Testing new skincare or foundations

With my finicky skin, testing skincare, primer or foundation is... well... it's an act of either courage or desperation which is why unless I'm on the hunt for a solution I've stopped accepting skincare for reviews. 

When I do have to test something though, here's what I do.

1. I wait till my skin is either completely or mostly clear OR it's been breaking out for awhile and I can't stop it (this is desperation). The problem is if my skin IS clear I hate to disrupt it at all and sometimes will hold off trying a new product for ages because of this.
2. When I finally get the guts to try it out, motivated by curiosity or some form of mild insanity, I apply a light layer for a night event. Why night? Because it's cooler and shorter and thus less likely to greatly piss off my skin.
3. I wait a week and watch my skin anxiously for breakouts. Because these things can take a few days to surface, it's best to wait a week. 
4. If I DO breakout, I clear up again and repeat step 1 to be sure it's the product.
5. If nothing bad happens I test it for a day. Then stop again for a week.
6. If nothing happens again I move on to alternate use. The idea here is that if I DO breakout, it won't be as bad or last as long.
7. By this time I'm pretty sure if my skin likes the product or hates it and I either dump it or use it daily. 

The entire process takes a month and is fraught with fear.

I'm hostage to my own skin. Damn.

How do you test out new products? Hope you're having an easier time of it than I am!

Relief in a tube: Esmeria Organics Prickly Pear SOS Rescue Cream

I've had this tube forever and have been using it on scrapes and burns since I got to Hong Kong. It was given to me by Miss Soo the lovely MD of Esmeria Organics before I left as part of a farewell care package and boy has it been handy. 

But the miraculous side of it... the part that has me RUNNING online to post a review of it in my lunch break, is how it stops Mozzie bites from itching like nothing else will. 

I don't know why the mozzies here in HK find me so delectable but they can't stay away. And while I've gotten inured to the Malaysian variety the ones here.... itch. As in wake up in the dead of the night scratching frantically and whimpering in misery itch. In case my point isn't clear yet, that's REALLY REALLY ITCHY. It's so bad I was deliberately scratching holes in my leg so that it would please just stop.

What makes you crave a beauty product?

I seem to have temporarily achieved beauty zen.

Right now, at this moment, I am indifferent to beauty products. While I might restock old favourites that have run out I don’t seem to want to try anything new.

This state of course won’t last because as soon as a new formula is launched promising me what I desire it will all start up again. But it seems that all my beauty needs are temporarily satisfied.

So what whets my appetite for beauty products?

1. Kiss-proof, long-lasting lip colours in ideal shades and formulas

No surprise here my mad desire for lipstains has been documented on this blog for ages as I’ve hunted for the perfect stain in a formula that’s easy to apply, in every shade I could want and at an affordable price point. Well, Revlon’s Balm Stains and L’Oreal Caresse Glosses have completely satisfied this need between them. Unless they launch a new colour that is that elusive shade of perfect pink I'm always looking for - I’m all good in the lip department!

Latest skin-saver: Murad Exfoliating Blemish Treatment Gel

Alas, my faithful acne-treatment gel Differin hasn’t been too effective of late. So on impulse I picked up a mini (30ml) bottle of Murad’s Exfoliating Blemish Gel for £4.99 from FeelUnique during a sale-haul in August. It was a special promotion and boy... do I wish I’d hauled BOTTLES of this stuff!

I’ll admit I was a bit dubious because the gel has hydrogen peroxide – which is a bit of a ‘naughty’ ingredient, but the rest of the active ingredients – salicylic acid, retinol, glycolic acids and liquorice root extracts all sounded so right I chanced it.

Plus my skin was being so annoying I was reaching that desperate-try-anything stage.

Believe it or not, this made SUCH a difference from the first day! My skin was looking clogged and dull. I’d started using Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Scrub again and it was helping a lot, but you know when you’re skin is just not at its best.

An empty I'm going to miss: Esmeria Organics Alpine Willowherb Purifying Cleansing Gel

I really do owe Esmeria an apology for this one. They sent it to me ages ago, before I left for Hong Kong. In the craze of moving though, I think I used it once, noted that it left a residue and set it aside. 

When I last returned to Malaysia though I found that my bottle of Johnson's Head to Toe (which I use as a facial cleanser) had been used up. Rummaging through what's left of my beauty store I came across this bright pink tube. 

With Dom's review fresh in my mind, I shrugged and gave it a go. 

Yes it leaves a slight residue, but as I used this medicinal smelling cleanser I started to believe (in a way that was perhaps more therapeutic than realistic) that the residue was helping to heal the angry outbreak I had thanks to Simple's (Evil) Cleansing Wipes. 

The very next morning after using it, I found the breakout was a lot less angry and had started to shrink. Then the worst ones came to a head and healed rapidly. 

Beauty chat: Rediscovering old loves

I've been sighing and shaking my head at myself. 

