Paula's Choice

If you've been reading my past posts, you might know by now that I have oily/combination skin that's also sensitive with enlarged pores. It's been a difficult journey trying to find products that can clean my skin well without being so harsh that it makes it flare up.

Someone recommended that I try Paula's Choice. It's relatively affordable and so far I've been very pleased with the results. I have almost no breakouts and my pores look smaller as a result of being able to get rid of the gunk in there. 

I got a whole range of products to try as they promise to minimize the appearance of large pores and so far, I think it's working. The combination of stuff that I'm using or have tried from Paula's Choice has made my pores appear smaller and my skin fresher and cleaner.

Step 1: Skin Balancing: Oil-Reducing Cleanser

The first step to any skin care regime is to cleanse. I decided on the Oil-Reducing Cleanser. It's for Oily/Combination skin, a cream to foam cleanser that reduces excess oil to balance skin, as well as remove makeup and impurities. We all know that enlarged pores look... well enlarged... because they are filled with impurities. What we commonly know as blackheads. I was cautious as I thought this cleanser might be too harsh. But I jumped on board anyway.

I'm happy to report that I'm on my 2nd bottle now as it has been effective yet gentle enough for my skin. I must admit that I don't use it to clean makeup. I always use micellar water to remove makeup before washing my face with this.

Step 2: Resist: Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid)

After my skin is clean, I go straight to the exfoliant. This is a daily leave-on liquid exfoliant. It contains salicylic acid - meant to gently and naturally exfoliate skin, reduce visible signs of sun damage, reduce pore size, and melt away those impurities clogging pores. 

Step 3: Resist: Advanced Pore-Refining Treatment 4% BHA

I only use this once a day, at night time. Because it's 4% BHA, I didn't want to be too hardcore about it. Although I think out of all my steps, this item is the most effective. I feel a slight tingle feeling after applying this but not burning. I use this for the same reasons, for my enlarged pores.

Step 4: Resist: Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

I use this twice a day, to provide weightless hydration and an exclusive mix of antioxidants and grape-derived resveratrol. Together with skin-restoring and nourishing ingredients - hyaluronic acid and pore-improving niacinamide. Hyaluronic Acid (aka hyaluronan) is naturally produced by our bodies and its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist - i.e. to fight wrinkles. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B-3, helps the skin retain moisture, minimise pore appearance and regulates oil. 

Step 5: Resist: Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30

So with all the BHA products, you MUST use sunscreen when you go out. I use this under my foundation and powder. Not only is it sunscreen, but I find it works very well as a primer for my makeup. There's a slight tacky feel after applying so it's perfect for makeup. Sometimes I use this and face powder and it gives a good barely there makeup look.

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I do use other sunscreens and moisturisers not from Paula's Choice but that doesn't belong here. 

Laneige Brush Pact

My 3rd little goodie from Laneige is the Brush Pact and I got it in No. 2 Pore Blur. It looks like a white powder. The Laneige Brush Pact comes in 2 shades on Sephora online. The other shade is No. 1 Natural Finishing, which looks like a light beige. For some reason my face is super fair so I thought it would be the safest bet to get the colourless one. Ok let's get to it!

The Laneige Brush Pact comes in a really cute package. First you twist out the bottom, which contains the powder, then you can twist out the brush on the other half. Very nifty and very easy to pop in the handbag. I'm thinking I might have been a little over amused with this. But it's really good to carry around. 

So I wait for the right time, middle of the day, so something like 4 hours into the work day. When my face starts to look greasy. I've never been in the habit of re-applying make up half way through the day for a few reasons: my skin is super sensitive so in my head, if I am to put powder on my face that is not clean, I feel like I'm rubbing the dirt into my face. That generally causes me to have some pimples. So I don't like to re-apply makeup. The other reason is coz I'm a germaphobe so putting the brush on my face which is 4 hours into the day just feels like the dirt is going to fester and reproduce into a colony on the brush.

