Eucerin Sensitive Skin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream Review

Did you know that there are nearly 14 million of American suffering from Rosacea and many more with some kind of skin redness disorder?  For the past few years, my skin turned red between the brows and sides of my nose.  Occasionally, these areas especially, the sides of my nose will get tiny bumps that can get pretty raw and painful, .  I have been using Eucerin Sensitive Skin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream for the past 2-3months for my redness.  This gel-cream active ingredient is a skin soothing ingredient, licorice root.

The first time I used this cream, I was not sure if it would works for me.  The gel cream texture feel nice and it absorbs quickly.  However, even though I did not use it as an eye cream, something in stings my eyes. To be fair, I do have sensitive eyes, a few other cream and mask did also irritate my eyes.  I am glad I continue to use it because my skin seem to like it, I just have to make sure to really apply away from my eyes. 

Ever since I started using this twice a day, my skin stopped having tiny bumps, flakes and rawness.  The appearance of redness did not go away completely, it probably reduce by 70%.  The one to two week that I stopped using this cream, the sides of my nose did start to feel raw and painful again.  Once I started using this cream again, the sensitivity went away in about 2 days.  I honestly did not expect to get such result from a drugstore cream.  This would have been my HG if only it did not irritate my eyes.

Price: $11.99 at Target and $14.99 at drugstores.

Overall Rating:  4 out of 5

Disclosure: The products being review was purchased by me.

Josie Maran Argan Oil Review

Argan oil come from Argan tree’s green nuts which mostly grown in Morocco, with benefits for both skin and hair. It has extremely high level of vitamin E and fatty acid that protect and heal the skin from oxidation.

Price: $14-$96 for 15ml to 4oz (120ml)

I have not use Josie Maran Argan Oil on my hair so this review is strictly on it performance as a skincare product. JM Argan Oil is light in yellow and odorless. It goes on light, non greasy and absorb quickly and easily. I also use this oil in the morning as a moisturizer under my makeup, something that I don’t normally do with oil because it can be too greasy. At night, I layer this over serum and sometime as a middle layer, under another moisturizer if I feel I need it, this combination is enough to keep my in dry skin hydrated and flakes free.

Comparison: I just want to do a quick comparison of different oil type I used and it may help you decide which is best for your skin type. I have tried DHC Olive Oil which is very rich and hydrating. It does take a long time to absorb and is quite greasy, suited for dry to very dry skin, and I would recommend night use only. DHC Rose Treatment Oil (discontinued but may be similar to other rose oil out there) is in the middle in term of richness, absorption, and sheen. I see rose oil normally recommended for mature and dry skin type. Out of the three, argan oil is the lightest and my favorite thus far. It is probably suited for combination to dry skin, light enough for even day time use.

Rating: 4.5/5


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

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

Current Winter Skincare Routine

My current skin condition is normal to dry with hormonal breakout from pregnancy for the past 2 months. It is not too bad, about 3-4 small whiteheads around my T-zone area.

Night Routine:
- St. Ives Green Tea Cleanser
- Kiehl’s Washing Milk Cleanser (I use this as a makeup remover, first step of double cleansing or on days when I want to take a break from the St. Ives cleanser)
- Sana Collagen Toner
- Arcona Gentle Solution (2-3 times a week)
- DHC Acerola Serum (on nights that I don’t use the Arcona Gentle Solution)
- Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer
- Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Eye Serum
- Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford Lift Eye Cream

I am also still using - Dermalogica Clean Start Bedtime for Breakouts to the Rescue as spot treatment if needed.


Morning Routine:
- Wash face with water
- Sana Collagen Toner
- DHC Acerola Serum
- Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford Lift Eye Cream
- Bliss Youth As You Know It Sunscreen

I tried Bliss Youth as You Know It Sunscreen back during the summer and it was too heavy. I thought it would be better during winter when my skin is drier. However, I find that it is still too greasy. I am still in search for a moisturizing sunscreen that is hydrating and also at least SPF 30 for winter.

