{Quick Review} - Biore Pore Pack Black

Ladies, some update from my PORE CARE regime!

Since I’m running out my Laneige Pore Strip, I decide to give Biore Pore Pack Black another shot. Those who follow me know that I mentioned previously review here that I tried this product before but it wasn’t effective at all.

But this time I decided to use my Laneige Melting Gel prior to this.  Voila! It works! J

Laneige Melting Gel is certainly my MUST-HAVE too!

As PROMISE- Visible results on black sheet!

As PROMISE- Visible results on black sheet! (Different angle).
I definitely have my own population of blackheads/whiteheads.

 

Pro

·        It’s definitely economical than Laneige Pore Strip.

Biore Pore Pack Black cost me only less than $5.00 for 10 strips whereas Laneige Pore Strip cost me a whopping $15.00 for 10 strips.

·        It’s easily available in supermarkets, pharmacies, departmental stores.

You can only buy Laneige Pore Strip only from selected departmental stores and Laneige boutiques.

·        The whiteheads/ blackheads are easily visible on black strip.

·        One of the selling point is if the strip has been left too long than the recommended time, we can wet the Pore Pack thoroughly with water and then slowly peel it off.

Cons

·        Not so time-effective. It takes more than 15 minutes (around 20 minutes plus) before the strip dry out. Although on the packaging it claims only need 10-15 minutes.

·        Beside the drying process requires longer time, I realized that I must also stay in a dry place (best in air conditioning room). I tried at 2 different locations; in the toilet room and in my bedroom. The latter location works better (however I didn’t have any issue for Laneige Pore Strip – it dries even in the toilet).

·        Not so gentle to skin. It’s quite painful process when peeling off the strip (It could be because I leave it too long on my nose, but what can I do? The product takes longer time to dry then the recommended time).

And again I didn’t have any issue with Laneige Pore Strip.

Personally I find Biore Pore Pack Black is relatively not a bad product, but if you have sensitive skin, I won’t recommend this product to you – this product can be a little too harsh for your skin.

Will I repurchase it again?

I wouldn’t rule out this brand anymore however I might need to try other Biore Pore Pack (the white strip) before I could decide which one to purchase soon (I might need to stock up this product just in case the product is not available in Doha). So stay tuned for my next quick review on Biore Pore Pack soon.

It’s after all a pocket-friendly product J



I decided to try the product on my chin as well
(where all my whiteheads's hidding place!)
but it failed!

  

The strip from my chin - nothing here!
Just showing this for fun, LOL!



Have you guys try Biore Pore Pack Black and what do you guys think about this product?

Love, Shantz

My Blog has a NEW name!

I have decided to re-name my blog:

 “3C's: Cookies, Curvy and a Chronicle”

(I started my with “snippets of my journey” then to “daily dose of my diary”)

Why “3Cs: cookies,curvy and a chronicle”?

Personally I feel that a child is like a COOKIE; tough on the outside and yet soft in the inside, cookie can be addictive (you could never ever get bored when you’re with your child), the baking process may be easy, but to bake a perfect cookie may takes time and few round of experiments (teaching a child may seem an easy task but getting him/her to sit for just a good 5-minutes could be a challenge OR to get him/her interested in what we’re going to teach could be a headache too), the softness of the cookies may depend on how long it is baked (to build character in a child, one must start educating him/her the difference between right and wrong from a young age).

To me “CURVY” just means A WOMAN in general. All women have curves even if they’re thin with small boobs and small butts. We’re just so much different than a man; they don’t have a shape as far as women have the curves. That’s what makes us a woman. Women are beautiful whether they are "curvy" or not, fat or thin.  Most important, you need to learn LOVE YOUSELF. Only then, you will be able to live your life to the fullest!

And keeping A JOURNAL is like keeping a catalog of my memories. Over time, our memories become an irreplaceable treasure that can be looked at years from now, by me, or, maybe by my children. By journaling I will capture not only my life, but also the lives of all the people that surround me. I’m also creating a record, and with that record in hand it is easier to see patterns, changes, and shifts in my life.

