Review: Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil

After my discovery of cleansing oils, I've grown to love using them.  As a matter of fact, I've began researching and testing out different ones to find the best one.  Until now, I still have a great love for Bobbi Brown's Cleansing Oil.  I haven't found one that could beat it.  But as I'm still on an adventure to find one that can beat its quality effectiveness and price, I have another review to write on this deep cleansing oil.

The scent: Scent-free.

Consistency:  Feels oily but not its consistency.  Its consistency is not thick at all.

Application: I usually take 3 to 5 pumps with dry hands to massage into my skin and remove all the makeup.

Packaging:  It's got a pump.  Packaging came with a pump stopper.

What it claims:
- Dissolves makeup and remove impurities in pores
- Cuticle-clear ingredient helps remove dead cuticles, leaving skin purified and refreshed

Thoughts / Results:
Well, this cleansing oil isn't one of the best I've used.  Actually the last bottle of PDC Celdie Makeup Removal Oil was a better cleansing oil than this one.  I find it takes more product and longer massaging and rubbing into my skin to remove the makeup, especially eye makeup.  The product doesn't break me out but its efficiency score is pretty low.  It claims to remove impurities in pores, leaving skin purified but I'm sad to feel it doesn't.  I've experimented with removing eyeliners with this product and it managed to fade away the liners but not remove them completely.  Well, I won't be finding myself repurchasing this product.

Cost: $ 11.00 USD ($ 12.90 USD before the 15% off promotion on Sasa.com)

Product: Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil
Rating: 2 / 5

Pros:
- Removes makeup with significant use of product and massaging into skin

Cons:
- Not an efficient product

Eyeliner with the cleansing oil

Cleansing oil massaged into skin to remove the liner

Rinsed with water, the liner is slightly still visible.

Review and Comparison: Koji Spring Heart Liquid Eyeliner (Black) and Sana Super Quick Eyeliner EX (Black)

Sana Super Quick Eyeliner EX

Koji Spring Heart Eyeliner

I'm currently in the midst of trying different liquid eyeliner and test out which is the best.  What do I look for in an eyeliner? Easy application (glides on), minimal smudging, highly pigmented, and long-lasting.  Well here are the two that I've bought from Sasa.com and tried.

Application:  "Slowly draw a line along the base of the upper lashes, start form tip to tail.  Finish by drawing an upward line at outer corner of eye." - Koji

"Draw a line with the liquid eyeliner at the roots of eyelashes from the corner of the eye to the end of the eye." - Sana

Packaging:  Both liners are felt-tip pens.  The Sana liner seems to have a shaker inside that helps break up the product while Koji one doesn't have one.

What it claims:
Koji:
- A super fine tip to help you line your eyes.

Sana:
- Draws an extremely thin, waterpoof and vivid eye lines.
- Fills in gap between eyelashes
- Waterproof formula is strongly sweat-resistant, tear-resistant and sebum-resistant

Thoughts / Results:
The Koji liquid eyeliner is relatively hard to apply.  Its tip doesn't easily get soaked with the ink.  It's relatively hard to draw a winged eye with this liner.  The good thing about this product was the long-lasting effect it's formula has and pigmentation.  After a full day's worth of wearing this product, it doesn't smudge.  It takes quite some time rubbing to remove with cleansing oil.  When using plain simple water to remove this liner, it is noticeable that it's wearing off but not fading.  It has a great colour payoff.  But honestly, I wouldn't repurchase this product as it doesn't glide on properly.

Now onto the Sana liner.  It applies really well.  Glides on easily, and I can create a clear, clean winged eye.  Now the downside of this liner is its long-lasting effect.  It smudges.  The colour fades away.  So really, its waterproof formula doesn't hold up to what it claims.  By the end of day, I'd have panda eyes.  Now I can semi-prevent that the panda eyes if I lightly dust some translucent powder over top the liner after application in the morning.  It is easily removable using cleansing oil.

