Thursday, July 11, 2019

[Sunscreen Review] Lagom Cellus Sun Gel SPF50 PA+++

(Use coupon at checkout C10T190S3 for 5% off
Verdict: 10/10
Repurchase: Probably during discounts. ^^
Lagom Cellus Sun Gel
A while back, I got my hands on the most expensive sunscreen I have ever used in my routine from BBCosmetic, which is this Lagom Cellus Sun Gel. Retailing at a whooping $27 (It's since reduced to $26) on the site, with the prices I've seen elsewhere being mostly higher. You can use my affiliated code C10T190S3 will get you and extra 5% off at the checkout page. 
This is a lightweight facial sunscreen with great absorbability and a matte finish that claims to be perfect for keeping skin moisturized with a list of beneficial ingredients in addition for the sun protection it provides. It comes highly recommended by the BB Cosmetic team and was sent to me in exchange for an honest review, but all thoughts are my own, as always. According to the description, it's a dermatologically tested broad spectrum SPF 50+, PA+++ refreshing sunblock that soothes and protects the skin. It also provides hydration and is a moist sunscreen gel that forms a UV screen. 

Ingredients 

This product comes with a pretty long list of ingredients and contain alcohol as the third ingredient, so if you're sensitive to that, then you should probably not go for it. It's also a chemical sunscreen, which means it would leave less of a white cast as compared to physical sunscreens. 
Running the ingredients through the cosdna is a pretty satisfying experience seeing as most of the ingredients don't appear to be irritants or acne-triggers except for the alcohol denat and sorbitan oleate. 
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol Denat., Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 80,1,2-Hexanediol, BHT, Sodium Hydroxide, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Sorbitan Oleate, Disodium EDTA, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Rose Flower Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Betaine, Taurine, Inositol, Styrax Benzoin Gum, Commiphora Myrrha Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate.

Packaging


The product comes in a squeeze bottle with a twist cap that is easy to put back on. The narrow nozzle makes sure I'm not getting more product that I'm keen on using. 

Texture and Fragrance

The texture sinks in very easily and does not leave a white cast like most physical sunscreens tend to do. The scent is mild and for the most part, almost non-existent. I find that it applies smoothly over moisturizer and while it doesn't dry matte, which is what I prefer for my sunscreens, it also doesn't leave a sticky finish. Somewhere in between, where it feels more like I'm applying merely a second layer of moisturizer. 

Performance
I tried this product in two different weather conditions. First, in the hot and humid Malaysian weather, and then again in the cold winter in Japan. In both instances, it had been absolutely perfect. As I mentioned earlier, it doesn't dry matte, nor does it leave a tacky sensation after. This means I can wear it in the hot and humid Malaysian weather without feeling like I'm sweating out of my skin and inversely, I can use it in the cold and dry Japan weather without feeling like my skin is going to crack. There's no white cast for this too, which is great because I find a lot of sunscreens leave my skin like I'm the cast of the Walking Dead. 
I have yet to find a sunscreen that plays well with my skin. While I love the matte finish that the Biore sunscreen gives me, it also leaves behind cc's that takes forever to heal. The tradeoff just isn't fair. :( Biore has since reformulated their sunscreen, so now not only do they cause cc's, they also don't dry matte anymore. It's all sorts of disappointing. 
While most people seem to find this matte, my oily skin saw this as it's opportunity to shine through and it wasn't matte for me at all. The Lagom sunscreen has a pretty steep price at $26 for a 50ml amount, but I do think the price is warranted, at least for me, since I have yet to find a sunscreen that plays well with my skin. Worth a try if you're looking at sunscreens and doesn't mind the price tag. 
(Use coupon at checkout C10T190S3 for 5% off
Verdict: 10/10
Repurchase: Probably during discounts. ^^
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Sunday, April 21, 2019

[Review] Enydro Skincare Blemish Cream

 Price: S$69
[Received in exchange for an honest review from Enydro Skincare]

Brand & Product

Enydro Skincare (www.enydroskincare.com) is a Singaporean skincare brand that focuses on the development of pure and natural dermatological grade skincare for sensitive skin. Their products aim to help customers regain or maintain healthy skin.

