NicaBell Review: Maybelline NY Clear Smooth BB Cream

Makeup beginners, BB cream lovers and Maybelline NY fans!

I am proud to present ya'll with this little cutey^^

Brand: Maybelline New York

Made in: China

Range: Clear Smooth

Skincare Type: BB cream/ tinted moisturizer/ face primer/ makeup base

Product contains/weight: 18ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: 8 mineral ingredients

Claims: 8-in-1 skin transformer. Brightens.Evens.Smoothes.Refines.Clears.Conceals.Moisturizes.Protect skin

What it says on the tube: Our Instant Skin Perfecting Cream is a perfect blend of 8 minerals ingredients. Our Unique Shade instantly improves and perfects your skin:

• Brightens skin: visible whitening effect
• Covers imperfections: reduces the appearance of pores, skin redness dissapears
• Moisturizes +Protects: all day hydration + helps to protect skin from UV rays and free radical

Clinically proven. No oil. No fragrance. No pore clogging. Even suitable for sensitive skin. Dermatology tested.

Ingredients: AQUA/WATER, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE, ETHYLEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE GLYCERIN, ISOTRIDECYL ISONONANOATE, PEG-9 POLYDMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, DIMETHICONE/ POLYGRYCERIN-3 CROSSPOLYMER, SODIUM CHLORIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLPARABEN, DISODIUMSTEAROYL GLUTAMET CHLORPHENNESIN, DISODIUM EDTA, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, PROPYLPARABEN TOCOPHEROL, ALUMINIUM HYDROXIDE, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, PEG-9, ETHYLPARABEN, ZINC GLUCONATE, MAGNESIUM ASPARTATE, ISOBUTYLPARABEN, COPPER GLUCONATE, [+/- MAY CONTAIN, CI 77891, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77491,CI 77499, CI 77492/IRON  OXIDES]. (F.I.L D34384/1),

Pricing: RM

Application: Texture is runny liquid. It has a sheer coverage. It cannot cover the acne scars and redness on my face completely. I can still see faint redness and discoloration of the acne scars but not as dark without applying the BB cream. However, the BB cream is buildable to cover the redness and dark acne scars. Apply a thin layer over a thin layer will diminish the scars and redness. Or pat on a tiny amount as concealer.

The product is not oily and if your face is moisturized properly, the BB cream would not cause your face produce excessive sebum. I wore the cream since 7.30am and stays dewy till after work. I do not use any other powder to set it and did not re-apply or touch up the BB cream. 

When I say dewy, which I still can't believe I'm using the word, I mean healthy shine. Not oily shine. I've been on the oily side even when I have some dry area on my face. But this BB cream works well on my skin. It is matte on first application, even without setting powder, and turns healthily shine about 5 hours or so. It glides smoothly and pores are less visible. 

The texture is so light, you can barely feel it. It won't sits into your laugh lines or fine lines on your face. 

This lovely BB cream contains Titanium Dioxide but that does not stop me from buying and putting it on to my face. There are some acne pop out here and there but nothing major like when I used Dr. G Gowoonsesang Brightening Balm SPF 30 PA++. (click the link to read my review). 

A pea size of the product goes a looooong way. Not to forget that it has SPF 26 PA++. Not much but better than none.

I love that:- 

~ Light. Feels like I'm wearing nothing. 

~ Doesn't sits nor floats on laugh lines &laugh lines.

~ Won't cause excessive sebum production. 

~ Healthy shine.

~ Buildable as light concealer. 

~ Do not cause itchiness for me when I'm on my sensitive skin days. 

~ Available in 2 shades.

~ Attention Frugal Sims! The price is super affordable. 

~ Small, light and cute tube packaging. Easy to grab and go. 

~ Small nozzle. Great control for amount needed. 

I dislike that:- 

~ If only the coverage is a bit thicker/better, no building as concealer process. 

~ SPF 26 when we need at least SPF 30 as a minumum recommanded protection against the hard glare sun.

~ I doubt the moisturize part it says on the packaging. To retain moisture might be the better word.

