Those little monsters (pimples) came to me when I was only ten years old.
Classmates poked fun of those awful red bumps on my face.
As I grew older, the condition worsens with more pimples, black & white heads, big pores and super greasy skin.
From Primary to Secondary to Junior College and then University...
They say, "Wah! Your face looks like a mirror!"
They say, "I think your face can fry KFC chicken leh!"
They say, "Your fringe like "lup" together into a glossy piece of paper!"
Although it can be disheartening at times, I thought the descriptions were pretty funny.
One thing to keep in mind, never, never let bad skin affect your confidence! It's superficial and can be cured! Smile, stand tall, choose the right products & cleanse & moisturise! :)
Disclaimer: The following reviews are just based on my own experience. Skincare products work magic on different people.
My SKIN story...
In Secondary school, I started out with many cleansers found at Watsons like Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Avene, etc. Honestly, I can't really recall the effectiveness of those products. I thought Avene was effective at the beginning but the effect didn't last long for me.
1) Shiseido's Pureness Cleanser, Softener & Moisturiser
When I started Junior College, my mummy was generous enough to sponsor me Shiseido! ^_^
A well-established Japanese brand that has more than 140 years of experience under it's belt.
Shiseido was my saviour to avoid those evil little monsters when my hormones were raging when I was a teen. I didn't buy the entire range but only the most basic products: Cleanser, Softerner & Moisturiser.
Shiseido Pureness Cleanser (150 ml) @ S$36.00
Taken from Shiseido's website-
For oily, combination and normal skin types
Liquid cleanser transforms into airy lather, gently removing pore-clogging impurities, makeup and oil that can lead to imperfections. Leaves skin silky smooth and comfortable.
TO USE:
･Press pump twice. Work into a rich lather using cool or lukewarm water. Massage over face with gentle circular motions. Rinse off thoroughly.
Shiseido Pureness Alcohol Free Softener (150 ml) @ S$38.00
Taken from Shiseido's website-
A refreshing alcohol-free lotion that brings new radiance, softness, and balance to blemish-prone skin. Lightly rehydrates and leaves skin smooth and comfortable.
･Formulated with a botanical extract, Palo Azul.
･NON-COMEDOGENIC.
TO USE:
･Apply each morning and evening after cleansing.
･Press pump 3 times to saturate a cotton pad and wipe gently over face.
Shiseido Pureness Matifying Oil-Free Moisturiser (50 ml) @ S$50.00
Taken from Shiseido's website-
A lightweight moisturizer, with oil-absorbing powder, that helps reduce surface shine as it provides exceptional hydration to skin. Feels refreshing and ultra-sheer.
･Protects the skin's natural moisture balance with Shiseido-exclusive ingredient Hydro-Balancing Complex*, containing botanical extract Palo Azul.
･NON-COMEDOGENIC.
TO USE:
･Apply each morning and evening after cleansing and balancing skin.
･Press pump 2 times and smooth gently over face.
My Experience:
PROS:
- Improved my pimple condition
- Avoid breakouts
- Another reason why I love Shiseido is the pretty free gifts they shower you with when you spend above a certain amount!
(e.g. makeup pouch, casual/formal handbags, travel set, mini makeup set and sometimes even a luggage!)
Keep a look out of the gifts they display at their counters if you are considering to purchase their products.
CONS:
- My face was still as oily & shiny
- The price can burn a big hole in your wallet.
To conclude, it helped to clear my acne prone skin from severe to not-so-bad (there were lesser pimples but my face was still oily). I used them throughout my teenage years (17-21). Currently, I am not using these products.
2) Laneige's Multi Cleanser, Power Essential Refiner, Balancing Emulsion, Water Bank Essence, Water Bank Gel Cream
Laneige is greatly raved about, especially since Korean ladies are well known for their flawless skin. I excitedly bought the whole range of the basic care set and diligently follow the instructions to use the following 5 products.
My Experience:
To my disappointment, my skin became more oily and I had a minor breakout. And so I kissed my S$240 goodbye~ >_<
I stopped using the whole range after only one week of usage. Surprisingly, when I ask other Laneige users, I am not the only one who felt the minor breakout.
However, I decided to use certain products in isolation.
My BFF uses the Multi Cleanser and she thought it cleanses well & lightly exfoliates her skin. Also, it helps in removing sun screen & make-up! (Good to use when we feel lazy to clean our face twice) However, with good genetics, my BFF's skin is originally very smooth and not oily. Personally, I prefer Shiseido's Pureness Cleanser to this.
I kept the highly recommended Water Bank Essence because my colleagues vouch the effectiveness of it. It is evident that their skin became more radiant after using it. The Water Bank Essence is believed to penetrate deep into your skin and moisturise from within, providing long lasting hydration. Hence, I gave it a try again, after cleansing my face with Phyto5 Natural pH Cleansing Gel, I used Shiseido's Pureness Softener then the Water Bank Essence and lastly Shiseido's Pureness Moisturiser.
