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!

REVIEW: Derma-RX Tinted Suncreen in Cool Beige

 Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen new sleek packaging

~AG~

Bought this Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen three weeks ago. Previously, I had disliked the previous version of Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen because of how oily it is. When I first used it, my skin looked so oily. Read about it on REVIEW: DRX Clinic Journey Part 9. However, I ended using it to the last drop, because it was pricey. After that discontinued Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen,  I used Crème Simon Daily Defense UV Protector. For some reason, my skin did not react well to Crème Simon Sunscreen. Tiny bumps started appearing on my skin. I deduce that my skin is adverse to Sodium Hyaluronate (which is a derivative of Hyaluronic Acid). Every time I use a skincare product with Hyaluronic Acid, there will be bumps on my face. 

Decided to try this new version of Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen.  This improved version is a matte tinted sunscreen. Yay to no-more greasy sunscreen! It costs S$69 for 50 ml of product. The discontinued Derma-RX Sunscreen also contained 50 ml of product, and it lasted me for 1.5 years - because I applied a sparing amount each time. Derma-RX now offers two tinted sunscreen: Cool Beige and Warm Natural. I swatched the shade and Cool Beige matched my skin tone. 

This Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen comes with a pump to dispense the sunscreen and a cap to cover the pump. This packaging is better for traveling, as the previous packaging will sometimes dispense too much sunscreen after it has been in the checked-in luggage. The texture of this Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen is not as creamy compared to the previous version. Even though it is tinted, it has a semi-matte finish.  This new finish is suitable for oily to combination skin type. Though dry skin type might find it drying. Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen is water-resistant, fragrance-free, paraben-free and chemical filter free.

With a pump packaging

My sensitive combination skin has not had any adverse reaction to this Derma-RX Tinted Sunscreen. No new breakouts or bumps were seen. It is a pricey sunscreen but I would re-purchase because I trust Derma-RX products. The only con about this product is that you have to apply it 20 minutes before going out to provide sun protection, as it contains physical sunscreen ingredients. 

REVIEW: Laneige Sun Block Aqua+ SPF 35 PA++

~MG~

Bought this Laneige Sun Block Aqua+ Sun Block SPF 35 PA++ in Korea on May 2015 for about 25,000 KRW (approximately SGD 30). It took me about 6 months to finish using this Laneige sunscreen.
One important skincare tip that I follow which may sounds a bit weird coming from a girl with combination oily skin, I love moisturizing products! I place great importance in keeping my skin fully moisturized. Some people may find this extreme despite having oily skin, but I would use a moisturizing facial mist after cleansing my face and then continue with my skincare routine. For my day and night moisturizers, I would purposely find products with moisturizing properties as their main properties. 
This Laneige sunscreen has a not-so-lightweight cream texture with a pleasant scent. My face, especially my T-zone, would get super oily and sometimes even sticky when I use this sunscreen. It can be a major horror for those girls who have bangs! When using this product, I would find myself needing to tie my hair up or pin my bangs away from my face because I just cannot stand it sticking to my oily face. 
With that being said, this sunscreen would not be recommended for those living in hot, humid climate and for those with combination or oily skin. People living in dry and cool areas, and those with dry skin type who always appreciate more hydration for their faces, this product is for you! One last thing if I may add is that despite its very moisturizing properties, this sunscreen does not break me out. Thankfully!

REVIEW: Crème Simon UV Protector

~AG~

I just have to rave about this Crème Simon Daily Defense UV Protector SPF 50! This surprisinlgy lightweight sunscreen works great for my ultra sensitive combination skin. I am very picky when selecting a face sunscreen. A sunscreen should not be: 1) leave a white cast, 2) does not cause my skin to breakout and 3) not oily or sticky. My previous unpleasant experience with Derma RX Tinted Sunscreen left me wary of "greasy-looking" sunscreen. This Crème Simon UV Protector is definitely pricey @ S$68 for 30 ml of product. The saleslady claimed that this Crème Simon UV Protector will lasts at least 3 months. I question the legitimacy of that claim; she said that you only need a small amount for the whole face. 

So what do I LIKE about this Crème Simon UV Protector?
Firstly, it is non-sticky and does not feel oily at all. The texture is very lightweight, unlike the usual sticky sunscreen. The texture is similar to that of Crème Simon Universelle or a water-based moisturizer. Thus, this non-comodegenic sunscreen is especially suitable for Singapore's humid climate. I was very pleased with the texture as it absorbs easily into the skin. This sunscreen did not have a chemical scent, but rather, it has a light herbal scent. Finally, it does not leave the dreaded white cast. All the qualities of a great sunscreen!

