Beach Essentials

Can you believe it, we are almost half way through summer already.  Have you been to the beach this year yet? We are going in 2 weeks, I am excited as this will be my daughter first time to the beach.  She LOVES water, I think she'll have a blast.  Anyway, it got me thinking, what are your beauty essential for a beach trip?

1.  Obviously, Sunscreen!
I'll pack Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 38 and Clarins Sunscreen for Eyes Wrinkle Control Cream SPF 30 for my face (full review on both products here).  As for the little one, I'll pack Lavanila Healthy Baby Block Spf40.  I have not find my HG body sunscreen yet...do you have one you'd recommend?

2.  Antioxidant. 
Research have shown that topical antioxidants can help skin from sun damage.  If you have sensitive skin, Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega Mushroom Skin Relief is design to help sooth irritation and minimize redness.  It has proven to be quite effective for me.  I also favor DHC Acerola 100 Serum in keeping my skin balance and even tone.

3.  Light Makeup
The last thing I want is wearing heavy makeup in the heat.  Lately, I am really loving The Balm Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Light.  It matches my skin tone perfectly and diffuse redness and even things out nicely for me.  I'll even say it is my best tinted moisturizer so far.  Review and swatches coming up.

4.  Tame that Frizz
Salt water and the humidity make my hair both dry and frizzy.  I am currently using DHC After Bath Hair Treatment Oil Type.  It is oil base but it is really light.  It makes my hair a bit shinier, softer, and less frizz yet so light, it does not feel like I am wearing any hair product.

That is all folks, I am trying to pack light.  Well, of course, there will be a few makeup items.  Also will be bringing my ipad so I can play Tiny Sheep.  I am quite addicted to Tiny Sheep, it is a farming game, where you take care of these cute tiny sheep.

Well, I would love to hear what are some of your essentials.


Disclaimer:  I purchased all the items mentioned except for Origins serum.

research showing that topically applied antioxidants can help protect from sun damage - See more at: http://www.paulaschoice-eu.com/learn/uvauvb-sun-protection-antioxidants/#sthash.rxjkUILR.dpufRes

research showing that topically applied antioxidants can help protect from sun damage - See more at: http://www.paulaschoice-eu.com/learn/uvauvb-sun-protection-antioxidants/#sthash.rxjkUILR.dpuf

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.

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 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 Concentrated Restorative Treatment Review

What is it? It is an anti-aging night cream that promises to help resurface skin texture and minimize discoloration for a more radiant, healthy skin.

Price: $100 for 2 oz.

Pros: The active ingredient in this treatment is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a very stable, oil soluble form of Vitamin C. Its advantages include easy penetration into the skin, minimal irritation and stinging, help skin make its own moisturizer, and remain stable to air and water for up to 18 months. The best part is, it is the second ingredients on the list. I contacted their customer service but was not able to get the exact percentage of concentration due to proprietary data but was assure that it is highly effective. Another favorite ingredient that is high on the list is glycolic acid, hence the recommendation for night time usage.

At first, I was not sure how I feel about this product because I did not notice a change in my skin. It was not until around the 4th weeks that I started to see improvement. I am side sleeper, predominately on my left side, I know it is bad but I can’t help it. Anyway, my left cheek is not as firm and has tiny, tiny creases. I feel like the Concentrated Restorative Treatment firm up that area and help my skin more even tone. I normally get redness but I have not experience any redness or blemish for the past 2 months, skin seem to be smoother as well.

Cons: I don’t like the jar packaging.

Overall: I will admit that at first, I was put off by the price and would have never bought it if I did not get a good deal (coupon). I have been using this for a little over 2 months and have only used up a almost half a jar. You really don’t need much and I think a jar can last anywhere around 5 months. This and the fact that it simply works justify the high price tag.

Rating: 4.5/5

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

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.

