Category Archives: Sunscreen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF50

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Ack! The sun is up again! No! I’ll sparkle ala Edward Cullen!!!!

Alas, I am human. No, I do not drink blood. But my skin takes on a vampiric mood when it comes in contact with the sun. Unfortunately, I do not sparkle. Wish I did though! That’d be so cool but anyway… I turn red as a beet and then, my skin starts to peel.

I’ve always been sun-sensitive. I recall many of my childhood days where my Mum would grab hold of me and slather Banana Boat (I think that’s what she used to buy) sunscreen all over my body (and face, the horror) before I went to school. This went on for years until my dermatologist recommended this sunscreen:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF50+

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Bottoms Up: October Empties!

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I’m taking a break from my usual Trigger-Happy Thursdays column as it’s the 1st of November (already!?) and it has been a while since I last did an empties post. July empties anyone? ;)

It isn’t every month I come up with 3 empty bottles of sunscreen so let’s get started!

 

1. Sunplay SPF60+ PA+++ Water Kids Sunscreen

First of the empties! The hopping (or maybe not) chick caught my eye and I love the yellow packaging! This product is dispensed with a spout so it’s pretty mess-free and easy to use. Also, I have been picking up kids sunscreens because I feel that if it’s great for kids it must work well for adults too. ;) The watery, fast-drying texture feels lovely on the skin.

2. Nivea Sun Kids Pocket Size Sunscreen SPF50

Another kids sunscreen! I purchased this back in the UK and enjoyed using it then. Back then, the texture was creamy but non-sticky but since using this at home, my skin felt a little uncomfortable and sticky after application and it took a while for the sunscreen to sink in. Definitely not one for humid weather!

3. Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ PA+++

I have reviewed this here and this is my second empty bottle! This product is true love, true Holy Grail and the fact that I am coming very close to having 3 empty bottles of this is a testament to how amazing this product is. I doubt I will be straying for a very long time. =)

4. SK-II Cellumination Mask-In Lotion

This is a deluxe-sized sample Mum handed over. My skin and I liked using it enough to use up a 30ml bottle over the last month. I see myself getting a full-sized bottle in the near future.

5. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

I have a teeny love-hate relationship going on with this product. Having tried it up for the first time a few years back my skin didn’t quite like it and I developed small bumps on my face after the second week of using it. Fast forward 6 years later, I find myself using this again and this time my skin seems to be taking it quite well. A 30ml sample bottle has been used up and I am going to take the plunge with a larger bottle again. At least the product wouldn’t go to waste should my skin reject this as Mum’s a fan!

6. SK-II Advance Eye Treatment Film

I spoke about it here but allow me to refresh your memory. I like the product for its light texture but due to aging (don’t you detest that word?) I’m now on the lookout for a new eye cream!

 

Pretty eventful month in terms of empties huh? What have you used up this month?

 

Review: Shiseido’s Perfect UV Perfector SPF50+ PA+++

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I never go out without sunscreen because my skin hates the sun. Should I stay under direct (not-so-direct even) sunlight for about 10 minutes sans protection you get a pudgy lobster (me, duh) whose skin will then peel over the next couple of days.

Not pretty, I promise.

Having worn sunscreen for as long as I can remember, I can safely say I know what to look for in a sunscreen, and what kind of sunscreens I like. =D

In comes Shiseido’s Perfect UV Protector! I’ve been using Kose’s Medicated Sekkisei SPF50+ for over half a year where I went through 3 bottles of it until I ran out when I was home sometime in March.

I was going to repurchase Kose’s sunscreen because it provided good enough protection and I never broke out from it but decided against repurchasing it because Mum and I were… sigh snubbed by Kose’s SA. I’ve got this bad habit (blame it on the b*tch in me) where bad customer service will put me off purchasing anything in any store regardless of how much I love the product.

Then we were walking about in Isetan KLCC’s beauty hall when a SA from Shiseido approached us and asked if we needed any help. Needless to say, I took the plunge and tried this out!