Crème Simon UV Protector provides both UVA and UVB protection. It has chemical and mineral filters, and thus provide instant UV protection. The saleslady said you do not have to apply 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun. It provides immediate sun protection. This is a PLUS!

Works very well for my sensitive combination skin. Crème Simon Daily Defense UV Protector did not cause my ultra sensitive skin to breakout. There was no bumps or other adverse reaction to Crème Simon UV Protector. Will DEFINITELY repurchase this sunscreen. Highly highly recommend Crème Simon UV Protector to anyone! It is not the most affordable sunscreen on the market, but the $ paid is worth it. Not forgetting to mention that Crème Simon products are paraben-, mineral oil- and phenoxyethanol-free. Feel free to click on my link to purchase Crème Simon products online Creme Simon Online Store

NEW BUY: Introducing Crème Simon Skincare

Top: Crème Simon Gentle Double Exfoliation Scrub

Bottom: Crème Simon Crème Universelle sandwiched between Crème Simon Daily Defense UV Protector SPF 50 

~AG~
The Crème Simon brand has recently been popular with Singapore bloggers. I wondered what the fuss was all about. Chanced upon the Crème Simon counter at Robinsons Raffles City today, and decided to check out the texture of the products. This French brand's products are free of paraben, silicone, oil, alcohol, coloring and phenoxyethanol. That sounded promising for someone who has sensitive skin.

Love the very chic packaging design. Comes with 30 ml of product

The first product that I tried was the Crème Simon Crème Universelle which is an Oil-Free Brightening Moisturizer. This multi-purpose Crème Simon Universelle Oil-Free Brightening Moisturizer (S$68) contains Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Sodium Hyaluronate and Original Crème Simon formula. This product will be especially handy for ladies who travel frequently. The scent of this Crème Universelle is very light, unlike the strong scent of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. In addition, the texture of Crème Universelle is non-sticky and rather lightweight. This is one of Crème Simon's best-selling products. 

30 ml 

The second product I tried was Crème Simon Daily Defense UV Protector SPF 50 (S$68). Finding a good facial sunscreen is very very difficult for me. There are so many facial sunscreens on the market, but not all work for my sensitive and acne prone skin. I am extremely careful with my sunscreen choice. Firstly, this Crème Simon Daily UV Protector has an SPF of 50. *clap clap* Secondly, the texture of this Daily UV Protector is GREAT! It does not feel oily or sticky, plus it does not leave a white cast. The Daily UV Protector absorbs quickly into the skin and does not leave a residue. When I commented that $68 is expensive for only 30 ml of product. The saleslady said that this 30ml Daily UV Protector can lasts for 4-5 months, because you only need a pea-size amount for your whole face. She also claimed that this sunscreen works instantly because it combines chemical and physical UV blockers, unlike other sunscreen where you have to wait 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun. That is a major plus! 

 75 ml

The third product I chose was Crème Simon Gentle Double Exfoliation Scrub (S$68). The saleslady mentioned that she used this Gentle Double Exfoliation Scrub everyday, but she recommended that I only use it once a week. Since weekly exfoliation is a must for my acne-prone skin, I decided to add this product to my basket. This Crème Simon Gentle Double Exfoliation Scrub basically came free because Crème Simon @ Robinsons Raffles City was having an offer. The promotion was: Buy 3 products worth $68 each, and get 1 product (worth $68) FREE. So you basically pay $204 for $272 worth of products! I think I scored a GOOD deal :D 

Not only that, but because my purchases were over $200, I received a UV Umbrella and a travel-sized kit pictured below (30 ml Micellar Water Makeup Remover, 30ml Restorative Light Night Moisturizer and 30 ml Gentle Double Exfoliation Scrub). I Love love love freebies! 

