Product Review: Biotherm Aquasource Nuit - Super hydrating

What is it? 

Aquasource Nuit is Biotherm's high density hydrating jelly meant to be used at night (a.k.a moisturiser). According to the description on the box, our skin loses the most water during the night. The main active ingredient used in Aquasource Nuit is P Antarctica. It is an micro-organism with the ability to retain its water in icy conditions in the Antarctica. The extract of P Antarctica concentrated in Aquasource Nuit help the skin's regeneration while maintaining optimal hydration. 

How much is it? 

It retails for C$48 for  50 ml bottle.  I got mine for around C$50 as part of the Aquatrio promotion at Sears.

Where to get it? 

All leading drugstores and department stores carry Aquasource Nuit. Look out for the Aquatrio promotion for great deals. Aquatrio contains the cleanser, toner and moisturiser for just C$50!

How to use 

Apply small amount to entire face and neck. Use at night.


My experience

I have been using Aquasource for a while. I thought I would give Aquasource Nuit a try since the store ran out of Aquatrio with aquasource. I was a little hesitant at first as I was worried that the richer formula would result in an outbreak. Aquasource Nuit is actually pretty light in texture and smell. It is quickly absorbed by my skin and leaving it soft and supple within seconds of application. I have used it for 2 days and my face feels nice and soft the next morning. So far, I have not had a breakout so that is a good sign.


My verdict

I like the bottle and how it dispenses the hydrating jelly. It is so much more hygienic than Aquasouce where I have to dip a finger into the bottle. I also like the texture, fragrance and how quickly the product is absorbed. Most importantly, I like the effect the next morning. My face feels more hydrated than using Aquasource.

I definitely recommend using Aquasource Nuit at night. I will continue using Aquasource Nuit every night until I finish this bottle.

DIY Beauty - A Healthy and Natural Hair Mask Using Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)!

I have heard that coconut oil is great for the hair since young. It has been used by Indians for many years and they have one of the healthiest looking hair. I have always hesitated because I thought the coconut smell on the hair will put me off.

Recently, I bought a jar of virgin coconut oil from Wholefoods since it seems like that coconut oil is not such an unhealthy oil after all. In fact, it is almost as healthy as Extra virgin olive oil. While extra virgin olive oil has a low smoke point, coconut oil has a high smoke point so you can do all that frying and deep frying with coconut oil which you can't do with extra virgin olive oil.

I tested out my Virgin Coconut oil hair mask last night.

My experience

I used 1/4 teaspoon of Virgin coconut oil. Do note that virgin coconut oil is a soft solid at room temperature but becomes a liquid at temperature higher than 25 ºC (78 ºF)  To melt it, I just place that coconut oil on my palm and give it a quick rub and  it turns into liquid right away. Next I applied the oil first on the ends and slowly up my slightly longer than shoulder length hair. I did a little scalp massage at the end (when my hands are not so oily). After that, I just use a hair clip and clip it up in a bun for 1.5 hours while I surfed in the internet. I read on other sites than 20 mins is probably enough.

My Virgin Coconut oil hair mask experience turned out to be more pleasant than the one with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The coconut oil dried quickly so within minutes the oil feeling on my hair was gone (though it still looked oily). The coconut smell which I was hesitant about for many years, turned out to be a non-issue even for the 1.5 hours. I think the amount is probably too little to make my hair smell like coconut so that turned out great.

It took 2 rounds of shampoo to get rid of the oily feeling in my hair so a little coconut oil is enough otherwise you will need many rounds of shampoo to get rid of the oily feeling.

The part that I really like is the shine and the silky feeling when I blow dry my hair. My hair also feels really soft. My hair still feels silky, soft and has lots of shine after 24 hours.


My verdict

I absolutely love the Virgin Coconut oil hair mask! It is AMAZING! It is definitely much better than the Extra Virgin Olive Oil hair mask. The effect is so good that I am going to use this once a week.

I am definitely ditching all commercial hair mask for the all natural virgin coconut oil. It is healthy (with no preservatives and other chemicals) and it is cheap! A 414 ml (14 Fl Oz) bottle of Dr Bronner's Whole Kernel Virgin Coconut Oil was C$10.99! It has a shelve life of 2 years without refrigeration and you only need 1/4 teaspoon a week. Imagine a weekly hair mask for 2 years for a price of only C$10.99! Give it a try and I am sure you will be spreading the word around like me. :)

Health Food Review - Wedderspoon 100% Raw Manuka Honey Active 16+

I have been drinking Manuka Honey for a few years now. I first heard of it in 2006 when a friend of mine was sharing during a group lunch about this wonderful product called the Manuka Honey. She said that her young children used to fall sick pretty often. Since she started giving them a teaspoon of Manuka honey every day, they had not fallen sick for the past year. That sounded pretty amazing to me as I was falling sick almost every other month then (not sure if it was bad office air or flu season).

A few of us bought a bottle of Manuka Honey each right after lunch. My personal experience was great! Although I was not as conscientious about drinking a cup of manuka honey every day, I did not fall sick as often. In fact, one of the very first thing I looked for to put in my pantry when I moved to Canada was Manuka Honey.

What is Manuka Honey? 

Manuka Honey comes from the crisp white flower of the manuka bush, which grows in remote, unspoilt areas of New Zealand. The Manuka Honey from only a few of these areas contains the special unique non-peroxide anti-bacterial activities.  This is what sets Manuka Honey with high activity levels (more than 10) apart from the normal honey or even low grade Manuka Honey (less than 10).


Why drink Manuka Honey with high activity levels? 

It is one of nature's most useful aids for natural healing. It supports the body's natural healing process by:

• Supporting digestive health
• Assisting the body's natural healing of minor wonders, ulcers, infections
• Soothing throats
• Enhancing general health & energy 

There are many brands of Manuka Honey and many activity levels available. I have tried a few different brands and different activity levels and found the Manuka Honey with activity levels between 12 to 20 ideal to maintain general good health.


Why Wedderspoon Manuka Honey? 