I choose “A CHRONICLE” rather than “a journal” because I want the name of my blog begins with letter “C”. ^^

To summarize on 3Cs: Cookies, Curvy and a Chronicle:

The blog will be about me keeping a record of series of events/memories, mostly about my kids, my motherhood journey and my new chapter of life - from a young girl to a woman, a mother and a wife. It'll be interesting to read back this blog 10 years later from today, to see how much my life has changed and how differently I see the world before and now. I also hope to share my experiences or knowledge and most importantly to meet you guys, mommies, ladies, around the world.

Till next time! XOXO

Love, Shantz

{Must-Have} Baby Lotion for Dry & Sensitive Skin

Enough about mommies’ skincare, so now let’s discuss about our babies’ skincare.

Finally, I found the perfect body lotion for my kids! J  

Both of my kids have sensitive skin especially my eldest one, his skin is much drier comparing to his youngest brother. His skin is so dry that he scratches his body especially every night before and during his sleep. I’ve tried many brands on the market but nothing seems to work on his skin.  Prior to this, my boys were using sebamed body lotion. 

Until last month, while shopping for my kids’ stuffs @ Kiddy Palace (need to stock up for our big move), I stumbled upon this product, MD Moms Baby Silk.

The product wasn't really displayed at prominent location and they only carried 2 products unlike the rest of the brands (No wonder I never really noticed this brand before). I realized this is the only brand that I haven’t really tried.  And I’m glad to have made this purchase! I would love to try this product out myself, to see if it works for my skin as well or not ^^. I'll keep you guys posted ok!

You can find more information about the product from here.

But I’ll still do a brief introduction about the brand in case you don’t have time to check the website.

Who is MD Moms?

MD Moms Baby Silk, the first skincare line developed by paediatrician-moms, was inspired by the needs of our patients and our own children. Drawing upon our expertise, experience and the latest medical data, we created products that are naturally based, but scientifically advanced, using only the purest, highest quality food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. Our clinically tested, certified hypoallergenic formulas strike a balance between nature and science, are highly effective, and yet gentle enough for even the youngest baby's uniquely delicate skin.

What I like about this product?

·        It’s a light weight moisturizer.

·        Quick-absorbing, it dries almost immediately after application. Unlike other brands, it took a while for the lotion to be fully absorbed! (By then, our kids might already catch a cold!).

·        It’s fragrance-free moisturizing balm.

·        They use more natural food-grades ingredients like shea butter, aloe, avocado oil, olive oil which help to sooth baby’s dry skin, cracking and irritation.

·        The product also contain antioxidant vitamin E and B5 and grapeseed oil which will help to protect our baby’s skin from environment damage and at the same time strengthen the skin’s natural defence system.

·        It contains no phthalates, lanolin, mineral oil, petroleum or waxes.

·        It’s clinically tested and hypoallergenic.

·        Most importantly, this product itself is a recipient of National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance (learn more about NEA from here).

 

Must-have lotion for my boys' dry & senstive skin

Although it's a cream consistency but
still lightweight and dries quickly

Comparison with and withoutout lotion
With lotion - more hydrates



Where can I buy MD Moms Baby Silk in Singapore?

So far I only know the products are available at Kiddy Palace. Or you can purchase online from this Posh Baby Shop

I’ll update you guys if I have more information on where to get this product.

I strongly recommend this product to mommies if your kids have very dry skin or suffer eczema. For their faces, I've been switching between SebaMeb Protective Facial Cream and Mustela Hydra Bebe Creme Visage . If your children have normal skin, I would recommend Mustela bebe . This has been my old-time favourite for my newborn baby, and I love the Vitamin Barrier Cream the most.

So mommies what product do you use for your children?

Love, Shantz

Happy Mother's Day!