My face does not feel as oily as it was the next morning if I do without the Water Essence. Since oil is produced due to dehydration of the skin, I guess it works pretty well for me. However, there are a handful of negative reviews on beauty forums. So I suggest that you should get a sample first before purchasing the whole bottle. Otherwise, just use the cheap & good Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel for hydration.
3) Phyto5 Natural pH Cleansing Gel
Phyto5 Natural pH Cleanser is highly recommended by my facial salon, Beautti Slim (shall blog about them soon!). It costs S$80 for a huge 400ml bottle with a pump provided. I think it would costs much cheaper if you purchase it online.
Phyt'Acid Cleansing Gel is formulated for all skin types. This exfoliating skin cleanser is pH (5.4) dermatological face and body wash to maintain the acid mantle and protect skin. Phyt'Acid Cleansing Gel creates a calming and soothing effect, especially in sensitive skin. It is anti-bacterial and provides subtle exfoliation of dead skin cells.
My Experience:
I never regret purchasing this product! I think it's the best cleanser I have ever tried. It contains Salicylic Acid which helps to prevent acne and Glycerin that prevents skin dryness and moisturises the skin. After washing, my skin feels supple and soft. Furthermore my face no longer has pimples apart from the occasional light breakout (1-2 pimples) every month due to hormonal changes. It helps to remove make up and sunscreen too!
4) Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel
When I was in Seoul, Korea, I asked the hostel staff, who happens to be a beauty magazine editor, on what skin care products I should buy. Nature Republic's Aloe Vera Soothing Gel was one of the products she highly recommended. As she was speaking, I scrutinised her face and thought that she had some make up on because it was so radiant and smooth. I was shocked to learn that she only applied the Aloe Vera gel.
My Experience:
Honestly, I think it works as good or even better than the Water Bank Essence. :X It's much cheaper and I can spam it all over my body. ^_^ Sometimes, I will just apply only this after cleansing and the next morning, my skin still feels soft and is not oily! An amazing product at such a good price! It does get a little sticky after application. But after about 5-10 mins, your skin becomes really smooth and supple.
There are many interesting ways of using this popular product I learned from other bloggers:
http://almightyturtles.blogspot.sg/2012/12/review-10-ways-to-use-nature-republic.html
To conclude, it's cheap and effective for many people! Do put it in the fridge for a nice cold cooling effect!
You can get it online or go to Bugis Street (Singapore) to purchase from those stores that sell a wide variety of Korean beauty products.
In summary...
I used to buy a whole range of products from the same brand. Thanks to my friend (SM), who attended beauty & myth lectures in NTU, she recommends that it's important to have Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Glycerin in the skin care products. Do look out for them in the products you are thinking on gambling your money on!
Now, I prefer researching for suitable products for my oily/combination skin based on the product's contents instead of just blindly purchasing.
Classmates poked fun of those awful red bumps on my face.
As I grew older, the condition worsens with more pimples, black & white heads, big pores and super greasy skin.
From Primary to Secondary to Junior College and then University...
They say, "Wah! Your face looks like a mirror!"
They say, "I think your face can fry KFC chicken leh!"
They say, "Your fringe like "lup" together into a glossy piece of paper!"
Although it can be disheartening at times, I thought the descriptions were pretty funny.
One thing to keep in mind, never, never let bad skin affect your confidence! It's superficial and can be cured! Smile, stand tall, choose the right products & cleanse & moisturise! :)
Disclaimer: The following reviews are just based on my own experience. Skincare products work magic on different people.
My SKIN story...
In Secondary school, I started out with many cleansers found at Watsons like Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Avene, etc. Honestly, I can't really recall the effectiveness of those products. I thought Avene was effective at the beginning but the effect didn't last long for me.
1) Shiseido's Pureness Cleanser, Softener & Moisturiser
When I started Junior College, my mummy was generous enough to sponsor me Shiseido! ^_^
A well-established Japanese brand that has more than 140 years of experience under it's belt.
Shiseido was my saviour to avoid those evil little monsters when my hormones were raging when I was a teen. I didn't buy the entire range but only the most basic products: Cleanser, Softerner & Moisturiser.
Shiseido Pureness Cleanser (150 ml) @ S$36.00
Taken from Shiseido's website-
For oily, combination and normal skin types
Liquid cleanser transforms into airy lather, gently removing pore-clogging impurities, makeup and oil that can lead to imperfections. Leaves skin silky smooth and comfortable.
TO USE:
･Press pump twice. Work into a rich lather using cool or lukewarm water. Massage over face with gentle circular motions. Rinse off thoroughly.
Shiseido Pureness Alcohol Free Softener (150 ml) @ S$38.00
Taken from Shiseido's website-
A refreshing alcohol-free lotion that brings new radiance, softness, and balance to blemish-prone skin. Lightly rehydrates and leaves skin smooth and comfortable.
･Formulated with a botanical extract, Palo Azul.
･NON-COMEDOGENIC.
TO USE:
･Apply each morning and evening after cleansing.