Wanna know what I think of this product? ;)

Shiseido sells quite a few different sunscreens and the Venyce, the SA kindly pointed out the different sunscreens and their varying uses which was really helpful as I just couldn’t decide on which sunscreen to choose!

I’m a huge fan of runny textured sunscreens as cream textured ones just irritate me and I detest that sticky feeling one gets when wearing thicker sunscreens.

So, it was between this and the Urban Environment Oil-Free sunscreen as they are light textured and wash off with a regular face cleanser. No double cleansing needed should you wear this without make up and this really caught my attention thanks to my sloth-like qualities. =D

I tested both products on my hands in store and I found that the Perfect UV Protector dries to a light, powdery finish whereas the Urban Environment Oil-Free sunscreen is more moisturising (read: oily) so I decided to go with the former.

Also, the RM4 price difference helped me seal the deal! You pay RM130 for the Urban Environment sunscreen where you get 30ml of product but with the Perfect UV Protector you pay RM126 fo 50ml of product. ;)

Then again, the Urban Environment sunscreen is a face sunscreen and is also a make up base whereas the Perfect UV Protector is marketed for body use, but can also be used for the face. Need I say more? I went with the cheaper and more value for money option because I’m a bit of a cheapskate like that. =p

With sunscreen, I never wear less than SPF50+ on my face when I’m out and about but am a little more slack with my body where I normally slap on either SPF30.

This Shiseido Perfect UV Protector also happens to be very water resistant but it is recommended that sunscreen is reapplied frequently especially if doing sports / swimming to ensure you get maximum protection at all times.

Me? I never bother reapplying sunscreen especially if I’m out and about and wear make up because… Who has the time to remove make up, reapply sunscreen and reapply war paint after when they’re out? Hats off to you if you actually do!

Here’s some swatches of the sunscreen:

The product’s dispensed through a spout and there is a slight pinkish tint to the sunscreen which I personally feel helps brighten the complexion. This spreads evenly over the skin and dries relatively quickly. There is a slight alcohol scent that dissipates in a jiffy otherwise my nose does not detect any other fragrance in the sunscreen.

I have worn this through long road trips, many a shopping trip while in Kelantan where we hopped from bazaar to bazaar sans brolly and I did not burn / tan. Also, I find that my foundation stays on longer when wearing this as a base compared to Kose’s where my foundation tends to slide off easily. On some days I can get away without dusting a layer of powder over foundation because this product’s just that good!

In sunny Malaysia, my skin oils up easily due to the humid weather but I only blot once when wearing this sunscreen. Over here in the UK where summer feels a lot more like winter I do not need to blot at all. :)

I’m glad I brought a spare bottle with me as I’m squeezing the remaining drops out of this current bottle. After 3 months of everyday use where I apply the sunscreen liberally over my face and neck, it’s RM126 well spent.

Has anyone tried this or other Shiseido sunscreens?

Ooh and finally, a little plug. =D Do visit my blog sale where there are many lovely things to be had! =D

 

Review: L’oreal UV Perfect SPF50 PA+++ Anti-Dullness

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Since I’ve been reviewing quite a few sunblocks over the last week or so, I thought I might as well bring out the rest of my stash and place further emphasis on how much I’m addicted to these lifesavers!! =D
I have a range of drugstore and higher-end sunblocks and there are some drugstore gems when it comes to sunblock and the L’oreal UV Perfect SPF50 sunblock is one of them! I acquired this during one of the trips to Guardian when I spotted a discount on this product. =) Well, lets just say my curiosity got the better of me and in this case….. 

