{Review} Laneige Sunblock Aqua SPF 35++

This product was bought on impulse by me on my last year Korea’s Trip. My intention was to buy their famous Sleeping Pack and basic homme skincare for CT, but somehow I ended up buying more items. If you guys been to Korea before, you would know what I mean J When I got back from Korea, I decided to read some research about the product, and the reviews are quite controversial. Some people love it, while others hate it, so I was curious as to what I would think.

So, let’s begin then!

What about the product? (from Laneige’s website)

Laneige Sunblock Aqua SPF 35++ is a daily sun protection that supplies moisture to retain suppleness of the skin.

- Contains mineral water for deep moisturization. Applies lightly without stickiness.

- Non-sticky and lightly penetrates your skin.
- Protects your skin from UV rays when it has been dried by harmful aggressors.
- Feels light and enriching when applied on your skin and provides a refreshing finish

So, what I think about the product?

It has a combination of gel and creamy texture – not too watery and too thick, which I love. It goes smoothly on my face and it does exactly what it promises; it gives a dewy finishing when you apply alone without make-up, however under make-up (I usually wear BB creams on daily basis) it doesn't control oil like my SK-II Whitening Source Derma Definition UV lotion would do. It provides very sheer coverage (actually I didn't notice it at all) and wouldn't leave any white cast on your face like some other sunblocks do. 

However I love the cooling/freshness feeling that lingered on my face after applying it. This sunblock definitely suitable for dry skin and for those who works in air-conditions and need hydration. I strongly feel this product might be suitable for winter season, when our skins tend to get drier. Now that I moved to Qatar and winter is coming soon, I actually regretted having to empty this sunblock quickly. Maybe I’ll ask CT to get it back for me and do another review ^^.

Another thing that I love about Laneige sunblock is that the Zinc and Titanium Dioxide (the sun protecting properties. You can read about different type of sunscreen/sunblock here).

Can you notice the differences?

So, what is my final thought on the product?

·         Easy to use? Yes, but need to pat a little longer.

·         Price? Definitely affordable.

·         Value? Excellent – lasted much longer than expected.

·         Does it work? Not really suitable for my skin type.

·         Would I purchase again? No but I would want to try the oil-free sunblock in the future. I'm always facinated

Have you tried this product? Let me know how it’s working for you.

Love, Shantz

{Review} - Khiel's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

Hooray! Finally I did my first product reviewJ.

I love whitening products especially now I am in my early 30s and I could see some pigmentation around my cheeks. As many of you who struggle with skin pigmentation issue know fading those pesky dark spots can be the most challenging skincare issue of all. The most frustrating thing is to wake up every morning to the same dark spot, day after day, with little to no improvement.

Currently I depend on my 2 holy grails products - SK-II Whitening Spot Specialist serum and Cellumination Essence Ex Serum to combat and prevent old as well as new spot formation. Some of you must be wondering why I still try Khiel’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot solution since I already found my holy grails products, right? What can I say? I’ve always been fascinated by whitening as well as pore minimiser products. I read many positive rave reviews about this serum and it is also one of Khiel’s customers favourite and best sellers product. And since I have run out my SK-II Cellumination Essence Ex, why not try this product. Although I don’t really put too much expectation on Khiel’s but hey the product still deserve a chance. Like a famous saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, this product might not be expensive but maybe the result might be either match or do even better than my current ones.

Kiehl's describes Clearly Corrective as a product designed to target discoloration and dark spots, using a key ingredient called Activated-C and White Birch and Peony Extracts correct skin tone and improves clarity. You can read more about product here.

Interesting diagram from Khiel’s website about the ingredient spotlight and how the serum works:

The Khiel’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution comes in a nice glass bottle and an applicator that reminds me of my beloved SK-II Cellumination Essence Ex. In the bottle, although the serum looks like water but it is in fact a little tacky when applied. I need to pat my face longer for the serum to seep into the skin before applying my moisturizer.  This is something that I did not have to worry when I was using my SK-II serums. I prefer to use this serum in the morning (you can use it day and night) following with only moisturiser and sunblock (when I used Khiel’s serum, I tend to skip most of SK-II regime). I prefer to apply lesser skin care products on day especially when I am going put on some make-up. Slapping too much skin care products will cause your make up to slide down. GASP! 

