Review: Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser

Product Information: (from http://www.dermalogica.com/):
An extremely gentle cleansing gel/cream that can either be rinsed off or gently removed with tissue or The Sponge Cloth. Helps combat skin sensitivity caused by exposure to pollution, harsh climate, irritating cosmetic products and other environmental influences. Contains no artificial fragrance or color.

Review:
This cleanser is very calming on my skin. When I am having eczema or other skin sensitivity, this cleanser does not sting and actually helps lower the discomfort caused by the eczema.

I particularly like Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser because Cetaphil Cleanser started to sting my skin and cause redness whenever I cleanse my face. I usually double cleanse as I have sunscreen on my face.  On my first wash with Cetaphil, my skin would feel a slight sting and would usually not feel clean. But the second wash would cause a lot more stinging and redness. This would worsen when I am having eczema. There is no such stinging or redness with Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser, which is why I think this is a better cleanser for sensitive skin. (Please note that all skin types are different, so even if you have sensitive and eczema-prone skin like mine, you might have a different experience from mine.)

The Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser does not foam and I was not used to non-foaming cleansers initially. I felt as though my skin was not clean after cleansing. But I got used to it and my skin did not feel dried out after cleansing. In fact, it felt comfortably moist, which is a feeling that will not happen when cleansers are too harsh for your skin (your skin will usually feel very tight and dry).  So it is good that my skin feels moist after cleansing as keeping moisture in the skin helps keep skin sensitivity low and prevents eczema as well. The cleanser is good for those with dry skin as well. 

It is a plus that this cleanser has no harsh ingredients, like fragrances or alcohol, which lowers the risk for sensitivity. The gel/cream texture is also easy to use and does not have any drag when making cleansing motions around the face.

In general, I am enjoying the Dermalogica UltraCalming range of products (except the UltraCalming Relief Masque, which stings badly!) I will continue reviewing the other products in the UltraCalming range soon :)

Review: Laneige Multi Cleanser

Product info (pic credit: Laneige.com):
4-in-1 multi cleanser with papain enzymes, removes makeup, removes sunscreen, cleanses and exfoliates skin.

Review:
I use this cleanser on days when I am lazy to double cleanse - days when all I have on is a layer of sunscreen and don't want to go through the oil cleanser, face wash regime. This cleanser saves time as it can remove my sunscreen and cleanse at the same time. (When I use makeup, I will still use an oil cleanser.) Do note that sunscreen has to be removed using a makeup remover. If you are using a water-proof/water resistant sunscreen, I'd still suggest using an oil cleanser.

This cleanser foams well and cleanses well. My skin is left clean with no tight of dry feeling. I did not feel any skin irritation or sensitivity. The exfoliation is very mild and after foaming I can hardly feel anything. It is the papain enzyme that is responsible for the exfoliation and is gentle enough for daily use.  The scent is not over-powering and is a nice refreshing scent that I like. Those who are sensitive to fragrances might have to be more careful though.

Price-wise, I think it is reasonable at $33 for 180ml, almost the same price as my other Avene cleansers.

All in all, a good all-in-one cleanser perfect for the lazy day or days when you get home so late you just want to quickly cleanse your skin and go to bed.

Skincare-holic's Skincare Tip #8: My Skincare Routine-Day

Recently I made a lot of changes to my skincare routine. I started incorporating Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and retinoids as they are clinically proven to improve skin conditions like acne and wrinkles, resulting in clearer skin. I simplified my skincare routine as a result.

Day:
Cleanser: Avene Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser/ Vichy Essentielles Foaming Facial Cleanser/ La Mer The Cleansing Lotion
Toner: Clinique Clarifying Moisture Lotion 2/ La Mer The Tonic
Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL SPF50 PA+++ Tinted Cream

Comments: My day routine is much simpler now than before. I stopped using a moisturiser before my sunscreen as the LRP Uvidea Cream is moisturising enough and adding a moisturiser would make my skin oily. I also read some articles saying that sunscreen should be applied to bare skin to allow the chemical sunscreen to react with the skin in order for it to work well. Also, sunscreen - when tested in the lab - is used on bare skin, so to get maximum protection, sunscreen should be the first thing applied. (I got this information from dermtv.com, there are many useful videos there).

