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

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

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

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

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

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

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.

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

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 

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

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.

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

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

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

Holy Grail: Bioderma Sensibio Makeup Remover Review

I'm currently on my third bottle!

I have been extremely busy with school, which is why I haven't been able to update since Dec 2014! (WOW). However, I am ready to review Bioderma's Sensibio Makeup Remover! This cleanser/remover has been raved about by several beauty gurus may they be blogger or youtubers!
Thus, I decided to give it a try!

BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE--FOR MY SKIN.

I remember buying this around December of 2014. It's not like I was looking for a new cleanser I just felt like trying it out, so I bought the 250 mL one for CAD 23.00 (with tax). I started using it since.
I religiously applied it on my face. Day and Night.
I would apply it after washing my face in the morning and also after washing my face at the end of the day. Keep in mind that I don't use this alone as a makeup remover since I heavy foundations.
I use it after actually washing my face with Ciracle's Anti Blemish Tea Tree Wash  and with Sephora's Precision Pore Cleansing Pad.
Basically, this product acts as a toner. Yep, I completely stopped using a toner since I started using this.

SCENT: Has a certain fragrance to it and it's pleasant.

RESULTS: 
I have been using it for 3 months and I am so happy with the results. 
I put it on cotton balls ( I used about 3-5 cotton balls until my face is clean).
It has definitely calmed down my regular acne flare up.
It has minimized my cystic breakouts--which I am truly happy about.
My skin tone has definitely improved.
It also made my skin soft.
I have also noticed an improved on the texture of my face!
Ever since I started using this product my skin just improved in general. I stopped getting clusters of cystic pimples. 
Of course I still breakout. This product is not meant to stop acne at all, it is a cleanser after all. However, they're the manageable ones--the ones that would go away a few days later.
I do still get occasional cystic pimples but not horrendous or terrible as before (remembers the CLO and Rosehip oil days -SHUDDERS-)

HAHA Here's some of my used cottonballs with bioderma and the icky remaining makeup on my face -ew-

COST: Of course, it's a high end skincare line so it's pretty expensive. 250 mL: CAD 23.00 , 500 mL - CAD 31.00 ( both with taxes)

REPURCHASE: YES I WOULD KEEP REPURCHASING THIS BABY.




stay sweet xo!

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

CLO [Cod Liver Oil] update!

After the dreadful journey I had with CLO I called it quits.
I basically stopped taking it every single day. I have started taking it irregularly--whenever I feel like it.

RESULTS:
After continuously taking it for 3 weeks my face FINALLY calmed down. I stopped getting more pimples but the painful old ones were still there. When I stopped taking it the old ones finally died down. However, I am left with bad scarring I'm contemplating on whether I should take it again or nah.

WELL so far I am not taking it anymore and I haven't had any major breakouts just tiny hormonal ones which I can handle.

Now I'm looking for a product that would get rid of my acne scars~


STAY SWEET x

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

IOPE TROUBLE CLINIC TREATMENT ESSENCE REVIEW

Disregard that foundation stain on the box lol

I bought this essence about 2-3 months ago from SASA.com. I was desperate for a good essence which can also be used as a spot treatment so I searched  the worldwide web~. I found this product which happens to be on SASA and it was on sale I think. I remember paying $39 for this thing.

nozzle pump

Front

Back {korean}

PACKAGING: Sophisticated as usual since it is IOPE. The container's kind of heavy though--idk if it's glass but DEF not plastic LOL. The con is that I can't see the product inside [4/5] 

ONE FULL PUMP

AFTER SPREAD

VISCOSITY: It has a gel like consistency. pretty thick.

What it CLAIMS to do: 
-Trouble skin protection
-Soothing and intensive relief

AFTER USING IT FOR 1 MONTH: [I applied it every night on my face] the instruction says that you apply it on the spots but sometimes I apply it all over face.

The product is pretty strong--when I first applied it on my face it kind of stung. Eventually my skin got used to it though.

EFFECTIVENESS: Nope, didn't really ANY difference thus I stopped using it.Then again, I dont suffer from mild acne-i guess it'll work for that. Moderate-Severe NOPE. Nada didn't work or I guess it was too much for my skin. I thought it would at least reduce the inflammation but nah it was just there--- nothing.  I sometimes even thought it's the cause of my breakouts but idk. [1/5]


REPURCHASE: LOL, definitely not. There goes my $40 bye money

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

Advil Gel Pills for Acne?!

Yeah you read it right! Advil gel pills for acne??? WOW.
I was pretty surprised myself too! Who would've thought that these pain relievers can help acne?!?!?

I'm really desperate to find a spot treatment since TTO stopped working a long time ago. I guess my skin became immune to it? Sad. Anyways, I saw this on the internet and decided to give it a try since I already had Advil Liqui-Gels at home.