My shade: 02 Natural

See the tiny hole of the nozzle?

Will I purchase it again? Yes. I bought the product for my brother before. I swear, he is a closet metrosexual man. He wears BB cream to cover his accident's scars on his face. Then I took some to experiment on my face, I like it. Forget about the light coverage, it do not cause breakouts. That is all the reason I will purchase it if I ran out of it again. 

I'll give this product 4 out of 5 stars. So many lovely thing it do deserves dome high mark.

Till next time. Buh bye^^ 

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Review: DHC Salicylic Face Milk

Bye-bye acne, HELLLLOOOO GORGEOUS!

Hah! If my acne ever vanish, I'll be the happiest girl on earth! I always thought that when I turn 21, I'll be out of this hormonal period. But NOOO~ the acne love me so much, it even leave me some 'souvenirs' after their brief visit that I force to remove. Okay, that certainly is my fault. But hey! Don't tell me that you are not secretly enjoy extracting your pimple no matter how gross they look.

So your face is oily and acne are all over your face and you think you don't need moisturizer? That was the same awfully wrong theory I had believed in my teen years. When your skin is lack of hydration and moisture, the skin will produce more sebum/oil to create a layer of barrier so that your skin stays moisturized and protected against germs, dust, etc. That is what I have done since these recent years and found that it is true. My skin does not produce excessive sebum since I start slapping moisturizer on my face.

Brand: DHC

Made in: Japan

Range: Salicylic Acne Series

Skincare Type: Face Moisturizer/ Acne Fighting Moisturizer

Product contains/weight: 60ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)/Salicylic Acid, botanical extract, pantothenic acid

Claims: Moisturize the skin and calms/treats/fight acne at the same time.

What it says on the box: DHC Salicylic Face Milk

- A light textured milk that contains Salicylic Acid, which has an antiseptic effect and a softening effect.

- Forms a film to protect skin.

- Stays on skin with its effective ingredients. Helps to prevent acne and delivers the active ingredients into skin. 

- Helps to prevent sebum from being secreted excessively and helps to prevent acne.

- Helps to prevent skin roughness by its botanical extract and pantothenic acid derivaties.

Ingredients: AQUA, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, SORBITAN STEARATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, PPG-12/SMDI COPOLYMER, SALICYLIC ACID, TRIETHANOLAMINE, PHENOXYETHANOL, SUCROSE COCOATE, CETEARETH-20, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL, SCLEROTIUM GUM, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF OIL, DIMETHICONE, XANTHAN GUM, PANTHENOL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, PERILLA OCYMOIDES LEAF EXTRACT, HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) SEED EXTRACT 

Pricing: RM 60++

Application: The texture is medium light or more like milky lotion than milky cream. The smell is medicinal smell, not faint but not too overwhelming as well. It is not oily but quite slippery but it will be not when it is fully absorbed. It is not drying on the skin but it also does not reduce sebum production much. My skin still produce sebum but not as much if I didn't put any. 

I love that it calms the acne but it does not do much to cystic acne. My pores does seem smaller and less blackheads. I still see whiteheads though. Few months back, when I suddenly got super dry skin around my nose and forehead after using the Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Moisturiser, I use this face milk to calm down the angry dry areas. Which work so well. 

I use this after acne extraction to keep bacteria at bay.

Lol! Don't wory, I own the pic. This is the pic I uploaded in my old blog in wordpress.
Since I do not have the original copy, I just use the old pic and double the watermark with my current blog add^^

I love that:- 

~ the medicinal scent calms me down. Don't get me wrong, I love clinics so.... you get the idea.

~ Calms down angry acne and lessen the blackheads pigment

~ Easily absorbed

~ Product is not oily

~ Smoothen rough dry patches. 

~ Light

~ The small package is easy to carry around.

~ Suitable for combination skin

I dislike that:- 

~ Not hydrating and moisturizing enough.

~ RM 60++ for a 60ml product. That is quite expensive for me but still affordable. But I don't think students could afford this. Unless if the parents have huge bank capacity and full.