When I moved to Canada,  I bought my first Manuka Honey from the drug store. A 250g bottle of Manuka Honey (12+) for C$60 + 12% tax!!! Super expensive! I did some research on internet (blogs and forum) and found some recommendation to get Manuka Honey from Whole Food Market. I did and I have been buying the Wedderspoon 100% Raw Manuka Honey Active 16+ from Whole Food Market ever since. It is sold as a food item (i.e. NO tax) and it's only C$29.99 for a 500g bottle! It is even cheaper than the discounted price of C$33.92 in Wedderspoon's own website.

My Experience

The Wedderspoon Manuka Honey tastes good even when eaten on its own. I can't say the same for other brands of Manuka Honey. Usually, the taste is quite strong if you eat it. Why do I eat the honey instead of drinking it? I find that eating a teaspoon of manuka honey three times a day is more effective to ward off a pending sore throat than drinking 3 glasses of honey. Some times, I even eat a tablespoon of manuka honey 3 times a day and I feel so much better the following day.

Ideally, I should drink a glass of Manuka Honey every day. When I do that consistently, I do not for the entire period. I also noticed that my complexion is much better. My skin is clearer with a healthy glow. Some times, I forget to drink the Manuka Honey and I just increase the dosage if I feel that I am falling sick or my throat starts to feel scratchy, especially after BBQs.


My Verdict

My personal experience has been extremely positive and I highly recommend the Wedderspoon 100% Raw Manuka Honey. It is the most cost effective way to maintain good health and good skin. Try it today and let me know if it works for you.

Product Review: Dr Wu Intensive Acnecur Spot Treatment with BHA (Acnecur System) - clinically proven to clear blemishes and reduce blemish marks

I was transiting at Taiwan's Taoyuan International airport in Taipei when I first saw the Dr Wu series. At that time, I had a huge pimple by my right nose. It was seriously hideous! The sales lady at the store was kind enough to ask me if I want to try Dr Wu Intensive Acnecur Spot treatment on it.

What is it? 

Dr Wu is a brand of skincare products that is created by clinical professor and practitioner - Dr Wu Ying Jun with the National Taiwan Hospital University. The 15ml (5 fl oz) Intensive Acnecur Spot Treatment with BHA is part of the Acnecur System. The Intensive Acnecur Spot Treatment is a clinically proven formula that not only clears up blemishes but also reduces blemish marks. The treatment contains a blemish fighting complex (Bio-sulphur and Salicyclic acid) to reduce and prevent acne problems at all stages. It also contains high potency Niacinamide (B3) and Tranexmic Acid to even out skin tone and visibly reduce marks left behind by blemishes.

How much is it? 

I got mine for around C$20 at  Taiwan Taoyuan airport.

Where to get it? 

For future supplies, I will probably have to get it from www.amazon.com. It is retailing at US$35.50.

How to use 

Apply small amount to blemish area covering it in a thin layer. Use daily, one to three times.


My experience

Unlike most acne treatments, Dr Wu Intensive Acnecur Spot Treatment actually smells and feels quite good. It is a colourless gel like treatment. It takes a longer time than the Etude House AC Clinic Intensive Pink Powder Treatment to clear blemishes but it does a pretty good job in clearing up both the blemish and the scar.

My verdict

For a quick treatment, I recommend the Etude House AC Clinic Intensive Pink Powder Treatment. Once the acne is under control (i.e. dried up), I recommend using Dr Wu Intensive Acnecur Spot Treatment. Personally, I am not a fan of the smell from Etude House Intensive Pink Powder treatment. I will use it only if I have to since I don't like the smell to linger on my pillow and bed. Dr Wu Intensive Acnecur Spot Treatment does a pretty good job in removing acne scars which is a high plus for me.

Product Review - PeterThomasRoth Mega-Rich Body Lotion (Part of the Mega-Rich kit)

I stayed at the Hilton Hotel and it provided PeterThomasRoth's mega-rich kit in the bathroom!

This product review is on PeterThomasRoth (PTR) Mega Rich Body Lotion - the one in white. It is my favourite in the Mega Rich kit.

What is it? 

The PTR Mega Rich body lotion is a luxurious body lotion that is rich with Vitamins C, E and Pro Vitamin B5 for soft smooth, nourished and moisturized skin.

My experience

The Mega Rich Body Lotion has a relatively light texture, feels a little sticky after initial application but the stickiness goes away quickly and my skin feels soft, hydrated and  really smooth. It also has a lingering light floral scent.

My verdict 

Although this is a body lotion, the floral scent is a bit too overpowering for me to be used all over the body. However, I like it as a hand lotion as it really makes my hands feel smooth, soft and hydrated instantly. Personally, I like the 1 fl oz/ 30 ml version in the kit as it is handy enough to be carried in a bag or placed near my notebook for regular application. Sephora sells the bigger version - 2.5 fl oz / 250 ml body lotion online for C$18. I will consider getting that after I finish the 4 tubes that I have from Hilton or just stay at Hilton again on my next trip. :)

Store Review: Victoria's Secret Grand Opening in Vancouver - Most beautiful Retail Store in Vancouver!

This may not exactly be a beauty and health topic but I am so excited about this that I just want to share this with everyone anyway.

Today is the GRAND OPENING of the Victoria's Secret's Flagship store in Vancouver. FINALLY! Waited forever for Victoria's Secret to come to Vancouver. Have been counting down the days since the renovation started months ago. It was supposed to open in early summer but it finally opened on 27 Aug 2013! :)

The side entrance on Robson Street. Closed for today

Vancouver Sun reported there were more than 400 people in the line before the store opened. When I went there during lunch time and there was still a long queue, checked with one of the ladies in the queue and she said that it took her 20 mins to get near the entrance, so I joined in the queue.

Reporter on site. Guess this is a newsworthy event!

After standing in line for 20 mins (had a hotdog and made a new friend in the line), I was wowed by the store.

This was where I started

20 mins later - I was finally near the main Entrance on Burrad St

It was the most beautiful Victoria's Secret Store that I had been to. Visited stores in Toronto, Singapore, San Francisco. It just makes you want to visit the store again, stay there and try out the sexy lingeries, workout gear and the fragrances. It definitely deserves the title of the Most Beautiful Retail Store in Vancouver. :)

The grand staircase with beautiful LCD display behind it

The Lingerie Collection

Beautiful Display

Bright and neat 

Display showing Victoria's Secret Runway Show

Central display at the Entrance

PINK and Victoria's Secret Workout Gear are downstairs

Beautiful Display at the Entrance

Besides the usual fragrances and lingerie, there was a huge collection of workout gears - sports bra, yoga pants, cycling pants etc! Beautiful and reasonably priced! Aritzia and Lululemon are in for some tough competition in town! Is that why Aritzia is having a sale at Canada Place for the week? I wonder what Lululemon is going to do. I love competition in the retail industry! It means more SALES!!!