I received the Enydro Skincare Blemish Essence  in exchange for an honest review from the company and have been trying it for two weeks now.

The Blemish Essence is a product that is aimed towards healing pigmentation spots caused by sun exposure. It contains active anti-pigmentation ingredients which can remove stubborn pigment spots and prevent recurrence. It's a 15ml product and according to the description in their official page, can reduce skin pigmentation effectively in 120 days.


Packaging and Directions

The packaging on this product is very luxurious. The silver tube has a hefty weight to it, which surprised me a little, to be honest, seeing as there is only 15ml of product as stated on the bottle. Still, I'm not complaining. At S$69 per bottle, I would be disappointed if it came in anything less than it did.

The bottle is kept within box that is wrapped in a layer of plastic. The bottle itself is a fancy-looking thing. The cover pops off and each pump from the bottle gives a decent amount of product. Perhaps a little too much product, I do think, since there's only 15ml and it's $69, so it wouldn't last very long. The nozzle is a little hard to control, so every pump ends up giving the user a good amount. Perhaps a little improvement on this would be better for the future.


Directions and Texture

Directions simply say to cleanse the skin and pat dry. Then, apply Blemish Essence generously on affected area once or twice a day.

That's a frequent application for something that's only 15ml. If reduction of pigmentation is only seen after 120 days, then I'm a little worried about how it long this would last and how many bottles you'd end up going through. However, it does say only to apply to affected areas, so not that much is needed, possibly? If only the nozzle would dispense the right amount of product. Every time I try to get a pump, I end up with way too much, which can get a little frustrating especially as the product doesn't come cheap at all. 
The texture of this cream is thick with a bb-cream-like consistency. It smells a little like bb-cream too. It's an odd scent, to be honest, but thankfully the cream sinks in perfectly well.

Ingredients:


The number of good ingredients in this skincare is really impressive. There's an entire list of their website with why each ingredient is added. Running them through cosdna doesn't show anything particularly alarming except for the kojic acid, which is for whitening and rates a 6-7. Everything else is good though.

Ingredients: Water, glycerine, squalene, capric triglyceride, tranexamic acid, methyl glucose sesquistearate, PEG-20 Methyl sesquistearate, sodium hyaluronate, propanediol, hydrogenated lecithin, allantoin, capryl glycol, carbomer, arbutin, kojic acid, ascorbic acid, nicotamide, acetyle tetrapeptide-9.

Ingredients are listed based on the highest percentage to the least.

There are a bunch of great ingredients in the list and I particularly enjoy how they managed to break down almost all the ingredients in the list alongside their purported benefits in their official website. There are several ingredients that aims at brightening and whitening the skin, including tranexamic acid (skin-conditioning agent and astringent to reduce skin discoloration and stubborn dark patches), arbutin (lightens and improves skin color), kojic acid (improves pigmentation), vitamin c (lighten's pigments and acts as antioxidant to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals), and nicotamide (reduce skin discoloration). 

In addition, several ingredients are added to lock in moisture and simulate healing, such as acetyl tetrapeptide-9 for plumper skin, squalene for retaining moisture, allatoin for healing and glycerin for moisture retention. Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin are both also present to increase skin firmness and diminish fine lines. Propanedoil acts as humectant, emollient, skin penetration enhancer, and solvent. 

Performance



With so many awesome ingredients, I was excited to get started on trying this. The texture of this is a little odd, to be honest. It has a thick consistency and looks sort of like a bb cream. Unfortunately, the day I started this was also the same day my cleanser ran out and I also introduced a new cleanser. I broke out. :( I was worried that this was the culprit at first, but the moment I stopped using the new Laneige cleanser, I stopped breaking out, so I reintroduced this and I was fine.

