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Favorite Face Wash & Cleansers

September 26, 2018 / FASHION & BEAUTY / 0 comments

One of my favorite part in my skincare regimen is washing my face. There’s just something exciting and relieving of finally cleaning my face and getting rid of the day’s makeup, dirt, and excess oil. A clean face makes the skin breathe and be ready for nourishment. When it comes to cleansing my face, I tend to be very picky about the products I choose. I mostly do double-cleansing to get rid of my makeup, and that means using a cleansing oil or sometimes a cleansing wipe at first, then I would proceed to use either cream or gel facial cleansers, depending on my skin condition at that time or sometimes depending on my mood. LOL. Facial cleansers are so important for me because they’re basically one of the first steps to start the skin care routine and I like my facial cleansers to either jumpstart my day or calm me down at night. With that being said, I like some good well-scented facial washes that can awaken the senses or calm the nerves, the type that won’t make me get so bored after using them several times. I usually gravitate towards the citrusy or orange-scented ones, since they’re invigorating, or the ones with mild lavender or rose scents for the calming effect. I use the facial cleansers reviewed on this blog on a case to case basis. There are days when I reach out for mild cleansers, and there are also those days when I reach out for stronger more therapeutic ones. These are my favorite facial cleansers of all time.

Murad Essential-C Cleanser (6.5 oz: $39) – One of the first cleansers I fell in love with. This has antioxidants with vitamins A, C, and E. It has a nice fresh citrus-orange scent that will capture the senses and it also has little exfoliating beads. This cleanser is great for all skin types, and also does well with acne-prone skin or stressed skin and it doesn’t leave it dry. This cleanses thoroughly, takes out excess oil, and it leaves the skin soft.

Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser (Mini 2.54 oz: $14, Standard 5.07 oz: $26) – This cleanser smells milky and has a creamy and luxurious feel. The scent is divine and it’s kinda relaxing. The texture is soft yet it lathers very well, so no need to use a lot. This is a great facial wash for any skin type and it’s mild enough for those with very sensitive skin. I love how this cleanser truly cleanses my face and it has a nice softening effect. Thumbs up to Korres for creating this.

Origins GinZing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser (5 oz: $20.50) – LOVE this so much. This is one of the most invigorating facial washes I’ve ever tried. The true orange scent of this will definitely wake you up and this has nice soft scrubbing beads that are gentle enough for daily exfoliation. This cleanser is perfect for anyone with oily skin since it has a gel-like consistency and it doesn’t dry the skin. This could also work for those with sensitive skin to use a few times a week. This is one of my holy grail face cleansers and this leaves my skin squeaky clean. If you haven’t tried this particular cleanser yet, oh well, I think that you really should.

SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser (3.6 oz: $75) – This gotta be the priciest face cleanser I’ve ever tried and I like its soothing rose scent that calms me down at night. Like with most SK-II products, this particular cleanser has Pitera – a signature SK-II ingredient that is rich in amino acids and other minerals. This cleanser feels really mild and it has a very soft creamy texture which foams well and I usually use this on good skin days.

Olehenriksen The Clean Truth Foaming Cleanser (1.7 oz: $10, 7 oz: $30) – One of the easiest face washes to use, thanks to its really practical packaging. This cleanser is probably the one I tend to reach out for when I’m in a hurry since this dispenses a nice foam that’s ready to use for the face. I love the refreshing citrusy scent of this, and the ingredients are brightening yet mild, also, this really cleanses the face thoroughly, and it removes excess oil and dirt like a charm. A little foam goes a long way and that means this cleanser can last a long time. Love this a lot.

Dermadoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Medicated AHA/BHA Acne Cleanser (7.1 oz: $30) – This is my fave cleanser for bad skin days. That is, whenever I have any breakouts that need care. This has Glycolic and Salicylic acids which are beneficial for acne-prone skin, and this cleanser can also be added for any acne skin care regimen. With that being said, this cleanser can reduce excess oil, and it helps to control zits. I like that this feels creamy and it’s one of those acne cleansers that my skin can tolerate since this isn’t so drying and this is soap-free, oil-free, and fragrance-free.

