Wishlist | Hormonal Acne Over-the-Counter Treatments

I'm back to blogging! I'm going to be increasing my posting schedule to two days a week (sometimes 3 if I have time).  My new posting schedule is probably going to be something around the following: Wednesday (random skincare / deal post depending on if I have time), Friday Fashion (I've wanted to do more fashion and sample sale related posts), Sunday Skincare.

So without further ado, here is this week's random post!

This a story familiar to people who have suffered from hormonal acne for a long time or have a lot of stress in their lives that causes them to them break out. As a stressed out person with PCOS (for those of you who haven't heard of the condition, it causes you to have a hormonal imbalance which causes acne), I feel like I've tried everything on the market. I'm not sure why they don't put out stronger medical grade products out on the market, but there's no real judgment here because I'm not a scientist nor can I make scientific recommendations!

I've been looking to test out a variety of over-the-counter treatments for hormonal breakouts. Obviously, if you can afford to see a dermatologist on the regular, that is the best solution. But a good doctor is hard to come by in NYC... Anyways, I've come across a couple of products that I'm looking into trying and reviewing for the blog:

Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion - Price: $19 for 1 oz. This product is formulated with nourishing B vitamins and amino acids. You can also use this before putting on makeup, so I am curious to see how this interacts with Korean BB creams. I have also read a few reviews that this is even better than the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, which is very similar to the Kate Somerville Eradikate Spot Treatment that I've reviewed in the past. However, I've seen reviews that say this is incredibly drying, which means it may not be the best for those with dry skin.

Renee Rouleau Rapid Response Detox Masque - Price: $61 for 1.7 oz. Not going to lie, the price freaks me out especially given how little you get and the fact that it is a gel product (always seem to run out of that type of product very quickly - you will hear more about this on Sunday when I review CosRX's Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser). However, this product seems interesting because the description says "When used at the first signs of breakouts or a few days before your monthly cycle, this groundbreaking anti-inflammatory gel face masque for acne will effectively disrupt the visible blemish cycle to encourage smoother skin with fewer noticeable bumps." Overall, I'm pretty skeptical about how well it is going to work - my skin gets incredibly oily before my period and stays that way for about a week...I'm not sure how a one-off mask will help. Also, I had a look at the ingredients - tea tree, salicylic acid, manuka among other ingredients - that doesn't wow me too much either especially given the high price.

Renee Rouleau Anti-Cyst Treatment - Price: $41 of 0.5 oz. I'm really intrigued by this formula because it is lactic acid–based. For those of you who are unfamiliar with lactic acid, it is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can reduce wrinkles and acne and does so by exfoliating the skin. I've used lactic acid products by Makeup Artist's Choice and have loved those because it makes your face feel so rejuvenated (review to come, please use lactic acid products and any other type of acid with extreme caution!). Again, like the Rapid Response Detox Masque it's pricey...more so than what I could get at Makeup Artist's Choice...

Have any of you tried any of these products? What were your thoughts? Thanks for reading and let me know in the comments below!

Quest to Ban Bacne (Back Acne) Using Two Simple Steps

Summer is coming really quickly, which means it is time to bust out the backless and off-the-shoulder tops! However, I have noticed that I keep breaking out on my back and neck. In other words, I have "bacne". I've suffered from acne breakouts on my back for a long time, ever since I was a teenager.  I know one of the reasons for it is because my hair gets oily and that rubs against my back. Since I've been in grad school the crazy hormones have come back in full swing - my hair has been getting oily much faster than usual (every 2 days as opposed to 3).

Wishtrend has a simple back acne treatment routine that I wanted to try. Check out the article here for more details. Basically, it consists of two steps and I will be putting it to the test over the next 4 weeks!

Step 1: Dear, Klairs Be Clean Natural Body Soap in Manuka Honey This entire line of soaps is adorable (comes in 5 types - hair, face, body, foot, hand). They would be amazing gifts for friends. This particular one has a pungent smell of cocoa and I love it. I haven't used it yet, but I love manuka honey for skin products, as you can tell by my review of the Skinfood Black Sugar Honey Wash-off Mask so hopefully, this product will be great too.

• Here on eBay for US customers for $13.50
• Here on eBay for International customers for $13

Step 2: CosRX's AHA / BHA Clarifying Toner This is supposed to be a good all-purpose toner that gets rid of blackheads and whiteheads.

• Here on Amazon for $12
• Here on Wishtrend for $12
• Here on Ulta for $17

The full review of both of these products and a before and after picture of the progress that I've made on removing my bacne when I return. I am going on a blog hiatus for exam time. Can't wait!

Review | Pureology Hydrate Hydra Whip (Hair Masque)

Apologies for the two week hiatus (last week and the week before). School has been getting pretty intense with my exams coming up and I'm not going to be very regular with my posting for the next few weeks. Today's review is going to be about Pureology's Hydrate Hydra Whip, which is probably the most amazing hair masque that I've tried. You leave on for approximately 5 minutes and it makes your hair so silky smooth!

Packaging: Twist cap container, 5.2 oz. 

Pricing / Purchasing:

• Here on Ulta for $51; This is crazy expensive if you ask me...I think my mouth actually dropped to my chin when I first found out how much it costs. Use a coupon! Current coupons are: 505355 for $5 off $15. 

Usage Tip(s): 

• A little goes a long way, my hair is about four inches longer than shoulder length and I use approximately a quarter size dollop of the product

Comparison to a quarter - you really don't need to use much at all!

• To help the product last longer, I sometimes mix the formula with another less expensive conditioner - Joico Color Balance Blue (which is still not extremely cheap if you ask me but buying in bulk helps).
• This is a leave in mask that you leave on your hair for approximately 2-5 minutes 
• Because of Pureology's price point / status as a premium hair care brand, there are knockoffs on the market, be aware if the product is vastly cheaper on other websites, be sure to check coupon websites like Retailmenot for places like Ulta to help defray the price

Review | Baviphat Snail Cure Mask Sheet

Today I am reviewing, Baviphat's Snail Cure Mask Sheet. I've been pretty lackidasical in using masks these past few weeks. My skin hasn't been great, which is bad and means I should step my mask game up. I've been getting small breakouts all over my face (which is strange) and my face is oddly dry and dull. Maybe this is because of the weather change in NYC...spring is here after-all! Snail slime is very hydrating and anti-microbial which makes it perfect for a sheet mask for this situation.

Also, I'm in the process of reviewing all the snail products I've tried. Take a look at this review that I did for Benton's Snail Bee High Content Mask for a more detailed introduction to snail slime skincare products as well as a listing of other snail slime based products that I am about to review.

Packaging: White and green packaging with foil inside with a rip-top. 

Pricing / Purchasing:

• Here on eBay - 5 masks for $9, which is less than $2/mask. This is a more moderately priced snail mask especially since ones like Tony Moly's cost approx $5-$8 / sheet. 

Usage Tip(s): 

• Same as every mask usage tip - turn your mask over and rub the extra essence on your neck 
• Scoop out the extra essence in the pouch to rub over your face / neck as well

Ingredients: See below.  

Not the best translation it seems...

Review | Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water ** Updated **

I have been wanting to try micellar water for the longest time. I'm not sure why I didn't take the plunge, but after many mornings of not washing my face so I could rush to class, I decided to bite the bullet. Micells are tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules suspended in soft water that are attracted to dirt and oil. The "technology" originated in France.  

There are three different varieties of the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water for sale in the United States - I believe there is another version that is combined with more oil available in the United Kingdom in a yellow bottle, but I haven't seen that one in America just yet.

• The pink bottle (this is the one I will be reviewing) is for all skin types (sensitive included) but DOES NOT remove waterproof makeup

• The blue bottles is also for all skin types (sensitive included) however it DOES remove waterproof make-up
• The green bottle is for oily skin

Packaging: Flip top 400 ml or ~ 13.5 ounces

Pricing / Purchasing:

• Here Target.com for $7 - of course, you can always buy this in stores Target  
• Here on Amazon.com $7 but will go down to about $6 with a $1 off "click to apply" coupon, this link also links to the blue and green versions
• Here on Ulta.com for $9. Ulta also has a small 3 ounce version which is great for travel and if you want to sample it before making a commitment
• CVS also sells this product in stores, it costs approximately $9-$11 

Color / Consistency: Clear and thin

Scent: Smells odd, it sort of smells like acrylic paint

Usage Tip(s): 

• You might want to use this two times or even more to really feel as if your face is clean. In the pictures below, the left-hand cotton round is my first pass at using the cleansing water (this is approximately 12+ hours of not washing my face). You can visibly see dirt being removed! The right-hand cotton round is the second pass immediately after my first go, which has less dirt. 

Gross but informative....

Review | Pureology Color Fanatic Multitasking Hair Beautifier aka 21 Essential Benefit Spray

This week is going to be a double post week (stay tuned for a post this Sunday on micellular water) because I missed my posting last week. Sorry for that (had a 12 page brief due for class). I haven't done haircare product reviews on this blog as my blog is predominately for skincare products, but I've been coloring my hair for about 2 years at the salon and have tried a lot of products that I think others who color their hair might also like. I've gotten ombre done twice and have now moved over to babylights.

My hair is now a medium-light ash brown that looks blonde under direct sunlight (my right-hand column profile picture is a bit dated...) If you are Asian you know how much of a struggle bus it is to lighten your hair and to keep it looking smooth and healthy while maintaining the non-brassy color. Brass tones (aka orange tone) are the enemy of any girl who wants to keep their hair ashy! That's where good high-quality products come in!

Pureology is considered a premium haircare brand and I have loved all of their colored hair products that I have tried. I've also tried Pureology's Hydrate Hydra Whip, which is probably the most amazing hair masque and this is no joke. You leave on for approximately 5 minutes and it makes your hair so smooth (review to come). Today's review will be for the Pureology Color Fanatic 21 Essential Benefit Spray aka Multitasking Hair Beautifier which my colorist first used on me as a heat protectant before she styled my hair with curls.

Packaging: Spray bottle approximately, approximately 6.7 oz. 

Pricing / Purchasing:

• Here on Ulta.com for $26; This may seem on the pricier side, but for those of you who also get your hair colored at the salon you will pay top dollar to keep your color. 

Color / Consistency: Thin and clear

Usage Tip(s): 

• Spray into wet hair, do not spray into dry hair
• You can let your hair air dry after you spray this product on
• Do not put too much or your hair will feel weighed down and sort of matted together, a few sprays will go a long way! Be sure to comb it through with your fingers or a comb
• Because of Pureology's price point / status as a premium hair care brand, there are knockoffs on the market, be aware if the product is vastly cheaper on other websites, be sure to check coupon websites like Retailmenot for places like Ulta to help defray the price

Ingredients: Aqua / Water / Eau, Cocos Nucifera Oil / Coconut Oil, Amodimethicone, PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Polyquaternium-37, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Acetamide Mea, Parfum / Fragrance, Lactamide Mea, Dimethicone PEG-7 Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Trideceth-6, Behentrimonium Chloride, Xylose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract / Sunflower Seed Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool, Benzophenone-4, Cetrimonium Chloride, Tocopherol, Olea Europaea Oil / Olive Fruit Oil, Camelina Sativa Oil / Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol, Citronellol, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Isoeugenol, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Seed Extract, Melanin.

As per the description on Ulta, here are the benefits of particular ingredients. 

• Fennel Seed Extract - a natural plant extract and powerful antioxidant, offering environmental protection for hair
• Keravis - a vegetable-based protein known for its strengthening properties
• Xylose - derived from sugar, protects hair from heat-styling damage
• Camelina, Coconut, and Olive Oil - a blend of natural oils that offer light weight conditioning, smoothing and anti-frizz results
• Completely free of Salt, Parabens, Colorants, Drying Alcohols, Mineral Oil, DEA (Diethanolamine) 

Review | Mamonde Lotus Micro Cleansing Foam (Amore Pacific)

Quick announcement - I have added a newsletter sign-up to my blog! Sometimes I am not the most consistent when it comes to posting on the weekends, so being on the mailer will let you know when I've posted a new blog entry. Head on over to the "Follow by Email" widget on the right-hand side of the blog under my profile picture to enter your email address. Thanks!