･Press pump 3 times to saturate a cotton pad and wipe gently over face.
Taken from Shiseido's website-
A lightweight moisturizer, with oil-absorbing powder, that helps reduce surface shine as it provides exceptional hydration to skin. Feels refreshing and ultra-sheer.
･Protects the skin's natural moisture balance with Shiseido-exclusive ingredient Hydro-Balancing Complex*, containing botanical extract Palo Azul.
･NON-COMEDOGENIC.
TO USE:
･Apply each morning and evening after cleansing and balancing skin.
･Press pump 2 times and smooth gently over face.
My Experience:
PROS:
- Improved my pimple condition
- Avoid breakouts
- Another reason why I love Shiseido is the pretty free gifts they shower you with when you spend above a certain amount!
(e.g. makeup pouch, casual/formal handbags, travel set, mini makeup set and sometimes even a luggage!)
Keep a look out of the gifts they display at their counters if you are considering to purchase their products.
CONS:
- My face was still as oily & shiny
- The price can burn a big hole in your wallet.
2) Laneige's Multi Cleanser, Power Essential Refiner, Balancing Emulsion, Water Bank Essence, Water Bank Gel Cream
Laneige is greatly raved about, especially since Korean ladies are well known for their flawless skin. I excitedly bought the whole range of the basic care set and diligently follow the instructions to use the following 5 products.
Laneige's Multi Cleanser - All Skin Types (180ml) @ S$33.00
Laneige's Power Essential Refiner - Light (200 ml) @ S$45.00
Laneige's Balancing Emulsion - Light (120 ml) @ S$45.00
Laneige's Water Bank Essence (60 ml) @ S$65.00
Laneige's Water Bank Gel Cream (50 ml) @ S$52.00
To my disappointment, my skin became more oily and I had a minor breakout. And so I kissed my S$240 goodbye~ >_<
I stopped using the whole range after only one week of usage. Surprisingly, when I ask other Laneige users, I am not the only one who felt the minor breakout.
However, I decided to use certain products in isolation.
My BFF uses the Multi Cleanser and she thought it cleanses well & lightly exfoliates her skin. Also, it helps in removing sun screen & make-up! (Good to use when we feel lazy to clean our face twice) However, with good genetics, my BFF's skin is originally very smooth and not oily. Personally, I prefer Shiseido's Pureness Cleanser to this.
I kept the highly recommended Water Bank Essence because my colleagues vouch the effectiveness of it. It is evident that their skin became more radiant after using it. The Water Bank Essence is believed to penetrate deep into your skin and moisturise from within, providing long lasting hydration. Hence, I gave it a try again, after cleansing my face with Phyto5 Natural pH Cleansing Gel, I used Shiseido's Pureness Softener then the Water Bank Essence and lastly Shiseido's Pureness Moisturiser.
My face does not feel as oily as it was the next morning if I do without the Water Essence. Since oil is produced due to dehydration of the skin, I guess it works pretty well for me. However, there are a handful of negative reviews on beauty forums. So I suggest that you should get a sample first before purchasing the whole bottle. Otherwise, just use the cheap & good Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel for hydration.
3) Phyto5 Natural pH Cleansing Gel
Phyt'Acid Cleansing Gel is formulated for all skin types. This exfoliating skin cleanser is pH (5.4) dermatological face and body wash to maintain the acid mantle and protect skin. Phyt'Acid Cleansing Gel creates a calming and soothing effect, especially in sensitive skin. It is anti-bacterial and provides subtle exfoliation of dead skin cells.
My Experience:
I never regret purchasing this product! I think it's the best cleanser I have ever tried. It contains Salicylic Acid which helps to prevent acne and Glycerin that prevents skin dryness and moisturises the skin. After washing, my skin feels supple and soft. Furthermore my face no longer has pimples apart from the occasional light breakout (1-2 pimples) every month due to hormonal changes. It helps to remove make up and sunscreen too!
4) Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel
My Experience:
Honestly, I think it works as good or even better than the Water Bank Essence. :X It's much cheaper and I can spam it all over my body. ^_^ Sometimes, I will just apply only this after cleansing and the next morning, my skin still feels soft and is not oily! An amazing product at such a good price! It does get a little sticky after application. But after about 5-10 mins, your skin becomes really smooth and supple.
There are many interesting ways of using this popular product I learned from other bloggers:
http://almightyturtles.blogspot.sg/2012/12/review-10-ways-to-use-nature-republic.html
To conclude, it's cheap and effective for many people! Do put it in the fridge for a nice cold cooling effect!
You can get it online or go to Bugis Street (Singapore) to purchase from those stores that sell a wide variety of Korean beauty products.
In summary...
I used to buy a whole range of products from the same brand. Thanks to my friend (SM), who attended beauty & myth lectures in NTU, she recommends that it's important to have Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Glycerin in the skin care products. Do look out for them in the products you are thinking on gambling your money on!
Now, I prefer researching for suitable products for my oily/combination skin based on the product's contents instead of just blindly purchasing.
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