Greeting to all mothers around the world, I wish all of you: 

I've decided to compose a POEM dedicate to my lovely sons, Brayden and Bazyl.

Mommy has always look forward to today,

Every year and every day.

Look forward to hear him say,

“Happy Mother’s Day”!

 

To mommy, every gift from you is precious and important.

First year you gave me a paper flower bouquet,

Last year you handed me a flower ticket,

And this year you presented me two flowerets!

 

Today marks mommy’s 3^rd motherhood celebration,

I treasure my parenthood every moment,

All because mommy has both of you ‘n’

I know we gonna share beautiful memories together from here on,

So thank you for being my sons!



He said "Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!
Look at these flower and picture flower. I made them myself.
and I Love You"



Me and My eldest Prince!

  

Lovely Handcrafted Paper Bouquet from him!

So tell me, how do you spend your mother’s day?

Love, Shantz

Steps to use SK-II Products

Ladies, WARNING!
This gonna be a looonnnggggggg post! So stay with me, okay?

Must you use skincare products from the same line or brands?

Each brand uses a variety of active ingredients - like retinol or glycolic acid, vitamin C, in their formulations and it’s possible that the ‘actives’ ingredients could be incompatible. The researchers have developed a certain product range because they're designed to work together and missing out steps or products may impact the results. 
I have a sensitive skin. So personally I prefer to use products from the same brand, at least I know they are compatible with one another. Just remember that the key to optimal results is to allow time.  

However it’s really depending on the individual preference and skin condition.  To only way to develop a successful skincare routine is to select what works best for your skin type and needs.

How to use them SK-II products?

Step 1: Facial Cleansing Oil - (at night only)

This is a “pre-cleanser” ritual which will help to remove all traces of make-up and even waterproof mascara.

Application: I usually use 1 pump to clean my face. Apply on dry face and message your face. This Cleansing Oil is good enough to remove your waterproof mascara. Rinse your face with lukewarm water.

Tips: I usually use a separate eye makeup remover prior to this.

Step 2: Facial Treatment Cleanser

It is a basic cleanser designed to clean your

Application:

Wet your face, then squeeze about 2-3 cm of the cleanser to your palm and add a little water to it. Lather well to create foam and spread to your face. Remember to clean your nose area as well. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Many people tend to get confused between Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (FTCL) and Facial Treatment Essence (FTE). So what is the difference?

Step 3: Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (FTCL)

Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (FTCE) = basically is a TONER.

It helps to exfoliate your skin by removing excess dead skin cells and of course to prep your skin for better product absorption

Application:

Generously wet a cotton pad; swab your face in gentle upward motion avoiding eyes area.

Step 4: Facial Treatment Essence (FTE)

Facial Treatment Essence (FTE) = the famous “Miracle Water” which contains more than 90% pitera is a must-have for healthy and radiant skin. It helps to maintain the skin’s natural renewal cycle (our skin renews every 28 days) to its optimum condition. It also works to balance the skin’s pH and sebum secretion, so oily and dry areas are properly moisturized.

Application: Two ways of using it:

1)    Soak generously a cotton pad and gently pat (not swab) your entire face with it. This time you can apply on eyes area. OR

2)    Pour about a size of 50 cents coin onto your palm and pat your face with it till it’s all fully absorbed. You can pat on your eyes area too.

Personally, I prefer latter application.

Step 5: Facial Treatment Repair C
This serum is not a Vitamin C. Many has mistaken it for one, me too initially!

Are you skin look dehydrated or dull? Then you’ll need this serum because Facial Treatment Repair C contains concentrated pitera which give extra boost of moisturizing complex to skin.

Application:

It’s a clear gel consistency and light weight. Smooth your entire face and eyes area too. I would suggest to gently patting your skin for faster absorption.

The lightest & clearest consistency among all serums.

Step 6: Whitening Spot Specialist - (in the night)

This is basically a whitening serum that helps to combat and prevent spot formation by targeting both hidden and visible spots.

