Dry Skincare Routine

My current skincare routine for my dry skin type. My skin type has changed over the years. From combination skin type to acne issues, and now my skin being on the drier side. My skincare routine has been simplified ever since becoming a mother. Reliable products that work for my lifetstyle and preference. 

1) Bioderma Hydrabio H2O, 500ml

500ml 

S$42.90

- Changed to this Hydrabio cleansing water a few months back. Biorderma is the best cleansing water out there. Been using this brand for years. Was previously the pink top Bioderma Sensibio H20. 

- Use this with cotton pad, twice a day. It removes makeup, sunscreen and dirt. 

2) Belif Super Knights Hy-Soothing Pack Cleanser

150 ml

S$ 30

- Something new that I tried. It is a cleanser/mask product. You leave it on for 1 minute and then wash it off with lukewarm water. It does help to remove sunscreen and CC cream.

- Use it once a day, at night. 

3) Cos-RX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster

150ml

S$20.20

- 2nd purchase. It is a toner/serum, I use it twice a day. It preps the skin for other products. I apply 2 -3 drops onto my face and pat it gently to absorb. My skin feels less dry after using this. 

4) Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream

75ml

S$19.90

- A new product that I tried, it claims to provide lasting hydration for 100 hours. 

- Lightweight moisture cream, suitable for Singapore's humid weather. No distinct scent, which I prefer. 

5) Biore UV Aqua Rich

70g 

- Bought this sunscreen in Japan. Good texture, not sticky. Though it has a slight alcohol-like scent. My daughter said the scent hurt her eyes when I first used the sunscreen, which is something to take note of.  Overall, it blends well with my moisturizer and CC Cream. Though I would not repurchase it, prefer Joseon of Beauty sunscreen.

Will be planning on adding a hydrating serum or Vitamin C serum to the skincare routine soon. Stay tuned for updates!

~AG~

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.

REVIEW: Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme De-tox Hydrator

Photo Credit: Peter Thomas Roth

~AG~

So this Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme De-tox Hydrator was part of the 6-piece mask kit that I purchased over a year ago. The 6-piece kit retails for USD75 (S$102). So one tube costs USD12.50 (S$17), which is a great deal. Each tub comes with 50 ml of product. This Cucumber Gel Mask is suitable for normal, oily and combination skin types. This ultra-gentle mask is supposed to soothe and hydrate irritated skin. It contains botanical extracts such of cucumber, papaya, aloe vera, chamomile, pineapple, sugar maple, sugar cane, orange, lemon and bilberry. The mask is helps to moisturise and refresh the skin. 

You can use this mask 2-3 times a week, or daily if your skin needs more hydration. Been trying to use it at least once a week for a few months. I refrigerate Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme De-tox Hydrator to give a cool and refreshing treatment. After throughly cleansing my face, I apply a generous layer of Cucumber Gel Mask all over my face. After 10-15 minutes, I wash off this mask and continue the rest of my skincare regimen.  

So what can I say about this Cucumber Gel Mask?
- It has a gel texture that is cooling and refreshing
- This mask works well for my sensitive skin, no new breakouts or redness caused by it
- Cannot tell much about the calming and soothing properties of the mask
- The moisturising strength is rather low and my skin does not feel well-hydrated after use

Overall, I would not repurchase this Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme De-tox Hydrator as it does not do much for my skin that has been more on the drier side recently. I could do without this product as part of my skincare regimen. 

NEW BUY: Face Wash Haul

~AG~

Sephora was having a 20% off this month. Decided to stock up on some face wash as my current The FaceShop RiceWater Bright Cleansing Foam was running low. 

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel 
S$27
236ml
This best-selling cleansing gel contains papaya and grapefruit extracts that exfoliate the skin. It is gentle enough to be used twice daily. Might use this Enzyme Cleansing Gel for my back area as there are some acne scars and pigmentation. 

Drunk Elephant Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser 
S$46
150ml
This cleanser has been on my wish list for a while. It is expensive compared to other cleansers in the market. Drunk Elephant claims to remove all traces of makeup, pollution, oil and grime without irritating the skin. 

Cannot wait to try these 2 cleansers. Which one should I try first?

