Review: Etude House AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser

Etude House AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser (150ml)

Description: Formulated with Salicylic Acid, Foam Cleanser removes acne causing germs to keep your skin clear all day. *Non-comedogenic & Dermatologist Tested.*

*'Non-comedogenic' means it will not produce nor aggravate acne. AC Clinic line is formulated without acne inducing ingredients to promote clear skin.

Directions: Wet face and dispense small amount onto hands. Lather and apply foam to face, gently massaging entire area. Wash and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

It comes with a plastic twist-off screwed flip cap and the opening is perfectly sealed with a foil.

The product can be easily squeezed out from the cleanser tube. 

Consistency & Color:
It has a white creamy texture.

Scent:
Err...I'm bad at describing scent... It has a medicated herby scent to me. I don't find it overpowering. I actually quite like the scent.

Moisture Test on the back of my hand:

The moisture loss after cleansing is only 0.7% so I concluded that this cleanser is not drying.

I found some sites saying that this cleanser can be used to cleanse off makeup. So let's have an experiment~!:

Make-Up Removal Test on the back of my mom's hand:

Swatches of make-up

Squeeze out some cleanser, add some water and start massaging...

massage...massage...massage

You can notice that the makeup starts to dissolve...

Rinse it off with water and dry with a towel.

Result?: It failed to remove the Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner and the Holika Holika Jewel-Light eyeliner completely. As for the rest of the makeup swatches, it seems to have removed completely. However, to be on the safe side, I will still recommend you to use a make-up remover prior to cleanse with this cleanser. I called it 'double cleansing'~! It is to make sure that all makeup residues/impurities have been completely removed. Well, I'm pretty sure you don't want to get breakout, isn't it? So yeah, use a proper makeup remover in removing makeup before cleanses with a cleanser! Don't be lazy and skip the step. :)

Likes:
- contains salicylic acid
- non-comedogenic
- cleanses well
- able to remove certain makeups
- does not aggravate pimples
- no breakout or irritation; suits sensitive skin
- prevents future breakout
- easy to wash off
- leaves the skin feels clean and refresh
- does not dry up the skin
- the scent

Dislikes:
- none!
There's nothing I don't like... :)

Verdict: This cleanser cleanses well and it isn't drying nor aggravating pimples. It does not cause breakout either. In fact, it helps to deal with future breakout. I absolutely love it soooooooooooo muuuuuuuuuuuchh~! This has always been in my holy grail skincare product list! You can read "My Acne Story" page to know why. I can't stress how much I love the AC Clinic line. Their products had helped to deal with my horrible acne. Though back then halfway through the progress there were some drying problem, I don't find the line drying for my skin now. It works perfectly for my skin and I'm loving it!

People who have trouble with acne, you might want to give this cleanser and/or other AC Clinic line's products a shot! :)

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Review: Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar (#08 Neon Yellow)

Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar (#08 Neon Yellow) (7g)

There are 9 different colors in total. 6 of them are fruity scented and the other 3 are mild, natural scented (pretty much scent-less to me actually...).

And I got mine in #08 Neon Yellow.

More information about the Petite Bunny Gloss Bar~:

Description:

Directions: Twist-up to about 3~5mm and lightly apply to lips.

It comes in a retractable stick. The bottom of the stick is twistable so you can twist the bottom to get more product.

Note: Don't twist up too much product because once the product got twisted out, it can't be twisted back into the stick. You have to push it back instead. -_-

Consistency & Color:

Although it says it's a gloss bar, I find it like more towards a balm, like a tinted lip balm. It's not as balmy as Nivea lip balm though. It leaves a slight glossy look but it's not as glossy as a lip gloss or a lip balm. The color of #08 is pretty interesting! It's yellow in the tube but when apply on lips, it turns into a very lovely shade of pink. The color is pretty sheer(low pigmentation) and can be built up but only slightly.

Here are the swatches:

The color is very sheer however, it is buildable. You can compared the color of 1 swipe with the color of 4 swipes.

Scent:
It's very, very mild and natural scent. Not much fragrance actually...

Moisturizing Power:

I find it not as moisturizing as Nivea lip balm. If you have dried and chapped lips like I do, few hours after application, the color kind of runs into the cracks and makes the dried and chapped lips looks more obvious. That's what happened to me so what I usually do is that I will put on a layer of Nivea lip balm on my lips prior to application of this Petite Bunny Gloss Bar. On a positive note, it's not very drying like a lipstick. The moisturizing level is somewhere in between a lipstick and a lip balm.

