[Acne Story/Tips] Summer Breakouts & My Favorite Summer Skincare Essentials 2014

Summer is the season I hate the most. Let me tell you three reasons why I hate summer.
1) I hate the HEAT!
Heat causes me to sweat and become sweaty all over...

2) My skin tends to be more greasy!; More prone to BREAKOUT!
During summer, my skin tends to be more oilier than usual. Thus, it get clogged more easily and more often which leads to BREAKOUT! Rawr, I hate this! 

3) ENLARGED PORES!
*faint*

The reasons/problems stated are not happening only to me. I believe many of you face the same problems as well. Summer causes us to be more prone to sweat, breakout and enlarge pores but there are a few ways to reduce these problems. Let me share with you how I tackle them.

Let's talk about 'breakouts' first, shall we?

I received enquiries asking how's my skin now. To be honest, it's not doing too good but it's not doing too bad either.  Despite using acne-fighting skincare products from Etude House AC Clinic,

I am still getting breakouts and it's very very mild. The breakouts are mainly flesh colored bumps (clogged pores) and eventually, they will develop into inflamed zits if not treated.

Well, you be the judge! Here's a RAW picture of my skin, taken on 19th June 2014.

Today, majority of my clogged pores(flesh colored bumps) have cleared up.  I'm in the process of treating my enlarged pores now. Will update on my progress in the future. 

So, in order to prevent inflamed zits, we have to prevent clogged pores first. So what are clogged pores and how acne is formed? The following videos might clarify your doubts:

from 0:12 to 2:29

from 0:10 to 1:58

In my opinion, besides using daily skincare products such as cleanser, toner, moisturizer, essence, serum etc, EXFOLIATE the skin is an effective method to get rid of clogged pores. Exfoliation removes dead and dull skin cells, unclog the pores, leaving the skin looking more radiant and smoother. Once you buff away those dead skin cells, your skin tends to absorb skincare products even better. Thus, it's good to exfoliate once in awhile.

I exfoliate twice a week and my current favorite exfoliators are Cure Natural Aqua Gel and Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub.

In my opinion, Cure Natural Aqua Gel is a much gentle exfoliator compared to Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub — one gentle and one less gentle. Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub contains scrubbing beads which may be less gentle compared to Cure Natural Aqua Gel. Since I have sensitive skin, I usually rotate these two exfoliators in my skincare routine because I don't think it's a great idea to use the Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub twice a week but the area of my nose is an exception.

For more info, check out my full review here:
Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.com/2014/04/review-etude-house-baking-powder-crunch.html
Cure Natural Aqua Gel: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/05/review-cure-natural-aqua-gel.html

As for zits that are already at the stage of inflammation, treat them with acne spot treatment. There are many over-the-counter acne spot treatments that come in different forms like a cream, gel, liquid... My personal favorites are Liquid Spot and Pink Powder Spot from Etude House AC Clinic range.

For more info, check out my full review here:
AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/10/review-etude-house-ac-clinic-intense.html
AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-etude-house-ac-clinic-foam.html

In unexpected circumstances, where the zit popped itself or I accidentally scratched and popped the zit and it started to bleed, I will definitely not touch the area with my fingers. I will usually use a tissue to stop the bleeding and then, I will paste Nexcare Acne Patch on the opened wound.

What this Nexcare Acne Patch does is...it protects the wound from further inflammation and it helps to suck out the remaining pus that is embedded in the wound. With that said, I do not need to squeeze the wound with my fingers to force out the remaining pus, which can prevent or reduce bad scarring.

Next, ENLARGED PORES. This is another problem that many people are facing. It is something like acne which is so difficult to get rid of. Yeah yeah~ I know... I realized my pores seem to get more enlarged in the summer. (You can judge it from the picture of my skin posted at the beginning of this post.) I guess...it probably caused by oily skin...hmm... If that's the proximate cause, by tackling the sebum may prevent further enlarging pores problem.

When we mentioned 'sebum', we thought of oil-blotters. This is an important summer essential to me. As my skin gets more oilier in the summer, oil-blotters come in really handy to instantly clears the excess oil.

I'm using Clean &Clear Oil Control Film. I have been using this brand's oil blotters since I was in high school and it's one of my MUST-HAVE products.

Oil-blotters only help to clear excess oil(=reduces clogged pores). It does not make the pores smaller. To achieve smaller pores, I need some pore tightening products. Usually pore-care skincare products contain sebum-control properties so those with oily skin and enlarged pores without bad acne, you can look for products that are specifically for pore care.