REVIEW: Pixi Glow Tonic

~AG~

Bought Pixi Glow Tonic almost a year ago, and finally trying it. This award-winning toner by Pixi has rave review online. Reviews mention that Glow Tonic creates a brighter and glowing complexion after use. This gentle exfoliating toner can be used twice a day. It contains 5% Glycolic Acid that exfoliates the skin. This alcohol-free toner contains ingredients such as witch hazel extract and aloe vera to balance and soothe skin.

What are my thoughts? 
After using it for more than three months, my skin has noticed some differences. Even though it contains Glycolic Acid, Pixi Glow Tonic does not irritate my sensitive combination skin. You can use it twice a day. After cleansing, I saturate a cotton pad with Glow Tonic and sweep across the face. You can see visible residues/impurities on the cotton pad. This toner does not dry out my skin. My skin feels balanced after use. It helps to control my breakouts and evens out my skin tone. 

Sephora Singapore sells Pixi Glow Tonic is 3 sizes.
1) 15ml retails for S$9 which is perfect for traveling. 
2) 100ml retails for S$22 for everyday use and,
3) 250ml retails for S$44 for those who really loves it

The one that I am using now is the 100ml version. This bottle can lasts about 3-4 months with daily use. Compared to other toners, it is considered a mid-range priced toner.  Thayer Rose Petal is more affordable @ S$13 for 255 ml of product. Compared to Derma-RX Toner which costs S$46 for 150 ml, Pixi Glow Tonic is more affordable. 


Overall, I am liking Pixi Glow Tonic and would repurchase it. You can purchase it from Sephora Singapore. For those in the USA, you can find it at Target as well. 

REVIEW: Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch

~AG~

Finally done with Petitfee Gold EGF Eye Patch and decided to get more eye patch. One tub of 60 patches lasted me 8 months. This time decided to try the Petifee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch instead. It costs S$13.67 (S$9.83) from iHerb. The Black Pearl & Gold Eye Patch is cheaper than the Gold EGF Eye Patch (S$30). That is less than half the price. Similarly, it also comes with 60 eye patches.

Made with black pearl and gold powder, this eye mask is full of amino acids to help regeneration and purification of the skin. Infused with grapefruit, green tea, mugwort, tangerine and cucumber extracts to hydrate the eye area and reduce puffiness. It supposedly brighten dark under eye area. 

So what I like to do with these eye patches is to store it in the fridge. The hydrogel eye patches feel refreshing when it is cooled. After cleansing and applying toner, I leave on the eye patches for 30 minutes. I usually put them on at night before bed. These eye patches are soaked with essence to nourish the skin.

Somehow I prefer the Petitfee Gold EGF Eye Patch. It seems to work better to hydrate and refresh the eyes area. Though my dark circles are not reduced by using either of the eye patch. Overall, would not repurchase Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch.

NEW BUY: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

~AG~
This popular drugstore cleansing water from Garnier has been on my radar for a while. This Cleansing Water removes makeup, cleanses and soothes the skin. It does not contain added fragrance and alcohol. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is designed for face, eyes and lips. I wonder whether it works just as well compared to Bioderma. Decided to buy the travel-sized version to try. This 125ml bottle comes with 60 uses. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water costs S$5.90 at Watsons. While Bioderma Sensibio costs $15.90 for 100ml bottle. That is a significant difference in pricing. Garnier costs approximately $0.50/ml, Bioderma costs $0.15/ml.

Stay tuned for my review on this affordable Garnier Cleansing Water and whether it is a worthy dupe of Bioderma Sensibio.

NEW BUY: Biossance Squalane + Peptide Gel

~AG~
This is one of Biossance best-selling products, Biossance Squalane + Peptide Gel. Heard about this brand from my friend, Stephanie. This American brand that is popular for their clean products is not as known in Asia. Bought this product from Sephora USA for US$54 (S$74). Biossance Squalane + Peptide Gel is a lightweight eye gel that reduces the look of puffiness and dark circles. 

Cannot wait to try it and see whether it would reduce my dark circles. Follow me on the journey to find the best eye cream for dark circles. 

