The Godsend Treatment: Vitamin E Oil for Hormonal Acne and Allergies

Hurray! I found it!!! For many many months, I have been suffering from hormonal breakouts around my mouth and chin area every single month as my period came close and whenever I'd eaten any hormone-laden food, like milk, beef and soy - all my faves...And when it hit, it went quite out of control. 

Prayers granted as I popped into a health food store near my place and came across this booth displaying natural vitamin E oil of different dosages. I bought the one that contains 32,000 IU of vitamin E, originally meant for eliminating stretch marks and scars. But hey, acne and allergies are in a sense inflammation, which could be remedied by the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and repairing properties of natural vitamin E oil. 

I layered the vitamin E oil generously over the affected areas and a little over the good areas, massaged it in and leave it on as a sleeping mask. Believe it or not, it worked wonders overnight! After washing it off the next morning, my skin was tamed, soft and supple. The best part is, the angry pimples are calmed, bumps subsided and I even thought the pimple scars shrank a bit as well! Since then, I repeat this routine every night to replace my facial moisturizer - the very last step. I would still highly recommend you to hydrate your skin as per normal before using the oil. After all, this last step is supposed to lock in the moisture of your well-hydrated skin. That said, I still treat my skin with toner, essence and hydration cream-gel before massaging in this oil. My hormonal acne is pretty much in control these days, with only mild acne which dries up significantly faster and the blemishes diminish significantly faster than ever before...erm alright, since my teenager years. 

Makeup Review: Innisfree Jejubija Anti-Trouble BB Cream

You're right! I almost bought the entire line of Innisfree Jejubija Anti-Trouble. The skincare items are great so far (see reviews HERE), but I've mixed comments when it comes to their BB Cream.

Featuring the powerful natural healing ingredient, torreya seed extracts from Jeju Island, it vouches to calm troubled skin, reduce redness and control and prevent blemishes.

Pros

The best thing about this BB Cream is that it gives a matte finish, which can last for quite a while. Not only is the finish matte, it also feels drier than all the other BB creams I've tried. Pretty good medium coverage. I have a hunch that it really helps treat my blemishes...well it smells antiseptic and believe it or not, I'm delighted with the fragrance as it says I'm healing!. My bumpy spots are smoothed out as the day goes by. =)

Cons

The color turns a bit ashy in the afternoon. It still looked dull even though I tried to perk up my look with a bit of blusher. It's also relatively less lasting than Innisfree Air Skin Fit BB Cream (see review HERE). 

Verdict

Frankly, I will only recommend this BB cream for oily, acne-prone or blemished areas. For me, I only use it on my T-zone and pat a bit of it over my pimples. But if it's not for the oil and blemish control, I'd recommend Air Skin Fit for the entire face. 

Skincare Review: Must-haves for the Hot, Humid Summer Days

Hi there! Suddenly realized that I'm approaching my 100th post very very soon! Having read about the long list of products that I loved/love, I believe it's time I update you all with the products that I'm still using or keep getting back to - Thanks to those who have reminded me of this! xxx

First on the My Faves series are the staple, holy grail items that I rely on over our sizzling hot and super humid summer here in Hong Kong. That said, these products are brilliant in controling sebum and I shall say pretty heat-resistant with great lasting power. Also for your info, I've combination skin with an oily T-zone which probably secretes enough oil for frying an egg in spring and summer. It's also pretty sensitive, especially to AHA, anything with soy, yeast and natural essential oils, and I get PMS acne pretty much every month. So the products below are all hypoallergenic. By the way, I'm not into beauty products that feature high-tech stuff like nanotechnology and stem cells.

1. Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel (Hypoallergenic)

Can't remember how many bottles I've used. I've tried other cleansers along the course, but still got back to it in the end. It effectively removes the grit and grime without stripping much of your natural moisture layer. My face feels fresh with no stretchy tightening sensation after wash. 

2. Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturizing Toning Lotion (Hypoallergenic)

If the main point of using a toner is to rehydrate your skin after wash, this Bioderma toner does an excellent job. To me, I never think a toner should do anything more than rehydration as I believe my skin needs to be strengthened with something simple and effective before it can take anything more advanced, like brightening and anti-aging. And in fact Bioderma is what I will turn to whenever my skin is fragile and hypersensitive. This toner has never failed to leave my skin soft and supple. The best is, I can use it on my eyes as well, which I love and insist for toners! This toner is in my staple item list...literally the water that quenches my thirty skin after every wash - NO GIMMICK! 

3. Laneige Water Bank Essence (see review HERE)

Again, I've been using this for ages, but it's really THIS good! For those of you who are not familiar with Laneige, it's a popular Korean brand under one of the giants in the korean beauty industry, Amore Pacific Group. The Water Bank series is their best seller which features great hydration power. This essence pumps water into my skin, leaving it...bouncy! Not sticky at all. And my skin feels absolutely hydrated and strengthened after use.  

4. Caudalie Radiance Serum (see review HERE)

The serum contains great anti-oxidants - polyphenols and resveratrol. I only use Radiance Serum for my undereyes on summer days as I really wanna keep my skin feeling light, fresh and supple. It provides a wonderful protective layer for the fragile undereyes by locking in moisture throughout the day. My undereye concealer manages to stay put without sinking into fine lines.   

5. *Innisfree Anti-Trouble Spot Essence W and Essence R
I highly recommend to use the two essence together as they work hand in hand to heal and soothe bumps and pimples, including hormonal ones. They feature the efficacious Jeju torreya seed oil and natural salicylic acid. Essence W feels more like a lotion than an essence. It provides a foundation for the skin treatment. In fact I'm also using the lotion from this Anti-Trouble series between W and R, topically on the affected areas. Essence R usually comes last in my entire skincare routine before bed and I use it sparingly on bumps, pimples and acne-prone areas. My skin is smoothened and the inflammation is usually tamed the next morning, as if nothing has ever happened - Hurray!

6. *Innisfree Capsule Recipe (Jejubija & Tea Tree)

This clay mask contains less kaolin than most other clay masks, which makes it friendlier to sensitive skin like mine. It supplements the Anti-Trouble products in use to tame and heal my sensitive and sometimes troubled skin, especially in times when PMS hits! It's one of the few products I found so far that can combat hormonal acne without strong chemicals. And because of the natural ingredients used, I use this mask every other night or sometimes on consecutive nights when my skin breaks out cuz of hormonal changes. Highly recommended!

7. Avene Cleanance K Cream-Gel (see review HERE)

Although I'm mainly using Essences W and R for acne treatment these days, Cleanace K is still on my desk for intensive treatment. It goes well under makeup. The only thing is, don't use it too generously as it will still burn and peel your skin since it's acidic. Very effective though! ;)

8. Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream

This is the eye cream that I keep getting back to. I love its luxurious texture and above all, its moisturizing power that goes well under makeup the entire day. Unlike many other moisturizing eye cream I've used, including the high-end ones, it seeps into my undereyes to plump them up without getting sticky or oily. It won't clump my undereye concealer even after long hours. Love it! xx

9. Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light (Cream)

I use it as a night cream on summer nights cuz it's a bit too rich for me in the day. It's soothing and moisturizing, just enough for replenishing my skin at the close of the day. It doesn't break my skin even when I use it sparingly. 

10. Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream

This watery cream is one of my new discoveries and I love it upon my first application. The sherbet-like cream seeps through my skin in no time and leaves my skin soft and supple without any burdens on these hot, humid summer days. Beautiful texture and great hydrating power. It's absolutely a delight applying it every day!

The Korean brands I introduced are carried in many online shops (e.g. http://www.ibuybeauti.com which offers free international shipping), as well as eBay. 

*Innisfree is another Korean brand under Amore Pacific Group - the mother company of Sulwhasoo. The brand vouches to be environmental-friendly. Their products feature powerful natural ingredients from the beautiful, pollution-free Jeju Island. All their products are hypoallergenic and free of parabens, mineral oils and artificial colorings. 

