Clinique
Anti Blemish Solutions
Cleansing Foam

Step 1 of Anti-Blemish Solutions 3-Step System. Mild cleansing foam helps clear and prevent acne. Removes dirt and excess oil. Unclogs pores. Calms, soothes, reduces the look of redness. Skin feels soft, smooth, comfortable.

This Cleansing Foam actually came at a great time. I’ve been complaining that my skin’s been uncommonly breaking out lately and I’m getting a bit frustrated because I can’t seem to determine what’s causing it. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t be able to note the product’s efficacy since I don’t have an acne problem. I hardly even get any zit. Well, until recently, that is.

Initial impressions on the product would fall on its packaging on the onset. It looks very Clinique-ish with its trademark colour. Dispenser is pretty much functional and unique to this particular skincare product. Lightweight, something that I appreciate esp since I’m in the middle of organising my things for packing. A bit bulky for travel, though.

Fragrance free, typical of Clinique products but it doesn’t mean you won’t smell anything. It will take some time to get used to but it’s not entirely unpleasant.

I’ve only tried it a couple of times and you will see a light white foam substance being dispensed onto your palm. Lathering up is not a problem, considering that you’re working with so light a foam, which is quite interesting actually. So far, I’m noticing a difference but I still need to use it a few more times before I can actually come up with a workable opinion.

Ideally, since we now know that it’s part of a trio, I should be test driving the complete 3-step Anti Blemish Solutions line. What’s missing are the Clarifying Lotion and Clearing Moisturiser. I do, however, have the Post Blemish Formula to use together with the Cleansing Foam.

Clinique
Anti-Blemish Solutions
Post Blemish Formula

Spot treatment gently helps fade the appearance of marks and discolourations left by blemishes. Oil-free.

This is the first time I’ve ever used something like it. To be quite honest, I’m not sure what to look out for as I’m using it. Right now, I’m relying on literature to educate me and mental notes as I use the Post Blemish Formula. I wonder if I could compare its effects to what Sebo de Macho can do when it comes to scars and such.

Anyway, I like the packaging. You’d often expect skincare to come in pots, bottle dispensers or tubes but the packaging on this one is new to me. I have to admit that I had to tinker with it for a bit before I figured out how it works (how it dispenses the formula). After uncapping it, you actually twist the bottom portion and a white creamy substance will come out through a small hole found at the tip. No squeezing involved, just twisting. Quaint!

Application is easy, using just small amounts. I reckon the 1.8g stick will last quite a bit longer than expected. Again, I still have to use it a few more times before I can actually spot any “fading” as what was promised.

I’ll probably give these two a couple of weeks before I can actually write the full review. I reckon if you’re looking into a possible solution to acne problems, you better stay tuned.

Meanwhile, if any of you folks have tried these products, do share your experience. We’d love to hear different views. Personally, I’d appreciate your thoughts because it can serve as a source of comparison and guide as I try the product out.

Images: clinique.co.uk

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Mornings usually mean a mad rush to prepare for the day’s itinerary. May it be us getting ready to go the office or preparing things needed before the rest of the members of the household wake up. We, women, often put ourselves last.

Another thing I’ve also noticed is that, oftentimes, we associate skincare with just the practice of beauty rituals at night, right before we sleep. We often overlook its need during the day. Most of the time, we’re okay with just showering, applying lotions and/or sunscreen, and avoiding the sun.

Having been introduced to the OLAY Regenerist skincare system, I’ve learned that we can practice good skin care round the clock. They’ve given us the option to be able to reap the benefits of a full anti-aging product line that’s formulated to be gentle and light AND potent enough to be used during the day.

I’ve always thought that such rituals are only effective when applied during the night but now I’ve discovered that there are products that I can use even during the day, under all the makeup I usually wear when I step out of the house.

The OLAY Regenerist Daily Treatment suggests the use of their Cream Cleanser for cleansing (obviously), then the application of the Eye-Lifting Serum and the Regenerating Serum; these two are for correcting (minimising pores, fine lines, and wrinkles), hydrating, and increasing firmness of the skin; under the Regenerating Cream (Perfecting Cream), which has SPF 15 to protect your skin from UVA/UVB and it moisturises and works with the correction process.

After applying all the products, it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy and is still adept to makeup. You can have the confidence of having your skin cleansed and protected while the formulation helps maintain and correct or even reverse the skin’s aging process.

You can read more on the following OLAY Regenerist products:

Regenerating Serum
Regenerating Cream (Perfecting Cream) – Day Cream

I’m working on the review of the eye-lifting serum, so stay tuned.

Meanwhile, do any of you have a beauty routine during day time? How do you protect your skin from the sun, dirt and pollution? Do you know of any anti-aging product line that’s used during the day?

Image: CaPRI

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel

OLAY
Moisture-Balancing Foaming Facial Wash with Vitamin E

It is designed to thoroughly remove dirt, oil, and make-up without over-drying. Enriched with Vitamin E, it helps your skin retain its natural moisture balance. It is 100% soap free, oil free, and pH-neutral. Dermatologically Tested.

