DIY:Tea Tree and Aloe Vera Treatment Gel

We all know the benefits of tea tree oil and Aloe. When you put them together, you get a treatment that is not only effective for acne, but also for soothing redness from insect bites.

Ingredients
Aloe Vera Gel
Tea Tree Oil

-Mix the 2 together with a spatula in a sterile container.
-3-4 drops tea tree oil to about 3.5cm of aloe vera gel

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that fights acne or infection. Aloe Vera is anti inflammatory and helps to sooth redness and swelling. This gel treatment can be used to treat inflamed pimples or insect bites. It can also be used as a treatment for minor cuts and wounds.

DIY : Brightening Body Scrub

Most of us take good care of our face,but tend to neglect our body. Here's a recipe that will help to restore the glow to our skin. Happy bath time!

Ingredients:
1 big handful of coarse salt
1 big handful of fine salt
Juice of 1 large lemon

-Mix coarse and fine3 salt together.
-Mix in lemon juice thoroughly without using a mixer or blender.
-Wet skin. Rub in circular motions, concentrating on elbows and kneecaps.
-Rinse thoroughly.


* Lemon juice helps to lighten darkened patches, while salt exfoliates. Coarse salt rubs away flaky skin, while fine salt smooths and polishes.

*Be sure to apply moisturizer, as this scrub can be drying. Avoid the sun as the lemon juice can cause your sun to become sun sensitive. If you really must go out into the sun, apply sunblock with a high SPF. Better still, do this scrub at night. Do this scrub weekly, and say hello to a fairer you!

Mummy's Helpers

Being a wife and a mother is a tiring job. For working mothers, even more so. Changing diapers, laundry, attending to The Husband's needs... the list goes on. So with what little time left for oneself, how does one still manage to look polished? Simple. Multi-taskers to the rescue. Here goes the list.

BB Cream- Moisturizer, Sunblock, makeup base, concealer and foundation in one. Need I say more?

Blusher-Use to add colour to a tired face, and sculpt facial features. Magic!

Aloe Vera Gel- Use as a leave in conditioner and hair gel. Voila! Shiny hair that stays in place. Can also be used on baby/toddler/adult/child/teenager for rashes, insect bites, cuts, pimples, as moisturizer...

Sleeping Mask- Just slather on after your usual nightly moisturizer. No more waiting= More sleep! (I like The Face Shop's Raspberry Roots Sleeping Mask)

Stay Beautiful, everyone!

Review: Clarins High Definition Body LIft

This is my favourite body shaping/firming product to date. Having tried it and being pleased with the resualts years ago, It did not take a lot of convincing for me to purchase this. This little gem of a product helped me through my more insecure 'fat' days years go. So, I decided to give it another try.

Likes:
-Begins working from very first application
-Almost immediate absorption
-Draining effect on spongy area with water retention
-Following the Clarins self massage method, texture of 'fat' areas are visibly improved.

Gripes:
-None, except the price. But then again, you do need to pay a price for beauty.

Put together the brand's expertise in body products and premium ingredients, you have a definite winner.

I do understand that there are those who say that this product does not live up to its claims and is overrated, but I beg to differ. Of course, if you are expecting to apply this product and shed the kilos without any other effort, you will be sorely disappointed.

A lastingly beautiful body (save for going under the knife) can ONLY come about through exercise and a consistently health lifestyle. Do not be so deluded to think that there really is a magic pill that will give you those tight, toned abs.

A good product can only help you so much. The rest is up to you. And yes, this product will be on my repurchase list.

Review:Clarins Body Shaping Cream

The time has come for me to face the fact that enemy forces have taken control of the lower half of my body: Cellulite.

So what's a lazy vainpot to do? Turn to technology for help. And so, I did. I was lucky that Clarins was (probably still is having) a promotion pack together with the High Definition Body Lift. This was used on my tummy and arms, the HD Body Lift on the rest of my jiggly bits.

Likes:
-Smooth, silky texture
-Great scent
-Firming effect.