Ok so 4 hours into the day, I blot my face with some blotter paper... then I whip out my handy Brush Pact. I start applying it all over my face and asked everyone who was around me if my face was still greasy before going to see for myself in the mirror. Lo and behold!!! It works really well and I didn't look like I had another layer of powder plastered on. So bye bye greasy face!

Now for my other concern... will I break out. There are 2 times that I check if I have a break out from makeup. Once when I just get home from work, and once again the next morning. Patiently I awaited. To be honest, every time I try something new, I worry that I will break out. 

Verdict the next morning: The coast was clear! I didn't break out. So this is going to be a permanent fixture in my handbag. You can, and you should get this! I got it on Sephora online for SGD$42, link for you to get it is here. You're welcome.

Atomy Evening Care 4 Set & Instructions

Technically this post should come before the Atomy Skin Care 6 System because cleansing comes before moisturising, but I'm sure you'll work it out :)

I actually bought the Atomy Evening Care 4 Set after using the Atomy Skin Care 6 System because I noticed that my skin had become firmer and hydrated. Convinced that something in those creams must be working, I decided to tackle my biggest skin problem - blackheads! I can't get rid of them often enough and it just keeps terrorising my face. As I have said in my previous post that I use the Biore Pore Pack on a weekly basis to remove the blackheads, but I'll be much happier if I didn't have to spend that much time fussing with removing instead just not have them to begin with. As with all Atomy skin care products, they are developed with fresh herbs and natural ingredients, suitable for all skin types, even sensitive, problem skin like mine.

Logic would say that if you cleanse your face well, then blackheads will be there. Simple. So let's get on with it. The 4 items in this goodie box, listed in the order that you should use it, are:

1. Deep Cleanser - removes make up and cleanses clogged pores

2. Foam Cleanser - the rich lather washes away impurities and dirt in pores

3. Peeling Gel - gently peels off dead skin cells (i.e. non abrasive exfoliator)

4. Peel Off Mask - firms skin and tightens pores

Reviews & Instructions by Product:

1. Deep Cleanser - this cleanser has a cream like consistency and can be used to remove make up. Foundation, BB Cream and Powder definitely comes off. For your eye make up, especially waterproof eye liner/mascara, it's always best to use and eye makeup remover first. 

To use: squeeze a dollop onto fingers and rub all over face for 2 minutes. You can also do this cleanse on your neck. Rubbing in circular motions all over dislodges the makeup out of your pores and also improves circulation. Once this is done, you can either wipe the cleanser off with tissue or wash if off with warm water. I prefer to wash it off because I feel that the tissue can be abrasive and I generally don't like being too rough with my skin.

2. Foam Cleanser - this cleanser lathers up really well, smells really fresh and cleans your skin really well. It will leave your skin feeling clean and fresh yet not dried out and tight. sKin feels hydrated and clean. I really like this cleanser a lot! 

To use: squeeze a bit of cleanser onto hand, you don't really need a large amount. Work up a lather by rubbing with wet hands, then massage all over face and neck for 2 minutes as well. Just like when removing make up, the foam cleanser will be able to dislodge any dirt and impurities caught in the pores but working the lather in circular motions all over the face. After that, rinse off thoroughly.

*As a side note, I have been told before that you should wash your face with warm water, but always finish off with cool water. The warm water is supposed to open up the pores which will allow the dirt to be removed, and once your skin is clean, the cool water can help to close the pores. 

3. Peeling Gel - this gel has a slightly silicon kind of texture and peels off dead skin cells. By exfoliating away the dead skin cells, your skin will look brighter. Dead skin cells causes skin to look dull. This made my skin feel softer, smoother after and next level cleaner. 

To use: squeeze a bit of peeling gel onto fingers, then massage and spread all over face and neck, avoid the eyes. Wait for 2 minutes for the peeling gel to softer the dead skin cells which will then enable you to rub it off. After 2 minutes, rub off the gel in circular motions. You will see the dead skin cells coming off. 

