My Current Face Routine

This is going to be my first entry on make-up and I’m kind of excited to share with you guys my everyday make-up routine.

I don’t usually wear any make-up on daily basis, unless I’m going to run some errands or going to pick-up my kids from school. So when I have to wear make-up, I usually opt for BB because it is lightweight formula and doesn’t clog my pores or cause acne. Most importantly it easily blends into my skin and give a natural flawless look in less than one minute. To be frank, I’m still very much inspired by Korean celebrities’ looks and I’m not a foundation person. I actually own lots of mostly Korean BB creams and only 2 foundations ^^ If I want to have more coverage, I will use my beloved Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizes. Having to say this, I’m going to try few foundations in near future so we’ll see how it goes…

Ok, let’s get started with my routine . . .

If I’m going to wear make-up on that day, I will skip most serums on my skincare

and go straight to apply only moisturizer and sunblock. Then I start with base from Laneige Water Supreme Primer Base SPF 15 PA+ in green (which suppose to neutralize any redness on my skin). It’s important to prime my face prior applying any BB cream/ tinted moisturizer/ foundation because it’s not only help  my make-up last longer but most importantly it helps to protect my skin from hash chemicals found in any make-up products. For everyday make-up, I’ve been alternating between Skin79 Super+ BB Cream in Hot Pink and Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream No.21. I prefer to use my hand when it comes to applying BB cream. For blemishes or hyperpigmentation I use Make Up For Ever Full Coverage in Ivory 6 with a Sigma Concealer-F70 brush. For under eye concealer I use Max Factor MasterTouch Pen in Ivory 303 and blend with my ring fingers. Depending on my mood of that day, sometimes I would skip powder just to give the Korean natural glow finishing on my face. Or else I dust Tarte Smooth Operator Micronized Clay Finishing Powder with Sigma Large Powder – F30 brush only on my T-zone area  where my face tends to get oily easily (leaving my cheeks with the glowy effect from the BB Cream). I don’t usually contour my face on everyday basis. Recently I’ve been obsessed with Bobby Brown’s cream blush Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Pale Pink 11 (I got to know this product after watching Lisa Eldridge’s tutorial video. She’s actually one of my favourite MUA). I usually apply and blend the cream blush with my fingers. I wish I have full eyebrows but sadly I don’t. So I can never leave the house without filling my brows (it’s a must-do step in my routine. I can skip my mascara, blusher or eyeshadow but I can never forget my eyebrow). To fill in my brows I’ve been using Lioele Artist Auto Brown Dark Brown. For eyes I usually just curl my lashes with my Shu Uemura eyelash curler and apply my Max Factor Clumpy Defy in Black. For lips I keep it very simple and easy and I just apply the same product that I use for my cheeks, Bobby Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Pale Pink 11 and call it a day.

If I have a bit more time I’ll brush a single eyeshadow colour on. My eyes’ need a primer because they’re always oily. I use Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Portion base and apply it with my fingers. I then take a Sigma Eye Shading-E55 brush and sweep Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Bikini-Tini (it’s a pink nude gold in colour which is just nice for instant brightening for my tired eyes) all over the lid and blend it a bit into the crease. I then take Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Stray Dog and apply to the brow bone with Sigma Blending E-25 brush to give some depth to my eyes. With the same brush, I smudge the left over eyeshadow on my lower lash line and blend to give a little smokey eyes look. For everyday eyeliner I prefer to use brown colour for softer look. So I usually use YSL Eye Pencil No.6 Hazelnut Brown then curl lashes and apply mascara as stated above. And if I still want a super glowy look I’ll add a bit of Benefit High Beam on tops of my cheek bones, bridge of my nose and a bit on the forehead with my fingers. I then set everything with Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray, leave for few seconds and the blot away the excess water with tissue paper.

That's it... a fuss free and easy make-up for a busy mummy like me ^^

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

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

Getting Rids of Blackheads? or Whiteheads?

Blackheads? Whiteheads?

Learn more information about blackheads and whiteheads from here.

