My Current Skincare 2012

There's no big secret about my skincare regime. I use everything that you see on this picture. Each product has it's own purpose and I will rate them as I go on to tell you more about them.

First things first, makeup removers are a must if you wear makeup. You want to thoroughly clean your face and remove any makeup or residue. This is probably one aspect of my routine that I do not dare skip on, even on a lazy day because I have sensitive skin that is prone to break outs. It is a fact that you have pores on your skin and so when you apply makeup, well it clogs those pores so sleeping with makeup or keeping makeup on for long periods of time is almost like a hazard for your skin.

The first thing I do is remove my eye makeup because I wear waterproof mascara (Covergirl Lash blast) and it is a pain to remove with just cleanser alone. I use a regular cotton ball (a couple) and I pour a liberal amount of my Ponds Bio Hydrating Makeup Remover Lotion. I wipe of the eye makeup with a light hand because the eye areas are sensitive and prone to wrinkles.

The next thing I do is take a couple of clean cotton balls and pour liberal amounts of my Mandom Cleansing Express Lotion Sebum (Oily/Normal Skin). I then use this to remove all other areas with makeup, cheeks, forehead, etc.

Ponds Bio Hydrating Makeup Remover Lotion ($10 for 6.75 oz.) - You can purchase this online, at your local drugstore, or Walmart/Target.

My Rating: 3 out of 5


Why: It is not as effective in removing waterproof makeup but really does a great job at removing regular makeup. One thing I like about it is that it's very gentle, making it ideal to use on the eyes (but can be used as an all over makeup remover).

The packaging is also great because it has a clear container, making it easy to see how much is left and if the product has been shaken well and I like that it is sturdy enough to take along with you on trips without worrying of any spillage.

Mandom Cleansing Express Lotion Sebum (Oily/Normal Skin) 300 mL $13 - You can purchase this online (amazon.com) or at Mitsuwa. I got mine at Mitsuwa Japanese Market in New Jersey.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Why: I really like this makeup cleanser despite it's inability to remove waterproof mascara. It's completely liquid, has no oil what so ever and has no alcohol either, making this my ultimate go to face makeup remover.

I love the packaging, it is in a clear container with a pump. It also comes with a pump stopper or pump clip thingy which I almost always discard because I don't care for the struggle of taking it off and putting it on (hahahahaha lazy much? I know!). The stopper is probably a keeper for those who intend to travel with this. The solution is clear and unscented so it's not irritating.

I would use this before cleansing my face with an actual cleanser but if I don't have the time to do that, I can rest assure that this cleansing lotion is enough to remove my makeup.

After using my Mandom Cleansing Express, I take my Sephora pore cleansing pad (which has replaced my beloved Clarisonic Mia) and put a small amount of my cleanser (Lancome Gel Radiance) on the pore pad and add a little bit of lukewarm water, then gently and in circular motions cleanse my face (clockwise).

 Sephora Collection Precision Pore Cleansing Pad ($5 for 1)

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Why: I really like my Sephora Collection Precision Pore Cleansing Pad because it really cleans my face well. It's very soft (flexible silicone material) despite the look of it and it has a short handle on the back that's like a suction so you can press it up against the bathroom mirror so you always know where to find it (however, I press it on top of my moisturizer lid instead).
It also cleans easily and you get to see all the makeup that's left behind (if any). The only con I can think of is that I wish it came in a variety of colors!

Lancome Gel Radiance ($25 for 4.2 fl. oz) It comes in a tube, so you just squeeze the product out.

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Why: I can't boast about this cleanser enough. It is my ultimate, fave cleanser ever. I usually tend to stay away from any scented face products but this one forced me to make an exception. It cleans my skin thoroughly and the scent is not too overpowering. A little goes a long way, you only need a half a dime size amount for you're whole face especially if you are using a face brush or cleansing pad. I do not break out from using this product and it also keeps my face free from oils! It is on the pricey side for a cleanser but the price is justified because of how well it cleanses and soothes the skin.

After I cleanse my face, I then use my new toner from a brand called Simple. I can't really say much about this product nor can I even rate it because I just purchased it yesterday. It's going to take a while for me to see the full potential of this product because I tend to skip on toners. I will probably just do a separate review on this product. So far it hasn't broken me out. It is oil free and alcohol free. I like to think of this as an extra moisturizing product for my face. My skin just drinks this up!

Moisturizing my face is of top priority for me because I tend to get dry skin especially during the winter time. The main reason for this is the hot water that I use during my showers combined with the heat from the house. These two factors, I concur are the main reasons why I get dry skin during the winter time. Anyways, I can't skip on this moisturizer and I will tell you why. . . .

Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream (1.7 oz for $6.39 Online* Also available at stores like Walmart)

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Why: This moisturizer reminds me of a much more expensive Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Gel-Cream. These two moisturizers are exactly the same gel-cream consistency, same amount 1.7 oz (Clinique Moisture Surge is also available 2.5 oz), both promise lasting hydration and acts as a barrier against outside factors that may influence the skin. One HUGE difference between them is the prize! Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream is $6.39 while Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Gel-Cream is $36 and yet you get the same amount of product.

Also, unlike the unscented Clinique moisture surge, Garnier moisture rescue has a scent to it which might turn off some people but trust me it's not at all appalling. Besides, when you have something that REALLY delivers moisture for 24 hours and completely alleviates dryness (or dry areas on your face), suddenly you find yourself saying..."What scent?" Anyways, I REALLY LOVE this product. It's very light and honestly, it has the same moisturizing effect as Clinique's moisture surge yet cost so much less!

