Dr.Jart+ Bounce BB!

Hey all, recently I posted a review regarding Dr. Jart's Ctrl+A BB Cream and how great it was for me. I now have the privilege to review another one of their newest products, which is the Dr.Jart+ Bounce Beauty Balm!

The concept of their new Beauty Balm is a "bouncing formula" such that you'll feel elasticity with your fingertips. As with most of its BBs, it evens skin tone and covers blemishes, whilst this version takes care of dryness as well as rough skin texture. It has brightening, Anti-wrinkle and UV protection as SPF 30/PA++.

I was afraid to use this at first because of the word "moisturising" which I feared would cause me breakouts. Thankfully it was quite gentle on my skin and it just moisturised at the right amount, not too shiny, but glowy afterwards! Another thing about it is that it seems to just sit on top of your face in the beginning, but same as my beloved Ctrl+A, it blends well into your skin after a while, making it look flawless.

Price. It will be launched today, 27th of March at all Guardian stores at a promotional price of $34.90. I find that quite cheap given the quality of Dr.Jart+ products.

Availability. As mentioned before, Dr Jart+ is available at Guardian stores:

• Takashimaya

• Bedok Mall

• Parkway Parade

SASA stores:

• Nex

• Jurong point

• Tampines One

• Wisma

• Holland Village

• Vivo city

• Causeway point

• Plaza Singapura

• Lot 1

Fragrance. Another thing that I absolutely love about it is that it doesn't have any strong fragrance and smells fresh and clean, so I don't need to worry that it will irritate my sensitive skin.

Design. Unlike their other BBs that are available in squeezable tube bottles that are to be applied by hands, this BB comes in compact yet liquid form, together with a rubbery textured sponge for easy retouching throughout the day. But girls, let me remind you to always clean the applicator, the same way that you must always clean your makeup brushes! Failure to do so will lead to bacteria build up!
I also like their packaging which is very clean and almost clinical, similar to the way that their products are fuss free and focused more on skin care rather than just makeup features.

Texture/Consistency. It looks a bit thick at first glance and because you don't feel it with your fingertips when you apply it, you'd think that it's very creamy but it's not. It is in reality quite light and the applicator ensures that you don't put too much of it. 

Colour. I find that it's not as white as the Ctrl+A, but it blends very well and it's the exact same colour as my skin (which is fair), so when I apply it it looks very natural.

All my photos here are only edited with brightness and contrast. If you look closely, you'll see that it does cover up most blemishes, but a teeny bit of acne scars will show upon first application. Doesn't matter though since it looks smooth and clear overall! This is more for people who like their makeup really natural. What it does is corrects and evens out your skin tone and makes it look more supple and seemingly elastic.

Again, for those of you who find knowing the ingredients very important!

It's a very good BB Cream for those who don't like heavy coverage and want their skin feeling smooth and plump throughout the day.

So how does it look like and fare on my skin?

I can see you scrolling up and down comparing my before makeup and after makeup photos. Haha! Anyway, continue: (following photos were taken from my phone, btw, thus the difference from the first two above)

Apart from this, Dr.Jart+ will be celebrating its 10th year anniversary! So together with the Bounce BB, they will be releasing the Radiance Beauty Balm and Dis-A-Pore Beauty Balm this mid-april so do watch out for them!

Also, do you like free samples? All you need to do is like their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DrJartSpore and show this to their counters at Guardian Ngee Ann City from Thursday to Sunday and you get free samples! I also got a lot from the Ctrl+A range, which apparently is not just a BB!

The moisturiser is very light and I tried the Drying Spot Corrector, which did actually help to heal my extracted pimple.

I now really am a fan of Dr. Jart+ and quite thankful for discovering it! Surely going to try their other products since it really works well!

My skin type

Most women (if not men) should know by now that there are different facial skin types for each person. There's Oily, Dry, Combination, Sensitive, and the luckiest of all, Normal. This is the reason why what works for another person may not work for you, and vice versa. Thus it is essential to know the skin type of a person who recommends to you a product that has worked for her (or him), because there might be a possibility that it may not be suitable for you.

This post is about what kind of skin type I have, to serve as a guide for my reviews, so you know if we're on the same boat! I know there are good products out there that are okay for all kinds of skin, but to be on the safe side, it's best to know if it will suit you or not, especially for those who have problematic skin.

Oily/Combination
Entering my teenage years, I started having very oily skin, something I inherited from my mom. I had a lot of pimples, and i had to bear with them until around college during which I found this magic of a soap called Kojic Acid Soap. It's super cheap, had whitening properties, and eliminated my acne! However after a while my skin became less oily but quite dry so until now even though I've stopped using it I have combination skin..oily on some parts like the upper cheeks and T-zone and dry near the mouth and jaw line. I also have open pores which i truly wish I could get rid of.

Acne-prone
Have i told you that my skin is so much prone to acne? Lol. I think it's the main defining characteristic of my face. My whole struggle regarding it is so long I might as well write a trilogy about it! Almost anything can cause them: foundation, blusher, fragrance, moisturizer, and most recently, hormones (which was a bitch to get rid of). If you're like me, you must be careful about anything you slather onto your face and no matter how tempting it might be, try not to purchase too many skin care products that will most probably be wasted because your skin won't be able to take it anyway.

The issue with moisturizers
Let me tell you one thing, my skin hates moisturizers! And it sucks because everyone needs to moisturize. It hates the creamy and rich type and it's totally sad because they do make your skin glow and make your pores appear smaller. My theory as to why my skin doesn't like it is because acne is best eliminated by drying up the area (which is what most acne medications do) since bacteria thrives in moisture. The only moisturizers that have worked for me is Hada Labo (and it was just the lotion, not even the cream. But I stopped using it because even though there weren't pimples, there were whiteheads that kept popping up.) and the Hydrator from the DrX clinic. The latter is the best so far that I've tried! It's very very light and gelish in texture which is probably why it works well for my face. Anyway, I know it's not only me with this weird dillema because I have a friend who's experiencing the same! It's best not to force it if you also cannot use moisturizers, and the only way is to hydrate it is from within--drink lots and lots and lots of water (something I've been trying to practice recently!).

Sensitive
My skin is sensitive in that I can't apply anything with too much fragrance or chemicals, otherwise, it'll have small red patches after I wash off. It's not the kind though that peels and become itchy, but this is still why I try to smell the product and read through the ingredients first before I buy it, because if it smells too good, it would likely not be good for me.

Now that you know what skin type I have and where my opinions are coming from, how about you? Have you identified what's causing your skin problems (if any)?

BlackBox SG First Year Anniversary

Have you guys ever heard of Black Box? It's a bi-monthly unisex lifestyle-sampling box. Each box contains a limited set of at least five (5) of the latest complimentary product samples and vouchers from various independent labels. The box itself is hand delivered, and the product samples and vouchers inside provide an opportunity for the subscribers to get a glimpse and a taste of the latest lifestyle items and services. Eligibility to receive Black Box is dependent on either balloting, where each subscriber will have one chance of balloting for each edition of Black Box via a Facebook App OR by paying for your own courier fee of SGD6.00 through Black Box e-store or Qoo10. So if you're asking, if you don't get to win the ballots, nope you don't have to pay for the box, just the courier fee! Easy and cheap eh? Go subscribe!

So yeah, a few weeks ago I went with Gwen and Alene to their first year anniversary!

From there, we were introduced to some (if not many) of their brands and at the end received a HUMONGOUS Black Box!!

...inside of which is the original-sized BlackBox that subscribers can receive bimonthly which contains these:

It sure is an interesting way to try products before buying them. The products that we got at the party were interesting AND useful too!

Ziaja

Ziaja comes with a range of products for face, body and hair care. I got to try their micellar cleansing water, which I like, because it absolutely does not have any fragrance at all and doesn't irritate my skin. Cleans pretty well too!

How to use: Apply on a cotton pad and sweep over face to remove makeup and/or other impurities.

Darlie (Toothpaste)

We were shown a demo how Darlie expert white can whiten teeth by preventing stains, especially for those who love to drink coffee and tea (zzz.. like me) Have yet to try because I'm still finishing my own tub of toothpaste, but I surely need this!

L'Oreal EverStrong

Funny how most of the products that were there that night were applicable to me. Lucky to have gotten hold of L'Oreal's thickening tonic--I know my hair is thick enough, but it has become so weak and brittle and this helps to fortify from the scalp.

How to use: After shampoo, spray onto roots and massage into scalp.

I actually love the feeling whenever I apply it, because it has this cooling sensation (it has rosemary mint) that calms my scalp especially if it's feeling itchy.

Adore Feminine Pads

What I actually like about these pads is that the Comfort All Days come in pack that contains 6 pcs Day pad (for regular daytime use), 3 pcs Night pad (for heavy flows) and 4 pcs Lite Flow Day (for, well, as it says, light flow when your period is about to end). Very convenient!! It apparently also contains Negative Ions which, according to their website, control and suppress the survival and growth of bacteria effectively.

I've already tried it and it did seem to be more hygienic and not irritating as compared to the old ones that I use. Definitely repurchasing. Not expensive too, ranging from S$4.65-S$5.85.

Star Lash

Being a constant user of false lashes, Star Lash is familiar to me, and I was quite surprised that it is a Singapore-grown brand. They have a wide variety of lashes from simple to thick to funky lashes. Also, I have been using their lash glue until now, since it is the only glue that can keep lashes firmly in place throughout the day for me. I've tried other brands and I'd always get this "Oh, one of your lashes is falling off" comments. I guess even my eyes are too oily. But not with star lash glue!

Jacqueline Burchell

This brand has a wide range of nail polish which includes Gel and Lacquer polishes. I've yet to try but judging from Paperkitties' use of them last time, they're of good quality. Check out their website here.

Unisoy

Those who know me well know how much I love soy. Also, it's a less guiltier option to dairy products! Unisoy is instant organic soy milk which is low in fat, cholesterol-free and dairy free. I personaly like the Black Soy Milk from the package. 

Hee Beauty

Unexpectedly, this is my favorite among all the products we were introduced to at Black Box's anniversary party. You see the LED thing right there? Initially I was drawn off by the packaging, that curly decor surrounding the light. It represents the "magic" that these lights do. It comes in several range:

Magic Collagen
Magic Duo  (Collagen and White)
Magic Acne
Magic White

Obviously I chose the Magic Acne, thinking what the heck I'd give it a try but how is light supposed to remove my pimples? Well guys and girls, been using it for a few weeks now AND IT WORKS! I would probably do a full review of this product later because it's just so interesting, but so you know, it does work.

How to use: Hold the device 3-5mm away from your face (near the areas of concern). The light will automatically turn off after it's done.

I usually use it before going to bed. I had this pimple last week and a few days after exposing it to this item the bump subsided. It wasn't coincidental too, because after that I used it on another pimple that started popping out and that, too, subsided. Seriously WHAT SORCERY IS THIS? Moreover, I've inquired from them and searched from the internet and apparently there are no side effects, as well.

See their website here.

Quite interesting, right? I really enjoyed myself trying out these products!

Thank you so much Black Box SG and gwenyummy !! ^_~

Blue and Gold

Here's an outfit that I wore for quite some time ago already. I've been wearing a lot of long sleeves in hopes of trying to hide the fats in my arms (really, this fat thing is getting annoying isn't it?)

Necklace: Stradivarius

Top: Emoda

Skirt: Romwe

Shoes: Online

I like how the sleeves are sheer and though it hides most of your arms, the skin still show through. Great to wear in the office, actually, giving one that modest-but-not-too-modest type of feel. I always wear skirt/shorts with long sleeves, because my basic rule is show skin on top, hide the bottom, or show skin on bottom, then the top must be less exposed.

And since I saw how nicely blue complemented the goldish tinge in my hair, I opted for a gold accessory as well.

Been staying so late at work the past days that I thought I must always reward myself by blogging during free time. Lol. Hopefully you guys are having a great week so far!

BB Cream for Acne Prone Skin: Dr. Jart Ctrl-A Beauty Balm Review

I mentioned in my previous post that if I ever find a good BB Cream for my skin that is currently soo prone to adult acne, I would share it with you. And so a few months back, I tried one, called Dr. Jart + Ctrl-A Beauty Balm. I've been using it for more than 2 months now so I can safely say that I'm quite confident in this product.

Before anything else, this is an unsponsored post and I searched for this BB cream by myself since I was in desperate need of something to cover up my blemishes but at the same would not be harsh to my already sensitive and full-of-breakouts face. I browsed through a lot of possible choices until I decided to buy this at Luxola. Unfortunately, it's quite hard to find in Watson's/Guardians or other cosmetic stores ; it can only be found online.

~ Update!  Dr. Jart+ is available in Guardian stores:

• Takashimaya
• Bedok Mall
• Parkway Parade

Ctrl+A range can be bought from here. As for their other best selling BB creams and ceramidin range, they are available in selected SASA stores:

• Nex
• Jurong point
• Tampines One
• Wisma
• Holland Village
• Vivo city
• Causeway point
• Plaza Singapura
• Lot 1

As you can see from above, it's targeted to clear and prevent breakouts, and is especially for sensitive skin. It doesn't irritate the skin at all and it doesn't block pores, but don't expect it to really CLEAR your breakouts. We all know blackheads, whiteheads and acne need a lot of care, attention and even medication in order for us to eradicate them. And although it may not clear those that you already have, this BB Cream does not cause any, which is its major selling point.

Price. S$42.00 which may be a bit pricey for some but it's worth it.
Fragrance. Almost with no fragrance at all, which is very important to me. Scented facial products almost always irritate my skin so this was a good sign!

Texture. It's a bit on the thick side, but not too thick that it will cake nor make you look like you're wearing tons of makeup. Also, it's up to you if you want to apply it thinly if you don't really need much coverage, but if you do, you just have to adjust the heaviness of your application depending on how much and which areas you want to cover. I actually don't use foundation or anything else anymore, just this, even on evening events because it's enough to cover up my blemishes or any redness.
Colour. It IS on the fair side as most asian BB Creams are, and as much as I've seen so far, it's only available in this colour.

I had a bruise on my hand on the day I took this photo (dunno where it came from though). As you can see from the "After" photo it even covered up this mark and made the skin look brighter.

And this is for those of you who like to look through ingredients. What's important to me is that it's free of paraben, fragrance, talc, pigment, mineral oils, Phthalate , alcohol, benzophenone, petrolatum nor marked preservatives.

It also has UV Protection SPF 30 so I don't use sunblock anymore, despite my friends' and dermatoligist's protests that I should NEVER GO OUT WITHOUT SUNBLOCK. I'm hoping this would be enough since most sunblocks also have SPF 30.

Below is what I look like, well, half of what I look like before I use the BB Cream.  I'll let you cut it out and connect the two together because the full picture doesn't look too good LOL. I had a very bad breakout experience from the past months and I'm still trying to recover from it.. even my skin is so tired from fighting this battle :(

And above is after I applied the BB Cream! Initially it will look like you really did apply something but after a while it blends nicely into your skin.

One thing though, is that it does feel a biiit greasy at the end of the day, but that's because my face is really oily. Just need to dab a bit of tissue here and there, reapply a bit, and you can go off again for a nice dinner with your loved ones.

I really love it and overall, I give it a 9 out of 10!

Hope this helped those of you who are just like me, suffering from acne and looking for something to cover it up without making it worse. I do still want to go makeup-less and have my good skin back but for now this at least helps regain my confidence!

Red is for _____

I'm kinda late in posting this outfit and so I'll let you guess whether I wore it for Christmas, CNY, Valentines or even my birthday. Lol. Red is really so often used when it comes to special occasions. But I'll just say Red is for Monday, to beat the blues.:)

I know it will be annoying if I'll be calling myself fat all the time, but my recent weight gain is quite obvious here. Oh well at least I look healthier?

Awkward pose lol

Outfit:

Top&Headpiece: Stradivarius

Skirt: Bugis

Red Boots: Online

I noticed that I seldom wear red, I always prefer to be on the safe side with black and light colours. One thing I noticed about it though, is that it's a cheerful color, apart from yellow! No wonder red is the colour during CNY and other celebrations, it looks so festive.

Can't wait to update you guys again, have a wonderful week ahead, everyone!

Catching Up

First of all, I am truly really sorry for being gone for more than a month.. After my last post, I was busy preparing for my 2 week vacation, and during the 2-week vacation itself, I was supposed to update my blog since I would be having a lot of free time. But alas, I did bring my laptop but I was so unlucky to have left my hard drive! :( And then when I came back 2 weeks ago, it was busy as hell at work, I moved to a new project and here I am now, although still busy, trying to update this beloved blog of mine because it's one of the things that can keep me happy.

And so it is sunday today, I am still doing some work... but the kind that I like^^ Currently munching on chips, but organic ones! Since I've been stressed out and have been gaining weight.:( Better start thinking about consuming guilt-free stuff!

 Viva La Papa! - the Organic Hand Cooked Crunchy Chips from Peru

I personally like the purple-colored one, as well as the Chillies&Lime.:)

Some info regarding the chips:

Sustainable

Viva La Papa selects the most delicious, sustainable varieties of native potatoes and other roots. These potatoes originated from Peru thousand years ago. Today, the Andean communities have grown hundreds of colourful and nutritious varities. 

It is also the proud sponsors of Amantani, who run educational boarding houses for children in the remote Andes of Peru.

Cooking
Hand cooked in small batches with pure sunflower oil, with a hint of delicious natural Peruvian flavours.
 All Natural


Gluten free

OU Kosher
 (yeah I've also wondered,  OU is the world's largest kosher certifying agency, while the Hebrew word “kosher” means fit or proper as it relates to kosher dietary law-- which I believe is the diet followed by Hebrews as described in the bible. Kinda like how Halal is to the muslims)

No GMO


No Trans Fat

NO artificial additives

Flavours

Andean Pink Salt Potato Chips

Anticucho BBQ Potato Chips

Chillies & Lime Potato Chips

Exotic Sweet Potato Chips

Andean Native Potato Chips

And then.. apart from my weight gain I also have a lot to improve with myself for this year.. From the superficial ones which is caring for my hair, skin (hopefully heal acne scars soon), and teeth, to thinking more about my career and how I want to spend the rest of my life, because I am not getting any younger! I am really grateful that I have a stable job now, but I also have dreams and goals, so I must be working even harder and doing better in my job from now on.

Oh and speaking of hair... been recently careful to use haircare products because of my recent bleaching. From my previous post, I mentioned having been given the Shining Hair Water and the Damage Care Hair Water. I must say it did manage to make my hair less frizzy over the last few weeks, and I also made sure that I don't wash my hair everyday anymore...

 My hair, after bleaching + dyeing. Do you see all the frizz? 

My hair now after using tsubaki products. It's still dry but at least there's less frizz! I know I still have a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong way to go to regain my hair's health, and I would need a lot of salon treatments, but at least I'm now paying more attention to it than before.:)

Luckily I also received O&M haircare products! Just in time, huh? Le Bono Collection was thoughtful to have given me the ones for coloured hair :) Will be using it from now on and I'll post again for results!

A brief description about O&M products:

All products are free from Sulfates, Parabens, MIT, Phthalates, Triclosan and Propylene Glycol, meaning they are a kind to your body as they can be, without compromising on quality and style. 

Sourced from diverse geographical locations from the desert to the ocean, these Australian native actives deliver many benefits while nourishing and protecting the hair.

They can be found at:

Department Stores

TANGS Orchard Lv 2 

Robinsons Orchard 

Online retailer 

http://www.luxola.com/ 

http://www.survivesg.com/

https://estore.tangs.com/ 

http://www.lebonocollection.com/

http://www.zalora.sg/

Salon

http://www.urbanhair.com.sg/

Focus Hairdressing

Passion Hair Salon 

Trimmings Hair Salon 

BLOC+ 

Thanks again to Le Bono collection for letting me try out these new products! That's it for now and I promise to blog more soon! Thanks for checking in, loves!