Gripes:
-Expensive.
-Requires massage

I have mixed feelings towards this product. While it does smooth and tighten skin, rubbing it in somehow conjures up images for me of rubbing in the Sunday roast. Having said that, the texture is probably to allow for massage to help break up fatty deposits.

Verdict? A good product that assists in removing water retention, and promoting drainage. Not yet holy grail, but a close contender to my beloved HD Body Lift(review coming later).

Nothing, for now, except for cosmetic/surgical procedures, can ever take the place of exercise.

But one can always hope...

Review:Watson's Honey Hair Treatment Wax

I'm not the sort who spends a lot of time on my hair save for the daily combing and brushing.(Which I insist on) So, for someone like me, who does not habitually do hair treatments, I need an efficient daily conditioner to keep my tresses smooth and tangle free. It looks like I've found a winner in this little beauty gem from the ever trusty Watson's. Here's my review.

Likes:
-Hair is left smooth and untangled. Flyaways are tamed.
-Great smell.
-Cheap enough to use daily.

Gripes:
-Weighs down fine hair if not rinsed properly
-Large amount needed for good results (But that's ok. A tub costs less than 10sgd and lasts quite awhile.)

Quite simply, beauty on the cheap.

Skin Deep:Really?

Every day, we are bombarded with images of beautiful people,be it on TV, magazines, or in the newspaper. (So much, it seems, that we have forgotten what real beauty is.)

Back to the topic. Today, beauty is literally more than 'skin deep'. The advent of technology has proved this by revolutionizing the definition of beauty beyond our wildest dreams. Sagging face? A face lift should do the trick. Jiggly bits? Liposuction. One can literally come out of the cosmetic surgeon's with a new face and body.

Don't get me wrong. I am neither trying to be sarcastic, no condemning plastic surgery. In fact, I say; Go ahead if you thing it will improve the quality of your life. But only after careful consideration.

Plastic surgery is but a cosmetic aid.It can add to your confidence, or even change your life. But it can never change what you truly are.

"I see your true colours, and that's why I love you..."
-True Colours

Love yourselves, everyone!

Beauty Sins

We all know that there are things that we should not be doing en-route the path of beauty. I'm sure most of us have that one or 2 habits that are considered cardinal beauty sins.

For me, first and foremost, is picking at my skin. Gross as it may sound, doesn't the aftermath of picking at that juicy zit leave you with a sense of satisfaction? But just think of the bacteria and disgusting stuff that is getting on and into the skin...yuck...(well, at least I wash my hands with Dettol first..)

Second, would be my horrible diet of junk food and intake (or rather, the lack of) of water. No wonder my skin'd been looking so lacklustre lately...

Looks like its time for a diet overhaul...Keep your fingers crossed for updates...

What are your beauty sins?

I'm Back!

Just back from holiday, my holiday was extended. More posts coming up soon, I promise :)

Till Then!

Makeup Essentials

Bonus post while I'm holidaying.:)

It seems that I have been going on and on about my skincare, but not much about my makeup. Although I do like makeup in general, and have gotten pretty good at wielding the makeup brush over the years I am more concerned about having good skin, or at least creating the illusion of it. Here goes my list:

-Beauty Credit Danahan Ecopure BB Cream (My daily must have when going out.Not sure about the SPF but its SPF 40 and above. I love this stuff. It makes my skin look soooo good... ) Acts as makeup base, foundation, and concealer. You can even skip moisturizer if you are in a rush. This is one of the few BB creams that actually delivers what it promises. For me at least.

-ZA Beauty foundation (A dirt cheap cult favourite. Skin stays protected, soft and matte. And its also non comodoegenic.What's not to love?) Sets my BB cream. Sometimes, I skip this step when I'm lazy.

- The Face Shop Baked Shimmer in Apricot Nuance. Gives my fair, but tired looking skin a beautiful glow.

Just add on brow pencil,lip balm, mascara(maybe:)) and I'm good to go.

What are your basic makeup essentials?

Short Break

Going on a one week holiday, will be back in a week :)Happy hols!

