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: Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner_EX

Product Benefits
A highly functional toner that regulates the skin's renewal rate and allows moisture and vital nutrients to penetrate deeply into the layers of the skin. Skin is clearer with a brighter and more even tone. Contains Himalayan Rhododendron, Alpine Epilobium, Himalaya Snow Water and willow bark extract to fight free radicals, sealing in moisture and gently exfoliate and soothe skin.
Formulated with Bio-Dusali™ for optimum skin renewal and hydration
(credit: Laneige.com.sg)

My review:
I like this Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner_EX as it combines both a toner (second step of Clinique three step system) and a lotion (the kind you find in Japanese skincare routines).

This Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner_EX acts as a toner because it has properties to gently exfoliate skin ( you can also enhance exfoliation by the using cotton pads) and hence regulate skin's renewal rate. According to the BA, the willow bark extract acts as a mild BHA to exfoliate the skin. I also liked that it didn't smell strongly of alcohol.

The Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner_EX also left my skin sufficiently hydrated. After using this Skin Refiner, I didn't immediately follow with a serum or moisturiser but just sat there testing whether my skin was hydrated enough not to feel tight or dry, and it didn't.

The Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner_EX has a texture of a very light serum. It is almost similar to Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturising Lotion, except that the Laneige one has a stronger fragrance.

The fragrance is the only thing I didn't like about this product. The smell is pleasant enough but I wished it wasn't that strong.

All in all, I like that this Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner_EX provides the exfoliating benefits of a toner and the hydrating effects of a lotion. It would have been better if the smell wasn't so strong.

My Skincare Haul: Muji, Garnier, Renew

My next Skincare Haul. I have been buying a lot of skincare products recently. I think it's the Christmas season and that gives me excuses to buy more skincare products. 

MUJI Cleansing Oil

 I have been reading good thing about this cleansing oil and since my Hada Labo Makeup Remover was about to finish, I decided to try this next. Since many people compare MUJI with Fancl and Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils, I thought I's give this one a try too. The price is cheaper too at S$13 for 200ml.

Garnier Pure Active Roll-on for Blemishes

 Niu Er introduced this on the 20/12/2010 episode of Nu Ren Wo Zui Da (a Taiwanese beauty programme) and I went to Watsons to get one the next day. The selling point of this pimple roll-on gel is the 2% Salicylic Acid, which is a BHA that will help not only in drying up the pimple, but also to boost skin turnover via exfoliation so that the pimple scar fades faster. It has a high alcohol content and with the metal ball roll-on, it feels cool on touch. I think the metal ball design does not seem that hygienic but I wanted to try the 2% salicylic acid. There is a discount now so the price was $15.90.
Update: My review here.

Renew Rosehip Oil

 If you've been reading my blog, last year was when I was really into Rosehip Oil. Rosehip Oils contain high essential fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene. The Vitamin A also has anti-aging properties. Rosehip Oil helps heal scars, wrinkles and skin cell repair. I did not see any changes in my wrinkle when I used this but I do believe in the beneficial components RHOs contain. Will be adding this to my night time skincare. (I mentioned before that I prefer Trilogy rosehip oil, but Trilogy is only sold at selected Watsons and I didn't see it the last time I was at Ngee Ann City or Raffles City Watsons, so I'm not sure if they're still around. I got Renew as it is available at most Watsons.)

Renew Hydrating Mist Toner

When I got the rosehip oil, I bought this as well as I thought it smelled nice. The ingredients were mainly water, rose water and chamomile extract, so it seemed quite soothing. I am not expecting any effects with this product, I just got it to use together with the rosehip oil. A spray like Avene Thermal Spring Water wold work just as well.

Review: Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2

Product Information (from clinique.com)

Step 2: Clarifying Lotion 

The difference-maker. Exfoliates to bring brighter, smoother skin to the surface. A gentle tingle tells you it's working. Apply Clarifying Lotion with a cotton ball after cleansing with Clinique Facial soap. Sweep gently over face and neck, avoiding eye area and lips. Available in five different strengths, one for every skin type

I have mentioned this Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 quite a few times on this blog as I have been using this for the past one year. The bottle lasted me a long time, so it made the price tag quite worth while since you only need a little each time. I bought this at the duty free shop at around S$43, I'm not sure what the retail price is.