4. Peel Off Mask - this mask has a slight rubbery texture which is quiet interesting. This is the final step of this set which tightens up the pores after all the cleansing you've been doing. Result is clean, fresh skin.

To use: spread the mask all over face, avoiding eye area. Applying a thicker layer makes it easier to peel off after, but I don't think you should go over the top with this. Just make sure all areas are sufficiently covered. Let it dry completely. If you like, you can also sleep with the mask on. Once it's dry, you start from the chin area and rub the edge of the mask upwards. Once a bit of the mask comes away from the skin, you will be able to pull the mask off the rest of the face. Pull upwards. 

Then you're done cleansing. Sounds really tedious but I think for good skin, what's a few minutes?! Of course after this you use the Atomy Skin Care 6 System.

How to buy? It's an online store, the one I use is www.atomy.com.sg and I have signed up for membership to get some discounts (shopaholics like me need it!). Membership costs nothing and there's no monthly spend amounts to maintain your membership account so no worries there. Happy Shopping!

Atomy Skin Care 6 System & Instructions

In my never ceasing quest for more stuff to buy (somebody help me!) I have found another new brand to tell them to TAKE MY MONEY! Atomy is my new found play thing. The first set that I got was the Atomy Skin Care 6 System. Called 6 system because there are 6 items in there. When I came home with this, it really felt like Christmas morning. Except it's not Christmas and it was about 10pm at night. The excitement of opening this however, was comparable.

Atomy Skin Care 6 System is made with all natural ingredients extracted from plants in their natural state. Now as much as I hate jumping on the Korean beauty product bandwagon, I have to say that Korean products are more suitable for my skin. It could be because they were formulated for Asian skin instead of Caucasian skin, resulting in products that are less harsh. 

Another interesting point about Atomy skin care products is that they are produced by high purification technology and biotechnology derived from fermentation science (whatever that means!). Long story short is they say the have done research at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Kolmar BNH Co. Ltd. and Kolmar Korea Co. Ltd. To be perfectly honest, they can say whatever they like about what's been done to develop the product, but what's really important is what it does for my skin. So we already know it's au natural and I think that's good, no harsh chemicals = two thumbs up. Now let's move on to the goodies shall we?!

The 6 items in the goody box are:

1. Toner - Trouble Care

2. Eye Cream - Wrinkle Improvement

3. Essence - Nutrition Care

4. Lotion - Moisturising Care

5. Cream - Aging Care

6. BB Cream - Broad Spectrum SPF30

I've listed it in the order that it is to be applied. I did promise that this is also an instructional since I didn't find any instructions on the bottles like you normally do, I thought it might be handy to give a quick run through for your convenience. You can find YouTube videos online about how to use, but if you're reading this, it might take you only a minute (for people who like to cut to the chase).

Reviews & Instructions by Product:

1. Toner - This toner has a slightly thicker than water, liquid consistency, to be used after cleansing. It also removes any residue that might not have been cleansed off properly. Skin feels very refreshed and clean after, smooth to the touch and not sticky. Feels like there's nothing there. I really like this Toner! 

To use: 2 pumps, spread all over face and neck, massaging into skin

2. Eye Cream - This is especially important for people in their mid thirties where wrinkles are starting to form. The important thing that people overlook is that they should begin using these creams BEFORE the wrinkles occur. After is a little late. It's like doing corrective action instead of preventative action. Very slight sticky feeling after application but not too bad. Eye Creams have to be thick to moisturise the eye area which has thinner skin compared to the rest of the face. Once the skin is moisturised, stretching from facial movements like smiling will not cause micro tears in the skin which after repeated times, cause wrinkles. 