 

REVIEW: Derma-RX Blemish Formula

~AG~

My skin was breaking out quite badly on the 1st week of January. There were more than 5 pimples in the T-zone area, specifically around the brow and nose areas. The pimples were red and angry. It might be because of a combination of late nights, sinful food and makeup. 

As it turns out, I ran out of the Acne Spot Lotion to treat the pimples when I needed it most. So I hurried to DR-X Clinic to replenish the product. The Acne Spot Lotion costs S$32.10. The previous bottle lasts me for over a year, since I only use it for my emerging red pimples. My breakouts are usually sync with the time of the month.While I was at DR-X Clinic, I also decided to get the Blemish Formula (S$95). It comes with 30 ml of blemish-fighting ingredients. The Blemish Formula did help soothe redness and promotes healing.

This product is still must-have for dealing with breakouts. Even though it is pricey, Blemish Formula works effectively to eliminate blemishes. This is one of my HG skincare products.

Below is my current skincare routine. 
Since my skin was in such bad shape, I decided to revert to some DR-X products for my skincare regimen.
1. Son & Park Beauty Water
2. The FaceShop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam
3. Thayers Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Formula Rose Peta (in the morning)
    Derma-RX Toner (at night) 
4. Blemish Formula
5. Derma-RX Max C 
6. Embryolisse Creme Concentre
7. Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen 

NEW BUY: Peter Thomas Roth Mask Frenzy 6-Piece Kit

 Mask Frenzy for 2019

~AG~

Saw this Peter Thomas Roth Mask 6-piece kit while I was browsing online and became interested with it. This set comes with 6 different types of facial masks:
1) Hungarian Thermal Water Mineral-Rich Atomic Heat Mask
2) Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask
3) Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme De-tox Hydrator
4) Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask
5) Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer
6) 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Mask

Luxurious set of Peter Thomas Roth Mask Set

Each mask contains 50ml of product. Bought the whole set from Beauty Bridge and they had an additional 25% off. The retail price is USD 75 (S$102), but with the discount it came up to be USD 56.25 (S$77). What a good deal! This set has different types of facial masks to meet my skin varying needs. The masks that I am most excited to try is the Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer and best-selling Hungarian Thermal Water Mineral-Rich Atomic Heat Mask.

Stay tuned for my review of these Peter Thomas Roth Masks. Hope to find my new favorite mask of 2019.

NEW BUY: Pixi Glow Tonic

~AG~
Bought this award-winning Glow Tonic from Pixi when I was in Italy. Been wanting to try Glow Tonic because of rave reviews. Glow Tonic works as toner to be used twice a day. It contains 5% Glycolic Acid that exfoliates and purifies the skin. This toner also includes botanical ingredients such as ginseng to improve circulation and aloe vera to hydrate skin. Since this exfoliating toner removes dead skin cells, it also refines the appearance of pores. This alcohol-free toner balances and soothes skin. Reviews mention that Glow Tonic creates a brighter and glowing complexion after use.
Sephora Singapore is selling Pixi Glow Tonic in 3 available sizes - 15ml, 100ml and 250 ml. 

Cannot wait to try this once I am done with Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Petal Toner. Stay tuned for my review of this popular product from Pixi. 

REVIEW: Sulwhasoo Radiance Energy Mask

Packaging of Sulwhasoo Radiance Energy Mask

How it looks like when you open the box

 Comes with a Jade-like scoop

~AG~

Sulwhasoo is one of the premium brands under the Amore Pacific group. Other brands under the Amore Pacific group includes Laneige, Etude House, innisfree, Hera and mamonde. Having tried a few sleeping mask, I appreciate the convenience and moisturizing effects of an overnight mask. This Sulwhasoo Energy Mask is special because of its Jadesphere technology. This product contains jade capsules to to increase the absorption of the nourishing components. Since discovering Mount Lai Jade facial roller, this Radiance Energy Mask would be a good product to pair with it.

This is one of the most luxurious skincare product that I have purchased. It costs S$90.80 for a 80 ml tub. A huge tub such as this, should lasts me at least 6 months if I were to use 2-3 times a week. It comes with a small green scoop to dispense the product. Though, I usually scoop the product using my fingers instead. You are to apply this as the last step of your skincare. This clarifying sleeping mask is designed to detoxify and nourish the skin throughout the night.

This sleeping mask has a nice texture. It does not feel sticky or heavy on the skin as Laneige Sleeping Mask. Since I sleep in an air conditioned room all night, my skin can feel tight and dry in the morning, even though I apply moisturizer. This Sulwhasoo Radiance Energy Mask makes my skin feels well hydrated the next morning. Recently, I have been using it 3 times a week and noticed that it keeps my skin hydrated and balanced. My sensitive skin did not have any adverse reaction to this product. Since the texture of the cream is rather light, it did not clogged the pores or cause new breakouts. 

This is a great addition to my skincare regimen. Even though it is expensive, I highly recommend it. The soft and light texture is perfect for my combination skin. This overnight mask effectively hydrates my dehydrate skin. Sulwhasoo Radiance Energy Mask makes my skin feels smoother and softer after use. In terms of radiance, I cannot really tell the difference. But it helps improve the overall texture of the skin. Would definitely repurchase it!

REVIEW: Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment

~AG~
Bought this Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment mini for S$25 during the Sephora sale. 
One of GlamGlow best-selling products. This product is also Allure 2018 Readers' Choice Winner. This activated charcoal mask contains 6 acids to visibly clear skin. The 6 acids are glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, pyruvic acid, and tartaric acid. Glamglow Clearing Treatment targets clogged pores, dead skin cells and excess oil. It removes dirt and impurities from deep within the pores.

So what are my thoughts about this award-winning product from Glamglow?
My skin felt tingly when Glamglow Supermud was applied. On the website, it says that it is normal for the product to tingle as it is working. This SuperMud can be used 1-3 times a week. You apply the mask to dry skin and leave it on for 5-20 minutes. Since my skin is rather sensitive, I only use this SuperMud once a week. I apply the Supermud to areas that is prone to clogged pores and blackheads such as my nose, chin and forehead. Since my cheeks can get dry, I do not apply Glamglow Clearing Treatment there. A good thing about this the mud mask is that it washes off easily with warm water.

Having use this Clearing Treatment for over a month, I cannot notice significant improvement to clogged pores or blackheads. I would not repurchase Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment as it is pricey product, and other affordable mud mask does the job just as well. Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment is not a must-have for my skincare regimen.

REVIEW: Son & Park Beauty Water

Son & Park Beauty Water

~AG~

Beauty Water can be used in the morning to create the perfect canvas for makeup application, midday as a refresher, and night after cleansing to whisk away remaining impurities. For normal, oily, dry, and combination skin types. Beauty Water has a pH of 4.5, effectively resetting the skin's natural pH after cleansing. Soko Glam is selling it for US$30 (S$41). The Beauty Water contains willow bark and papaya extract to help exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing brighter skin tone and smoother texture. Lavender water, rose water, and orange fruit extract impart a subtle hydration so your skin can be prepped to absorb the next skin care steps, while adding in a bit of moisture. 

This popular Son & Park Beauty Water has been part of my skincare regime for over 2 weeks now. So what are my thoughts about this product?
It has a distinct botanical scent compared to Bioderma Sensibio. Though the scent is not unpleasant. In terms of cleansing properties, Son & Park Beauty Water seems to do a better job of removing sunscreen, makeup and impurities. One cotton pad of Son & Park Beauty Water is able to capture more residue compared to one cotton pad of Bioderma. Typically use it at night to cleanse face. It takes 2 cotton pads to thoroughly cleanse the face. I try to avoid using Son & Park Beauty Water on the eyes area because it can irritate the eyes. My sensitive skin did not have any adverse reaction to this Beauty Water. Yay! I was a little worried that this Beauty Water might not work for my skin.The exfoliating agents in the Beauty Water is gentle enough for my skin. My skin does not feel dry after use. It keeps my combination skin in check.

Even though this Son & Park Beauty Water is pricey, one bottle contains 340 ml of product which should lasts 3-4 months with daily use. For those that have tried Bioderma, this would be a good alternative for those living in Korea.The only downside is this product is not easily available in Singapore, but you can buy it online. Would recommend it for someone who is looking for a cleansing water/toner to add to their skincare regimen.