REVIEW: BIORE FACIAL FOAM ACNE CARE

Lately I've been really good at finishing off skincare products :3 This morning I finally used up the last bit of my Biore Facial Foam Acne Care. 

The good: This cleanser is ideal for oily/combination skin in summer as it effectively gets rid of dirt, oil, and even makeup on the face without drying the skin out. It's non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic, and super super cheap :)

The bad: I first used it in spring when the weather was still cold, and it was a tad too drying for me. I had to stop using it and waited till the warmer months. So, this cleanser is definitely not suitable for those with dry skin. The instruction says to get about 3cm of product, but a pea-sized amount is more than enough. Although it has salicylic acid and is labeled as an "acne-care" cleanser, it neither prevents nor heals my hormonal acnes. It also contains alcohol and paraben, which doesn't bother me, but some people may wish to avoid this. A minor complaint is that despite its big size (130g), it only lasts for about 2 months.

Verdict: 7/10

Repurchase?: No because it doesn't impress me that much.

REVIEW: HADA LABO AHA+BHA EXFOLIATING FACE WASH FOAM

I officially ran out of my Hada Labo AHA+BHA Exfoliating Face Wash Foam yesterday, and I was ECSTATIC! I don't know about you guys, but every time I use up a beauty product, I feel extremely happy because: 1. It gives me a sense of accomplishment, 2. I can move on to another product, and 3. My beauty product is less... cramped (it's like, overflowing with stuffs right now). So, to commemorate this joyful occasion, I'll write a review about this cleanser :P

This foaming cleanser contains glycolic acid - a type of AHA - which is an extremely popular exfoliating ingredient. It's present in Alpha-H Liquid Gold, Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner, Pixi Glow Tonic, and many other brands. Salicylic acid - or BHA - is very common in anti-blemish products, like Origins Super Spot Remover, Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel, and Clinique Anti-blemish Solutions line. It has anti-inflammatory and pore-unclogging effects. One thing to remember when using this cleansing foam or any exfoliating products: You should wear sunscreen when going out because your skin is more sensitive towards sunlight after being exfoliated.

The good: This cleanser removed all the dirt, oil and possible makeup/sunscreen residues on my face. It also made my skin feel smoother after usage without clogging my pores or breaking me out. The product was housed in a cute yet effective and practical bottle. When I used Tonymoly Dr. Tony AC Control Bubble Foam and Etude House Baking Powder Bubble Cleansing Moist, there was always some bit of products that the pumps couldn't reach. Meanwhile, the pump of Hada Labo AHA+BHA Exfoliating Face Wash Foam successfully pushed out every last bit of liquid. I even opened the lid to look inside and there was absolutely nothing left! Like other Hada Labo products, this cleanser is free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol and colorant.

The bad: Despite containing AHA and BHA, this cleanser didn't replace my regular exfoliator and acne treatment. It couldn't take away my dead skin cells, unclog my pores or heal/prevent my acnes. In summer, I usually used it once a day because it was a tad too strong and stripping if used twice daily. My face felt a little bit tight if I didn't apply a moisturizer right away. In winter, I only used it once in a while when I wanted to deep-clean my face, because it could dry out my skin when used everyday. In short, I would recommend this to people with oily skin (who don't mind products containing paraben), but not to those with dry or sensitive skin.

Score: 7/10

Repurchase?: No coz I'd like to buy something which can be used twice daily. 

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TRAVEL SERIES PART 1: MY SKINCARE TRAVEL BAG

I'm gonna go on holiday for 8 days starting next week, so I really want to share with you what beauty products I'll bring with me. Let's start with my favorite subject: skincare ^^ (Some of the products have been reviewed on my blog, so if you want to read the full reviews, just click on the names).

This bag is a freebie that I got from Tonymoly as a GWP. I love it and it has followed me through many trips. 

• Cleanser: I bring along Bifesta Cleansing Express Eye Makeup Remover and Biore Cleansing Milk. The latter can double up as a makeup remover and a regular cleanser, so I don't have to bring a separate cleansing foam.