Clarins UV Plus Day Screen High Protection SPF 40 UVA-UVB/PA++/Oil-free

I am currently on the lookout for a new sun block to replace my ZA True White Day Protector, as it seems to be drying out my skin. When the SA gave me some samples on my last trip to the Clarins counter, I thought: why not? So here goes:

Likes:
-Smooth, non-greasy texture
-Dries matte and smooth—perfect for makeup.
-Light melon smell. Or is it my imagination?
-Long lasting protection, yet washes off easily. I used some of the sample on my arms to test it out. After many hours in the sun, my arms remained even toned. Rare for me, since I have a tendency towards tanning unevenly. It washed off easily with my usual shower foam, unlike other sunblocks, which I need to pre-cleanse with baby wipes/makeup remover.
-Tinted version reduces the appearance of dark spots/patches.
Gripes:
-None, except the price.

Another quality product from Clarins. I have a tendency towards allergies from mineral makeup/sunscreens, but this little gem did not irritate my skin. Will purchase when my sun block runs out.

Review: Clarins Whitening Moisture Day Emulsion SPF20 PA++ (Oil-free)

Another product from the Clarins White Plus Range. Here is my 2- cents worth.

Likes:
-Smooth, non greasy, liquid texture.
-Prolongs makeup hold
-Easily absorbed
-Forms protective layer over skin (Clarins anti-pollution complex)

Gripes:
-Not moisturizing enough for dehydrated skin. But I do use a serum on most days, so it isn’t a biggie.

While I do love Clarins products, this product is not exactly one of their star products. It however, does live up to its claims. Definitely on my purchase list, however. Despite being the beauty whore that I am, I do like to use products in a set, so that I can make sure that I do not miss out on the benefits of using the whole range of products together.

Laws For Beautiful Skin

1)Sleep-Sleeping Beauty always had porcelain perfect skin

2)Hydration-2-3 litres a day, no less. Liquids other than water are counted. But for every cup of coffee, drink twice the amount of water. For every cup of tea, one cup of water. (I know some people insist that tea doesn't dehydrate, but it is a diuretic after all. So better be safe than sorry.)

3)Cleanliness-Need I say more? Hands off your face!

4)Diet & Nutrition-2000mg Vitamin C daily is the bare minimal. The body does not absorb all that it ingests, so you need most probably need the extra. You need it for repair of body tissues, to fight off illnesses, so by the time it comes to your skin, little is left for anti- aging and repair. Other supplements ( including but not limited to (Vitamin A & E. Ask your friendly local pharmacist for advice.)

Coming up soon: a writeup on vitamins.

Review: Clarins Hydra-Quench Cream Mask

I went through a period when my skin became highly dehydrated, and to my horror, my nose, chin, and cheekbones started to look like a snake in the process of changing its skin. I added this to my beauty routine, and sure enough, this little gem was a winner.

Likes:
-Light, creamy, easily absorbed.
-Fresh classic Clarins Scent
-Left skin smooth and hydrated

Gripes:
-None. What's there to dislike?

Conclusion:A definite keeper in the beauty arsenal of those with dehydrated skin. I like!

Skincare DIY: Milk Body Mask

A body whitening recipe to share. Milk nourishes and strengthens skin. Take your cue from Queen Cleopatra, and enjoy!

Ingredients:
-4 cups full cream milk powder, any brand
-1 tablespoon honey
-a few drops essential oil of choice(optional)

-Mix all ingredients together with enough water to form a thick paste.
-Slather generously over darkened areas. Luxuriate for fifteen minutes
_Enjoy your smoother, fairer skin!

Beauty Miracles

"I am not young enough to know everything"
Oscar Wilde

The older I get, the more it seems that my knowledge in the realm of beauty becomes more and more miniscule. Granted, I am fully aware of, and may even have tried the latest beauty potions available on the market, but does that make me an expert? More of a guinea pig, I feel. But an informed one, as I like to think.

But I digress. Just the other day, I was having a conversation with one of my younger friends. She was raving about a certain cult beauty product that promised miraculous results. Being a skincare whore,. I had fallen victim too many times to overly rated products, and hence, had gotten into the habit of reading the ingredient list. It looked suspiciously familiar.