Staying Power:

The color does lasts except if you eat or drink. Yes, it does comes off pretty easily when you eat or drink. I usually have to re-apply it after eating or drinking.

Likes:
- 2-in-1, lip balm + tint formula = tinted lip balm
- the color! *gorgeous*
- color is sheer and build-able
- the adorable packaging!
- light, natural scent
- not very drying like a lipstick
- easy to glide on lips
- portable and lightweight
- not sticky

Dislikes:
- lousy twistable function; once the product got twisted-up, it can't be twisted back into the stick!
- not as glossy as Nivea lip balm or a lip gloss
- emphasizes on dried and chapped lips

Neutral:
- moisturizes but not as moisturizing as Nivea lip balm
- color does comes off easily when eating or drinking

Verdict: So, I got the #08 Neon Yellow mainly because it doesn't have too much scent. I actually hate sweet fruity scented lips product. I prefer a mild and natural scented or scent-less lips product~~ Currently, this is one of my favorite lips product. The color is not too bold and it gives a soft natural look which is why I like it so much! Even though it's not as moisturizing as I would like it to be, by applying a layer of Nivea lip balm prior to application of this gloss bar will fix the problem.

People who like a soft and sheer natural looking lip color, you might want to give this a try.

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Review: The Face Shop Real Nature Mask (Mung Bean)

The Face Shop Real Nature Mask (Mung Bean) (20g)

Description: The air pockets within the sheet contain handful of nutritional essence, providing natural moisture and nourishment to skin.

*Mung Bean: A clarifying mask sheet containing mung bean extract, effective in purifying pores for a clean and smooth skin texture.

Directions: Wash face and apply toner. Pull out the mask and carefully place it on the face. Remove after 10~12 minutes and tap lightly to absorb the remaining essence into the skin.

Mask sheet well soaked with essence~

This is the amount of excess essence being poured out from the pack.

The Face Shop is really generous with the essence. :)

This is how the mask looks like...

*thanks dad for helping me to hold the mask :P*

The essence gets absorbed within 10 minutes and it does leaves a slight stickiness on the skin.

Consistency & Color:
Watery, serum-like and colorless.

Scent:
I don't know how to describe the scent of this mask. It doesn't smells like Mung Bean at all. To me, it has a scent like a wet tissue, not too strong or overpowering. It's quite pleasant but it's not refreshing though...

Moisture Test on the back of my hand:

Before applying the essence, my skin moisture level measures 36.6%.

After applying the essence, my skin moisture level measure 54.7%.

After 10 minutes later(essence got absorbed), I took the measurement again, it dropped to 54.0%.

Moisture gained is 18.1%.

The difference on moisture loss after 10 minutes is only 0.7%.

which I concluded that this mask is quite moisturizing.

**Above result is just for the application of a mask, without prior application of a toner.**

With application of a toner and a moisturizer, I believe the skin will be perfectly hydrated!

Likes:
- moisturizes
- gentle on skin; suits sensitive skin
- leave the skin feeling soft, smooth and radiant
- soothing and calming effect
- does not cause breakout or irritation
- mask well soaked with essence
- contains a handful of excess essence

Dislikes:
- leaves skin feeling sticky to the touch -.-

Neutral:
- purifies pores
- oil-control

Verdict: I couldn't tell if this mask helps to purify pores. Good thing is that I didn't get breakout after using. It does moisturizes my skin and my skin will look radiant, soft and smooth(and sticky -.-) to the touch. On the other hand, I don't know if this mask helps with oil control. Sorry, I didn't really take notice...... However, my brother who also tried this mask the other day, noticed a difference in oiliness before and after using the mask. He actually whatsapped me during his working hours asking about whether this mask helps with oil control because his face isn't as oily as what he would normally gets. So perhaps..., this mask does helps with controlling oil.

People who have oily, combination and sensitive skin might want to give this mask a try. :)

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The Versatile Blogger Award

First of all, I would like to thank Mira for nominating me for The Versatile Blogger Award. When Mira first commented about the nomination in one of my blog post I was like 'huh? what?'. I don't really know what is it all about. Anyway, I read her blog for more info and yeah, I will just follow how she do this award thing...

So for this award, there are a few rules and the rules are as follows:
- Thank the person who nominated you.
- Include a link to their blog.
- Nominate 15 bloggers you've recently discovered.
- Write down 7 facts about yourself.

1st, 2nd and the last rules are pretty easy. However, for the 3rd one...Wow, that will be extremely tricky...

Well, okay... Without further ado, let's get started~!

I'm so honored and I do appreciate being nominated for this. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Mira for the nomination. 