At times, especially when I have any pimple scars, I will use a whitening serum with Vit C before my sunscreen. Now, this is another source of debate. Some people say that antioxidants and whitening products should only be used at night as whitening ingredients make the skin more sensitive to the sun and might make the skin darker. Some also advocate that antioxidants be used at night as the sun deactivates the antioxidants.

Then there are those (for example Skinceuticals), who manufacture serums like Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, which consists of antioxidants like Vit C, E and Ferulic to enhance sunscreen protection.

In my opinion, as long as adequate sunscreen is applied, I think it is okay to use whitening products like Vit C. By adequate, I mean 1.25ml on the face alone. I often feel that when I try to apply this amount, the LRP Uvidea XL SPF50 PA+++ Tinted Cream becomes shiny and makes my skin look oily. So I am again on a lookout for a better sunscreen product.

I will follow with my Night routine in a separate post.

What is your day skincare routine like? =)

Review: Vichy Essentielles Foaming Facial Cleanser

Vichy provided the Essentielles range of products for my review. I will be providing my honest opinions. 

I don't really buy counter brand cleansers as cleansers only remain on my skin for a minute or so and then gets washed off. This means any amount of whitening or antioxidant ingredients would not get absorbed into the skin. With all the dirt and oil, I don't want any ingredients going inwards, just outwards  is enough. So as long as cleansers clean well, don't leave my skin dry or tight, don't make my skin sensitive and are cost effective, they are good enough for me.

I think this Vichy Essentielles Foaming Facial cleanser met the above criteria. The cleanser foams easily and a little goes a long way. The foam is dense and fine, not big and fluffy like Fancl Washing Powder but it is good for a clean wash.

This cleanser contains Rose polyphenols. Rose is known for its soothing properties. My skin did not have any sensitive reactions to this cleanser.  I was happy to see Glycerin as the second ingredient, which explained why my skin was feeling comfortable after the wash and not tight or dry. There is also no SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) or Parabens.

All in all, this is a basic cleanser, which cleans well, does not leave skin feeling dry or tight, and did not cause any sensitivity reaction. It is affordable at $11.90 for 100ml. It is great for people looking for a basic cleanser without a heavy price tag. 

Review: Avene Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser

I bought this Avene Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser when it came in a promotion pack together with the new formulation Cleanance K. I originally wanted to get the Avene foaming gel cleanser as it would suit my combination skin better but the SA assured me that this Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser would suit my skin as well. This cleanser does not suit my skin that well. It strips my skin of more moisture than a cleanser should and is more suitable for oily skin as stated on the packaging. My skin condition is now dehydrated and I can feel the tightness in my skin. I only use this cleanser at night as it would be too strong for day time use.

Despite it being too strong for my skin, I like this cleanser as it cleans well. If this is any indication of how well Avene cleansers work, it gave me the confidence to buy the Avene Moussant Soapless Foaming Gel to try out as well (a separate review later).

There is no yellowish stains on my cotton pad when I follow up with my toner, which tells me this cleanser performs well. However, my skin feels tight and dehydrated if I do not follow immediately with my skincare. And there is usually this squeaky clean feeling when I am rinsing off the foam.

This Avene Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser does not irritate my skin nor leave my skin red. I also like that there is no strong fragrance. If I am not wrong, there is no perfume added. So this is good for those who are sensitive to perfume/fragrances in skincare products.

The foam is not dense and thick like that of Fancl's Washing Powder or Hada Labo AHA/BHA Exfoliating Face Wash Foam, but is acceptable for me.

Conclusion
This Avene deep pore cleanser is suitable for oily and sensitive skin, those with combination skin like mine should choose the Avene Moussant Soapless Foaming Gel instead as it might be too drying. This cleanser has good cleansing power.

Tip: Avene products are cheaper in Malaysia compared to here in Singapore.