Sure enough, the ingredient list looked similar to the one on the tub of body cream I had at home, Which I had gotten for under $10.


What baffles me is why no one has bothered to point it out openly. Of course, I have to give credit to the better packaging, etc. But to me, I'd rather settle for less packaging, less advertising, and more product.

"A rose, by any other name, is still a rose."

(And yes, the cheaper product works exactly the same way.)

Now, I am in no way condemning higher end luxury products. Some of them do contain cutting edge technology that would be impossible to make available at a lower price.

But what does your beauty miracle really contain?

All time Favourites

Time for a post on my all time favourites.

Avene Thermal Spray-I don't know what I would have done without it. Together with Avene Skin recovery Cream, this is an excellent treatment for sensitive/sensitized skin. My baby uses it for heat rashes, hubby uses it as toner, refresher...I've lost track of how many times I've repurchased this.

Jorubi Aloe Vera Gel-A stabilized aloe vera gel.It has a multitude of uses. For soothing rashes, sunburn, pimples. etc. I use it as hair gel and for masks too.


St Ives Mineral Clay Firming Mask- My essential weekly mask, come rain or shine. My face would probably have become like the moon's surface if not for this. I would probably cry if they stopped making this. I always have a spare, just in case.

The Face Shop Raspberry Root Eye Patch-Effective for an owl like me. Fine lines, puffiness, dark eye rings and dryness are reduced. Till this day, despite my sleeping habits, I still do not look like the panda's relative. Need I say more?

For a product whore like me, that's saying a lot.I am one of those who simply cannot resist trying new products. So, friends, what are your beauty essentials?

Review: Vaseline Healthy White Skin Lightening Lotion

As I have mentioned in an earlier post,I am blessed/cursed with skin that is fair, but tans and fades easily, leaving an aftermath of sunspots sprinkles over my arms and hands. So, I am always on the lookout for a good lightening lotion/product that will even out my skin tone. When I saw this on Watson's shelves on one of my regular trips there, I had to try this out.

Likes:
-Spreads well, easily absorbed.
-UV filters for protection
-Non sticky finish
-Fades dark patches with CONSISTENT use

Gripes:
-Mineral oil--I have sensitive skin.
-Scent--May be too overpowering for some.

I have been using this lotion quite regularly for the past 2 weeks. I have experienced some slight itching, but nothing more serious. My take is, its a good budget lotion with reasonable results. Sensitive skins need to be cautious, however, due to the mineral oil content.For me, I will still continue looking for my holy grail. The search continues...

Skincare DIY: Green Tea Aloe Mask

I am one of those that tan, but fade easily, and the aftermath is always a sprinkling of sunspots on my arms, shoulders, and the back of my hands. I am looking for ways to get rid of, or at least lessen their appearance before they morph into giant pigmentation patches. I came up with a very simple recipe to help treat this problem, with ingredients that are mostly easily found in most kitchens. This recipe would probably work for whitening the face as well, but I have not tried that yet, to be honest. Here it is.

Ingredients:
2 large tablespoons Aloe Vera gel (I used Jorubi, but any good brand should work as well)
green tea from one green tea bag(Pour hot water and let steep for a minute, remove, then extract the green tea from the teabag. Careful, its hot!)
2-3 teaspoons honey

-mix well all ingredients,with a clean spoon or spatula in a clean plastic container
-leave covered, in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to allow ingredients to 'fuse' together.
-spread on (cleansed) desired areas thinly. Leave till slightly sticky and almost fully absorbed.
-rub in circular motions like you would a scrub. Rinse off thoroughly.
-voila! softer brighter skin! Remember to moisturize!

This mixture would last up to a week or so in the fridge.Enjoy!