• Exfoliator: I exfoliate once or twice a week, so I only bring 1 sachet of It's Skin Mangowhite Peeling Gel. This exfoliator is gentle yet effective.

• Toner and moisturizer: I've saved up all the samples I received in several months to use them on the trip. I'll use It's Skin Collagen Toner and Emulsion, It's Skin Hyaluronic Acid Toner and Emulsion, It's Skin Fermented Floral Water Whitening Toner and Lotion, and It's Skin Caviar Double Effect Toner and Emulsion. I know it may sound excessive, but these samples are tiny and can run out at anytime, so I'd rather be safe than sorry :P Besides, I've used them all before and they don't irritate my skin in any ways. Side note: It's a really bad idea to try out new skincare products while traveling because if you're allergic to them, they'll ruin your holiday.

Since these samples are all emulsion, I also bring along some sachets of It's Skin Prestige Creme D'escargot in case my skin gets dry.

• Eye cream: It's Skin Brighten System Eye Cream. (I'm almost out of this one, but I think it can last until the end of my holiday).

• Sunscreen: I have It's Skin 2PM Sun Block SPF50+ PA+++ for my face and Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF50+ PA+++ for my body.

• Lip balm: Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Velvet. This lip balm has good moisturizing property as well as SPF20.

That's all for today. The post about my travel makeup bag will be up tomorrow, so stay tune for that ^^

QUICK REVIEW: PHILOSOPHY PURITY MADE SIMPLE 3-IN-1 CLEANSER FOR FACE AND EYES

Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser for Face and Eyes has to be one of the most controversial products out there. Some absolutely sweat by it while others stay away from it because of the nasty ingredients like paraben. Due to the mixed reviews, I was never really interested in buying it. However, I had a chance to test it out when I stayed over at my cousin's. Since I brought no cleanser with me, I had to use it to remove my makeup and cleanse my face. I've only used it twice, so I can't attest to the long-term effects of this product, but I'll tell you my first impression of it.

(Source: philosophy.com)

Description (source: philosophy.com): Our award-winning daily facial skin cleanser is formulated to gently cleanse, tone and melt away all face and eye makeup in one simple step, while lightly hydrating the skin.

• Deep cleans pores and eliminates makeup buildup
• natural oil extracts help condition skin
• fragrance-free formula

How to use (source: philosophy.com): Gently massage a "size of a 20 pence coin" amount onto a lightly damp face, and massage for 30-60 seconds. Rinse and pat dry. Use morning and evening. Follow with appropriate treatment and moisturizer.

Size: 30ml (but it's also available in bigger sizes)

Ingredients (source: philosophy.com): water (aqua), sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium trideceth sulfate, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, coco-glucoside, cocos nucifera (coconut) alcohol, peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) wood oil, geranium maculatum oil, guaiac (guaiacum officinale) extract, cymbopogon martini oil, rosa damascena extract, amyris balsamifera bark oil, santalum album (sandalwood) oil, salvia officinalis (sage) oil, cinnamomum cassia leaf oil, anthemis nobilis flower oil, daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil, piper nigrum (pepper) seed extract, polysorbate 20, glycerin, carbomer, triethanolamine, methylparaben, propylparaben, citric acid, imidazolidinyl urea, yellow 5 (ci 19140).

My opinion: First of all, I hated the scent (although Philosophy claims that it's fragrance-free). The cleanser itself was quite decent. It hardly foamed up at all and only a pea-sized amount was needed. I used it to double cleanse, and while it did a good job removing my base makeup (I only applied BB cream and compact powder BTW), it only managed to take off about 60% of my Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Volume On. On the bright side, it didn't sting my eyes or dry my skin out, and felt really gentle on my skin. I also used it the next morning to cleanse my face and it worked quite well to remove the excess oil and the mascara remnants from the night before without irritating my skin one bit. Many people dislike this cleanser because of its ingredients, but I and my cousin never had any problems using it. I actually quite like this cleanser, not enough to guarantee a purchase though because it's quite pricy and I much prefer my Korean and Japanese cleansers.

