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 ^^

REVIEW: BIFESTA CLEANSING SHEET (MOIST AND TIGHTENING)

Cleansing wipes are quite controversial: some people love them for their convenience while others hate them as they think wipes are too harsh for the skin. As for me, I only use them to remove my eye and lips makeup, not my base makeup, and I think they work fine that way. Today I'd like to talk about two types of Bifesta Cleansing Sheet: Moist and Tightening. These wipes are oil-free, colouring-free, and fragrance-free. 

• Bifesta Cleansing Sheet Moist (46 sheets per pack)

 - Ingredients: water, glycerin, alcohol, PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, PEG-400, glutamate, sodium citrate, tocopheryl acid, styrene/VP copolymer, butylene glycol, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary leaf extract), phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, sodium stearoyl acetate, disodium EDTA, citric glycerylamidoethyl methacrylate/stearyl methacrylate copolymer     

- My opinion: This cleansing sheet is for normal to dry skin. I just ADORE the packaging because it's all pink, which happens to be my favorite color >.< I also love the fact that it has a plastic lid instead of just a normal sticker to seal the product, as I think the former keeps the sheet moist for a longer period of time. This cleansing wipe is slightly wetter than Bifesta Cleansing Sheet Tightening, so I feel like it does a better job in removing my regular lipsticks, waterproof mascara (i.e. Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara Waterproof and Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Volume On Mascara) as well as my (occasional) eyeliner and eyeshadow. I often place it on each eye for about 1 minute and then take it off. I like it since it's gentle, non-drying and non-irritating. However, it can't remove mascara clumps and lip tints. 

• Bifesta Cleansing Sheet Tightening (46 sheets per pack):

- Ingredients: water, glycerin, alcohol, PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, glutamate, sodium citrate, tocopheryl acid, butylene glycol, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel), rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary leaf extract), phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, sodium stearoyl acetate, disodium EDTA, citric extract

- My opinion: I feel like this one is almost identical to the Moist Cleansing Sheet, except for the fact that the sheets are slightly drier than the Moist ones and the cleansing effect is a little bit weaker than the Moist. Although it's targeted for combination to oily skin, it's gentle, non-drying and non-irritating. It removes regular lipstick and Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara Waterproof quite well. However, as the mascara gets drier over time, it can only take off about 70%. It also fails in removing mascara clumps and lip tints.

• Pros:

- Oil-free, colouring-free and fragrance-free

- Cute and practical packaging

- Affordable

- Gentle, non-drying and non-irritating

• Cons: 

- Can't take off mascara clumps and lip tints

- Contain alcohol and paraben

• Score:

- Moist: 7/10

- Tightening: 6/10

• Repurchase?: No, I much prefer Biore Cleansing Oil - In Cotton Wipes, which is cheaper BTW, over these.

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: BIFESTA CLEANSING GEL

The only thing I like better than applying makeup is taking it all off when I get home. My current makeup remover is Bifesta Cleansing Gel.

Price: SGD 12.90

Size: 170g

Ingredients (source: ratzillacosme.com):  water, PEG-8 glyceryl isostearate, isopropyl myristate, cetyl ethylhexanoate, butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hydrogenated polyisobutene, glycerin, alcohol, magnesium sodium fluorosilicate, hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, PEG-12 laurate, acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol isostearate, acrylates copolymer, ethylhexylglycerin, PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, methylparaben, phenoxyethanol

My opinion: This cleanser can be used in the shower, and it works well with both dry and damp hands. I usually squeeze out a cherry-sized amount into my damp hand, rub my palms together and massage it on my dry face for about 1-2 minutes. As it's a gel, it doesn't foam up at all. My usual base makeup includes non-waterproof BB cream and powder, and I find that this cleansing gel removes them really well. When I wear red lip tints, I take out a pea-sized amount, massage my lips for about 1 minute and the color is completely gone! However, I don't think it's effective in removing waterproof mascara. I always remove my mascara before cleansing my face, but sometimes there are some residues left on my lashes, and this fails in taking them away. It doesn't sting my eyes though. After washing this off, my skin and lips feel so soft and moisturized, even in winter! It's because this cleansing gel contains hyaluronic acid (click here if you want to know more about hyaluronic acid). The instruction says there's no need to double cleanse with a facial foam as it may take away the moisturizing elements. However, I still use a cleansing foam afterwards to make sure that every bit of makeup, dirt and oil is gone. And you know what, my skin still feels smooth and hydrated after the double-cleanse process! (well, except in extremely dry and cold weather). Although it's very moisturizing, I've never broken out or got clogged pores because of this. As I don't wear makeup everyday, this will probably last me for about 4-5 months. I think the packaging is really cute with flower patterns printed on a clear tube. Since the tube is transparent, I can see how much product is left.

Pros:

- Can be used in the shower with damp hands

- Remove base makeup and lip tints well 

- Oil-free

- Moisturizing

- Non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic

- Non-irritating to eyes

- Cute and practical packaging

Cons:

- Not effective in removing waterproof mascara

- Contain paraben

Score: 9/10

Repurchase?: Yes :)