Skin Care Products I'm Using Now

Summer vacation started 2 weeks ago for me (or rather my DD but that includes me!) so I'm left with much more free time than I can handle.  Yeah, I'm bored.  I prefer the days with school because I can walk outside with a purpose, he he.

Anyway, I know I'm purposely neglecting this blog and much everything else but you would too if you are nauseated the whole day, everyday! That's what's going on with me now - all day nausea.  I am wishing for my 1st trimester to end in a few more weeks so the nausea would end too.  Compared with my first pregnancy wherein I was vomiting the whole day (yes, morning, noon and night for 3 months!!!) but felt so much better after each bout, this nauseated feeling is worse.  It really is different for every pregnant woman and every pregnancy.  

So far my skin is still looking like s**t but at least my skin texture is better.  I've rediscovered my Emu Oil when I ran out of my night cream a week ago (Avalon Organics Rejuvenating Vitamin C Oil-Free Moisturizer).  This is working for me at the moment because it keeps my face oil-free the next day.

Remember that those wanting to get pregnant or are pregnant should avoid use of skin care products with Retinoids (Accutane- the oral form, Vit. A derivatives in creams, lotions like Retin-A, Differin, Retinoic Acid) as they are proven teratogens especially the oral form of the drug.  Meaning, these cause birth defects in fetuses.  Also Beta Hydroxy Acids like Salicylic Acid should be avoided as they can also cause birth defects and pregnancy complications.  

On My Wish List

This is the new Olay Advanced Cleansing System very much like the Clarisonic which I've been lemming for but is too expensive for me.  The Olay one is only $29.99, is battery operated, has 2 speeds and replaceable brush heads plus it comes with a free Olay Cleanser. 

This will be mine definitely for this year.  In fact I already have it in my cart including a box of 2 extra brush heads but they're still on pre-order.  Since I didn't get anything much for Christmas (except for those I bought myself), this will be numero uno on my list.  When the timing is right (and with enough moolah), I'll be clicking on the "buy" button.  

Etude House Sleeping Pack

About time for a review on the Etude House Sleeping Pack.  I got the Pore Tightening variant in the green tube.  There are other variants available (Pink- Moist & Firm, Lilac- Bright & Soft) for Php 428 per tube.

Skin Within

Last Saturday I was able to visit my dermatologist after almost 3 months.  My skin was at it's worst, breakouts on my forehead, chin and nose due to the scorching heat we are currently having.  I was able to have my underarm IPL maintenance and my much needed glycolic and diamond peels.   Aah, that felt so good!

She and my mom were discussing sunblocks and other stuff mom needed for her skin when we were introduced to the new generation of sunblocks: Skin Within.

Etude House Cleansing Dream Light Cleansing Oil

I am one of the users of oils to cleanse the face of make-up although those that I've used aren't the mainstream brands of cleansing oils like Shu Uemura or DHC.  The only other brand I've tried is the Fasio Cleansing Oil which they have since discontinued (why oh why?) and this:  

Etude House Cleansing Dream Light Cleansing Oil.

I've Finished...

...a lot of skin care products in the past 2 months. Yipee!

Among them are (shown in the photo):

Ambi Even & Clear Foaming Cleanser

My HG skin cleanser has been Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser. I've been using it for more than 2 years and have used up 4 bottles.   And being always itchy to try out something new, I got this:

Ambi Even & Clear Foaming Cleanser.  It comes from the same makers of Aveeno (J&J) but is targeted for women of color.  Got this for $7.49 for a 6 oz. bottle at Drugstore.com in one of my hauls last year.  

Palmer's Cocoa Butter SPF 15

I ran out of my body lotion with SPF so I went to Rustan's and got me the Palmer's Cocoa Butter w/ Vit. E SPF 15.

I like 2-in-1 (or 3-in-1) products because they are easier to use. I put on sunblock even on my body (arms, neck and legs) everyday (well, most of the time if I don't forget or I just don't if I'll only be staying home that day). I saw this product on their shelves months ago and promised to get it as soon as I ran out of what I was currently using (another promise is to use up what I currently have before buying something else!).

The bottle is 8.5 oz or 250ml for Php495. It has broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection that soothes marks and tones skin.

Cure Natural Aqua Gel

My friend S. said I will get hooked on this and I am! CURE NATURAL AQUA GEL is one of the most expensive skin care items I ever bought. This is available locally for Php 1,699 at Beauty and Minerals.

Product info from Beauty and Minerals website:

"What is Cure
Cure Natural Aqua Gel is a gentle and natural exfoliating gel that removes dead
skin effectively without causing undue stress to the skin. Unlike chemical peels
which use strong acid, Cure is very gentle on the skin and only removes the
unwanted dead skin. It does not dry or thin your skin which causes your skin to be vulnerable to sunlight.

