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: Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil

 ~AG~

Bought this Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil a year ago. It was purchased from a pharmacy in Milan, Italy. I cannot remember how much it costs. But Caudalie's website is selling the 150ml one for EURO 16. 

Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil works to dissolve all types of make-up, including waterproof, whilst removing impurities and cleansing the skin. The blend of 100% naturally derived plant oils nourishes and softens the skin without leaving a greasy film. Ideal for those looking for quick and highly effective make-up removal. 

This Caudalie Cleansing Oil is non-comedogenic so it would be suitable for those with clogged or acne-prone skin. Just use one pump to remove my eye makeup. With eyes closed, I gently massage the cleansing oil around the eyes area then rinse it off with warm water. The Caudalie Cleansing Oil emulsify when it comes in contact with water. It effectively removes my waterproof eyeliner. I find the Cleansing Oil is more gentle to remove my makeup then using a cotton pad with makeup remover. It thoroughly removes eyeliner which usually takes me 2 soaked cotton pad and a cotton bud to remove, especially the lash line.  

Would definitely repurchase this Caudalie Cleansing Oil the next time I am in Europe as it is cheaper to buy this French skincare brand there. 

REVIEW: Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream

 Darphin Hydraskin Light Cream Gel

~AG~

Bought this gel cream on my honeymoon in Paris. Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream was recommended by the lady pharmacist. I had asked her for a good moisturizer for combination skin.
On the packaging, it mentions that "this all-day skin-hydrating cream gel is designed for normal to combination skin." This gel cream has Hydra-Structure Technology, a high performing hydrating complex of powerful ingredients such as Butterfly Lavender and Salicornia Herbacea that wakens the skin's moisture mechanism. It helps defend skin's moisture reservoir. 
 
Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream comes in a 30 ml and 50 ml packaging. The 50 ml retails for US$62 (S$82). The 50 ml packaging will lasts me for 3-4 months. It is one of the most expensive moisturizers that I have ever bought. The glass packaging is rather heavy and not the most convenient for traveling. Since it comes in a tub packaging, you have to dip your finger into the product. In terms of hygiene, the tub packaging is not ideal. I prefer pump packaging or squeezable packaging for my skincare product. Though the tub packaging allows for no product to be wasted.

The light green gel cream

It has a thicker texture than Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre. The consistency of Darphin Hydraskin Light is more creamy and emollient. The scent of Darphin Gel Cream is stronger than that of Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre. It has a pleasant refreshing scent. This moisturizer will be great for those with dry-normal skin type. Darphin Hydraskin Cream works well for my skin especially when I am traveling to drier climates. My skin feels hydrated and comfortable after application. Though, it is too emollient for those with oily-combination skin types. 

For those living in humid countries such as Singapore, this cream might be too heavy for your liking. My skin does feel a bit tacky after application, it takes a while (5-10 minutes) for the cream to be fully absorbed. Overall, it is a good moisturizer but I would not repurchase because of the exorbitant price. I would instead use that money to purchase 3 bottles of Embryolise Lait Creme Concentre.

REVIEW: Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè

It comes with a box packaging

75 ml version 

~AG~

Wrote about Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè a while back ago, and finally got around to trying it. While researching online on the must-buy beauty products from French pharmacies, Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè appears on almost all articles that I read. This French product is popular for being an affordable moisturizer that is a beauty staple for makeup artists and models. Embryolisse offers the Lait Crème Concentrè in a 30ml and 75ml packaging. This multi-function nourishing moisturizer retails for Euro 16.90 (S$28) for the 75 ml version. Been using this moisturizer for about a month now. So what are my thoughts about this highly raved French product? 

This product claims that it can work as a moisturizer, makeup-primer and moisturizing mask. It is supposedly suitable for all skin types. The moisturizer comes in a squeezable foil packaging. The packaging reminds me that of a toothpaste. This packaging is not as convenient for traveling as it might be prone to leakage/spillage. The wide mouth of the packaging may also cause excess of product to be squeezed.

It comes with a squeezable packaging with an wide mouth

Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè works surprisingly well for Singapore's humid weather. I thought this French moisturizer would be too thick for the tropical climate. However, the moisturizer is absorbed quickly into the skin and does not heavy feel at all. The moisturizer has a light cream texture, and feels watery. My combination skin feels hydrated after application. Compared to Laneige Water Bank Essence, Lait Crème Concentrè is much more moisturizing. My skin gets especially dry when I travel, and Lait Crème Concentrè helps to soothe my dehydrated skin. My sensitive skin did not have any adverse effects from this moisturizer. No breakouts, no redness and no bumps were noticed. A win for this product. 

The soft texture of the cream

Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè is more affordable than Laneige Water Bank Essence which costs S$44 for 60ml of product. 75 ml of the moisturizer can lasts me about 2 months. I cannot wait to stock up on Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrè when I am in Europe. A highly recommended product to buy from European pharmacies. It will work well for those with combination/acne-prone/normal skin types.

