Review: Bonabella Tea Tree Purifying Mask

While I am still collecting photos and doing my due diligence for my current at-home treatments, I wanted to squeeze in this review for an item I received last week... the Bonabella Tea Tree Purifying Mask!

Sample Sachet that I received with my purchase

According to ksisters (who sent this sample along with my Bebetox purchase - which I will write a detailed review soon), this is a very popular wash off mask in Korea right now and it is also known as the "Fine Dust Removal Mask"?

Honestly, when I heard the name of the item, it seems like I've already fallen for it, at least 50% anyway. As the name suggests, one of the main ingredients in this wash off mask is Tea Tree and I've always loved tea tree! Ever since my teenage years, it's an essential oil that I turn to whenever I breakout. Tea tree is well known for its anti inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. The anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in relieving the discomfort of dry, itchy and irritated skin. The antiseptic properties also support its ability to combat oily skin, and even helps treat dandruff. Essentially Tea Tree helps calm redness, swelling and also inflammation, leaving you with smoother, clearer skin.

The Bonabella Tea Tree Purifying Mask also includes another 2 main ingredients, The Houttuynia cordata, more commonly known as "chameleon plant" or "heart leaf" also has antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-microbial properties. As well as Puretox. Couldn't really find much information about this but from what I can gather, Puretox helps you achieve brighter complexion.

Looks like there's "dirt" on my face. LOLS.

So all in all, the Bonabella Tea Tree Purifying Mask helps you "remove fine dust" and recover the balance of irritated skin. Recently, I had to visit a few dusty sites due to new store opening preparation in a new mall and when this sample came, I couldn't wait to try it.

After using it, I could feel that my skin is very gently cleansed. Honestly, I feel that the mask also did a very, very, very (and I cannot emphasise how 'very') gentle exfoliation because my skins feels so much softer and smoother after. At the same time, I don't know if it's just me but I do seem to feel that my complexion is indeed brighter and my face feels so soft and "boing boing" just after 1 use. The product smells very natural. There is no artificial fragrance (or at least none that I can smell). Jelly like texture that does not dry out your skin.

Comparison of Before and After. Looks brighter.

I am definitely stocking up on this! Going into my #permastash for now. And the best news yet! As ksisters is launching this item at the "Takashimaya Salebration" at B2 Takashimaya square from 10 July to 21 July, there is also a new launch exclusive discount of 20% for 4 tubs purchased! Usual retail price is approximately SGD55 per tub but with this exclusive launch discount, each tub is only priced at SGD44 (SGD11 off each tub)! You can share with your friends or family if you think 4 tubs is too much, but I really think it's worth a permanent stock up space in your #skincareshelfie.


till next time~
xoxo

A background of my skin type...

Okay. So before I begin diving into skincare and the at home treatments I am going through right now... A background about my skin type.

I used to have very oily skin and breakouts quite often as a teenager. But lately, I would say that my skin is a combination of oily and sensitive skin. Sensitive and sensitize because my skin is rather thin (you see all the veins easily), and sensitize likely due to the many products I have slathered on as a teen to curb those pesky breakouts.

So now, while my T-zones can get very oily... my nose (epecially the 2 curves right below) and my cheeks can sometimes get quite red/ flushed. And with oily skin, I am also troubled with rather large pores on my nose and yes, blackheads are always an issue.

Heads up on what's going to be covered in the near future. As promised, the "at home" treatments I'm going through right now:
• Serendi Beauty, Sparkling Pack
• Some By Mi, Green Tea Bubble Tox Cleanser
• Dr UnM, Bebetox
• Miraskin Rx Lift

I'll not only share reviews, but also where I usually get my skincare (especially if there is a good bargain)! Till next time!

Moving forward

It's been a while since I have had any ideas for the blog and I've gotten sick of ranting about work. Pretty sure the readers are too. So here's what I'm going to do.

Since skincare trends changes often, and that I am of the age where my skin is "transforming", I will be writing detailed reviews of what I am currently using and what "treatments" I do to maintain. Starting with the treatments and then what I am using (because I am currently testing new products)! I suddenly feel so excited over this. Hehs. Looking forward!!! :)

Why is sunblock important and why do you need it?

It's been 3 months since my last post. This time, I'm back to talk about something that is everywhere in our everyday lives. UV rays! They are everywhere - the sun, your phone and even your lights. Technical terms aside, know this! Your skin ages with you every single day whether you see it physically or not.

Time for a little story telling.