---
Visit Mira's blog at http://lemieletlavanille.blogspot.com

Her blog is about beauty-related stuff~♥

Do check out her blog and follow her GFC, Bloglovin' and Google+. :)
---

Nominate 15 bloggers: ... ... ...
Errr... I don't think I will be able to list that many... in fact, I have none actually... because I don't visit nor follow blog unless people leave me a comment with a link and/or follow request in my blog. Well, to be truthful, I just don't really interact much with people in the blogosphere. Therefore, to nominate 15 bloggers...that will be a really difficult task for me.

In addition, those I have in mind had already gotten and did this award thingy... Sorry guys, there's none I can list.

Hmmm..., actually.....there's one~ But I don't know if she's still eligible because she already got nominated by Mira but I guess...she is still eligible? because she has yet to write the response post. So, I will just nominate her again~ XD

1. Mizu at http://fairywater79.blogspot.com

...Moving on to...

7 facts about myself:
1. Ashley is part of my given name.
2. I was born on May 21st, on the cusp of Taurus and Gemini. I have traits of both signs but most of the time, I feel and act more like a Gemini.
3. I am a right-hander.
4. I was once a graphic design student but currently, I am a student majoring in Business Management. Both are at private institutions.
5. I am short-sighted. I wear spectacles/contact lenses and my degree/prescription is extremely high. My right eye has reached -10.00. ><
6. The only social networking account I have are Twitter and this blog. I don't have a Facebook because I don't want to have one. Actually I had it yeeeeeears ago but I decided to deactivate it.
7. I am a fan of Hello Kitty since I was 2 years old. Up to now, I have collected over 400 Hello Kitty stuff.

Alright, that's that.
Once again, a BIG THANK YOU to Mira for the nomination.

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ONGOING: Giveaway #4

DISCLAIMER: All giveaway items shown in this blog are purchased using my own money. I was not paid by any companies nor have any affiliation with any of the brand mentioned in here.

Ready for Giveaway #4?~

*3 Lucky Winners will be selected.* :)

Take note that whatever items in the bag are not in their full product size! They are sample sachets and/or trial kit from various brands such as Etude House, The Face Shop, Innisfree, Skinfood, Skin&Lab, Mizon, Tony Moly, My Beauty Diary, Elisacoy etc. Each bag will be packed and sent randomly!~ :)

How to PARTICIPATE & WIN?:
My giveaway rules are always very simple! You just have to email the following details:
- [Your Name]:
- [Your Country]:
- [Your Email Address]:
to bitsdiaries@live.com subject to "WIN Giveaway #4".

* This giveaway is open internationally!~ 
*Multiple entries are NOT allowed. One entry per participant. More than one entry per participant will result in disqualification.
*All prizes will be mailed via SingPost.
*Winners will be announced on my blog on 29th November 2013 and will be notified by email directly. (Dear participants, do check your email inbox and/or junk mail folder on that day!)
*Winners who fail to respond within the next 3 days will be forfeited. New winner will be drawn.
*Prizes not redeemed within a month will be forfeited.

Giveaway #4 Event will

start on 5th November 2013, SGT 05:00PM

and

end on 27th November 2012, SGT 11:00PM.

Good luck to all participants! XOXO~ ;D

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Review: Hiruscar Post Acne Gel

Having trouble with pimple marks/scars? Try this! :

Hiruscar Post Acne Gel (10g)

Description: Gel for pimple scars and dark marks. In collaboration with Medinova AG — Switzerland, Hiruscar Post Acne, a scar clear gel, is proven to improve depressed scars arising from pimple and help lighten dark spots and/or red marks. Hiruscar Post Acne contains MPS, Allium Cepa, Pionin (Quaternium-73) and other natural ingredients to improve pimple scars and may help the formation of new pimple scars. It provides fast, easy skin absorption with a pleasant and non-greasy texture. It can be used as a part of treatment regime and also can be used under make-up.

Claims to do:
A Unique Formulation with 3-in-1 Scar Clear Benefits:
1. Lightens dark marks in 12 weeks
2. Improves/smoothens depressed pimple scars
3. May prevent pimple occurrence
* Non-Comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Alcohol Free.

Directions: Apply 2-3 times a day, in the morning and before bedtime. Use regularly after skin treatment and before make-up for continuous and better outcome for scars management. Always wash hands before and after use.

Composition (Ingredients):
Aqua, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Niacinamide, Sorbeth-30, PPG-26-Buteth-26 and PEG-40hydrogenated caster oil, Quaternium-73, Carbomer, Fragrance, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate and DMDM hydantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin and Mucopolysaccharide (MPS).