~ it lessen the dark pigment of the blackhead, but does not really clear it out.

~ Calms down the acne but not cystic acne.

~ Not so effective to hold excessive sebum production.

Will I purchase it again? Nope, since I have found a better option for moisturizer for myself. Still this is a nice option if you have minimal acne. It is an antibacterial product so anyone with acne problem can consider to try this. 

I'll give this product 3 out of 5 stars. I may not liking it as much, but I am grateful that it have me so save me when I have terribly dry skin awhile back. 

Untill then folks!

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Review: Garnier Aqua Defense Non-Stop Moisturizing Gel Cream

Hey there!

So last month I made a review on the Garnier Aqua Defense Non-Stop Intensive Moisturizing Essence and today I would to introduce you to the sister.

Garnier Aqua Defense Non-Stop Moisturizing Gel Cream

Brand: Garnier

Made in: China

Range: Aqua Defence

Skincare Type: Face Moisturizer/ Moisturizing gel cream

Product contains/weight: 50ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: Grape fruit water. antioxidant, Vitamin E.

Claims: Lock in moisture all day while boosts skin's defences against drying elements by building a hydrating barrier.

What it says on the box: The proven power of plants to take care of your skin: 

In nature, fruit abound in water. To preserve their bouncy luminous look in all climate conditions they are filled with powerful anti-oxidants that help fight against drying out external aggressions.

Our pure anti-oxidant fruit water has been directly drawn from the fruit by non-chemical extraction, to preserve its purity. it helps neutralize harmful free radicals that can aggress your skin.

Ingredients: AQUA/WATER, COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE, GLYCERIN, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYDIMETHYL TAURET, PYRUS MALUS/ APPLE FRUIT WATER, VITIS VINIFERA EXTRACT/ GRAPE FRUIT EXTRACT, ETHYHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, IMICAZOLIDINYL UREA, METHYLPARABEN, PANTHENOL, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, PROPYLPARABEN, TOCOPHEROL, SODIUM CHLORIDE, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, DISODIUM EDTA, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, TRIETHANOLAMINE, HIBISCUS ESCULENTUS/ HIBISCUS ESCULENTUS SEED EXTRACT, PHENOXYETHANOL, LINALOOL, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, HYDROXYISOHEXYL 3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE, CI 47005/ACID YELLO 3, CI42090/BLUE 1

Pricing: RM 19.90

Application: The texture is thicker and creamier than the Moisturizing Essence. The skin is unable to absorb this gel cream as fast as the Moisturizing Essence. The color is softer green tint and the smell is more prominent but smell good. Still remind me of fresh apple green. 

Can be used alone or used on top of the moisturizing essence for extra boost of moisture. 

Despite the layering, I did not get breakouts. My face felt bouncier and healthy even after sitting an air conditioned room for a day and through the night. I don't feel uncomfortable even when KK humid weather is on rise nowadays. In fact, my face feel fresher and less sebum production.

After using both jar for within 2 months, I found that my face is less oily and no more dry area. So I guess that proves the theory saying oily skin needs more hydration to stop excessive sebum production. 

Using to much will make the skin feel greasy and sticky. Use a small amount is the best solution. It feels greasy at first application but wait for 10-15 minutes for it to be completely absorb. 

I have dry area on my skin and when I use this gel cream, I can feel some tingling and cooling sensation which tells me the product is being absorb. 

I love that:- 

~ It is heavier than the essence but still considered a light gel cream moisturizer.

~ The tingling, cooling and soothing sensation when applied on my dry area. 

~ Didn't irritate my acne-prone skin

~ Fresh scent

~ Didn't break me out despite the layering. 

I dislike that:- 

~ I encountered the same issues with the moisturizing essence but not much complain.

Will I purchase it again? Yes. I am concern with the ingredient list but it does so well on my skin. I have never felt this good for such a long time. 

I'll give this product 4 out of 5 stars for the hydration and moisturizing job well done! Next, I should look for a solution for my acne scaring. Any suggestion? 

