REVIEW: Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream

~AG~

The award-winning Water Bank Essence has been my skincare moisturizer for over two years. However, prior to the wedding, my skin started feeling tight and dry even after application of Water Bank Essence. Decided to layer on another moisturizer with the Water Bank Essence for added hydration. Laneige Water Bank line was a safe choice for me as my sensitive skin does not have adverse effects to their products. The product that I bought was the Water Bank Gel Cream (S$52). One tub contains 50 ml of gel cream. 

This gel-type moisturiser infused with Winter Cypress Polysaccharide Extracts restores your skin cells and cools irritated skin. This product is one of Laneige’s Water Bank series, formulated with Hydro Ion Mineral Water, Quinoa extract, Olive Squalane and Tilansia Extract. It provides rich hydration for your skin throughout the day. Water Bank Gel Cream_Ex is a reliable product for sensitive skin or if you desire firmer and youthful skin.

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream claims to soothe skin redness caused by dry conditions, controls excess sebum, and to prevent clogged pores. This all sounds good for someone with sensitive and recently dehydrated skin that is prone to breakout. During a beauty roadshow, a test of my skin hydration level revealed it to be at 10% only. I was horrified to find out the results. The numerous hours spent in an air-conditioned office and sleeping the whole night with the AC has taken a toll on my skin. Previously, my skin type was combination skin with oily T-zones. But now my skin has changed to become a dry skin type. 

Been using the Gel Cream for over three weeks now. After facial cleansing and toner, I apply Water Bank Essence all over my face. Once my skin has fully absorbed the Water Bank Essence, a pea-sized amount of Laneige Gel Cream will be applied. Since my cheeks area tend to feel tight, I usually apply an extra layer of the Gel Cream on the dehydrated areas. 

Laneige Gel Cream has a nice gel texture that feels lightweight on the skin. Even though I layer the Water Bank Essence and Gel Cream on my skin, it does not feel sticky or greasy at all. My sensitive skin did not have any allergic reaction after using the Gel Cream. * thumbs up* I would recommend the Water Bank Essence and Gel Cream combination for those with dry skin. For those with oily or normal skin type, you can just apply the Water Bank Essence or Gel Cream, as I have previously. Another tip: If you are traveling soon or have a friend traveling soon, please ask them to help you buy your Laneige products from the Duty Free at Changi Airport. It costs only $44.70 at Duty Free, giving up a total savings of $7.30

NEW BUY: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Pressed Powder

Photo Credit: Sephora.com

~AG~

My HG Ettusais Quick Fix Powder had hit pan, so I decided to try a new pressed/setting powder. Walked into Sephora to look for a setting powder, and was confused with the numerous products there. I remember that Make Up For Ever (MUFE) is popular for their HD powder. The saleslady at the Make Up For Ever area suggested the Ultra HD Loose Powder, as it gives a more luminous finish. However, loose powder can get too messy for my liking. So I decided to buy the MUFE Ultra HD Pressed Powder in 01 Translucent. It costs S$61 for a 6.2g pressed powder. A heavy price tag for a pressed powder.

According to Sephora Singapore, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Pressed Powder is a micro-finishing pressed powder that gives a light matte effect and smooth, luminous finish. The invisible veil of powder combines synthetic mica, silicone powders and silica to instantly blur fine lines, pores and imperfections for a beautifully smooth complexion. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, ULTRA HD Pressed Powder also has moisture-retaining benefits.

After reading this, then I realized that this pressed powder contains hyaluronic acid. My skin does not react well with hyaluronic acid. Hope this MUFE Pressed Powder can work well on my skin and does not trigger any bumps. Will give a review of this product after an extended use of this pressed powder. Stay tuned!

REVIEW: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Corrector

~AG~
Bought IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Corrector in Medium US$29 (S$41) from Ulta Beauty when I was in the States last November. My younger sister, MG, said that I should check IT Cosmetics concealer out because of its raved review. So while browsing through Ulta Beauty, I thought this product was their best-selling concealer. Turns out it was the Bye Bye Undereye Corrector. Note to self: Remember to check the product name at checkout.

The tub packaging contains 5g of product. IT Cosmetics Undereye Corrector comes in 3 shades: Light, Medium and Rich. It contains collagen and peptides to smooth the skin around the eyes area. Green coffee extract, caffeine and cucumber to reduce eye puffiness. Since my Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer is empty, it is time to try a new concealer that is targeted for dark circles. 

This corrector comes in a tub packaging, and contains a generous amount of product. I foresee this corrector lasting for more than six months, even with daily use. The texture of this corrector is super creamy, which reminds me of Bobbi Brown Corrector. Since my under eye area has been feeling dry, the texture of IT Cosmetics Corrector is suitable for my skin type. For those with oily skin type in Singapore's humid weather, you might need to set this product with a loose or pressed powder so that it would not smudge. 