Skincare-holic's 2010 Favourites List

2010 is coming to an end and I thought I'd do up a Favourites List like the one I did for 2009! I looked through the reviews I did in 2010 and rounded up the few I really liked.


Best 2010 Cleanser: Hada Labo AHA/BHA Tamagohada Exfoliating Face Wash Foam

This Hada Labo cleanser doesn't exfoliate well but it cleanses well enough. I like that it is self-foaming and convenient to use. It removes dirt and oil without making my skin feel dry or tight. I used to like Fancl Washing Powder a lot and this cleanser is a good competitor as it doesn't require a foaming ball nor do I have to worry about expiry dates.




Best 2010 Lotion: Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion

This lotion helped improve my skin texture. I could see that my dehydrated skin was more plumped up. It comes in a big bottle and each usage only requires a small amount, so it lasts a long time. 



Best 2010 Moisturizer: La Mer Creme de La Mer

This was the only cream I could use when I had patches of dermatitis on my face. It may be rich but if you control the amount you use it will not clog pores (I first press the creme into my cheek area before using the remaining on the t-zone). I like that it is quite soothing, even when my skin was sensitive and would react to most other products. I felt my skin become smoother with usage.


Best 2010 Hydrating Mask: Laneige Water Sleeping Pack

I used to like Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Relief but Clinique did not work well when my skin was very dehydrated and sensitive. It caused redness and stinging. Laneige, however, worked really well and helped restore my skin to normal. I don't experience any clogged pores even when I apply a thick layer. I wake up the next day with hydrated skin.

Best 2010 Clay Mask: BeautyDIY Dead Sea Mud Mask

I think this dead sea mud mask is cheap yet good. Its main purpose is to suck out dirt and excess oil from the pores so I don't need an expensive mask with wonderful ingredients and this mask does just that. As the mask dries, I can see spots of oil where pimple or blackheads are at, which shows it really works. It contains tea tree oil, which helps dry out and heal pimples. It is good to follow up with a hydrating mask to replenish moisture. 

Best 2010 Eye Mask: The Face Shop Raspberry Slim & Lift Collagen Eye Patch

I almost forgot that I really liked this eye mask until I looked through my 2010 reviews again. It is a bit pricey but it works nicely to hydrate and plump up my under eye area. After using this mask, the jelly-like mask becomes thinner, which shows the essence has been absorbed by the skin. I think I will be purchasing some more soon. 

Best 2010 Face Spray/Sensitive Skin Product: Avene Thermal Spring Water

I have been using this for a few years now and I always re-stock whenever there is the 2 for S$29.90 promotion. The Avene Thermal Spring Water soothes my sensitive skin really well and I even use it as an eye mask at times - by saturating a cotton pad with the spring water then tearing it into half and using it as a normal eye mask. It is cooling on the skin and reduces my redness effectively. It also helps when skincare products are too thick/sticky, I spray this over my face and try to massage the products in again. 

**This is all for my favourites list this year. It is too bad I didn't find a favourite sunscreen. I have been looking but haven't found one that I like yet. 

Do comment with recommendations of skincare products you like and find works well! I would like to try more skincare in 2011 =)

Review: Hada Labo AHA/BHA Tamagohada Exfoliating Face Wash Foam

This Hada Labo AHA/BHA Exfoliating Face Wash Foam markets itself as an AHA+BHA product, which gently exfoliates the skin for a softer smoother texture. It is a foaming facial wash so when you pump, foam is produced. I usually use about 3 pumps for the whole face.

The reason why I posted the article on AHA BHA earlier was so I could see if this Hada Labo cleanser really meets the criteria for the AHA and BHA to work. Disappointingly, no. Firstly, the Hada Labo AHA/BHA Exfoliating Face Wash Foam claims to be skin pH balanced, i.e. pH 5. AHA and BHAs require a pH of between 3 and 4 to work, so at pH 5, there is no longer much exfoliating properties. Secondly, the concentration of the AHA and BHA should be at a sufficient level for the cleanser to have exfoliating properties. AHAs should be one of the first few ingredients on the ingredients list and BHA should be in the middle. If you look at the ingredients list, glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA) are the fourth and third last ingredients respectively. This means the concentrations are too little for the AHA and BHA to work. Essentially, it is just a normal foaming facial wash without any exfoliating properties.

