Treatments -Origins - Super Spot Remover
dandanmian 10/13/2012 3:01:00 AM
this is strong stuff. whenever im about to get a big pimple (ie i feel a slight bump, some soreness over the area and realise the impending disaster) i just put a small blob of the spot remover over it, twice a day for about 3 days and the would-be pimple gets sent back to wherever it came from. it stings and leaves a very tight, shiny patch where the blob dried but i just slab on some moisturizer after i judge that the pimple has suffered enough. it's unspectacular on pimples/whiteheads that have already formed. but then again, ive yet to find a product that actually gets rid of pimples after they pop up. i will re-purchase cos ive rough, big-pored skin that can withstand stronger treatments and cos of the magic it works on that large breed of pimple that comes from lack of sleep / fried food. sometimes i even mix a tiny amount of it into my toner (FANCL lotion light - its moisturizing) so i don't need to have another astringent toner. it's pretty expensive, but i always redeem it with Origins promotions.
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Powder -Bare Escentuals - BareMinerals foundation #2.3 Medium Beige 
dandanmian 4/22/2012 3:52:00 AM
this makes good skin better and since i can't claim that privilege, this foundation gets 2.5 lippies. ITCHY: it makes my skin itch once i sweat a little which is shocking to me since reacting to makeup is almost unheard of for my tough, big pored, combination skin. PORE-EMPHASISING: in day light, this foundation insists on highlighting the unevenness of my skin and on darkening my pores. even prime time's magic cannot save this. and prime time can save a lot. AWESOME GLOW: i still use this sometimes cos of the incredible (im so happy and healthy) glow it gives although i restrict its glory to when there'll be cool air and dimmer lights. and since i don't lead a blanche dubois like existence, it's not very useful to me :(
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Toners -John Masters - Rose And Aloe Hydrating And Toning Mist
dandanmian 2/19/2012 4:17:00 AM
After the first use, I was deeply, deeply suspicious. Although it was almost a little sticky when i patted it in, it dried so incredibly smoothly and evenly that it felt like an amazing film over my skin. This got me suspicious as I imagined this is what silicones do and feel like in hair products. But looking at the ingredients posted, I am in awe cos the effect is like everything silicones do for hair but on the face and with happy ingredients. The smell was not an issue for me and it will now join ranks with my Origins Perfect World toner. Btw, I look to toners to hydrate and soften, not to shrink pores or mattify.
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Blush -Urban Decay - Afterglow Glide On Cheek Tint
dandanmian 9/13/2011 12:59:00 AM
UPDATE: i realise that the glow is only created if ive liquid foundation beneath. on bare skin it is sheer such that my girl friends call it natural and guy friends call it invisible. ---------- i have this in crush which gives me the most natural glow. people actually ask if ive just exercised and i nod with my fingers crossed. i think it's cos this is a reddish pink on my skin. perhaps fetish and greedy will create more sophisticated looks but for those who want to look naturally flushed and sun-kissed, crush is for you. the only con is that the colour intensity varies a lot in different lights so the perfect coverage comes with trial and error.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Origins - Clean Energy Cleansing Oil
dandanmian 3/15/2010 11:54:00 PM
I was using the shu uemura cleansing oil (green one) before this and now I am a total convert to origins! Texture: the consistency is thicker than the shu, so that cleansing feels deeper. But, i do end up using more oil for origins since the thick consistency does not spread as well. Cleansing routine: i had to use a dollop of face wash after the shu so that my pores will not get clogged. This has not been necessary for origins. Effects: both remove waterproof sunblock and makeup. sadly, origins does not have an anti-oxidant effect like the shu does. After-effects: both feel moisturizing. but for origins, i sometimes just follow-up with a perfect world purifying toner and skip the moisturizer because my skin looks feels so supple. Price: shu is much more expensive! Origins was S$30+ for 200ml and shu was about S$70 for 150ml. Thank you again to the people at origins!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Chanel - Chanel Blanc Essentiel Light Reflecting Whitening Powder Foundation SPF 25
dandanmian 3/15/2010 11:28:00 PM
I gave this product a 4 even though it did not achieve what i wanted it to. I've been on a quest for that illusive, natural glow and sad to say this product is not light reflecting at all. Instead, those looking for a mattifying powder will enjoy this. Pros: it makes my skin look so soft and smooth! This powder will be great for a matte look. Those who also have oily skin and are also after THE glow (not the oily, big pore, i-need-a-blotter shine) may find comfort in the fact that after 2-3h, there is a nice balance between the powder and facial oil where a sheen (and not a shine) appears. Cons: it feels like pure talc. Soft as my skin looks, it is unhappy to the touch. Those with dry, sensitive skin may wish to try this powder repeatedly before purchase.
