REVIEW: My Beauty Diary Mask Q10 Rejuvenating Mask

Q10 (a.k.a Ubiquinone or Coenzyme Q), Vitamin BT (Carnitine) and Lecithin have excellent effects as anti-oxidants, reducing the harm caused by the free oxygen radicals in the air on the skin, creating firm, elastic smooth skin. With natural plant moisturizing ingredients to soothe and hydrate the skin, it not only improves the hydration in the surface skin, but also provide a lustrous texture, steering the skin to function at it’s peak. Hyaluronic acid works hand in hand Nanospheres to provide for prolonged hydration effect, rejuvenating of the skin.

~AG~

HOW DO I USE IT?

I use it once a week to pamper my skin, when my skin needs some extra hydrating care. 

After thoroughly washing my face, I put on the sheet mask. It is so convenient that I can leave it on and continue to do my usual things. Usually, I leave the face mask on for at least 30 mins. At times, I might leave it on for longer when I feel that there is still so much essence left on the mask. After I feel that my skin has absorbed as much essence, I remove the sheet mask and massage the residue.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT?

• Soaked with essence. Even after placing it on my face for more than 30 mins, there will still be essence. 
• Fits nicely on my face, except the nose area
• The face sheet mask is made of good quality material. It does not feel rough and does not tear easily. 
• It makes me skin feel moisturised and plump
• When I don't have enough sleep the night before, and I have a special occasion to attend to that day, I will use this mask prior to makeup application to brighten my dull complexion. 

WHERE TO BUY IT?

In the States, you can find it in some Ranch 99 stores. As well, as beauty stores that carry Asian beauty products (like those in the Asian towns). You can also buy it online at Sasa.com. It usually retails for USD$15. Each box comes with 10 sheet masks, so $1.50 for each sheet masks.

In South East Asia, you can find it at Watsons and Sasa.

REVIEW: Nature’s Cure Body Treatment Spray Acne

Nature’s Cure is an excellent body and back acne treatment for breakouts caused by external conditions, such as sweating and friction from tight-fitting athletic gear and clothing. Plugged pores allow bacteria growth under the skin’s surface, causing inflammation that results in back acne, or acne on the chest, shoulders, arms or other parts of the body. Salicylic acid prevents body acne formation, including tough back acne, by exfoliating dead skin cells and clearing pores. It claims to:

• Penetrates pores
• Sprays from any angle, even upside down
• Fights acne from sports and sweat
• Maximum strength 2% salicylic acid formulation

~AG~

I’ve been using this body acne treatment spray for over 3 months, twice a day, after shower. I can say that this product does not prevent back acne. My back acne is about the same as before I started using this product. I had high hopes for this product because it has one of the higher ratings for acne treatment spray.

The treatment spray is convenient in that it can be sprayed from any angle, so it can target hard-to-reach places. However, I find the 2% salicylic acid formulation is not strong enough for my severe back acne. I think I need to use another acne active ingredient. Salicylic acid is not cutting it for my back acne. I need something that will deeply penetrate the pores and prevent breakouts. Any suggestions readers?

REVIEW: Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

What it is formulated to do:

This jet-black, mineral-rich mask creates a unique peel-off effect that delivers powerful detoxifying, purifying, and brightening results. Made with a premier-quality clay, its deep-cleansing properties draw out dirt and oil. Other natural ingredients go to work exfoliating skin and refining pores. Powerful antioxidants shrink pores, firm skin, and reduce inflammation. Once dried, the mask strips away dead skin, impurities and excess oil to reveal immediate and visible results.

After 4 weeks of use: 

- 91% reported their skin felt softer 

- 91% reported their skin felt less oily 

- 82% reported their skin appeared brighter

~AG~

A clay peel-off mask without all those wonderful properties that Boscia claims. However, it does not seem to work on my skin. It supposedly detoxifies skin and brighten the skin tone, but I did not see any of those effects.

Several beauty bloggers have raved about this product before so I was excited to try it. I bought this mask because I was breaking out like crazy, and wanted something to help with my clogged pores.  I tried using it once a week for over a month. I leave it on for 20-30 minutes until it completely dries, and then peel the mask off. I will then wash off any residue left with lukewarm water. 

A bad thing about this product is when I apply it around the T-zone area. When I apply the mask on my forehead and between the brows, my eyes will start to sting. It is not just a little stinging, sometimes I will tear up because of it.

I also noticed that pimples will pop up one or two days after use. Somehow it draws out the pimples. Instead of drawing out and removing the impurities, it causes me to have pimples. A big NO-NO!