Change of Seasons Skincare Essential: Bioderma Hydrabio Mask

It's too late if you only begin prepping your skin when the brutal cold weather sets in. Act now! Although the sea of luxury facial treatment products could be utterly alluring, the back-to-basics are, in fact, equally brilliant.

My all-time fave is Bioderma Hydrabio Mask. I personally think it's a mask you should always own despite the number of luxury alternatives you have added to your skincare compartment. Why so? Because it's literally an all-time facial mask! It's almost the only facial mask you can use under any skin conditions. Plus, it can be used as a quick fix, part of your regular regimen, a massaging agent or an overnight mask...and above all, as frequently as is needed. I like to leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then tissue off the excess. It leaves my skin supple and baby soft without a tinge of grease. My pores are instantly refined since the skin cells are well-quenched. What more do you want? 

A Budgety Rescue Remedy to Desensitize and Restore Your Skin

If you ever bother to read the ingredient list of your beauty products, you should have noticed that glycerin or glycerol always appears as one of the first ingredients. But what exactly is glycerin? Glycerin is a thick sweet-tasting liquid derived from animal fats or sugar. When diluted with water, it works wonder for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin...oh, cracked lips too! While some people are allergic to natural essential oils, glycerin can actually soothe such allergic reactions and strengthen your skin's natural barrier by restoring its moisture balance.

I once unknowingly applied something very wrong on my face for days and my skin became embarrasingly red and irritated. I spread a generous layer of glycerin over my face with damp hands, massaged a bit and left it overnight (it's water-soluble, so no worries about staining your pillowcase!). The result was amazing. The skin irritation was calmed and the redness had almost subsided completely the next morning. That's no exaggeration! I repeated the regime for a few nights and it worked like a magic potion, really. I could hang out with my head up on the third day! The entire rescue regime is chemical-free, gimmick-free and cheap. You can easily get a bottle of pure glycerin from the drugstore across the road at a very attractive price.

Apart from using it as an overnight mask, it's an excellent massaging agent when your skin is fatigue, irritated or dehydrated. Spread it over your face with damp hands, gently massage it in for 3-5 minutes in circular motion, and tissue off the excess. Unlike some massage creams in the market (including those of luxury brands), glycerin leaves your skin soft and supple with zero stickiness and skin irritation. Over time, it builds up your skin's natural defense mechanism, making it healthier and less vulnerable to climatic changes and allergens...Of course, that's given that you are diligent with the regime. Oh by the way, since it's multi-purpose like a much cheaper version of Nuxe Multi-Purpose Dry Oil, I enjoy rubbing the excess on my hands and hair ends. So to speak, no wastage at all. What better deal do you want?

Skincare Review for Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting

I love this serum!!! One of the things I adore is that I can also apply it on my eye area, which allows me to skip my usual eye serum on the nights that I'm super exhausted and just want to get my skin prepped and zzzzzzzzzz. In this sense, it's like a 2-for-1 offer, isn't it?! The best part is, I get what I have paid for. I slept at 4a.m. on several occasions, but still my complexion looked brighter than I had expected the next morning. I realize it also managed to overcome the dullness brought by the strong medicated acne treatment I was using (and which failed to curb the horrible breakout) before purchasing Avene Cleanance Cream-Gel (see review HERE). This is a fantastic news because I now have a serum that can make me look better over my very depressive, blemished days. And since it's hypoallergenic, I can use it during my worst skin breakout with no worries at all. What's more, I think it also speeds up the recovery of my blemishes. My skin has stopped breaking out within days of beginning my new skincare regime with the new Avene purchases (HERE), and the spots are minimizing and fading out at a very desirable pace. It's been less than 2 weeks by now, and with only light makeup, my friends are hardly aware that I had just gone through one of my worst skin breakouts! 