Nivea Age Defying Q10 plus Hand Cream

Of late, I have discovered pesky little sunspots on the back of my hands, so I was looking for a product to get rid, or at least minimize them. Then I came across this product on Watson's shelves and thought: Why not? Its after all only $5.70...And here's my take:

Likes:
-non sticky and smooth finish, fast absorbing.
-Anti aging Q10 (hey, I'm not so deluded to think such a cheap bottle of cream could perform anti aging miracles, but its Q10, so why not?)
-heals dry hands with continuous use
-UV filters (I'm still wary about this part since there's no SPF stated, so I still do use a separate sunblock when the sun's too strong) But any protection is still good.
-Light, fresh scent
-Appears to fade minor sun spots with prolonged used.(I've been using it for about a month or so)
-Cheap. Enough said!

Gripes:
-packaging--I wish it came in a smaller tube so that I have less to carry around with me.


I like this hand cream. So much that I already went back to purchase spares. But I'm still on the lookout for a better product--I need SPF! However, at SGD5.70 for a 100ml, one can hardly complain. Maybe with consistent use, I might elevate it to holy grail status. But for now, Madam is still in two minds about this product.

Reviews:Clarins White Plus Whitening Repairing Night Cream

Another Review for the Clarins White Plus Series. Easy to tell, I'm fan. Love, love love!

Likes:
-Fades spots and scars.
-Repairs 'damaged' skin.
-Luxurious, creamy texture.
-draining effect (smaller face!haha)
-Soothes skin, relaxes.
-Eliminates flakiness
-Minimizes pores, and smoothes out blotchiness almost overnight.

Gripes:
-probably the packaging. Tub=increased contamination risk. But its no biggie, because your hands are supposed to be clean when you're going to touch your face anyway.
-Expensive (but oh, so worth it!)

Just recovering from a bout of extremely bad breakouts on my chin, this cream has been an essential fighter in my arsenal to fight scarring.Conclusion: Absolute holy grail material!

Headlines

"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair. Let me climb the golden stairs."

Hair. Long, short, permed, rebonded, bleached, coloured. Been there, done that. Thankfully, my hair has escaped relatively unscathed from the torture it was put through.

My daily routine now has been reduce to this: wash, condition, dry. And when the mood strikes me occasionally, hair serum.

(Horror of horrors. "You mean you don't do any hair masks? or treatments? Omg...")

Yes, my waist length hair probably does not get the TLC it deserves. But considering the fact that my hair has gone through a barrage of chemical treatments, I think it is time it went on a diet, and let Mother Nature take its course. So far, it seems to be working.

Call me lazy, but (for the present at least), I feel that less is more. Hair gel, hair spray, wax, mud, clay, etc...they're all evil inventions that we can do without. and yes, my hair is thanking me.

Reviews:Clarins Whitening Pure Aqua Lotion

Recently,I have gotten back into the habit of using a toner again.I know some people feel that a toner is not necessary, but it seems that it is doing my skin good.I'll be talking more about this in the future. First, the review.

Likes:
-Light, refreshing texture
-refreshes, tightens pores, removes surface dirt.
-reduces breakouts with long term use.

Gripes:
-None

This lotion is part of the revamped Clarins White HP series, enriched with sea lily.I have notice less clogged pores within the month that I have been using it.Skin texture has become clearer, and more refined. Drier skins, however, may prefer the Aqua Milk in the same range.

My verdict? Its a lovely luxury.But so far, I haven't been able to find another toner that does the same. So, it will be on my repurchase list.

Review: Clarins White Plus Intensive Whitening Smoothing Serum

I've been using this product for about three months now, and I thought its only fair that I did a review on it. Here goes!

Likes:-Smoothing effect, great under makeup
-Brightening
-Light hydration, easily absorbed
-Non greasy gel cream consistency
-tightens pores

Gripes:-Expensive!

I have always liked Clarins products. Time and again, I have strayed from them, but always come back to them. I love this serum. It helps to lighten old scars, and prevents new ones forming (yes I squeeze my zits, but that's another story...). Your skin is left smooth and velvety to the touch. Regular use has brightened my complexion to give it a slight pinkish glow. It layers well under moisturizer, sunblock, and makeup. So far, as always with Clarins products, no breakouts for me.This is important, since my skin has been very temperamental in recent years.

Would I buy again? Despite the price tag? Yes of course! You only need a pea sized amount each time, and my bottle has already lasted me around 3 months without running out. You do the math.