So knowing that there are no exfoliating properties, and that it is just a normal cleanser, I think it does well as a normal facial wash. It cleanses thoroughly and does not leave my skin feeling dry or tight after washing. The foam that is pumped out is dense enough and feels comfortable on my skin. I like that I don't have to manually foam my cleanser like I usually have to do when I use Fancl Washing Powder. But if I look at the ingredients, Fancl is more gentle on the skin than Hada Labo, ingredients-wise.

All in all, if you are planning to buy this cleanser, you should not expect it to have any exfoliating properties despite the claims made. It won't help with removing blackheads or sloughing off dead skin. I felt a little cheated when I researched more about AHA and BHAs when I was going to review this product, only to find that the pH and concentration don't meet the criteria at all. But as a normal cleanser, it works well and I like it. The price is about $15.90. So not too expensive, and quite affordable for a drug store product.

Review: Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Makeup Remover

The Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Makeup Remover is quite a steal at $17.90 from Watsons. I have been using cleansing oils from Fancl and Shu Uemura, so I thought it was time for something more economical. I went by Watsons and picked this Hada Labo make up remover. I chose this over the Aqualabel cleansing oil as the Hada Labo one had more raves on the taiwanese website urcosme.tw, where people review and rate products.

This Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Makeup Remover is not a cleansing oil. It has a gel texture, which made me worried that it might not cleanse well since I have been using cleansing oils for so long.  I was pleasantly surprised that it cleansed my makeup well and there was no tight feeling after washing, so it does have some hydrating properties.

The first time I used it, I used it like a cleansing oil, 3 pumps and massage then add a little water to "emulsify". Although it;s not needed, it has become a habit. BUT I discovered that by adding a bit of water and massaging away the makeup again there is a slight warming sensation! I thought I was imagining it but I get that slight 1-2sec warm sensation every time I use it. This feeling makes me feel like the warmth can serve to clean better, although it is probably some chemical reaction with water?

The downside is that it stings the eyes, so try not to open your eyes when you use this. I would recommend using a separate eye makeup remover to remove any eyeliner or mascara.

All in all, it is quite a good product for the price I paid. It is a very simple and normal makeup remover, which does its job. If it was more expensive, I would not re-purchase. But I will consider if I am tight on my budget.

Review: DrGeorgiaLee Cleanser - Sensitive

Product Information (&pic: from drgeorgialee website):

Formulated to suit even the most sensitive skins, this cleanser effectively removes makeup and cleanses skin, leaving it smooth and silky soft.

 This product was prescribed to me when I went to have a consultation with Dr Georgia Lee. She said my skin is on the sensitive side and recommended her drgeorgialee cleanser - sensitive to me, she recommended stopping my oil cleanser, then use this a a makeup remover.

I was initially not used to this drgeorgialee cleanser as it does not foam, so basically I use about 3 pumps and massage it in circles around my face then I wipe it off with cotton wool, repeat then wash off instead of wiping with cotton wool. The lady at the clinic said I can wipe off with cotton then wash off later.

I was told that this cleanser can be used to remove make up, as Dr Georgia Lee had recommended me to use this in place of my oil cleanser. But honestly, I have since reverted to using my Shu Uemura Oil Cleanser. Reason being, the oil cleanser removes my makeup and sunblock much faster. I have to repeatedly use 3 pumps worth of the drgeorgialee cleanser about 4 times before my cotton wool is totally clean, which is a total waste of the product (which is not cheap at all). What I do now is I remove my makeup using my Shu Uemura Oil Cleanser then wash my face again once with the Drgeorgialee Cleanser - Sensitive. (My makeup involves a layer of sunblock then a light layer of 2 way foundation cake and light blusher)

I find that after washing with the Drgeorgialee Cleanser - Sensitive, my face is less red and feels a bit soothed. My skin does not feel any dryness or tightness, which is a good sign that the Drgeorgialee Cleanser - Sensitive is not overly harsh.

