REVIEW: Avène Gentle Cleansing Foam

 ~AG~ 

Bought a bottle of Avène Gentle Cleansing Foam when I was in Italy last April, and actually like the product. This Cleansing Foam comes in a pump packaging that dispenses foam. Previously, I have tried another facial cleanser from Avène, Cleanance Cleansing Gel, which is designed for oily and acne-prone skin. Since my skin has been on the drier side recently, I was looking for a different facial cleanser. This gentle cleanser is just right for my skin condition. This Cleansing Foam is designed for normal and combination skin. My skin does not feel tight after washing my face with this Cleansing Foam.

It costs Euro 17.10 (S$28) in Italy while Guardian Singapore retails it for S$31 when it is on offer. Since my skin is ultra sensitive, I have to be careful of the skincare products I use. So far, Avène skincare products has been suitable for my skin. This soap-free cleansing foam gently removes makeup and dirt from the skin. The soft foam is comfortable on the skin. Compared to Cleanance Cleansing Gel, Gentle Cleansing Foam does not have any fragrance. The only con about this product is that it goes by rather quickly. It takes 1 to 1.5 full pumps to thoroughly cleanse the face. One bottle of 150ml can only lasts me for 2 months. While the Cleanance Cleansing Gel which is 200 ml could lasts me for more than 4 months. With that said, it is a pricey facial cleanser and I might look for an alternative. Overall, Avène Gentle Cleansing Foam is a good product for sensitive, normal/combination skin. 

UPDATE (15 August 2018): I am on my 5th bottle of Avène Gentle Cleansing Foam. This is the longest-serving facial cleanser on my record. It is a good product and is suitable for my sensitive skin. Since I only use it at night time, a bottle can lasts me about 3 months. However the product seems a little drying for my skin now and I am switching to a cream cleanser instead.

REVIEW: Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel

200 ml of cleansing gel that can lasts me for 6 months

 ~AG~
NEW BUY: Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel

It has been four months since I started using Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel, and I am more than halfway through. 

So what can I say about this Cleansing Gel for acne-prone skin?
Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel comes in a twist top packaging. The mouth of the twist cap is small so that there will be less chances of over-pouring of the cleansing gel. This cleanser is gentle for my skin. My ultra sensitive skin did not have any adverse reaction to this Cleansing Gel. This cleanser, designed for oily skin type, did not over-dry my skin as well. No skin tightness after facial cleansing. *thumbs up* This Avène foaming cleanser has a fresh oceanic scent that I enjoy. This cleanser claims to have mattifying properties that is supposed to regulate the overproduction of sebum. However, I did not particularly notice its mattifying effects. Overall, it has good cleansing properties.

In conclusion, Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel is a good cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin. For 200ml worth of cleanser, it should lasts me for at least six months. Thus, making its price tag of S$29.90 worth it! Will definitely recommend this Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel for those with oily or combination skin type. This is one facial cleanser that I will re-purchase without hesitation.

REVIEW: Laneige Brightening Sparkling Water Foam Cleanser

 

Laneige Brightening Sparking Water Foam Cleanser exclusive to Target

~MG~
This rich, whipped foam cleanser is infused with purifying Sparkling Water sourced from the South of France. Its ultra - light formula, enriched with minerals and nutrients, hydrates and enhances skin turnover to reveal a more luminous complexion. Five Multi - fruit AHAs, extracted from bilberries, sugar maple, sugar cane, lemons and oranges, gently exfoliate for smoother, brighter skin. An invigorating cleansing experience for truly radiant skin. Brightens, detoxifies and exfoliates for clearer, smoother skin.
http://intl.target.com/p/laneige-150-ml-foam-basic-cleansing-facial-cleanser/-/A-16643906

Bought this Laneige Brightening Sparkling Water Foam Cleanser during my last trip to the States. I was so excited to see Laneige products being sold in Target. This Laneige Foam Cleanser usually retails for US$23, but I bought it when it was on sale. Laneige products are typically quite good. But this is the WORST Laneige product that I have tried. 150 ml. Apply to dry face, use a ping-pong ball-sized amount of foam. There was no tingling sensation when washing my face with the foam cleanser. This cleanser would not be suitable for in-shower use. Since I usually wash my face in the shower, this foam cleanser was an inconvenient addition to my routine. The texture of the foam was unusual. It was a dense foam, and was rather patchy. The foam come out looking like a scrub. Compared to Biore Whip Cleanser, Laneige Brightening Sparkling Water Foam Cleanser texture is sub-par. My skin feels squeaky clean and quite tight after washing. This Foam Cleanser might be too drying for those with dry or normal skin types. The packaging is not travel friendly as it is bulky and comes in an aerosol can. This is my least liked Laneige product. Would NOT recommend this Laneige Brightening Sparking Water Foam Cleanser to anyone.

REVIEW: Bifesta Acne Care Cleansing Lotion

300 ml of product

~AG~

Bought the Bifesta Acne Care Cleansing Lotion when it was on offer a few months ago. NEW BUY: Bifesta Acne Care Cleansing Lotion. Finally done with my bottle of Bioderma Sebium H20 and now on to this Cleansing Lotion. Bifesta Cleansing Lotion is popular in Asia because of the wide range available for different skin types. This Bifesta Cleansing Lotion is targeted for those with acne-prone skin. As mentioned in my previous post, Bifesta Cleansing Lotion is much more affordable than the Bioderma H20:
Bioderma Sebium H20 (250 ml) = S$26.90        --> $0.11/ml
Bifesta Cleansing Lotion (300ml) = S$16.90      --> $0.06/mL  
** Bifesta Cleansing Lotion is almost half the cost of Bioderma Sebium H20.

The big question is, will Bifesta Cleansing Lotion replace my HG Bioderma Sebium H20?