I am in love...

Body Beautiful

I write this with an extremely heavy heart. Why? Because I'm FAT!

Those who tell you to love your body? Well, couldn't you like to love it just a little more, if you had a firmer stomach? Or less orange peel on your jiggly bits? Haha...

Joke aside, my quest for a beautiful silhouette has not been a short one. Elephant thighs, spare tire, cellulite...you name it, I've worried about it. Even to this day, my weight is a taboo topic, which I will carry to my grave. Hubby is not an exception.

I'm not overweight. But looking at the societal perception of "ideal", who, or how many, can still step out in their swimsuit without a second thought?

So What does one do? Conform. What have I done? Let me see. Diet pills:Check. Miracle creams/serums: Check. Fad diet:Check. Everything except the one thing that really works (unfortunately). Exercise.

Exercise. The dreaded word that sends shivers down my spine. Don't get me wrong. I love to exercise. I just don't like the hot sun. Being extremely prone to heat rashees, too much sun worsens the condition. So, I am left with little choice except top go to the gym. But having the nearest gym quite a few stops away from my residence, and being the queen of procrastination that I am, the future for my 'body beautiful seems bleak.

(So exercise in the evening...take a bus...blah...blah...blah...yes, I hear you...)

(Brings out anti cellulite cream. Sighs.)

(slaps self.Brings out exercise gear. Sighs again.)

Time to get off my couch. But let me finish my chocolate and TV program first...

Skincare:Weekly

This is last post on my skincare routine for now. For obvious reasons, they are not all done on the same day. If there is more than one mask on the list for the day, it means I will use any one of mask according to my skin's condition. I use St Ives Blemish and Blackhead Control Apricot Scrub or Cure Natural Aqua Gel on alternate days before my face masks.(Meaning I scrub every alternate day. Scrubbing daily is a no-no for sensitive skin!) Enjoy!

Mon:Whitening/Scar Treatment
-My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Sheet Mask
-The Face Shop Salon Effect Collagen Pearl Mask
-ZA True White Spot Free Gel Patch

Tues:Hydrating/Firming/Toning
-The Face Shop Raspberry Roots Sleeping Mask

Wed:Rest Day

Thurs:Whitening/Scar Treatment
-My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Sheet Mask
-The Face Shop Salon Effect Collagen Pearl Mask
-ZA True White Spot Free Gel Patch

Fri:Cleansing/Firming/Hydrating
-St Ives Mineral Clay Firming Mask followed by:
-Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask OR
-The Face Shop Raspberry Roots Sleeping Mask

Sat:Rest Day

Sun:Eye Treatment
-Kotoko Kalani Circulation: resilience & radiance Eye Mask
-The Face Shop Raspberry Roots Eye Mask


I am trying my best to keep to this routine, and so far, so good...except that I'm often too lazy to do my eyes masks on Sun. Will be trying to stick more strictly to this routine from now on.

Crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.

"Oh bring back, bring back, oh bring back my good skin to me, to me, bring back, oh bring back, oh bring back my good skin to me..."

(Sung to the tune of "My Bonnie")

Skincare: Night

My nightly routine:

Makeup Removal-Biore Oil Cleansing Wipes, followed by Avene Micellar Cleansing Lotion
Cleanser-Avene Soapless Cleansing Gel
Toner-Clarins Whitening Pure Aqua Lotion,followed by a spritz of Avene Thermal Water
Treat(As needed)-Avene Cleanance K
Serum-Clarins Whitening Smoothing Serum
Moisturize-Clarins Whitening Repair Night Cream, and Clarins Advanced Extra Firming Eye Contour Serum

**Try at your own risk. I am experimenting, and not responsible for any positive or negative effects.:)

Skincare:Day

Time to track my skincare routine, for my own reference, as well as reference for those who are lucky enough to have the same Combo-Sensitive-Oily-Dehydrated skin. In 3 installments.