My trip to Palawan was close to perfect, in terms of packing my stuff. I mean, I had opted for a bigger luggage to accommodate everything that I may need even when I’m only slated to stay for four (4) days. Remember when I featured the vanity kit I had packed?

Unfortunately, I don’t really keep a separate set of beauty products that are meant for travel. I usually bring the same stuff that I use at home. So I leave some of the things I still need to use before I set off for the airport. Yes, I think you guys know where this is leading. I left something behind. My other Olay facial wash. Goshdarnit.

This prompted me to hit a local drugstore and check for options. I ended up bringing home a tube of OLAY Moisture-Balancing Foaming Facial Wash with Vitamin E.

This facial wash is formulated for normal to dry skin. Though it was a bit damp, rained heavily on some days (esp on the last day!), I didn’t escape the heat or sun. Weather’s pretty erratic, being so close to the sea and all. Walking under the sun can take its toll on my skin. It certainly felt like all the SPF I had on didn’t do me any good.

I have a combo skin and exposed in this condition will bring out the worst in it. I had hoped that this facial wash will provide the comfort and nourishing element to my beauty routine during my vacation.

Lather is ample enough to provide the foam I’m comfortable in. Consistency is just about right as I squeeze the product onto my palm. Vitamin E is always a good thing. And my skin does feel cleansed and moisturised after every wash. I love the fact that it doesn’t irritate my skin.

However, what I don’t like about it is how I find it hard to rinse off. It says it’s oil free but it feels like I just applied oil onto my skin (though I know I’m taking that bit literally). My skin then feels slippery during rinsing so I end up rinsing and rinsing and rinsing until I’m certain I’ve successfully rinsed everything off. Hence, spending more time washing my face.

Suggested Usage: Use morning and evening. Squeeze product onto your palm and lather with water. Rinse thoroughly.

Verdict? If you have dry skin and would want that extra boost in moisture, this product is perfect for you. It’s gentle enough to accommodate a bit of sensitivity on skin but still manages to provide a great cleansing tool.

Where to buy?

Olay Moisture Balancing Foaming Face Wash with Vitamin E for All Skin Types over at Drugstore.com – $5.99

If any of you guys have tried this product, too, feel free to share your thoughts. We’d all appreciate it!

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel

Aura Science
Phase Four
Cleanse
Foam

Foam for normal skin.
Reveal. Gently clears impurities.
Replenish. Helps keep skin hydrated.
Relax. Lather foam in wet hands, massage over wet skin. Rinse well, then follow with Phase Four Prep and Hydrate.

Reveal. Replenish. Relax. I guess this makes the Aura Science skin care process a bit more easy to remember. The product is made in Japan (so it says on the tube) but is distributed in the US alone. Selected states to boot. I guess this explains why I know so little about the brand.

Aura Science is a new concept in beauty forged ahead by The Limited, Inc. (the folks responsible for fashionable stores such as The Limited, Express, & Victoria’s Secret) and cosmetics giant, Shiseido! (Source: backstagebeauty.net)

Yes, I had to look it up. I honestly had no idea what aura science was and what other products they have under their wing. Yes, they offer stuff like eye creams, hydrating masks, nail enamels and makeup.

According to BackstageBeauty.net, Aura Science Skin Care is broken into four groups: Phase One (Dry) Phase Two (Normal/Dry), Phase Three (Normal/Oily) and Phase Four (Oily). Which I find confusing, actually. Cuz right there on the tube, it said it’s a foam for normal skin. Yes, it’s phase four. I reckon I need to check the other three phases to make sure. Sigh. If only they had a website. If you can help me figure it out, so much better.

I had hoped to ask someone else (preferably someone with oily skin) would give this product a go. However, since it did say twas for normal skin, I reckon I will get around to experimenting, too. I’ll let you guys know.

Right now, Aura Science is only available in malls in Ohio, Virginia, Illinois, New Jersey, and Maryland. Mum brought it home from Ohio.

I also wonder if Aura Science is still around. I read stuff that the brand had a major pullout from the market. I’m not quite certain if the stuff I read are reliable. AND I haven’t found anything that’s not too dated.

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Facial Wash
Céleteque

I’ve been using Céleteque for the past couple of weeks now. I admit that I really wasn’t sure what to expect but what do we always expect from any facial wash anyway? As long as it cleans and refreshes your skin then you’re good right? Of course, save that it doesn’t dry up your skin. I’m not at all familiar with the Céleteque brand and this is the first time I’ve ever tried one.

This facial wash has no distinct scent which will make you think that it has harmful chemicals in it. It doesn’t smell bad. The semi-clear amber hue gives it a serious look, seemingly like how Neutrogena started. I can still recall the body oil and such.

Anyway. It lathers up with ease and decently cleans the skin. No qualms there. What I don’t like is the concentrate. I mean if the liquid isn’t thick enough, make sure that the dispenser will allow you to control the amount you’ll be able to squeeze onto your palm. Yes. Twasn’t thick enough so sometimes you do end up using a larger amount than you have to. Heh.