My thoughts on Bifesta Acne Care Cleansing Lotion. Since Bifesta Acne Care 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. This Cleansing Lotion is also Hypoallergenic formulated, Allergy tested, Colorant-free, Fragrance-free, Paraben-free and Alcohol-free. Sounds perfect for a person with sensitive skin like me! After a few bad experiences with Japanese beauty products, I was hesitant to try another Japanese skincare products. 

Lock cap to prevent spillage 

The pump packaging makes it convenient to use. Though this pump packaging also results in the cleansing lotion being squirted everywhere. The pump dispense too much cleansing lotion for one cotton pad. The bulky packaging is not great for traveling, even though it has a lock cap to prevent spillage. After application of Bifesta Acne Care Cleansing Lotion, there is a slight sticky residue if you do not wash off your face immediately. With Bioderma Sebium H20, I did not notice any sticky feeling after use. With Bifesta Cleansing Lotion, it takes about 3 cotton pads to remove my sunscreen thoroughly. With Bioderma H20 Sebium, I typically only need 2 cotton pads. My sensitive combination skin initially did not have any adverse reaction to Bifesta Acne Care Cleansing Lotion. The first week that I used it, my skin did not have any allergic reactions to it. However, during the second week, I noticed small bumps appearing on my forehead and cheeks. I kept using it for a third week, and there were more bumps. Right then, I decided to discontinue using it. I was SO disappointed with this product!! Some ingredient in this Cleansing Lotion must have triggered an adverse reaction on my skin. After three weeks of daily use, there was no noticeable difference with preventing or treating of acne.

In my case, Bifesta Cleansing Lotion does not work as a good alternative to Bioderma. For those with ultra sensitive skin, I highly recommend Bioderma H20 Sensibio or Sebium instead. The affordable price tag is definitely the only Pro about this product. Sorry Bifesta Cleansing Lotion, you are out of my book!

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. 

REVIEW: Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

~AG~

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser has been my everyday face wash for almost 3 months now. Time for me to do an in-depth review of this cleanser.

Non-comodegenic foaming wash

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser comes in a squeeze cap bottle. I much prefer pump packaging for its convenience. A bottle comes with 125 ml of product which lasts me for about 4 months, with twice a day use. Price-wise, Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser is not the most affordable cleanser on the market. In Singapore, a bottle of Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser costs me S$25 (~US$18). I believe Cetaphil products are more affordable in the U.S. I remember paying less than US$10 for a bottle of Cetaphil face wash. 

This face wash works well for my sensitive skin. It does not trigger any adverse reactions on my skin. No bumps or redness was noticed after use. Plus, Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser does not cause my acne-prone skin to breakout. So those are the good points about this face wash. Now on to the bad points, Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser does not foam up well. Since it is a gentle cleanser, it does not have much sudsing (foaming) power.  Apart from that, I feel that this cleanser does not completely remove makeup and impurities. Even after washing my face with Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser, there will be residues left on my toner-soaked cotton pad.  Having that squeaky clean feeling after facial cleansing is not a good sign, it means that all your face wash is too harsh and drying for your skin. I, on the other hand, do like that clean feeling after facial cleansing. When I use Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser, I feel as though my skin is not clean enough, especially for my nose and chin. Sometimes, I have to rewash these areas where I feel that there are residues. Do note that I use Bioderma Sebium to remove sunscreen and makeup beforehand, so a facial wash does not have to do much anyway.

Overall, I would not repurchase this cleanser. Even though it is gentle and my skin did not have issues with Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleasner, it is not worth the price tag. This cleanser might work better for those with sensitive skin, and does not like the squeaky clean feeling. 

REVIEW: Michael Todd Honey and Oat Deep Pore Gentle Cleanser

~AG~

 

According to Michael Todd True Organic official website:

Ultra-hydrating sweet-lemony honey and oat facial cleanser in a base of refreshing aloe vera juice. Effectively removes makeup and impurities in one simple step.

Sulfate free "no tears" formula does not irritate eyes and rinses completely without residue leaving the skin clean, fresh and hydrated.

Ingredients :
Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Oat Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Beta-Carotene, Honey, Panthenol (Vitamin B-5),  Potassium Sorbate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange)  Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phospholipids, Disodium Edta, Dehydroacetic Acid.  

My good friend, Stephanie, bought this for me. Previously, she had told me about how good this face wash is. She said it cleanses her skin without drying it out. She also mentioned that Michael Todd True Organic Honey and Oat Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser does not foam up like other face wash but your skin will still feels clean and fresh afterwards. 

As my skin has been ultra sensitive ever since I moved back to Singapore one and half years ago, I have been extra careful with the beauty products I use. Before that, I was using the Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel. I really liked the Boscia face wash - I was on my second bottle. Anyway, I decided to try this Honey & Oat Cleanser. Because who knows it might be better. 

I have been using for a week and so far my ultra sensitive skin has not had any adverse reaction. My skin did not breakout because of it, nor did my skin had red bumps or patches. My first thought about this cleanser is that the packaging will work well for travelling as it has a "push down" cap. The cleanser has a slight citrus scent. I could not detect any hint of honey or oat scent. This face wash does not foam up but it does lather up a little. I only need a pea size amount for my whole face. My skin does not feel tight after wash, which means it does not dry out my combination skin. It does not sting my eye area, which some cleanser does. It also removes impurities well; my skin does not feel like it has some residue left after wash. 

It retails online at Michael Todd website for US$22 for 210ml worth of product. While my Boscia Cleansing Gel was 150ml and cost US$26. So, MTTO Honey and Oat Cleanser is the more affordable one of the two. The only downside is that this cleanser is not easily found in the States, you can only buy it online. I will definitely recommend this face cleanser to those that have sensitive and combination skin.