I guess the blemish cream couldn't have come at a more opportune time because it helped deal with the new breakouts caused by the cleanser. The description says it would reduce skin pigmentation in 120 days, but I find that it's just as effective in healing my new breakouts within days. Works like magic. The only thing that would put me off is the price tag. At $69 for a measly 15ml, I would hesitate to repurchase.

If you're keen on purchasing the product for yourself, they have a twinpack available for $118 available on their website here: https://www.enydroskincare.com/product-page/blemish-essence . 

Saturday, January 19, 2019

[Cosrx Review] Cosrx Green Hero Calming Pad Review with Wynora.com

Price: RM72 
Verdict: 10/10
Repurchase: Yes! This thing is magic!

Brand & Product 

A few weeks ago, Kimberly, the social media manager of Wynora contacted me and asked if I was interested in trying out a new product that Cosrx has come up with, which is the Cosrx One Step Green Hero Calming Pad. It has been a while since I tried a new skincare product, mostly because I noticed that sticking with a routine that works for me have been better for my skin. 

I've always been a big fan of Cosrx products though, and this particular pad is recommended for all skin types but is particularly good for sensitive skin as it has been undergone skin hypersensitivity test. It's also suitable for hot, humid weather and has very, very mild exfoliating properties due to the 0.25 PHA included.

I've been looking to delve back into skincare again and what better way to revive it than with the brand that started me down the rabbit hole of Asian Skincare? Cosrx is one of the first products I've ever tried and reviewed. Cosrx is a no-nonsense skincare brand from Korea that focuses on proven ingredients, good formulation and affordable prices. They've been coming up with more new products recently and the Cosrx One Step Green Hero Calming Pad is a toner-soaked pad that works to replace the toner step. 

I received this from Wynora.com in exchange for an honestly review, but all thoughts are my own, as always. It is RM72 for a pack of 70 pads, but they're currently having a promotion for 10% off right now so it's RM65. Plus they're including a free gift of pad samples AND due to the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays, they're offering extra discounts and who doesn't love discounts, right? ^^

Also, code LOVECOSRX gets you 10% off all Cosrx products on www.wynora.com until 28th February. Signing up also gets you RM15 off all brands when you spend RM150 an above. 

Shipping from Wynora took about 3 days from West Malaysia to East Malaysia with free shipping for purchases up to RM80 if you're in West Malaysia and RM150 for East Malaysians like me.

Anyways, I love, love this Calming Pad. True to it's name, it really does 'calm' my skin and I'll show you why in a bit. First, let's look at what it's made of... 

Packaging & Directions


This came in a hard plastic jar with a screw-on lid. It arrived with a seal on it, which keeps the product fresh until you're ready to use it. The jar is pretty adorable, with Mr Rx (the mascot for Cosrx) on the cover lid. 

I thought this would've came with a spatula to help take the individual pads out, but it turned out to be unnecessary. To take it out, I just pinch the topmost layer between my thumb and forefinger. ^^

Directions: This product is  meant to use at the toner step by patting gently on the skin after the cleansing step, avoiding the eyes. It's meant to be used once of twice a day. 

Personally, I use it once in the morning and once again at night. Some mornings, I would just cleanse with water, and then wipe my face with the pad, which works too! ^^ 

Ingredients


Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Artemisia Princeps Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Lactobionic Acid, Maltodextrin, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Glycerine, Arginine, Allantoin, Asiaticoside, Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Menthyl Lactate, Mentha Haplocalix Extract.
Ingredients are super lovely, so let's look at it one by one: 

75% Green Tea: Green Tea has many benefits for skin, including anti-aging, soothing, and improving the appearance of sun-damaged skin. I'm pleased that they've forgone water and instead chose to go with this green tea water instead, which makes for three quarters of the product. For your information, you can use pure green tea that you drink as a DIY face mask. This just happens to have green tea and a whole bunch of other products that is good for your skin. 