Pros:

- Remove makeup and cleanse skin well

- Gentle to skin and eyes

- Non-irritating

- Non-drying

Cons:

- Horrible scent

- Fail in removing waterproof mascara

- Contain paraben

Score: 7/10

Purchase?: No

MY SPRING SKINCARE ROUTINE

Our skin constantly changes because of the environment, the weather, our diet, stress, hormones and many other factors. So, in order to get the best out of our skincare products, it's important to adjust and change your skincare routine according to your skin needs. As for myself, I often have different routines for each season, and I try to provide options for when my skin is drier or oilier. Since it's spring right now, I'd like to talk about my current routine. Currently, I have combination with normal but easily dehydrated forehead and cheeks, and oily nose, philtrum and chin. Some of the products here have been reviewed on my blog, so if you want to read my detailed opinions on them, just click on their names. Other products will be updated on my blog as soon as possible. Without further ado, here are my morning and evening routines.

A.M.

• Cleanser: In the morning, my skin isn't too oily, so I just cleanse my face with Etude House Baking Powder Bubble Cleansing Moist - a super gentle yet effective cleanser. 
• Toner: I'm using SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion. This one is super expensive but it's the best toner I've ever used: it's non-drying and non-irritating, and my skin feels smooth and moisturized after applying it. However, I haven't seen any actual long-term benefits on my skin. I update later once I finish this bottle. 
• Eye cream: My current eye cream is It's Skin Brighten System Eye Cream. It absorbs quickly yet still moisturizes my eye area really well. I haven't noticed any brightening effects though. 
• Moisturizer: If I stay at home, I'll just apply Juju Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Essence. This essence is ok, nothing to write home about. Sometimes, when my skin is drier than usual, it isn't moisturizing enough and I have to layer It's Skin Toma Jelly Cream on top (You can see its photo in the p.m. section). If I go out, I always wear a sun block, and the one I'm using right now is It's Skin 2PM Sun Block SPF50+ PA+++. It acts as a moisturizer, sun protector and makeup-base, and I don't need to apply anything underneath or over it! It prevents my skin from getting tanned, too! Reminder: Always double cleanse when you wear sunscreen/sunblock. Otherwise, you'll get blocked pores, blackheads and even breakouts!

P.M.

• Makeup-removers: I first remove my eye makeup with Bifesta Cleansing Sheet Moist. It's able to take off most of my Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Volume On Mascara. I then use Bifesta Cleansing Gel to take off my sun block and/or my base makeup.
• Cleanser: If I don't have any makeup or sunscreen on, I just use Etude House Baking Powder Bubble Cleansing Moist. On days that I do wear sunscreen and/or makeup, I reach for Hada Labo AHA+BHA Exfoliating Face Wash Foam. It completely removes every makeup and sunscreen residue on my face. However, don't use it if you have dry or sensitive skin because it's quite strong.
• Toner: SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion.
• Eye cream: It's Skin Brighten System Eye Cream.
• Moisturizers: First, I aplly Juju Aquamoist  Hyaluronic Acid Essence, then layer It's Skin Toma Jelly Cream over. I really like this cream as it's lightweight and moisturizing. They are not moisturizing enough on their own, but perfect when combined together.
• Lip Balm: Finally, I moisturize my lips with Nivea Essential Care. I love it: cheap and cheerful :) You can read more about my beauty tips for lips here.

SPECIAL TREATMENT

- For extra hydration: When I feel like my skin is drier than usual, I'll add Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Lotion into my routine. I apply it after my toner and before the essence. It helps lock the moisture into my skin and when I wake up the next morning, my skin is no longer dry.

- For deep-cleansing/exfoliating: When my skin is congested and bumpy, I apply The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask. It gets rids of my blackheads and the bumps under my skin, as well as deflates my acnes and unclog my pores. However, I have to moisturize my skin well afterwards, otherwise, I'll wake up with dry skin the next morning. If you have dry skin, I don't think it's a good idea to use it.