Properties of Cure
Made of 90% revitalized hydrogen water and natural plant extracts of aloe vera,
ginko and rosemary. Contains no preservatives, fragrance, artificial colorings and alcohol.

Benefits of Cure
Our skin is the largest single organ in our entire human body and being the outermost layer of covering, it is most exposed to the harmful effects of ultraviolet light and the free radicals in the environment. Our skin undergoes a renewal process every 28 days where the growth of new skin cells will push up the old skin cells to the surface. When these old skin cells are not removed, it will hinder our skin renewal and regeneration, giving rise to various skin problems such as clogged pores, blackheads, dull skin tone, blemishes, pimples, and etc.

CURE gently and effectively removes old and dead skin cells to regularize skin turnover and prevent skin problems. Cure will complement any facial regime, making sure your moisturizers and serums have better and deeper penetration when your old skin cells are removed. With regular use of Cure, your skin is kept healthy, smooth, and glowing".

I pre-ordered my own bottle months ago when I read raves about this product. It is one of Japan's best-selling products and so, when I got it last month I used it right away. The first time I used this, I was amazed at how soft and smooth my skin felt right after. I think it was the first time my skin felt that soft.

To use, I just pump 1-2 times and apply on my just cleansed face and neck. I let it dry a few seconds then start gently massaging my face until I feel the flaky stuff come off my skin. Here's what it looks like:

I then rinse off the white residue and go thru my tone and moisturize steps. It is recommended to use this only up to 2x a week as too much exfoliation can be bad for your skin. Although with a product this mild, some use this every other day. I stick to the once or twice a week schedule myself.

The bottle says it is made up of 90% water. It is a transparent milky color, no fragrance, no preservatives nor alcohol. End result is radiant and soft skin which makes the other steps of your C-T-M routine work better because the dead skin cells have been exfoliated.

I hope my bottle lasts me a few months. It is 8 oz. or 250 ml. in size so I am using it sparingly. My Singaporean friend M. wanted to try it out too but found it a bit expensive in Singapore. I told her it was worth it.

Has anybody else tried or used Cure Aqua Gel?

Celeteque Advance Week 6

Celeteque Advance True Results Challenge Week 6:

This is the last week for the challenge. As you can see, there was no change in the fine lines on my under eye area.

before:

week 6

However, I did notice a slight decrease in the size of my eye bags. I didn't put anything else on my eye area the entire 6 weeks except for the Celeteque Advance Moisturizer which I applied morning and night religiously. No change also in the discoloration on my right under eye.

As I said in my previous post, I will continue to use this just on my neck area so it will not go to waste. I'll revert back to using my HG eye and face creams because Celeteque broke me out.

Did you take this challenge too?

Celeteque Weeks 4 and 5

***Back to regular posting. Life goes on and so does mine.

Celeteque Advance True Results Challenge Weeks 4 and 5:

before:

week 4

week 5:

(Hid the mint julep masque covering a zit on my nose with a teddy bear on the last photo).

Still no changes on the fine lines underneath my eyes. I am not keeping my hopes up for week 6 so this is definitely not working for me in terms of fine lines. Good thing I got this bottle for 50% off!

And one more important thing I'd like to share. On the latter part of Week 3 I noticed small breakouts on my forehead. This continued everyday so I stopped applying the moisturizer just on my forehead thinking it might be the cause. Lo and behold my forehead cleared up after a few days.

My face also was not at it's best half the time I put on the moisturizer. Seems like I had a delayed reaction to it. On weeks 3 and 4 I also started getting breakouts on my nose, chin and face when I had been breakout free or have zits like once a week or 2. This time it was everywhere I put the moisturizer! I stopped applying it on my whole face EXCEPT for the undereye area for the challenge.

Now, going on week 6 my face is clear again when I went back to my regular moisturizers (Olay and Avon). I just use Celeteque Advance on my neck at night and under eye area 2x a day. Once the 6 weeks are up I am going back to my regular Avon eye cream and just finish up Celeteque on my neck.

I am really disappointed. To think this is a hypoallergenic brand and supposed to be safe for sensitive skin. NOT!

Olay Complete SPF 15 Combination/Oily

Another sunscreen/moisturizer I use in rotation with my other SPF moisturizers is the Olay Complete SPF 15 for Combination/Oily skin. It has UVA/UVB protection and is non-greasy. It makes the skin silky soft to touch while lessening shine for oily skinned gals like me.

Ingredients:

Since it only has SPF 15, I use this only for days when I don't expect myself to be out in the sun at all. Instead I use my Neutrogena ones with higher SPFs.

Like other Olay products, I don't breakout with their use. This doesn't completely eliminate shine but it helps for a few hours. I've tried it under makeup and it can be used as a base too. There is a mild fragrance like their other moisturizers but it goes away quickly.

There are other variants for this line to suit your particular skin type: Normal, Sensitive and Combi/Oily. I got this 6 oz. bottle from drugstore.com for around $10 but checking now, it looks like they have changed the packaging. The other variants are readily available though (fromOlay website).

It may be available locally from PX stores in Greenhills or Somera (Glorietta) but I'm sure the prices would be jacked up.

Celeteque Advance Update: Week 3

True Results Celeteque Advance Challenge Week 3 has passed.

I still don't see any results nor improvement on the fine lines under my eyes :-(

before:

week 3

Just don't mind the un-groomed eyebrows on Week 3.

Nature's Gate Extra Strength Spot Corrector

One of the things I recently bought from Healthy Options is this: Nature's Gate Natural Results SA Acne Tx Extra Strength Spot Corrector (Uh, really long name huh?).

As I've probably said a million times over, I love Salicylic Acid, or rather my face does. I am allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide, one of the main treatments for acne so this does it for me. Also BP made my face geisha like since I started using it as prescribed by my derma way back in high school. I never noticed that I was walking the world with a head that looked different from my body until I got into makeup 3 years ago. Then I had the problem of evening out my skin tone so my face and neck matched, haaay!

Anyway, back to the product, I got this for P300+ for a half ounce tube (sells for $9.99 in the US so it's much cheaper here in Manila). It's organic (hurray!) containing 2% salicylic acid as it's active ingredient plus other good stuff like lemongrass, echinacea, ginger root extract, pumpkin seed extract, etc. It is a bit thick going on but you just have to spread it well. Only a little bit is needed and the packaging dispenses just a little at a time since the nozzle is tiny. No product is wasted. Plus, there is no strong medicinal smell.

It is dermatologist-tested, Paraben free and can be used up to 2 times a day (I use it twice a day). And like all acne treatments, a good sunscreen should be used daily while using this.

I've been using it for more than 4 weeks now and it healed the little breakouts I had (from trying out a product to be posted later). It does help quickly but gently combat those nasty zits while not drying out my skin. Usually topical meds like this (especially extra strength ones) would give you the flakies but it didn't for me.

I will definitely continue using this because it isn't that expensive, it's organic and it works.

Celeteque Advance Update: Week 2

Here's Week 2 of my True Results Celeteque Advance Challenge.

I don't see any changes yet so far. I've also been sleeping a bit late the past week and been busy with family acitivities.

Four more weeks to go.

before:

week 1:

week 2:

Celeteque Advance Update: Week 1

True Results Challenge Week 1:

I don't see that much difference yet on the lines beneath my eyes but my skin has definitely improved. It feels a bit "tighter" and my mom-in-law complimented me yesterday that my skin looked good.

Here are my before and after pictures.

Before

Week 1

On to Week 2.

Celeteque Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Facial Moisturizer

A new Anti-Wrinkle moisturizer out in the market now is Celeteque's. I found out about this through blogs and their TVC. They even had a promo of getting it for 50% off by signing up in their website and downloading/printing the e-coupon with your own code and store of your choice to claim it. I claimed mine at The Podium.

**(The downloading was only up to August 31, and I found out about it and got mine Aug. 29. Those who were able to download the coupon still have until October to use the 50% off coupon).

Celeteque is known for their facial wash/moisturizer as being one of the mildest in the market. It is non-comedogenic, fragrance free and hypoallergenic. Even though, I was never a fan of this facial wash because it did nothing for me. It also didn't clean my skin well.

On the contrary, this new product seems to be promising as their website has a challenge to those who use it. They showed women from their 30's and up with before and after pictures from Week 1 to Week 6 and the improvement in the lines on their faces. I have decided to join the challenge. I stopped using all my other moistuizers for the time being.

Here is what the product says:

Ingredients:

I love the pump bottle it comes in, very hygienic. The moisturizer itself is a very light, white lotion that is fragrance free (meaning no strong or offensive scent). It is not runny nor sticky. It felt just like water going on the skin. I did have a difficult time getting the product out of the pump bottle initially but the pump dispenses just a little at a time.

Here's a photo of how much I use per area of my face - for both cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. ( I use my other creams for my neck). I also use this on the eye area since that's where my fine lines are and hope to be improved.

Comparing with my other facial moisturizers (Olay, Avon, Garnier) this one felt the lightest. My skin felt soft after application. It doesn't leave a shiny finish on the face but it's not completely matte either. More like a satin finish. Upon waking up the next day, my face isn't oily. No breakouts either. I do use my salicylic acid products before putting this on though. I use it morning and night and still put on my sunscreen in the daytime.

Anyway here's my before photo. There are fine lines and bags underneath my eyes.

Before:

I will be posting the progress of my challenge as the weeks go by with before and after pictures. I do hope it works for me.