Texture-wise, the Radiance Serum feels a bit sticky when I first apply it on my skin. I usually leave it for a few minutes before applying moisturizer to allow the serum to sink in. You will know when it's ready as it will feel noticeably less sticky. The stickiness actually owes to its hydrating property. Now that the weather is still humid, I only apply it on my blemishes and areas that require brightening, say the apples of my cheeks and my undereyes. But my guess is, I can use it over my entire face when the wintry weather sets in. 

Oh, one last thing. Don't forget that the serum contains a star ingredient, grape seed polyphenols, a natural, highly potent antioxidant that helps delay or slow down the skin aging process that we all detest. In other words, it's an antioxidant, hydrating, and brightening serum. It's great especially for acne-prone, sensitive skin and it's definitely a value-for-money product (even better if it comes in a gift pack!) that you should seriously consider including in your coming beauty haul.  

Skincare Review for Acne-Prone Skin: Eau Thermale Avene Anti-blemish Trio

My skin has been hypersensitive since the beginning of August with exposure to a cocktail of acne-boosting factors (e.g. overexposure to the sun, skin allergy, stress, etc.). My latest skincare routine has included a handful of hypoallergenic products, which I will review in two separate entries. They have done magic to my irritated skin within days. I recommended Dermalogica Overnight Clearing gel (see review HERE) some weeks ago, but it's no longer enough to fight the battle. This is the second time my skin breaks out so badly in my 30 years of life. It's a hard battle indeed, but surprising the golden rule of thumb is: Go simple and mild! It doesn't only apply to what you apply after your facial wash, but also to what you use to wash.

I see a stark improvement in my skin condition after using 3 items from Eau Thermale Avene, one of the brands commonly recommended by dermatologists. 

1. Clean-Ac Cleansing Cream

I have combination-dry skin, which means my cheeks are rather dry even under this humid spring/summer weather. So I opted for this cleansing cream for better hydration. It is a misconception that the oily T-zone needs no hydration since it is actually oily because of dehydration! What makes this cleansing cream great for sensitive skin is that it's soapless! It's utterly gentle, but it can also remove sunscreen and grime without overstripping your skin. My skin feels clean and calm after the wash.

2. Cleanance K Cream-Gel

Thanks to the effectiveness of AHAs (glycolic acid and lactic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid), Cleanance K can exfoliate, hydrate, and balance the sebum-secretion of the affected areas. I have to stress that it is indeed very effective in treating acnes and blemishes. But I have one note of caution: Don't be greedy!!! Apply ONLY a thin layer to the affected areas as it may burn your skin if you layer too much! It may sting a bit even with a thin layer. My skin actually turned red when my pimples were really inflamed. The redness subsided after like 10 minutes...and I haven't experienced much stingy sensation and redness since the inflammation was treated after two nights of application. But in any cases, you do really need to spare that 10 minutes for the formula to sink in for better results anyway. I think this cream-gel is the crux of the entire skin rescue. My pimples were dried up, or at least partially dried, the next morning!

3. Clean-Ac Hydrating Cream

The moisturizer is specially formulated for blemish-prone sensitive skin. As it vouches, it does hydrate and soothe my irritated skin. It also instantly calms the stingy sensation brought by Cleanance K. It provides the nourishment and protection my blemished skin needs for recovery. The only thing is, it's apparently heavier than my usual moisturizers and I just can't make myself use it over my T-zone area (on which I'm still using Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner - HERE). Other than this, it's a brilliant moisturizer, especially for the upcoming fall season. 

Overall, with these 3 Avene Products, my skin is now tamed, my face is clearing...everything's on the right track!

   

What Makes My Skin Smile: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Massage Cream

I went for this promotional event by Shiseido last Tuesday which included a complimentary skin analysis and a 60-min facial session at this Conrad ballroom. My apologies for not taking any pictures as I was too busy relaxing...oops!

The session began with a skin analysis. And as expected of my combo skin, my cheeks were slightly dry. According to the results and my purchase record, I was prescribed with a range of White Lucent products plus a mask from their Revital line. 