Cost: Koji Spring Heart Liquid Eyeliner ($ 8.40 USD); Sana Super Quick Eyeliner EX ($ 11.20 USD)

Product: Koji Spring Heart Liquid Eyeliner and Sana Super Quick Eyeliner EX
Rating: 2 / 5 (Koji) and 4 / 5 (Sana)

Pros:
Koji:
- long lasting

Sana:
- Glides on easily
- Fine felt tip
- Easy to manipulate

Cons:
Koji:
- Product does not get to the tip
- Hard to draw fine lines
- Hard to manipulate

Sana:
- Not resistant to sweat and water
- Smudges throughout the day

Thin line drawn with each liner using the felt tips: Sana (Top) and Koji (Bottom)

3 strokes of each liner: Sana Super Quick Eyeliner EX (top) and Koji Spring Heart Liquid liner (bottom)

Soaked with water

Rubbed off with water

Rubbed with cleansing oil

After the use of water, rubbing and cleansing oil. Sana liner has faded but Koji liner is still intact with sign of wearing off.

Review: Sana Hadanomy Collagen Mist

Is your skin dehydrated? Dehydrated skin can lead to problems like having trouble applying flawless or non-cakey foundation.  I've been using this collagen mist for around 2 months but the results of flawless makeup are immediate.  The micro-collagen in this product is processed to easily transport into the skin, enhancing skin elasticity and moisture level.  Foundation can appear cakey because the skin isn't hydrated enough and hydrating is what this collagen mist claims to do.

The scent:  Light, fresh floral scent.

Consistency:  A gel-like mist.

Application:  For an even distribution, hold and spray it 15 to 20 cm away from skin.  I tend to apply it after cleansing face or before makeup.  It is probably best applied after showering / bathing for better absorption when your pores open.

Packaging:  Seal in a plastic wrap and product dispenses via atomizer.  

What it claims: This collagen mist claims to enhance skin elasticity and moisture level.

Thoughts / Results:
IMO, I see the results immediately.  In the morning when I'm prepping my skin for makeup, 2 to 3 sprays and with a patting motion, my foundation can appear more flawless and unlikely to cake.  Most importantly, the flaky skin on my nose has diminished.  My skin looks more "luminous" or "dewy".

As we age, our skin starts to sag and lose its elasticity.  Collagen acts like "springs" in our skin.  When we're young we have a lot of collagen but as we age, they naturally "deflate".  It's even worst when you pop your pimples because you're applying too much pressure on that delicate skin of yours.  Now with this collagen mist, I feel it's done the job of enhancing moisture level.  I don't have wrinkles or fine lines so it's nearly impossible for me to determine it's effects on elasticity.  But as an act of prevention, I'd like to believe this mist will help me maintain my current skin condition.

However the downside of this product is the after feel it leaves.  It may be due to the honey in this product that it leaves the skin feeling "sticky".  Not greasy but a tiny bit sticky.  It leave a feeling much like the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray.

Would I repurchase this product? Most likely.  I don't mind the "stickiness" and it's effectively helped hydrate my skin so I don't see why not.

Cost:  $12.70 USD (@Sasa.com)

Product:  Sana Hadanomy Collagen Mist
Rating: 4.5 / 5

Pros:
- Hydrates skin
- Easy application
- Hygienic

Cons:
- Leaves skin feeling a tad bit sticky.

Review: Kanebo Freshel Cleansing Oil

Makeup removal is such an important part of a skincare routine when coming home after wearing one day's worth of makeup.  Without removing makeup, your pores will be clog which leads to irritated skin and that leads to another stack load of problems.

Lately, I have been using Kanebo's Freshel Cleansing Oil.  This is the second brand of cleansing oil I've tried.  First being Bobbi Brown's Cleansing Oil so there will be a little comparison between the two in this review.

The scent:  Fragrance-free.  No chemical scent.

Consistency:  Thicker than water and less dense than oil.

Application:  With dry face and hands, I rub 2 to 3 pumps of the cleansing oil between my palms then onto face.  First I work in circular motion on the face than eye makeup.

Packaging:  Came in a plastic box.  The bottle has a pumping dispenser.  It also comes with a stopper.

