REVIEW: Avène Gentle Cleansing Foam

 ~AG~ 

Bought a bottle of Avène Gentle Cleansing Foam when I was in Italy last April, and actually like the product. This Cleansing Foam comes in a pump packaging that dispenses foam. Previously, I have tried another facial cleanser from Avène, Cleanance Cleansing Gel, which is designed for oily and acne-prone skin. Since my skin has been on the drier side recently, I was looking for a different facial cleanser. This gentle cleanser is just right for my skin condition. This Cleansing Foam is designed for normal and combination skin. My skin does not feel tight after washing my face with this Cleansing Foam.

It costs Euro 17.10 (S$28) in Italy while Guardian Singapore retails it for S$31 when it is on offer. Since my skin is ultra sensitive, I have to be careful of the skincare products I use. So far, Avène skincare products has been suitable for my skin. This soap-free cleansing foam gently removes makeup and dirt from the skin. The soft foam is comfortable on the skin. Compared to Cleanance Cleansing Gel, Gentle Cleansing Foam does not have any fragrance. The only con about this product is that it goes by rather quickly. It takes 1 to 1.5 full pumps to thoroughly cleanse the face. One bottle of 150ml can only lasts me for 2 months. While the Cleanance Cleansing Gel which is 200 ml could lasts me for more than 4 months. With that said, it is a pricey facial cleanser and I might look for an alternative. Overall, Avène Gentle Cleansing Foam is a good product for sensitive, normal/combination skin. 

UPDATE (15 August 2018): I am on my 5th bottle of Avène Gentle Cleansing Foam. This is the longest-serving facial cleanser on my record. It is a good product and is suitable for my sensitive skin. Since I only use it at night time, a bottle can lasts me about 3 months. However the product seems a little drying for my skin now and I am switching to a cream cleanser instead.

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!