It was a pity that the lines at the fitting room and checkouts were incredibly long too. I just didn't have enough time to try or buy anything. Look forward to my next trip to Victoria's Secret!

One last look before I head back to work. Will be back soon!

Product Review: H2O+ SPA Targeted Care Softening Mint Foot Rub -Soothes and softens tired feet

While I was at the H2O+ store, I also bought the SPA Targeted Care Softening Mint Foot Rub. It normally retails for C$17+ tax, but I bought it for an additional C$10 together with the purchase of my favourite H2O+ Face Oasis.

What is it? 

According to the description on the tube, the H2O+ Softening Mint Foot Rub is made of cooling mint and marine extracts that rapidly smooth awat dryness.

• Peppermint oil and menthol instantly soothe tired feet with a cooling sensation
• Salicylic and lactic acid gently sloughs away dull surface cells for a smooth texture and revitalized tone
• Shea butter and hydrating marine botanicals help to deeplyy moisturize and protect

My Experience

Unlike the H2O+ Hand and Nail Cream, the H2O+ Softening Mint Foot Rub is very rich and creamy. Since it is a foot rub, I gave my feet a 2 minute rub before I put on a pair of socks for an hour. I love the refreshing and cooling sensation for the entire hour, especially for tired feet. After an hour (or more if you have the time, overnight is the BEST!), my feet feel smooth and revitalized!


My Verdict

I love the H2O+ Softening Mint Foot Rub especially if I have been on my feet for more than 2 hours (walking, shopping, doing sports). Refreshing and Revitalizing! Definitely a buy if it's available for an additional C$10 with purchase!

PS: I don't recommend using the Foot Rub on the hands because it feels too sticky, in fact, I wash my hands after the foot rub as I do not like the feeling. Plus, if you accidentally rub your eye, it will sting real bad!

Update:

H2O+ store has closed in Vancouver. I guess if you did not get a chance to grab some of the Foot Rub, a simple and effective way to moisturize your feet is just using Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Check out my blog on using Extra Virgin Olive Oil for moisturizing feet.

7 reasons why you should replace petroleum-based makeup with mineral makeup

Why use Mineral Make-Up?

1. Does not clog pores
2. Hydrating
3. Soothing
4. Anti-bacterial
5. Protective 
6. Longer shelf life (inert and in powder form)
7. More water resistant (rain, humid summer and tears)

It is really what mineral-based make up lacks that makes them so good for the skin.
The best-selling mineral make-up brand, Bare Escentuals, claims that their make-up is so good for the skin, you can actually sleep in it! Tempting idea but I will test that on one of the days when I am absolutely tired!

What is Mineral Make-Up?

Mineral make-up is made from minerals ground into an ultra-fine powder. Different cosmetic companies have different recipes, but most formulas contain the following: 

• Titanium dioxide (natural anti-inflammatory and natural sunscreen)
• Zinc oxide (natural anti-inflammatory)
• Pure pigments (natural colour)
• Mica (smooth texture and glow)
• Clay (creamy texture and natural oil absorption) 
• Rice starch (natural emollient and anti-inflammatory)

What  most Mineral make up does not contain: 

• Artificial colours
• Oils
• Perfumes
• Preservatives

Mineral makeup comes in powder form and acts as multiple products in one (foundation, concealer and powder and many brands contain enough SPF to replace daily sunscreen application). There are also mineral-based eye shadows  blushes, glosses, lipsticks and mascara which share the benefits of the more-common foundation/powder products, but these types of products may contain other ingredients (particularly "wet" products such as lipsticks and mascara) such as oils, waxes and colour. Be sure to check a product's ingredient information if you're concerned about the use of animal by-products or possible skin-irritating ingredients.


My personal experience
After trying Bare Escentuals BareMineral foundation for a week, I agree that it is more gentle on my skin than regular make up. My face does not feel oily or dry at the end of the day. In fact, it feels so natural that I am motivated to apply it every day. The suncreen portion seems to work better than my Clarin's sunscreen. I do not totally agree that it does not clog pores at all but my skin can definitely breathe much better compared to using normal make up or even the Clarin's sunscreen! I still feel the need to use my Thomas Roth Clinical Peel at least once a week. Just to prevent a build up of clogged pores. 

Product Review - Bare Escentual BareMinerals Try. Believe. Love. 6 Piece Starter Kit (mineral foundation)

Today I am going to review the Bare Mineral Make up which I bought from Sephora and used for about one week.

What is it?

The Starter Kit contains the following items: 

• Original SPF 15 Foundation (size:small)
• Matte SPF Foundation (size:small)
• Mineral Veil Finishing Powder (size:small)
• SPF Concealer in summer Bisque (size: petitie)
• Mini Full Flawless Face Brush
• Mini Concealer Brush

This is Bare Escentual's introductory kit to its BEST seller - Bare Minerals. 

These exclusive formula made up of 100% pure minerals provide the look for beautiful bare skin, while giving flawless coverage without any harsh chemicals. 

How much and where?

The Starter kit usually retails @ US$20 from Bare Escentual's website. I got mine at one of Sephora's VIB sales for US$10 as Sephora Canada store does not carry the Starter kit. Sephora Canada carries the bigger full size starter kits (retailing for C$61)

How to use it? 