Thoughts / Results:  Before comparing Freshel with Bobbi Brown's cleansing oil, when looked at Kanebo's Freshel Cleansing oil alone, it's an O-K makeup removing product.  Here's why, it doesn't wipe off eye makeup as easily as it claims.  According to Adambeauty.com, it can easily wipe off makeup in one go - this, I find not true.  I actually have to take time to massage my eyes in order to remove all the makeup.  On rare times, it will leave behind the mascara or eye liner.  After rinsing, I don't get a refreshing clean feel and this may be because of the olive oil base.

Now the packaging, I like how it has a stopper.  Most people would have thrown out the stopper but I actually kept it for circumstances like packing it in my gym bag or traveling bag so it won't leak or spill.

In comparison with the Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil, the BB one is still my first choice.  Not only do I feel that the BB one removes makeup better but it also leaves a clean, non-oily feeling after rinsing.

Cost: $82 HKD (~$15 USD @Adambeauty.com)

Product: Kanebo Freshel Cleansing Oil
Rating: 3 / 5

Pros:
- Does wipe off majority of the makeup
- Bottle comes with pumping dispenser and a stopper

Cons: 

- Leaves a not-so-clean after-feeling

- Sometimes it doesn't completely and effectively remove eye makeup

Review: Urban Decay All Nighter Long-lasting Makeup Setting Spray

In the past, I didn't care much whether my makeup will melt away throughout the day.  Without setting my makeup, my makeup lasts for almost 1 hour.  However, my skin condition has change lately and a makeup setting spray can really make a difference.

Urban Decay came out with 3 makeup setting sprays - Dew Me, De-Slick and All Nighter.  I thought the first bottle I should try out should be the All Nighter as I assumed it has a longer lasting power.  Each one has a different purpose.  Dew Me is a moisturizing setting spray that is mainly for dry and combination skin individuals.  De-Slick is a oil-control makeup setting spray that is for oily skin.  And finally, the All Nighter setting spray can keep your makeup on for as long as 16 hours and good for all skin types.  The 16-hour feature is what really caught my attention and drew me to buying this one over the others.

The scent: Fresh floral scent

Application:

After applying all my makeup, I finish it with 3 - 4 spritz of the makeup setting spray.  It is important to shake it BEFORE using it.

Consistency:

Very fine mist.

Packaging:

The 4 US fl oz is a great size.  A perfect size bottle for grip for my hand and I can hold it comfortably in my hand.  

It claims:
- makeup won't budge for 16 hours
- makeup always look just-applied
- makes skin look and feel fresh all night long

Thought / Results:

Normally, this product is really amazing, in terms of setting and keeping the foundation and concealer on for hours.  But on a hot day, this makeup setting spray can't stop the sweat from melting the makeup.  Also, it's not the best product to keep blush, bronzer, eyeliner or mascara on.  

Cost:

$35 CAD

Product: Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Pros:

- Sets makeup

- By 10th hour, base makeup (i.e. foundation and concealer) are still intact

Cons:

- Mascara and eyeliner still runs

- Bronzer and blush is pretty much gone by 10th hour

Review: Anna Sui Moisture Rich Fluid Foundation 15 PA++

There aren't a lot of places in the GTA that sell Anna Sui cosmetics.  Only selected Shoppers Drug Mart and selected The Bay stores.  I picked mine up at SDM while they had the 20x optimum points when you spend $50 or more.  I chose this foundation because it is meant for dry skin, and because it was winter at the time I bought it, my skin was dry and I needed a foundation that wasn't heavily thick.

The scent:  There's a very light floral scent to it - almost unnoticeable.

Consistency:  Not thick but not too runny.

Application:  I've used both the MAC 190se brush and the MAC 187 brush.  I prefer using the MAC 187 for this foundation, although it does take awhile to stipple on the foundation, because this foundation gives a sheer-medium coverage.  So to get better coverage with this foundation and conceal some flaws on my skin, I prefer to use the MAC 187.  Using MAC 190se would require me to layer on the foundation and could easily get cakey.

Packaging:  Very innovative packaging.  The edition I got has a flower bottle.  I tried searching this same item on the annasui.com website, but found that they've changed the bottle this year to a heart-shaped.  Also, the bottle comes with a pump - very convenient.  Though sometimes it does get dirty.