It certainly paid off! 
This comes housed in a nifty 30ml tube and I like the sleek packaging that comes with a spout for non-messy dispensing. 
Here what L’oreal has to say about the product: 
The L’oreal UV Perfect 12 Hour Longlasting UV Protector perfectly hydrates and protects your skin against the UV rays, brown spots, skin darkening and premature ageing and contains an optimised UVA / UVB protection filtering system tailor made for asian prototypes. Enriched with a powerful Anti-Oxidant Complex and Activa-Cell to reinforce protection against free radicals and better shield cells, elastin and collagen fibers. Of course, not forgetting this product comes with Mexoryl Filters too! 
There are 3 variants of this product where one helps with redness, anti-dullness and the final one being the transparent / clear sunblock. I opted for the anti-dullness sunblock as one can always do with looking a little more radiant, right? ;)  
I really like how I do not need to shake the bottle prior to applying the sunblock as this saves quite a bit of time come morning where everything needs to be applied hastily as I’m almost always rushing to go out. =D Most Japanese sunblocks I own (if not all) needs to be shaken up quite a bit before use so this product already gets bonus points as it’s quick and easy to use! 
The texture of the product is neither too runny nor too thick as seen in the swatch above and this makes it easy to spread out without leaving your face feeling sticky after application. There’s a very slight purple tint to the product which I suppose helps boost our skin’s radiance and I am happy to announce that this product does not break me out! 
I have not been using much of this as I am apprehensive of its sun-blocking properties so this has only been worn when I know I will be heading out to ‘sheltered places’ such as the mall etc. However, I headed to Malacca yesterday and was a little late so I decided to skip the usual shaking-the-sunblock routine and took a gamble with this product instead. 
As luck would have it, were were walking about Malacca town ALL DAY, and I didn’t have my umbrella with me. T____T (I think only Julia will understand how I feel about not having an umbrella with me when such hot weather beckons!) 
Anyway, the good news is I did not burn at all. No, I didn’t tan either after a good 6-7 hour walk and I am not the kind who would embrace the heat / sun like this. Thank goodness for this product! Even though I sweated buckets as it was a very, very hot day, this stayed on my face (may have my Dior powder to thank for this) and I remained pretty fresh-faced albeit a little flushed by the end of the outing! 
Okay back to the review. Upon application, my face does seem brighter and if you inspect the above photo you will notice there’s a bit of a sheen on my arm and that’s the kind of sheen / glow you get when the product’s used on your face. No disco ball effect but just a natural dewy look! 
I always finish my daily facial routine with a dusting of powder and this does not turn my face into an oil slick by the end of the day. (I have combination / dry skin)
I am very impressed with this product and I doubt I will be repurchasing my current HG Kose Sekkisei SPF50 Sun Protector when that runs out as I will be sticking to this cheaper and equally good product! 
So far, I have found some gems in Malaysian drugstores and this has made me a very happy bunny. =D Stay tuned for more sunblock reviews! 
Do you have a drugstore / pharmacy favourite? Let me know in the comment box as sharing is caring! =p 

Review: Biotherm Sensitive Skin Sun Cream Multi-Protection UVB/UVA SPF50+

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Phew! This should win an award for having one of the longest names I’ve ever come across for a sunblock! Biotherm’s one of my favourite skin care brands and I was on the lookout for a face sunblock when I chanced upon this. I jumped at the words ‘Sensitive Skin’, which is something that’s right up my alley!

So this Multi-Protection sun cream promises to hydrate and prevents brown spots with Mexoryl SX/XL which provides both UVA and UVB protection.

Housed in a tube containing 75ml, you do get quite a lot of product seeing this product is meant to be used on the face and neck. I found the sunblock to be overly hydrating (read: oily) for me so I’ve been using this on my body.

The texture of the Biotherm sunblock is rather thick and a bit of a chore to apply as you get a thick, white, sticky layer of gunk on your skin each time you apply this. It does take a while for the product to sink in. While the white layer sinks in, the stickiness is here to stay. My mum always complains when I use this product as it gets her arms sticky whenever she holds my arm (we do quite a bit of hand-holding / arm-grabbing) so I suppose this isn’t a product to use should you be going on a date! :p

I do not think it’s a matter of using too much product as I’ve tried using less but the stickiness remains the same! I cannot imagine using this on my face and just the thought of looking oily / sticky horrifies me!