• Tap the concealer summer bisque lightly to place some of the powder on its cover. Use the concealer brush to pick up the powder and tap off excess powder. Apply on imperfections on face
• Tap the original or matte foundation to place some of the powder on its cover. Use the mini flawless brush to pick up the powder in circular motion and tap off excess powder. Apply on on face by moving the brush lightly in circular motion.
• Apply eye make up and blush
• Tap the mineral veil to place some powder on its cover. Use the mini flawless brush to pick up the powder in circular motion and tap off excess powder. Apply on face by moving brush lightly in circular motion
• Finish off with lipstick

My Experience

I love how easy it is to use the concealer, foundation and mineral veil. It is quick and I don't need a lot of skills to get a close to flawless skin without looking made up (especially if I put on light make up). Just close to perfect, healthy looking skin after less than 5 mins. The foundation is powder based but yet it does not feel dry or cakey even after an entire day. The best part is that because it is so light, it is very easy to remove. I usually get some clogged pores and some breakouts after a week of regular make up but I must say that I have not gotten any of those after one week. 

My Verdict

I definitely highly recommend BareMinerals to those who like simple, light and natural make up. It's quick and easy for someone who does not want to wake up a whole lot earlier just to put on make up before work. I have combination skin and it definitely works for me. The effect is so rewarding that I am motivated to use it every day.

DIY Beauty from the Kitchen: Costco's Kirkland Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) as a hair mask

After a successful experiment with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) as a lips, hands and feet moisturizer, I decided to try it on my hair as a hair mask. Did some research and tested it out last night.

My experience

I used 1 teaspoon of EVOO. I know most sites recommend 3-5 tablespoon of EVOO, but 1 teaspoon is plenty for my slightly longer than shoulder length hair.

First, I rubbed the EVOO on my palms to create some heat before applying it on my dry hair (before shampoo). I applyed the EVOO on the ends first before the rest of the hair. I did a little scalp message at the end to finish up all the EVOO on my hands. After that, I put on a plastic shower cap and watched a movie at home for the next 1.5 hours. I shampooed and conditioned as usual during my shower.

The whole process was fine except for the 1.5 hour shower cap portion. I was using one of those free shower caps from hotels and after 30 mins, it was beginning to irritate me and I have to adjust it few minutes. I will definitely buy a better shower cap for a better experience.

My verdict

After the surprise result from my earlier EVOO experience, I was definitely expecting more. I do not know if my hair was already in a great shape after the Nexxus and Biosilk shampoo and conditioner set or if the EVOO hair mask did not have any impact. My hair felt the same as they did the day before. The only difference I could see is that my hair seems to have more shine. If you want soft and silky hair, an easier way is to use the Biosilk shampoo and conditioner set but if you want more shine, try the EVOO hair mask.

DIY Beauty from the Kitchen: Costco's Kirkland Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) as a moisturizer for Lips, Hands and Feet

My lips were quite chapped recently because I have forgotten to apply lip balm with SPF. I was feeling quite uncomfortable but my favourite Josie Maran's Argan oil ran out and I was hoping to wait till the next Sephora VIB Sale to replenish my supply. I was in the kitchen when I saw the almost full 1.5L bottle of organic extra virgin olive oil that I bought from Costco some time ago. I wonder if this would work on my chapped lips. I didn't have much to lose so I gave it a try.

My experience

I poured a teaspoon of the extra virgin oil and applied the oil with clean finger on my lips. Since I had plenty of oil remaining, I applied some on my hands (still too much left) and I thought what the heck, might as well apply on my feet as well as knees and elbows. After a quick massage for my hands and feet, I wore a pair of white gloves from Body Shop and a pair of sports socks.


My verdict

Amazing. Seriously. My lips feel very moisturized. As a matter of fact, I think it worked just as well as Joise Maran's Argan Oil! It really didn't smell bad at all. Since it's extra virgin oil, it is even healthy if I lick it off my lips. After an hour, my hands feel moisturized, soft and hydrated. No sticky feeling at all. My nails feel quite hard. Hmm... Elbows and knees are nice and smooth. My feet feels light and smooth! Wow! I only used l teaspoon of extra virgin oil to get this. This is seriously true value for money. 100% pure with no addictives. The 1.5 L of Extra Virgin Oil was less than C$10 at Costco. Compare that with C$58 + tax for a small 50ml bottle of Joise Maran's Argan Oil . Less than $0.01/ml for extra virgin oil vs $$1.16/ml for Joise Maran's Argan Oil.

I wonder why it took me so long to try the extra virgin oil Time to get some small nice bottles to put the extra virgin oil in my bathroom.

Product Review - Biosilk Silk Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner (from Costco)

Visited Costco last weekend and bought a set of Biosilk Silk Therapy shampoo and conditioner. The words "Silk Therapy" caught my attention. Honestly, I am still quite happy with the Nexxus Shampoo and Conditioner set I bought about a month ago from Costco but using the same shampoo and conditioner every day is kinda boring so I bought the Biosilk Shampoo and Conditioner. The two 34 Fl Oz (1006 ml) shampoo and conditioner were around C$30 + tax. C$10 cheaper than the Nexxus Shampoo and Conditioner set. Worth a try.

My experience

One of the most important thing to me for a shampoo is the smell. The Biosilk Silk Therapy Shampoo has a light floral scents since it is made of botanical extracts and herbs. Definitely smells better than the bubble gum smell for Nexxus Shampoo and the tropical smell for Marc Anthony's Macadamia Oil Shampoo. It has a nice transparent texture, bubbles up quite well though it does not feel as luxurious as the creamy Nexxus Shampoo. My hair definitely feels nice and smooth after shampooing. 

The silk therapy conditioner has a similar floral but has a creamy texture. It feels good upon application. Again, it does not feel as luxurious as the Nexxus conditioner but it smells nicer. 

It is relatively easy to comb and blow my hair after conditioner. 

My user experience can defintiely be improved with better packaging. The shampoo/conditioner container is rather huge (34 fl oz/1006 ml) so it is not as easy to pick up with wet and slippery hands in the shower. For that, I prefer the convenience of Nexxus Shampoo and Conditioner pump design. 

My verdict

I like the Biosilk Silk Therapy shampoo and conditioner set. My hair still feels light and silky after more than 12 hours. 

If I were to rank the 3 sets of shampoos and conditioner that I bought from Costco recently, it would be no. 2. My favourite is still the Nexxus Shampoo and Conditioner set. If you are getting only one set of Shampoo and Conditioner from Costco, I highly recommend the Nexxus combo. If that is not available or if you are looking for something cheaper, the Biosilk Silk Therapy will be a good alternative. 