It beats me why -  when I KNOW something works, have even raved about it in the past - I'd just sort of forget about things that work and stop using them. 

Perhaps its because they became such basic and intrinsic parts of my beauty routine that I sort of forgot what they did, took them for granted, neglected them... and skin paid for it. 

Take for example, Neutrogena's Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Scrub. It wasn't readily available in Hong Kong when I arrived so I just shrugged and did without. Well on a recent trip back to Malaysia I toted a tube back to HK with me (I had one sort of just sitting around) and dear goodness. My skin's been keeping clear up, my scars fading, it feels smoother, makeup goes on better... WHY did I ever think I could live without this?

Thank goodness that before I go into a full-scale panic attack about the lack of this baby in Hong Kong, they launched it! It's now in every Watsons and Mannings praise the skincare gods. 

Simple Cleansing wipes, YOU'RE DUMPED

Ah, the trusty green packet which a staple of so many bedsides and travel kits. Well guess what? It's taken me years, YEARS, and I feel absolutely brick-red embarrassed foolish that it took me so long to realise...

They break me out. 

Oh yes they do. 

For years I've thought that I was being great to my skin by using these gentle wipes to take off all my makeup while on long-haul flights. I'd use them, go through my usual night-time skin routine, and sigh the next day at the bad breakout I'd suffer. 

Until Cannes, I sincerely and honestly thought that I broke out because of the stress of travelling. Not these wipes. Because, hey, it MUST be better to use these to take my makeup off than to just leave all of that foundation on for 13 hours, right? Right? 

Wrong!

Autumn/Winter Skincare Routine

(Would have taken a better picture but my camera died on me)
L-R: Olay Complete Moisturising Lotion, Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum,
Clinique All About Eyes Serum, Natio Eye Gel, Clinique MoistureSurge

Winter is just around the corner for us in Australia and I have been tweaking my skincare routine to deal with the change. While summer is all about sunscreen, exfoliation and brightening products, my winter skincare routine revolves around hydration.

Products that I have left in my routine are Clinique MoistureSurge, Natio Eye Treatment Gel and a Clinique All About Eyes serum. The latter was part of a Clinique travel exclusive set and I have only just started using it since the weather started getting chilly. I can't say if it has improved the area around my eyes but it feels quite refreshing especially on days when you didn't have enough sleep.

News Flash: Limited Edition 125 ml Clinique Moisture Surge at KLIA

If you are a Moisture Surge fan and happen to be travelling through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, please stop at the Clinique counter. Clinique has released a Big Mama sized version of Moisture Surge, priced at RM 292 for 125ml. Considering that the 50ml pot retails for RM160 and the 75ml for RM216, this is a pretty sweet deal.

Oh, and while you are at it, please pick up a tub for me too. ;)

And I am Back!

Syen and Kahani were kind enough to let me off blogging duty for a month, seeing how work, constant travelling and a persistent cough were driving me up the wall with little energy to spare. After the long Eid holiday and a much anticipated break with my boyfriend (am waiting for the day when I can show the finger to all those well-meaning “friends” who predicted doom and said long distance relationships don’t last), I am almost back to my usual self and am ready to report for regular blogging duty.

I am still catching up on the beauty scene so don’t expect anything from me on new trends and news ( Beaut.ie does a great job of it so go look there). I do have stuff to report from the Quest for Clear Skin Battle Front though. In brief:

Old Faithfuls: Products that have stood the test of time

Hey lovelies,

While we beauty bloggers always love to check out new products and see what else we can get our manicured nails on, sometimes, I believe it's good to take a step back and look at the good old products that have served us well over the years.


You know, good friends that have never left our bathroom cabinets or bedside tables.

Review: Vichy Normaderm Pro Mat & Vichy Normaderm Refining Pore Essence

Pro Mat on Left and Refining Essence on Right

I am nursing a couple of injuries from an accident with a door so this week's post is going to be short and sweet. Let's take a look at two products I have been trying out for the past two months: Vichy Normaderm Pro Mat Non-Stop Matte Effect Hydrating Care and Vichy Normaderm Refine Total Pore Resurfacing Essence.

Isn't that a mouthful? Vichy needs to think of shorter names for their products.

Coping with the Mid-year Heat.

When I was a kid, I once attended a dinner where a foreign guest asked if Malaysia had four seasons like Europe. Everyone at the table were shaking their heads and about to say, “No” when one of the local Obs-gyn doctors beat them to the punch.

“Yes, we do. We have hot and hotter, and wet and wetter.”

I hate the Hotter part of the year. For the most part, I am a sunshine loving girl. If I were a cat, I would be one of those who do nothing but bask in sunshine all day. I dislike cold, air-conditioned rooms and start shivering whenever the temperature drops below 24C. But for three months out of twelve, I find myself reaching for the air-conditioner remote.