All things aside, this product does not dry me out like the Sunplay sunblock and does provide good sun protection and for some reason this tube’s always in my handbag! Okay it’s probably because I’m too much of a sloth to take it out of my bag so I’ve been using quite a bit of it (i’m now squeezing the very last bits out) even though it leaves me rather sticky for the rest of the day. :D

I’m not too fussy with the stickiness if I’m going to be in an air-conditioned place for nearly half the day but then you ask, what’s the point of me wearing sunblock if I’m not going to be exposed to the sun?!?

Haha! As much as I love most of Biotherm’s products, I cannot recommend this product to anyone who lives in a humid climate as this will drive you (and anyone near you) mad. I haven’t used this in cooler (but sunny) climates but I’m guessing it should be more comfortable to wear this in a drier environment!

Rating: 1/5

Review: Sunplay SPF130 PA+++

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It’s official. I am a sunblock addict. I enjoy stalking local drugstores in pursuit of sunblocks.

This caught my eye when I was doing my usual routine, going round the aisles in Watsons and was astonished at the high Sun Protection Factor (130, can you believe it?)

Now, having such a high SPF does not necessarily mean you will not tan / burn, it only slows down the process of you getting burnt. This means you do not really need a sunblock with such a high SPF unless you intend to sit in the sun all day long, and risk getting sunstroke in the process :p

Nevertheless, I bought this as the claims do sound promising! Here they are!

• New Solarex-3 technology provides a unique UV defense system which combines superior photostability, high moisture retention and anti-aging properties.
• Highest board spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
• Light and non-greasy texture.
• Super water and sweat proof, ideal for long hours outdoors and water activities.

The texture of the Sunplay sunblock is incredibly watery and dries (rather quickly, I must add) to a clear finish. Yes, this seems super sweat proof to me! I was sweating buckets as we walked round town in Hat Yai and I was in the sun most of the time! The good? No tan / redness at all, which really impressed me as it was really sunny in Hat Yai!

Now onto the not-so good….. I did not experience any ‘high moisture retention’ at all! On the contrary, this product really dried my skin out. After barely two days’ use, my parched skin was crying out for help and I had to purchase a body lotion just to soothe my skin! I used this on my body (arms, legs) and there were fine lines on my arms whenever I bend my elbows. These lines weren’t there prior to using this product so I’m sure this is the culprit!

I’m not sure what’s in this sunblock as I stupidly chucked the pack packaging into the bin without taking a photo of the ingredient list beforehand but this sunblock is not for dry-skinned ladies as this really dries you out! You really need to moisturise your body after using this so do approach this product with caution!

I forgot to mention this will run out really quickly due to it’s watery texture! I’ve used up half a bottle in merely two applications which adds another con to the list! I will never repurchase this!

Rating: 2/5 (in hindsight, this DID a perfect job as a sunblock so I can’t give it too low a rating!)

I’ve added this unpleasant photo of my drying arm just so you ladies are aware of what you may be in for should you give this sunblock a go! 

I am sunblock crazy.