Application:

Squeeze appropriate amount (about a size of 50 cents coin) and pat to entire face avoiding eyes area.

This is all you need for the Whitening Spot Specialist.
 Slightly thicker consistency than the Repair C.

Step 6: Cellumination Essence EX - (in the morning)

This is basically a hydrating serum that helps to nourish, replenish and repair your skin. Hydrating serum is slightly thicker than the traditional serum (whitening serum).

 Application:

Spread a pearl-sized drop of the Cellumination Essence over your face. Gently massage your face – drumming your fingers on your skin or image playing piano on your skin, this will help to stimulate your skin.

This is all you need for the Cellumination Essence.
The thickest consistency among all serums but still lighter than moisturizer.

Step 7: Wrinkle Specialist - (in the night) 

Since I’m in the pre-aging category, between late 20s to mid 30s, I feel that it’s a time to pay extra attention on the appearance of future lines/wrinkles (although I can’t really see any of them yet but PREVENTION is always the key). This pre-aging serum helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by softening and firming the skin's surface layers.

Application:

Apply a small amount onto finger and gently message in a circular movement around the eyes. I also apply this lotion on my future wrinkles areas; the smile lines, frown lines, worry lines and also crow’s feets.

This is what you need to apply on my future wrinkles areas.
This is not an eye cream, this is still a serum.

Step 8: Stempower

It’s an anti-aging lightweight moisturizer. Moisturizer helps to retain/ seal the nutrients inside and prevent its moisture from evaporating

Application: Warm the cream between your palms and gently press the cream on your entire face.  I will usually ‘slap’ my face – ‘slapping’ motion will help to promote blood flow to your skin. Last but not least, remember to apply on the moisturizer on your neck too. Usually the first sign of aging start from the eyes and neck.

This's what you need for entire face and neck.
For hygenic purpose, I usually transferred some of my moisturizer to smaller container.

Step 9: Skin Signature Eye Cream

Different have brands introduce different order of steps on applying eye creams. In SK-II regime, eye cream should come last, only after moisturizer.

This eye cream is less rich than previous Sign Eye Cream, which I hate it.
It claims to combat 10 eye concerns – hydration, tone evenness, fine lines/wrinkles around eyes, radiance around eyes, dark circle around eyes, lightness, and all day eye power firmness around eyes, barrier function and texture around eyes.  WOW!!

Application:

Smooth a small pearl size of Signature Eye Cream, inclusive eyelids. Use your ring finger (the weakest finger) and gently pat on your under eyes. Blend the cream towards your ears like the upside down window-wiper motion until thoroughly absorbed. Apply twice a day.

Step 10: Whitening Source Derma Definition UV Lotion (SPF50) - (in the morning)

Whether you are at home or going out, it’s IMPORTANT to always apply sunblock (every morning) to protect our skin against the damaging UV light. I’m quite an outdoor person, so I need to use higher SPF to protect my skin for at least a good up to 8 hours. Another selling points of this product is spot prevention (anything that can help to prevent spot, I’m sold!). However, if you’re more an indoor person, you can consider SK-II newest Cellumination Day Surge UV (SPF30)

Application:  Apply as the last skin step of your skin care routine. I use 5 dots method - 1 dot on each on my forehead, cheeks, chin and nose and message to the skin.
Good news, you can actually skip a primer and proceed to your make-up routine.

                          ***************************************************** 

Okay, finally we’re DONE with my routine! PHEW!!!

Lastly, it’s always good to stick to the brand that works and doesn’t irritate your skin. Don’t get sway by the advertisements easily. If you want to try/switch brand, replace your current products one at the time to test the suitability.

Love, Shantz

 

My SK-II Skincare Regime

Interesting Real Facts!

Do you know that Korean or Japanese women would use about an average of 5-10 steps skin care products on daily basis including cleansing oil, foaming cleanser, toner, essence, serum, emulsion, moisturizer, eye cream and sunscreen? On top of that, many women regularly use sheet masks and sleeping pack in their routine too.