Updates on 20 July 2013

I LOVE the Biosilk Therapy shampoo and conditioner set. My hair is super soft and silky after using the set for 3 days. It is currently my favourite shampoo and conditioner set in my bathroom. 

Product Review: Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot (Pimple/Acne treatment)

I was super happy a week ago when I received a package from my sister. She was raving about a miraculous pimple/acne treatment - Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot! She claimed that the pink powder spot was able to cure pimples that were about to come out when she applied the treatment to them overnight. Needless to say, I was looking forward to the package since the product is not sold in Vancouver. It is retailing at US$15 on www.amazon.com.

What is it?

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot is a pimple/acne treatment. It comes in a package that includes the AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot (an over night treatment), the AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Water (a day treatment) and Q-tips for application.

I wish I could tell you what the ingredients are but I could not read Korean and so I have no idea. I read from some other blog reviews on the product and they mentioned that the ingredients include salicyclic acid and sulphur powder. Quite possible but I don't know for sure and I am not unable to find the ingredient list from Etude's official website.


Directions

Pink Powder Spot (Night Treatment)

• Do not shake before application 
• Dip the Q-tip into the powder portion of the solution
• Apply on acne/pimples
• Let the pink solution dry before you go to bed (to avoid staining your pillows)

Pink Powder Water (Day treatment)

• Shake the Pink Powder Water (Day treatment)
• Dip the Q-tip into the solution
• Apply on acne/pimples
• Blend the white solution into skin before applying make up

My Experience

The night treatment is pink. Upon application of the Pink Powder Spot, my face feels nice and cooling. It feels and smells like calamine lotion (solution used to prevent itch when you have chicken pox or itch of any sort).

The  day treatment is white. It doesn't feel as nice and cooling as the night treatment but it definitely doesn't feel sticky like most pimple creams.

The treatment is MOST effective for spots that are just about to come out. The ones that you can feel the bump but cannot see the pimples yet. It seems to sooth the redness and nip problem in the bud. For pimples that are already full blown, it takes about 3-4 days before the pimples disappear completely. Still impressive compared to my current pimple cream (which takes at least 7 days). I can definitely see significant improvements day by day.

My Verdict

I am absolutely impressed with the effectiveness of the Pink Powder Spot! It is effective not just the pimples but also on lightening pimple scars. I have tried other pimple creams before but this is the most effective one I have tried. Even though it is just a small 5 ml bottle, I only used 1 Q-tip per day so the small bottle is probably enough to last for at least 6 months.

No worries for any important interviews or meetings that normally cause breakouts since the Pink Powder Spot can literally erase the spot overnight if spotted early. This is definitely my go to pimple solution from now on!



Useful links:

What causes adult acne and how to prevent it
Dr Wu Intensive Acnecure spot treatment with BHA

Product Review: H2O+ SPA Targeted Care - Hand and Nail Cream - Richly Moisturizes and Protects

I bought the travel size  (60ml/2 US Fl Oz size) H2O+ SPA Targeted Care Hand and Nail Cream for just C$5 + tax when I bought my H2O+ Face Oasis Moisturizer at the H2O+ store along Robson Street in Vancouver.

What is it? 

According to the tube, the H2O+ Hand and Nail Cream is a beauty editor's favourite and best seller. The fresh scented formula leaves hands silky in seconds.

• Emollient shea butter and Provitamin B5 melt into the skin for instant softness
• Hydrating wakame, sea fennel and sea lettuce deliver mineral-rich moisture
• Silk protein and Vitamin E promotes strong nails and healthy cuticles

My Experience

The H2O+ Hand and Nail Cream is indeed a pleasant surprise. It has a pleasant light floral scent and it is indeed through that within seconds from application, the cream is fully absorbed and my hands feel instantly hydrated and silky. None of that sticky feeling you get from some hand creams.

Verdict

Defintely a buy from $5! It is something you would want to leave in your bag, by your work desk, the sink or bedside. It instantly hydrates and leaves a light refreshing scent that will linger as you work on the computer (refreshing your keyboard at the same time!) or your hair as your run your fingers through them. I love it! 

Product Review: Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

I just finished using my Philosophy Purity Made Simple One -step Facial Cleanser and thought it would be the perfect time to do a product review.

What is it? 

Philosphy Purity Made Simple is a one-step facial cleanser that removes dirt and make-up for not just your face but also your eye make up. It is 3-in-1, i.e. you don't need to use toner and moisturizer after that if you are too tired. It is an award winning daily facial cleanser that contains infusions of sage, chamomile and carrot. 

My experience

I love the smell of the Purity cleanser. It is very refreshing.  I use the Biotherm Aquatrio in mornings but I use Philosophy Purity as a daily facial cleanser in the evenings. The purity cleanser is more effective in removing my Clarin's UV Plus HP suncreen as well as light make- up for both face and eyes than my Biotherm cleanser. When I use it to remove make up, I usually use a toner just to check that I have cleansed my face well and I am pleased to say that Purity has been quite effective in removing all my make up. I still use the Biotherm Aquasource moisturizer after the purity cleanser because my face feels a little tight and dry if I do not use any moisturizer after that. 

Verdict

I bought my current 8 oz bottle of Purity from Sephora, my next bottle of Purity will be the biggest one I can find at Sephora. Definitely a buy as a daily facial cleanser/make-up remover . It really makes removing light make up an ease without the need to use different cleansing products. I would not call it a One-step Facial cleanser unless what Philosophy means is that there is no need for a separate eye make up remover. I can skip the toner part but I do need to put on moisturizer after using the cleanser.   

Shokubutsu Body Foam - Whitening with Sakura Leaf & Evening Primrose - a heavenly shower experience!

I was extremely delighted when I found the Shokubutsu Body Foam at BeBeauty, T&T Supermarket at Metrotown. I had been using Shokubtusu for years before moving to Vancouver. I could not find it until now.


My favourite Shokubutsu Body Foam is the pink one - the one with Sakura Leaf & Evening Primrose.  It has a light floral scent, personally, my favourite scent among all the other Shokubutsu body foams.

Besides the pleasant scent, the foam is rich and provides a heavenly shower experience. It is a wonderful way to start and end my day. It leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized.I definitely recommend that you give it a try!