That's all for my skincare routine. It may seem long but it only takes less than 5 minutes. And please remember to drink 1.5-2 litres of water per day as well as maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, because what you eat/drink and how you live will really show up on your skin, and skincare products can't solve all the problems if you don't take care of your body first. 

REVIEW: SKIN79 SMART CLEAR REFRESH CLEANSING FOAM

Last summer, my skin was damaged by Tonymoly Pore Cleansing Brush: it was dry but kind of congested at the same time because I couldn't use any deep cleansers to cleanse it. A lot of cleansing foams actually made my skin peel, so I decided to give Skin79 Smart Clear Refresh Cleansing Foam a go. I honestly didn't expect much from it, but it turned out to be one of the best cleansers I've ever used.

(Source: skin79.us.com)

Description: Eco Mild Clean effect to regulate the ideal balance for skin that remains healthy skin. The special cleansing line completely purifies unnecessary wastes and harmful environmental factors with a formula containing an natural ingredients keeping skin balance.

• Natural cleansing
• Make-up remover
• Deep clean
• Refreshing
• Skin purifying

Size: 100ml

Price: 271,000 VND (about US$12.74)

Main ingredients (source: http://en.koreadepart.com/item/1306376938/skin79-smart-clear-refresh-cleansing-foam): Formulated with berry cianine (acai berry, aronia berry, raspberry, cranberry, blueberry, blackberry, elderberry), eco mild complex (witch hazel, aloe vera, acerola, chamomile), camellia extract, phyto soap complex (rice bran, yucca, soapwort), levan extract

My opinion: At first, I was a little bit skeptical since this cleanser was for normal/oily skin, and I was afraid it'd dry my skin out. As it turned out, I couldn't be more wrong. This cleansing foam got rid of makeup, dirt and oil without drying or irritating my skin one bit! It didn't help with acnes but it also didn't break me out or clog my pores. A 100ml tube lasted me for 3 months, because I only needed about a pea-sized amount for each usage. Another plus is the cute packaging: I just love the blue color of the tube. I highly recommend this product for anyone who has congested but dry/dehydrated skin. In fact, I think that this cleanser can suit any skin types. 

Pros:

- Affordable

- Remove makeup, dirt and oil really well

- Non-drying

- Non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic

- Long-lasting

- Cute packaging

Cons:

- No effects on acnes

Score: 9/10

Repurchase: Yes, but not immediately coz I have so many unopen cleansers to try out :)

REVIEW: HADA LABO AHA+BHA EXFOLIATING FACE WASH

I really had bad luck with cleansers last year. I went through a series of super harsh cleansers, starting with Tonymoly Clean Dew Tea Tree Seed Foam Cleanser and Tonymoly Clean Dew Olive Seed Foam Cleanser, following up with It's Skin Skin Healthening 5 Cereals Cleansing Foam and It's Skin Skin Moistening 5 Flowers Cleansing Foam. I was determined to find a gentle yet effective cleanser, and after doing some research, I settled on Hada Labo AHA + BHA Exfoliating Face Wash.

(Click on images to see description, directions and ingredients)

Price: SGD$12.90

My opinion: Despite all the research I'd done, I was a little bit nervous at first because, come on, how could a self-claimed exfoliating face wash be gentle? Well, I couldn't be more wrong. I used it for the first time when my skin was damaged because of Tonymoly Pore Cleansing Brush and it didn't dry out my skin or irritate it in any ways! Instead, my skin felt smooth and looked brighter! It was gentle enough to be used twice a day. I didn't see any exfoliating effects, even though it contained alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It did, however, helped my acnes heal faster, possibly thanks to the salicylic acid (aka BHA - beta hydroxy acid) in it. One tube lasted 3 months with daily usage, which was quite good considering the price. If you decide to use this cleanser, make sure to use a sunscreen when you go out because the exfoliating ingredients (AHA and BHA) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. I used Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super+ Beblesh Balm as my sun protection and it worked well enough.