The only issue I have with this product is that it can be unsanitary to dip your finger in there to get some of the product. It doesn't come with a spatula or any type of application tool so I suggest using a cotton swab (you don't need that much anyway) or you can do like I do, just wash your hands before getting the product and DO NOT double dip!!


On another note....

I am really falling head over heals in love with my new Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette! (also recently purchased the most recent book of shadows at Hautelook.com because it went on sale for around $26).

I even use the brush, which is fab by the way! I used this palette today for my school makeup.

FACE

• Lancome Teint Idole Ultra
• Lancome Eclat Miracle (Highlighter for cheekbones, temple, nose bridge and cupid's bow)
• Graftobian HD Glamour Cream Blush Palette (Vienna Rose - Peachy Pink)
• Makeupforever 5 Camouflage Cream Palette No. 1 (The one before the green corrector concealer)

EYES

• Verve e/s on the lids and tear duct area
• Tease e/s on the crease
• Chopper e/s on lower lash lines
• Foxy e/s on the brow bone
• Bootycall e/s right below brows
• MAC power point eye pencil in Engraved (tightline/upper lash lines)
• Covergirl Lash Blast Waterproof mascara in Very Black

EYE BROWS

• MAC brow shader in Soft Charcoal

LIPS

• MAC lipstick in A Perfect Day

Well that's it for now....have a great rest of the week!

Haul Love!

Hey everyone! So this past couple of weeks has been eventful. I had a few major exams, a final and some quizzes here and there so yeah..it's been stressful! Anyways, what other great way to de-stress than to shop. Haha although I do not condone shopping as your primary source of coping from the daily stressors of life, I do think that it's justified to treat yourself once in a while. Let's face it...YOU DESERVE to treat yourself every now and then and splurge a little bit.

Now on to the haul madness of the week! Above is a picture of my loot from good ol' Sephora. I finally got around to purchasing the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette and I just gotta say...I LOVE IT to bits and pieces! I used it today and I seriously think that it's a must have in a makeup lover's collection. ^_^ I love the neutral colors and they are not at all the same from the first Naked palette. I also purchased a cleansing pad (pink oval thing-a-mah-bob on the left), Dior j'adore perfume, and an Anastasia brow pencil in Brunette.

Urban Decay NAKED 2 Palette ($50)

The packaging is made of metal a little bit heavier but much sturdier compared to the original velvet packaging that was prone to collecting dust. To complete the look, Urban Decay included a dual ended Good Karma crease and shadow brush and a mini tube of lip plumping gloss. On that note, these changes and upgrades may or may not justify the $6 cost increase for some people.

Like the previous palette, this comes with a mirror so it's convenient for traveling and doing makeup on the go.

There are 12 versatile, neutral eye shadows in this palette.

The eye shadows have different finishes but none of them have chunky glitter so that's a plus in my book.

The colors are highly pigmented and wearable for any occasion, day or night.

Instead of the mini Urban Decay Primer potion is this gorgeous plumping lip gloss (lip junkie) in appropriately named Naked. 

Precision Pore Cleansing pad. I feel indifferent about my Clarisonic Mia these days. Why? you may ask...well it's just kinda annoying to have to shell out "x" amount of money for a new brush every month so I figured why not give this $5 thing a whirl. 

I have finally succumbed to buying Dior j'adore perfume after watching Charlize Theron's mesmerizing commercial for the umpteen time. Let's face it...she is one statuesque, gorgeous lady and anything she endorses, whether it's a slab of poop or in this case a perfume from Dior is something people are going to want to try out! Anyways, I said to myself, "okay, if this scent smells like my grandmother's closet then I am running" but after a sample spritz I was hooked! It has a classy scent, not too overpowering but definitely memorable and long lasting!

So these are my additional loot from Sephora and Lush. 

I got a HK compact mirror ($19) from their mon amour collection and a tube of Smith's Rosebud Salve. I got a mini Dolce & Gabbana perfume for being an Insider member too. 

I am a sucker for Hello Kitty stuff, especially if they have an artsy flare and cute color to them, so this pretty lil' mirror definitely belonged in my purse! 

My first LUSH products! Yayyyyyyyyyyyyy!!

I have always been curious about Lush but never really got around to actually trying out their products for reasons I can no longer remember (after having tried them). The sales associate that helped me pick out these products was incredibly nice and she even gave me a hand treatment. 

My Lush loot included: 

Limited Edition Bath Bomb in Leap Frog. Once dropped in warm water, this bath bomb fizzles coloring the bath water green and leaving only the floating red lip which I thought was pretty cool, plus I love cute frogs.

 Strawberry Feels Forever Massage Bar. This smells like strawberry goodness and the bar itself is like a giant strawberry. It's very moisturizing!

Ocean Salt Cleanser

I purchased this small tub of Ocean Salt as an exfoliator for my face. This was recommended for me to use on my face instead of the Rub Rub Rub because it has a more lush texture and it contains avocado. 

 

Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub

This is such a wonderful body scrub! The sales associate used this for my arm and I just loved it so much because it left my whole arm feeling smooth.

Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

I also bought this Ro's Argan Body conditioner. It smells like fresh roses but the scent is not overpowering. It's a great moisturizer for the body. 

Bubblegum Lip Scrub

I was at the counter and I grabbed this one because I really like the bubblegum scent. 

That's pretty much all my cosmetic loot for this week. I also bought a bag for school but I will most likely do a different post for that and show you guys how I organize my bag for school and what I use, etc. etc. Well I hope you are having a wonderful weekend so far. 

^_^