Adult Acne? Dermalogica Clean Start Bedtime for Breakouts to the Rescue

Unfortunately, lately I developed adult acne. Thankfully, it is pretty mild, a few red bumps here and there on my T-zone. Unlike teenager, adult acne sufferers tend to have dry and sensitive skin. Actually, my skin is more acne-prone when it is not properly hydrated. I wanted something gentle and this little gem is a 2% salicylic acid treatment with cucumber and Licorice extract to sooth redness.

Price: $22 for 2oz or trial size $6 for .5oz, available at Ulta

Pros: It is better for those with sensitive skin to use salicylic acid as an acne treatment than benzyl peroxide. In my experience, benzyl peroxide tends to dry out my skin and sometime even sting up application. This never ever sting or dry out my skin, it actually helps with redness. I use it as a spot treatment before bed. The next morning, my acne spots are less red, shrink, and sometime gone all together. Another plus is that I actually love the smell; it has a faint herbal scent.

Cons: I really really adore this gel but I absolutely hate hate the packaging. It is a very liquidly gel yet it comes in a squeeze tube. Almost every time, way too much product oozes out. They should really package this in a pump or at least a tube with a much smaller opening.

Overall: Even though I don’t use this daily, it is gentle enough to do so if your acne is more severe. The price is pretty reasonable; I love everything about it except for the stupid packaging. Actually, it is going to be a staple in my skincare regime from now on.  

Rating: 4.5/5

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

Boscia Restorative Amino-3P Firming Treatment Serum Review

If you are not familiar, Boscia is a Japanese natural skincare line.  Their products are without paraben, frangrances, and other chemicals.  The Restorative Amino-3P Firming Treatment Serum is design to help accelarate collagen production for a firmer, more resiliant skin.

Price: $48 for 1oz., available at Sephora

Pros: I love it when skincare are packaged properly; this come in an opaque airtight pump which will allow it to retain all the antioxidant goodness.  It contains a blend of antioxidants like olive oil, jojoba and rosemary extract, vitamin A, B5, amino acid and peptide.

This feels so good going on, it makes my skin feel so soft and smooth and remain that way till the morning. I think it also sooth and calm my skin down. Sometime, my skin can be irritated after cleansing, I apply this and the next morning, my skin is calm and clear.

Cons: Nothing really.

Overall: I didn’t notice any firming improvement from using this. However, I love how smooth it makes my skin feels and never cause interference when use under makeup. I also approve of the packaging and the anti-aging ingredients in contains. Rating: 4.5/5


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

Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum Review

Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum is an organic serum that promises to rejuvenate, help smooth fine lines and help firm for radiant, ageless skin.

Price: $45/2oz, available at Sephora.com or Juicebeauty.com

Pros: Serum usually comes in a 1oz package and the fact that this is 2 oz for $45 is very affordable price wise. It also contains load of antioxidants such as age-defying peptides, DMAE, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10 and vitamin antioxidants.


Cons: I don’t like the packaging. It comes in a clear dropper bottle which exposes the content to both light and air. Also, a dropper is not as convenience as a pump. Another pet peeve is that it rubs off or peels under foundation, tinted moisturizer so I am limit to using this at night only.

Overall: With an ingredients list full of antioxidant, does it help with anti-aging? Honestly, I am not sure. I am 30 with no wrinkle yet so I use serum as a maintenance and preventative measure. As far as smoother texture and clearer, even skin, I do not really see a noticeable improvement after more than 4 weeks of continuous usage. Having said that, I would not rule it out since this serum is affordable and does contains wonderful ingredients, I think its best use as a preventative method or supplement with another more active serum. Rating: 3/5.

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

KIMIKO

I recently came across a new brand that I want to share with you, it's call Kimiko.  The line is created by Danielle Vincent who before worked as a makeup artist and product developer.  A cool fact, "Kimiko is the founder's middle name, and embodies the spirit of its Japanese characters - KI (Energy), MI (Beauty) and KO (Youth) - by giving women beauty beyond today".


The focus of this line is makeup with skincare solutions built into cosmetics. Though limited in selection, they do have a full line of makeup.  I am most interested in their Hydrating Tint SPF 20.