To use: Dab a small amount, you can use a clean cotton bud, massage the area above and below the eyes in a circular motion. Be careful not to use too much as using too much eye cream can cause milia seeds (little bumps around the eye area, like little oil seeds under the skin)

3. Essence - This essence is a medium weight cream that is 100% nano particles that can penetrate deep into the skin. By being able to penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis, the essence can nourish the skin beyond just the outer most layer. This also feels only slightly sticky after application but thirsty skin starts to feel quenched from here on.

To use: 2 pumps, spread all over face and neck, massaging into skin avoiding eye area

4. Lotion - This lotion is developed by fermentation life science and attracts moisture in the air into the skin, thus continuously moisturising the skin. This lotion is similar to the toner consistency wise, except this is white and the toner is sort of colourless. It goes onto the skin smoothly and like all creams, has a slight sticky feeling upon touching.

To use: 2 pumps, spread all over face and neck, massaging into skin avoiding eye area

5. Cream - This is the thickest of all the 5 skin care products in this set. The thick cream consistency is due to the skin protection ingredient and helps gives skin elasticity. This cream although has a sticky feeling after, is very suitable for dry skin types or if you're in the aircon all day at work and at night while you sleep. This feels super moisturising and skin feels nourished.

To use: Dab a small amount on finger, or again you can use a clean cotton bud, massage all over the face and neck, avoiding eye area

6. BB Cream - This is quite a nice product that gives light coverage of blemishes, feels moisturising and has SPF30. Colour sort of works even though I'm quite fair but doesn't give that pasty white look that some other BB creams do.

To use: Squeeze a small amount onto finger and spread evenly over face, if it feels a bit too wet/sticky after smoothing out or if you don't like the dewy look, you can use a piece of tissue and gently lay it over ur face and press lightly. This actually works really well and creates a matte look instead of the dewy look.

Just bear with me a while more, I know this is quite a long post but I feel all the things are quite essential. My skin can get quite oily and is plagued with a lot of blackheads *cry*. But you may or may not already know that skin becomes oily because it is dry. Sounds weird I know, but it makes total sense. You body thinks the skin is try to it revs up the oil production to compensate for the dryness. This increase in oil is partially contributing to my blackheads. The other factor contributing to my blackheads I imagine would be due to improper cleansing. 

I've used the Atomy Skin Care 6 System for a week now. I can feel my skin slowly changing (for the better *yay*). I feel it's less sticky after application and my skin feels bouncier. I think this is from the Cream, which is really good. Means my skin is absorbing all the stuff I'm applying. I use this twice a day, morning and evening (although BB cream only in the day).

How to buy? It's an online store, the one I use is www.atomy.com.sg and I have signed up for membership to get some discounts (shopaholics like me need it!). Membership costs nothing and there's no monthly spend amounts to maintain your membership account so no worries there. This set if purchased alone costs SGD$220. Sounds expensive but there are 6 luxury skin care products in there, so works out to SGD$37 a piece right? But of course I buy a few at a time to get it at a highly discounted rate. If you need help signing up, you can contact me here. 

The next thing I will try and buy the Atomy Evening Care Set, that way I can properly cleanse and deep cleanse my skin before using the Atomy Skin Care 6 System and see if the condition of my skin improves.

Meanwhile, all you Atomy fans, happy shopping!

Benefit Play Sticks - The Verdict

I've been using Play Sticks on a daily basis and am ready to commit to comment now. I think it's a great product that provides good coverage for scars, open pores, pigmentation. It goes on well and is easy to use. Once you use powder on top of it, your skin does look quite flawless.

I however, will not be buying it again once this stick is done. Reason being that the weather here is too humid and lately it's been so hot like 35ºC with a humidity of more than 90%, so my skin gets really oily a couple of hours later. I must admit that I do have skin that's a bit on the oily side, but I have noticed that it's significantly oilier when I use Play Sticks. I think it's too creamy for oilier skin types.

If you live in dry climates and/or have dry skin, I think Play Sticks will be great for your skin as it will provide sufficient moisture and won't have your skin feeling dry and flaky.

To read my previous post about Play Sticks - go HERE