Taken from Garnier Facebook Page.

Till then!

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Review: Garnier Aqua Defense Non-Stop Intensive Moisturizing Essence

Hello hello!

I am wearing my new sweater at work today! Well wearing or using anything new on you makes yourself happy isn't it? It is a regular thin fabric sweater I bought at Giant Hypermarket in CityMall. It is actually a dark grey color, no button girl sweater and my first sweater of its kind. The fact that it cost me less than RM30 made my wallet happier than myself!

Back to the topic.

Brand: Garnier

Made in: China

Range: Aqua Defence

Skincare Type: Moisturizer/ Moisturizing Essence/ Face Serum

Product contains/weight: 50ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: Grape fruit water. antioxidant, Vitamin E.

Claims: Lock in moisture all day while boosts skin's defences against drying elements by building a hydrating barrier.

What it says on the box: The box is in Malay but translate in like this: Heat, pollution, air-conditioning - Skin loose moisture faster than ever. Defend you skin's hydration levels with Garnier Aqua Defence. It's fresh gel texture instantly hydrates skin. The formula enhanced with antioxidant rich, pure fruit water and Vitamin E. 

- Lock in moisture all day. 

- Boosts skin's defences against drying elements by building a hydrating barrier.

Ingredients: AQUA/WATER, GLYCERIN, ALCOHOL DENAT, DIMETHICONE, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, CARBOMER, DIMETHICONOL ,CHLORPHENESIN, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, VITIS VINIFERA EXTRACT/ GRAPE FRUIT EXTRACT, XANTHAN GUM, TETRASODIUM EDTA, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, MENTHOXYPROPANEDIOL, MAGNESIUM GLUCONATE, SODIUM CITRATE, BENZYL SALICYLATE, LINALOOL, CALCIUM GLUCONATE, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, HYDROXYISOHEXYL 3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, CI 19140/ YELLOW 5, CI 42090/ BLUE 1, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, PHENOXYETHANOL (F.I.LB31878/1)

Pricing: RM 19.90

Application: The color is enough to make me say, this must be a light texture kind of moisturizer. And I am right! It is in clear green gel form. Suitable for all skin type - but I doubt for those with super sensitive types. It has a fresh smell, might be too strong for some people, but I love the smell. Remind me of apple green but it is actually exactly smell like apple green. 

I first try on this when I got super dry on my face early last year or around the final quarter of 2010 - result from a Benzoyl Peroxide cream which I found out was too strong for me. Every other moisturizers made my skin burn and itchy till I got my hands on this. I can feel how it penetrates deep into the epidermis. It gives this tingling, cooling and soothing sensation. This moisturizing essence seep so deep into the skin and gradually heals the dryness and itch I had. 

As time past by, I felt that the essence alone is not moisturizing enough for me. I felt that this essence works deep into the skin but did not do much to the surface. So I started using other moisturizer on top of the essence which does such a wonderful moisturizing. Using either one is enough, but when I have done my experiment, combining both is oh-so-great!

I recently mistakenly bought the gel cream instead of the moisturizing essence and use it on top of the essence itself. To my surprise, it works so well with each other. I think that is how it actually work. Work on a small amount of the moisturizing essence (as a facial serum) first after toner, then top it with another thin layer of the gel cream. My skin felt a lot smoother and moisturize even in an air-condition office and room for a whole day and night. 

You only need a small amount of the moisturizing essence to avoid sticky-ness, work 5 dots on the face and do your light patting motion. Face will look dewy but wait 10-15 minutes and it will fully absorb into the skin, it will look less dewy. If you are going to wear makeup, wait for the estimated time as I mentioned before begins you makeup routine. Trust me, applying makeup base or foundation before letting it soak in is not going to help you look pretty at all.

Oily skins peeps should try this because it is a great moisturizing essence. It goes deep into the skin to maintain and hold moisture so your skin won't dehydrate instead of floating on your skin to pile with your sebum. Didn't irritate my acne which I am glad with.

