Review: DHC Medicated Acne Care Concealer

DHC Medicated Acne Care Concealer (10g)
Conceals, smoothens and resists sebum.

Description: A long-lasting concealer that covers acne marks and skin discoloration. Contains 'Fix Polymer' that is strongly resistant to skin oil, forming a thin, snug-fitting veil that adheres to the skin.
No fragrance. No preservatives.

Comes in 2 shades - 01 Natural Ocher and 02 Natural Beige??? (?)
PS: I can't remember the name of the shade in 02.

Claims to do:
- Conceals pimples, acne scars and pigmentation
- Even out roughness
- Resists sweat and stays put
- Primes the skin for long-lasting makeup application

Ingredients list

Tested on my arm. XD

FYI, I do get zits on my arm because I always rest my arm on the table lol.

By the way, I only applied the concealer on the spot without applying any other make-up products under or above it.

Likes:
- specially for acne prone skin .aka. troubled skin
- contains SPF
- not greasy
- a little goes a long way
- does not break me out
- does conceals pimples, acne scars and pigmentation(light to medium coverage)
- does not aggravate pimples
- matte finish
- sweat-resistant .aka. sweat-proof
- easy to blend
- pretty long-lasting for me :)

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

I have been using this concealer for 3-4 years now and I'm still loving this concealer. I tried to change to other brands' concealer in between the years and ended up I always coming back to this. Nothing beats this concealer. :) What I like about this concealer are listed above so do refer to the 'Likes' section~

It gives a light to medium coverage. It does not cover and hide all the acne marks perfectly. I mean it does cover light pinkish, brownish color marks perfectly but it does not works well for a darker reddish, brownish acne marks. After all, it only has a light to medium coverage, not full coverage. That's my opinion...because it does not cover my dark reddish, brownish acne marks perfectly or maybe... I just don't have the skill to blend it well? lol. Anyway, if you're looking for a light to medium coverage concealer for acne prone skin, this is it! :D

Review: Bourjois Effet 3D Lip Gloss

Bourjois Effet 3D Lip Gloss (20 Rose Symphonic)

Got mine in 20 Rose Symphonic

A glamorous and shimmery pink lip gloss.

Consistency and Color:
Looks kind of gooey in the tube and on the brush but... it's not when apply on the lips! What makes me so fond of this gloss is because it's totally not sticky at all! It's easy to apply on lips and it does not dry up the lips!♥ The color is between sheer to opaque shimmery baby pink and it can be build-able.

Scent:
Mild sweet fragrance

Likes:
- not sticky!
- 8 HRS hydrate;  moisturizing, totally not drying at all!
- fine micro glitter; glossy, glittery and shimmery~
- plump up the lips
- pretty color
- color is build-able
- the applicator; easy to apply
- glides on smoothly
- the scent
- comes in a variety of shades

Dislikes:
- wear off during drinking and eating

This is the only brand of lip gloss which I like and use it quite often. I have tried other brands of lip gloss before but well, this is the only one that I find it not sticky and unlike some other lip glosses, this does not have a strong sweet or fruity fragrance. Honestly, I'm a person who don't like flavored lip gloss/lip balm but I'm fine with the scent of Bourjois lip gloss. At least, it's not overpowering.

Overall, I love this lip gloss and imma getting another shade from this brand~ There are a variety of shades to choose from so... people who likes glittery, shimmery lip gloss but dislikes sticky and strong flavored lip gloss, try this. :D

Review: Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Mask Sheet (20ml)

Description: Formulated with Salicylic acid, mask sheet made from 100% Bamboo fibers supplies moisture.
Directions: Apply mask sheet to cleansed face and leave on for 15-20minutes. Remove mask and massage remaining solution into skin with hands.

I use this mask during "that time of the month". Y'know, girls get breakouts during that period of time. lol...

Mask sheet soaking wet "sitting" inside the pack~~

Apparently, one hand isn't enough to hold and stretch the mask perfectly so apologize for not able to fully show the shape of the mask. :x

Likes:
- nice scent (i like~)
- contains salicylic acid
- reduce pimples redness
- calm pimples
- prevent breakout
- lots of essence? serum? solution?, whatever you called it...
- does not leave a super sticky residue after application
- not greasy
- lighten acne scars/pigmentation
- essence? serum? solution? gets absorbed totally and it get absorbed really quick (quicker than My Beauty Diary mask)

Dislikes:
- for me, it causes irritation(redness, bumpy and itchy patches) on my sensitive cheeks and jawlines :(
- a little expensive

The next day after using the mask, both of my jawlines turn red(refer to picture below) and later on... my cheeks develop patches of redness too! Looks like rashes fyi. Tsk!

Close-up shot of my left jawline

PS: Spot the zit yeah~ please don't mind that lonely zit. LOL.

Perhaps I'm allergic to one of the ingredients in the mask or maybe... it's the side effects of salicylic acid...? :O

There's a higher possibility that the side effects of salicylic acid being the cause of the irritations on my skin because salicylic acid can cause side effects such as redness, peeling, flakiness, stinging, burning etc. I'm thinking this way because the irritations did not develop right after using. It happened overnight.

And fyi..., the redness ONLY LASTS for an hour and would only flare up again right after I cleansed my face. Other than that, my skin just looks perfectly fine without any signs of irritation.

- How many days does it takes for the redness to stop developing?

Well, I'm on my second day of observing so I will update you guys later.

By the way, I don't know whether it's an allergic reaction or because of the side effects of salicylic acid. Above details are based on my opinion. :)

On the positive side, despite the irritations, it does helps to reduce the pimples redness, calm and dry up the pimples. Besides that, it also helps to lighten acne scars/pigmentation and prevent future breakouts~ (I saw immediate result after one use. XD) Having said that, I kind of have a love-hate relationship with this mask. Sigh... -.-

For those who have occasionally breakouts, try this mask! They do work however, people with sensitive skin, please be ready for the irritations yo! I don't know if it would affect everyone... maybe yes?, maybe not? I don't know... Anyway, it's just a warning, especially to those with super sensitive skin. XOXO :)

x---x

Update on 9th Feb 2013:

- How many days does it takes for the redness to stop developing?

For me, it lasts for 3 days. :)

Despite the irritations, I'm loving the results it gave to my skin. All the nasty whiteheads/small bumps/inflamed zits on my skin are gone! woooohoooooo~ XD 

x---x

Update on 6th March 2013:

I used it again yesterday and this time, I didn't get any irritation. By the way, I recommended it to my friend and she did not experience any irritation on her first use. So I concluded that the irritation only happens to some people, depending on the skin condition and it's sensitivity. People with sensitive skin, just be warned... It's best to do a patch test prior to use. :)

Giveaway #2 WINNERS

Thank you very much to everyone who participated in the Giveaway #2.

Winners picked via "Random Line Picker" from Text Mechanic

(Click on picture to enlarge...)

so...the winners are..........

.

.

.

qonita

Lee Liet

Nurnajwa binti Mohd Nasir

Congratulations! :D

Dear winners, I have sent you an email. Please check your inbox/junk mail for more details and reply asap because I would like to mail out the prizes on this coming Wednesday 26th Dec(if possible).

If you did not received the email, please email me to let me know.
XOXO :)

And for the rest of the participants, don't get upset if you didn't win this time because BITSDIARIES will have plenty more giveaways in the future. Stay tuned. :)

*Wishing everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR! :D*

CLOSED: GIVEAWAY #2

DISCLAIMER: All giveaway items shown in this blog are purchased using my own money. I was not paid by any companies nor have any affiliation with any of the brand mentioned in here.

Ready for Giveaway #2?~

*3 Lucky Winners will be selected.* :)

Take note that whatever items in the bag are not in their full product size! They are sample sachets and/or trial kit from various brands such as Etude House, The Face Shop, Innisfree, Skinfood, Skin&Lab, Mizon, Tony Moly, Holika Holika, It's Skin etc. Each bag will be packed and sent randomly!~ :)

How to PARTICIPATE & WIN?:
My giveaway rules are always very simple! You just have to email the following details:
- [Your Name]:
- [Your Country]:
- [Your Email Address]:
to bitsdiaries@live.com subject to "WIN Giveaway #2".

*Multiple entries are NOT allowed. One entry per participant. More than one entry per participant will result in disqualification.
* This giveaway is open internationally!~ 
** All prizes will be mailed via SingPost Normal Mail.
***Winners will be announced on my blog on 25th December 2012 and will be notified by email directly. *Dear participants, do check your email inbox and/or junk mail folder on that day!*

Giveaway #2 Event will

start on 24th November 2012, SGT 12:00AM

and

end on 24th December 2012, SGT 10:00PM.

Good luck to all participants! XOXO~ ;D

-

UPDATE on 24th December 2012:
This event has ENDED. Thanks to all who participated in this event. :D
Winners will be announced on my blog on 25th December 2012 and will be notified by email directly. So be sure to check back and don't forget to check your inbox and/or junk mail folder. :)

Good luck to all participants and wishing everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR! :D

Review: SKIN & LAB Dr. Spot Clear Don't Touch Trouble

SKIN & LAB Dr. Spot Clear Don't Touch Trouble (15ml)

SKIN&LAB is not just another cosmetic brand but realization of true science based on plenty of dermatologist experiences. All products of SKIN&LAB are designed to provide dermatological solutions.

Description: Don't Touch Trouble with sophora extract works quickly to help calm the skin and restore skin comfort.

Directions: Apply to the affected area 2-3 times daily.

(Click on the picture to enlarge...)

(Source from SKIN&LAB)

It comes in a soft squeeze-able tube with a twist-off cap.

Consistency & Color:
Gel-like serum texture and opaque. After a few minutes of applying the product, it will get absorbed and become translucent.

Scent:
Errr... not too strong? pretty much odorless? ps, I don't know how to describe for this... :/

Likes:
- the ingredients & the formula
- easy to use
- works effectively on mild acne (whiteheads, flesh color zits etc)
- heals acne zits at the same time, reduce the redness of post acne marks/scarring
- not drying nor harsh; suits sensitive skin
- no side effect; no irritation
- not very sticky
- translucent :)
- can be used both day and night use

Dislikes:
- takes a long period of time to dry and heal the pimples
- for me, it does not work on large painful hormonal pimples

Previously I was using the Etude House AC Clinic Pink Powder Spot which doesn't suit to use it in the day, especially if I'm going out, because it will leave an obvious layer/spot/mark after applying the product. So I got this SKIN&LAB Dr. Spot Clear Don't Touch Trouble to use it in the day. Right after I used up the AC Clinic Pink Powder Spot, I use the Dr. Spot Clear Don't Touch Trouble in the day and night. So far, I used up one and a half tube already.

Overall conclusion, I kinda like and hate this. lol.

I like it because it heals and dry up the pimples while minimize the redness of the acne scars/marks. That means when a pimple gets healed, the mark left on the skin will be less red and can be faded easily and much faster using a scar/spot treatment product(eg: whitening spot treatment). For me, using a scar/spot treatment, normally it takes 3-6 months(depends on how severe the acne is) to heal post acne mark. But after using this product, it takes 1-2 months to get rid of the mark. (PS: This only works on new zits, new acne marks.)

I hate it because it takes a long time to get rid of a pimple. Unlike other acne spot treatments which on average takes 3-5days or a week to heal a pimple, the period of time this product takes to heal my pimples various from 1-3 weeks. Another downside, it does not heal my large painful hormonal acne. :(

Even though I do have reasons to hate this product, I would still consider buying it because of the "speed up process" of healing acne mark/scar left after drying up a new pimple. Nowadays I seldom get large inflamed acne unless I'm having a bad life routine or it's "the time of the month"(life being a girl -.-) so since it works effectively for my whiteheads/flesh color zits, I don't mind making a repurchase. In fact, I already gotten another 3 boxes(as seen from first picture). :P I tend to use up a tube pretty fast because I apply a lot of the product on a pimple. LOL! XD As for "How I treat my hormonal acne?", well, Nexcare Acne Patch will do the job~! :D
(Read the review on Nexcare Acne Patch: link)

That's it for the product review. :)

Review: Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Make-up Remover

Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid(SHA) Hydrating Make-up Remover
(Net wt: 200ml)

Description: Contains advanced skin hydrating ingredient — Super Hyaluronic Acid, with twice the moisture retention capacity of Hyaluronic Acid(1gm of Hyaluronic Acid is able to hold up 6 liters of water). Replenishes essential moisture to visibly improve skin texture and prevent dryness so skin stays soft, hydrated and supple.

Claims to do:
- Gently & effectively removes all traces of make-up, dirt and impurities while preserving skin's natural moisture.
- Water based formula leaves skin clean without any greasy or tight feeling after use.
- Hydrates as it cleanses leaving skin feeling silky smooth.
Skin pH balanced. Low irritation.
- Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant.

Directions: Keep your hands and face dry. Squeeze sufficient amount onto your palm, and massage directly onto your face; using gentle circular motion. Rinse thoroughly with water.

It comes in a plastic bottle with a pump and a lock tab. :D

Consistency & Color:

Liquid-y texture and translucent.

Scent:

Odorless; it's fragrance-free :)

Likes:

- water based and hyaluronic acid formula

- free of fragrances, mineral oil, colorant and alcohol

- non greasy; does not break me out :D

- non-drying

- easy to use

- no leakage from the pump after dispensing of the product :)
- less harsh; suits sensitive skin
- remove light makeup effortlessly
- remove light makeup without leaving a tight, squeaky clean feeling
- a little goes a long way~~~

Dislikes:

- does not remove waterproof make-up :(

- does not remove heavy make-up; works only for light to medium make-up.

Demonstration XDDD: 

...massaging the product on the make-up swatches...

...and... rinse it off....

(ps for my hairy hand~ wheeeeeeeeee XPPP)

As seen from the pictures, it failed to remove my waterproof eyeliners. Well, it did not even completely remove my Revlon Colorstay eyeliner. :(

Overall, I still like this make-up remover because of it's hydrating purposes. :D For me, even though it does not remove all kinds of make-up but it doesn't really matter to me because I use separate make-up removers for my face and eyes. And... I don't apply heavy make-up; my make-up is always light or light to medium~ so as long as it removes all traces of my face make-up, I'm satisfied with it. :)

By the way, Hada Labo has another makeup remover which is called "Super Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Oil". It's for heavy make-up and waterproof mascara so if you are a heavy make-up person, you might want to get the cleansing oil instead of this water based remover. :)

That's that. XOXO :)