese sheet masks.

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!

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: Tatcha Water Cream

~AG~
Received the Tatcha Water Cream as part of the Tatcha Pore Perfecting Duo Set. The travel-sized version comes with 10ml of product. Tatcha retails the travel-sized version for US$20 (S$28) 

This non-comedogenic water cream hydrates skin. It contains Japanese Wild Rose that tightens pores, and Japanese Leopard Lily that helps control excess oil and clarify skin.The anti-aging superfood blend of green tea, rice and algae restore a healthy radiance. Lastly, it contains a touch of 23 karat gold for glowing skin. 

So been using Tatcha Water Cream for over two weeks. Had high expectations for this product because of its good reviews. So what can I say about Tatcha Water Cream? 

It has a gel-cream texture that reminds me of makeup primers. Though the Water Cream applies well after it has been massaged onto the face. The Water Cream is not oily or sticky. The hydrating properties of Water Cream is decent. My combination skin type tends to be drier on the cheeks area, and it felt balanced after moisturizing with Water Cream. My only concern about this Water Cream is that they are bumps on my face after use. Even though it does not contain mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates, my sensitive skin did not react well to it. Overall, I would not recommend it because of its high price and the fact it does not work for my skin.

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.

NEW BUY: Farmacy The Mighties Antioxidant Powered Hydration Kit

Photo credit: Sephora

This set contains 4 mini products:

• Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm that melts makeup, remove impurities and gently exfoliates. This product is an Allurer Best of Beauty award winner.
• Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer is a gel-cream product that contains antioxidant honey, hyaluronic acid and cupuacu butter beads to provide long-lasting hydration
• Sleep Tight Firming Night Balm is a lightweight product that tones and firms the skin. It contains plant-based retinoid, blackcurrant seed, balloon vine extract, sunflower oil and acmella flower extract.
• Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask is a warming mask that provides intense hydration.

The products in this set are for normal, dry, combination and oily skin type. Since my skin has been on the drier side lately, it needed a boost to my skincare regimen. The product that I am most excited to try is the Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask. The Green Clean Cleansing Balm would be a great product to travel it. It would make a good alternative to the usual liquid eye makeup remover.

Once I am done with Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask , Farmacy Honey Potion Mask will be next on my list. Stay tuned for my review of Farmacy products.