Review : Rejuvenating + Hydrating Face Serum (Province Apothecary) + Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream (100% Pure)

Growing up with sensitive and highly highly HIGHLY acne-prone skin, I have finally plunged into the world of organic skincare.

A little background story: I started exploring the world of skin products (both skincare and makeup) at the age of 15. This was the time my acne started to peak and when I also got my very first paycheck (which was a whopping $150 lol). I've purchased a whole lot since then, but this is time when I tried  the organic end of the spectrum. THUS, I purchased these lovely products from detoxmarket . By the way, the staff there are very sweet and just makes me feel wholesome whenever I purchase from them! May it be in person or online.

First up, is the Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream from 100% Pure

I was on the hunt for a good eyecream. I have tried the Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, which did not work out for me since it kind of stung--overall just not a pleasing experience for me and my eyes. Read about this online and decided to try it out.

Swooning over the packaging

Its ingredients

What it claims to do / its results in 4 weeks 

AFTER USING IT CONSISTENTLY FOR 6+ MONTHS (morning and evening) : 
Now, I don't suffer from puffiness, its more of darkness and dryness. It definitely reduced the darkness of my under eye area--and the dryness of it. I put this all over my eyes, like my lids, undereyes and at the sides. I just love lathering it all over. It definitely made my eye area brighter and more awake! 
Moreover, the consistency is very light and it's just super easy to apply.

Well, I love this eye cream. My favourite park about it is its SCENT.  It's definitely not overpowering, describing scents/fragrances is not my forté but it's something sweet and just pleasing to the nose. 

After lathering/spreading

There are a few downsides to it. Its moisture doesn't last as long as I had hoped for. It diminishes after about 6-8 hours. I sometimes carry it with to re-apply but it doesn't give the same effect as if I was to put it on after washing my face. Also, its lifespan is only 6 months—which is a bummer because of its size! I don’t normally put a bunch of the cream all at once, but because I did not want to waste any product I have been doing it recently.

Would I Repurchase: YES. I have already LOL. 

Now onto Rejuvenating + Hydrating Face Serum from Province Apothecary

Serums. After a few failed attempts of liking serums, I though I would give it another chance. And this is when this baby, made its unexpected entrance into my skincare routine.

Ingredients

AFTER USING IT CONSISTENTLY FOR 3+ MONTHS (morning and evening):

I vividly remember the first night I applied this serum on my face. I put two drops on the palm of my left hand, put my right hand palm against it, and generously patted the product on my face.I instantly felt the warmth of the serum—there was a slight tingling sensation but it was a nice one. Right after applying, my skin felt warm and super moisturized. I was thinking maybe a little too moisturized if that’s even a thing. I then put on my regular moisturizer afterwards (Not sure if I was supposed to do it  the other way around).

two drops 

The next morning my skin felt supple and hydrated! I was delighted and so following the recommended application, I applied it on that morning with 1 drop this time. I did this for about three days and yes my skin felt soft and just beautiful to touch. On the fourth day, I noticed a few breakouts. Not just the regular ones but the cystic painful ones. TL;DR, It broke me out.

I was devastated. I read reviews about this and was sooo ready to hop on the positive/ satisfied customer band wagon! Main reason is I thought this would finally be the solution to my scarring! Despite its hydrating effects, the breaking out part just weighed more ;_;. It sucks but I would occasionally use it but not on the regular. I had disposed it because it also has a lifespan of 6 months.

Would I Repurchase: No. Sadly :-(

That’s it for the beginning of my Organic Skincare Journey! I have planned on trying out more products from detox market—in fact, I have already purchased one. Stay tuned!

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Cell Fusion C Laser Rejuvenation Mist Review

So I discovered this product from a youtube video by a Korean youtuber (I forgot the username). She also suffered from acne and she swore by this product and seeing the results I dove in.

It was quite hard to purchase this one, considering I live nowhere near Korea LOL. But after searching the ~worldwideweb~ I found it! I got it from TesterKorea for around CAD $80.00 (with shipping + tax) I know soooo expensive ;__; but I really wanted to try it out.

So what made me try it out?
The fact that it's a moisturizing mist and its made for people who just went under laser treatment--for fresh and very sensitive skin. 

And it also stated that its for "Stressed Skin/All skin types".

CLAIMS

• To provide moisture
• Improve skin texture
• Strengthen the skin

EXPERIENCE

I was so excited to try this product that I generously sprayed it all over my face right after cleansing. Keep in mind, I was still on Accutane when I first tried this product.

It stung at first, but that went away after a few minutes. I would use it everyday -- 2 a day. In the morning and at night (as recommended).

However, I noticed that I would breakout significantly more that I would prior to using this product.

My skin was very sensitive at that time. I believe it is partially my fault that I immediately indulged into introducing this to my skincare routine. 

I stopped using it--I have completely stopped using it. 

Definitely not worth for people with very sensitive skin :-(.

I've been off Accutane for almost 4 months now, and so far no drastic/cystic acne breakouts--just minor manageable ones. Still sticking to my skincare routine while on Accutane bc my skin is still sensitive. 