My under eyes area is prone to milia that is triggered by overly rich eye creams or concealers. I was worried that IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Corrector will trigger milia because of its creamy texture. After using it for over four weeks, no visible milia has appeared. Yay! My under eye areas definitely look brighter with the application of this corrector. This salmon-tone corrector helps to neutralize dark circles. It claims to be 8 hours of sleep in jar!

Overall, this is a good under eye corrector. It helps to disguise dark circles and brighten the under eye area. The texture of IT Cosmetics Corrector is smooth and so easy to apply with your ring finger. You only need a thin layer of product to conceal the dark circles. This tub of corrector is packed with product and should lasts me for more than six months. I highly recommend this Under Eye Corrector for those with dark circles and need a product to brighten the under eye area. 

REVIEW: 2nd Sessiong Brightening Laser @ DRX Clinic

~AG~

It has been two weeks since my first brightening laser treatment, time to report on my second laser session which happened yesterday. I asked the nurse whether my back acne/pigmentation had improved, and she said they took a before picture so I could compare. Before the treatment, I also asked the doctor whether the pigmentation has reduced. Dr. Tsu said surprisingly my skin condition on my back improved. He remembered the pigmentation was more brown previously. Now it has been significantly lightened. I was so HAPPY to hear that! :) 

I was actually not expecting visible result from the first brightening laser session. My skin tends to take a while to recover from acne or scarring. However, I was at the point of desperation to improve my back acne/pigmentation. On top of the brightening laser treatment, I have also been diligently applying the Lightener cream twice a day on the back area. The dual effect of brightening laser treatment and topical cream has helped lightened the pigmentation on my back area. It is worth every single cent spent on the treatment.


The brightening laser treatment breaks down the dark pigmentation to make the skin appear brighter. Dr. Tsu said the effects of the brightening laser is not the same for everyone. It depends on your skin condition. I would be going in for another brightening laser treatment in two weeks. That is the last one before the big day. Hope it makes a significant difference. Wish me luck!

REVIEW: Brightening Laser @ DRX Clinic

~AG~
Doctor Tsu has been my trusted dermatologist for over two years now. I am a commitment-phobe, and usually not "loyal" to my hairstylists, dermatologists and other beauty therapist. So two years with DRX Clinic, specifically with Dr. Tsu, is a phenomenon. 

The last time I saw Dr. Tsu was in Nov 2016 for my acne breakout after my trip to Italy, as I needed immediate help before my engagement photoshoot. Ever since then, I have not followed-up with him.
This time I decided to see him because it is about a month before the my day. My back acne scars and sun spots have been an issue for me. My back is one of the body parts in which I am very self-conscious about. While trying on my cheongsam, my wedding planner commented on my back acne pigmentation. Second instance was when I was trying on my evening gown and my fiancé commented on my back acne pigmentation also. Thirdly, while trying on a dress, my mom commented about it again. I thought that the Diamond Peel Back Acne Treatment @ My Cozy Room has helped with the pigmentation. But apparently not :( Time for a more dramatic intervention for my back acne pigmentation.

 Ketoconazole cream to be used to cleanse the back area

The lightener cream to applied twice a day

 Acne Spot Lotion to treat existing acne

During the consultation, Dr. Tsu mentioned that my back area was not bad at all. He said there was no need for oral medication. He advised on an body shampoo (2% Ketoconazole) to be used to cleanse the back area and to be left on for 2-3 minutes. Then a lightener cream (4% hydroquinone) to target the pigmentation and the acne spot lotion to treat active acne. The lightener creams costs S$106.80 and the ketoconazole cream costs S$10.70. Though, he said I would not see that much of a difference in a month's time. I told him that I wanted more visible results. He said for the laser treatment, it takes a few sessions to notice the difference. He said for the laser treatment, I might not see drastic difference, because I would only be able to do 3 sessions before my big day. 

 My back acne scars and pigmentation are quite obvious *cries*

The whole laser treatment took about 15 minutes. There was no need for topical numbing cream. The nurse clean the back area and then Dr.Tsu started the laser treatment. Compared to IPl hair removal, the laser treatment was less painful. This is coming for a person with very low pain tolerance. The procedure itself felt like static electricity, and I find it slightly ticklish. During the laser treatment, I commented to Dr.Tsu that I smell something burning. He said that was the smell of your body hair burning. Haha! This brightening laser treatment has no downtime and is not painful at all. My ultra sensitive skin did not have much redness. Dr. Tsu advised that the skin tends to get dry after laser treatment. He recommended that I apply body lotion to the back area after I applied the lightener cream.

Slight redness fter treatment 

I will be going for my second laser treatment session in two weeks' time. Will keep you all posted.