My mum has always been blessed with good skin. You know, those irritating few that washes their face with nothing but water and yet manages to keep it blemish/ acne/ oil free. Yeah, that’s her! In recent months, she’s noticed some dark spots around her eyes, and when she asked me, I knew her skin wasn’t magic after all.

All her life, she has never has indulged in any of the skincare products or tips that I love. At least not until recently when she realised her skin gets a bit dry in the mornings after she wakes up, and decides to throw on a sleeping pack before she sleeps each night.

So why did the magic disappear? To be honest, I think the magic did it’s best. To begin with, my mum is already in her mid 60s and for her freckles to only start acting out now, with zero maintenance, is already a miracle.

If you’ve got good skin like my mum, you might be thinking sun care doesn’t concern me. Well it does! It just doesn’t concern you now but them freckles will still come and bite you in your ass face no matter how old you are. And if you’re not as blessed with good skin, you know what you need to do. Right?

Since my mum has never really applied anything on her face before, she is very reluctant to start. But knowing now that if she doesn’t do anything, more freckles will just keep appearing. To better help her listen, I looked around and found her a light product that doesn’t require a lot of effort for starters - the Laroche Posay Athelios Sunblock Spray with Anti Gloss.

Photo taken from Laroche Posay Website

I’ve always loved the convenience of sprays as mentioned in many of my previous posts. Previously, I’ve used sprays from another L brand before, but I think I’m little sensitive to some of the ingredients cause my skin tends itch after some time. So imagine my happiness when I found a sunblock spray that is suitable for people with sensitive skin?

Now, all you have to do is to spritz on your face (not exceeding 3s in each spot) before you head out of the house. On rare days that I have make up on, I use this after my makeup has been set. I also have a bottle of this in my office pedestal for me to spray on, if I’m heading out for site visits or for an outdoor lunch. My mum also loves the fact that she doesn’t need to wash her hands, before or after the application. And I strongly recommend this for people that are starting out with suncare and hates hassle.

However, this may be a little tough to bring around when you’re traveling due to the aerosol nature. As I travel quite a lot for work, I always get stopped by the customs officer when they “scanned” something flammable. So I decided that I had to look for something that is small and easy to carry around and I came across the innisfree Sunstick when I was strolling the Shilla Duty Free shop in Changi Airport.

Photo taken from Innisfree world

Slightly wider in width, and transparent in colour

I realised, though, that the innisfree stores in Singapore no longer carry this. There’s also this other option, a tone up sunstick that is also not available in neither Innisfree Singapore nor Shilla. You can only get it from Korea, or the innisfree world website. Its as simple as it looks, for the original sunstick, just draw and colour it on your face as if you’re using a thick marker. For the tone up stick, some hand application is needed to blend it out. So clean your hands!

Photo taken from Innisfree world

Tone up stick is slightly coloured,
so you might need to blend it

My last and final recommendation is my newfound love, the IWLT (i woke up like this) sun cream that’s being distributed by ksisters in Singapore. 

Photo taken from Ksisters Website.
Sun Cream

This is the most “troublesome” product because you have to blend it out, but this is also the most amazing product because it provides an awesome coverage for your skin, auto-correcting and brightening up your face after usage. This range of products are also friendly for pregnant ladies as well as people with sensitive skin (like me). If the pregnant ladies can use it, you know how gentle this is! Using it on its own is sufficient but I realised, using it with either or its 2 buddies (BB cream or Primer) will also provide some sebum control.

Photo taken from Ksisters Website.
BB Cream

Photo taken from Ksisters Website.
Primer

p.s. I noticed that Innisfreeworld will be shutting it services by 21st June 2019.

If you're really looking for items that are not available in innisfree stores singapore, I guess you can go through airfrov for someone to get it back for you. Or, you can go through not so "official channels" like qoo10.

Which is better - Cleansing Oil or Cleansing Balm?

Is there really something better than the other? 

The order is in no way any indication of the question because I believe it's all personal preference - as long as it cleanses your skin without drying out! To be honest, I'm not a fan of cleansing water as I quite dislike the idea of dragging cotton pads across my face anymore than I need to. And not forgetting the fact that I always find that with cleansing water, it's like, you're just adding another layer of product over your skin. Something like Febreeze when you don't really wash your clothes but you spray another layer to deodorise the smell. Not too sure if it's making any sense, but I'm always a "wash-off = clean" girl, and whatever stays should be beneficial to your skin like 'sheet masks' and 'sleeping packs'.