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I started using sunscreen from a young age due to my sun sensitive skin which burns ever so quickly in the scorching Malaysian heat. 
Now that I’m a little older…. I think I have developed an addiction for sunscreens / sunblocks:
Now, there’s been this ongoing debate on whether physical sunscreens or chemical sunscreens are better and both Viva Woman and Paris B have covered this topic some years ago so I’m not gonna go into detail on what they are! 
I am not a huge fan of sunscreens even though my life (skin) depends on it. When abroad, I never use sunscreen but a moisturizer with a low SPF as most of the time I’m just too lazy to go that extra step in the mornings when the sun rarely, if not never peeks through those thick grey English clouds! Now that I’m back in sunny Malaysia, I start taking sunscreen seriously. Although I am aware that a higher Sun Protection Factor does not mean it will prevent you from burning / tanning, I still go for sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 50 as I just do not feel safe if I do not see those two numbers on the tube! #paranoid
I am still in the process of testing some of these products (L’oreal, Kiehl’s, Shu Uemura’s even though it’s actually a primer lol) and will get back to you lovely readers on how they fare!! 
Psstt! This is actually a filler post as I figure out which sunblocks should I bring on my ‘balik kampung’ (travelling back to hometown) trip! My grandmothers live in Kelantan, one of the Northern states in West Malaysia and for some reason, Kelantan is ALWAYS HOTTER than Kuala Lumpur. I’m serious. It’s more humid and the sun is extremely hostile to my poor skin when I visit my grandmothers in my hometown so I had to stock up on sunblocks and now I can’t decide on which ones to bring! :s Typical of me, haha! 
Any of you heading back to your hometowns to celebrate Chinese New Year? What do you normally do over the festive season? For me, it’s usually eat, eat, and eat some more before visiting loads of people, eating loads of mandarin oranges and come back to Kuala Lumpur sick. Yup. Same routine every year. =D 

My 2011.

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Hello everyone! I suppose most of you must be getting ready to usher in the New Year somewhere nice while yours truly is pretty much stuck at home with my family (lovely, lovely family) where Grandma, Mum and Dad are already fast asleep and the only ones awake are my brother and I! Pathetic, no? 
I have to say, 2011 hasn’t been an obstacle-free year for me. Things were lovely at the first half of the year with me being really happy with my course, to begin with. Also, I made such lovely blogger friends along the way, with Hanny, Lily, Stephanie, and even Paris B who all are to blame for my make-up addiction. =D I’m only joking, my dears I am just so happy to have found lovely blogger friends in you! 
Drama started in September when the boyfriend had issues with his student visa. The sporadic blog posts phase began as time seemed to fly past ever so quickly then. Fast forward to November with Dad coming to attend my graduation, my graduation then more drama ensued which ended up in me coming back to Malaysia for a couple of months…. Maybe for good. Nothing is written in ink at the moment and I don’t even know what lies in front of me. =( 
Upon coming home, my Popo (maternal grandmother) came to stay and within a week of coming down to Kuala Lumpur she got herself admitted into intensive care where yep, you guessed it. EVEN MORE DRAMA emerged. 
T___T
Well, she’s finally discharged now and she’s sleeping downstairs at the moment. I panic sometimes and run downstairs to check if she’s still breathing. Paranoid me. Le sigh. 
But hey, new year, new start! So I am going to put all those troubles behind me and carry on with the fun stuff….. Make up! =D
Being extremely new to the beauty blogging world, I have yet to amass a huge stash of make up but I have found some gems in my small but ever growing pile! =) 
I will only go into the products that I’ve used so much this year, just so I don’t bore you lovely people to death as this post has been such a wordy one! =D
1. Most used blush – MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish from the Semi Precious range in Rose Quartz!
This was my first purchase from MAC and I have been using this so much that it’s become my to-go blush as it just gives that lovely pink sheen to my cheeks and I never need to worry about streaky cheeks when using this product! 
2. Best ever foundation (also my most expensive) – Chanel’s Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation in B10
I owe a lovely reader – Diana a review of this product (sorry, darling!) and yes I need to get down to reviewing this quick! This light-medium coverage foundation is the one I reach out for when my skin needs that dewy look! It does not conceal blemishes but it covers my redness and the end result? I get a ‘no make up’ look! =) I also love how my little bottle seems bottomless as I do reach out for this quite a bit. ;)
3. Favourite Loose Powder alternative / Highlighting Powder: Guerlain Meteorites in Teint Rose 01
I caved into getting this product thanks to Paris B and this is definitely an item worth saving up for! I don’t know what lies in those magic pearls but when dusted on my face, I look prettier. Hahaha! That was an incredibly lame attempt at summing up how I feel about this product but it just is amazing. Try this if you haven’t already tried it!
4. Favourite Eyeshadow Brand: Inglot Eyeshadows
Sigh. I have Hanny to blame for this! I bought my first eyeshadow quad from Westfield Shopping Centre in White City and incredibly, the boyfriend has been experimenting with the quad, creating lovely looks for yours truly every time we head out for dinner! Yes, my boyfriend is my personal make up artist and he criticizes eyeshadows to no end! He once helped my housemate do her eye make up and he complained ‘These eyeshadows are nothing like your Inglot ones. They aren’t pigmented at all.’ (He was using a Rimmel quad at that time) HAHA!! During my meet up with Hanny, I erm, took another plunge and bought an eyeshadow trio (easier to lug around)! 
5. Favourite Concealer – By Terry’s Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer
Such a brilliant invention for people with eye sacks like me! It’s such a shame this isn’t available in Malaysia. Read about it here!
6. Favourite Cream / Mousse Eyeshadow – Chanel’s Illusion d’Ombre
I’ve used my one and only Illusion d’Ombre (in Illusoire) so much since I purchased it and I barely made a dent in the little tub! Need I say anymore? =D I’m saving up for more shades!! =) 
7. Favourite Sunscreen – Kose Medicated Sekkisei SPF50+ PA+++
A random addition into my favourite make up products but I added this in as this has saved my skin from getting burnt all through summer and now home in Malaysia! Some sunscreens break me out or cause discomfort but this is a rather affordable one that doesn’t harm my skin! 
8. Favourite Highlighter – Lancome’s Eclat Miracle
This incredibly liquid and easy-to-use highlighter is such a life saver! I just mix 2-3 dots of Eclat Miracle with my foundation of the day and it makes my complexion look so much better! Review to come in due time ;)  
9. Favourite Powder Foundation – Dior Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Sculpting Powder Make up in 020 Beige Praline
I use this as a setting powder or a light foundation on lazy days. =) I also keep it in my handbag as the huge mirror does come in handy for touch ups! 