Product Review - Nexxus Therappe Shampoo and Humectress Conditioner from Costco

I went to Costco two days ago and I could not resist buying Nexxus Salon Hair Care Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo and Nexxus Salon Hair Care Humectress Ultimate Moisture Conditioner. The Nexxus shampoo (1.3l) and conditioner (1.3l)combo was the most expensive shampoo and conditioner set  sold at Richmond's Costco @ C$39.99 + tax  The world "Salon" caught my attention and I was really curious if the shampoo and conditioner are better than that the cheaper Marc Anothony's Shampoo, Conditioner and treatment set @ C$19.99 + tax that I bought about 2 months ago.

First about the shampoo. The full name is a mouthful - Therappe Luxurious Hydrating Shampoo. It is formulated with Rosemary, Chamomile and Nettle to gently cleanse nourished, healthy-looking hair. The conditioner - Humectress Ultimate Hydrating Conditioner, specially formulated with Vitamin E, Coconut Oil, and Honey Extract to provide nourishing moisture, leaving hair luxuriously soft, manageable and full of lustre.

Unlike the March Anthony's Shampoo which is sulfate free, the Nexxus Therappe contains sodium laureth sulfate. So, if you have sensitive scalp, dyed hair, oily hair and skin and issues with eczema, this is may not be something you want to try.

My experience  

First, I am surprised by the smell. It smells like a sweet chewing gum with a bit of a tropical twist. It is not exactly a smell that I was expecting. It does smell better than the Marc Anthony's Macadamia oil shampoo but not a whole lot better. It lathers very well, thanks to the sulfate. It does feel luxurious with all the suds. It rinses off nicely. The conditioner smells much better (thank goodness!). It smells sweet like honey. Overall, my hair does feel softer and more manageable. I am not so sure about the full of lustre part. 

Verdict

If you don't mind paying C$39.99 for the pair (since there are cheaper options at Costco), the Nexxus Therappe and Humectress are pretty luxurious salon quality shampoo and conditioner. My husband loves it. Just a side note, even though sulfate is supposed to be bad for hair follicle, both my husband and I noticed that we were having less hair loss after we started using the Nexxus Therappe and Humectress combo. It is definitely worth a buy!

Updates on 27 Jun 2013

Absence makes the heart fonder. I never thought that I would miss the Nexxuss shampoo and conditioner combo so much. I was away to Las Vegas for 5 days and my hair felt so dry and unmanageable after using the hotel shampoo and conditioner and being out in the hot and dry weather for 5 days! I was so happy to be able to wash and condition my hair with Nexxuss at home last night. My hair felt so much smooth and softer. 1 more week of use and my hair should return to the pre-Las Vegas silky soft condition. :)

  

Product Review - Biotherm Aquasource part of the aquaTRIO - Your 3-step deep hydration routine

Biotherm's Aquasource - 48h deep hydration replenishing gel is another one of my favourite moisturizers. I have used Biotherm's Aquasource a few years ago but stopped using it for a couple of years because the gel for Normal/combination skin was frequently sold out. It was with pure luck that I walked past the Biotherm counter at the Bay in Metrotown last week and it was selling the aquaTrio  gift set for C$45 + tax (Total value of gift set is $63; the Aquasource itself was sold for C$45 + tax!)


The Biotherm aquaTrio gift set consists of the Biosource hydra mineral cleanser, the Biosource toning lotion and Aquasource (the star moisturizing gel!). I don't normally go out of my way to get the cleanser or the toner but since the price of the aquaTrio gift set is the same as that of the Aquasource, why not?

With the aquaTrio, you can cleans, tonify and hydrate (the 3 essential daily steps) for a healthy, comfortable and radiant skin.

According to gift box, the 3 step deep hydration includes:

1. Cleanse with the hydra-mineral tonifying mousse Biosource enriched with balancing zinc. Cleanses and tones without drying skin out. Skin is instantly purified and balanced. From 7 days, it radiates with a healthy glow.

2. Tonify with the tonifying instant hydration lotion Biosource, enriched with Aquatoril, Mannose and thermal plankton cellular water for instant moisture. Impurities are visibly eliminated, skin is hydrated and prepared for Aquasource. The toner does not contain any alcohol, so the skin does feel quite hydrated.

3. Hydrate deeply with the replenishing gel Aquasource (the STAR product!) for a deep hydration on several cellular layers. Thanks to the association of thermal plankton cellular water and Mannose in a gel texture, 48 hour lastingly hydrated skin, plump feel and silky comfort all day long. I use the gel twice every day, so I cannot tell if it last for 48 hours but my face does not feel dry at all throughout the day.

My aquaTrio Experience

The cleanser is nice and gentle, my skin does not tight or dry after wash.  It has a nice mild scent.This is the 4th day I am using it but no "healthy glow" yet. The toner does not contain alcohol and the skin feels quite clean (especially after I see some "dirt" on the cotton pad) and hydrated. The aquasource (the moisturiser) is more like an emulsion than a gel (compared to H2O+ Face Oasis). It is more creamy in texture but feels light and super hydrating. I have no outbreak from this gel and its mild scent is refreshing. According to Biotherm's site, the fragrance is a refreshing mint and citrus fruits combined with Jasmine and Musk. I certainly could not describe the scent from smelling it.

My Verdict

The aquaTrio set is definitely worth getting. The products are great and it is definitely value for money! I will be going down to my nearest Bay outlet and stocking up on the set. Do note that the products last for 12 months once they are opened.

Updates on 14 July 2013

Just want to update that after using the Aquasource for slightly more than a month, I would not recommend using it every day together with the Clarins HP Sunscreen. I noticed that the combination has started clogging my pores and I am beginning to see some breakouts forming. I just switched back to the H2O+ Face Oasis last night and my face feels so much lighter and fresher.

The Aquasource is probably more suitable to be used on its own (without the sunscreen) or used once a week at night during summer where sunscreen is a must during the day.

Product Review: Clarins UV PLUS HP Day SunScreen High Protection Emulsion SPF 40 Oil-free (100% Mineral screen)

The official date for summer is 21 June 2013. However, it definitely feels like summer is finally here in Vancouver as we enjoy more than 15 hours of sunshine from 6 am (maybe even 5 am, I don't know since I am still asleep) to 9:30 pm. Before I go crazy soaking myself in the sun, I have to remind myself to put on sunscreen. The cool breeze tend to make me forget how intense the sun is on a day with clear blue sky.