I love that:- 

~ It is light.

~ The tingling, cooling and soothing sensation when apply on my dry area. 

~ Didn't irritate my acne-prone skin

~ Fresh scent

~ Didn't break me out despite.

I dislike that:- 

~ It is in a tub which rises the hygiene issue. But I read some skincare article saying the packaging is determined to protect the effectiveness or the quality of the ingredients. So I do not much complain. Just need to look for a small spatula. 

~ If only they have travel size jar so I can easily take it to anywhere with my hectic here and there daily life. I tried to pack small amount of the essence into a sample jar. But the the sample jar might be a non-air tight kind so the essence will 

Will I purchase it again? Yes. In fact, my current jar is my third or is it the fourth jar? 

I'll give this product 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Taken from Garnier Facebook Page.

Till then!

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Review: Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel

Hey babes!

I am recently been addicted to 2 songs. One is a great mashup of both "Call Me Maybe" & "Payphone" made by KurtHugoSchneider, sung by Jessica Jarrell & James Alan featuring Jake Broido (doing the drumming, guitar, & picking/hanging up payphone behind the two singers)

Urgh! Who am I kidding! Okay the real reason I love the song is because of James Alan. There, I confessed! I have a thing toward men with stubble like he has. I find it sexy. But I don't like boyfie to have any facial hair because he doesn't have the face for one.  Hey-hey! I do really enjoy the song actually.

Another song that I've been replaying over and over again is the Gangnam Style by PSY. I don't usually listen to Kpop or shuffle dance kinda tune, but this one is insanely catchy and the MV is hilarious! The horse-riding dance is funny to watch. I heard the song from Hitz.fm at first and try googling it then the rest is just history. I specially love the boy with red trousers. He is just ADORABLE!! The singer, PSY, no matter what his dance moves are, he looks like a perverted big belly man. I can't help but laugh the whole MV.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well back to the topic, here is my review on the ever so popular Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel.

Brand: Ginvera

Made in: Malaysia

Range: Green Tea

Skincare Type: Mild face exfoliator/scrub, Blackheads remover

Product contains/weight: 60ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: Soybean extract for effective whitening

Claims: Zero blackheads in 1 step. 10 benefits of MARVEL GEL:-

1. Rubs away deep layers of dead skin gel.
2. Rubs away blackheads painlessly
3. Contracts pores for refined skin (As dead skin cells have been cleared from pores)
4. Lighten black spots, freckles & scars.
5. Removes oil seeds
6. Regulates sebum secretion to prevent pimples.
7. Brighten dull complexion
8. Changes dark, rough skin to smooth skin.
9. Whiten skin as it gives way to newborn skin.
10. Enhances quick absorption of skin care product

What it says on the box: Dead skin is the main culprit of all skin problems. Removing dead skin is the first step towards beauty.

Our skin produces new skin cells to replace aging & dead skin cells everyday. If they are up on the surface of the skin and lead to clogged pores, resulting in all kinds of skin problems.

Ginvera Green Tea Whitening MARVEL GEL reaches dep into the cornified layer of the skin to remove dead skin cells that clog pores, cause and support blackheads, thus eliminating and preventing formation of blackheads which can lead to pimples. It also improves the absorption of skincare products and regulates oil secretion to prevent pimples. 

The removal of dead skin cells will stimulate the growth of new cells thus unveiling the natural fairness and radiance of skin within.

Ingredients: DEIONISED WATER, CYCLOMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE, CARBOMER, GREEN TEA (CAMELIA SINENSIS) LEAF EXTRACT, GINSENG (PANAX GINSENG) EXTRACT, LYCIUM BARBARUM FRUIT EXTRACT, ANGELICA ARCHANGELICA EXTRACT, OLDENLANDIA DIFFUSA EXTRACT,  VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS (BILBERRY) EXTRACT, SACCHARUM (SUGAR CANE) EXTRACT, ACER SACCHARUM (SUGAR MAPLE) EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) FRUIT EXTRACT, CITRUS MEDICA LIMONIUM (LEMON) EXTRACT, POMELO (CITRUS GRANDIS) EXTRACT, ROYAL JELLY POWDER, NATTO GUM, FRUCUS TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS EXTRACT, GINKGO BILOBA EXTRACT, AMPELOPSIS JAPONICA EXTRACT, PERILLA FRUTESCENS EXTRACT, ALOE VERA (ALOE BARBADENSIS) LEAF EXTRACT, MENTHOL, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, FRAGRANCE, CI 19140, CI 42100

Pricing: RM 37/38 something like that. Can't remember already.

