The long-promised beauty post.

Errr, so I have promised here to recommend some beauty products that have worked for me. It has been more than 2 months since that entry!!! And it still wasn't up, despite some of you constantly reminding me to do the write-up that I promised. *looks down in shame*

I really tried! But I was waiting to compile some products to make this entry more interesting, I'll reveal it at the end of this post k. ;)

'Cause you got it right! The post is finally DONE! And it's right here, hehe.



It took so long also 'cause I was trying to compile pictures of me using the products, but it was really really difficult to do so... Most pictures that I took of myself looked like that:




Only served to emphasize how messy my room is. T__T


So I thought, fuck it, I might as well just jump right into writing the entry. Good also la, 'cause less pictures of me without make up wtf. :P



Before you read on, do read my preliminary entry here k! 'Cause it's important to understand that I was not born with naturally good skin; in fact, a few months ago, my skin was probably at its all-time low. :( I have never been much of a beauty product-person, but after suffering from bad skin-trauma, I really opened myself up to research and spend on different products for the hope of improving my skin. I feel that these products really worked for me, and I think it's beneficial for me to share with you guys, 'cause they belong to slightly more contemporary brands/products. :)

The items listed below is not an exhaustive list of my beauty regime, they simply are the more effective/interesting items that I have tried. Read on! :)


Reminder: This is NOT an ad!



Moisturiser


Laneige Water Bank Hydro Gel.


About 2 years ago, I was still using moisturisers from pharmacy brands like Loreal. I even tried Hazeline, which is this really old school brand, that cost like RM5.90 per jar! My grandma used Hazeline when she was young, and she had great skin. So do some of my friends, all whom have nice skin. But I always slap on these moisturisers as an afterthought, and have never really been religious in its application.

I never placed much importance on moisturisers, 'cause I have oily skin, and I was under the misconception that I don't need any more moisture. Nevertheless, last year, when I came back home from Melbourne (with bad skin, I might add), I did a little research, and understood that all skin types need moisturisers. So I got myself the Clinique moisturising gel, and that's when moisturisers became part of my beauty regime. Nonetheless, I still didn't really see any improvement to my skin.

Then, one day, I was introduced to Laneige. And boy, my skin really improved after I used this moisturiser! 'Cause contrary to my belief that my skin is too oily, my facial lady corrected me-- apparently my skin was actually too dry (because whole life never really used moisturiser wtf), which was why my skin constantly produces more facial oil to keep it moisturised! So what I needed was a dramatically hydrating moisturiser, yet light and gentle enough to not aggravate my pimple-prone skin. I think the Laneige Water Bank Hydro Gel really does it work, because I do feel that my skin has became softer and smoother to touch, and to my surprise, my break-outs actually stopped! :)

Besides this Laneige moisturiser, I also use its cleanser (gel form as well) and eye cream/gel. :)

Price: Approximately RM110-130.


Sunscreen


Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen.



I have something to confess. I have never used sunscreen in my life before this. :( I never really understood the importance of it, despite all the preaching and warnings by magazines and articles alike. I was lucky though, 'cause back in Melbourne, I used to use this make-up base which has SPF 50-- so that provided some protection from the sun. However, I have stopped using make-up base since I left Melbourne, and my skin has just been exposed to its worst enemy (the SUN) for the past year and more! T__T

So when I went through the 'enlightenment' phase for improving my skin, obviously I introduced sunscreen into my beauty routine. Anessa by Shishedo, is actually recommended by Audrey, who swears by it. Emm, I can't say how much it has worked for my skin-- but as long as I don't get any spots or pigmentation, I will presume it's doing its work, hehe. What I can vouch for though, is that it is very easy to apply, and very light! 'Cause I hate applying things to my face (ya, even make up!), so I don't like things that are cloying and clogging.

I was very kiasu, so I insisted on the SPF50 one, which is waterproof. The downside is that it has to be removed with makeup oil, or at least cleansers/removers which cater to waterproof make up. Else, it wouldn't be removed entirely, and we will have a big problem called clogged pores, boo. So I would recommend you to get the non-waterproof one, which comes in SPF45.


Price: RM100



Exfoliator/Scrub


Laneige Strawberry Yogurt Peeling Gel.