Free travel-sized kit: Micellar Water Makeup Remover, Gentle Double Exfoliation Scrub and Restorative Light Night Moisturizer

I CANNOT wait to try all these Crème Simon products especially the Daily Defense UV Protector!! I hope it works for my ultra sensitive, acne-prone skin. *cross my fingers*

Based on the original Crème Simon iconic healing cream founded in 1860, this well-loved iconic remedy soothes dry skin and restores long-lasting moisturisation to face, body, hands and feet for over 8 hours.
The well-loved French remedy is popularized for its ability to:

• Plump up visible fine lines around the eyes*
• Soften and relieve chapped lips instantly
• Soothe redness and common skin irritations
• Heal acute dryness and sunburnt skin
• Regenerate dry elbows and cracked heels
• Moisturize dry cuticles

- See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/collections/creme-universelle_1/#sthash.dQb024fo.dpuf

Based on the original Crème Simon iconic healing cream founded in 1860, this well-loved iconic remedy soothes dry skin and restores long-lasting moisturisation to face, body, hands and feet for over 8 hours.
The well-loved French remedy is popularized for its ability to:

• Plump up visible fine lines around the eyes*
• Soften and relieve chapped lips instantly
• Soothe redness and common skin irritations
• Heal acute dryness and sunburnt skin
• Regenerate dry elbows and cracked heels
• Moisturize dry cuticles

- See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/collections/creme-universelle_1/#sthash.dQb024fo.dpuf

Crème Simon Signature 100% Natural Active Plant Extracts with Scientific Proven Benefits to Skin Cell Structure: - See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/benefits/#sthash.nBicu2ar.dpuf

Crème Simon Signature 100% Natural Active Plant Extracts with Scientific Proven Benefits to Skin Cell Structure: - See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/benefits/#sthash.nBicu2ar.dpu

C

Q&A: innisfree Eco Safety Aqua Perfect Sun Gel SPF 50 PA+++

 With sunflower and pure Jeju green tea extract

 5-free: Free of mineral oil, animal ingredients, synthetic fragrance, tar color and talc

~MG~
Q: Why did you chose this sunscreen?
A: Because it has a high SPF (SPF 50 at least) and it is water-based. 

Q: What are your thoughts on this product?
A: I do not like it because the texture is too thick. I prefer my sunscreen to be in a "watery" form. Even though innisfree eco safety aqua gel is water-based, it has a cream texture.

Q: Is there anything you like about this sunscreen?
A: insider eco safety aqua gel does provide sun protection but I would not want to use it again. 

Q: Does this sunscreen feel sticky?
A: It feels a little sticky. The sunscreen takes a while to be fully absorbed into my skin.

Q: Did this sunscreen break out your acne-combination skin? 
A: No, it did not cause me to pop up with new pimples. 

Q: Who might the sunscreen be more suitable for? 
A: It might work better for those that have dry skin or if you live in cold climate. This sunscreen is quite moisturising. Sometimes I skip my moisturiser, and just put on this sunscreen, and my skin feels  okay. 

Q: Any last comments?
A: This sunscreen is not worth to buy. I rather use Hada Labo Sunscreen, which has a better texture. 

S$20.31 for 50 ml worth of product

October Favorites

Lancome Artliner

SunPlay Skin Aqua UV Silky Smooth Milk SPF 50 PA+++ 

CLIO Professional Virgin Tinted Lip Kiss

REVIEW: SunPlay Skin Aqua UV Silky Smooth Milk SPF 50 PA+++

~AG~

This sunscreen is one of the best I have tried so far. This is actually my second time purchasing the product. At Guardian, it retails for S$17+. It works for your face as well as your body. It has a milky texture that absorbs quickly when applied.  It did not leave a white cast on my face or any white reside on my body. There is a slightly cooling feeling after application. 
 

SPF 50 PA ++ provides long hours broad spectrum from UVA & UVB protection. Its oil absorbing powder keeps skin shine free. The sunscreen contains super hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid, amino acid and collagen to keep skin hydrated. The super hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid provides superior moisture retention capacity for long hours by targeting different layers of the skin. Collage and amino acid helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
 

The packaging mentions that it is ideal as a makeup base. I cannot comment about this because I don't use face makeup daily. On the packaging, it mentions that the product does not have fragrance, colorant and mineral oil. That is a plus for those with sensitive skin like me.
 

For those of you who is wondering whether it is waterproof or water resistant. The packaging claims that it is highly water resistant. But they recommend to re-apply after perspiring, towel drying or vigorous outdoor activity. I used this sunscreen on my face while snorkelling in Koh Samui. I re-applied three times throughout the day and my face was not sunburnt. The mattifying texture makes it comfortable to re-apply on the skin. My ultra sensitive skin did not have any adverse reaction to it. Some sunscreen cause my skin to breakout. But I did not have such issue with this sunscreen.

I will recommend this sunscreen to those looking for a lightweight sunscreen to use on their face and body for outdoor activities. This sunscreen will also work well for daily use.  