Below pictures(Source: link) further elaborate... (please take some time to read them~)

• What is a Hiruscar Post Acne Gel?

• What can Hiruscar Post Acne do and when to use?

• How to use Hiruscar Post Acne Gel?

• The effectiveness:

It comes in a squeeze-able tube with a twist-off plastic cap.

It's easy to squeeze out the gel from the tube.

Consistency and Color:
Light clear gel texture and it's not greasy at all.

Once applied on the skin, it gets absorbed into the skin without leaving any sticky residue/layer.

Scent:
I don't know how to describe the scent... The scent is kind of "unique" though. I personally find it a little pungent. To be honest, I couldn't accept the scent when I first tried it but after a few use, I'm used to it. It's bearable and will not linger after application.

Likes:
- 100% anti-bacterial
- lighten and improve pimple scars and dark marks
- gets absorbed into the skin
- can be used under makeup
- light gel consistency and not heavy
- non-comedogenic
- alcohol-free
- suits sensitive skin
- doesn't cause breakouts

Dislikes:
- takes time to fully lighten pimple scars/marks

This is not my first time using this product. I first used it back in Year 2010.

This is the one I used last time.(2-in-1 formulation)

*The one I reviewing is Hiruscar Post Acne Gel. I think it's their new product. An upgraded version(3-in-1 formulation) specially for pimple scars/marks.

After some time, I stopped using this product and switched to other lightening/whitening products, such as the Skinfood Tomato Whitening Spot Serum & Etude House AC Clinic Red Spot Balm. It's been quite a few years since I last used this and I decided to use it again because of my allergies and sensitive skin. Well, I got a skin allergic reaction to tea tree oil back in August 2013. Yes, I am allergic to tea tree oil and I know it yet I still used it. Am I stupid or what!? LOL.

Back then, I had an event coming up and I just wanna get rid of about 6 to 8 zits(ranging from small to big) that were on my chin before the event. Despite knowing that I am allergic to tea tree oil, I still took the risk and used it. I actually had a plan in mind... I planned...if an allergic reaction occurs, then I will just don't attend the event. As simple as that. It's not really important anyway. So yeah..., allergic reaction really occurred and I left with even more zits and scars. 

During and After the allergic period, my skin on the chin belonged to the VERY sensitive skin type. Therefore, I decided to get back to this Hiruscar Gel because I know it's sensitive skin friendly~ It's clinically proven, safe to use, non skin irritant, even safe to use on sensitive skin.

By the way, it takes time to notice the results so don't expect an instant miracle from this product. The recommended treatment must be at least 2 weeks to 2 months. But I will recommend to use this for at least 3 months. With continuous usage, you will probably see visible results in 2 weeks on fresh pimple scars/marks. Do take note that the treatment period and results may vary depending on individual's condition, such as the condition of the acne wound and also how fast your skin repairs itself.

Here's my 8 weeks and 3 days of 'experiment'~ 
PS: All the photos were taken on different time so the lighting may vary. NO makeup or editing... errr... actually..., I did edit... — cropped, combined all photos into one and added in watermarks and dates. That's it. NO major editing though.

(Before): I had these patches of redness, bumpy/pimplish skin after using tea tree oil. It was a skin allergic reaction as I've said. Actually, it was much redder than in the photo and it was hell itchy! >< The itchiness and redness took about a week and a half to heal.

PS: I started using the Hiruscar Post Acne Gel on 6th September 2013. So...

Day 1: As you can see, I have a lot of scars/marks left by the allergic reaction...

6 weeks & 2 days: Oops, sorry. Wrong angle. lol. Anyway, you probably still be able to notice the difference huh?

(After) 8 weeks & 3 days: There are still some very faint pimple scars/marks, I don't know if you guys can see... However, the marks are greatly faded! On a side note, please excuse that Nexcare Patch~ lololol. I have a nasty zit there. It popped itself this morning and I just pasted the patch over it to help suck out all the pus. :x

By the way, I apply the gel 2 times a day, in the morning and at night, after my toner and before my moisturizer.

Okay, enough said. Whether the product works in fading scars/marks, you will be the judge~ :)

People who have trouble with pimple scars/marks, you might want to give this a try.

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Skin conditions that can mimic acne.

Did you know of light treatment and homeopathys real score as two of the proclaimed ultimate acne treatments? Because sometimes, acne patient cannot detect when will be the reappearance of acne patches on their face, back, and chest especially if s/he is not much watchful of different affecting factors; s/he tries to use any of the popular light treatment or homeopathy in resolving the acne dilemma.