Pros:

- Affordable

- Free of fragrances, alcohol, mineral oil, colorant and SLS

- Gentle

- Help heal acnes

Cons:

- Contain paraben

- Make skin more sensitive to the sun

Repurchase?: Yes but not immediately because I think I like Shiseido Perfect Whip Foam more.

REVIEW: SHISEIDO PERFECT WHIP FOAM

Happy new year everyone ^^ May all the best things come to you and your family this year :)

Today I wanna talk about one of my holy-grail products, which is Shiseido Perfect Whip Foam. This foaming cleanser also appeared on my list of 2013 Best Beauty Products.

This product belongs to Shiseido's affordable line which is sold in supermarkets/drugstores instead of department stores. I first used it years ago when my cousin gave me one after returning from Japan. Last summer, I saw it at a Watson's in Hong Kong, so I grabbed one up instantly. 

Ingredients (source: ratzillacosme.com): Water, stearic acid, PEG-8, myristic acid, potassium hydroxide, glycerin, lauric acid, alcohol, butylene glycol, glycerin stearate SE, polyquaternium-7, phytosteryl/octyldodelcyl lauroyl glutamate, sericin, disodium EDTA, potassium sorbate, tocopherol, methylparaben, propylparaben  

Price: I forgot the price, but it's about ¥627 in Japan.

My opinion: This cleansing foam removes makeup, sunscreen, dirt and oil like a dream without drying out my skin one bit! My skin feels so fresh and looks brighter after using it. It's also the foamiest cleanser I've ever used. All I need is a pea-sized amount and it will create lots of bubbles, enough to clean my face and neck. It doesn't contain SLS, which is a foaming agent present in many cleansing products. One tube can last up to 3 months with daily usage, so it's good value for money. I think those with dry skin can use it too because when my face was dry, damaged and sensitive due to Tonymoly Pore Cleansing Brush, this cleanser helps clean my face really well without irritating or making my skin peel. I highly recommend this cleanser for everyone. 

Pros:

- Affordable

- Clean skin and remove makeup/sunscreen well

- Non-drying

- SLS-free

- Last for a reasonable amount of time

Cons:

- Contain paraben

Repurchase?: Yes, definitely :)

REVIEW: IT'S SKIN SKIN HEALTHENING 5 CEREALS CLEANSING FOAM

As much as I love It's Skin Power 10 line, I seriously dislike their cleansers because they are either too gentle or too drying. It's Skin Skin Healthening 5 Cereals Cleansing Foam belongs to the latter category. 

Description: This soft feathery cleansing foam deeply cleanses impurities and make-up deep inside the skin pores leaving fresh and radiant look. It contains high-quality five cereals extract to strengthen weakened skin for hydrated and vital look.

Size: 180ml

Price: 335,000 VND (about US$16)

My opinion: First of all, the smell is too overpowering for my liking. I rarely have problems with scents but I absolutely hate it. This cleansing foam contains actual sesame (?) seeds in it, but you won't feel them on your skin at all.

And please DON'T use that much. A pea-sized amount is more than enough for the whole face.

At first, I combined this with Tonymoly Pore Cleansing Brush and the combo dried out my skin like nobody's business within 1 month. After that, I used the cleanser alone and it literally made my skin PEEL! It was so drying and gave me that squeaky-clean feeling which I absolutely hate. Ironically, this is supposed to make the skin become healthier and more hydrated, but as time passes, it actually WEAKENS and DEHYDRATES my skin! It's less drying than Tonymoly Clean Dew Tea Tree Seed Foam Cleanser, but still too much for me to handle. I have combination skin with an oily T-zone and normal/easily dehydrated cheeks, and I can't stand this product, so those with dry skin may want to think twice before buying this. Another con is that it's so hard to squeeze the product out, so after 3 months, the tube looks like this even though there's still loads of product left:

I've stopped using this product completely and passed it on to my dad. He's not the type to pamper himself with skincare products, but recently, his skin gets so oily after cycling, to the point that washing his face with water and a flannel isn't enough, so I give him this cleanser. He neither likes or hates it, but says that it cleanses his skin well without drying his skin out (and he doesn't use any moisturizers, mind you). So I guess this product may be suitable with people with super oily skin. A tube can last for up to 6 months, so it's good value for money.