REVIEW: Hada Labo SPF50+ PA+++ UV Moist Emulsion

~MG~


I decided to try out the 'Hada Labo UV Moist Emulsion' because it claims to be moisturing which will be perfect for the winter season. 

Hada Labo is a well-known Japanese skincare drugstore brand. I had used other Hada Labo products and they were all good. 

Hada Labo's products are ideal for dehydrated skin because all of their products have hyaluronic acid in it which is key to moisturizing their skin because it will help to create a moisture locking shield to help preserve skin’s optimum moisture balance. Hada Labo's product are also great for sensitive skin and that's because all of their products are free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol and colorant.

This sunscreen is great because it is a 4 in 1:
1) High UV protection of SPF50+
2) Trusty hyaluronic acid for hydration
3) Good makeup base 
4) Non-sticky and greasy body sunscreen too

 I used this sunscreen for my arms and legs when I went to the amusement park on a burning summer day and my skin was not tanned or burned, unlike the previous time!

Dry skin people will enjoy this product because it is really hydrating. This sunscreen also did not leave with a white cast. It has no scent which is always good. It is also very affortable, it cost half the price of Kiehl's sunscreen and it lasted me 3 months which is not long but reasonable because I reapplied my sunscreen throughout the day and even on my body.

The only thing which I dislike but also like about this sunscreen is its texture. Although, its light but its not as liquid-y and thus thicker than my Kiehl's, which I love so its a thumb down from me because it will be too heavy for my oil skin during the summer. However, this thick liquid texture will be perfect for a winter sunscreen because it will be moist-proof. Interestingly, despite it thickness, it adsorbs quickly into my skin and does not break out my acne-prone skin!

To prepare for the winter season, I have already bought a moisturizing sunscreen but its not this 'Moist Emulsion'. Don't get me wrong, this sunscreen is wonderful for the drier climate because of its thicker liquid texture but the reason I did not repurchase it is because I want to try out the newly released 'Hada Labo UV Whitening Emulsion', which I'm hoping will help with my hyperpigmentation!

REVIEW: Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense

 

 Daily protection against 90% of skin aging

An oil-free, fragrance-free, colorant-free lightweight formula that provides broad-spectrum protection against 90% skin aging.

Ingredients:

• Avobenzone, also known by its trademarked name, Parsol® 1789, is the most commonly used chemical sunscreen today. On the FDA’s Category I sunscreen list, it offers broad-range UVA protection and helps protect the skin against the harmful effects of sun exposure which can cause premature skin aging.

• Octisalate (Octyl Salicylate) is a time-tested, effective sunscreen ingredient which augments UVB protection.

• Octocrylene is a premium UVB sunscreen that is water resistant and has a broad-band absorbent range

~AG~

I’ve been using this sunscreen since June. Instead of sticking to Shiseido’s line of sunscreens which I have been using for years, I decided to try something new. I wanted a lightweight sunscreen that will provide broad spectrum sun protection. Since Singapore is a humid and tropical place, my combination skin needed a sunscreen that will not feel thick and greasy. For an everyday sunscreen, I usually pick products with SPF 30 and above.
So, I was happy to find this product - it is both lightweight and provides sun protection above SPF 30. I bought the one that comes in a 30 ml package, but they do have a larger-sized version. The 30ml version is handy to have in your travel makeup bag. About the product itself, it absorbs quickly into the skin after application. It does not leave an oily residue, even at the end of the day. My sensitive skin did not have adverse reactions to this product - no red bumps or pimples because of it. Yay!
Overall, I’m liking it product and will recommend it.


~MG~

I took my other sister's Kiehl's sunscreen and tried it out because AG has been giving it thumbs up and I was looking for a sunscreen replacement of my Hada Labo's 'UV Moist Emulsion SPF50+ PA++".
Got to admit that it is really good! At first, I was abit skeptical and scared of its consistency because it is cream form and not in fluid which I preferred. I have oily skin so I tend to stay away from creamy sunscreen and plus my cheeks occasionally get dry so fluid type works better since it blends well with my flakey cheeks.
Prior to my Hada Labo, I was using the Kiehl's 'Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+' which is good, lighter than my Hada Labo. This Kiehl's 'Ultra Light' is better than 'Super Fluid' because it is really ultra light and by using it, you are helping with the noise pollution (and saving your energy and the embarrassment when you are shaking the bottle loudly to reapply your sunscreen, with people around you) because you don't have to shake the bottle before using it. I sure don't mind purchasing my own 'Ultra Light' bottle!