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Masks -Origins - Drink Up
dandanmian 8/9/2009 3:22:00 AM
This mask is a fabulous pick-me-up for tired skin. It is hydrating and does not leave a thick layer of residue after wiping it off. It is perfect for people with normal/combination skin who need a light moisture boost and/or instantly (albeit temporarily) softer skin. But perhaps not for those with dry skin who are looking for heavy-duty moisturisation. This mask probably will not correct dryness.
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Toners -Clinique - Clarifying Lotion #2
dandanmian 8/9/2009 3:06:00 AM
This toner actually produced good results on my skin. Immediately after using it, my pores looked visibly tighter and my skin smoother overall. There was no burning sensation for me although the chemical smell was pretty overwhelming. In fact, the tingly feel was quite pleasant. But having said that, this toner is definitely too harsh and dehydrating in the long run. Plus I'm against the idea of slathering so much alcohol and other strong chemicals on my skin, so I will not repurchase.
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Sunscreen -Jane Iredale - Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen
dandanmian 8/9/2009 12:54:00 AM
This is a great product which doubles up as a mattifying/base powder. The only thing that irks me is that it messes up my concealer by toning down its coverage. But I guess that would be asking too much of this product as it is meant to be a sunscreen only. Update: We are no longer friends. During the rare times that I do use this product, i unscrew the cap and apply the powder with a brush. I use a liquid sunblock instead now.
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Moisturizers -Jurlique - Calendula Cream
dandanmian 8/9/2009 12:33:00 AM
This cream has a lovely texture: smooth, thick and seriously non-greasy. It especially works when i put a dollop on my fingers and rub vigorously before application. I have combination skin so it only meets my t-zone before I sleep. But it is great for my dry cheeks and lots of the tiny dry bumps I've had have disappeared. Also, I love the travel-friendly packaging. Getting the last bits out will not be an issue for me because of my usual penny-pinching strategy: cutting the tube into half when I can't get any more out and transferring the remainder into another pot. It always amazes me how much is left in a tube, which also mollifies my tight pockets. The only drawback is that my skin does not readily absorb this soothing cream. For the first five minutes, I feel like I've got pancake mix on my face as I sit under my blasting fan so that I don't start sweating. But after that, it's all good :)
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Lip Treatments -Jane Iredale - Lip Drink
dandanmian 8/9/2009 12:15:00 AM
I really wanted to love this. I have dry lips (even in high humidity) that flake like crazy when it comes to air-con so I was very excited about this moisture drink with its mostly natural ingredients. Alas, some things are not meant to be. I've to apply a few layers each time to feel a moisturizing effect. And while Carmex and Burt's Bees would cause flakiness to disappear after a while, the Lip Drink just passively sits a while, twiddling its thumbs, before I finally feel something. Its pretty scent and packaging cannot redeem it for me and I will definitely not repurchase.
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Cleansers -Shu Uemura - Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O
dandanmian 8/8/2009 11:52:00 PM
This is a moisturizing cleanser which does not seem to clog pores. But then again, it is not deeply cleansing. I have combination skin which is prone to surface dryness and this has worked well to soften my skin. I did try the premium a/o which is supposedly more suitable for combi skin but it made my skin feel tight. This doubles up as a makeup remover but I don't use it for mascara removal. The one time I did, I guess some oil (when already emulsified) got into my eye. So when I opened my eyes, my vision was cloudy, which was pretty terrifying until I got all the oil out. My only hesitancy to this cleanser is the fact that it contains mineral oil. While the debate on MO is still on-going and I don't see enlarged pores resulting from this, I will be trying Origins Clean Energy Cleansing Oil after this to compare.
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