If I follow the routine of oil cleanser then Drgeorgialee Cleanser - Sensitive, I find that my cotton wool is clean even after using my Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2, which is a mild exfoliant and usually makes any left over sebum/dirt show on the cotton wool as yellowish dirt. So the oil cleanser in combination with the Drgeorgialee Cleanser - Sensitive is able to wash my skin thoroughly enough. But I will not use the Drgeorgialee Cleanser - Sensitive on its own as I feel it does not remove my sunblock and makeup as thoroughly as my oil cleanser.

All in all, this is an expensive cleanser. It is good if your skin is really sensitive but to use this as a makeup remover as was Dr Georgia Lee's intention is quite a waste of money for me as the amount I use in one day to cleanse is really too much.

Price: $98 for 240ml

My Experience: Proactiv Solution Renewing Cleanser + Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

In my previous review of the Proactiv Renewing Cleanser, I mentioned that I find it harsh for my skin and can by drying if used daily. I found a way to lessen the harshness of this cleanser. I use this with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser only has 8 ingredients (3 of which are parabens - preservatives) so it is essentially a very basic cleanser. This makes it a good base to mix other harsher cleansers as the ingredients in Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser are basic ingredients that most other cleansers also have.

Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben.(from Cetaphil.com)

What I do is I mix 1 part Proactiv Solution Renewing Cleanser with 1 part Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and I find that this mixture works well for me. I find that it makes the Proactiv Renewing Cleanser less drying and also cushions the scrub beads so it does not feel so rough on the skin. You can adjust the ratio of Proactiv vs Cetaphil to the amount your skin can take and you get the benefits of the Benzoyl Peroxide with less dryness.

Give this a try if you find Proactiv too strong for your skin!

Review: Trilogy Cream Cleanser

 Product Description:

"With pure plant oils and extracts this cleanser delivers soft, clear, completely clean skin and gently removes eye make up.

This cleanser is a true beauty product; it does more than just remove makeup and impurities from face and eye. Its emollient action leaves skin supple and is the perfect preparation for your skin, morning and night. Includes nourishing Rosehip and Evening Primrose oils and Aloe Vera to moisturise and soften your skin." (from Trilogy website)

"This simple one-step purifying cleanser gently washes away make-up (including eye make-up) and impurities that can clog pores, without drying skin or disrupting its natural pH level. 

Rosehip and evening primrose oils provide the skin vital essential fatty acids and protective vitamins and antioxidants to help promote and maintain healthy skin Extract of aloe vera hydrates and tones skin while almond, jojoba oils and carrot oils gently soothe and nourish dry or damaged skin. Formulated without surfactants or foaming agents that can dry or irritate skin, skin feels smoother, softer and beautifully refreshed." ( from bottle description)

My Review:

I saw this Trilogy Cream Cleanser at Watsons and was very tempted to try it. I was very into the benefits of rosehip oil, and I thought it would be good to try Trilogy range of products as well.  The website and the bottle description both sound quite impressive and that is the reason why I bought this cleanser. But I have to say that this is really a disappointment. I have used half the bottle and decided not to continue using it anymore.

The biggest reason why I don't like this Trilogy Cream Cleanser is because the first time I used it, my skin felt a distinct burning sensation and it made my skin red. After experiencing this, I stopped using the Trilogy Cream Cleanser in case it worsened my skin. My skin went back to normal after a few hours and did not turn red using Fancl Washing Powder. After some time, I picked up this cleanser to try it again, it still gave me the same burning sensation.

I felt that the cleansing effects of the Trilogy Cream Cleanser is not very good. It claims to be able to remove makeup but I don't feel that the Trilogy Cream Cleanser cleanses thoroughly enough. It was not able to remove waterproof makeup, contrary to what the reviewer on the Trilogy website claimed. I usually use very light makeup - sunblock then a thin layer of bb cream or powder foundation (two-way cake).

I say that the cleansing power is not good because I always test how clean my skin is with the Clinique Clarifying Lotion, which is a mild exfoliant. If there is any yellowish or greyish colour, it means that my skin is not clean enough. If there is any beige colour, it is even worse, cos it means my make up was not cleaned off properly. With this Trilogy Cream Cleanser, my cotton pad was still coloured.