So yeah, here's how I choose what to use - since I always have both Cleansing Oil and Cleansing Balm at home (featuring my favourite products).

NeoGen Real Cica Micellar Cleansing Oil

This is something I've discovered very recently - only late last year and it has served me well.

Photo credits: Google

I will recommend people with sensitive skin to use this as this cleanser has 'Cica' and 'Cica' is believed to be able to soothe and repair irritated skin. I usually use this when my skin is inflammed (when I battle acne on my 'magical days'), sensitive, or when I only have sunblock on.

Tip-Bit! Always remove your sunscreen with a make up remover no matter what the your sunscreen bottle says because no sunblock can be a 100% non-comedogenic. 

Banila Co "Clean it Zero"

I've written a detailed review on this a few years back and I stand by it! Till date, 'Clean it Zero' is my favourite cleansing balm. They've (not so) recently changed their packaging from a more 'sophisticated' design to a more 'clean' design - which I actually prefer.

Photo Credit: Google

I'll usually use a cleansing balm when I have eye makeup on. The reason? Personally, the cleansing balm is easier to control the 'seepage'. When I use cleansing oil on my eyes, it often seeps into my eyes no matter how tight I shut them and well, that is not healthy for anyone. When I use a cleansing balm like the 'Clean it Zero', it is easier to control, does what it should, and cleans everything out. What's best, because it is easier to control, it does not seep into my eyes and I don't open them to a milky vision.

Tip-Bit! It's always a good practice to rinse your eyes with water no matter what cleanser you are using. Rinse out your eyes so that there is nothing remaining - whether you see it or not - so that you don't get an infection. 

Anyhow. Speaking of sunblock, I will be writing something about it very soon.

Toner and my mist recipe

Talk about toner and my "mist-ing" recipe. Pun intended. I know I've promised my facial mist/ toner recipe for quite some time and it's still missing. By the end of this post, you'll know!

I love the Hada Labo Whitening Lotion as a toner. In fact, I love all the various Hada Labo lotion lines for its cheap price and its clean ingredients. It's ph balanced, free of fragrance, mineral oil, alcohol and colourant and most important of all, all ingredients are non-comedogenic! I also love myself a good mist I can use throughout the day without feeling too sticky and yet, it has to have a good balance of moisturising effect because I fly a lot for work and I got to keep my skin moisturised during flights. I've tried a lot of facial mists and nothing really stuck. So I thought to mix my 2 loves together. But as much as I love the Hada Labo Whitening Lotion, I cannot use it as a spray mist because it is too viscous. If you use it on its own in a spray bottle, it will come out as a jet and trust me, that hurts! HAHA. So I am always trying to dilute it but diluting it with water is like mehhh. So I was super happy when I came across the Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner. It comes in a very generous 500ml bottle that only retails at approximately 11SGD. You can find it in Guardian or SASA stores in Singapore and you can snap more up during the regular Guardian's 3 for 2 sale. Super worth it!

With some DIY, I found my all-time favourite mist:
♥ Hada Labo Whitening Lotion,
♥ Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner,
♥ Mario Badescu Rosewater Toner (optional), and,
♥ a spray bottle!

Depending on the size of your spray bottle, mix them all up with 1 part Hada Labo Whitening Lotion, 2 parts Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner, and 1 part Mario Badescu Rosewater Toner. 

Rose water is actually optional but I add it in because my skin is quite sensitive and it tends to look a little reddish in the afternoon, so on top of the wonderful smell, I like that Rose water helps to calm it down. It's up to you if you want to add it!

In the previous post, I was talking about storing a pump bottle of toner in your bathroom so that you can lock in the most moisture in your skin. Thing is, I actually have 2 bottles of toner in my bathroom - one in a pump bottle and the other in a spray bottle.

The reason? 

Well. Koreans talk about layering your toners - the 7 skin method - the Klog talks about it as well. But depending on your skin condition, the 7 skin method may not be the most effective for you. In fact, you may not need 7 layers after all. Also in a humid country like Singapore, you're probably gonna feel very sticky very quickly if you're doing all 7 layers of toner, especially if your toner is very rich. So how do you go with layering your toner?

I keep one pump bottle of the Hada Labo Whitening Lotion in the bathroom that I use for the "Toner Dry" method (this bottle only contains the Hada Labo Whitening Lotion). Pump a few pumps onto dry cotton/ toning pads and dry your face with it. 