Can you tell I am quite a big fan of Laniege. :P I am sure this is no mystery to us girls, but the secret to clear skin is always exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! I used to use 'beady' scrubs (y'know, those with microbeads), 'cause I feel that they can thoroughly remove all traces of dirt, and they make my skin feel 'cleaner'. But I have come to realise that these scrubs are a tad too harsh for our skin! I don't know how it is for you girls, but whenever I scrub my skin with this type of scrubs (brands I have previously tried: Lancome, Loreal, Estee Lauder etc), my skin will feel very taut and tight, though very clean. And tightness for the skin is not necessarily a good thing!

Which is why I prefer exfoliating gels, which are gentler on the skin. :)

I used to use the exfoliating gel from Bio-Essence (available at any Guardian pharmacies), that worked pretty well too! It's about RM50 per tube.


Nevertheless, after using the Bio-Essence exfoliating gel for about 2 years, I feel that it doesn't quite cut it anymore, I needed something with more oomph! And it comes the Strawberry Yogurt Peeling Gel. :D

Doesn't the name sound unbelievably delicious! And girlie! And in all its PINK glory. :D It was recommended by this ex-colleague of mine, who has the NICEST skin ever ever ever! She doesn't have any marks, scars, and get this, not even PORES. T___T Why is life so unfair. T____T Anyway, once I heard that she used this Strawberry product, I quickly jumped on the bandwagon too. :P


Here is how it looks like:


Really looks like yogurt wtf. The pink dots are actually the strawberry seeds (is that the correct word? =/), and will help to scrub out the dirt and impurities!


Just apply it evenly onto your face, and scrub merrily away!




See, I love you all so much that I took a picture of my bare skin under macro mode. *breaks down and cry wtf*


The gel will slowly tun into flakes-- those are actually the dirt and dry skin being exfoliated away! Super syok to see them, 'cause it feels as if you have done something purposeful, haha.


And to this day, I am still not sure whether I am paranoid, but I always feel that after using this scrub, my skin has this pinkish glow/tinge to it-- attributed from the strawberry, perhaps? :P


Price: RM99



Foundation BB Cream


Brightening Balm aka BB Cream.


I think one of the best thing I can recommend to improve your skin, is to stop using make-up. I know it's harsh and hard to do, but honestly, reducing my use of foundation is probably the largest contributor to my skin becoming better.

A few months ago when my skin was still terrible, I was caught in a rut: my skin was bad--> I used more make up to cover my imperfections--> the make up aggravated my skin more--> my skin became worse--> I use even more make up to cover it up. :( My facial lady kept on warning me to stop using make up, and I was like, Are you crazy??? Then I will have to expose my ugly skin!!!

But then I discovered BB cream. :) To cut it short, BB cream is the latest craze in Korea (and many other Asian countries now). It provides coverage, but it also works as a make-up base, sunscreen and moisturiser! And it doesn't spoil your skin. :) I use it in replacement of my foundation, and within 2 weeks of using the BB cream (I use it alone), I could see my skin drastically improve! See people, the wonders of not using so much make up! T_T Some people feel that BB creams do not provide as good coverage as foundation, but that isn't really my concern, 'cause I put it on more for a even complexion than anything. I wear my BB cream for work, and on weekends I allow myself a treat of my Chanel foundation. :P



This is how BB cream looks like when applied!


Before work. Boo, y'know what, I miss taking work outfit pictures!


Honestly, it is very similar to foundation, just that its lasting power isn't as good. But some people I know will put on some loose powder to make it stay longer, so you can consider that! But for me, applying powder will defeat my purpose of not wanting to put on too much make up la. And one more thing! BB cream has a tendency to be a bit fair-- so don't be surprised if when you first apply it, you look too white! It takes sometime for it to settle down, and be true to your skin color. Nevertheless, I would say that BB cream (or maybe it's just this brand that I bought) isn't entirely suitable for people with very tanned skin!




Price: I got mine from Sasa, it cost RM95.





Oxygen mask


Beauty Talk Oxy Mask.