What impressed me most was the White Lucent Brightening Massage Cream, which left my skin feeling so super soft and well-rested after the massage in the facial session, like it had just undergone a yoga session - relaxed and refreshed! The facial therapist suggested me to try using it for 7 days to speed up the cell renewal of my recently blemished skin.

I have used it for 5 days now and I can almost feel my skin metabolism being activated! Uhem, I may have exaggerated a bit here, but I'm truly happy with this purchase because I could see how it replenished my skin's moisture level after the very first application at home! I was surprised that my pores looked smaller and my face became more luminous...I could visualize my skin cells being hydrated like a stomata! What I also like is that it can be used on the delicate eye area and problem skin too.

Although my face massaging skill was not that professional, my face was warm after the 3- to 5-minute massage. I assumed it had really activated my blood circulation, and anywayz, my face was really brightened with more radiance after it's cooled down. The skincare products that followed could also seep through my skin more easily. The best was, I couldn't remember the last time I woke up with such radiant skin! What's more, this gigantic pimple that had just begun to dry out on the day of the facial session had completely dried and shrunk into a small dot after using the Massage Cream for 3 consecutive nights! That's almost the recovery speed I got when I was a teen (I hardly had any acne problem then)!

The relaxation, radiance and visible replenishment make the product an addictive one. The results are visible too. I haven't worn any foundation for the past 4 days and I can now hang out with great complexion using only my MAC Pre + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer in purple (HERE) and a bit of concealer under eyes (currently using Diorskin Sculpt - HERE) - Hooray!

My Overnight Companion in the Acne War: Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel

For a few years, I'd been using Clinique Spot Treatment Gel for my occasional pimples until I was down with a very horrible acne breakout like two years ago. The dermatologist prescribed me with this super pimple cream from the pharmacy, which has worked magic since. I don't want to conveniently recommend any of you to go for this super pimple cream without any professional diagnosis. And in fact, despite its impressive effectiveness, I actually began to wonder recently if I shall switch back to something milder before my skin has built up a strong tolerance against the normal acne treatments.

Amid my recent Acne War, I purchased Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel, just for a desperate go. It turns out that, inclusive of this Clearing Gel, Dermalogica products (HERE) have never let me down! 

In terms of ingredients, this Gel contains Niacinamide and Biotin, the two important members of the Vitamin B family that work on our skin, hair, and cuticles. There is also the ever-familiar Salicylic Acid that clears your pores and sloughs off the dead skin cell to prevent further breakouts. Alright, enough of introducing the featured ingredients...

The actual results? It functions like an overnight film mask that, I suppose, absorbs the excessive sebum and strengthens your skin cells to eradicate the breakouts. I have used it for two weeks by now. What I like about this gel is that it doesn't really dry out my skin, at least there's no peeling so far, although I do need to use a hydrating mask. But it won't give me any problem with my makeup. It also doesn't carry any medicinal smell that some medicated pimple creams do. In fact, it's fragrance free. And above all, I could see the pimples healing the next morning and, unexpectedly, it also seems to have sped up the recovery of my pimple scars! Bravo! I know Dermalogica has recently launched this Clean Start line that targets on acne-prone skin, but I find the pricing quite steep. Although this one may also look pricey at the first glance, but hey, you get 50ml when you are practically using it by drops, plus its brilliant results, it's definitely a deal!!! 

A Must-Have in My Battle with Acne

You may already know from my previous entries that I'm getting acne breakouts lately because of various reasons (hormonal changes, stress...). In a sensitive period as such, the golden rule for whatever skin care routine is: Thou shalt play safe! No new products, no essential oils, no fancy masques...nothing strong!

An important step to vanquishing acnes is to keep you face clean and hydrated. If you don't want to invest in a set of anti-blemish skin care just for this periodic breakout, Elemis Anti-Aging Cleansing Duo could be a good way out. The duo set includes a Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash (200ml) and my favorite Balancing Lavender Toner (200ml) (BUY HERE). Especially on days that my skin is fragile and problematic, I can't find a better option that can replace Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner (which I had reviewed HERE). Hardly any toner can simultaneously hydrate, calm and balance my skin THIS well! 