What it claims: "Lightweight liquid foundation that provides sheer coverage.  Combines skin-friendly oil with moisturizing powder.  Smoothly glides on to hide pores and minor imperfections.  Reflects light for a flawless complexion with natural glow.  Broadly protects skin from the damage of UV rays."

Thoughts / Results:
Just like the name says, it's a moisture rich fluid foundation.  Doesn't dry out my skin which is what I need for the winter season.  When winter comes, my nose gets dry and skin starts to flake.  =( The foundation formula does the job well.  This foundation will last from day to night without drying up my skin.  It is a non-drying formula and has SPF 15, so it gives a dewy look.  Sometimes I would matify my skin with a pressed powder, while other times I would directly spray on makeup setting spray.  Either way works well.  Like it claims, it does hide pores.  As for minor imperfections, I'd say so-so.  Like if I just had a popped a zit the night before and used this foundation today, concealing the zit will require a concealer.  So to define minor imperfections will mean something like sunspots and blood vessels under the skin.
The one downside of this foundation line is the lack of colour variation.  There were only six shades with this foundation.  I'd say the colour I got - P05 - is still a tiny bit lighter than my skin tone.  To get my skin tone colour, I'd probably have to mix two shades to get it.

Cost: $38 @SDM

About half a pump gives this much of product

Left: Semi rubbed in; Right: Fully rubbed in

Product: Anna Suit Moisture Rich Fluid Foundation SPF 15 PA++ in P05
Rating: 4 / 5

Pros:
- Gives healthy skin, dewy look
- Sheer-medium coverage
- Has SPF15
- Non-drying formula
- Has a pump

Cons:
- Limited shades
- Skin needs to be in pretty good condition for this product to outshine - so no breakouts - but if only one or two zits, I'd recommend applying concealer first, then the foundation

Review: Tarte Amazonian Clay Long-wear Blush

I've bought this for quite some time.  But because I have a few other blushes that I haven't hit the pan, I resisted from using this.  As we all should know, once you use a makeup product where there's any chance your skin's oil or skin cells may transfer itself to the product, it's best to use it up within a certain time frame.  There's an expiration date on all products!

I bought this blush at the 15% Sephora sale back in April 2011.  Back then, I intended to go to Sephora to pick up the colour Tipsy but in real life, Tipsy is too orange for my skin tone.  It made me look more yellow.  And from this test, I knew I had cool skin tone.  Well, I chose the colour Blissful instead.  It's a pretty popping pink colour so not a lot is needed when applying to the cheek bones.

Application:  After setting the foundation, I apply a hint of Blissful blush on my cheekbones very lightly.  Too much of this product can make me look like a clown.  =\

Packaging:  The blush came in a clear plastic box.  The case has a mirror and the pressed powder is magnetically attached to the case.  So if you tap the bottom of the case (making sure your other hand catches the pressed powder), you'll be able to remove the blush from the case.  I don't recommend tapping it too often or firmly because you could possibly shatter your pressed powder.

What it claims: "... For oily skin types, Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place.  Those with dry skin will benefit from the clay's nourishing and hydrating properties, which naturally restore skin's moisture.  Combination skin types can rely on its ability to zero in on skin concerns and deliver benefits to restore complexion harmony.  The result? Blush that wears better, longer, and truer!"

Thoughts / Results:
I have combination skin, so oily on the T-zone area.  But really, this blush wouldn't affect the area I apply it.  Besides the pigmented colour it gives me, I couldn't see what it physically can do to my skin.  I haven't tried any comparable colour from NARS blushes, but I have to say, the staying power of this blush is above average but not excellent.  And I'm speaking with the help of Urban Decay's All Nighter makeup setting spray, this product does last a few hours.  I find there are days it won't last until I get home, sometimes it does - faintly.
In terms of the packaging, I like the idea that the blush is magnetically attached to the case.  There's no need to use a knife to pry it from its case. 