My day routine:

a)Cleanse-Avene Micellar lotion
b)Tone-Clarins Whitening Pure Aqua Lotion
c)Serum-Clarins Intensive Whitening Smoothing Serum
d)Moisturize-Avene Mattifying Fluid Moisturizer and Clarins Advanced Extra Firming Eye Contour Serum
e)Za True White Day Protector SPF 26 PA++

**Try at your own risk. I am not responsible for anything good or bad that happens, following this routine.Constructive comments welcome.

Snow White

"I used to be Snow White--but I drifted."
Mae West

Okay, fine. I wasn't exactly the most beautiful, but I was definitely very fair. The sun seemed to have very little impact on this. I attribute this to my obsession with sunblocks whenever I was out in the sun. SPF 30? SPF 50? No, nothing less than Sunplay's SPF 130 would do for me.

Motherhood and other commitments soon left me with scant time to obsess with this; Even slathering on sunblock pre-makeup became a chore. My nightly affair with my body lotion soon became a weekly tryst. Even then, it was a hurried one. Those precious minutes were reserved for my beloved bundle of joy.

It was only when my once crystal clear complexion started misbehaving that I panicked. Acne (argh!), acne scars, scaly elbows, and dark spots galore on my arms. And poor, poor hands! What had I done to myself?

Till this day, I am paying the price for my negligence.

I repent...

Acne Warrior

Being blessed with relatively problem free skin as a teenager, simple cleanser and pimple cream did the job of upkeep for my then enviable complexion. When the mood struck, Hazeline Snow was slathered on to protect my skin.

So, one can guess, I was unprepared for the onslaught of repeated attacks. I did the worst possible: squeeze. I was determined to extract every last one of those buggers. The condition of my skin worsened, exacerbated by over zealous scrubbing.

It got to a point when someone I thought was my friend said,"If I were you, I would hided at home and cry everyday!" Gleefully. Shortly after, a well-meaning friend said to me,"Erm, girl, what happened, your skin's gone haywire...take care of your skin leh..."

After months of abstaining from makeup and squeezing (phew), my skin somehow righted itself. I blamed it on hormones. Yes, I was deluded...

The, came the arrival of my beloved baby boy. Despite the lack of time I spent on my face, it somehow took care of itself. I was glowing mother.

Alas, it was not meant to last. During the last couple of years, my old enemy snuck up on me again. As I started breaking out again, this time, i resolved to gather the knowledge I had amassed over the years as ammunition in my fight. This was not too difficult-- I was a voracious reader , and of course, a skincare junkie...okay, okay, skincare whore...

Now? I'm playing a tug of war with my acne. Breakout? Avene's Cleanance K. Scarring? Whitening masks and Clarin's whitening series to the rescue. Redness? Into the picture, dear Avene Thermal Spray and Skin Recovery Cream. Not to mention, lots of water...

To quote Lady Macbeth:

"Out, damned spot, out I say!"

From "Macbeth", by William Shakespeare

Beginnings...

I started writing this with the intention of keeping a record of my increasingly complex beauty routine.However, as I continued, I began to think: Why not share this with like minded people?So here I am...

My quest for perfect skin began in my secondary school days. Sigh, those were the days...I didn't know how blessed a teenager I was to have breakout free skin. The tiniest bit of roughness or redness would send me into a frenzy. At that time, Oxy Daily Wash and Oxy Cover were my best friends.Makeup was foreign, I didn't need it.But still, I wasn't satisfied.

Then, came Junior College and University, where late nights and long hours in front of the laptop wrecked further havoc on my panda eyes. By then, makeup had become an ally.

By the time I stepped officially into the working world,foundation was no longer optional, it was a necessity. Skincare was reduced to the bare essentials of cleansing and moisturizing.Without a shadow of doubt, the Sandman always won the battle against my weekly mask routine. He prevailed.

Then came the realization: After quitting my job, getting married, and the birth of my lovely baby boy,the period of neglect finally took its toll.Acne, dryness, and redness became the order of the day. My eye bags had morphed into hard boiled eggs. To complete the package, my previous 'eat and never gain figure'expanded. I decided: Enough is enough!'

The battle begins: HERE!