*(I found this draft from 11/14/2015--so I decided to continue it and post it; I am no longer using this product)

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Current Foundation/Concealer Collection

*For acne-prone skin (DUH)

 I decided to make a video about it instead of typing out everything :-)
(View it on youtube--it's better)

STAY SWEET xo

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skincare - while on accutane

Clearly, this post is loooong overdue, since I'm almost done my 5th month ( :-o !!!!!) 

I also deeply apologize for the poor quality of the photos. I couldn't find my camera, so I resorted to using my iphone 5s.

Accutane has been doing wonders for my skin. While it has its wonderful-amazing-heaven-sent-beautiful effects it also has its negative-hell-sent ones. As I have mentioned before it is VERY drying. VERY VERY drying. I cannot stress that enough. 80% of the time my insides feel like it's being gradually dried out hence my constant need for water. My dehydration can be clearly seen through my skin--it's DRY af. What sucks is that it's ALREADY SENSITIVE but at the same time DRY.

I introduce you a routine thats been working for me so far -- based on the method: trial and error (;_;)

STARTING OFF WITH CLEANSERS - Since I still wear foundation which are medium to full coverage I was on the hunt for gentle cleansers that will remove it all at once--not leaving my face dry since it is already DRY. 

I discovered (1) Boscia's makeup-breakup cool cleansing oil and yes it works and it is amazing. It removes my foundation and eyemake up. What's amazing about it is that it doesn't burn nor does it tingle--and it does its job. 

However, since I am not 100% sure that's my foundation's completely removed - I do double-cleansing - which leads to (2)Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser - love this stuff. Very gentle on the skin and removes any remnants of makeup. Also, this is my go-to-cleanser (I use this in the morning or on the days where I do not wear makeup).

 And of course, On the days where I just feel icky and unclean(?) after and (1)and(2)I use my holy grail / lifesaver (3)Bioderma sensibio makeup remover - this cleanser is for that assurance I guess? Like to assure that my skin is definitely clean (no makeup or dirt whatsoever).

MOISTURIZERS 1 - Now this is the CRUCIAL step / part of my routine--without these babies I feel like a dried up prune.

(4.1)Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream - This is the first time I have ever used a cream on my face. I have always used moisturizing LOTIONS but never creams. Creams have a more heavier consistency therefore it is VERY moisturizing. If I wasn't on accutane I'm 100% certain that this would break me out. Anyways, this cream REALLY helped with the dryness. I use this right after I pat my face dry.

(4.2)Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream - Reason why it's 4.2 is because I use this cream ONLY when I feel super duper dry. The problem with this is that it's NOT GENTLE (or at least based on my experience). I remember applying this cream on a dry patch and it stung like crazy, whereas when I applied the Cetaphil one, it did not sting. So now I only apply it on parts where there are no dry patches (or I use it in combination with the Cetaphil)

(5)Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly - This one's a given lol. It's vaseline. Now I don't apply this on my face-I apply it near my eyes since it get's reaaallly dry there (and was also recommended by my dermatologist)

MOISTURIZERS 2 - LIPS AND EYES

(6)Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment w/ Avocado - I only got this because of the many positive reviews online. I really did not want to buy the full container - I wanted a sample but unfortunately the "ran out" of samples from where I bought it. I was super desperate because the area around my eyes was really dry and was bothering me.  Honestly, it's just your average eye cream and it may have also caused a few of the tiny bumps under my eyes. 

(7)Blistex DCT (Daily Conditioning Treatment) SPF 20 - After buying numerous lip balms/moisturizers, this was definitely the best / effective one. This stuff works and it has SPF! The only downside to this is that I need to use my fingers to get the product and to apply on my lips. Other than that, I love this. 

The area around my eyes is still very dry and I'm still on the hunt for moisturizers / products that actually work and are gentle. 

STAY SWEET x

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UPDATE

Yep, still on Accutane—halfway done my third month!

Yes, it is working but very very drying.

I still breakout tho, but definitely not as bad—no more cystic.

However, since I don’t breakout as often, my scars are becoming more prominent. My scars are actually pretty bad haha, I might get a dermaroller after my Accutane run.

My next update will probably be my 6th month!
So excited to finish.

stay sweet x

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WHOA— ACCUTANE

Well, finally. I'm finally on Accutane.
I've always wanted to try this medication since my family doctor won't stop mentioning it to me.

I made a visit to my derma last August 6, and I told him that his last prescription didn't really help and he finally suggested Accutane. Of course, I agreed to it.
He told me about the side-effects and birth control stuff. Also, there were forms that needed to be signed.
Well, the blood test result was good enough and I was able to get my first pack of the medicine.

I'm actually on my 20th day, (I took the pictures earlier).
While taking this medication, pregnancy is a DEFINITE no, thus, the repetitive symbol.
Also, no alcohol, (which was a downer because I turned 19 recently lol).

MY EXPERIENCES // RESULTS (So far):

RECAP: I have moderate to severe acne, and I have tried several acne medications may it be over-the-counter or prescriptions. I suffer from chronic cystic acne. And I've had it since I was 13.