Pros:

- Cleanse the skin well

- Last for a long time

Cons: 

- Overpowering scent

- Dry my skin out

Repurchase?: Hell no!

REVIEW: TONYMOLY CLEAN DEW TEA TREE SEED FOAM CLEANSER

I bought this cleanser a long time ago when my skin was oily and spotty, hoping that it'd cure my problems. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong.

(Source: tonymolyvn.com.vn)

Price: 132,000 VND (about US$6)

Size: 150ml

My opinion: Let's start with the good points first. This cleanser has amazing cleansing power and it can even remove makeup! It lathers up really well and creates a lot of bubbles. If you like that "squeaky-clean" feeling after washing your face, then by all means go for this one. It's also very cheap and long-lasting. However, the biggest downfall of this cleansing foam is that it dries my skin out like nobody's business! I had to give it up after 2 weeks because it made my skin peel so bad :( Since I didn't want to waste it, I used this as my brush cleanser. Although it cleaned my brushes really well, it dried out the hair of my brushes and left a weird scent on them. I gave it two months and finally, I threw it away because I couldn't bear to give this to someone else and end up wrecking their skin. 

Pros:

- Cheap

- Last for a very long time

- Clean well

- Can remove makeup

Cons:

- Super drying (this is hands down the most drying cleanser I've ever used!)
- Contain SLS and paraben

Repurchase?: Hell no!

REVIEW: ETUDE HOUSE BAKING POWDER BUBBLE CLEANSING MOIST

After the whole debacle with Tonymoly Pore Cleansing Brush and It's Skin cleansers, I am extra careful when it comes to facial cleansers and exfoliators. I always have a soft spot for Etude House Baking Powder line, so when I came to Hong Kong last summer, I bought 3 different cleansing foam from this line. Today I'm gonna do a review on Etude House Baking Powder Bubble Cleansing Moist.

Size: 150 ml

Ingredients: water, butylene glycol, potassium cocoyl glycinate, glycerin, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium bicarbonate, xanthan gum, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, disodium EDTA, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, fragrance

Price: I can't for the life of me remember the price in Hong Kong, but it retails for 370,000 VND in Vietnam (approximately 17 USD)

My opinion: Etude House Baking Powder Bubble Cleansing Moist cleanses my skin really well without drying it out, so it's no wonder that I absolutely LOVE it! It also has a lemony scent which I find so refreshing and relaxing, especially in the morning ^^ This cleanser is also SLS-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free and mineral oil-free! As the name suggests, this cleanser is in bubble form. Basically, you just press the pump and the foam will come out. I use this to clean my face in the morning to get rid of the oil and dirt accumulating over night and in the evening if I don't wear makeup. Sometimes I use this as my second cleanse after removing makeup with Bifesta Cleansing Gel. I find that one pump (like the photo below) is enough to cleanse my face. When I feel like my skin is oiler and more congested than usual or when I use it as my second cleanser, I'll use 2 pumps. Since the bottle is quite big, this will last me for a very long time ^^

Update: After using this for several months, I realize that if I use this as my sole daily cleanser, my skin becomes congested (even though I exfoliate regularly) because this cleansing foam is too gentle to penetrate deep inside the pores. Now I use it in the morning or when I feel like my skin is a little bit dry, and I use Hada Labo AHA+BHA Exfoliating Face Wash in the evening. 

Pros:

- Clean my skin well

- Not drying

- Refreshing scent

- Free of paraben, alcohol, SLS, and mineral oil

Cons: 
- Can't deep-clean my skin 

Verdict: 8/10

Repurchase?: Yes. Despite its weakness, I still like it as a morning cleanser in the winter.