Application: Thick green gel texture and turn liquidy when contact and rub onto skin. As you rub and rub, the liquid turns to eraser's dirt like thingy. The dirt look greyish dark if you never properly do exfoliation - eww~ 

It is a mild non-gain scrub because it rubs away dead skin cells and did made skincare absorption faster. I wonder if it contains AHAs properties because the result after using marvel gel is almost like, but not as effective, result after using AHAs cleansers. 

It didn't sting, no pimples formed after use, no irritation and no redness (unless if you rub it too rough). Skin does look brighter, healthier, feel smother but blackheads does not totally diminish as claimed. The blackhead are not as dark as before but the actual blackhead's seeds are not gone. They just seem lighter. After using 2 tubes, acne scars did not completely gone but did seem lighter - would not really notice the difference unless you took a picture of yourself to compare in the future. 

Take a pea size and apply 5 dots on the face. Spread on the face with gentle messaging circular motion until eraser's dirt-like formed and face completely dry off the product. Then rinse the face with water to wash away the excess product. You rinse with water and proceeds with your skincare routine or wash with a gentle face wash before toner & moisturiser. Use gentle face wash as you don't want to over dry your skin. 

I have been asked by my mom if the marvel gel can wipe off makeup and here is my experiment:

1. 2. 3. 

4.  5.

1. I put on a base primer, foundation, some non water proof eye product and lipstick.

2. The gel turn liquid on application. 

3. Some dirt formed slowly as I kept messaging.

4. Completely dry and some dry dirt. You can see (or not) there are foundation left on my skin.

5. I cleaned the surface with a cotton pad with cleansing toner and found the foundation left on the cotton pad.

VERDICT: Nope. Definitely won't completely wipe of your makeup. So remove your makeup before using the marvel gel.

I love that:- 

~ It's easy to use

~ Didn't cause breakout

~ Gentle for everyday use

~ Made in Malaysia so easy to find.

~ Use a lot of plant/fruit extract instead of depending solely on chemicals.

~ Green tea! Oh-so-loving antioxidant now.

~ The smell is unpleasant but it is faint. 

I dislike that:- 

~ Does not completely clear blackheads as promised.

~ IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA ya'll!

6-7mm nozzle

Will I purchase it again? Since I have found my ultimate Gentle face exfoliator - Hada Labo Tamagohada AHA+BHA face cleanser, I haven't repurchase the marvel gel. But who knows, I might repurchase it in the future just for the fun of it.

I'll give this product 3.5 out of 5 stars. Easy to use, mild, not irritating and an innovative product. 

Till then.

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Review: Simple Skincare Clear Skin Oil Balancing Moisturiser

I know that the face is not naturally matte but who would like to have oil slick on their face, right?

Hello peeps! 

I love the Simple Skincare "Kind To Skin" line. So I figure the other range should be good as well. Thus, my next mission is to try the Simple Skincare "Clear Skin" Oil Balancing Moisturiser.

Brand: Simple Skincare

Made in: UK

Range: Clear Skin/ Oil Balancing

Skincare Type: Moisturizer/ face primer/ makeup base/ shine controller

Product Volume: 75ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin B5, Zinc PCA, Phytosphingosine

Claims: Clear Skin Oil Balancing Moisturiser is a perfect blend of ingredients to help maintain moisture levels throughout the day whilst giving long lasting shine control. Perfect for even sensitive skin.