In fact, I actually bought some pore-care skincare products but I have yet to open and use them because I would prefer to finish my current opened skincare products before opening new product. Having that said, I have to look for other alternatives for now, in which, I seek for facial masks.

I owned quite a few pore care/sebum-control masks and I decided to select only three out of my mask collections. These selected ones are the ones that I have been using most frequently in the summer. They are all part of my holy grail products by the way and they are:

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

I believe many of you have heard of this mask. It's pretty famous in the beauty world. It contains solidified lava caused by volcanic eruptions in Jeju Island which helps to absorb dirt, sebum and impurities deeply embedded within the skin pores, leaving the skin feeling clean and purified. Absolutely love this!

Caolion Blackhead Steam Pore Pack [Step 1]
This steam pore pack generates a warm, steaming effect that helps to open the pores. It contains charcoal powder which helps to extract sebum, blackheads and impurities from the skin pores. It can be applied to the whole face by the way. This mask is the most awesome heating mask I have ever tried. Like seriously... The heat generated is much warmer than TheFaceShop Blackhead Heating Gel Mask that I had reviewed 2-3 weeks ago. But no worries, the heat will not scald you. It really opens up the pores and cleanses throughly deep into the skin pores, leaving your face feeling clean without drying your face.

Caolion Pore Original Pack (Tightening) [Step 2]
As for this, it is a tightening mask which can be use as an "after treatment" .aka. second step after using the Blackhead Steaming Pore Pack. Basically, it claims to tighten the pores and it really does! When applied on the face, it gives a cooling and minty sensation which helps to calm down the skin. This mask is by far the most effective tightening mask I have ever tried!

Both products from Caolion have been added into my review list so stay tuned for the reviews~

Apart from the problems stated previously, HYDRATING is very important too! Do not forget to hydrate the skin! As the climate in Summer is usually mega hot, our skin can get dehydrated very easily. So DRINK UP!, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER! Also, do not forget to feed your skin with hydrating skincare products/masks.

Lately, my skin is facing different problems(breakouts, enlarged pores, super oily + mild dry skin etc. ). I kind of use different products from different brands to achieve maximum results in treating all the problems my skin is facing. So besides the additional pore-care masks, I am still using the same skincare products listed in my 'skincare routine' page but recently, I added in Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum, which I received during my birthday, into my skincare routine.

It is a very lightweight serum yet it hydrates the skin well which is perfect for summer. This has been added into my review list too~

And not forgetting hydrating masks, my favorite soothing and hydrating masks are from My Beauty Diary...

Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Mask and Aloe Mask

Both masks soothe and hydrate the skin super well and to maximize the soothing effect, chilled them in the fridge prior application. Absolutely perfect for summer!

Moving on to... Sweaty~Sweaty~ problem eww...

A deodorant helps to keep you smelling fresh all day. My personal all-time favorite is the Rexona Shower Clean 48hr Anti-Perspirant Deodorant.

I got the spray version and I absolutely love the scent! I started using this since Year 2009-2010 and throughout the years, I keep repurchasing the same bottle because of the scent. My ultimate loves~ I also got it in a mini version which is much more convenient to bring along to the gym.

Sweating makes you feel sticky and uncomfortable? Well, cleansing wipes come to the rescue~ Of course, it does not stop us from sweating but it does help in some ways...like...temporary relieves you from sweaty and stickiness. While some contain fragrances, it reduces the bad odor, leaving you smelling pleasant~ So keep a packet of cleansing body wipes in your bag! It might comes in handy in this summer. FYI, I'm using the Holika Holika So Cool Deo Perfume Tissue. Sorry, no picture for this. 

Also, don't forget to use sunscreen! I don't use one so I can't share about anything about sunscreen but I know it helps to protect and prevent the skin from the damage, such as wrinkles and age spots, caused by the sun ray. I'm considering getting one soon... maybe... not sure yet~ 

Alright, we have come to the end of this post. I hope you readers enjoy my long writing. Ermm..., I have read all the emails and comments you readers sent in but I have yet to reply to any of them... Sorry about that. I will reply as soon as possible. Give me some more time, please~ That's that, I will update again soon hopefully. 

Review: Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner (Deep Black)

Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner (Deep Black)

Description Claims:
- Containing honey essence with moisturizing effect.
- An extra-fine tipped brush that delivers a exact, definite, even stroke when lining the eyes.
- Deep black color creates strong contour on eyes.
- Water resistance formula yet dries quickly. Easy wash off formula, long lasting, easy to be removed by warm water.