They use a ‘layering’ technique to apply them. What is ‘layering’ technique?

Each of these products is applied by gently patting or massaging the skin with your fingers from lightest in consistency to the heaviest.  Important! Remember to allow each serum to be fully absorbed by skin before layering with another serum.

How I get started with SK-II?

Just Like many of you, I wasn’t born with flawless skin. During my teens, I switched brands frequently - to quest for 'the one' skincare products. I have a sensitive skin and suffered bad acne breakouts around my cheeks (because I changed products too many times). I was so troubled by my skin conditions that I decided to visit DRx Dermatologist to treat my acnes. Since then I switched to my mum’s skincare, SYY (also another dermatologist skincare). Long short story, I used SYY for about 2-3 years despite the products were a little too strong (caused redness and sometimes peeling of skins) for my sensitive skin. However I was too afraid to switch brand then.

I was introduced to SK-II by my ex-housemate. She’s telling me about her then ex-colleague’s perfect complexion - flawless and radiant skin because of SK-II. Though initially I was a little apprehensive about switching brand again, I still went to the counter and made my first purchase of SK-II product, The “Miracle Water” or Facial Treatment Essence.  But I couldn’t see any effect on my skin. Luckily the Essence didn’t cause any breakouts, so I decided to back to the counter and bought the full set – from cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunblock (since I already purchased the Essence).
Since then, the journey to my crystal clear skin has begun and continues till today.

It’s almost 8 years now and I still swear by the miracle power of SK-II!

How many skincare products I used daily?

I use at least 7-8 products daily excluding facial scrub and facial mask. It may seem a lot but all I need is just 15-20 minutes to complete my ritual.

As you can see, I've run out few of my SK-II products.
I'll be re-purchasing them soon before my departure to Doha.

What is my SK-II regime?

I will split my regime into 2 parts – Day and Night

Here is my DAY daily SK-II regime

1)    Facial Treatment Cleanser

2)    Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (FTCL) (finished)

3)    Facial Treatment Essence (FTE) **

4)    Facial Treatment Repair C
5)    Cellumination Essence EX (finished)**

6)    Stempower

7)    Signature Eye Cream (finished)

8)    Whitening Source Derma Definition UV Lotion (SPF50)

Here is my NIGHT daily SK-II regime

1)    Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil (finished)

2)    Facial Treatment Cleanser

3)    Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (FTCL) (finished)

4)    Facial Treatment Essence (FTE) **

5)    Facial Treatment Repair C

6)    Whitening Sports Specialist **

7)    Wrinkle Specialist

8)    Stempower

9)    Signature Eye Cream (finished)

** These items are my HOLY GRAILS!

 

Do I still try new products?

Yes, I do. However when trying new products, I only introduce one new product at a time to my current SK-II regime. For example, if I’m trying a new toner, I’ll replace my Facial Treatment lotion with a new one, but everything else in my regime will stay the same. This way, if I have a reaction, I know which product is causing it. When I’m trying new products, I’ll test them out for at least 2-3 months before deciding to continue with the product or switch back to SK-II (most of the time I always re-purchase my SK-II products).

Finding the right products, investing good products are crucial but most of important is that your must put in a lot of effort to achieve a healthy, bright complexion. Quoting from one of Helena Rubinstein’s mantras: “There are no ugly women, only lazy ones”. While we can’t change our genetics, a brighter complexion is achievable with a little work.

So ladies, have you love your skin yet? If no, you can start now J


Year 2005 - Before using SK-II, I had acnes around my cheecks

Disclaimer: There is no photoshop work done in the picture. I only adjust the lighting to show my skin condition. Last time, phone picture quality wasn’t as good as now.

Year 2013 - After 8 years of using SK-II.
Pictures taken after shower, bare-faced! (no skincare yet).

Disclaimer: There are no photoshop work done in both pictures.

Please stay tune on my next post on how to use SK-II products! and Good Luck!

  Love, Shantz