The texture reminds me a little of SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C.

All you need is just one pump of applicator to
bring just the right amount of serum for the whole face.

So, did it work?

Even after I have finished up the product (It took me about 5 months –like I said, I was only using it one drop every morning). I find that my skin tone is only a tad lighter. However, I find this product work best for me in term of lightening only on my blemishes/ acnes spots (when the acnes are just about to heal) no so much on my pigmentation spots. So in short, my skin condition maintained status quo.  I’m not saying that this serum is mediocre, just that maybe my skin has already ‘customized’ to SK-II products. SK-II worked great because my skin was really bad to start with, so this might be unfair to Khiel’s. But it’s a good product as it does lighten my overall skin complexion.

So, what is my final thought on the product?

·         Easy to use? Yes, but need to pat a little longer.

·         Price? Quite pricy but still affordable comparing to SK-II.

·         Value? Excellent – lasted much longer than expected.

·         Does it work? Yes in term of lightening of my acne scars and No in term of lightening my pigmentation spot. But the product does lighten my overall face complexion.

·         Would I purchase again? Maybe.

Have you tried this product? Let me know how it’s working for you.

Just showing my emptied bottle of Khiel's.

Love, Shantz

{Updated} My SK-II Skincare Regime

I’ve wanted to do an update of my skincare regime since last month, but since I was running out most of my products I decided to wait slightly later -  till I re-purchased all the items.

Last month I went to visit SK-II Boutique @ Tangs to do my 5D skin analysis – Texture Refinement, Radiance Enhancement, Spot Control, Wrinkle Resilience, and Firmness Power.

 The last time I did the same analysis was in January, actually the beauty consultant recommended to do this 5D scan at least once every 3 months to see if the recommended products work well on our skin or not. I didn’t capture my first scan results on my phone thinking they would at least keep the records for me L (so ladies please remember to snap pictures of your analysis for future references). Luckily I still remember my last overall scores, which was around 60%. My lowest scores would be on Spot Control and Wrinkle Resilience. And my highest score will be my Radiance Enhancement around 65%.

So here was my latest updated 5D Skin Analysis:

My overall score actually dropped slightly to 59%. (Whatt?? How come???)

However I was surprised and happy at the same time that I scored the highest on my Spot Control now. Thanks to my SK-II 28 Day Whitening Spot Specialist Concentrate that helped to keep my spots under controlled for now. I might do review on this product soon.

I told my beauty consultant about my previous scores and the products I used before versus the product I use currently (as you all know that I’ve run out my Cellumination Essence Ex for quite sometimes now) – This could be reason why I scored badly on my Radiance Enhancement now L

The beauty consultant recommended me to follow back my initial regime – which to include SK-II Cellumination Essence Ex on both my day and night regime (previously I only used Cellumination Essence Ex on day regime). She also suggested few more products to improve on my skin condition – dryness around my cheeks. Dehydrated skin is the first sign of the appearance of fine wrinkles lines which eventually lead to sagging skin.

My big SK-II family!

So Here is my updated daily SK-II regime –Day and Night

1)    Facial Treatment Cleanser

2)    Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (FTCL)

3)    Facial Treatment Essence (FTE) **

4)    Cellumination Mask-in Lotion

5)    Facial Treatment Repair C **

6)    Whitening Sports Specialist **

7)    Cellumination Essence EX **

8)    Signs Up Lifter

9)    Wrinkle Specialist

10)           Stempower (Day)

11)           Stempower Rich Cream (Night)

12)           Signature Eye Cream

13)           Whitening Source Derma Definition UV Lotion (SPF50)

** These items are my HOLY GRAILS!

In  RED are the latest additional products to my skincare regime.

I'll update you guys my skin condition after 1 month later from now.

Love, Shantz

{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

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