So basically the gel is the key to reducing inflammation.
YOU WILL NEED:
Advil Liqui-gels, scissors, a small plate/container to put the liquid gel in

WHAT I DO:
1) I take a pill and cut it in half with a pair of scissors. Yep, not the best idea but really nothing came out when I used a safety pin/needle.

2) I cut it in half and yes it spews! The other half of the pill literally went across the sink (where I  to cut it).

3) I let the pills stand on the pain/container with the open side sticking on the plate--so all the liquid gel inside will pour out.

4) With a clean finger I dab it on the gel thingy and apply it to my many many many spots CRIES.

Since I only started doing this yesterday--it is EFFECTIVE. When I woke up my pimples were dry! (I only applied it on a few spots first to see the reaction).  BUT IT WILL STING AT FIRST! Definitely reduced the swelling as well. Thus, I applied more after I showered today and I can already feel it drying up.

Some people wash it off after 20 mins. I decided to leave it overnight.


However, I know for sure that this isn't going to help my severe acne so I decided to do intensive research on what works for majority of people.
I CAME ACROSS ACNE FREE
I decided to buy the acne free 24 hour system of course the severe one!
Unfortunately, they don't sell it in Canada so I had to buy it on ebay ): which is going to take TIME to arrive gahhhHHhHhHhH!H!!!HH!H!! 
I hope it works as soon as it arrives lol. I AM SO DESPERATE ITS SO TIRING TO HAVE ACNE UGH ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE TRIED ALMOST EVERYTHING!

Btw, I am still using CLO. I think my body got used to it now.

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

[CLO Journey] DAY 11 (or 12)

SO I'M STILL BREAKING OUT --WHITEHEADS UGH.

I have been consistently taking a pill daily. I'm not sure as how Cod Liver Oil works in terms of dosage. I just read the label on the pill container which clearly says "take one daily" and ofc im following that.

I have also done my research and tbh, detailed info about Cod liver oil concerning moderate-severe acne isn't available. I've read reviews but it's either the person didn't update nor it didn't really help with my current situation. Several people stopped when they started breaking out.

Unfortunately, my forehead started breaking out as well. DUDE. It has been clear for months. I know I don't really break out there anymore besides my period time, otherwise nah. AND THEYRE CYSTIC! OMG.
TBH, I'm not sure if it's the facial cleanser I used yesterday which is Mamonde's sebum control foam

I actually bought the tiniest (30 mL) version of this one a few  months ago. I remember it didnt work too well with my skin so i stopped-- idk why I bothered reintroducing it. THIS COULD BE THE CULPRIT. BUT I WILL COMPLETELY STOP.

ANYWAYS, My face is TERRIBLE. HONESTLY MY FACE HAS NEVER BEEN THIS BAD--ITS SO SEVERE I HAVE A HUGE RED DRY PATCH WITH WHITEHEADS ON BOTH OF MY CHEEKS. PLUS MY FOREHEAD HAS 3 HUGE ASS CYSTIC ONES. I have been also sleeping really late--but I have always slept late so Im pretty sure thats not the issue.

So far, Im not having a good time with CLO

If you're going to test this make sure you dont have any big event bc trust me if you have acne prone sensitive skin like I do it aint gonna work out. 

I HOPE THIS WILL ONLY LAST FOR 2 WEEKS PLS.



BUT INITIAL BREAKOUT MAYBE??? UGH
SELF-ESTEEM: NEGATIVE 18787878

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

Cod Liver Oil for acne

Dermatologists are out of the question for me. Last time I went they prescribed me Retin A and that didnt work out after generously using it for 6 months.(Ive been also prescribed a lot of things in the past)
My skin cleared up during Feb-March b/c of this local chinese product called BL CREAM (you can google it for further information). All I know is that it is MADE for skin rash and whatnot--not specifically for acne--THEREFORE, prolonged usage of this cream is a NO-NO.

I used it irregularly from Jan-March then somehow it stopped working--so I was back with this awful breakouts--may it be cystic whiteheads you name it. I was so frustrated!

Anyways, I would apply tea tree oil to keep it at bay--still okay.
However, at the end of August to September my skin just went BERSERK!
I blame it on myself for not thoroughly cleansing my face eversince I have used the Double Wear. Plus I have also introduced A TON of products to my face.
I'm starting to think that the rosehip oil is  a culprit.

ANYWAYS, I decided to plunge into the CLO community. LOL. Cod Liver Oil. Yes.
CLO is known for its high dosage of Vitamin A and D which are good for your skin. And I have also read from somewhere that Accutane also contain a high amount of Vitamin A {?} .
So I bought this from my local drugmart store.



I have done a lot of research before getting it. I have read that it was a holy grail for majority and just didn't work out for some.

I started taking this on the 28th or 29th of september--One pill daily. IT IS A HUGE PILL OMG.