I just bought Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection SPF 40 Oil Free sunscreen from Sephora yesterday after I noticed a layer of rosy and tanned skin on my cheeks after I removed my sunglasses. It was C$40 + tax.

Here are some information on Clarins Sunscreen:

It's a tiny white bottle (50ml/ 1.7 Fl Oz). C$40 sounds pretty expensive for such a small bottle. Honestly, you can probably get a Banana Boat or Neutrogena suncreen or even sunblock for twice the size for less than C$20! I was a little hesitant about getting it but since it is one of Sephora's favourite sunscreen and it has was almost a 5-star rating on Sephora's review, I decided to give it a go since I don't want to risk getting freckles etc on my face.

Just like everybody else mentioned, you don't need a lot. It's an emulsion. I literally used 2 drops on my whole face. I think that is definitely less than 0.5 ml per drop. I can easily use this for at least 3 months! It doesn't sound so bad after all.

According to Clarins, the Day Screen offers a high protection against UV rays, from an ultra-lightweight texture that leaves skin looking smooth, soft and matte. 100% mineral screen. Apply over regular day care. It is also allergy and ophthalmologist tested, non comedogenic.

I tried it today. True enough, it's super light and my face feels smooth and matte after application. After almost 8 hours, my face still feels matte. That is truly amazing. My face didn't feel dry or sticky. It is matte even after 8 hours.

Verdict:

This is definitely a SCREAMING BUY! If you have not found a good sunscreen for your face, give it a try! Chances are you will love it from the first application!

Product Review: Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Peel & Reveal Dermal Resurfacer 100 ML/ 3.4 FL Oz

I bought the Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Peel & Reveal Dermal Resurfacer (It's a mouthful, so I will just call it Clincal Peel & Reveal from now on) from Sephora during the last VIB sale. It usually retails for C$58 + tax.

I picked this up from the store out of the many possible scrubs and peels because I remembered my sis was raving about Peter Thomas Roth. To be honest, I bought it because I thought it was a product that my sis was telling me about. It was the right brand but not the product my sis was raving about. Pretty embarrassing right? But I did a quick search on internet and the reviews are quite good so I thought, why don't I just try it? If it does not work out, I can still return it to Sephora. 

What is the Clinical Peel & Reveal? 

It is a three-in-one anti-aging resurfacer:

• peel with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
• exfoliate with pumpkin enzyme
• polish with aluminium oxide

Why the Clinical Peel & Reveal? 

To reveal smoother, younger looking, radiant and revitalized skin. The triple action dermal resurfacer helps even out skin tone, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and clarify skin. It addresses dull, aging and congested complexion by peeling, exfoliating and polishing. 

How to use the Clinical Peel & Reveal?

Massage onto wet skin, leave on 3-7 minutes and let the AHAs and enzymes work. Rinse thoroughly. It mentioned used as needed but I think using once a week would be more appropriate.

My Experience with the Clinical Peel & Reveal

If you have read my earlier product reviews, you would have realized that the smell of a product is a big thing for me. the Clinical Peel & Reveal smells delicious! Yes, you read correctly. It smells like a yummy dessert, so applying it on the face for 3-7 minutes is a very pleasant experience. On top of that, the texture is very fine, so I enjoyed the massage portion too. 

Once it is rinsed off, the effect on the skin is immediate! My skin feels smooth (and I could not stop touching it!). 

I used less than a dime size (1 ml) on my face so I don't think I can finish it within 12 months (assuming I use it once a year). Even though it seems pretty pricey @ $58, one tube is all I need for an entire year. I will prob use it on my hands, back and foot if I still have half the tube by the 10th month. 

I am not able to comment on its effectiveness to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles but my skin definitely feels and looks clarified. 

Verdict

I definitely recommend the Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Peel & Reveal Dermal Resurfacer! This is definitely worth it not just for clarifying your skin but also for the enjoyable experience!

What is Exfoliation and is it necessary to exfoliate?

I have been taught that to have beautiful skin, I need wash, tone and moisturize my face twice a day (once in the morning and once at night before I sleep). There are more to the beauty routine than this and one important step is exfoliation.

What is Skin Exfoliation?
It is basically the removal of dry and flaky surface skin.

When to Exfoliate? 
I exfoliate when my face feels rough and when I noticed that my pores are clogged. However, do note that you should not do that more than once a week. If your face becomes red and feels irritated, you have exfoliated too much.

Why Exfoliate? 
It feels good (the skin feels smooth and clean) and it resolves the following skin issues:

• Blemished Skin
• Remove dry skin which build up acts as barriers to trap oil in the skin and causes possible breakouts
• Acne scars
• Remove the skin on the dark marks and encourage the formation of new healthy skin
• Clogged Pores
• Remove dry skin, blackheads, whiteheads and little clogged bumps on the skin, usually of foreheads.
• Hyper pigmentation
• Breakup pigmented cells and help in the fading process
• Dry Skin
• Remove dry skin so that moisturizers can be more effective 
• Rough Skin
• Remove dry skin to make the skin smoother

A good analogy for exfoliation would be super-cleaning up your skin once in a while (once a week/month) to remove dry skin, whiteheads and blackheads which cannot be removed by just washing your face. Make exfoliation a part of your weekly or monthly beauty routine today!

Personal updates on August 18, 2013: 

I have been using my Thomas Roth Clinical Peel religiously every week for more than 1 month now and I must say that I have less clogged pores, my skin is definitely much smoother and my acne scars less prevalent. I also seem to have less of those huge breakouts! Exfoliating weekly is definitely paying off!

Personal updates on Sep 26, 2014: 

Read online about home-made scrubs and found one really simple one - Honey and Brown Sugar Scrub. It works really well and it is preservative free and really cheap.

Product Review: Scentuals Pure Moroccan Argan Oil (Certified Organic and 100% Natural) - Is the cheaper Argan oil sold by drug store the same as Josie Maran's Argan Oil?