What it says on the tube: Zinc PCA goodness for healthy clear skin natural antibacterial 

Ingredients: Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Bisabolol, Anthemis Nobilis Oil (Chamomile Oil),Zinc PCA,Phytosphingosine / Phytosphingosine HCL, Aqua, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Nylon-12, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Corn Starch Modified, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Benzophenone-4, Methylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipropylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate

Pricing: Bought this for RM17.68 at Guardian Store in 1Borneo. It was on sale so I am not sure how much is it when it is on normal price. I doubt it will be expensive. A great value for 75ml worth of product^^

Texture: It has a gel like texture. White color.

Application: It doesn't feel oily, greasy nor is it heavy. It has a light fresh scent, nothing overwhelming. A small amount, pea size, is enough to cover the whole face. Easily absorbed into the skin. Your skin will feel dry but won't feel uncomfortable or tight. Smoothen the surface of my face after application.

My skin looked matte for longer hours. If I wore this around 6 or 6.10am, my skin will start slight but healthy shine around/after 10. Then looked more dewy afternoon, 2pm. I only need to blot excessive oil after my working ours on 5pm. For me, this is well enough to control shine!

Good as a makeup base as well. Smaller pores and better staying power for makeup.

Start using this around the last week of May and still using it now. I found that there are less blemishes on my face. Still some pimples popping out (I have crazy hormone) but it will dry out/calms down/ less angry after using this moisturizer.

Dry skin is not recommended to use. I have angry dry skin on the side of my nose at the moment and it does not tolerate well with the moisturizer. (But I suspected that the dryness was cause by me, using the Simple Skincare Deep Cleansing Mask for too long before hand though) The skin on the side of my nose become even drier till the corner of my nose produces/leaks clear fluid that will turn crusty. The skin surrounding  the corner of the two side of my nose become red and very dry. I have to use the Simple Skincare Hydrating Light Moisturiser on the area to boost hydration. It is okay for now because I am still using different moisturizers on the other port of my face and the side of my nose. My forehead is dry but not as dry as the side of my nose but still tolerable with the moisturizer.

I love that:-
~ It is light and easily absorb.
~ Control shine
~ Calms down the angry acne
~ Didn't feel tightness
~ Minimize pores
~ Didn't break me out
~ Moisturize the face quite well
~ If I pinch/pop a pimple, I'll just put this on the surface of the pimple to minimize bacterial infection and cure the pimple at the same time.

I dislike that:-
~ The dry area of my skin needs more hydrating which can't get enough from the moisturizer. (But I often use the Garnier Aqua Defense Essence before moisturizer if I feel that I need more hydrating power. Do this only at night!)
~ If only it can control redness, this moisturizer will be the BOMB!
~ May be drying your skin, you combination peeps...

Will I purchase it again? Definitely yes! It may not tolerable to the dry area but it work wonders for the oily/acne prone/sensitive skin which all I am.

I'll give this product 4 out of 5 stars. I have good experience with the product. So why not give it a good grade^^

Till next time.

Buh bye^^

xoxo

NicaBell

NicaBell Review: Dr. G Gowoonsesang Brightening Balm SPF 30 PA++

Do you ever have a cosmetic or skincare that you love to use it at the first few week (or more), then you kinda dislike it and turn out you really really dislike it? I'd like to say 'hate' but thought the word is too harsh.

Heya peeps!

I first learned about BB cream around 2009 and boy, how excited was I to buy it! After looking through many reviews and stores that sell cosmetic product in KKcity, I finally set my eyes and bought the Dr. G (Gowoonsesang) Brightening Balm SPF 30 PA++.

What is BB cream? Click this link to Wikipedia.

I bought this at Sasa, Warisan Square for RM98 (60ml)

Brand: Dr G. (Gowoonsesang)

Made in: Korea

Range: Functional Line

Skincare Type: BB cream/ tinted moisturizer/ face primer/ makeup base

Product contains/weight: 60ml

Main promoted/key/active ingredients: Arbutin, Titanium Dioxide, Hydrophilic & Lipophilic ingredients. 