Another reason why I hate the heat is because I start getting acne all over my body. My face, my back, along my hairline... My colleagues and I were bemoaning the fact that none of us will ever be able to wear backless dresses again. My back looks like something the plague hit and I keep discovering monstrous zits on my face.

Here’s a list of things I am doing/using to survive through the next few months.

Yay or Nay: Too Many Products are Bad for Your Skin

I came across this article in the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday and wondered what you readers think of it.

The article, titled "The Ugly Side of Beauty Writer", writes that 20 Ozzie beauty editors had their skin examined by a German skincare trainer and found that all of them had "bad skin".

"[Sue] Dann says beauty editors' complexions are, almost to a fault, reddish, sensitised, irritated and 'confused'. 'Their skin has had enough'.... Dann believes the problem is caused by the use of strong, inappropriate products."

Of course, there's a bit in the article promoting the skincare brand Dann works for but what I am more interested in is the suggestion that too many products and too much switching around ruins one's skin. A sort of skin version of the "Too many cooks spoil the broth" saying.

I know my mother would definitely agree as she had a massive breakout after switching to a new skincare brand. She's always lecturing me for trying new brands but if the current one doesn't work...

I am rambling so let's get back to the point: Lots of product, so little time. Do you agree that using too many products is bad for your skin?

Good stuff! - Derm 10 Comodone Complex

I'm terribly sorry for not taking my own image of the product but things have been in a hectic and mad state of flux for me of late. I can't wait to update you guys on it but until then I hope you lovely ladies will bear with my slightly spotty posting habits.

I was sent this product a couple months ago to test but it's taken me this long to review it because I wanted to first test the Vitamin C Complex independently and after loving it, to use this product.... STOP using it... and start it up again. Thorough testing eh?

And what has all this testing proven? In a nutshell... it works to clear up blemishes and dissolve blackheads. Hurrah!

Don't expect to see  miracles all at once though, it's a gentle complex and while I noticed improved skintone and clearer skin in the first week, it wasn't radically dramatic. In fact I had to stop using it (as mentioned), watch my skin deteriorate even with the regular use of Differin, and then start it up again to be sure.

Apparently It Works: Zogan Facial Massage

After turning into an avid Saeki advocate, Mum came into my room a few weeks later.

"Aren't there any easier face massages? The Saeki one is so hard to remember!"

Some Googling turned up Yukuko Tanaka's (another Japanese beauty expert) Zogan massage. Apparently great for anti-aging and facial contouring, Mum found it much easier to remember and faster to do (under 5 minutes).

She pranced up to me the next morning.

"What do you think?"

I squinted blearily over my cup of Horlicks. And then:

"You have a chin! And your neck looks better!"

"I know!" Mum preened. The stress from my father's illness a few years ago resulted in a double chin and neck wrinkles for my mother. She has always been upset about it.

Until now. Looks like the whole anti-aging thing might work. Will report back in another month.

The facial massage videos can be found after the jump. The before and after pics were obviously photoshopped.

Monday's beauty announcement: Clear skin at last!

I'm almost afraid to say this for fear of jinxing it. But my skin has been the best it's ever been since puberty hit with a vengeance for the past month or so. The only time it messed up was when I messed up and tried going back to Revlon Colorstay - something my skin will definitely no longer tolerate.

Since switching to a dimethicone & silicone free formulation in Laura Mercier's Oil-Free Foundation, my skin has pretty much cleared up, just purging residual clogged pores. This is one of those moments where I wish I knew what I know now ages ago. *sighs*

Book Review: Chizu Saeki's Japanese Skincare Revolution

"What is this?" my mother picked up the book on my bed.

I glanced over my shoulder. "Oh, that. I bought it for you in Australia but forgot to give it to you."

"You shouldn't have," she automatically said* as she flipped through the book. "I don't think I will read it."

I hid a grin.

Sure enough, the book disappeared from my bookshelf and reappeared on Mum's bedside table the next day.

A shot of Vitamin C: Derm10 Vitamin C Complex

Just about the time Eli's sister was threatening to slather her skin with lemon juice to give it a jolt of Vitamin C, I was contacted by Derm10 to review some of their products. I've never heard of this skincare line before, they claim to be from the US, Malaysia & Singapore but I had my doubts. My skin's never been the easiest to please, but with some back and forth emails I found the lady who contacted me to be very forthcoming, friendly and professional. She helped me identify silicone free formulations that would be great for my skin. So after awhile I decided to try this Vitamin C Complex serum and their Comodone Complex (I haven't started using this yet as I only test one product at a time). After a month of using the Vitamin C serum, I have to say I'm impressed!

It Don't Work No More: The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost

Ever had a product which worked but stopped working after you moved to a different climate?

I have. Lots, in fact. The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost is one of them.

I absolutely loved this stuff while I was in Australia. It kept pimples at bay, helped to heal blemishes really quickly and made my skin look brighter after weeks of regular use.

Cue my return to Malaysia.