I love Joise Maran's Argan Oil but the price is quite steep compared to other argan oils available in the market.  I bought a 50 ml (1.7 oz)  Josie Maran Argan Oil costs C$58+ Tax @ Sephora while I bought a 30 ml bottle of Scentuals Pure Moroccan Argan Oil costs C$12.99 + Tax @ Price Smart.

Considering that both are 100% pure argan oil, the Scentuals Pure Moroccan Argan Oil sounds like a true winner. It is half the price! I was pretty pleased with myself. 

I was quite keen to try it out. Below are the differences between Josie Maran's (JM) Argan Oil and Scentuals (S) Pure Argan Oil:

1. Bottle design 

JM's bottle is definitely better. It has a dropper which makes it easier to extract a few drops of argan oil compared to S's bottle which I have to pour out. It is harder to control the amount that I need. I definitely end up wasting more argan oil with this bottle design. It can be pretty frustrating to get the first few drops out initially. I usually end up getting more argan oil than I need. 

A simple solution is to just buy a bottle with a dropper (which will be less than C$5) and pour the S's oil into the new bottle. Still a considerable savings!

2. Smell

Since both are 100% argan oil, I expect both to have similar smell but NO! JM has no smell but S Argan Oil has a pretty strong synthetic oil smell. It really makes me wonder if they are the same thing. As you can imagine, I cannot bring myself to put the S Argan oil on my face at all! It is that bad for me. I am not sure if the bottle I bought was a lemon but I have no intention of buying another one to try. 

3. Texture

The smell may affect my subsequent judgement but I felt that texture of the two oil are slightly different too. JM argan oil seems to have more body and S argan oil seems little more flat. It may be due to the bottle design. S argan oil certainly feels more watery than JM's.

4. Effectiveness

I did not use S's argan oil on my face since I didn't like smell. I used both argan oil on my hand. Both provided instant hydration. JM argan oil feels hydrated and light. It does not leave any sticky feeling after a minute. However, S argan oil still feels hydrated but heavy. my hand still feels sticky after 5 mins. 

Verdict

Despite the cheaper price, I will definitely buy the JM Argan oil. Even though both are essentially the same argan oil, they do not feel, smell the same. Although both are hydrating, the user experience is so much more pleasant with JM Argan oil. Let me know if you find any other cheaper argan oil than JM Argan oil and gives the same luxurious user experience. 

Product Review - Josie Maran Argan Oil, Is it better than the other Argan Oil?

I have used the Josie Maran Argan Oil from Sephora for nearly a year now. I was so excited about it during the first 2 months that I was practically telling all my friends about it. It is THAT amazing.

For those who are new Argan Oil, here is a pretty good description on what it is on the Sephora's site:


What it is:
A lightweight oil that can be used as a daily moisturizer or treatment for skin, hair, and nails.

What it does:
This 100% Pure Argan Oil is a legendary oil that's rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and grown organically in Morocco. With its multitasking benefits, Argan Oil can be used for many areas including hydrating and nourishing skin, as a daily moisturizer, skin treatment, treating spilt ends, and softening cuticles. It's gentle enough to use on all skin types and is believed to help with skin conditions including acne. Argan Oil easily absorbs into skin to give you a youthful, dewy glow, and has astonishing healing, conditioning, and antiaging properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalized and to keep you looking beautiful from head to toe.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
100% Pure Argan Oil is first cold pressed to ensure the best quality, highest-grade oil. It is housed in a recyclable glass bottle and purchased from women's cooperatives in Morocco to support their social and economic welfare. These cooperatives work within a UNESCO biosphere reserve that ensures the protection and reforestation of Argan trees.

If you want a 100% natural product with no addictives and other chemicals, THIS is IT!

It is essentially a bottle of miracle that you can use practically from head to toe. I love it especially as a lip & hair moisturizer during the winter months.

Just like many others, I have a concern if the oil will cause breakouts. During my first few weeks of using it, it did not cause any breakouts, but subsequently, I had some breakouts. I am not sure if they are because of argan oil but I would recommend to use it sparingly on the face and apply it to wet face. Now, I use it on my face, once a week instead of twice a day like I used to.

The other question I had is if Josie Maran Argan Oil is better than the other Argan oil since it is a lot more expensive than those available in drug store. I have tried 2 other brands of cheaper Argan Oil from drug stores. I could not even bring myself to continue using them after trying it a few times. Somehow, they just lack the elegance and have a somewhat oily smell. I am not sure if the bottles I bought are bad or that they are generally not of the same grade as those at Josie Maran.

I highly recommend Josie Maran Argan Oil at Sephora even if the price is higher. The quality is definitely worth it. :)

Product Review - Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

You may have heard that it is not the best idea to shampoo your hair every day. Apparently, shampooing every day removes the natural oil produced by the scalp and in turn makes your scalp more active and hence makes the hair more oily.

I used to wash my hair every alternate days when I was young but I started washing my hair every day since I was a teenager because I was playing sports actively. The habit continues to adult life even though I led a much more sedentary life now. My scalp is way too oily to be washed on alternate days. 

It is with this intention that I set out to look for a dry shampoo. I searched on the internet and the stores and ended up buying the Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk at Shoppers Drug Mart.

According to Klorane's website:

This product allow you to clean your hair without getting it wet. Practical and quick to use. It is ideal for people with little time and therefore unable to wash their hair. It owes its cleaning properties to an original combination of highly absorbent agents that act as truly effective sponges to soak up dirt or sebum on scalp. Hair volume and bounce is restored in just a few minutes. It is hypoallergenic.

Oat milk is used in KLORANE hair products for its softening properties.

From my experience, it is definitely easy to use. It is an aerosol spray so it is easy to distribute the dry shampoo quickly on my scalp. It smells good too. My long hair is cleaned within 5  mins.  I certainly agree that hair volume and bounce is restored in minutes. It takes me at least 5 mins to blow dry my hair.

Would I recommend it? Definitely. It is perfect to refresh your hair in between shampoos if you do not have the time. However, it is an AEROSOL spray. Thus, if you are concern about the environment and the ozone layer, then, it is probably NOT something you would like to use frequently. Do be prepared though that the it takes a bit of practice not to get the dry shampoo all over you and the bathroom when you first try it. :)