Lifting Puff Blush

 Sheer Tint and Lip Plumper

 Their only skincare product - Jensai Serum

These are just a few of their products, you can check out their website for full details.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Review

Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector is a serum treatment that promises to lighten hyper pigmentation and give even skin tone. I have some sun spots mainly on my cheeks from summer and two weeks in the South Pacific that I wanted to remove.

Price: $49/1oz.  Available at Clinique counters or Sephora.

Pros: I really like the feel of this, my skin feel very soft and smooth after I applied this. It also provides light hydration. I also like that it contain antioxidant such as turmeric. Turmeric is a very good antioxidant but it is not widely found in many products.

Cons: I don’t like that Clinique does not list the ingredients on their website. What more important is probably whether it works or not. I applied this once a day, sometime twice a day, consistently for 4 weeks and saw no result. I decided to stick it out for another two weeks so I used this for a total of 6 weeks but unfortunately, I still did not see any visible improvement in lightening or diminishing of my freckles and sun spots.

Overall: I think this is an either love or hate product. My mom has a lot of discoloration on her cheeks and this treatment provided beautiful result. One of her large patch has reduced by 50% and all the smaller spots are faded or significantly lighter and her skin looks more even tone. Unfortunately for me, other than the nice silky feeling I received from this serum, there was no improvement in lightening my sun spots. It didn’t work for one of my girlfriend either. Since it seems to work for some and not other, I would give it an average rating. Rating 3/5.

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

Review Origins Mega Mushroom Skin Relief Advance Serum

This is an anti-inflammation serum that is suppose to minimize redness.

Packaging: Plastic bottle with a pump.

Price: $50/1oz or $66/1.7oz or $110/3.4oz

Pros: Pricewise, I like that Origins offer bigger bottle size at a discount price. Another plus is that Dr. Andrew Weil donates all of his after-tax profits from royalties from sales of Origins products directly to the Weil Foundation.

For reference, my sensitive, reactive skin is moderately blotchy from redness on the tzone and cheeks areas. I also have some broken capillaries on my lower cheeks. I protect my reactive skin by avoiding the sun, hot water, harsh scrub, enzyme peel (allergic), etc. Unfortunately there is no cure for rosacea so I have not bothered to use any topical application for my condition. This is my first anti-inflammatory serum and I have been using it for about a month.

I brought this with me on my trip because I was expecting some major sun rashes from being on tropical islands for 2 weeks. I applied it religiously, 2-3 times a day. To my amazement, there was no visible irritation even though there were times where my skin sting a bit from too much salt water. Redness was under control and reduced even. The serum did not eliminate all redness, but it did reduce and keep it under control when skin is exposed to stress environment.

It's nude but applies transparent.

Cons: The first few nights, it smells bad. It has this funky, stinky smell to it that I can’t quite put my finger on. I was not sure if I would keep on using this. After a few nights, the smell lightens considerably. It still has a scent but no longer offensive. I don’t think it is the case of me getting use to the smell. There was probably some bad or concentrated stuff at the bottom that pumped out the first few nights. Who knows?

Overall: If you have redness due to broken capillaries and are hoping that this serum will treat your problem, you will be disappointed. Currently there is no effective topical treatment for vascular problem except laser or IPL. However, if you have reactive, sensitive skin or rosacea, I would recommend giving this a try.

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

Review DHC Acerola 100 Serum

For any beauty junkie out there, you know how hard it is to be loyal to just one product. You are always curious to try something new. However, once in awhile, you’ll come across a gem that screams to be a part of you staple. That is how I feel about DHC Acerola 100, a vitamin C brightening serum, made by a mail order Japanese brand. I am on my third bottle and have the 4th one as a back up.


Description: This concentrated moisture treatment delivers the natural vitamin- and antioxidant-rich goodness of tropical wonder berry acerola in combination with a master moisture-binder. Light and nourishing, this formula absorbs quickly into skin to help brighten and soften, leaving problem areas silkier, more even-toned, and more luminescent.

Packaging: Glass bottle with a pump.

Texture: A light yellow liquid that is lightly scented. There is no fragrance added, the scent is natural, smell remind me of coffee.