This is probably one of the more interesting items that I can introduce you all to! :P If you watch Taiwanese talk shows, you might have heard of Ladies First. Well, this product was a huge hit in the show! Basically, it infuses your skin with oxgen and promises to give you clear, happy skin. :)


The most interesting part of this product is its application: it comes out of the pump as clear gel, however, after you rub it all over your face, it will slowly 'bubble up' and become this thin layer of white foam!! You will feel that your skin is all tingly while the foam continues to 'bubble'-- this is when the mask is oxidising. After about 15 minutes, the foam will disappear after all the oxygen is released, and you wash it off. I don't have a picture of me using the product, 'cause I spoiled my pump, and nothing comes out of the nozzle now! T___T

However, do watch this video to understand how it works, and to see the amazing results!



For you girls who don't understand Chinese, just watch it from minute 3.00 onwards!


My skin really became very very soft and smooth, and noticeably fairer after using this! Unfortunately, I can't say whether the effects are lasting, 'cause after using it for about 1 month (I used it once a week), the pump broke. :(((

Price: RM198, which is really quite steep, for such a small bottle (50ml). The sales assistant told me that 1 bottle can last about 3 months. It is only available at Sasa outlets.




Sebum gel


Cellnique Skin Action Sebum Gel.



Among all my beauty products, I would say that this is the most seemingly 'no-function' item-- it doesn't moisturise, tone, nor clean, nor is it a scrub or a serum of any type. In fact, my facial lady (I have my facials done at Cellnique) has been pestering me since forever to get a bottle, and I always just pacify her with a half-hearted smile, "maybe next time". However, in my quest to be open-minded and experimental with beauty products, I got myself one bottle; I can honestly say that this product works the best among all the new products I have bought and tried.

This is how it works: the Sebum Gel promises to control your secretion of the sebum oil (cause of oily shine on your face, and evil root of pimples/blackheads/whiteheads), and reduces the size of your pores. Well, I can't say that my pores have reduced drastically, or that I don't have any blackheads anymore. However, I can say that my skin has become much clearer after using this.





Just pump a small dollop, and spread evenly all over your face, morning and night.


Among all the products that I have recommended, this is one of the very first item that I incorporated into my daily regime. And whilst I think that my skin became better partly 'cause I stopped using foundation, I think I stopped have breakouts because of the sebum gel. I am not kidding, I used to get pimples all the time, whether or not it's that time of the month. But since I started using the sebum gel, I don't even get a zit before my period! :O

Of course, I still do get the occasional zit once in awhile (one or two max, as compared to my previous zit patch wtf). And then I came to realise that applying sebum gel on my existing zits actually make them disappear by the next day! I really did put this to test: y'know how when a zit is going to pop out, the area is a little red and sore? Well, I rubbed a little sebum gel on it, and the next day, there is NO sign of any zit! I have also rubbed this gel on pimples which angry and red, and the next day it reduced to almost nothing! AMAZING. So amazing that I have finished my first bottle, and almost 3/4 into my 2nd bottle now. :)))


Price: RM159 for 30ml. A tad too pricey though. :( 30ml lasts about 2months plus, 3months plus if used sparingly. :)






I have also recently started using this serum from Juju (haha, what a name right). Missy Addie, who is the most beautiful person on earth (T_T) uses the moisturiser from Juju!!! So maybe there is hope for me to have flawless skin! Will let you all know how this product work after I used it for a little longer. :)


Anyway, there you go, some sincere, deep-from-my-heart recommendations from me. :) As you can see, I do have a slight affinity for skincare that is catered for Asian skin. 'Cause previously I have tried products from Lancome, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Biotherm... and somehow they didn't work for me. :( I am also quite revelling in the fact that I am actually a semi-beauty junkie now, 'cause I realised that your skin is your asset-- you can change clothes that don't flatter you, but you can't take off you skin! Unless you are a snake WTF.


So people, to make this entry more interesting, I am hoping that all of you can join in and make this a girlie support thing! Share an interesting beauty-related story, or recommend a good product that works! We girls should stick up for each other. :D Best comment wins some beauty samples that I have been compiling!!! The samples include Laneige products, lipstick, masks, and yes, the sebum gel! :D Samples are good, 'cause I can't repeat how many times I have splurged on a beauty item, only to find that it didn't work-- and I have a whole bottle to finish. :( So come on, girls, SHARE! :D