Claims: (Taken from Dr. G Website)It is BB cream that serves as whitening essence, makeup base of controlling sebum, and foundation of light after-usage-feeling. As it contains the ingredients that protects a skin from UV light and various botanical elements, it is highly effective in hydrating and soothing a skin.

What it says on the tube: (BACK) Gowoonsesang applied special skin moisturization system using 2 ingredients, hydrophilic and lipophilic ingredients. It focused inner and outer in human skin. Inner careis for the water holding effect using Hydrophilic ingredient. outer care is for the water preventing effect using lipophilic ingredient. 

(FRONT) Dr. G {Gowoonsesang Brightening Balm SPF 30 PA++} 

Inner and outer care system using Arbutin and Titanium Dioxide ingredients

__

Dermatologically tested & used 

Ingredients: There are no ingredient list on the tube or on the box; but still point out some of the key/active ingredients. 

Pricing: I would say RM98 is expensive. However, considering that you only need a pea size of the BB cream for the whole face and neck, RM98 is a quite affordable investment. If use regularly, I think a tube can last for 2 years or probably more. Depends on your usage.

Application: On first application, I felt like I put on nothing on the skin. The BB cream becomes dry and powdery after it blends on the skin. My face looked matte. Most of my acne scars (not including those big dark ones) seems gone! Or at least the appearance is less noticeable. Those pores diminished! 

But as time goes by before noon, my face became dewy. The sight is still okay though. Then, on the later of the day, around 2pm/3pm, my face become too "dewy" for my liking. I can feel like there is a layer of "something" (or rather, oil) on my skin. 

Comes with only ONE shade. If you have very fair skin, this might makes you even paler because it has grey tint. I am medium fair-beige skin tone but have no problem with it as it oxidizes few minutes after application. 

I didn't get any breakouts on the first few weeks when I use the BB cream. And I wasn't that aware of when I started to get acne here and there. But I continue using the BB cream because it works well covering the redness of the acne; made my skin looked I don't have acne. 

As I kept using it, my acne became worse. I even bought Biore Oil Cleanser to wash it off, just to make sure I remove it properly. But they kept popping. Especially around my cheeks, nose, chin, jaw and neck.

And after my skin developed from oily to combination, I was unable to put on this product anymore because it made those dry patchy skin looks obvious. I guess dry skin peeps can't use this; unless you exfoliate with mild exfoliator and put on tons of moisturizers.

I love that:- 

~ Mild coverage. It covers redness, small/light scars, dullness, pigmentation and minimize pores. 

~ Build-able. Just add/dab some more to conceal the problematic area.

~ I can honestly say it had lightened the slight pigmentation and discoloration that started to form on my face. 

~ SPF 30 PA++, just enough protection! 

~ The nozzle is good enough to control the amount I need. 

I dislike that:- 

~ I got breakouts everytime I use it. Too bad!

~ It do not actually control the oil/shine on my face all day. My face was "shining" by afternoon.

~ I can't use it anymore as my skin developed to combination. 

~ It does not feel heavy on the first application. But as time goes by, I can feel like there is a layer of barrier on my skin. And I feel uncomfortable. 

~ There was a leak on my tube which made me think that the tube is not designed/made well enough? 

~ The grey-ish tint! A friend said that it probably for light reflective effect. I'm not sure. 

~ No other shade to choose from. But then again, not much of a problem for me because it oxidizes few minutes after application.

How it suppose to look like
photo taken from Dr G website^^

What mine looks like. See the pool of BB cream?

Will I purchase it again? No, I won't. I still like the BB cream for all the good thing it made my skin look. But I don't want to risk to get more acne. Yikes! 

I'll give this product 2.5 out of 5 stars. That's still quite high because it does do some nice result on my face. I just dislike it when acne pop out. Oil controlling claim is a fail too. Not to forget that it only have ONE color and it got some grey tint in it. However, it might suitable for normal skin folks. 

Till next time. Buh bye^^ 

xoxo

NicaBell