Clinique claims this to be an exfoliating lotion but I don't see which ingredient really exfoliates. But I do believe that it does clean the skin well because I always know when my cleanser underperformed when I see yellowish stains on my cotton pad after cleansing. I did, however, see salicylic acid in Lotions 3 and 4. Salicylic acid is a BHA and an effective exfoliant, but since those two are supposedly for oilier skin types, I don't think i will be trying them.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion vs Clarifying Moisture Lotion
This toner contains witch hazel, which is an astringent and some say witch hazel has anti-oxidant properties. This Clarifying Lotion also contains a high alcohol content. I find it amusing that sales assistants actually have this common excuse that the higher ups probably taught them to teach customers when they ask about the alcohol content - they claim it is medical-grade alcohol, which is okay for the skin. We all know that alcohol is drying but I bought this Clarifying Lotion instead of the Clarifying Moisture Lotion as the SAs uniformly claim it has better exfoliating properties than the Clarifying Moisture Lotion (I plan to get the Clinique Clarifying Moisture Lotion the next time I travel - it contains more natural ingredients and does not contain alcohol).

Effects
As mentioned, it cleans off any remaining dirt and oil off very well. I always know when that my skin is not clean when I see yellowish stain on the cotton pad and when I test with another new cotton pad and the Clarifying Lotion, it remains white. It works as it claims and that is a good thing, in my book.

It caused redness and stinging for the first one or two weeks but my skin was used to it after that and I didn't experience any sensitivity. It didn't dry out my skin, but I will be switching to the Clarifying Moisture Lotion next to avoid the high alcohol content as I find it a tad harsh.

This Clinique Clarifying Lotion contains menthol, which can be an irritant, but it didn't irritate my skin. I kind of liked the cooling after-feel.

When I read reviews of this toner online, I saw reviews at the two extreme ends. People either love it or hate it. I think it is a matter of choosing what suits your skin. I got samples from the counter and also asked the same questions at different counters, which is why I found their generic answer silly when we all know what alcohol does to the skin. I think the Clinique Clarifying Lotion can be a bit harsh if you have sensitive skin, try it out before buying. The SAs are generally okay with giving out samples if you say you have sensitive skin.

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: La Mer The Radiant Infusion

Product information (from La Mer website):

This high-potency treatment infuses the skin with a cascade of activity to deliver extreme radiance, clarity, pore-minimizing and tone on demand.

The Radiant Infusion's vital ingredients - ionizing sea salts, Radiant Ferments and super anti-oxidants - are suspended within a radical, fluid architecture. Expanding and contracting as necessary, the mesh-like sea gel works with La Mer's exclusive Deconstructed Waters™ to deliver extraordinary activity.

Immediately, skin looks bright and refreshed. Pores that may have lost their integrity look tightened and refined, toning the skin's appearance. A natural source of electrolytes essential to the body's well-being, ionizing sea salts work in The Radiant Infusion to release a flood of beneficial negative ions, immediately energizing the skin and awakening a healthy, more vital and luminous appearance.

Augmented with La Mer's exclusive Lime Tea and a super anti-oxidant cocktail, a combination of Radiant Ferments works to prevent the appearance of future discoloration, helping skin discover a refreshed, renewed, radiant life.

My Review:

I didn't think that this product worked wonders for me. The product description said skin looks bright and radiant immediately but that did not happen for me. Despite finishing the bottle, it still did not look like my pores were minimised. I thought that this La Mer Radiant Infusion was like an expensive additional step that did little for me. I did appreciate that there are anti-oxidants in The Radiant Infusion, which are always a good thing to have in any product.

This product supposedly is a pre-serum step. And I think it works to boost the performance of the serum/creme but I also think it has some astringent properties due to the alcohol.

This product has alcohol denat as the third ingredient, so those concerned with alcohol or with sensitive skin should not choose this product. I have experienced some redness when my skin is more sensitive than usual. The Hydrating Infusion will be a more recommended product if you have sensitive skin.

The price of La Mer The Radiant Infusion is $195 and I thought that the effects didn't match the price tag. I think I might have gotten more out of a serum of the same price. I doubt I will purchase this again.

Review: Niu Er BeautyDIY Job's Tear & Licorice Water Brightening Treatment 薏仁甘草美白化妝水

The Niu Er BeautyDIY Job's Tear & Licorice Water Brightening Treatment 薏仁甘草美白化妝水 is one of the consistent best selling products from BeautyDIY. I heard of people raving this product so I decided to purchase this product a while back just to see what the hype was about.