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash is also on my favorite list. It contains non-abrasive exfoliation ingredients from the larch tree and babassu oil. Although the name Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing may sound too strong for sensitive and problem skin, it's in fact very gentle while giving your skin a good exfoliation to encourage cell renewal and prevent further skin inflammation. After wash, my face does feel exfoliated, like I've used a micro-scrub and a purifying masque, yet without feeling stripped, but soft and smooth. 

The whole experience of using this cleansing duo soothes my worries over my blemished face. Hmm, I'm sure I can get back my clear skin soon!

Findings of the Experiment: Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On

After using Garnier's newly launched Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On (HERE) day and night for a few days, the results are quite positive, though not very positive.

Sensation-wise, the roll-on serum is quite absorbable and it doesn't leave a stubborn film on my skin like some other anti-blemish products, which gives me trouble when applying other beauty products. The icy minty touch also brings my blemished face some refreshments.

Does it serve the desired function? Well, it did reduce the size of my spots. The result was particularly visible on the second morning than the days after. Though not measurable, I feel that it has sped up skin renewal without drying out my skin. However, please don't take it as an intensive or 'flash' treatment. Honestly, the effect has been pretty subtle after the second day. You will definitely need to use other skin rejuvenation or purifying treatments (such as Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque - HERE and Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque - HERE) simultaneously for a speedy elimination of your skin imperfections.

Today's Experiment: Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-on

I had a relatively serious breakout as part of my usual PMS symptoms last week. For your information, I only started experiencing acne problems at age 22 when I was exceptionally depressed for some reasons. My guess is, the depressive events must have switched on the dormant bits of my puberty genes...at my twenties...! But even so, it used to take me only like 3 to 4 days to get rid of the zits completely, including the marks. Those were the days...cell regeneration is obviously slowing down year by year. It's been over a week, and I still have 4 unwanted bumpy pimple scars along my jawline...

Seeing this new ad on TV, I purchased Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Colling Roll-on at Watson's today with a bit of hope and great desperation. What's more, it's such a deal - HKD63 (USD8)!!! Why not?! 

The roll-on serum features Salicylic acid in maximum concentration and their trademarked HerbaRepair. Salicylic acid is known as one of the most efficient anti-bacterial agent that improves the skin's barrier functions and collagen production. It's also an exfoliant which helps reduce blemishes, and therefore is widely used in anti-blemish products. HerbaRepair is an active ingredient extracted from blueberry that provides regenerating and repairing properties for faster skin renewal. 

I have just tried it for the first time. It truly feels cooling and smells like a mixture of antiseptics and mint, which is perfectly acceptable (at least for me) as the refreshing sensation and scent induce a feeling that it's immediately doing its work! According to the information printed on the packaging, imperfections will be soothed in 5 hours. And in 2 days, imperfections and marks will be visibly reduced. I'm going to apply it in the mornings and evenings. Let's experiment it and see how it goes in a few days!!! Updates pending...*wink*

Decleor Aroma White Brightening Purifying Mask

If you're looking for something gentle, yet deep-cleansing, clarifying, brightening, and pore-refining...wait, have I just named all that I want for my skin?...but yes, Decleor Aroma White Brightening Purifying Mask does all of them. It's a GENTLE deep-cleansing white clay mask that evens out the irregular pigmentation, absorbs excessive oil, and refines your skin! It's suitable for ALL skin type without any drying and tingling sensation. Unlike many other purifying masks, it's utterly comfortable to wear and it feels like my skin is wrapped with some sort of nourishing balm.

The only thing is, I personally find the fragrance a bit too strong. Wonder if it's meant to be some sort of an aromatherapy...but that's during the treatment...I can barely smell it after rinse, and even if I can, it'll only be lingering in a soothing way (your nose gotta be really good then!!!). BUT I ought to stress that this mask is NOT a 'flash treatment' that you may like to go for the night before a date. You should go for Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque (HERE) if you are desperate for a visible and instant skin purification or if you wish to speed up the recovery of your acne. Although both masques contain kaolin (white clay) which absorbs excess oil, I personally find Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque more effective in treating acne-prone skin. I usually opt for Decleor Purifying Mask when I'm drained late at night, yet feeling as if there are layers of dirt and dead cells piled on my face.