Directions:
- Shake well with the cap on before use.
- When using product for the first time, it may be necessary to shake the bottle for a few more times and leave it upside down for a while.
- Wipe off excess liquid on brush tip before use.
- Carefully draw a thin line all along upper lash line.
- Avoid drawing too thick as thick lines may make your eyes look smaller instead.
- For best effect, use with Dolly Wink Pencil Eyeliner Black to color in the gaps between lash line and you eyelashes.
- Finish off with a 2-3mm flick upwards at the corners of eyes.
- For more impact, frame your eyes by using Dolly Wink Pencil eyeliner Black for your lower lash line too.

The liquid eyeliner comes in a sleek and sturdy pink plastic body with lilac flowery print, somewhat like daisy(?), printed all over it's body and has a black plastic snap-on cap.

The brush has a fine tip which makes it easy to control the thickness of each stroke.

Color and Consistency:
I got the Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in deep black. It's in liquid-form(ahemm...it's a liquid liner ) but not to the extend that it will start dripping. Don't worry, it's mess-free!

Scent:
I don't think there is any scent...

— Test demonstrations on my mom's hand~  —

*Apologies for the videos attached in this post being shaky and out of focus... *

On a side note, you can change the video quality by going to the gear icon(setting) in the corner of the video player, and select your preferred quality.

Smudge-proof Test:

...Before rubbing...

...After rubbing...

In order to prove to you whether this liquid eyeliner is smudge-proof or not, I told my mom to rub the swatches as hard as she could. As seen in the video and pictures, the eyeliner swatches did not smudge all over like normal pencil or creamy eyeliner does. However, the color of the eyeliner swatches seemed to fade a little after rubbing it hardly. But well, with average rubbing strength, it does not fade that much nor that obvious. Anyway, I assume the color fading problem is not a major problem to any of us because no one would actually rub his/her eyes that hard, right?

Water Resistance Test:

...rinsing with water...

...after...

When the liquid eyeliner comes in contact with water, it will not get wash-off unless you rub it with force. Otherwise, it has pretty good resistance to water, holding out against sweat, sebum and tears. The eyeliner swatches in the '...after...' picture look a bit faded but actually it's not! That's just an illusion caused by the reflection of the camera flash. Pardon that, kay?

Here's a video showing what would happen if you rub the eyeliner under the water / easy to remove with water:

I'm using cold water so the swatches need a few rubs to get wash off but if you rub it with lukewarm to warm water(not hot!), it requires less rubbing and it will get wash off more easier and quicker. Just like what it claimed — "easy to be removed by warm water."

Make Up Remover Test:
In my opinion, one of the downside, as stated in the "Dislikes" section below, is...'water-based makeup removers might not be able to remove this eyeliner'. I will show you what I mean...~

During the filming for the 'Water Resistance Test', I requested my mom to left some bits of eyeliner swatches so that I can proceed on doing this 'Make-Up Remover Test'. In this test, I'm using my all-time favorite makeup remover — Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover.

...after massaging...

...rinsing it off with water...

The bits of eyeliner swatches still stay in it's position — not completely removed.

I used Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover and as seen in the pictures attached above, it failed to remove this eyeliner. It does remove the eyeliner unless I use a tissue or a cotton pad to wipe it off after massaging instead of just rinsing off with water. By just using the Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover, which only requires rinsing off with water after massaging, the eyeliner can't seem to be removed, even it is in it's slightest bits.

However, a cream-based makeup remover or any makeup remover that requires wiping off with a cotton pad works fine in removing this eyeliner though. (as seen in the following pictures)

On the other hand, lukewarm to warm water does the removing job as well! Anyway, this problem does not bother me as I usually use a cream-based makeup remover, cotton pads and q-tips to remove my eye makeup before removing the entire face makeup using Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover.

Likes:
- fine tip!
- easy to control, easy to use! suitable for beginner!
- quick drying!
- truly water resistance!
- truly smudge-proof and sweat-proof!
- super long-lasting!
- easy to remove with warm water
- does not cause any allergic reactions
- does not cause any dryness to the eye area
- does not sting the eyes
- does not clump

Dislikes:
- water-based makeup removers might not be able to remove this eyeliner
- it does not clump but it does flake if you apply too many layers (e.g. 3-4 and more)
- it's expensive in my country! I got it for SGD24.90. 

Verdict: To be honest, this is my first time using a liquid eyeliner and Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner is my first liquid eyeliner in my life~ Yes!, I am a beginner! Back then, I'm so used to pencil and creamy eyeliners hence, I did not want to switch to liquid eyeliner. And now, I decided to try out liquid eyeliner because I'm sick of smudging and not long-lasting problems... Pencil or creamy eyeliners usually have smudging problem, yeah? I believe many of you have experienced the same problems as me before. 