Cost: $33 CAD @Sephora (with 15% discount, $28.05 CAD)

Product: Tarte Amazonian Clay Long-wear Blush
Rating: 4. 5 / 5

Pros:
- Excellent colour payoff
- A little goes a long way
- Great packaging with magnetic casing
- Lasting effects with the use of makeup setting products

Cons:
- Must use a light-hand to apply it, and it's too easy to apply too much

Review: Arumee Pro-Moist Cleansing Milk

This bottle of cleansing milk is old.  My mom bought it in Jan 2008 when she went to Hong Kong.  Ha, took me four years to write up a review for this.  This is my first bottle of cleansing milk.  Before this, I've never tried this type of facial cleansing product.  My first impression of cleansing milk is "does it do the job well?".  Honestly, this product does a surprisingly good job.  I mean it's not the best but compared to the Origins Cleansing Milk sample size version I've used, this bottle of cleansing milk works a lot better.

The scent:  Has a refreshing floral scent.

Consistency:  Thick and creamy.

Application:  I usually take 2 to 3 pumps of this product and rub it all over my whole-day's worth of makeup.  Then tissue it off.  This only wipes out off majority of my makeup.  Next, I take whatever facial cleansing product I have to cleanse my face.

Packaging:  This product is stored in a glass bottle.  It has a pump and a cap.  I don't recall it came in a box.

What it claims:  "As a creamy type, this cleansing lotion is supposed to softly and lightly eliminate makeup you made on the face.  Thanks to cleansing factors, which are soft to skin and have exceptional cleansing effects.  Since it contains aha, it is easily able to get rid of aged keratin as well as plagues on skin.  The willow bark extract also dramatically reduces keratin having anti-inflammation.  As a result, it is expected to make your skin clean and good-looking."

Thoughts / Results:
First the scent, I kinda like the scent.  Reminds me of the products my mom used to use when I was a little girl.
Depending on how dry my skin is, 2 or 3 pumps of this product can take off all my makeup.  Like with all other products, this cleansing milk isn't designed to clean off eye makeup.  And the result of not following instructions of this product is blurry vision.  But of course, rinsing your eyes will help.  I don't recommend removing eye makeup with this product.  But if you insist, be careful.
I do like using this product.  It removes most of my makeup, but leaving a tiny bit behind.  That's good enough for me because then I'll be using another facial cleansing product anyway.  Again, compared to the Origins cleansing milk, this removes makeup really well.  It also leaves my skin feeling soft.  I don't like the feeling of using this product as my last facial cleansing step.  I get paranoid that the creamy texture will absorb into my skin along with the bits of my makeup residue.  Although I have used this product as my last facial cleansing step, I almost always follow up with another non-cream facial cleansing product.
As for my thoughts on what this products claims to do, I don't notice some of the results it claims to give.  For example, it claims to contain willow bark extract which is suppose to help keep pores unclogged.  But this can't be too true as I had multiple breakouts on and off during the time I was using this product.  So it didn't do a good job of keeping my pores clear of debris.
Also, I'm not too fond of the glass bottle packaging.  The packaging makes it so much heavier.  I like the pump and the cap so I don't have to stick my fingers to grab the product and dust doesn't build up on the packaging.

Cost:  Not sure, too long ago.

One small drop of Arumee Pro-Moist Cleansing Milk

 Demonstration: A drop of foundation rub into to skin and cleaned off with this product.

Foundation removed with the cleansing milk and tissued off

A piece of facial cleansing cloth use to wipe off any extra makeup residue left on my hand.

Product: Arumee Pro-Moist Cleansing Milk
Rating: 4 / 5

Pros:
- Very good makeup removal product
- Nice scent

Cons:
- Doesn't keep pores clear

Review: B. Kamins Vegetable Cleanser

After purchasing this product, it took me a few months to finish my other facial cleansing products before starting to use this.  Sadly, I think this was another not so great product by B. Kamins.  It doesn't do what it claims such as cleansing the face and removing makeup.  I can make this claim because I use my Hitachi Face Crie Ion Cleansing Machine after using this B. Kamins cleanser and I can see my foundation on the cotton pad.  And because this product doesn't do a great job on face cleansing, my pores were clogged for the past few month and caused my breakout.  =(

The scent:  A light chemical, plastic scent since it's fragrance free.