Dandelion leaf extract: Dandelion is used for it's skin soothing and barrier strengtening properties. It also includes Vitamin A, C, and E, which are powerful antioxidants that can protect the skin from damage. It also works to calm inflammation, the last of which I can attest to further below. 

Centella Asiatica Extract: I absolutely adore Centella. So much so that I have a bottle of pure centella liquid that I used to deal with breakouts. Centella is hailed as a hydrating skin-saver and is probably more familiar to most as 'cica'. According to Paula's Choice, Centella Asiatica has proven benefits to the skin due to it's active compounds, including madecassoside. It is a particularly good hydrating ingredient to sooth upset or compromised skin. 

Virginia Unicorn Extract: What a fancy-sounding name. This is an extract of Aletris Farinosa, also called true unicorn or white stargrass. It's a perennial herb native to North America and has it's name due to the flower's appearance that is not unlike a Unicorn's horn. It has skin soothing and brightening properties.  

Tea Tree Leaf Extract: Tea tree is another ingredient I love. Tea tree is able to soothe and heal blemishes and is a natural antibacterial. Tea tree oil can also be used on it's own (once diluted properly) to disinfect pores and dry out whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and other blemishes. Used incorrectly and it could actually dry out skin though, so I've never attempted using just pure tea tree oil. Best leave that to the professionals. I'll just get products with tea tree extract, thank you. ^^ 

Mugwort Extract: Mugwort helps to make the skin healthier and smoother. Some of you may be familiar with mugwort because it's also taken to treat irregular periods and other menstrual problems. 

If you can't tell already by now, there's a whole bunch of awesome ingredients in this. There's also things that may be triggering though. For example, some people with more sensitive skin may react badly to the Butylene Glycol, which is a potential acne trigger. There's also Menthyl Lactate at the very end, which is essentially mint. It's what causes the cooling sensation on the skin right after using. Some people seem to react badly to this though, so take of it what you will. 

Texture and Fragrance 



The pad has two sides to it, a textured side and a softer side. There's not really instructions I could find anywhere to let me know which side to use, so I sort of went with my mood with this one. When I think my skin can handle it, I used the textured side. When I think I've done a good enough job cleansing and doesn't want to irritate my skin further, I used the softer side. XD Or I'd just use both. Hopefully there's no wrong way to go about this. 

In terms of fragrance, despite the mint and all the flowery extracts in the pads, I couldn't really smell anything. Not even when I sniff it close to my nose like a weird tracking dog. 

Performance


Oh my god. This thing is magic. Not on my face though. Like I mentioned in the beginning, I've been lucky that I found a routine that works and haven't been suffering much breakouts. I have, however, been suffering from dry skin on my arms and legs. Dry, flaky skin that is inflammed and itchy. It's all sorts of gross. >< I have yet to figure out the common denominator for these other than the fact that mosquito bites are the source. 

When I got the soothing pads, I thought to myself, "My face doesn't need much soothing right now, but my arm sure does..." and then, "Why not use it on my arm too?" After wiping my face and neck with the pad, I will swipe it over my arm where the inflammation is. 

I started using the product on Monday and this is what it looks like on Thursday morning: 
Different lighting for maximum effectiveness! >.< Honestly though, I used the same phone. I don't understand why the first picture managed to capture all my imperfections and hurt my ego so much.
This is the fastest recovery for these sort of inflammation on my arm yet! If you squint, you can sort of see a little bit of skin flaking around the circle, but it's nowhere near as bad as when I started on Monday. Usually it takes more than a week to get to this stage, after which it will start to get itchy and relapse and the flaking will come back with full force. I'm on day 6 and it looks to be healing beautifully.

Ahh, I'm so happy. 

So, based on my experience with my scaly arm, I think this might be really great for those of you with dry, flaking skin. The result isn't instantaneous, but it works. On my face, it's soothing and I kind of notice (quite late) that the pimple that's been trying to make an appearance on my chin has sort of went away, which is awesome. ^^ It has a lot of awesome ingredients and is pretty awesome itself. 10/10. Will buy again.

...

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