Face Reality Ultra Gentle Cleanser (6 oz: $21) – This cleanser was recommended by my Aesthetician. This has a nice soothing lavender scent and has a gel formulation that’s meant for oily-prone or oily skin type. This is a great very mild cleanser to use when you’re on an acne treatment regimen, or when going through an extreme breakout that requires a super gentle cleanser that won’t harm or hurt the skin.

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed (4.4 oz: $26) – This cleanser is just really good. It smells like clean cotton and it’s really invigorating. The texture is so creamy and it foams so well with only a little bit of product. It cleanses so thoroughly, taking off excess oil while softening and calming the skin. This is a really great cleanser for all skin types and the one I also highly recommend. Another amazing cleanser from Clarins and also a personal fave of mine is the One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract, which has a nice exfoliating capability. Reviewed HERE. I believe Clarins makes some of the best facial cleansers that are worth looking into.

Tatcha The Deep Cleanse (5 oz: $38) – Another Tatcha holy grail. I love the scent and overall texture of this cleanser. It has a gentle refreshing scent with a lightweight gel form. It’s mild on the skin yet it cleanses well, which makes it ideal for any skin type, be it for sensitive skin. It’s also lightly exfoliating with loofah fruit fibers, which takes off excess oil and dirt. This cleanser has the clean seal of Sephora, so it’s perfect for daily use without worries. The packaging needs improvement though since it’s kind of hard to control the amount of product that comes out of its squeezable bottle.

Bottom line, cleansing the face is a necessary step in every skincare regimen. Regardless of what type of facial cleansers to use, the important thing is to let the skin breathe and be free of excess oil and germs.

Stay tuned for more skincare favorites

L.O.V.E

Favorite Facial Toners

July 26, 2018 / FASHION & BEAUTY / 0 comments

Facial Toners are probably the skincare product I used to skip a lot. I don’t remember exactly what had gotten me to start using them diligently, it must be that I just really took my skincare rituals seriously since I’m tired of seeing zits and blemishes on my face. I’ve been hooked into Facial Toners for a couple of years now and since then, I noticed a big improvement in my skin. We may not realize it, but toners do play an important role in skincare. I have probably experimented on a lot of Toners in the past, and still, I feel like there’s not really a lot of good Face Toners out there. However, I did find a few that seems to work for my skin. So here now are my favorite Facial Toners, a few of them have been a constant favorite for years, and also, there are some that are current favorites or new discoveries and are definitely holy grail-worthy.

One of the first and my most favorite Facial Toner of all time is the SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner (5.4 oz: $76). This toner is gentle and calming to use. It doesn’t leave any residue on the skin and it’s non-drying. There’s almost no scent and it gives a refreshing feel. Its main ingredients are AHA and Pitera – which is rich in amino acids. With that being said, this toner gives a youthful glow over time, and it pretty much balances my skin tone and it also improves and evens my skin texture. My skin used to look dull and tired-looking, but after using this toner for more than 2 years now, my skin has been looking radiant. It also seemed to control my hormonal breakouts, and it brightens and heals whatever zits I have, which is amazing because it usually takes a while for my blemishes to go away. I usually use this Toner right after washing my face, and I soak a cotton pad full of it and just dab it deeply into my open pores and it preps my skin for any serum or moisturizer. It usually takes a while to see this Toner’s effect, but with time, you’ll notice the difference. As with almost all of my reviews talking about SK-II products, I definitely feel like my good skin days always happen whenever I use SK-II. My face overall just looks smooth, glowy, and my oily T-zone seems less likely so. Because of that, I also use their Facial Treatment Essence, which is also great at making my skin look its best. The only drawback with this Toner and as with most SK-II products are the prices. This is definitely a pricey toner even though its packaging is large enough to last me about 2 months. I do try to use it conservatively though as much as I can. But yeah, by now, you know that I really love SK-II products and I highly recommend them.