REVIEW: Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

Travel-sized Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

~AG~

Saw a travel-sized version of Caudalie Instant Detox Mask while I was in Europe, and decided to try it. Caudalie is a well-known French skincare brand, which uses grape-seed polyphenols. MG has tried some of their products, while I have not tried any. Often, after traveling overseas, my skin will feel congested and in need of deep cleansing. My wish was for Caudalie Instant Detox Mask to help purify the impurities on the skin.

According to Caudalie, Instant Detox Mask helps bring stressed, city-dwelling skin back to life. It contains 99.3% natural clay formula that removes skin impurities. The pink clay eliminates toxins and even out complexion This mask also helps to refine and tighten pores.

The pink clay is gentle on my skin. Some clay mask such as Boscia Luminizing Black Mask stings my skin. Caudalie Instant Detox works well for my sensitive skin. You can use this Detox Mask twice a week. After facial cleansing, I apply a thin area to my skin and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Then I wash it off with lukewarm water and continue the rest of my skincare regimen - Toner, Blemish Formula, Max C and Laneige Water Bank Essence.

Been trying to use this Detox Mask at least once a week for the last month. So do I notice any significant difference after using this Caudalie Instant Detox Mask? This Detox Mask does help to clear the blackheads and whiteheads on my nose. However the effect is minimal when I use it alone. I usually use Avène Purifying Scrub before applying the Detox Mask.The dual effect of the scrub and clay mask helps to noticeably eliminate the unsightly whiteheads and blackheads.

NEW BUY: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè

~AG~

When I was researching on the must-buy beauty products from French pharmacies, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè came up in every article I read. This multi-function moisturizer can work as a makeup primer and face mask as well. This 75ml tube costs Euro 16.90 (S$28). That is an affordable price tag for a moisturizer that claims to be nourishing and hydrating for the skin.  It claims to be a 24-hour miracle cream that is suitable for all skin types. Apparently, it is a cult favorite of makeup artists, models and celebrities. Honestly, I have not heard about this product. When I asked MG about this product, she mentioned that she has heard about it and almost purchased it online a few years back. With that being said, I was convinced to purchase this product. In fact, I bought 3 tubes to give to friends. Haha ^_^

The pharmacist said that Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè is a popular product.When I tried the tester at the pharmacy, the texture felt creamy but it was not too rich. The Embryolisse Cream did not leave a sticky feeling. My current skin condition is combination skin that can get especially dry in the cheeks area. Cannot wait to try out this multi-purpose Cream! I hope it works just as well in Singapore's humid weather. Stay tuned for my review of this best-selling product from Embryolisse.

NEW BUY: Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream & Aromatic Purifying Balm

~AG~

So while in Paris, I decided to check out their pharmacy for some French skincare products. While browsing through the pharmacy, I asked the pharmacist to recommend some products. She recommended this Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream and Aromatic Purifying Balm for my skin needs. I have seen Darphin products being sold in Bloomingdales but do not know much about the brand.

Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream comes with 50 ml of product. This lightweight gel cream has a nice texture. The texture reminds me of Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream. When I was testing it on the back of my hand, the gel cream soothe and hydrate my skin instantly. Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream contains: HYDRA-STRUCTURE™ Technology,a high-performance hydrating complex of powerful ingredients from Nature (Salicornia Herbacea,Butterfly Lavender) to help wake up skin's moisture mechanisms and defend skin's critical moisture reservoir. Cannot wait to try this product after I am done with Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream.

The Darphin Aromatic Purifying Balm comes with 12ml of product. It costs Euro 56 which is equivalent to S$90. Didn't realized it was that expensive! This Darphin Purifying Balm contains 12 Essential Oils from medicinal plants, spices and flowers to target skin imperfections. It contains: 1) apricot kernel oil, 2) sunflower seed oil, 3) rosewood oil, 4) grapefruit peel oil, 5) thyme oil, 6) lavender oil, 7) cinnamon bark oil, 8) germanium flower oil, 9) sage oil and a few more essential oils. This Balm clarifies pores and helps reduce imperfections. The pharmacist mentioned that Darphin Purifying Balm will help reduce the blemishes on my T-zones. She recommended that I use it twice a week, at the most. You are supposed to leave the Purifying Balm overnight to work on the skin. This is a unique product which I have not seen elsewhere on the market - a mix of essential oils that target skin blemishes. Will try it out soon as I have a few blemishes on my chin and nose area right now. 

Stay tuned for my reviews of these Darphin products! Excited to try these French beauty products!

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.

Avène Skincare Haul

 Avène skincare haul

~AG~

Gentle Purifying Scrub
This scrub from Avène contains jojoba wax microbeads to gently exfoliate dead skin. Other ingredients such as salicylic acid and zinc gluconate helps to clog pores. This non-abrasive scrub also contains Avène Spring Water to soothe the skin. 

Gentle Cleansing Foam
This soap-free and fragrance-free formula is rich in Avène Thermal Spring Water. This gentle foaming cleanser comes with a pump dispenser.

Cleanance Mask Scrub
This Cleanance Mask Scrub is suitable for oily and blemish-prone skin. It exfoliates and absorbs excess sebum. The AHA-BHA complex combines with exfoliating particles to unblock pores and prevent blemishes