Then comes my 2nd spray bottle of toner that I also keep in the bathroom. I usually spritz it on before leaving the bathroom and this is technically the 2nd layer already. From the bathroom to my room, I'll usually spray on another layer when I get to my room before slathering on my moisturiser. Yes, I have another bottle of the mist in my room amongst my vanity closet too! Personally, I think 3 layers is more than enough for me. Any more and I will feel sticky and uncomfortable. So, don't just go smacking 7 layers immediately. Listen to what your skin needs and your skin will thank you for it. Hope these little tips help! Cheers.

How to make your skin retain the most moisture?

I think this is something that everyone wants to know but is not very sure if it's true or if it's just a rumor because I'm pretty sure many of you would have read somewhere before that you need to start toning and moisturising within 3 to 5 minutes of getting out of the shower and I dare say now that IT IS TRUE!

To better prove the theory and why I am actually believing in it, I got myself a moisture analyser from Qoo10 to check the percentages. You can find many similar versions of the moisture analyser online from Qoo10, Lazada and more. Anyhow, for the first experiment, I dried my face with a towel, took the first measurement, and waited 5 mins to take the second measurement without anything on my face - just my bare fare after cleansing.

Moisture loss is a whopping 13% within that 5 mins, and the oil ratio just rocketed from 18% to 30%, a crazy 12% difference. It's like with every bit of loss in moisture, your skin works harder and produces more oil and I'm honestly shocked. I knew I have a relatively oily face, but the figures are scary.

So on another day, I did the similar experiment but this time after drying my face with a towel, I slapped on toner immediately and took the first measurement. Waited 5 mins and took the second measurement and below is what I got.

Sorry the word "Moisturiser" is misleading.
I only used Toner at this point in time.

Moisture ratio reduced only 3% within that 5 mins and oil percentage was relatively well controlled. Compared with the previous experiment, are you able to see the difference of locking in the moisture within the first 3 minutes of wash? So, start slathering on your toners and moisturises immediately after your shower. I'm pretty sure you can spare that extra minute in the shower before you head on to other stuff.

Right! One more thing!
Know how I started this post saying the theory is "to start start toning and moisturising within 3 to 5 minutes of getting out of the shower"? I've most recently heard people say it's actually 3 secs after wash!!! Honestly, I think it is impossible to prove this. But, I had an idea... To dry my face using toner pad instead of a towel.

Logically, when you pat your face dry with a dry towel, that towel absorbs every bit of water from your face. So, if I were to skip it up and use a toning pad instead, I'll be wiping water off with relatively wet tissues. Would it help?

So I brought the analyser into the bathroom with me and on the top photo, I towel dried my face and the moisture reading was 51.4%. On the lower photo, I toner dried my face and moisture reading was 58.3%. To be very honest, I don't know if anything else affected these results but I do feel more "poing-poing" on my face when I try the Toner Drying method and I think my skin likes it more.

As much as possible, keep a small pump bottle of toner in your bathroom and dry your face using the "Toner Dry" method instead. All you have to do is, pump a few pumps of your toner onto some cotton/ toning pads, and wipe them across your face. 

Review: Medicube Zero Line & Blue Erasing Cream

I drafted this to complete by the end of last week but was down with the sniffles so I didn't manage to complete it. Anyhow, here I am with the review of the highly raved Medicube series. I'm only focusing on 3 products, the Zero Line Pore Pad, the Zero Line Pore Serum, and finally the Blue Erasing Cream. Basically I continued with my regular cleanser, followed with the Zero Line Pore Pad, then the Zero Line Pore Serum and then the Blue Erasing Cream.

The reason why Medicube got me interested was because of the ZERO LINE Pore series. I am always troubled with large pores on my T zone, nose and chin. And because of this, I am always skipping moisturising creams because creams are often comedogenic. So, I'm going to start the review from the moisturiser, then serum, then toner.

BLUE ERASING CREAM

I love how this cream smells and feels on the skin. It's very light. For someone like me with oily-combination skin, this is a very good moisturiser because it's very lightweight and it does make my skin feel good.

According to Medicube, this Blue Erasing Cream is made for people that:
• are looking for moisturising cream for sensitive skin that is non-sticky,
• have oily skin with little hydration.