After cleansing, my skin did not feel tight but it did not feel nourished either. My skin also did not feel smoother, softer or beautifully refreshed as the description claims.

I think this cleanser is not worth its price and there are better cleansers around.

Rate: 2/5    Burning sensation when using cleanser, did not cleanse thoroughly and did not live up to its claims

Review: Proactiv Renewing Cleanser

I got this Proactiv Renewing Cleanser as part of a set with the Proactiv Advanced Blemish Treatment and the Proactiv Daily Oil Control when Watsons was having promotion. Since I really like the Proactiv Advanced Blemish Control, I thought I'd give the other items a try. I have reviewed the other two items in this set and the links are available below, I will be reviewing the Practiv Renewing Cleanser today.

I feel like the Practiv Renewing Cleanser is more like a scrub cleanser because there are small beads in the cleanser, which makes is a bit harsh for my skin. I have a combination skin type, dehydrated outside oily inside type of skin and I find that this can be drying for me. I use this cleanser on days when I find that I have some pimples and I use this is combination with the Advanced Blemish Treatment just so it would be more effective. I tried making this cleanser my daily cleanser but it is really too harsh, I will only recommend this for oily/acne-prone skin types.

One thing good about the scrubbing beads is that it helps exfoliate away dead skin cells and allows the Benzoyl Peroxide to be better absorbed in to your skin, making it more effective. But if you do not have widespread acne, the Benzoyl Peroxide will dry out your skin. Benzoyl Peroxide is an anti-bacterial agent, so it helps kill bacteria which cause acne. I use this cleanser once a week if I do not have breakouts just as a preventive measure to kill away the acne-causing bacteria. When I am suffering from some pimples, I will use it on alternate days, only at night.

It is useful to have your own normal day cleanser and use this cleanser as a supplement to your skincare regime if you are more acne prone. But I don't think I will repurchase this Proactiv Renewing Cleanser as it does not suit my skin. 

Update (04/07/2010): Read http://skincare-holic.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-experience-proactiv-solution.html on how I reduce the harshness of Proactiv Solution Renewing Cleanser by mixing it with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.

Read other Proactiv product reviews here:

• Review: Proactiv Advanced Blemish Treatment
• Review: Proactiv Daily Oil Control

Oil cleanser or Milk cleanser?

For my oily on the inside, dry on the outside skin type, I was advised to not use oil cleansers. A doctor that I visited also advised the same as emulsifiers can clog pores. But the thing is, no other cleansers beat the convenience of oil cleansers. With a few pumps, it was thoroughly remove all traces of make up from my skin. Whereas for milk cleansers, I have to repeat the cleansing steps a few times before my skin is make up-free. I am currently using Drgeorgialee cleanser for sensitive skin as a make up remover. She prescribed it to me as she said my skin is a bit sensitive. With this cleanser I have to pump three times while cleansing the first round, remove with cotton pads, then use two pumps and repeat until the cotton pads are do not indicate any colour. This process usually takes me three or four and even five times if my make up is thick. This is why I usually prefer oil cleanser when I have thick make up on. However, I still wonder if I am sacrificing good skin for convenience when I am using oil cleansers.



I don't think I will give up on oil cleansers yet. Although I know it isn't good and might not suit my skin type, I think it is still the easiest alternative for removal of thick make up and when I am in a rush.

It is important to check the suitability of your cleanser for your skin type. If your skin is having adverse reactions to your cleanser, for example sudden breakouts, the cleanser might not suit your skin.

Although my skin used to take well to oil cleansers, my skin type changed while I lived overseas for a period of time. It is also important to observe your skin and skin type to ensure that your skin is kept in its best condition.

I will be doing a full review of drgeorgialee skincare cleanser for sensitive skin soon. Stay tuned!