The Best Oil-Control Serum from Drugstores

Because of my irritatingly oily T-zone, I've tried quite a handful of oil-control serums over the years. Many didn't work at all. On several occasions, it turned out to be such a waste of time, money, and the product itself too (!!!) since there's no way I could ever carry on using an oil-control serum that actually encouraged oil secretion! My painful serum hunt finally came to an end when I found Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner in a drugstore haul. Good things do come when you're least expecting them! It's the oil-control serum that I keep getting back to.

Unlike some oil-control serum out there in the market, this Bioderma serum doesn't leave any residue. So you won't end up with a mess when you do your makeup 5 minutes before dashing out of your place. It matifies my T-zone and forehead like a super blotting paper. I do need a mid-day retouch with my Mac Blot Powder (HERE) if I'm out the whole day. Just touch-up once and I'm fine the whole day. As with all other Bioderma products, it's hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Quality-wise, it's definitely in no way inferior to the luxurious brands and it's worth every penny you've paid (if not more)! Hey hey, those with combination and acne-prone skin can party tonight!

Balancing regime for combination skin: Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque

One of the things I hate about summer is the extra whiteheads (and sometimes blackheads or even zits!) I get on my T-zone. It's a season whereby everything, including oil secretion, is activated! To keep my skin clear and balanced, I can't live without some sort of a purifying mask in my weekly skincare regime. And mind you, I really mean weekly. Unless you want to disrupt and impair your skin's natural functions, you won't need a daily deep-cleansing...which I shall say twice a week is the max! 

Out of the few purifying masks in my skincare cupboard, Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque has been the one I use most often. I realize it really helps keep my face clean and clear in just 10 minutes, without any tingling sensation that I sometimes get from other clay masks. I like to apply a thicker layer over my T-zone, jawline and any potential acne.  Besides the familiar oil-absorbing Kaolin and Bentonite, which are often found in purifying clay masks, this one also contains Vitamin C and E for a more nourishing treat. It's been quite an effective 'first-aid', as well as 'maintenance' treatment so far. My skin always feels fresh, balanced, and soft after use. It says, "Bye shiny nose and acne!" Hooray!!! 

A 2-in-1 treat: Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner

My face always suffers at this time of the year when our relative humidity goes up and down like a yo-yo. My T-zone becomes so oily that hardly any oil control and hydrating products can curb the active oil secretion, while my cheeks are slightly more dehydrated than usual. This is so super annoying! Although my regular facial treatments are doing a great job, it's still not good enough! Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner is my ultimate solution! It's a superb toner that clarifies my complexion, calms my skin and restores its natural pH level without the use of alcohol. My T-zone becomes less oily and my face plump and (comfortably) moist after use. It's perfect for acne-prone and combination skin.

The toner contains lavender extract (which is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory - good for getting rid of your acne or even insect bites), Quillaja wood (a natural soap), and Sweet Betty Flower (a natural clarifying component that retains your skin's natural oils). It comes with a spray nozzle which makes it a handy facial spritzer!

Applying this toner is a pleasant, mind-soothing experience (not only skin-soothing!). It quickly penetrates through my skin, leaving it soft and supple without any grease. My T-zone and cheeks feel instantly calmed and balanced. The fragrance of lavender also works like aromatherapy, adding a little tender touch to my mornings and evenings...look, I'm actually getting 2-in-1 treat!...BUT the best part is yet to come! What really delights me most is its antiseptic property. My face's very sensitive and I'll get a couple of unknown itchy red spots from time to time. No worries! With this toner in my closet, all I have to do is to dab more of this toner on the affected area/spot, and my 'headaches' will be gone in a short while...Yes, it's almost like a magic potion to me!