Anyway, this Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner is so easy to use! It's so easy that even me, being a beginner, I get hold of it immediately like an expert~ I use this eyeliner to draw my upper lash line and also to fill in the gaps on the lash line between my eyelashes. It dries quickly like within 10-20 seconds and is super long-lasting. I did not experience any smudging around the bottom lashes area on my first try~ Not even when I'm out walking under the hot sun and shopping for hours. Awesome right? I think it is!

All in all, I absolutely love this Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner! 
One of my favorite currently~

Review: Etude House Eraser Show Remover Bar

Etude House Eraser Show Remover Bar (each 0.16ml x 20 bars)

Description: Individually filled with Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract enriched makeup remover, this soft cotton swab instantly lifts off smudges and makeup mistakes, while leaving the rest of the makeup untouched. So convenient and compact, it is perfect for on the go quick makeup correction.

Directions:
1. Hold the bar vertically, the lid side of the bar upward. Pull up the lid in a gentle turning motion to apart both ends.
2. Leave the lid side open and let formula inside flows down and fills the opposite tip.
3. Gently apply the saturated tip of the bar to remove makeup mistakes.
4. Use a dry tip of the bar to wipe off any surplus remover. Discard swab.

Packaging:

When I first got the box of cotton swabs/buds/q-tips(whatever you called it, I will call it q-tips in this post), it is well wrapped up in a plastic wrapper.

The box of q-tips comes with a lock tab lid(?) design to secure and prevent the box lid from opening itself. 

The q-tips are neatly packed in a compact-size plastic box.

The q-tips are different with the ones we normally use in our life. Each of this q-tip is filled with makeup remover in its stem and when you twist and pull off the lid side, the makeup remover will flow down through its stem to the opposite end, damping the cotton. While the cotton on the lid side remains dry. After removing the makeup smudges with the damped side, you can use the dry side to absorb any excess makeup remover or residue on your skin.

The following diagram shows you how to release the makeup remover to the opposite end:

1) Hold the bar vertically with the lid side facing upwards.

2) Gently twist and pull off the lid

3) Once the lid is pulled off, the makeup remover in the stem will flow down and damp the cotton on the other end.

Demonstration:

I thought actions would be much clearer than non-animated pictures and words hence, I recorded a video... A muted one lol. Hopefully, the actions in the video will explain clearer on how effective these q-tips work. 

So, here's the video~: *apologies for the camera being out of focus... *

On a side note, you can change the video quality by going to the gear icon(setting) in the corner of the video player, and select your preferred quality.

As seen in the video, I did have a slight problem erasing the Holika Holika Jewel-like Waterproof Eyeliner... I guess...maybe I applied way too many layers. FYI, I applied 4 layers of Holika Holika Jewel-like Waterproof Gel Liner, 2 layers of Dollywink Liquid Eyeliner and 2 layers of The Face Shop Make Me Star Waterproof Gel Liner. Anyhow, I guess that's not a big problem as these remover bars are meant to cleanse up smudges and not the whole eye makeup.

In the video, I show you on how to release the makeup remover to the cotton tip and also how effective the damped q-tip cleanses makeup but err...something is missing. I forgot to show you the part on how to use the dry side. But well, I think you should know what the dry side is for huh? I mentioned just now though, but it's okay, I will repeat again~  FYI, the dry side is for removing excess makeup remover or residue that are on your skin after you cleansed the smudges. 

Consistency and Color:
The makeup remover in the stem of the q-tip is in liquid form. It's colorless and non-greasy.

Scent:
It has a pleasant mild scent. I don't really know how to describe the scent but don't worry it doesn't smell bad or overpowering!

Likes:
- the "2-in-1" tips (wet - with makeup remover & dry tips)
- remove makeup smudges, including waterproof ones
- packaging! - lightweight, compact size, comes in a box etc.
- super handy!
- easy to use; mess-free!
- gentle formula
- non-greasy
- does not dry out the skin
- does not cause breakouts
- the scent

Dislikes:
- there's nothing I dislike about...

Verdict: Seriously, there's nothing I dislike about this Eraser Show Remover Bar! It is gentle, non-greasy and does not dry out the skin yet it cleanses makeup smudges effectively. Best of all, the box of q-tips is lightweight hence, it's very convenient to carry it wherever you go! I always bring a box of these q-tips in my bag because I know it may come in handy, fixing makeup imperfections. Definitely a must-have item!