Consistency:  Not thick.  Doesn't create foam after contact with water.

Application:  I use another makeup removing product before using this facial cleanser.  Then I squirt some product onto my Shiseido Facial Exfoliating Brush or Clarisonic and exfoliate my face.

Packaging:  No additional cardboard box packaging.  When I bought it, it just came in the bottle.  The bottle is recyclable.  Therefore they promote eco-friendly activities.

What it claims:  "A vegetable based cleanser and makeup remover that dissolves and removes impurities from the face and delicate eye area.  Clarifying, soothing and moisturizing ingredients help improve skin smoothness, elasticity and radiance.  Oil, fragrance and color free, this gentle formula is ideal for cleansing sensitive skin types, especially post-microdermabrasion and laser-treated skin."

Thoughts / Results:  I felt this product didn't do much for me.  Definitely not worth the money.  It makes a lot of nice claims but it didn't remove the impurities on my skin.  Compared to the Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil, I find the cleansing oil did a LOT better.  If I go to the MAC warehouse sale and they still sell the product there, I think I'd pick up a few more bottles.  My skin was smooth, clean and soft when I was using the Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil.  =(  And it's not like that anymore ='(.  So comparatively, this product didn't do as well as others and it didn't live up to its own claim.  I guess it's such a gentle formula that it didn't do anything for me.

Since this product is so gentle, I wouldn't recommend using it at night after removing makeup.  It's better used in the morning when you're just removing the excess oil on your skin from the build up during the night.  But honestly, you're better off using Cetaphil from the drug store that costs less than $15 compared to $38 for this bottle.

Cost: $38 CAD @Murale

Product: B. Kamins Vegetable Cleanser
Rating: 1 / 5

Pros:
- Attempts to remove makeup
- Fragrance free
- Gentle formula

Cons:
- Doesn't remove all makeup
- Doesn't cleanse face well if makeup isn't fully removed
- Because doesn't cleanse well, it doesn't unclog pores
- Doesn't improve skin smoothness, elasticity and radiance

Review: Vitacreme B12

Hologram logo

Last year, I heard this Vitacreme B12 cream works really well so I bought it.  After using it for about 6 months, I really regret it.  =(  My skin doesn't breakout easily.  My worst "breakout" is having a pimple or two during my menstrual period, which is normal.  Unfortunately, after using this product, I realize my skin was breaking out pretty badly and at random times through the month.  And I'm not saying this product work horribly on everyone, I'm just saying this product doesn't work for me.  No matter how often I exfoliate to unclog those pores, I feel this cream didn't do me any good.  It's been 3 months since I stopped using this product and my skin is getting better.  I'm not getting those random milia under my cheek bones, forehead and on the chin anymore.  Nor am I getting a random HUGE pimple on my cheekbone or on my chin anymore.  My skin used to be close to perfectly clear of bumps prior to using this product.  (UPDATE: I also changed my facial cleansing products while using Vitacreme B12, so this cream may have been a contributing factor to my breakout)  But now, even though they're going away, I still feel those random bumps or lumps under my cheekbone.  I can feel those lumps and be able to squeeze out the pus.  =(

The scent:  Light floral scent.  Reminds me a little of baby scent products.

Cream has a light pink colour

Consistency:  Has a lotion-like consistency, so it's not that thick.  However, I can feel that it's pretty oily. 

Application:  I apply this cream after washing my face with a facial cleanser and applying a toner.

Packaging:  It's in an aluminum-type tube.  Personally, I think it's not the best packaging because with frequent uses and pushing the product out of the opening, it can potentially wreck the packaging and cause a rip in the tube.

What it claims:  "Vitacreme B12 penetrates as far as dermo-epidermic junction thanks to its liposomic reactivating agents as well as the growth of germinative cells (Deeper layer of the epidermis) favoring the formation of elastin and collagen fibres.
Vitacreme B12 can help to prevent pre-mature wrinkling by reducing wrinkles and folds in the epidermis and improving skin elasticity. It also corrects epidermal dryness, smoothes or alleviates new or old scars.
Vitacreme B12 can also be rapidly absorbed without leaving the skin neither too greasy nor too dry and did not cause any shine while in the sun.
The eutrophic activity of the vitamin which penetrates as far as the dermo-epidermic junction has, as its' principal quality, the procurement at the epidermis of the water necessary for the revitalisation of the upper layers of the skin. The action is therefore particularly important for dry or aged skin caused by regular exposure to sun or the cold."

Thoughts / Results:  On myself, I haven't noticed changes as the product claims.  I purposely used this product during the winter to see if it lives up to its standards to counteract the winter cold and dry conditions.  Unfortunately, the skin on my nose is still peeling after the use of this product.  I didn't have old scars so rather than alleviating new and old scars, this may be contributing to my breakouts and causing new scars.  It's been about 3-4 months since I stopped using this product, and the scars formed from my breakouts are slowly disappearing.
However, I do feel that this product is rapidly absorbed into my skin and doesn't leave a greasy feel on it. 

Cost: $29.70 USD (@Cosme-de.com with PayPal promo code)

Product: Vitacreme B12
Rating: 1 / 5

Pros:
- Doesn't leave a greasy feel on my skin 

Cons:
- Caused my breakout
- Didn't hydrate or soften or help the winter dry skin

Review: Shiseido Pureness Pore Purifying Warming Scrub

This is my first facial exfoliant I've ever bought, so it is a few years old.  I haven't been consistently using it, partly because of the price for the amount of product I get.  =\ 

The scent:
Fresh, light floral scent.  Not an irritating smell.

Consistency:
It is a clear oily-sticky-feel gel with orange microbeads.

Application:
To prep my skin, I cleanse my face with whatever cleanser I'm using at that time.  Then if I feel like it, I'd use a facial sauna to steam and soften my skin to melt away the impurities in my pores.  Sometimes I skip this facial sauna step.  I dry my hands and face, dab the scrub on my forehead, cheeks, nose and chin.  Slowly, I massage and spread it all over my face until I feel the microbeads and granules have dissolved.  Then rinse.

Swatch of scrub

Packaging:
Comes in a 50 mL (1.7 oz) tube.

What it claims:
"Give your skin power over shine, imperfections and dryness.  A self-warming gel scrub that unclogs pores and removes excess oil for a feeling of fresh, deeply-cleansed skin.  Pores look less obvious.
-  Warms comfortably on contact to help draw out pore-clogging impurities and excess oil.
-  Contains microbeads and purifying granules for deep cleansing action.
-  Minimizes the visibility of pores while leaving skin feeling fresh and silky." 

Thoughts / Results:

White clumps = dead skin cells

I was first introduced to this product when I received a small sample of it as a gift with purchase.   Sometimes I can feel the the blackhead lumps caused by the excess oil.  So I like the microbeads and granules in this scrub as I feel it really rubs away the excess oil / dirt / impurities that clog my pores - especially on my nose.  Personally, I don't feel this scrub is causing too abrasive on my skin.  Though others may feel otherwise.  Shiseido's Pureness line is supposedly for combination and normal-to-oily skin.  Its products are suppose to bring balance to skin.  IMO, if you use too much of this product, you are possibly removing too much oil from your skin.  Thus, I'd recommend adding little bit as you're massaging and spreading it over your skin.  Using too much of this product also prevents you from feeling the "warming" effect.  The warming effect comes from the friction of micro beads and granules as you're rubbing it in circular motion over your skin.  This is also the problem for many people who claim they don't feel the warming effect.

I can definitely feel the results of this scrub.  My skin feels smoother, not lumpy due to the blackheads.  For me, the smoothness can last around 3 - 4 days.  These results are more clearly seen and felt on my nose.

In terms of giving shine to the skin, I do feel and see the shine.  Before using the scrub, my skin does look duller.  But I'm not sure about imperfections, at least it's not visibly noticeable to me.  I still see the dark areas due to developing/developed/no longer there pimples.  As for dryness, I do feel this scrub is more hydrating than the other brands of exfoliants - i.e. the B. Kamins Bamboo & Rice Facial Polisher.  Yet, I still see some dry peeled skin on my nose.  However, my pores do feel and look unclogged.  Thus my skin is left feeling smooth, fresh and silky.  But don't expect the blackheads to disappear, they may look smaller and/or less prominent.