Do you have any skincare products that you love? I would love to hear your recommendation.

Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer Review

I received this Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer as part of a deluxe sample when I ordered his Concentrated Restorative Treatment. Which by the way, I recommend and you can read the full review here. This moisturizer claims to be a lightweight, superior facial moisturizer formulated with powerful antioxidants to help firm skin's appearance and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

Price: $62 for 2oz.

Pros: They weren’t lying when they said it is “rich in texture and feels simply wonderful on the skin”. The texture is rich so you don’t need a lot but it does absorb very quickly. It goes on very smooth and makes my skin feel like silk, literally, I just sit there and touch my face sometime. In the morning, my skin still feel soft and smooth. It's also formulated with three powerful anti-aging sciences: Alpha Lipoic Acid, DMAE and Vitamin C Ester, plus Paraben-free.

Cons: $62 for a moisturizer is on the pricey side, I would love for it to be a bit cheaper. Also, sometime, though very rarely, it does balls up a little bit. I am not sure why it does sometime and not other.

Overall: Even though I am not keen on the price, it is also one of the best moisturizer I have ever used to date, maybe HG status.  I am religious about my skincare so I do get to try a lot. I love how it is rich in texture and provide adequate hydration without being greasy or shiny so perhaps even those with combination will enjoy this during the winter.

Rating: 4.5/5

Disclosure:  The product(s) being review was a gift with purchase.

Beauty Regrets

Most of the time when I write reviews, I tend to write about products that excite me in some way. However, I figure it would also be beneficial to share with you my regrets. Afterall, it could potentially save you some money.

Earth Therapeutics Bamboo Body Sponge : I was looking forward to the soft texture but all this does is turn into a ball of cloth when wet, worse bath accessories ever! You are much much better off with just a wash cloth.

Dior Eyeshadow in Petal Shine: Totally was looking forward to Dior makeup. For some reason, even after trying this with different primer, within 2 hours, it creases like there is no tomorrow. I really want to like it but unfortunately the obvious creasing was unattractive.

Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum: It has good ingredients, affordable but unfortunately, it didn’t do much for my skin. (Review)

Cover Girl Lash Extract Waterproof: Hard to remove and it smudges. Smudging mascara is my biggest pet peeves.

Vitacreme B12: I bought this last year because it got so much publicity and rave from other blogger. It’s the most hype product for me because it does nothing for my skin. It is not even moisturizing enough to use as a basic moisturizer.

Alba Hawaiin Hibiscus Toner: It stings and burns my skin immediately. Ouch!

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

Reviva Labs Essential Fatty Acid (EFAs) Cream Review

We already know that essential fatty acid (omega fat) is good for us. Recently I came across a few brands that incorporate this into their skin care. Reviva Labs EFAs Cream contains a blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids derived from plants that will benefit those with already thin skin or use as a preventative measure.

Price: $25/1.5oz jar

Pros: The ingredients list is lovely; it has aloe vera and green tea for soothing and different type of oils such as rosehip, olive oil, and more for anti-oxidants. What I love about this cream is the texture. It is very creamy yet absorb so well and there is no greasy residue. In the morning, my face just feels so soft, smooth and radiant. As always, I don’t normally start writing review for skin care until I use it for 4 weeks or more and during this period, I didn’t experience any breakout and irritation from using this. I also did not layer it with any other serum or moisturizer to get a true feel of the product.

Cons: Nothing from me. I know that some people might be objectionable to the jar packaging but consider how thick it is, I don’t think they can package it any other way.

Overall: I cannot testify for how well this cream works on improving thin skin. I probably have not use it long enough plus, I don’t even know how to measure something like that. What I do know is that I love the beneficial ingredients and how soft and smooth it makes my skin feel. I just look healthier in the morning. Rating: 4.5/5

Ingredients: Purified water, aloe vera gel, vegetable glycerin, cetearyl alcohol, sunflower oil, flaxseed oil, borage oil, rosehip oil, hemp oil, avocado oil, wheat germ oil, black currant seed oil, olive oil, sesame seed oil, polysorbate 60, stearic acid, glyceryl laurate, panthenol, pomegranate oil, mixed tocopherols, olive squalane, soy liposome, green tea extract, sweet almond oil, allantoin, cocoa butter, phenoxyethanol, ethyl hexyl glycerin, benzyl alcohol

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

Review First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is describe as a super emollient cream for anyone with severely dry, scaly skin due to harsh winter weather, aggressive cosmetic treatments, or skin condition such as dermatitis, eczema, and keratosis pilaris. With the help of colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, soothing eucalyptus oil, and ceramides, Ultra Repair Cream provides immediate relief and visible improvement for distressed skin.

Price: 6 oz. tube for $28. Also comes in 2oz and 12oz size.

Pros: It is formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, and synthetic dyes. It is moisturizing and thick yet absorb to a matte and non greasy finish. I don’t use this everyday but where it really shines is when my skin acts up. At the end of last summer, right before my wedding, maybe because I was under enormous stress but somehow my skin was terribly dry and flaky. No matter what moisturizer, primer, foundation, hydrating spray I used, my skin was just a flaky mess. I was freaking out as my wedding date is just right around the corner. Thank goodness for this cream. It’s the only thing that is able to keep my skin hydrated throughout the day and doesn’t turn my foundation into a cakey mess. My skin was not in its normal shape but much more manageable.

Also last week my skin was irritated and scaly from windburn. I use this and it was immediately better the next day. I find that when my skin is irritated, I just use this for a few nights and its back to normal. I also use it on my arms where I get chicken bumps. It helps keep it moisturize and soft. Too bad the price is not cheap enough to slather all over the body but it is very reasonable for such a wonderful product.

Cons: Nothing really except that it comes in a jar. I scoop some out into a smaller jar so I can keep it fresh and clean longer. I also wish it contains other antioxidant, if it does, I would definitely use it daily.

Overall: Even though it is not my daily moisturizer as it lacks antioxidants. It is a staple in my cabinet, my go to cream when my skin is dry or acting crazy. I love how it is matte and non greasy, I imagine even combination skin can find it helpful. Rating: 5/5.

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

Review DHC Acerola Cream

Packaging: Cute little pink jar.

Performance: I totally heart DHC Acerola line. You can read my rave on what the serum did for my skin here. I also like this cream a lot. It is very light in texture, like soufflé. Don’t let the lightweight texture fool you, it does it job when it comes to hydration. I alternate between this and Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion (trying to finish it off) and I can tell the difference when I use the Acerola Cream. My skin feels smoother and softer after application and remains that way till the next morning. It feels like there is a barrier of protection. DHC said that it is not make for dry skin so it may not be moisturizing enough for dry skin or winter months. The only thing I am not too crazy about is the packaging. I think it is light enough where they can put this in an airtight pump, then it would be perfect!

Recently I used this to make my own tinted moisturizer. Oh, it helps make the tinted moisturizer so smooth and just glides on.

Price: $23 for 1.4oz, available at dhccare.com

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

Product Review: Avon Reversalist Night Cream

Avon’s Reversalist Night Cream and Reversalist Serum are the latest addition to Avon’s skincare line. The main ingredient in the night cream and serum is Activinol. According to Avon, this breakthrough anti-aging technology is proven in clinical studies to increase the production of Activin, which helps skin cells repair themselves at a faster rate. The faster dead cells turn over, the quicker fresh, healthy cells can replace them leading to beautiful, younger looking skin.

I was given samples of the Reversalist Cream and Reversalist Serum. My mom and I have been testing this night cream for the past few weeks. First, I’ll share my experience with the night cream. When I first read the box, it did caution that people with sensitive skin may feel a tingling sensation. I was worried after reading this because I have sensitive skin that is easily inflamed. However for the sake of this review, I bravely slathered on the cream anyway. The texture is creamy yet light and non greasy. It does contain fragrance, though very light and pleasant. I did feel very slight tingling sensation; however, it was very mild even for my sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, I would recommend you to first do a patch test.