I have blackheads around my nose and whiteheads on my chin. I have tried all other methods of removal: Kao Biore blackhead removal strips, deep cleansing pores scrub, pores treatment lotion, pore cleansing brush and more. None of them worked L

Till about 2 months ago, I stopped by @ Laneige Jurong Point Boutique to get moisturizer for my hubby, CT. I came across the Laneige Blackhead Melting Gel. I was drawn to product almost immediately. The friendly SA carefully explained to me about this product and claimed it's one of their top selling items especially the Laneige Blackheads Strip.  According to her, for the best result, it's advisable to use the Laneige Blackhead Melting Gel together with the Laneige Blackhead Strip. (I was thinking to myself even Biore Strip didn't work on me, let alone this Laneige Strip. It's quite expensive - S$15 for 10 strips)

It's been my long quest to find an effective product that will help to eliminate the black/ white heads, so without hesitation I bought these 2 products to try.

Since then, my mission accomplished! I've found the perfect products keep my blackheads at bay. Hip hip hooray!!! J

R-L: B.liv off with those heads, Laneige Blackhead Pore Strip
and Laneige Blackhead Melting Gel

Here is my pore care regime:

1)    Deep pore scrubbing or Exfoliating

Prior using the Laneige Melting Gel, it is best to exfoliate your face as it helps to open up your pores and remove the oldest dead skins on the skin’s outermost surface. I exfoliate my skin at least twice a week!

I’m still searching for the best deep pore scrubbing product. I heard good reviews on Mario Badescu’s Silver Powder. I will review the product once I finish my current scrub, so stay tune!

2)    Laneige Blackhead Melting Gel

      The Laneige Blackhead melting gel is a self-heating gel that becomes warm once it comes in contact with the skin. This product must be used on a dry face or else it wouldn't work to it's desired effect! Pump appropriate amount of melting gel and apply it to area that needs treatment in a circular motion for 20-30 seconds. Then wait 20 seconds (after massaging) for the gel to set in and then wash the area with lukewarm water. Continue the next step with the Laneige Blackhead Pore Strip.  I also apply this on the chin, where my whiteheads are hidding.  

The bottle has a good grip and the size fit perfectly on my palm

The soft silicon brush makes for gentle and yet efficient messaging

  

3)    Laneige Blackhead Strip

      Pat some water on your nose and lightly press the strip on your damp nose (do not apply water directly to the strip because the water melts the content of the strip and extends drying time). Wait about 10-15 minutes until the strip is completely dried before pulling it off slowly from both edges.  Remember to apply toner to close back the opened pores.

Can you see the blackheads? I've lots of it  L

Sorry, it kinda grossed! But here is the close-up view of the strip

I use Laneige Blackhead Melting Gel and Blackhead Strip at least once a week, but if you have severe blackheads you might want to do it twice a week instead.

4)    B.liv off with those heads

      I bought this product from SaSa on impulse. That time B.liv was having a promotion “Money back guarantee if you don’t see the result after 2 weeks.”

      So I told myself why not give it a try?

Since then it has been one of my HOLY GRAILS!

 Clear gel consistency and A small amount needed to apply on my nose



It’s clear gel consistency that dries quickly (so you can get on with the rest of your skincare). I love the minty smell and nice cooling sensation upon application.

After toner, before applying face serum and moisturizer, I usually apply B.liv lotion on my nose. WOW...this product is really works! This is the first pore minimizing/blackhead reducing products that actually works for me. Not even my SK-II Skin Refining Treatment gives me such AMAZING results.

You can see the results after 2 weeks – day and night application.

This product doesn’t get rid of black/white heads completely however frequent use helps to maintain a relatively clean nose

Did you know? This gel also helps to cure your pimples too!!

What about using fingers?

Yes, I ocossionally use my fingers to clear my pores too. Please make sure your index fingers covered with tissue or clean handkerchief/cloth. With your fingers on (near) both sides of blackhead, apply gentle pressure. After extracting, always cleanse the skin with toner to prevent infections.

So ladies, have you found your perfect solution yet?

I'm HAPPY now because I found mine!

Disclaimer: There is no photoshop work done in the picture. This photo is taken after I completed my pore cleansing ritual. 

 

Love, Shantz