My beauty travel companions and review

As seen from my previous posts, I had been traveling in the US and it has been an AWESOME trip. However, the weather is so different from Singapore that I needed to be more hardworking with regards to my facial routine more than ever. So I'm going to show you guys the products that I used. 

It may not work on everyone but it works for me. I have combination skin whereby my T-zone is oily and my cheeks are dry. My T-zone is very prone to breakouts whenever there is any hormonal changes/weather changes/stress blah blah blah. Thus, I have to use products that can prevent blemishes and pimple to help keep it under control. Else, I'll be a pimply face :( which I don't want!

I have been using The Face Shop's post-acne bightening serum for quite some time already and I'm loving the quality of this product. It is inexpensive, only retailing at S$19.90. It is really light on my skin and absorbs into my skin really quick. It is not oily which makes it really comfortable even when I put on make up after it. 

As for the Post-acne Nighttime Spot eraser, I only use it at night as the name suggests and also only on pimples that are healing so that it does not leaves a scar. One thing to take note of when handling pimples and healing pimples, always apply sun-block on your face, else the scar will be obvious and hard to remove in the future. 

Next, the oil-free control essence is one of the new addition to my facial routine. I only apply it on acne-prone area. Similarly, it is light on my skin and leaves a refreshing feeling after I apply it:) I will list down the sequence of using these products below. 

The Face Shop Oil Free control essence, Post-acne Nigttime Spot eraser and Post-acne Brightening Serum

 I use the Vitalizing refining lotion as a toner. It smells really nice and works well for me. The Shu Uemura red:juvenus series is designed to protect against free radicals which can cause wrinkles on the face. Free radicals are also said to be associated with precancerous and cancerous skin legions. Basically, this series by Shu Uemura helps to fight signs of aging and girls...don't foolishly think that since there are no signs of aging on your face means it's not affecting you. YOU'RE SO WRONG! We should start incorporating anti-aging facial routine once we hit the big 2! This is how you maintain your skin and keep yourself looking young in the future. If you do not start now, by the time you hit 30+ 40, you will pale in comparison to those who have been more hardworking than you are. 

In any case, because it is really dry here in the US, skin that are too dry tend to form wrinkles more easily so one must always make sure that there is enough moisture. As for the retexturizing emulsion, I would apply it on parts of my face that are not more prone to fine lines such as your under eye, sides of the eyes, forehead, sides of the mouth and nose. It is actually a gentle fluid that is light-weight similarly and has very good moisturizing effects.

Shu Uemura Red:Juvenus Vitalizing refining lotion and vitalizing retexturising emulsion

 To combat fresh pimples that I cannot prevent due to hormonal changes every month, I use pimple creams. I have tried out a few different types of pimple cream from different brands like ZA, mentholatum, pro activ and many more. They were all not very effective for me. I actually had one that was recommended by my aunt (she's beautician). It's actually made by one of her friend with her own secret recipe but she is now too old to make it. There goes my pimple saver. That's why i've been looking for one that is good. Recommended by my mom's friend, Jill, who's a distributor with Amway, I started using Artistry skincare products and found them to be really effective though they are really pricey....

The difference about Artistry anti-blemish and the other products is that it is not harsh on my skin. The other products tend to leave a prickly feeling after I applied it and is sometimes rather painful. Also, this anti-blemish by Artistry is not sticky and will not leave flaks which is really good!

I have also tried a few eye creams from various brands and found Artistry's replenishing eye creme to be really effective. As I have sinus, my eye area get itchy and puffy really easily. Due to excessive rubbing of the eyes when I'm young, my eye area turned quite dark and has quite a number of fine lines :( . With this eye creme, it helped to lighten the skin tone around my eye area and also prevents it to become too puffy. 

The last Artistry product that I'll be sharing would be this ULTIMATE Intensive Skincare Renewing Peel. This little bottle here is quite expensive for me. You can only use it for 12 times, twice a week for 6 consecutive weeks. It costs me $125/$150, can't remember. But it is highly effective. With 8 pumps, apply it to the whole face, leave it for 8 minutes and it will work its magic on your face. 

It works in 3 different phases. 

#1 Activator phase - the mushroom enzyme in the product will mimic the skin's own natural exfoliation process. It automatically shuts off after peeling to prevent any over-peeling and skin irritation.

#2 Nourisher phase - It repairs the skin's natural moisture barrier. Also, with a blend of Nutrilite-sourced Chia Seed Oil which is rich in Omega 3- Fatty acids and a Barrier Liposome, it helps prevent dryness and skin irritation.

#3 Conditioning phase - It draws moisture into the skin with a blend of humectants and emollients. It retains the moisture even after rinsing off the product.

Basically, it is a weekly exfoliating step that we should all take. Just that, instead of using scrubs or facial wash that is filled with microbeads which is actually harsh on the skin, this is a gentle way to give your face a "big-cleanup" every week. Especially if you are those who put on make up regularly, exfoliation is a very important routine you should add in. In any case, while using this product, you should not use anymore scrub or exfoliating facewash. After the 6 weeks regime, let your face rest for 3-4 weeks before resuming on the normal exfoliation methods (I do not recommend scrubs, use those gel type ones). Then, use the renewing peel again after a 6-weeks rest from when you ended the previous regime. 

Artistry anti-blemish creme, eye creme and intensive skincare renewing peel

 I wanted to share more on the sun block that I've been using but I'm going for lunch soon. Maybe next time. 

Steps:

#1 Wash and Cleanse your face

#2 Apply Toner

#3 Apply Serum

#4 Apply moisturiser

#5 Apply eye creme

#6 Apply spot eraser and anti-blemish

To put it simply, apply those that are the lightest first (liquid, watery kind) then the creams which are more thick and oil based last. 

water-based - serum - cream - gel - oil based

This is my own routine which I gathered information from various places. It works for me but might not work for everyone. Adopt it at your own risk. 

Good Luck!