I only used the cream on my face twice because I was in the middle of another skincare routine. I did however use the night cream on my hands which have some sun spots. I soon noticed a more even skin tone and the freckles on my hands are becoming lighter. Also, the next morning, my skin feels oh so soft and smooth.

My mom whose skin is more mature, with fine lines, wrinkles and hyper pigmentation, also tried the night cream. She is an impatient consumer who will loose interest in a product unless she sees results quickly. Let’s just say she likes it so much that she asked me for a back up. It has helped firm, diminish fine lines, and even out her skin tone. I think the Reversalist line is worth a try.

Asian 5 Steps Skincare Routine

The best things you can do for your skin is to develop a skincare routine and be diligent about it. Often time when I see a Korean movie stars, I always admire over how smooth and porcelain their skin are. It’s probably a combination of good gene, healthy food intake, makeup, and diligent skincare.

Below is a step by step routine for night time:

1. Cleanse/Double Cleansing: A while back I wrote about double cleansing which provide more information on this process. When necessary, use cleansing oil to remove make up and dirt. Make sure not to pull on the eye area. Then cleanse your face with a gentle facial cleanser that is suitable for your skin type.

2. Tone: Use a toner to remove any last trace of residue. It also help balances out your skin PH level after washing and help prep your skin for better absorption of serum. Find one that is suitable for your skin type or for your specific treatment need (example: such as brightener).

3. Use a mask and facial massage once or twice a week: Masks comes in a variety, such as brightening, purifying, hydrating, exfoliating, etc. For summer, a gentle clay mask is ideal as it help eliminate oil. Then there is also the weekly facial massage to encourage good blood circulation. Some Asian brands carry facial massage cream for this purpose. However, I imagine you can just use your regular face lotion or cream.

4. Serum: It is basically a “more concentrated” amount of active ingredients than what you would get in a cream. Also, since its texture is normally in a liquid or light gel form, it is easier for your skin to absorb. On days that you don’t wear a mask, you would apply serum right after your toner. Personally, I think if you are still young, it is okay to skip the serum step to save yourself some time and money.

5. Moisturize: Depending on the season, you will want to find a suitable moisturizer. It also helps seal in the serum. If you have very dry skin in the winter, use a cream instead of lotion. For oily skin, try a gel type like Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer.

There you have it. Sounds like a lot of work, doesn't it? =) I have to admit, I myself don't always follow all the steps. But when I do, I always enjoy the relaxation and benefit a good mask provide.

Related Post:
Double Cleansing

Product Review: Shiseido Skincare Cleanser and Night Moisturizer

I have sensitive skin that gets dry or inflame easily. Most cleanser I tried leaves my skin feeling “tight” afterward. So for the past couple years, I have been using Cetaphil most of the year. I don’t like that it contains SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) but it is in small enough amount that it does not irritate my skin. However, if you wear makeup or heavy sunscreen, it won’t remove it. Most days, I don’t wear a full face makeup and still it does not feel like it does a good job of cleansing.

My future sister-in-law gave me a set of Shiseido Skincare Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam and Shiseido Skincare Night Moisture Recharge. At first I hesitated to try because foam cleanser normally leaves my skin dry and tight. The foam from cleanser is from the SLS. However, this cleanser does not make a lot of foam (which is good). Instead when you add water, it creates this luxurious creamy texture. It feels very nice and smooth while I massage this on my face. After I rinse, my skin is clean, without any dryness. It has been a month or so and no sign of irritation. It’s a keeper!

Now for the lotion, it is a nice light texture. You only need 1-2 pumps for an entire face. It absorb well. It may not be moisturizing enough (Regular texture version) for those with very dry skin. It is a fine choice if you are just looking for a basic moisturizer. Personally, I like some antioxidant in my night lotion/cream.