Probably the closest dupe to the SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion is the Son & Park Beauty Water (11.49 oz: $30). It comes in a really large plastic square bottle and you could find it right now at Sephora. It is a K-beauty favorite and has really good reviews online. I’ve also heard about the popular K-beauty brand Missha as having a similar ingredient/toner to the SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, it’s called Time Revolution Toner, but I haven’t tried it yet. Anyway, back to this Beauty Water by Son & Park. I usually purchased this Toner whenever I don’t have a budget for the SK-II one. It’s not exactly alike, but it’s similar enough. It’s also a very mild Toner with faint fruity ginger scent, kinda like the scent of the Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb. All throughout my use of this, I noticed that it’s good at removing some remaining makeup residues and it doesn’t dry my skin. It made my skintone look more even and it also feels very calming and so refreshing. I even use this as a face mist and it leaves my skin supple.

This Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner (8.4 oz: $44) is an Allure Best of Beauty Winner 2017 and I was surprised to have fallen in love with this at first try. I thought this would be too harsh for my skin, but it’s not. This is actually so refreshing and so calming that I literally zone out every time I use this. LOL. Also, this toner’s packaging is too cute to use and is simply pretty to look at. Although I’ve heard some people say that it looks like one of those jars in their chemistry labs filled with some experimental stuff, LOL again. But anyway, this toner is definitely gentle and I can attest to this since this is pretty much alcohol-free, non-drying and this seems to moisturize a bit. For me, this has all the bells and whistles of a perfect Face Toner like removing debris and purifying the pores, as well as removing extra makeup residue left. But what I love about this is how it really helps soothe my face during breakouts. I just love using this Toner whenever I get those raging hormonal zits and it seems to calm it down, leaving my breakouts reduced in size and almost cured the next day. So, for me, this toner has a therapeutic effect which helped my skin a lot. The packaging is pretty large too, so you can use this for some time.

Next thing is the Dr. Andrew Weil For Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion (6.7 oz: $34), which is a Toner that got the clean skincare seal from Sephora and is fairly new to me. I’ve only been testing this for a couple of weeks now and who knew mushroom skincare can be so good for the skin? This is literally a very gentle toner even though the scent may not be so gentle, but it’s not bad. It has an aromatic herb-like scent which is soothing of course at least for me, but for some, it may be too much (but I doubt it). I haven’t noticed any dramatic results or improvement of this Toner on my skin yet, but what I do notice is that it never broke me out, I mean, it’s expected because it’s made of clean ingredients like reishi mushroom (anti-inflammatory) and probiotics among other things. It also seems very calming on the skin and it pretty much relieved my skin’s redness.

Last but not the least is the Caudalie Beauty Elixir (1-3.4 oz: $18-49). This is also a new discovery for me, but from the moment I tried this, I literally was like “Where have this toner been all my life?” Apparently, this product has a cult following and I wasn’t a follower of it? Hmmm… I don’t know what kind of sorcery is in here but I was really impressed the moment I sprayed this on my face. It literally made my face smooth and soft and my pores didn’t feel so rough at all. It actually kinda tightened it and my skin looks glowy. Furthermore, it feels soothing with its rosemary, mint, and rose scent. It also has some orange flower water. I usually use this prior to applying a serum or moisturizer during the day and also as a face mist to refresh my face during the afternoon and evening. It’s also great as a setting spray for makeup and it really evens it out, reducing any chances of cakiness. This is definitely on my holy grail list now and it’s definitely worthy of being called a beauty elixir.

Bottom line, it’s good to use Face Toners regardless of what brand you’re using or planning to use. I personally think that you shouldn’t skip on this skincare ritual since it’s very important to prep the skin after washing the face. Also, Facial Toners remove extra residues of makeup and dirt that may not have been removed by usual face cleaning, even after double cleansing. On top of that, Facial Toners are very beneficial in purifying the pores. The only downside about Toners is that they get used up a lot, so it’s always a good idea to purchase them in the largest packaging possible, even though most of them are already housed in large containers. So yeah, there goes my favorite Toners of all time, I hope it helps you in finding a favorite one as well.

Wishing you good skin days all of the time. Muah!

xx.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, Clear Lotion, Cleanser, & Mask Review

July 11, 2017 / FASHION & BEAUTY / 1 Comment

When it comes to skincare, there is one brand that I keep coming back for, and that’s SK-II. Though I’ve never really tried all their products, I find that their basic lines like the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, and the Facial Treatment Cleanser have really worked wonders on my skin. Some people may disagree on this, but there is just something really magical about this whole Pitera thing.

If you know the whole story of this cult-favorite Japanese skincare brand, then you’d be amazed. As per Wikipedia, “a group of Japanese scientists had observed the sake brewery workers to have smooth young-looking hands after years of submerging them in fermented yeasts even though their faces obviously showed their age.” After further research, the particular naturally-occurring yeast was isolated for use, thus the birth of Pitera.

Much has been said and disputed about Pitera. Some experts said it doesn’t really work or that it’s not worth it, or even that there’s not much proof of its benefit and effectiveness, while some also said that Pitera is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which improves the skin’s renewal process, thus making it youthful and glowing. As for me, I do not know if it is a placebo or for real, but ever since I’ve been using these SK-II products, I know my skin started looking fantabulous, no kidding.

My skin is pretty resilient but it gets crazy whenever I subject it to stressful environments or situations, like going to another planet, I mean traveling. Also, it tends to breakout whenever life’s stresses happen. I have tried different products but none of them really sort of prevented my skin from getting confused. Enter SK-II and I could not be happier. I do not know when exactly I started noticing the difference, I think perhaps a month, and my face does not seem to act out as much, no matter the situation or the condition I am in, be it hormones, pollution or dryness. I may have small bumps from time to time but it does not go into full-blown cystic calamity anymore. It is like my skin is more resilient and better protected. Also, my face looks glowy and my skin’s texture looks smooth and even.

If you have read my previous comment about SK-II before, (seen HERE), I mentioned that my best skin happens whenever I use SK-II. That is true even until now. Since trying them a few years ago, I have never really gone astray, I have been a loyal customer and had been using SK-II products as my daily skincare routine despite the steep price (I know, right?) The products you will see below are the ones I always use daily as my foolproof skincare go-tos regardless of any situation.

SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser (3.6 oz: $75) – Has a nice rosy scent that is gentle and great for sensitive skin. It’s creamy, non-abrasive, foamy, and non-drying. It feels luxe and it comes in a decent hefty-size container that will last a long time. A great all around facial wash for any skin care type or if you have any skin care concerns. Oh, and great to use with Foreo too.

SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (5.4 oz: $76) – The toner of my life! What am I going to do without you? Yep, that is how much I love and adore this toner. I have repurchased this countless times and this has helped my skin a lot. This may smell and feel like nothing, but it does make a difference. I love that this seems mild but this is a hardworker by cleaning every remaining trace of makeup and calms the pores. The full size heavy frosted glass bottle usually lasts 2 months on me while using a cotton pad.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (Travel Size, 2.5 oz: $99, Standard Size, 5.4 oz: $179, Value sizes: 7.8 oz, $229 and 11 oz: $290) – This face essence, or what I would call and use as a serum, is SK-II’s bestselling product because this has more than 90% Pitera that is ready to get your skin glowing. This is basically the product to get if you want to experience your first dose of SK-II miracle and Pitera goodness. Its consistency is slightly thicker than the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion and its scent is somewhat stronger and could get funkier with time. Some may complain about the scent to be a little fishy, but it’s not so bad, really. I just use my hands to apply the product as I do not want to waste any. This thing is already expensive even for the travel size, but it usually lasts 5 months on me. So it is a great deal. It is even a greater deal if you could find the whole Pitera Essence Set, which comes with the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Travel Size, plus a Facial Treatment Mask and a mini (1 oz) Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, which is great wherever you go.

Last but not the least, SK-II Facial Treatment Mask (1 Mask: $17, 6 Masks: $95, 10 Masks: $135) – This mask is super drenched with Pitera goodness, oozing with moisturization and hydration. This has no discerning scent and this feels cool, soothing, and nourishing. This makes my skin feel smooth and soft, although it is very pricey. But, totally worth the money and this is the most luxurious, most moist, and most non-greasy mask I have ever tried. So great to take with you during traveling or even on the plane.

Whether you are an SK-II fan or not, what matters is you are satisfied with your current skincare and that you take good care of your skin. We only have one face to take on the world. So, put your best face forward!

The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, Clear Lotion, Cleanser, and Mask is available in Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Dermstore, QVC, Bloomingdales, Violet Grey, Revolve & Macy’s

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