So these are my favourite products of the year! Let’s see if they remain on top of my list next year! =D 
HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!! =) 


Review: Origins A Perfect World SPF 35 / PA+++ UV Face Protector with White Tea

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It’s that time of the year where the sun’s at its prime! I thought I’d just share a few of my favourite (and not-so-favourite) sunscreens!

I have rather pale skin which burns and peels easily so sunscreen has been an important part of my life since I was a child (think Mummy slapping on sunscreen on a 4 year old kid as she impatiently wants to go out to play). As I’m always on the look out for supposedly more natural skin care products, Mum got me this face protector from Origins as she knows I’d be interested in giving it a go. =)

They say:

White Tea plus Maritime Pine and UVA/UVB sunscreens helps perfect and protect skin from environmental damage to delay visible aging. 




This is a tinted sunscreen, and I was shocked when I first squeezed some out. It’s so orangey / dark! Texture seems rather thin and oily which is something I’m not very pleased with!

It still looks orange when I sheered it out! :s 
Properly blended out: 

To my surprise, this sunscreen is not only too dark for me but a tad orange too! I suppose it’s perfect for those who want a ‘tan.’ =) Nevertheless I used it a couple of times as I did not want to let the product go to waste.  The usually indifferent and blur bf mentioned my face looked darker than my neck and asked me not to use it anymore as I looked as though my tanning session went wrong. Urgh. Texture wise, this is quite runny and although it blends into the skin easily, my face felt greasy after application and it takes quite a long time to absorb into the skin and made me feel extremely uncomfortable. I would say this is more suitable for tanner ladies / gents out there with perhaps dry skin as my combination/dry skin hated this product!
This eventually went to the boyfriend who has dry skin and he liked the texture, strangely enough! I should perhaps add that this sunscreen did not look orangey on him!
Rating: 1/5