I will not re-purchase this Boscia mask because I like to see instant effects for my skincare products. What I can say about it is that it does not have any positive effects on my skin condition. Plus, it also does not help with the removal of blackheads. Priced at USD $34, which I find rather pricy for a clay mask, I had expected more from it. 

REVIEW: Kiehl Centella Recovery Skin Salve

Centella Recovery Skin-Salve has been clinically demonstrated to soothe and condition sensitive and temporarily irritated skin. It also helps temporarily soothe irritated skin after at-home micro-dermabrasion treatments and is an effective moisturizer for dehydrated, sensitive skin.

Clinically demonstrated solutions for healing and softening irritated and sensitive skin.

• Soothes and conditions sensitive and temporarily irritated skin
• Helps soothe irritated skin after at-home microdermabrasion treatments
• Gentle enough for use by all skin types

Ingredients:

• Aloe Vera is known for its soothing effect and is derived from the aloe vera plant.
• Honey is the nectar produced in flowers and then collected and stored by bees. It is composed of a variety of sugars, wax, and other substances, including citric, malic, formic, and lactic acids; beta carotene; enzymes; amino acids and vitamins. It is used as an emollient in skin care and creates a watertight film, allowing skin to rehydrate itself. Moisturizing, softening, sweet and fragrant.
• Tiger Herb contains alkaloids and minerals that are beneficial in the treatment of a host of ailments. It has antibacterial, anti-psoriatic, and wound-healing properties. The Tiger Herb plant is sought out by wounded tigers in the wild who rub against it for its healing properties.

~AG~

This product is supposed to be for sensitive skin. Bought it for my younger sister who has ultra sensitive skin and can only use products with natural ingredients. The sales associate told me that it was suitable for sensitive skin. But after my younger sister started using it, her skin became red and irritated. After first, I thought her skin irritation was because of hormonal and/or environmental changes. However, we discovered this Kiehl’s product was the cause of it. I was so disappointed by this product, and will find it hard to believe a Kiehl’s sales associate anymore. 

Being the beauty products junkie that I am, I decided to give it a try before tossing it. Because maybe it might work okay with my skin type. Boy, was I wrong. I only use it once and I saw noticeable differences on my skin. Red bumps started appearing on my cheeks from no where. So I tried it again another day, and my skin got more irritated. FYI, I do have sensitive skin but it’s not as sensitive as my younger sister’s.

So with the verdict from my sister and I, we decided to say goodbye to this product. I am utterly disappointed with the Kiehl brand for creating a product that is supposedly for sensitive skin, but it irritates the skin even further, and making it worst. I do NOT recommend Kiehl Centella Recovery Skin Salve to you, readers. Stay away from it! It is detrimental to your skin.

REVIEW: Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence

~AG~

The verdict is out for this supposed dupe of SK-II treatment essence. All I can say is that I am sorely disappointed with this product. I really had high hopes for it since there were quite a number of positive reviews.

The first day I used Missha Time Revolution, my skin had severe adverse reaction to it. Tiny red spots start appearing on my cheeks. At first I wasn’t sure it was caused by Missha Time Revolution, and I denied that it was a possible culprit. So I continued using it for two more days, and my skin became worst. My mother and boyfriend commented on the condition of my skin. The adverse effect of the product was very obvious to those around me.

As soon as I stopped using it, the red spots on my cheeks area disappeared. Thus, I can conclude that Missha Time Revolution does not work on my skin. I really wanted this product to work for me. But sadly, this product is a fail on my list.

REVIEW: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

~AG~

•  Used it for over 3 months
• Applied it as a toner with a cotton pad
• I did try applying it as treatment essence by patting it gently on the skin. But I find that using it as a toner works better - since it can help remove excess residues as well as treat the skin.
• Since the product it is expensive, I only use it at night after thoroughly washing my face.
• I started using it when my skin condition was temperamental. My skin had an uneven texture with little bumps and dry areas around the cheeks. This made my skin texture smoother and softer.
• It evened out the skin tone. My dry patches disappeared after subsequent use.
• However, I did not re-buy this product because my skin got better and did fine without it.
• Myth: That once you stop using SK-II treatment essence, your skin will deteriorate or reverse to its original state. I discovered that once my skin was stabilized (no more little bumps or dry patches), it was fine even after prolonged discontinued use.
• This product is worth the money when used as an emergency product - as a special treatment for troubled skin.
• I would recommend this product as a last option, when everything else fails. Because of how expensive it is, it is not affordable for everyday use.