SO FAR I am breaking out. Mostly whiteheads--and some cystic. After almost a week of taking it I have decided that I will not put ANYTHING on my face--nope not even moisturizer.
TASTE I honestly dont taste the fish unless a burp a minutes later lol

I'm thinking that this is the initial breakout. I will keep this blog updated about it.

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

[ REVIEW ] MAC Pro Long Wear Concealer and Dermablend Quick Fix Concealer Stick

I got this concealer at THE BAY for about  CAD 27.00 (including tax)-- I know it's more expensive than buying it at a local MAC store -.-' but that store didnt have my shade so I just went to the bay.
I am an NC25.
P.S. This is my third bottle.

Ignore my nails ^^

 

It is in a glass bottle and I remember getting my very first bottle and I accidentally dropped it--SO IT BROKE. --IT IS VERY FRAGILE-- (I was so devastated because damn that was like $25)--

 

So this is ONE PUMP. I know it is a lot. The thing is, you cannot really control the amount of product once you pump it b/c that's how the packaging is--yes it is crap. (hate it)

And this is when I spread/dab it. 

the pump thingy--it's messed up b/c crappy packaging.

EFFECTS/CLAIMS:

As you may have already read, this is my THIRD bottle. Yep. That says something. I AM INLOVE WITH THIS BABY!!!--Holy Grail concealer-- I mean IT DOES NOT cover up everything but it covers up 95% of my acne --may it be active or not (hyperpigmentations) and dang, it does stay on for A WHILE (With a good primer and setting powder of course)--THE BEST IS THAT IT DOES NOT BREAK ME OUT LIKE HOLY SHIZ THAT'S SUPER RARE! 

I do not really use it for my under eyes because it DOES crease like crazy lol. --great for covering blemishes--I not recommend it for under eyes tho. 

RATING: 9/10 (b/c the pump thingy is C-R-A-P) 

DERMABLEND  Quick Fix Concealer Stick

 I got this on Nailpolishcanada

Got it for $27.00 LOL DANG-bye money. I got this in beige.
I wanted to try it out and see if the hype~and rave~ about this product is worth it....

Shipping was fast btw.

 

The main ingredient of this thing is titanium oxide for SPF. Also, Mineral oil, and talc.
I completely forgot that my skin freaking reacts HORRIBLY to talc and mineral oil....SO YEP. BAD IDEA.

 

As you can see, it's just a typical concealer stick. Nothing TOO exciting about it AT ALL.

After a dabbing it

 

 EFFECTS/CLAIMS

So I WAS REALLY EXCITED TO USE IT b/c of all the reviews I have seen...

So first time: it was really oily right when I applied it then after a few hours IT CREASED-IT made my face look so dry! and I know my skin is downright oily. I had everything right--primer-concealer-foundation-setting powder. YET, it just did not work out.

I am almost done the stick and then THERE I realized, yep, it is breaking me out. Haha, it gave me TONS of new cystic pimples. I was SO SO SO disappointed...

I guess it's just not right for my skin. Don't understand the hype for the dermablend line.

RATING: 2/10

 

 MAC Pro Longwear concealer ALL THE EFFING WAY.

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest

Etude House: Wonder Pore Freshner Review

"I'm the Wonder Woman for your pores" -Wonder Pore Freshner

So I decided to put in a toner for my skin routine so after HOURS of researching in the ASIAN market I ended up buying this Wonder Pore Freshner (Toner) I forgot which size I got but I think its around 500 mL (I threw out the box cause I was cleaning up my room for new years huehue)





EXPERIENCE WITH IT:
I got it around November and I remember using it twice a day EVERY DAY (for about 2 weeks) and boy did it make my face OILIER that it already is! So I decided to tone it down a bit (Once a day) and it did not really help with my acne...so I toned it down more to using it every other day or two and I'm liking it so far...I can say that it did lessen my huge ass cystic breakouts by 25%



WHAT IT CLAIMS IT DOES: 
Deep cleanse pores - idk I didnt really get a huge dramatic change
Maintain pH 4.5 -/+ 1 - I guess it doesnt really match my pH since it didnt really do much for my skin (acne still gets worse, scars still the same)
Control a large amount of sebum- Im pretty sure it did the opposite for me!
Refine skin tones- nah
Keep elasticity of pores- idk what this means so Idk
Moisturize inside and outside of skin- nah. Its too much for my combination skin. I mean it would be moisturized but my face would get really shiny and oily (but Im still checking if its my facial cleanser)

SCENT: A very strong smell of alcohol. But it's a scent you'll get used to. 
VISCOSITY: It's literally like water.
APPLICATION: Pour enough to your cotton pad/ball (I use cotton balls) then gently cleanse your face with it (I APPLY THIS AFTER I WASHED MY FACE WITH MY FACE WASH). This is my "toner" and I have been using this for 2-3 months.

Ingredients in KOREAN so idk

 RATING: 7/10

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest