Review Buds for Kids Lavender Shower Gel

Buds for Kids Lavender Shower Gel 250ml RM25.90

My staple shower gel has always been either Johnson and Johnson's or Dettol. My husband can't live without his Dettol's Shower Gel, seriously! Me, on the other hand, is more prone to sensitive skin and my skin is really dry after using Dettol.( It makes my hands dry too ) As I am in the midst of changing some products to using more natural ingredients or low in irritants, I found this in Justlife store at IPC. This is the sister brand to the up and coming brand called Esmeria. I chose Lavender, rather than the Orange one as I like something that is more relaxing. Here are the ingredients and benefits, taken from their site:

Ingredients

Aqua/water, aloe barbedensis leaf juice*( Soothes and hydrates skin ), decyl glucoside( Very mild cleanser ), sodium lauroyl glutamate( Very mild plant protene cleanser ), xanthan gum ( Thickens the product ),  lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil* ( To fragrance the product ), sodium benzoate( synthetic-Preservatives ), potassium sorbate ( synthetic-Preservatives ), tocopherol ( Natural Vit E to soften and smooth the skin ), helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil ( To calm and care for the skin )

*Ingredients from Organic Farming

99.4% of the total ingredients are from Natural Origin
10.1% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming
99.9% of the plant ingredients are from Organic Farming
Natural and Organic Cosmetic certified by ECOCERT GREENLIFE according to ECOCERT Standard available at http://cosmetics.ecocert.com

My Experience

I have been using this for 1 1/2 weeks now and I can say I rather like it. The shower gel is transparent and not thick, and it smells wonderfully lavender-ish. It lathers quite well, not foamy, and it certainly cleans my skin well. The best thing is that it is not drying to my skin. However, the downside of this shower gel is that the lavender smell doesn't linger on once it's rinsed off. ( I would like it very much if I could smell the lovely lavender scent on me.) Other than that, this shower gel does a pretty decent job.

Overall

I give this product a rating of 4 out of 5. I like it because it's mild and it cleanses well, without drying my skin. Personally, I feel the price is slightly above average for a line that is created for kids and based on the quantity given. But then again, they are ECO certified and that may be the reason for their pricing range. As said, the minus point is that the lavender smell doesn't last once it's rinsed. I certainly hope that they could improve on that one.

Trying out my new skincare regime



Sometimes, I am curious to know the daily skincare routine of other girls. Others would keep it simple yet obtain flawless skin. Others would have loads of products but still complain that it's not good enough. Now, I wonder if mine is complicated? After months of unsatisfactory results of my skin condition, I have decided to improve my daily skincare regime with a few add ons. As said, I am currently in my journey of discovering new products that hopefully, will reap good benefits for me. Here's a peak to my daily routine.

Day

Old routine: Cleanse: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser > Toner: Age Smart Antioxidant Hydramist > Booster: Dermalogica Hydrating Booster > Moisturise: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance > Protect: Solar Defense Booster Spf30

New routine: Cleanse: Occasionally rinse with tepid water or use Ultracalming Cleanser if skin is slightly oily at T-zone > Toner: Dermalogica Multi Active Toner > Moisturise: Marie Veronique Anti Aging Oil+ > Protect: Marie Veronique Moisturising Facescreen Spf30.

Why: Cleanse : In the morning, I occasionally rinse with tepid water because I find out that cleansers that uses surfactants actually strip the skin of its environmental protective barrier, exposing it to damage from the elements.

Toner: I find that Dermalogica Multi Active Toner is more suited to my skin( and my wallet too ). However, I am thinking to change to Marie Veronique Anti Aging Mist once I am done with this bottle.

Moisturise: The anti aging oil plus works well as a base for me with the facescreen. However, the facescreen may be a little drying for me, so I use my existing moisturiser beneath it.

Protect: My previous facescreen contains Oxybenzone, which is a hazardous ingredient, according to EWG standards. Marie Veronique Facescreen is one of the safest in the world.

Night

Old routine: Cleanse: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser > Toner: Age Smart Antioxidant Hydramist > Oil: Bioxil Calming Face Oil > Moisturise: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance

New routine: Cleanse: Double Cleanse with Madara Delicate Cleansing Milk and Ultracalming Cleanser > Toner: Dermalogica Multi Active Toner > Moisturise: Marie Veronique Anti Aging Oil+ > Repair: Marie Veronique Skin Lightening Serum. Eye: Marie Veronique Eye Serum

Why: Cleanse : I double cleanse now to remove daily dirt, oil and facescreen.

Toner: As said, to use my existing one before changing to Marie Veronique's Anti Aging Mist.

Moisturise: The previous oil that I've used, did not give me any benefits AT ALL to my face. The only thing it does is smelling good. MV Anti Aging Oil on the other hand, really give me the hydration I so needed for my skin that others can't perform. Plus, the oils are so beneficial for any skin type.

Repair: I have new pigmentation on my cheeks that I needed to address, so this is what I need now. You may see that I added an eye serum to my routine. My eye area is in need of loving now.

Special Care ( Twice/ Three times a week )

Old routine: Exfoliate: Aesop Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant > Masque: Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque

New routine: Exfoliate: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant > Masque: Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque

Why: Exfoliant : The new exfoliant works better for my skin and I do see improvements. Read my preview HERE 

Masque: This is one of the best masque I've used and it really suits my skin. Read my preview HERE 

 I will be updating new improvements from time to time and also will review the new products soon. So keep tuned in.



Review Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque 75ml RM 150 ( previous price )

I have been using this masque for 4 years and I can't remember which bottle I am at the moment. This particular masque has never failed me and always give me the hydration boost I need. Description as per the box below:

Recommended for all skin conditions. A refreshing, oil-free gel that restores critical moisture to dry skin without unwanted oiliness, helping to restore suppleness and reduce the appearance of fine, dry lines. Calming botanical extracts of Rosemary, Hops, Cucumber and Arnica soothe while Vitamins A,C and E and Pro-Vitamin B5 help to nourish and replenish the skin. Excellent for the delicate eye area. Contains no artificial fragrance or color.

Ingredients: Water( Aqua ), Butylene Glycol, Extracts of: Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower, Camellia Oleifera Leaf, Rosa Canina Fruit, Humulus Lupulus (Hops), Rosmarinus Officinalis(Rosemary) Leaf, Equisetum Arvense, Citrus Medica Limonum(Lemon), Pinus Sylvestris Cone, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow), Hedera Helix (Ivy), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit, Sambucus Nigra Flower, Arnica Montana Flower, Parietaria Officinalis: Propylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Ricinoleth-40, Panthenol, Allantoin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Phytonadione, Retinyl Palmitate, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylparaben.

My Experience

Use this once or twice weekly right after exfoliation. The masque is in a gel-like form and I usually squeeze some of the gel unto my facial brush( like the brush you use for painting but for facial use ). You may apply only a thin layer unto your face and the best thing for this masque is that it is safe to apply around your eye area. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. At this point, I realised that my skin absorb most of the masque especially on areas like my nose and cheek, that are particularly dry. This masque is unlike some of the masque I've used before because the gel does not dry on your face, that usually leaves it a tight feeling. I usually like to massage some of the masque prior to rinsing as I feel it helps in better absorption. I like this masque a lot because it leaves my skin feeling comfortable, well hydrated and it doesn't sting my face in times when my skin is particularly sensitive.

Overall:

I rate this masque a 4.5 out of 5, mainly because this masque has repeatedly and faithfully replenish my skin, leaving it well hydrated and comfortable too. It helps in balancing my skin condition in times when sensitivity and dryness sets in. I have tried other masques as well that mainly aid in hydration but none can perform as well as this. The only con of this product is the price. It gets more expensive each year and that is why I minus 0.5 points from my rating.

So many products to choose from, which shall I buy?

I am sure many of us have been through that, or occasionally still is, as there are so many new offerings in the market right now. Some claim to have all the ingredients you ever need in the bottle to solve all your skin condition. Well, I am skeptical about those 'all in one' product claims though. My personal thought is that, the more ingredients added in the bottle, the more 'diluted' each ingredient is and the efficiency of each ingredient, ie vitamin E, will be less pronounced to your skin. These few days, I have been bombared by many product offerings which left me being fickled, and seems that I will be spending more money than I usual. I realised that we need take one step at a time:

• Identify what you need to treat your skin. These days, I know that I needed to find something to treat my scars( due to insect bites ) for my skin. After much research, I know I need Vitamin E for scar healing, or Rosehip oil, that promises lightening for scars and overall healing. I chose topical Vitamin E at the moment so to treat the scars first. If your concern is treating pigmentations, invest in a product have topical ingredients ie: Vitamin C that to treat your skin first. From my side, I try to look for products that are more 100% natural or organic so that they do not contain any harmful ingredients.
• Treat your skin and give your skin time for healing. Don't be tempted to try other new things during this time of treatment and healing. Give your body the nurturing it needed and patience to see the healing comes.
• Maintainence comes after healing. From my personal experience, I know that my skin is very dehydrated and skin renewal process is slow. Once I have completed healing the scars, I know I need something to maintain it and keep it healthy. I have heard so much about the benefits of pomegranate oil, their anti-oxidant properties that fight free radicals and skin aging. It is used to heal, protect, moisturize dry or irritated skin, as well as for ezcema. Now I know that is what I would prefer for my skin and now it is a good time to do some research on products that offer this.

During this journey, I've learnt to know what you need for your skin. We are always tempted to buy other things with many good reviews but it may not be necessary for your skin at this point. Invest in something ( may not necessarily be expensive ) to first treat and then followed by the sequence as I've written above.

L'occitane Relaxing Bath and Shower Gel

L'occitane Relaxing Bath and Shower Gel 500ml RM95

I am a fan of using shower gels with essential oils. There is just something about them that will make you feel wonderful all over and...relaxing. I usually don't spend much money on things like shower gel and my staple one has always been Johnson & Johnson. As I was looking was for products to buy using my voucher at L'occitane, I was introduced to L'occitane Relaxing Bath and Shower Gel by the lovely beauty advisor, which she swears that it is really worthy to buy. I took her advise and purchase this along with other products. This product, according to the description, is rich in relaxing essential oils of lavender, tea tree and geranium, that helps to eliminate accumulated stress. Sounds pretty good eh?

My Experience

The packaging is pretty good, comes with a pump and it's plastic, so it's safe to use in the bathroom ( I accidentally dropped the bottle for about 4 times and it's still strong,yay ). The shower gel liquid is in light transparent brown, 2-3 pumps should suffice for your upper body. If you are looking for gels that foams well...well, you ain't gonna find it here. I am rest assured that they do not use SLS in this one, so it's good. After showering, I do feel very relaxed, the essential oil may be the contributing factor and my skin feels soft. It feels like its well moisturised and my skin is not dry at all. The smell is lovely, the 3 essential oils seemed to worked in harmony. I realized that this is a precious little product and I use it sparingly now, on occasions when I feel stressed, or that I need a good night sleep or a time of pampering!

Overall

I give this product a rating of 5 out of 5. This is keeper for me! I think of all the shower gels offered by L'occitane, this is the best deal because this is one that comes in 500ml.

Review Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant 75ml RM 228

I went for my monthly facial recently and was happy to hear from my therapist that my skin condition has improved. My blackheads seems to be less than usual and extraction was far easier than before. I went back and traced back the steps of my 'new and improved' daily beauty regime to identify what could have contributed this. I know that one of the main contributors is the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, which I have incorporated to my regime. I was previously using Aesop's Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant and decided to change as my skin seemed to be not improving. This is one of Dermalogica's best selling item and there were many good reviews from users.

This unique Rice-based powder formula activates upin contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter. Our unique Skin Brightening Complex helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation while a super-soothing blend of Green Tea, Gingko and Colloidal Oatmeal helps to calm the skin, leaving it extraordinarily clear and refreshed.

Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose Talc, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Colloidal Oatmeal, Oryza Sativa( Rice ) Bran, Oryza Sativa ( Rice ) Starch, PCA, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Limonene, Methylparaben, Allantoin, Salicylic Acid, Citrus Grandis( Grapefruit ) Peel Oil, Papain, Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra ( Licorice ) Root Extract, Cyclodextrin, Melaleuca Alternifolia ( Tea Tree ) Leaf Oil, Titanium Dioxide ( CI 77891 )

My Experience:

After cleansing, dispense about an amount of half  a teapoon unto wet palm and carefully create a creamy paste by massaging with water. I like the texture and the gentleness of it and it is not so course as other exfoliants that I've used before. After massaging for about one minute, rinse with tepid water. My skin does feel smoother, especially around my nose area and I don't feel tightness at all. Usually, I would proceed with gentle extraction especially my nose area and I was surprised that after using the microfoliant for about 2 weeks, most whiteheads were easily extracted. ( Another contributing factor to the hydration could be the L'occitane Ma Creme ). I find that my hydration level have increased by exfoliating 2-3 times weekly and that the skin is able to absorb more of the goodness of a good moisturiser. I am very happy with the results and how it is working out for me. Recently, I started to have sensitive skin again, especially at my cheek areas and I was concerned that could the exfoliating be contributing to this? I have decided to decrease the exfoliating time to 2 times weekly and try not to introduce new 'moisturisers' too much as it may be the cause of it.( At this time, I started to sample L'occitane's Very Precious Cream for two days and decided to stop ) 

Overall:

I would rate this product 4.5 of out 5. It worked very well for my skin and I do see improvements especially at my nose area and  increase of hydration. My skin is smoother, though I do not see improvements for my uneven skin tone and my pigmentations. Well, any product can't work wonders at the same time, right?

Review: L'occitane Ma Creme Moisturizing Cream

L'occitane Ma Creme Moisturising Cream 50ml RM 155 and RM 118 for refills

L'occitane Ma Creme Nature was launched last year and here is a little bit about Ma Creme, which is taken from L'occitane's website:

Certified organic by ECOCERT, Ma Creme Nature is a moisturizing cream that you can prepare at home and keep in your refrigerator. Its quick and easy-to-prepare formula, with organic olive tree extracts, brings your skin nothing but the essential ingredients it needs to stay lastingly moisturized, and glowing with health. It allows skin to recuperate from daily over-stimulation, leaving it revived and more receptive to your regular routine with a soft and gentle touch.

Written on the packaging:

100% natural gateway for your skin. Free of chemical addictives. Ma Creme allows you to:

• avoid certain synthetic ingredients, such as sun filters, preservatives and artificial colouring, and replace them with simple ingredients that are more compatible with your skin.
• relax your skin, which is subjected to numerous harsh factors each day, notably the use of highly concentrated creams that are overactive at first, before your skin grows accustomed to them and stops revealing results.

Certified organic by Ecocert. 100% of total ingredients are of natural origin. 20.8% of total ingredients are from Organic Farming.

This is basically a DIY cream and needs to be refrigerated and used within 6 weeks. I started using Ma Creme since last year and currently at my second bottle. When I know my skin needs to a take a break, this is where this cream comes into place.

My experience:

It is fun mixing your own cream from home( especially with the tiny whisk ). The mixture have to be refrigerated 24 hours before using for the cream to become smooth and thick. To avoid contamination, a spatula is provided in the packaging as well. I love the consistency of the cream, lovely smell and especially loving how the cream really works for me. My skin is very well hydrated, smooth and refreshed within days of using. No breakouts or irritations! I know this cream was right for me when my facial therapist commented that my face looked good and well hydrated. She knows very well of my skin condition and was surprised to see it refreshed. ( I ended up recommending this product to her...lol ). However, I did noticed that my T zone area is oilier than usual due to my combination skin. I used more of the cream on both my cheeks and neck and apply lightly on my T zone area and it works. 

Overall:

I give this product a rating of 4.5 out of 5. It works wonderfully for my skin, giving great hydration and my skin really benefited from it. My husband, who have slightly larger pores and oily skin, benefited from this cream too. I noticed that his skin is even toned, healthier and there were no breakouts for him. He looked more radiant! The only cons for this product is that you have to finsh it within 6 weeks. Well, it shouldn't be a problem if you were to share it with someone ( like in my case, my husband! )

News: Just what organic means?

I found this interesting article about what organic means. I find it worth reading as many of us are rather confused with the terms. I, for one, is at the process of discovering and learning more about it. Below are some quotes that has certainly caught my eye:

• On a recent visit to branches of major supermarkets, members of staff told me that organic food did not use any fertilisers or pesticides at all. One said the organic label meant food had not been genetically modified. Only one gave the correct information, saying organic food is grown with "less chemicals".
• He advocates the listing of permissible chemicals and additives on packaging. "Consumers should be fully informed about what they are purchasing, especially when they are having to pay a higher price," he says.

Click HERE to find out more about it.

Review: LAKME k.therapy peeling shampoo

Lakme K.Therapy Peeling Shampoo 300ml RM 66

As you age, your body will start sending you signs to tell you that you are going through changes. In this case, it's my scalp! My scalp have decided to retaliate by giving me dandruff and started to get oily. My hair condition has always been healthy, thick, strong, full of volume and a balance mix of black and few white strands( age is catching up..yes ). I have always been using salon shampoos and conditioners until I decided to switch to more natural based products. I was persuaded by a lovely sales person to try this product as I was looking solutions for my scalp. Yes, I fell for it and decided to give it a try. I was recommended to use PEELING SHAMPOO OILY, as I need to tackle the oily part too. I got the leaflet too for their products and all sounds promising. Part of it says:

The entire K.THERAPY has been formulated with water from Zermatt glacier, containing minerals and oligoelements with natural properties that soften and protect the skin, as part of its active ingredients. This water, with its unique combination of minerals, is encapsulated in lecithin liposomes so that they can be released into the deepest layers of the skin and so increase its moisturising power.

What is Dandruff or Desquamation?

Dandruff is irregular flaking of the outer corneum stratum of the scalp, accompanied by light itching without signs of inflammation. There are many possible causes for this problem, but the most common is an abnormal imbalance in microbial flora.

The main components and active ingredients are:

• OCTOPIROX, a molecule of proven efficiency against dandruff together with the purifying properties of rosemary extract and sandalwood extract, which clean and tone the scalp at the same time as removing the dandruff flakes and preventing their reappearance.
• Sweet-scented fragrance with essential oil of rosemary.
• Water from the Zermatt glacier
• Tested under dermatological control

My experience:

I have been using this shampoo for almost a month now and think it's about the right time to give a review. The shampoo is in mid consistency, with slight tinge of pink. I only use about the size of 50cents and it lathers rather quickly once I use it on my hair. ( Please note that should your shampoo lathers a lot, it means the product do contain sodium laureth sulfate which falls under the category of surfactant,

cleansing agent or emulsifying agent ). I find that my hair is rather harsh after rinsing and decided to add my own conditioner at my hair ends to calm it. Upon towelling it dry, my hair is still dry, squeky clean..or very very harsh. I have decided to add another coat of my leave on conditioner to see what happens. It tamed a bit though. Other than the harshness, I like the smell. It smells therapeutic-ly Rosemary! It's been almost a month now and I do noticed that my dandruff problem have been reduced but no change to my oily scalp. On top of it, the shampoo makes my hands very dry and I dun like this one bit.

Overall:

I will rate this 3 out of 5. It did work on my dandruff and I like the therapeutic smell but it didn't work for my oily scalp, harsh hair and my hands. I will probably look for another shampoo once I've finished using this.

Garden of Eden Scar Serum

Garden Of Eden Scar Serum 15ml RM 55.90

I was at a pharmacy the other day and I was looking for a treatment oil/serum for my scars, accumulated through insect bites. I came across Trilogy Rosehip Oil, which I have heard good raves about it but chose Garden of Eden Natur E Scar Serum instead. It is said to be -100% Natural Plant Extracts, a concentrated natural vitamin E, which is rich in antioxidants and skin nutrients that protect the skin from free radical damage and effectively accelerate skin renewal and repair.

Benefits:
1) Reduces skin inflammation
2) Repairs and reduces scars
3) Moisturises & smoothens out dry and cracked skin.

Ingredients: 12000iu Natural Vitamin E ( d-alpha tocopherol ), Medium-chain Triglycerides and Isopropyl Myristate.
Recommended by professionals for treating: Post surgical scars, chickenpox marks, acne scars, burns, scalds, keloids and sunburn.

Stated on the packaging no mineral oils, no animal derivatives, no alcohol, no SLS, no artificial colour or fragrance, no preservatives. I am glad to see the manufacuring and expiry date as I wanted to check how long the product has been sitting at the store. Glad to know this product is only 2 months old.

My experience:
This serum comes in a deep brown bottle, with a dropper. Serum is light in consistency and colour is a little orangey. I was rather concerned to put oil onto my skin as I really dislike my skin being sticky. To my surprise, absorption was rather good and I don't feel greasy. I was rather generous to myself, using 2-3 drops for my arms and 6-7 drops for my leg. In addition to that, I use a drop and dissiminate to some of my 'more serious insect scars' for maximum results. After a minute or two, I love how my skin is hydrated! I sleep in an air conditioning room and the next morning, my skin feels soft, smooth and moisturised. I love that this oil is fragrance free too.
I started using this serum for 2 days and I will do a full result review in a couple of months time, just to show you the if there are any improvements.

Safe and Harmful Ingredients in your Products

As you know, I am actively looking for a better alternative to my current skincare product. During the last 3 weeks, I have approached 1 or 2 brands and requested samples to try out first before I make a haul. Why we need to do this because we may be allergic to certain ingredients, even though some may assure you that it is 100% natural. Please keep in mind that even if they tell you they are using all natural ingredients, they may contain certain preservatives like methylparabens or propylparaben, that may be harmful to  your skin.

I am slowly learning how to read ingredients from the back of the product and try to learn the properties of an ingredient. I came across this website Skin Deep, a safety guide to cosmetic and personal care products. It has become a very useful website or tool for me to check the ingredients before I make a purchase and check if my current skin care products may contain harmful ingredients. ( Lo and behold, my current ones does have )

Through this experience, it have changed my views on certain brands. My skincare quest now evolves to using non irritant products, safe and effective natural ingredients( could be plant based or organic ) and sharing with others on my journey.

Products I have used

A quick look at the products that I have used before:

Skin Care

• Clinique
• Aesop
• Precriptives
• Origins
• Artistry
• Clinelle
• Dermalogica
• L'occitane
• Kiehl's

You may have noticed that most of the products I used are mainly free of common irritants, dermatologist tested and products using natural ingredients. Some of the products worked well for me and some don't.

It all started with my skin

Generally, when I was growing up, I have very good complexion, often receiving numerous compliments from everyone. I am blessed with smooth, fair skin and with rare acne occurrence. Things started to change when I hit 30 where I noticed light pigmentation on my skin and rather sensitive to the sun. However, my pores were at a normal size. I am in my mid 30's and noticed rather drastic changes in my skin condition in 5 years time. Now I have:

• Combination skin, mostly very dry on both my cheeks with slight oiliness on forehead and nose area. I have a long dissatisfaction with my blackheads, which are accumulated after years of negligence. I have many many facial therapist telling me how stubborn my blackheads are. I think my blackheads were far more worse 5 years back and that was when I first started doing my facials programs.
• Over the years, I have started to notice that my pores were getting larger near my nose area and that I started to have pigmentations on both my cheeks.

Here I am, dumbstrucked, thinking that I am able to maintain my ( used to ) healthy skin by using good range products with regular face facials. Well, going for facials and maintaining good daily face regime may have slowed down the process at some point..however, I was not pleased with my skin looking dull with uneven tone and most of the problematic conditions I faced written above.

Basically, all of us will go through these stages and as for me, I know that now:

• my pigmentations will not go away...I will look for safe alternatives( not laser treatments ) to reduce my pigmentations.
• soften my blackhead areas by weekly exfoliation( hope it helps..)
• minimizing pore areas by looking for safe serums
• love my skin with better and safe skincare products 

And lastly, learning to embrace the aging process...

Why I started this blog

I started this blog, mainly in search of good natural/organic products especially for skincare. My journey started when I was noticing that my skin condition didn't really improve after being faithful to my current skincare product for 5 years. Beauty therapist will call it 'maintaining' your skin condition, wherelse I was pretty tired of the same answer by beauty therapist to my frequently asked questions:

1) Q: Why my blackheads are so stubborn?
    A: Because you didn't do your masque and exfoliation enough.

2) Q: Why my skin is always dry, despite using your recomendations on additional add on
         products?
    A: Because you didn't drink enough water, didn't have sufficient sleep or that you are going
        through hormonal changes.
       
3) Q: Why my skin started to have pigmentations despite using your best sunscreen product
          being offered?
    A: Because you didn't include our night treatment for night time. Here is our top of the
        range product that will help you to counter your problems efficiently...

You may have noticed that the answers given by the beauty therapist will always reflect my lack of care for my skin instead of certain insufficiency of their products. I understand that the efficiency of certain skincare products varies because all of us have different skin conditions and lifestyles. But in my case, certain products didn't really work out for me. I think I have given a fair amout of time for the product which I am using to see changes and improvements, that now I am ready to venture out in search of better products that are suitable for me.