Product Information:
This product contains Job's Tear and licorice extracts both of which are known for their whitening properties. Licorice also has a soothing effect on skin. This lotion also has some moisturising properties and claims to be able to revive tired skin and make it more radiant. Consistent use can help whiten and brighten skin and also allows for skincare products used after this lotion to absorb better.

My review:

I think one thing that characterises BeautyDIY products is that they usually do not contain long lists of chemicals as you would find in BioBeauty products, both skincare lines of Niu Er. So this Job's Tear & Licorice Water Brightening Treatment is not a complicated product without a long list of ingredients. But the most important question is whether it works?

I am not impressed by the Job's Tear & Licorice Water Brightening Treatment. I find that it did not have much whitening effects on my skin even after finishing the bottle. I not only use it as a lotion but also as a lotion mask. I saturate my pill mask with this product and the BeautyDIY Herbal Whitening Complex N. This makes a wonderfully light water-based mask, which did not leave any stickiness behind, and made my skin saturated with moisture.

So the pill mask method is the only way I enjoyed this product and also made my usage quicker than the daily swipe with a cotton wool saturated with the product. Using it as a lotion mask also helps to concentrate a higher amount of the product into my skin. And since it is water based, it did not cause any breakouts. In fact, this is one of the recommended usage of the BeautyDIY Herbal Whitening Complex N.

That said, although I enjoyed the lotion mask because it did not cause stickiness yet moisturised my skin, the main property of this product is a whitening/brightening treatment. I did not experience whitening effects, which was a disappointment since it is their best selling product. Their Job's Tear & Licorice Maximum UV Liquid SPF50/PA+++ from the same range was a disappointment as well.

If you would like a good whitening lotion, Kose Sekkisei Lotion would be a much better (although more expensive) alternative.

Price: NT199. (I bought mine from a spree. Kindly note that I do not conduct sprees. I only review products.)

Review: Kose Sekkisei Lotion

I have used 2 bottles of the Kose Sekkisei Lotion, which isn't usual as I usually product hop and try other products after finishing one. So the Kose Sekkisei Lotion is one of the few products that I have re-purchased.

The Kose Sekkisei Lotion has been around since 1985 and still adored by many around the world. A product that can survive in the competitive cosmetics market, with plenty of other brands which reinvent their products and produce new products yearly, must be doing something right.

The Kose sekkisei lotion is not exactly the Western equivalent of a toner as it serves different functions as, perhaps, Clinique Clarifying Lotion, which completes your cleansing step and further exfoliates skin. The Sekkisei lotion is more of a pre-moisturising step, prepping your skin to receive the benefits of your serum and moisturiser. So the concentration of the Sekkisei lotion, I think, is not strong enough as a whitening serum which can effectively whiten your skin, but I think that it does improve skin texture and provide moisture.

I like it as a lotion mask, by soaking a pill mask in the lotion and using it as a mask. It moisturises really well and yet spares me from stickiness that sheet masks tend to have. The Kose website claims that using the lotion mask ups your moisture level 10 times higher. I'm not sure about the part on 10 times but it does do its job well.

The thing about Kose Sekkisei lotion is that it contains alcohol (second ingredient) and some people are concerned that alcohol will dry out the skin in the long run, yet the sekkisei lotion is purported to increase moisture. It's a bit contradictory in some sense, but I am not one that is averse to products containing alcohol, and I feel that the alcohol together with the use of cotton pad when using the product is helpful in lifting away some dead skin cells and any leftover dirt on the skin.

My verdict:
It is a very easily absorbed product, and after using 2 bottles of the Sekkisei Lotion, I have grown to like it as a mask as well. In terms of whitening, I think that using it as a mask has more whitening effects, but this lotion is more of a product that I use for moisture and the whitening is an added bonus. I also like that Kose Sekkisei line uses herbal ingredients as their whitening ingredients, a nice difference from the chemical alternatives in other brands. I can't say that this is my holy grail product as I will be moving onto SK-II Facial Treatment Essence but if I do end up wanting to return to the Kose Sekkisei Lotion then I will then say that it is indeed one of my favourite products. I am currently using the Kose Sekkisei Emulsion as well and sadly, I can't say that it's as good as the lotion. I guess that's why the lotion is so popular for so many years.

Rate: 4.5/5   Good product for moisture and whitening, great as a mask.

Price: Around $82 for 200ml, $121 for 360ml

Read other related reviews of Kose Sekkisei:

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