AG & MG Beauty Award 2015

AG'S TOP 5 PRODUCT FINDS FOR 2015

SKINCARE 

Favorite makeup remover: Bioderma Sebium H20
- - Still on my favorite list for 2015! It is a must-have to remove sunscreen, makeup and impurities. Gentle on the skin, and effectively removes face makeup. The acne-fighting ingredients such as zinc gluconate and copper sulphate help purify the skin. My skin feels fresh after use.

Favorite toner: Derma-RX Toner
- - Never thought that toner is an essential part of skincare regimen till I met this Derma-RX Toner. It thoroughly preps my face for the next skincare steps. Plus, its AHAs content helps exfoliate my sensitive skin. 

MAKEUP

Favorite lip product: VDL Expert Color Lip Cube EX
- - Creamy texture. Very pigmented lip color, almost like a lip stain. Its unique packaging makes application super precise.  

Favorite eyeliner: Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Liner
- - Super fine eyeliner tip. It goes on smooth and stays on all-day! 

Favorite facial moisturizer: Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX
- - Perfect for my sensitive combination skin,  it hydrates my skin without leaving it feeling sticky. The scent is refreshingly oceanic.

MG'S TOP 5 PRODUCT FINDS FOR 2015

SKINCARE

Favorite toner/essence: SK-II Treatment Essence and SK-II Clear Lotion

::: I use the treatment essence and clear lotion twice a day.
Treatment essence has been consistently part of my skincare regimen since the start of this year.
Clear lotion has only been part of my skincare regimen since September of this year. Clear lotion has salicylic acid which helps fight off blemishes. It acts as a toner.

Favorite lip balm: Nivea Watering Lip Care
::: Because it goes on very smoothly. It leaves my lips well-moisturised without feeling sticky or leaving a residue. The thin and sleek packaging makes it handy to carry around.

Favorite cleanser: Korres Wild Rose Daily Brightening & Refining Buff Cleanser
::: My blackheads are reduced after I use this daily cleanser. It is a scrub that is gentle enough for every day use. 

MAKEUP

Favorite concealer: Cle de Peaue Beaute
::: Starting using this concealer this year. Because it is GOOD! It covers up my dark circles, acne scars and any redness. This concealer provides high coverage and fully hide my blemishes. Other concealers does not fully cover my acne scars. Plus, it lasts the whole day!

Favorite lip product: VDL Lip Tint
::: I love the color! It is nice! The texture is smoooth and it is moisturising. An easy way to create gradient lips.

DRX Clinic Journey Part 7 (7 Months After)

~AG~

It has been about 7 months since I started the skincare regimen recommended by Dr. Tsu. During that time, I have switched out some of Derma-RX products. For example, I no longer use the Derma-RX Milk Cleanser, Foaming Cleanser and Hydrator. The reason why I switched out these products is because they are more affordable alternatives that work just as well or better than the Derma-RX product.  

8-Steps Skincare Routine

Here is my current skincare regimen (those in bold are Derma-RX products): 

1) Bioderma Sebium H20: use only at night to remove sunscreen and if any makeup
2) Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser: use day and night
3) Toner: apply with a cotton pad, use day and night

4) Comodone Formula: use day and night, apply only on T-zones
5) Blemish Formula: use day and night, apply only on pimples or areas with blackheads 

6) Max-C: use day and night, all over my face 

7) Laneige Water Bank Essence: use day and night, all over my face 

8) Acne Spot Lotion (ASL): only use when necessary on large, red pimples

9) Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30+: only in the morning

In addition to the skincare regimen above, I am also on oral medication, spironolactone. It has been about 5 months since I am on this medication, I do find that it does help with my breakouts. My current skincare regimen and the extra help of oral medication have significantly reduced my breakouts, especially the crazy pimples on my eyebrows and between my brows. 