1st week - I experienced massive joint paints especially on my chest, maybe the ribcage? Slight dryness on my lips and face. Experienced a few breakouts. Got a few headaches and was very dehydrated.

2nd week - DRY. DRY EVERYWHERE. Especially on the face (My fault, since I didn't have a proper moisturizer catered for dry skin). My lips also started to get really dry. I finally got the cetaphil moisturizer cream and aquaphor healing ointment --SAVED MY SKIN/LIPS. Still massive joint points. I also learned to constantly drink water. My skin became more sensitive that I had to change my skincare routine. New breakouts once again, and breakouts from 1st week diminished.  Felt tired almost all the time.

3rd week (currently) - Still dry, but the cetaphil cream really helps. More breakouts, no more headaches, dry lips, some joint pains. Pores are definitely shrinking. Whenever I touch my face I don't see oil anymore.

I wanted to document my progress with photos but I didn't really have the time and I'm lazy. Plus, School.

I might post my current skincare routine while on Accutane.

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Medication

Hmm. Prescribed Acne medications. Here we go again, oh here we go again.
So I visited a dermatologist on March and I was prescribed these badboys(?)
Doxycycline and Biacna 

Before purchasing these I read thorough reviews about these and it's very common to take both of these together. Again, it's either a hit or run. Surprise, surprise?

Doxycycline is an oral medication -- it's supposed to prevent acne from the inside while, Biacna--topical treatment (With Retin-A and Clindamycin) is supposed to prevent acne from forming or just rid of the cystic ones before they get worse.

Experience (SO FAR 05/21/15) Started on: March 27 for Doxycycline and March 31 for Biacna

I have noticed a difference on the texture of my skin, but definitely nothing drastic.

I still break out A LOT. I have also noticed that eversince I started taking these I would usually get whiteheads and less cystic. Honestly, cystic are the worst so I'm not complaining. But I have also noticed that I'm break out more towards my neck---under my chin area and my ear area. Idk if it's the make up I'm using or the facewash? Not too sure.

But I have noticed a slight positive result. I'am actually on my second bottle for doxycycline. My derma said to give it 3 months at least...I'll see. Until then, the results are MEH 

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Retin A Micro: ROUND 2?

I was prescribed with Retin A Micro by a doctor (not a dermatologist). Apparently she took accutane a whiiiile ago and it helped with her severe acne. She said that she had to take it twice (2 rounds)--and that she has been using retin-a  ever since. 

However, in my case, I was actually prescribed Retin A in August 2013 and started using it since. 

I used it consistently for about 4 months and I did not notice any drastic improvement. My derma said that it'll get worse before it gets better for about 3 weeks. It did not. Boohoo. So I stopped after 4 months. And did not go back to the derma since then.

Until now.

I visited a different derma this time. He seemed okay--meh. He kind of examined my skin and I told him about my situation with the previous medications I have taken/done.
Thus, he prescribed me doxycycline and ziana. Antibiotic and a topical Gel. I asked if maybe I should go on accutane but he was like let's try this one first.
I have done my research and this medication is either a hit or miss--like any other medication really.

I'm contemplating whether I should actually try this or just go back to the Retin A and see if it actually works this time. Maybe who knows. 

Ugh lol.

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Banish Acne Scars : Vitamin C Beauty Elixir Review

So I decided to give the BANISH line which is founded by one of the beauty youtubers I watch: Perfect Beauty or with the username: daiserz89

Banish Acne Scars is made for--well stating the obvious--banishing acne scars. BANISH. DIMINISH. GET RID OF

PS: Getting rid of my acne scars is my currently MY GOAL IN LIFE!

Funny story, I actually bought this thinking that it was the Vitamin C serum???//? HAHA. My fault. I thought it was a serum that I could just Spray, whenever wherever! Silly me. It's an elixir. I obviously has a lighter viscosity compared to a serum!

I bought this on their website for about CAD $25.00 with the shipping and tax and all

I was too scared to actually try the Banish Kit which they sell for US $69.00 PLUS it was too expensive because with tax all that extra stuff it totals up to CAD $102.00 D A M N.

SCENT: Smells herby? like a mix of all these ingredients. Definitely smells natural. I don't smell any alcohol whatsoever.

RESULTS:
Vitamin C. VITAMIN C. Hmmm. I remember buying a bottle of vitamin C serum which was from OST. My face did not react to it nicely. I got a few tiny pimples. So I stopped for a while and resumed but got the same outcome. So I completely stopped.
So I think the same thing is happening to me with this product?
IT'S SO SAD SO UNFORTUNATE!
I read reviews about this and I really wanted it to work!!!! REALLY BADLY!
However, the reaction is not as bad...they're just really tiny bumps and they're few. But I stopped using it on a daily basis and maybe use it once or twice a month?

But when I do spray, I spray as many times as I want LOL Quenchin' the thirst of mah face!!`!~!

spray nozzle! YAY FOR SPRAYS/PUMPS

COST: Pretty affordable. Says $15.00 on their website.

REPURCHASE: Hmmmm. Maybe not.

Well, I'm thinking of getting their kit now. HmMmM.





STAY SWEET x

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