My skin is quite 'thin' - like literally. The veins are always obvious on my cheeks but I noticed after 2 weeks, that the veins are less obvious. It's really quite a non-irritant mild daily cream. I use it day and night and because its so lightweight, I don't get all the "frying pan" glow on my face even in the afternoon. Like I mentioned earlier, most creams are comedogenic but the Medicube series claims that their entire series is non-comedogenic. This is something I wasn't very comfortable with at first because it was impossible to find the ingredients list online and I'm pretty sure the ingredients are all in korean - if they are listed on the box. But here's the thing. After I took the leap of faith to try it, I realised I did not get any breakouts and my blackheads were manageable as always. To conclude, the Blue Erasing Cream is definitely a repeat purchase item on my list!

ZERO PORE SERUM

The Pore Serum is actually very lightweight and I mainly focus using this on 3 areas at my main concern large pores area.

One pump is usually enough to cover my T zone, nose and chin area. The smell is also quite alright. Nothing too artificial and not with too much fragrance.

On my first use, there is a bit of tingling sensation on the skin. However, this sensation stopped in less than 3 days. I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing but I somehow relate the tingling to the product trying to reduce my pores! But when the tingling ended and when my review started, I can only be disappointed.

Left taken on 23-Nov-2018; Right taken on 7-Jan-2019

Sorry for the bad photo. They are in different light, the left photo is slightly out of focus compared to the right and it's rather zoomed in as compared to the one on the right. To be honest, I cannot remember I used both the front camera of my phone or not cause the right one is so clear... Anyhow, I think the pores does look smaller in the 1.5 months I used the product but only very minutely. Repeat purchase? Maybe. 

ZERO PORE PAD

Lastly, the pore pad that EVERYONE is raving about. The amount of toner inside this tub is generous! The pads are always soaked and good to go. When I first started using this, I think my skin was not so happy with it. My nose started peeling abit and it was difficult to get usage instructions. I mean, I know all you have to do is to take out one piece, use the embossed side first to gently exfoliate your skin and follow with the smooth side to hydrate your skin. But how many times do you use this? It's nowhere found on the box or on the official medicube website. I did, however, chanced upon a reply on the message board that the zero pad is to be used day and night. Will include the screenshot and link to the message board. 

But yes, I think this is a little strong for people with sensitive skin to start using it both day and night immediately. So I'm gonna suggest that people with sensitive skin start this only in the night for a week or two... then move on to do this day and night.

I always write the date on my bottles so that I know how fast I'm using them. And the only reason this bottle lasted so long is because, I've sadly given up on it too. On its own it's just a toner with AHA & BHA that comes in a fancy packaging and novel idea but this product does not work alone. Yet together with the zero pore serum and having used it for more than 2 months, I've got to say that they both failed to live up to expectations. But sadly, no repeat purchase for this. 

So yeah... that pretty much sums up everything. Leave a comment if you want to find out more about the 3 products above. Otherwise.. Till next time!

GOODBYE 2018, HELLO 2019!

Happy 2019 to all! 

I know its already the 3rd week of 2019 but work has been a whole game of catch up ever since 2019 started. How was 2018 for you? Did you manage to acheive the goals you set out to achieve?

Personally, 2018 has been kind, blessed and nothing short of challenging.

I've travelled a little lesser than I hope for because of work,
I've felt more blessed than ever because of the lovely colleagues at work, and,
I've been stressed and challenged so much more because of work.

I'm pretty sure that by now you can tell... 2018, for me, has been mostly about work.

To be honest, I got caught in a (bad) situation where I was required to accept things as is. "Getting off work on time", "getting planned leave days" and "workout days" left me after the first half of 2017 and never came back in 2018. 

I could not clear my leave days because work beckons (tbh, even though I had plans before, I cancelled as I couldn't drop these projects because I felt responsible. Unlike *ahem*). I got sick so much even when I'm not someone that falls sick often. It sucks so bad cause usually when I do (fall sick), it's pretty hard to recover and it just takes a freaking long time. In fact, 2018 was hands-down the year with the highest medical leave record in my 6-year full time working history - a whooping 11/14 days of medical leave.

It was so tough and I got so bogged down that I sacrificed more "me" to adjust and juggle better.

The only times I get to travel, I travel for work. The good thing though, was that I got to meet more people but well, travelling for work is not all that glorious. In fact, it's mostly sad.

So starting 2019, I wanted to start it on the right foot. Getting off work (relatively) on time on the first day of work! Yet I clocked overtime till 8pm the very next day. And almost everyday the week after.

RAWR.

I NEED TO CHANGE THIS.

Here's hoping that 2019 would only get better! Gotta work harder and smarter to get more "me-time" and more "balanced" hardworking days! Will be following up with a review promised last year - medicube - by the end of this week. 

Till then~