The field of medicine is trying to extend help in alleviating the pains and discomfort of the acne patient through a wide array of treatments available. Many doctors have been recommending a popular method which is light treatment. This method is meant to control or put an end to the hyper-activity of the sebaceous glands.

The skin, after the course of light treatment, is given the temporary relief. Once light treatment is put on hold and is discontinued the acne reappears. Another proclaimed ultimate acne treatment option is homeopathy however; many people have even sworn that this treatment does not guarantee 100% success. Besides, the medication period is longer. yet no visible improvement becomes apparent. Generally, there are medications that may not work effectively to a group of patients because of several influencing factors. Did you know what bacteria are infecting the acne prone skin? Acne condition is worsened by Propionibacterium and Staphylococcus bacteria. You can tool your body, however, and boost its fighting ability against the bacteria though putting on some Kamille Zinci cream.

There isnt much treatments and medication techniques that work better than Kamille Zinci in kicking off the bacteria in the dermis, which trigger the formation of acne. If you can hardly become proud of your acne-covered face or scarred face, chest and back, then you can always turn to Kamille Zinci cream that effectively removes the bacteria and erases the left off scars. Many treatments have been tried by many acne patients in order to kill the affecting bacteria but the loopholes are available as well. Aside from the natural functioning of the sebaceous glands, which for some people becomes inherent because of their genes, the usual exposure to dust agents that bring about bacteria is also one of the determinant factors that promote the existence of acne. The bacteria are there to thrive on the acne infected areas while no effective treatment has been applied, no change in the dietary system has been made, and no other medical intervention has been initiated. Did you know that bodywork eliminates acne formation?

Nobody knows of what your body needs except you. You can tell through how you feel that you need some workouts. A regular visit to a massage parlor is a big help in order to regulate the acne patients blood circulation. Through body therapy the drainage of lymph nodes is prevented. There is a close relationship between fast healing process of acne-infected areas and regular body massage. Acne patient can enroll to physical workout classes so that she or he could achieve a healthy blood circulation. Bodywork also like yoga and exercises can help reduce stress. You may engage yourself to meditation that balances your mind and emotional state. A sudden hormonal imbalance can induce the oil production of the sebaceous glands. Keep a stress-free mind set always. Do not sleep as late as wee hours in the morning because that triggers the oil glands to produce unhealthful or waste oils. Brisk walking, body conditioning exercises and other actively vigorous physical activities can help a person sweat out and cleanse his or her pores. Free your self from so much worrying because that affects your mood and activates your sebaceous glands. Did you know when you must see a dermatologist?

People, whose nature of work is focused on socialization, become over conscious of how they look. Usually, when acne starts to develop, most of the acne patients are bothered and wanting for effective treatments. So, some of them consult for dermatologists advice especially if they hardly can relieve the discomforts of acne condition. Who wants to just stay around and grieve over the bigheads of his or her acne rather than staying with friends? Life is meant to be enjoyed and not to be wasted through dallying in a corner. A piece of advice from a dermatologist can help you find a solution on how to stay away from the inflammation of your clogged pores. Do not let your acne hinder your lifestyle and put you on a big embarrassing dilemma; some chitchat with your friendly dermatologist can enlighten you of how you can confidently counter the formation and worsening of the acne conditions.

Some teenagers who are just building up their identity are scared to face their friends, especially if their facial skin is almost covered by acne. What must they do before they develop low self-esteem and anti-social behavior? They must pay a visit to their dermatologist so that they could be advised and given medications. Did you know that there is acne approved hormone therapy? If you would like to have a superior anti-acne effect more than a placebo could give, then you may try ALESSE, with a dose of 0.020mg EE + 0.10mg levonorgestrel. Unlike most other oral contraceptives, this prescribed medication is said to have a reduced estrogen dose (0.020mg). Its benefits include reduced side effects of estrogen to cardiovascular and no weight gain. There was a randomized study conducted that involve 700 women (of reproductive age group) who where treated for six months. The studies show that 46% of the sample manifested the reduction of inflammatory lesions, on the one hand, only 29.3% showed effective treatment for the placebo group. Acne patient might also try ORTHO-TRICYCLEN, with a dose of 0.035mg EE + norgestimate. Using this as part of medication provides significant improvement of the acne condition. A patient may also avail in the drugstore, an anti-androgen treatment, cyproterone acetate (CPA) which has been proven effective. Acne patient can engage himself or herself to whichever hormone therapy that is recommended by his or her attending doctor.

A series of test are expected to be conducted in order to determine the patients blood type and body condition before a particular medication will be endorsed for his or her treatment.

 

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