Dr. Teal's Eucalyptus Epsom Salt Bath Treatment

Got ache and pain? Or simply love taken bath? If your answer is yes to both then this is a must.

Price: $4.99 for over 1 Kg.

Pros: Ah, to me, taken a bath is such a simple luxury and I always enjoy adding bath treatment to make it even more special. Lately I have been experiencing back, hips, and legs pain due to being 8 months pregnant, all the extra weight and expansion is taken a toll on my little body. The combination of warm water and Epsom salt really help ease soreness. Of course, this is also great for athletes as well. The packaging said add 2 cups but I only use 1 cup yet I can still smell the spearmint and eucalyptus scent which to me is refreshing and calming at the same time. I have tried other brand before and honestly I cannot smell anything so this is a plus. Also, for the price and the amount of product you get, cannot beat that.

Cons: It comes in this huge bag that is supposed to be reseal-able but it is not. As you pour (because there is no scoop), the salt gets stuck in the seal part and won’t reseal easily. I would totally be willing to pay an extra dollar for them to package this in a plastic jar with a scoop.

Overall/Rating: Despite my dislike for the packaging, I think the product and value itself still warrant a perfect 5/5 rating.

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Eyeing On At the Moment

Hi there! Happy Lunar New Year to those who celebrate it. Lets start off the new year with a few new items that caught my eyes :)

Boots No.7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream (This has been launched in the UK, hopefully it will come to Target in a few months)

Physician Formula Season-to-Season Bronzer

Stila Spring 2012 Blush

Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss for Spring 2012

Too Faced Beauty Balm

Jason Wu for Target Trench Coat

Michael Kors Small Madison Rose Gold Watch

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blushes Review and Swatches

The new Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush is a powder-gel formula that is actually bouncy when you apply pressure, like a marshmallow. These comes in 10 shades available, the one I purchased are 15 Rose Petal and 20 Peach Satin.

Price: $7.99 each

Pros: I like this new packaging much better than the old Maybelline Dream Blush. The dome shape of the blush makes it much more accessible versus having to stick my finger in a pot (old version).

The formula applies and blends like a cream blush but has the finish and lightweight of a powder blush. It goes on fairly sheer and is buildable. I just use my finger, by the way. Peach Satin last on me the whole day and only fade slightly.

Cons: The lighter shade like Rose Petal is so gorgeous on pan but it goes on sheer, even after a few layers.  I think it show up a little better on swatch than on my cheeks.  Unless you are fair to light, I would recommend skipping the lighter shades as I am not sure if it will show up on darker skin tone.

Rose Petal (L) and Peach Satin (R)

Overall: A part of me wishes these blush are pack with more pigment for lighter shade like Rose Petal because it is so pretty in pan. Then on the other hand, they give a natural flush and are hard to overdo the way they are. Plus, darker shade like Peach Satin, I think the pigmentation is just right. I can also see this possibly being a hit for oilier skin gal whose skin cannot hold a cream blush.

Rating: It is tough; I am torn between a 4 and 4.5 out of 5


Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Proactive Mini Maintenance System Travel Kit Review

This Proactive Mini Maintenance Travel Kit contains a Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and a Repairing Treatment, all in 1oz bottles.

Price: $20

Renewing Cleanser: I tried the treatment first from the kit and unfortunately, it burns my skin. Since the cleanser has the same active ingredient as the treatment (2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide), I was afraid to try it over a large area of my face. So, I can’t constructively review this cleanser.

Revitalizing Toner: This is a glycolic toner, an ingredient use in skincare to help shred dead skin cells. I am not sure what the percentage is but it is the second ingredients so I assume it has pretty high concentration. I am glad to say that I like this toner.  It feels refreshing and I never experience any irritation. 

Repairing Treatment: This treatment contains 2.5% of benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredients. It has a lotion consistency and dries pimple quickly. My problem with this treatment is that it really burns, to the point where it is uncomfortable. Unfortunately, I had to stop using it after a few nights.

Overall:  The Benzoyl Peroxide in the cleanser and treatment just prove to be too much for my dry and sensitive skin.  I think this is better suited for people who does not have sensitive skin and are normal to oily.  If you have skin like mine, Proactive does carry a "Gentle Formula" line that uses Salicylic acid instead, which is better suited for sensitive skin.

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences.