Performance: I first used this in Oct 2008. It did take awhile to see result but after a month, I saw a great improvement in my skin tone. It was more even tone, bright, glowing, and also more balanced and hydrated. A bottle last me three months with once a day application. After I finished my first bottle, I ventured out to try other things but I came back to it summer 2009. This second time, I got the same great result as I did with my first bottle and more. My freckles normally get darker plus new one appears every summer. My skin can also become quite oily especially in the Tzone. This serum did a wonderful job at keeping my freckles at bay and my skin balance. If you put this in the morning before being out in the sun, it seems to also help protect against sunburn and irritation. Then few months ago, I was getting sporadic breakouts. I went through the process of elimination but could not seem to get rid of the comes and go acne flare up and irritation. Out of frustration, I stopped everything I use, switched back to this serum along with Thayers toner. Wow, within 2 days, no kidding, my skin is almost back to it normal self. It has been 2 weeks and no sign of irritation. Needless to say, I am back on it this spring/summer.

Ingredient: water, butylene glycol, malpighia glabra (acerola) fruit extract (Got to love the simplicity)

Price: $22.50 for 1oz, available at dhccare.com

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.

Product Review: Jason Natural Vitamin K Cream Plus

I feel like I have not cover as much on skincare as I should. After all, it is my love for it that transpires me to start this blog and also love makeup as well.

If you have dark under eye circles, especially if they are hereditary, you will understand that they are as annoying as wrinkle. Those dark circles do really make you look tire even when you are not. I have them since I was a teenager. Unfortunately, I can sleep for 10 hours and still have them. Granted, they are a lot lighter than if I were up all night.
Mine are purplish in color. They are cause by a) thin, transparent skin in that area and b) pool of blood probably due to weak capillaries and/or poor circulation.

According to Wikipedia, symptoms of deficiency [in Vitamin K] include heavy menstrual bleeding in women, anemia, bruising, and bleeding of the gums or nose. The article goes on to say that “Vitamin K may be applied topically - typically as a 5% cream, to diminish…broken capillaries (spider veins), and to aid in the fading of hyper pigmentation and dark under eye circles.”



Jason’s Vitamin K Cream Plus fit the bill. It has high concentration of Vitamin K. I could not find the exact percentage, but it is listed at the top (fourth) of the ingredients list. It also contains bioflavonoid and horse chestnut. All of these ingredients help tone down redness, minimize the appearance of distended blood vessels and lighten under-eye circles.

It took awhile for me to see result but I am impressed. I have some broken capillaries on my cheeks as well so I applied the cream to both my cheeks and under eye areas after cleansing about once or twice a day/ 5 days a week. I can’t remember to do it everyday. After 4 weeks, you can see a different in my cheeks. My broken capillaries shrink or fade about 50%. I am very happy about this because before I did not know that there is a way to treat this. However, I did not really see a noticeable improvement in my dark circle yet. I continue to use it for about two months now. I have to say it is the only cream that has ever helps my dark circles. It used to be this deep purplish color that has faded into a lighter discoloration. My broken capillaries also lighten considerably. A layer of tinted moisturizer is enough to cover it. The best part is I can get this at Wegmans for only $15 for a 2oz bottle, which is a lot cheaper than most eye cream out there. I also want to note that if you have dry skin, you may need another eye cream in the winter for moisturizing. Also, since there is a high concentration of Vitamin K, it will stain your nails. I suggest, apply it with a Q-tip instead.

Overall, it is a very promising product and for such a good price, it is worth the test.

Favorites from DHC

For those of you who aren’t familiar with DHC, they are a mail order Japanese company. I have use and sample many of their products with good result. Here are some of my top favorites.


DHC Cleansing Oil. Remove everything effortlessly, including heavy eye makeup.


Love the whole Acerola line, especially the Acerola 100 (serum). No parabens or harsh chemicals.


Q10 cleanser – good cleanser and so convenience for travel.

If you like DHC or another Japanese brand, I’d like to know.

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