I definitely trust Dr. Tsu for my skincare needs. I feel that he does not hard-sell the products or treatments provided at DRX Clinic. With that being said, I have to mention that his nurse/assistant does hard-sell to buy Derma-RX products and to sign up for facial treatments. There were a couple of times when she tried to pressure me to sign up for facial and laser treatments because of the supposed instant results. I, on the other hand, was unconvinced by her persistence. Overall, I do like Dr. Tsu and the service he has provided. He tailors the treatment according to the patient's preference. For example, my body did not react well to the antibiotic, so he took me off that medication. Another example: I told Dr.Tsu that I was unwilling to try Accutane, so he did not prescribe that treatment to me. For those suffering from resistant acne breakouts, I would recommend that you consult a dermatologist for long-term solutions.

REVIEW: belif Hungarian water essence

~AG~

This essence contains hydration secrets of the legendary Hungarian Water that enabled Hungarian Queen Elizabeth to maintain her beauty into old age. This product is applied cool like a spritz of water, and clings to the skin lightly without stickiness, prolonging suppleness and softness.

This belief product has been on the backburner of my to-try product list. Finally decided to try it since my Laneige Water Bank essence was empty. This belief Hungarian Water Essence is very light and water-like. It is absorbed quickly into the skin, and does not leave a sticky feeling. Compared to Laneige Water Bank Essence, belif Hungarian Water Essence is not as moisturizing. I feel as though you have to layer it on with moisturizer for desired hydration. With Laneige Water Bank Essence, I can use it as a daily moisturizer without feeling any tightness (caused by dryness). The same cannot be said for belief Hungarian Water Essence, especially since I spend my workdays in an air-conditioned office. 

The GOOD thing about belief is that its products are free of mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, synthetic preservatives and animal-origin ingredients. This is particularly great for those with sensitive skin like me. Since it is free of synthetic fragrance, belief Water Essence did not have much scent to it. Its plastic packaging makes it safe for traveling, and the pump dispenser makes it easy to dispense the right amount. So far, my sensitive combination skin has not had any adverse reaction to this product. *thumbs up*

This belief Hungarian water essence would work great for those with sensitive skin and/or oily-prone skin. If you are looking for a lightweight essence, this Water Essence from belief should do the trick, but be sure to layer it with a moisturizer for more hydration.

NEW BUY: Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect Rose Peche

~AG~

Beautiful tweed design

Mademoiselle’s legendary tweed now comes in a refined blush for lovely sheer makeup. This duo of shades, sprinkled with golden or silver pearly pigments, is delicately woven to reveal the softness of the powder. Its soft and airy long-wear texture ensures easy application. Slightly sheer, satiny and ultra-soft, LES TISSAGES de CHANEL lightly drapes the face in radiance and helps sculpt it by creating a subtle interplay of shadow and light.

This has been on my makeup wishlist for a long long time! Finally decided to get it because I LOVE beautiful shimmery shade. The shimmer is slight yet very flattering. Bought this at Changi Airport Shilla Duty Free for S$57.30. There were 2 other available shades: Tweed Pink and Tweed Corail. The shade I selected was Rose Peche, which has a warm pink undertone. It will complement my medium, warm skin tone. When I swatched this shade, the pigment was absolutely beautiful. There was no way that I could control myself from resisting it. I cannot wait to try it!

With hints of shimmer

NEW BUY: Skin Inc. Facial in a Flash Licorice

~AG~

Another product that I bought during the Sephora Singapore 1-Day Sale was the Skin Inc. Facial in a Flash. The actual retail price is S$39, but with the 15% discount, it became $33.15. Been wanting to try Skin Inc. best-selling serum, but due to the sensitivity of my skin, I am hesitant to try new skincare products. This value set is a great way to introduce my skin to Skin Inc's products.
This value set from Skin Inc. includes: Pure Revival Peel (5ml) , Licorice Serum (5ml), Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask (5ml).
--> Pure Revival Peel is a revolutionary non-abrasive peel that visibly but gently removes dullness and dead skin cells. It combines high-performance ingredients AC-11, Arbutin and Fullerene to revive your skin's youthful vitality.
--> Licorice Serum is especially designed for sensitive, inflamed and irritated skin. This Licorice Serum also suitable for those that have acne or pimples.
--> Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask is a triple-treat mask containing nutrient-rich Okinawa deepsea water, Soybean extracts and Hyaluronic Acid for a luxurious daily treatment for your skin.

I cannot wait to try these products, especially the Licorice Serum. Stay tuned for my review on Skin Inc. products!