Skincare-holic's 2009 Favourites List

2009 is coming to an end and I thought it would be good to round up the year with my all-time favourites list. I love trying out new skincare products so unless I particularly love the product, I will not purchase it again. So the products in this list are products that I have purchased twice or more, I think work nicely for my skin, and is worth it's price

1. Fancl Washing Powder

This washing powder creates dense foam that effectively cleanses my skin without stripping it of its moisture. I do not experience any tight feeling after cleansing with the Fancl Washing Powder. When use with the Facial Washing Puff, my skin is left clean with lesser blaskheads. No other cleanser can achieve these results for my skin.

2. Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil

Double cleansing is an important component of my skincare regime. I have used countless bottles of Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil as it removes all of my makeup thoroughly and effortlessly, even my waterproof mascara. It emulsifies easily and does not leave any oily residue behind. Although I am currently using Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, the Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil is still my preferred choice.

3. Fancl Sunguard 30

The Fancl Sunguard has SPF30 PA+++ so it blocks out both UVA and UVB rays sufficiently. I like its light texture and how it is easily blended into my skin.

4. Clinique Moisture Surge Extra Extended Thirst Relief

I always buy the Clinique Moisture Surge Extra Extended Thirst Relief whenever I have the opportunity to travel. I buy it at the Changi Airport DFS because it comes in the set above which includes the Moisture Surge Eye Gel and I find that it is quite a good deal. The Clinique Moisture Surge Extra is what I always use whenever my skin feels dry and what I always bring along onto the plane where the air is very dry. It combats change in humidity and any weather changes effectively. It always keeps my skin moisturised for a long period of time. I use this in thick layers without any fear of milia seeds and I use this around my eye area as well.

5. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion

I like this moisturiser as it is a basic moisturiser that serves the purpose of keeping my skin moisturised. It does not leave any sticky feeling and absorbs readily. I use this whenever I am suffering from any breakouts as I feel this does not further aggravate my skin condition and does its job of moisturising well.

6. Kose Sekkisei Lotion

I have used 3 bottles of Kose Sekkisei Lotion. I like it as a lotion mask and how moisturising it is for my skin. Although the whitening benefits of the Lotion are not that obvious, the Sekkisei Herbal Esthetic Mask makes up for it. These two Sekkisei products are good but the rest of the Sekkisei line are disappointing.


7. Trilogy Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil has wonderful anti-oxidants and skin regenerative properties. I turn to Trilogy's Rosehip Oil for additional moisture boost when my skin feels dry. Trilogy Rose Hip Oil absorbs easily without clogging my pores and does not leave any oily residue on my skin. I am including this because I was quite crazy over Rosehip Oil products at the beginning of 2009, but the Trilogy range of products (cleansers, toner, moisturisers, masks) disappointed me so I might try other products after this.



To end off my post, below are products I will always avoid.

- Biobeauty Advanced Hydrating Eye Freshening Gel HA玻尿酸清新眼凝露
This caused my eye area a severe allergic reaction which made my skin red, inflamed, swollen and hurt as though I got burnt.

- Henry Tianus.
I bought this after reading raves on Cozycot and because it was a natural product. But the Overnight Skin Perfector caused me acne problems that I have not experienced in years.

Review: Kose Sekkisei White Powder Wash

Product Information:

Fine, pure white powder wash akin to fresh snow, formulated with four kinds of moisturising Chinese and Japanese herbal extracts (Chinese Pearl Barley, Angelica, Peony root, Perilla Leaf). Formulated with supremely pure cleansing ingredients, it foams richly into a luxurious lather to cleanse skin. Contains highly moisturising skin friendly phospho lipid polymers which remain on the skin after rinsing. Forms moisturising veil over skin to protect from external stimuli, while keeping skin calm and super dewy. Rids skin of dullness by removing impurity and old skin cells

My Review:

Despite the description provided above by the company, I find that the Kose Sekkisei White Powder Wash is quite drying for my skin. I say this in comparison with Fancl Washing Powder, which does not leave my skin tight after washing. For the Sekkisei White Powder Wash, my skin felt a bit dry and tight, although the dryness is gone after my skincare routine with moisturiser and all. However, I remember reading somewhere that it is no good to strip skin of all it's natural lipids while washing the face, so I reckon that this Powder Wash will not be good enough to replace my Fancl Washing Powder (Fancl Washing Powder is probably the only cleanser that I keep going back to despite me trying out various other cleansers, in bid of finding better products.)

