Saturday 16 May 2015

UPDATE: Skinlycious, Aztec Indian Healing Clay, Kinohimitsu BB Drink

Hi guys,

I'm glad to check back and say that I am really satisfied with Skinlycious' products, they have helped me tremendously. I've even repurchased the Anti-Acne bundle for the second time. The products last me about a month plus to 2 months! It may last longer for some of you, but I'm quite kiasu so the first month I didn't know how to control my usage. Lol. Anyway, my skin is less oily now, and I haven't even used up the 7-in-1 Pore Refining Serum.

Current skincare routine

AM:
Skinlycious Anti-Acne Wash
Skinlycious Anti-Acne Solution (Dab on spots and hyperpigmentation)
Hiruscar Post-Acne Gel (On hyperpigmentation as well)
Skinlycious 7-in-1 Pore Refining Serum (if I'm heading out) or Skinlycious Hydrator Serum (if my skin is feeling slightly drier) or The Skin Pharmacy's Oil-free moisturiser (if I'm staying at home because this moisturise doesn't mix well with my make up! It makes my foundation roll up into tiny balls)
Atomy Sunscreen
Urban Decay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation (2 small drops are enough)
Maybelline Mineral Concealer (I'm gonna purchase the Laura Mercier SC Concealer soon, will review soon!)

If I worked out in the afternoon, I'll wash my face with The Skin Pharmacy's Deep Cleansing Amino Powder and repeat the steps above without the foundation.

PM:
Atomy Evening Deep Cleanser on dry skin to remove my makeup
Atomy Evening Care Foam Cleanser on days I wear heavier makeup or Skinlycious Anti-Acne Wash
Skinlycious Anti-Acne Solution (Dab on spots and hyperpigmentation)
Hiruscar Post-Acne Gel (On hyperpigmentation as well)
Skinlycious Hydrator Serum or The Skin Pharmacy's Hydrating Overnight Mask (which is essentially a thicker gel-like moisturiser)

Extra care:
PMD weekly
Clariancy Calla Cleanse, every night
Aztec Healing Clay Mask, depending on how my skin is feeling or Homemade Honey Mask

ALSO, I need to say this. The Aztec Indian Healing Clay Mask is amazing. I used to purchase the Anti-Acne Clay Mask from The Skin Pharmacy but stopped after I got myself a big tub of Aztec mask, which is basically 100% Calcium Bentonite. It is cheap and effective. I try to do it 3-4 times a week as I find that doing it frequently actually helps to keep my skin under control. I tried to do it less frequently but I broke out (say 1 or 2 spots, especially when the time of the month is near) more. It really does help to shrink your pores, and dry out existing acne. I had this large lump on my jaw and after dabbing the clay mask overnight for 3 days straight, it flattened itself out totally. Of course, the surrounding area will be slightly dry and also a little 'scabby' but it's definitely not an issue as it the 'scab' will fall off when your pimple recovers and it falls off when you're washing your face, so you wouldn't even notice it. It also doesn't leave any dark pigmentation!

So recently, I picked at a spot (AGAIN, bad habit I know) and ended up with a bit of a sore area which was weeping a little. I placed the clay on the area, and placed a wet gauze over it, changing it every few hours or so. The wound stopped weeping and a thin scab formed nicely over the wound. I continued for the next day and some of the scab actually fell off, leaving no harsh pigmentation.

They suggest mixing the clay with Apple Cider Vinegar, but I like that it gives room for creative recipes so you can whip up something according to your skin condition of the day. What I like to do is to substitute ACV for a bit of lemon juice (something which is acidic actually gives the clay a smoother texture and it become less chunky, thus easier to apply), add 3-4 drops of tea tree oil, 1 drop of lavender oil if I want to relax, then fill up the remaining water content with brewed green tea. If my skin is feeling extra tight that day, I'd add a dollop of honey and I'm all set.

On days when my skin feels more 'thirsty', I'll take a teaspoon for Manuka Honey, add a few drops of lemon juice (for hyperpigmentation), 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil, mix it up to a smooth consistency and apply it all over my face. It gets pretty messy so I like to wrap a small piece of gauze at my jaw area to prevent the honey from dripping down! I leave it on for as long as I am able to, usually 40mins-1 hour. It leaves my skin feeling nourished, and lighten any redness and pigmentation.

I'm also currently drink the Kinohimitsu BB drink! For the last month, I was drinking the J'Pan Collagen drink but switched to the BB drink as I've read that it was more suitable for oily, acne-prone skin. I find that my acne heals faster, although it won't completely prevent you from having acne. My hyperpigmentation lightens faster and my pores feel tighter. My overall skin tone looks brighter as well!

Anyway, after typing this post, I realised the woes of being a woman. I spend a fortune to make myself look better UGHS.

x
A