Celeteque Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer is available at Watson's, SM Dept. Stores and Mercury Drug for Php 619 per 45ml. bottle (around $13). With the 50% coupon I got mine for only Php 309.50, oh, yeah!!!

You can check their website and the women who joined their challenge here.

Anew Rejuvenate Night Revitalizing Cream

My previous night cream post is my HG night cream. Again, I've strayed to try out something new.

What is my current night cream?

The Anew Rejuvenate Night Revitalizing Cream from Avon.

Product description:

PM lightweight gel-cream that works while you sleep so you awaken to skin that looks fresher and more vibrant.

-Mini Extraction Technology: helps visibly shrink pores

-Exfo Smoothing Complex: resurfaces skin

-Revitafresh Technology: makes skin look even and smoother

I've been using this for a few weeks now. It is gel like in consistency which is easily spread across the skin and easily asorbed. It is not greasy and has a light floral scent. Good thing it is not too strong and dissipates right away so it doesn't cause me headaches. It felt very light on the face and made my skin so soft right after. It doesn't make my oily skin any more greasier because of it's texture.

What I like most about this is that it really delivers. After a few weeks use, the pores on my face do seem a bit smaller and smoother. I can't say anything about fine lines though coz the fine lines I have are under my eyes and I don't use it on the eye area. Also, my skin is a bit brighter.

I got this from my local Avon lady and it costs only Php 749 for the 30gr jar. I think that's around $15-16, a far cry from the $32 it sells for abroad. They also gave freebies during the promo period:

A burgundy bag and a full size Anew Rejuvenate 24 hour eye cream (retails for Php 600, $12-13) which I also use. Now I have a back-up jar :-)

***

I would probably alternate the use of Anew and Olay because I do like them both. They offer different but good results to my skin but I can not use them at the same time. Too much moisture. And they might react with one another. Maybe every 2-3 months is better.

Olay Daily Renewal Cream

I don't think I've posted anything about night creams yet so here's my first one.

For 2-3 years now I've been using the Olay Age Defying Series Daily Renewal Cream. It contains Beta-Hydroxy Complex which renews moisture to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is for all skin types but beneficial for acne-prone skin because it contains Salicylic acid. It is oil-free, non-comedogenic and greaseless.

It is light on the skin and contains a light fragrance typical of Olay products. It is a cream but dries up easily once applied. Face is not shiny even when you wake up in the morning. It has prevented new lines from appearing on my skin and is probably one of the reasons that keeps me "young-looking" and I am in my mid-30's!

I am now on my 4th jar and sad to say it is not available locally. I get mine from drugstore.com for $9.99 per 2 oz. jar. I once got it from Malaysia thru a CP from my friend there. Sometimes I get bored using just this and stray from time to time but still I go back to this after trying out something new for a few days.

I will continue to use this unless something better comes along.

Neutrogena Wave Power-Cleanser

I was so excited to read in other blogs that Neutrogena Wave is finally available locally. It has been on my lemming list since last year but haven't really gotten around to ordering it from the US. I was looking for it last Sunday at Greenbelt and Rustans but couldn't find it.

We went to Mall of Asia yesterday (we waited after the funeral procession of Tita Cory has left Roxas Blvd.) for hubby's orientation for their PSGS convention which was conveniently cancelled when we were already near MOA. I was bent on finding this item so I headed to Watson's and found the Wave when we got there. Yipee!

It costs Php575 for the set including a battery and 14 refill pads. A separate box of 30 refill pads cost Php 400. I got the set to try it out.

It is pink which is the only color available (I know there's a blue and green one too) and small to easily fit one's hand. The pads you just stick to the velcro-like surface, wet the pad well and start the gadget. Move it around your face until the cleanser from the pad foams up and massage.

My thoughts?

It wasn't really an earth-shaking experience for me. The cleanser feels cool like mint on the skin and face feels soft after but I feel it's the same as a facial scrub. Actually, my facial scrub feels better.

The massage the vibration gives does feel good but I don't see how different a microfiber cloth used on the face would be. It would probably exfoliate more.

Yes, I am a little bit disappointed but will continue to use it although not daily since I already have the gadget. I would reuse the pads for 1 or 2 more uses with my own cleanser because they could be pretty expensive in the long run. It would be a waste of money on my part if I toss the Wave aside. Besides, it still is a bit fun to use.

***

Eek! I just found out from my favorite online store Drugstore.com that they now have the Wave Duo. It has 2 cleansing speeds: 1) Gentle cleansing and 2) Deep Pore cleansing. Now that would probably be so much better.

Now that I think about it, the reason I am disappointed with this one is because it is gentle. Yup, that's it. I am used to going to dermatologists all my life (because I have had bad acne since high school) and monthly diamond peels, chemical peels, etc. that the Wave seems to do nothing for my skin.