The Kose powder wash easily foams upon contact with water, but there is usually some powder bits that stick together and refuse to foam unless I rub into the powder bits to get it into contact with water. After using it a few weeks, I finally found out that the amount I was using was probably too much, so that could be the reason for the powder bits. Subsequently, this wasn't a problem for me. However, because Fancl has the foaming ball to aid in foaming, in comparison, the Sekkisei White Powder Wash is not be as foamy as Fancl.

All in all, this is an above average powder wash, but after finishing the Kose Sekkisei White Powder Wash, I went and bought myself the Fancl Washing Powder. So, the Kose Sekkisei White Powder Wash is not something I would repurchase

Rate: 4/5

Read other Kose Sekkisei Review:

• Review: Kose Sekkisei Lotion
• Review: Kose Sekkisei Emulsion
• Review: Kose Sekkisei Herbal Esthetic Whitening Mask
• Review: Kose Seikisho Mask White  

Review: DHC Mild Soap Compared to Fancl Washing Powder

DHC has been launched in Watsons stores in Singapore since the 5 Nov, and I will review the DHC mild soap, which is the second cleansing step of the olive essentials. 

This conditioning cleanser leaves skin refreshingly clean without that tight, itchy feeling. The emollient-rich lather goes to work on grime and dirt, leaving humectants to help maintain your skin’s moisture balance. This clear and simple bar—free of unnecessary colors and fragrances—works for anyone’s skin. It’s a great body cleanser, too.

My Review:

The DHC brochure recommended that a soup bowl's worth of lather/foam is ideal. However, I found great difficulty in producing one soup bowls worth of foam and I tried to produce as much foam as possible. After using the DHC mild soap, to test whether my face is totally clean, I used the Clinique Clarifying Lotion to wipe my face. Because of the lotion's mild exfoliating properties, it is able to remove any residual dirt on one's face. Usually when my face is totally clean, the cotton pad will come off as white with no yellowish stain. However, after using the DHC mild soap, the cotton pad had some yellowish residue, indicating that the DHC mild soap did not thoroughly cleanse my face well.Although this might be due to the face that I was not able to create enough foam for ideal cleansing, it is not deniable that there is great difficulty in creating foam.

New Amino Hybrid Technology formulation makes it easier and faster to create creamy and dense foam which lifts dirt and impurities more effectively and prevents dirt from redepositing onto the skin.

FACIAL WASHING POWDER has a unique Perfect Cleansing Sensor which effectively removes dirt without stripping your skin of its natural and essential moisture, leaving it soft and moist.
 

When I compare DHC to Fancl's Washing Powder, I can create foam very easily using the foaming ball for Fancl and it thoroughly cleanses my face, as tested using the Clinique Clarifying Lotion, there is no yellowish residue. But as with DHC, both are not a lazy girl's cleanser as you have to make a good dense foam to cleanse well, so not for days when you're in a rush or terribly sleepy!

One good thing about DHC mild soap is that is contains olive oil and honey, which moisturises your skin while you cleanse your face, so your face will not feel dry after cleansing. However, Fancl's washing powder also has moisture retaining properties, so there is not much difference here. My face doesn't feel tight with both cleansers

Overall, the ease of usage (foam creation) and the cleansing ability of DHC mild soap is not as good as Fancl Washing Powder. If price isn't a factor, I say purchase Fancl Washing powder instead.

Price of mild soap: $26.50for 90g
Price of Fancl washing powder: $25 for 50g

Rate (DHC): 2.5/5  Doesn't foam easily and doesn't cleanse well enough
Rate(Fancl): 4.8/5  Cleanses thoroughly and doesn't leave skin dry

Read other Fancl related posts:

• Fancl Skin Counselling Review
• Fancl Hyaluronic Premium Review
• Fancl Pore Essence Review
• Fancl Sebum Care Pack Review
• Fancl Facial services Review