2011 Most Loved Makeup

Sephora Waterproof Cream Eyeliner
This eyeliner is really smooth and pigmented, no dragging. It also last a long time, I have it for over 8 months now and it has not dry up. Therefore, for $10, I think it is worth trying out.

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Ultra Darling
I have MAC Sheen Supreme in three different shades, Full Speed, Gotta Dash, and Ultra Darling. I find that the consistency and texture is different among the different shades. Some are drier and Gotta Dash applies unevenly. My favorite is Ultra Darling, not only is it a flattering, easy to wear cool berry tone for Fall or Spring, it also has the best formula, moisturizing and glide on easily and evenly.

NYX Cream Blushes
One of the best drugstore (or drugstore price) blushes I have ever used.  It's pigmented and long lasting.  I love shade "natural" on me, it does look natural, add warmth and brighten my face.  You can check out my past review for swatches.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hours Blush
In general, I prefer cream blush over powder, I think they blend better and longer lasting.  However, Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush have longer lasting power that most powder blush and it applies evenly as well.

Kevin Beautymaker Mineral BB Cream Concealer
Very pigmented, you only need very little.  It is creamy, easy to blend, long lasting, and does not cake.

Kevin Beautymaker Aqua Eye Concealer
Technically I reviewed this in 2010 but I wanted to add it with the other KB concealer because it is one of the best undereye concealer I have tried, HG for me.  I also use this on the side of my nose where the skin is dry and flaky to hide redness because this concealer is really smooth and easy to blend, it never cakes.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Since I have dry skin, it is generally easier to work with when using a tinted moisturizer.  What I love about LMTM is that it provides enough hydration without being greasy.  In addition, it also have enough coverage to even out my red spots.  Expensive?  Yes, but you don't have to use a lot so I think it's not too bad.

2011 Most Loved Skincare

Hello. Happy 2012!!! I hope everyone is having a great New Year. Every year, I like to do a recap of beauty products that I love the prior year. Below are my favorite in 2011.

Kiehl’s Washing Milk Cleanser
I have been enjoying this milky cleanser this winter. I use it as either part of a double cleansing process or alone if I am not wearing much makeup. It is easy to rinse, gentle, and does not strip my skin of moisture. Full Review

Sana Soya Milk Rich Toner
I would recommend this light texture yet moisturizing toner to those with normal to dry skin. It contains Soybean Isoflavone to moisturize skin and help skincare products absorb better. Sana Nameraka Honpo skin care range is fragrances, preservatives, and mineral oil free.  Full Review

Dermalogica Clean Start Bedtime for Breakouts to the Rescue
I purchased the .5oz travel size and it lasted me for 6 months and sometime I use it almost daily, making it budget friendly. It is a 2% salicylic treatment that is gentle and non-drying for even my sensitive skin. You should also see the size of your acne reduce by the next morning.  Full Review

Boscia Restorative Amino 3P Firming Serum
I really like the way this serum makes my skin feel. It makes my skin silky smooth and also calm down any redness so I wake up with clearer skin. It contains a blend of antioxidants like olive oil, jojoba and rosemary extract, vitamin A, B5, amino acid and peptide. Definitely a good, natural product option for preventative measure though I am not sure if it will reverse any aging effect if you already have them. Full Review

Perricone MD Concentrated Restorative Treatment
One of the most effective treatment I have ever used.  It has a high level of stable Vitamin C that does not irritate my sensitive skin.  It keeps my skin clear, balance, smooth, and just healthy. Full Review

Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer
I just really love the texture of this moisturizer, it is a bit thick which I like but does not feel heavy. You don't need a lot and it absorb well. I feel like it creates a shield to protect my skin. I literally touch my face sometime just to feel how soft and smooth it is. Full Review

Reviva Labs Essential Fatty Acid EFAs Cream
The bad first, you may have to get over the initial fishy smell. However, it is no wear as bad as Perricone MD Cold Plasma, the Cold Plasma stinks so bad, I could not stand it. This moisturizer is affordable, great ingredients, very non greasy, absorb quickly, wears well under makeup, and give my skin a healthy dose of hydration.  Full Review

Caudalie Moisturing Cream Mask for Face and Eye
This one is multi-purpose, you can use it as a mask or night cream if you have really dry skin. At first, I thought it was pricey but I deemed it worthy because it sooth and smooth my skin when it was going through an irritated, flaky mess stage.  Full Review

Bliss Fabulous Skin Reviving Mask
This mask is so fun to use. Best of all, it hydrate, smooth and make my skin supple afterward.  Full Review