I want to introduce my absolute favorite cleansing foam: Mamonde's Lotus Micro Cleansing Foam. I feel this product doesn't get the hype that it deserves! It is gentle and good for both day and night use. Moreover, since it isn't as drying as your typical foam cleanser (such as Etude House's Baking Powder BB Deep Cleansing Foam, review here) so it is great for year round use. Read on to find out why I love this cleanser!

Packaging: Flip top approximately 175ml or ~ 6 ounces. I believe the packaging I have pictured below is the old version - they have since re-branded the product with a new darker green packaging. 

Old Packaging

Pricing / Purchasing:

• Here on eBay.com for $13
• Here Amazon.com ranges from $11- $14. 

New Packaging

Color / Consistency: Cream-colored, thin almost borderline runny (limited lather when you rub it together, this is unlike many other foam cleansers - see the picture below)

Review | Tony Moly I'm Real Sheet Masks - Comprehensive Ranking of 11 Types ** Updated **

I've been wanting to try Tony Moly I'm Real Sheet Masks ever since I posted my  2015 winter skincare wishlist. I purchased them shortly after making that list but then got distracted testing out what I deemed "easier to use in a short amount of time" masks - aka sleeping packs. I dislike getting ready for bed - my night-time routine already takes too long and I don't want to add an additional 15 - 30 minutes of doing a sheet mask on top of that, hence why I typically reach for sleeping packs. 

Purchase: 

• Pack of 11 for $11-$14 on Amazon
• Pack of 11 for $12 on eBay
• I've also posted individual links to purchase the masks by themselves for approx $3.75/mask on Ulta (but you can purchase these cheaper if you decide to buy in bulk on eBay)

Usage Tip(s): 

• These masks are thin and highly prone to ripping when you are first applying them so be careful when unfolding them right out of the package
• After you are done you can reverse the mask (away from the side you just used on your neck) to rub the extra essence on your neck. You definitely want your neck to stay young...my momma always told me you could tell how old a lady really is by looking at the wrinkles on her neck...and botox will only help that to a limited degree...
• I leave these masks on for approximately 20-30 minutes

Overall Pros: 

• Good customizable fit - I have a huge head / face (like a bobblehead!) so I like how this mask has little cuts in the mask that you can fold over for a more customized fit especially on your jawline. 

Overall Cons: 

• Heavy perfume - many of these sheet masks are very fragrant. I have a sensitive nose so I prefer my masks to have a lighter fragrance. Read on below to find out the masks that were more pungent than the others!

Numerical Ranking (in the picture below the masks follows my numerical ranking - start from the top of the left column and work to the top of the right column, however, I had to picture Seaweed (Skin Purifying) separately as I did not keep the wrapper): 

Some may not like the fact that the masks are ripped on the bottom, but hey, I always like to use a product extensively before reviewing!

1. Tea Tree (Skin Soothing) - this mask was really good at what it claims to do (you can also buy tea tree as an inexpensive spot treatment. I had been having pre-period hormonal breakouts on my chin before using this mask and this mask did wonders as my breakouts were noticeably reduced and less red / angry the next day. | 2. Makgeoli (Skin Purifying) - really like the smell on this one and skin felt brighter. Can you tell that I like the masks that purify the skin? | 3. Seaweed (Skin Purifying) - really liked this one, neutral smell. Skin felt so much better than it has in weeks as if you got a great detox.

Had to picture this separately as I threw away the wrapper and used this one ages ago.

Review | Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner

Another toner review...what's new. Apologies for the delay in posting - I was having some problems with my photo-editing software...

This is the first Dear, Klairs product (aka Kairs for short) that I've ever tried and I am sure it won't be the last. This product is probably my favorite toner - I keep a bottle around just as a back-up whenever I need something that is consistently awesome.

Packaging: Container with a screw cap; 180 ml approx 6 oz

Pricing / Purchasing:

• Here on Amazon for $15-22
• Here on Wishtrend for $22
• Here on Sokoglam for $25.50

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Natto Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Panthenol, Arginine, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Copper Tripeptide-1

Color / Consistency: Medium consistency - it is slightly thicker than water but not as thick as a gel, it is clear

Winter is killing my hands...ugh