What is the Science of Céleteque?

“The science of Céleteque works by removing dirt and impurities that block the skin pores. Its triple moisturizing system goes deep down to restore the skin’s proper moisture balance. Leaving you with clean, soft, and healthy skin.”

At least, that’s what it says at the back of the box.

I have to agree that it does work well in removing dirt and impurities but I’m not certain if it should be blamed for minor zit problems I’ve had the past week. I appreciate that it helps in washing off my makeup and it does leave your skin this soft feeling after, too. I guess you can’t have everything, right?

Any additional thoughts, anyone?

Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Australian Tea Tree Oil, known for its anti-bacterial properties, combined with moisturizing Olive Extracts deeply cleanses by removing oil and dirt that can cause blemishes without drying or irritating your skin. Safely lifts dead skin cells and stimulates skin renewal for younger, healthier, more radiant looking skin.

While I was out shopping yesterday, I was checking out the Neutrogena facial scrub, I spotted this particular facial wash, Sensa’s Tea Tree Oil Foaming Facial Wash, on the same shelf. I almost gave in on the whim to buy it, just out of pure curiosity, but I successfully controlled it. Though, the curiosity remained. Hence, my googling for it.

Apart from wanting to learn more about the product, I also wanted to show you guys that there is a more affordable alternative to the usual tea tree oil products available in the market, i.e. the tea tree oil line from The Body Shop. The Sensa brand offers this particular product with the very effective skincare ingredient in its own line, which includes this facial wash, a toner and even a bar soap.

Tea Tree Oil is very effective in combating acne, or preventing and even curing blemishes on the skin. Imagine the convenience of having it in a facial wash? It’s like a very pro-active way of preventing break-outs or clearing out early signs of pimples. If there’s one thing I can really recommend, it’s the use of tea tree oil on your skin. If you haven’t tried it, I suggest that you make room on your medicine cabinet for a bottle. You won’t regret it.

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Use this gentle scrub daily to give your pores some deep cleaning. You’ll end up with soft, smooth and clear skin. Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub has Beta Hydroxy that’s proven to clean deep below the surface. It also has Microbeads to gently exfoliate the skin, and skin-conditioning beads to soothe skin. Its oil-free formula also doesn’t clog pores.

What’s new in my Beauty Bento Box? It’s Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub. I just came back from a bit of shopping and one on my beauty shopping list is a facial scrub. I’ve managed to exhaust my current one, which happens to be an exfoliating scrub from Pond’s. It’s not that I’m not happy with what that product has done for my skin, it’s just that I’ve been hearing great reviews of the Neutrogena line so I decided to give it a go. I’m still using the Pond’s Facial Foam, too.

I’ll probably let you guys know on how this will go in the coming days.

Meanwhile, if you’ve been using this particular facial scrub from Neutrogena, perhaps you can provide me with further insights? I’m sure that both my readers of Beauty Bento Box and myself will greatly appreciate your thoughts. Do let us know!

Quick Tip: Wet face and apply scrub by massaging gently. Avoid contact with the delicate eye area. Rinse thoroughly.

Post from: eBeautyDaily

This foaming facial cleanser works into a rich lather that deeply cleans and moisturizes your skin. Gently cleanses tired, stressed skin and leaves your face refreshed and hydrated.

I’ve been using this facial foam for weeks now. Actually, I use two different foams, one is for exfoliation purposes from Pond’s (which I’ll probably tell you guys about in a later post) and this one from Dove, which mainly addresses my need to moisturise, and hydrate my skin. I reckon I already mentioned just how frequent I wash my face in a day. With the rate I’m going, I don’t want to scrub my skin too much with the other facial scrub that’s why I opt to have one that doesn’t have the beads in it.

I’m a Dove user. I have their exfoliating beauty bars and shower creams plus I also have their moisturising cream bars on top of the facial foam. I’m sort of used to using the bars so the idea of trying out their facial foam was a given. I wasn’t disappointed.

This foaming facial cleanser is said to contain pure cucumber extract, calming green tea, moisturizing cream (it moisturizes your skin as you cleanse), gentle formula with vitamins A & E, minerals and anti-oxidants (leaving you with healthy glowing skin). It’s also Hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic, which is suitable to sensitive skin.

Green Tea is said to aid in neutralizing the spread of free radicals (source), on top of its soothing effect and the use of extracts like the Cucumber normally means it allows its nutrition to be absorbed by the skin. The presence of the moisturising cream is vital to the prevention of the skin drying out.

To be quite frank, it truly does feel like I’m moisturising my skin while washing. I love the fresh and calm feeling it leaves on me and my skin.

Bento Beauty Tip: Daily use of exfoliating facial cleansers are alright, keep the frequency to once a day. Use moisturising and hydrating facial cleansers for other washes.

Available at AmericaRX.com

Post from: eBeautyDaily