Cost:
$29 CAD

Before; skin more yellow and dull

After using facial sauna

After using scrub; skin more clear

Product: Shiseido Pureness Pore Purifying Warming Scrub
Rating: 4 / 5

Pros:
- Leaves skin smoother
- Noticeably unclogs pores
- Restores shine to your skin
- Warming effect helps draw out the impurities in your pores
- Pores become less visible

Cons:
- Doesn't completely clear the dry peeled skin
- Warming effect is hard to grasp
- $29 CAD for a 50mL tube is a bit expensive

Review: Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Serum

I have been using this Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 serum for more than one month.  Since I have so many skincare products to go through, I share most of my skincare with my mom and this is one of the many.  And seems like results are the same between my mom and I.


The scent:
No scent

Consistency:
Very liquidity.  As you can see (right), one drop on my finger and it runs down very quickly.

Application:
After cleansing and using toner, I use serum before moisturizing.  I tend to use two drops, one on the middle finger and one on the ring finger.  Then rub my fingers together and in a patting motion, pat it all over my face and neck.

Packaging:
The product comes in a dropper bottle.  For its liquidity consistency, I think the dropper is a great design.  The bottle is made of glass - so best not to drop it on the floor.

What it claims:
"Contains high concentrations of hyaluronic acid to bind moisture to the skin and increase hydration.  Enriched with Vitamin B5, this hydrating fluid maximizes the benefits of your daily moisturizer.  Fragrance-free formulation ideal for all skin types."

Thoughts / Results:
Since I've used this product for a two months, I've still been getting dry skin patches on my nose once in a while.  I thought this product could have helped with me that problem.  Unfortunately, it didn't help much.  My skin did get a little smoother or softer but not by much, so this proves it does help with absorption of moisturizers.  Now one of the problems I've noticed is the milia I have been getting along my jawline.  As I said before, my mom has been using this product as well and she's been getting milia on her jawline as well.  I haven't noticed anything else of my skincare routine that has changed, so I can only conclude it was because of this product.  The recommended amount to apply this product was 3 to 5 drops, and clearly I had to reduce that to 2 drops.

I like the idea that it's fragrance-free as I'd prefer sometimes that products don't have a scent.  And I like that it's in a dropper bottle as it's easier to control how much I want by how many drops.

Cost:
$66 USD @Cosme-de.com (but I got it at a discount for $59.40 USD)

Product: Skinceuticals Hydrating B5
Rating: 2 / 5

Pros:
- Hydrating with use of moisturizer

Cons:
- Not best to be used alone as it gives no effects
- Causes milia on my jawline

Review: Dr. Scholls Sleep and Slim Socks

Dr. Scholls Sleep and Slim socks are thigh length socks that are super tight, creating pressure along the leg.  The purpose of these pressure points is to slim down your legs by reducing water retention.  Water retention - causes swelling - is the accumulation of excess fluids in body tissue.

Cost: $31 USD @cosme-de.com

Application:

Everyday wear these socks to bed.

Thoughts / Results:
These socks are really tight but bearable.  On some nights, I feel that it's so tight and makes me feel too warm to sleep - so warm that I start sweating.  I was able to tell that these slim socks do work by taking measurements before and after putting them on.  It's not recommended to leave them on for too long - more than 8 to 10 hours.  But I've done that and I didn't notice much difference.  As for the lasting results, it is a temporary fix.  Results are not permanent and the slim socks must be wore as long as you want to slim down a few centimeters of your legs.

What I don't like about these slim socks is the end of the socks at the thigh.  It has a tendency to slip or roll down on the thighs while I sleep.


Product: Dr. Scholls Sleep and Slim Socks
Rating: 4 / 5

Pros:
- Gives temporary results
- Makes me sweat it out

Cons:
- Has a tendency to roll down the thighs