Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Moisture Milk SPF 50+ PA +++

On usual occasion, I wouldn't have purchase this because for one, it's moisture milk and given my combination skin, I do dread that it will get oilier.  However, this came with a package during a Groupon promotion by Sunplay.  I decided to make the purchase because it comes directly from Sunplay company.

Description from the bottle:
For Face and Body
Daily Use

New Solarex-3 technology provides a unique UV defense system that combines superior photostability, high moisture retention and anti-aging properties.

• High SPF50+PA+++ provides long hours UVA & UVB protection
• Super Hyaluronic Acid for long hours hydration
• Collagen and Pro. Vitamin B5 to improve skin elasticity and helps to reduce fine lines
• Waterproof

I would think that this product would be suitable for those who are dry skin.  With immediate application, I can feel that my skin is more supple.  It does dry to a little powdery feel, and it would work if you don't mind it.

However, for my skin, it's a no good.  My skin turns oily within 2-3 hours.  Also, my BB Cream slides within about 4 hours into the day, making my skin look a little patchy and oily at the same time *shudder*.  Nonetheless, I would have to say that the SPF50+PF+++ does work because when I'm under the sun, I do not feel like my skin is being burnt (it definitely does feel like it with the crazy burning weather these days).

I've actually stopped using it on my face and resort to use this on my body.  At least it works on my body and does not go to waste that way.

Binnings for May & June 2012

Another batch of binnings!  I'm making way in clearing up my stuff every 2 months.  Now, how to get the make up stuff to be cleared off much faster?  That itself is a definite feat.

The Body Shop Mascara.  This was a gift from someone a while back.  I didn't even remember I had it in one of my drawers.  It's long gone I guess, given that it's now all dried up.

Biore UV Sunblock.  Review coming up soon!

Hada Labo Arbutin Essence.  Had this for ages.  Does it work?  Hm, I don't really think so?  Anyhow, it took forever for me to finish it as I find my skin a little intolerant to long term use of whitening products.  I kept stopping after using it a few weeks in a row.

Life Code  BioTRA Moisturizing Essence.  This came with a trial pack that I received when I attended their blogger event.  It was kinda chucked aside until recently when I find my skin getting extremely dry.  It's a gel transparent essence.  I tend to apply it onto my cheek area and it does help to lessen the dryness I was experiencing.  It's quite a small tube so I did finish it quite fast.  No idea the price of it now.

Elisha Coy Always Nuddy BB 24.  After chucking it aside and using it only occasionally, I'm finally done with it.  Lovely item, except when it slides off the face after about 5 hours or so.

Loreal Angelfit Concealer.  Been using it for like, forever.  The recent few times that I used it, it kinda turn funny on my face, hence off it goes to the bin.  

Loreal Hydrafresh Anti-Shine All Day Hydrating & Mattifying Icy Gel.  Like it, but can't use it for too long.  Might've caused my skin to be drying rather than hydrating though.  What I like is the icy feeling when applied on the skin.  Other than that, hm... might not be for me I guess.

Lip Balm.  Honestly, I can't for the life of me remember the brand of this lip balm.  It has the word Bee with it and it's available at Watsons.  I really dislike this lip balm because it's so waxy and thick.  It feels a little yucky when applied.  I forced myself to finish it because I don't want to waste it.  This will not be repurchased.  I do think those lip balm from Daiso scores better than this long tube here.

I do realise that out of all these, I've only written a few of them.  Need to get my butt moving de!

Throwies for the month of March and April 2012

Time seriously has been flying! I can't believe that it's already May?!

Well, I'm happy to share that I've cleared 9 stuff from my stores of numerous things.  Make up seriously tends to be slower for me because I do very simple make up.

1. Maybelline Make Up remover

2. Loreal Hydrafresh All Day Hydration Aqua Gel

3. Rexona Women Naturals Bioprotection
I like this.  I saw that this item was marked-down at Watsons for reason of its due date (end April) and I thought, what the heck, I'll make good use of it for two months then.  And worked it I did.  I love that it isn't watery nor sticky.  It applies on smoothly and the smell's quite "nature", if you know what I mean.  I think the best part is that it works to keep my perspiration at bay =D  I love it and would definitely go and grab one of these again.

4. Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil

5. Simple Kind to Skin Facial Cleanser
A simple cleanser that works to keep my cheeks from drying out and yet at the same time, keeps my T-zone from oilies.

6. Benefit Some kind-a-Gorgeous
Bought this for ages.  Realised that it doesn't work for me anymore because it turns a shade orange-y after a while. Urgh... Nonetheless, it fits my skin to a T when I first got it years back.  Time to bin I guess.

7. Vaseline Healthy Sunblock

8. Hada Labo Hyaluronic Lotion

Binnings for the Last 3 Months

Been ages since I've done this.  I'm growing ever more in my binnings and I'm quite happy about it.  I'm currently on cosmetic shopping ban and will be so till June this year.  Trust me, I have ample of things to blog about with my huge collection of skincare and cosmetics that's about to spill out from my cupboard.

*Sorry about the pic, had to rely on my iPhone for now as there's some issue with my camera's SD card.  It looks like it's time for me to buy a new one @.@

Here's the items:

• Body Shop Liquid Eyeliner: This was my very first liquid eyeliner gifted to me by a friend.  I like it cause it doesn't smear and it stayed on my eyelids for the longest time.  However, after a few months, it was giving me a bit of a weird feeling, where my eyelids seemed heavy when I have it on.  I stopped using it for a while now but somehow in all my binnings, this seemed to be hidden well till now.
• SiklyGirl Duo Eye Shadow 10 Gold Emerald: Again, another one of my very first beauty purchase.  I remember buying this as I was wanting to try putting on make up for a wedding dinner.  Works well, but because of my oily eyelids, the colors fades off quite quickly.  This was chucked aside and I stopped using it.  Time for me to say goodbye to it now.

(crazy it seems, I'm chucking them one by one as I'm writing this post =D)

•  ianti Luxe Jewelry Pact Powder (Dark Beige): Oh, the horror! I just realised that I've never blogged about this pact powder.  Lovely item for it's price (less than Rm20 if I remember correctly).  I was quite taken aback when I first tried it because the SA recommended me Dark Beige.  I'm actually quite fair and so usually I go for something lighter.  However, the colour matches my skin well and it works well as a foundation powder.  I tend to reach out for it because I'm lazy like that =P.  I'm not sure if ianti is still around because I don't really see it anywhere.  The branch in Times Square which I used to frequent has closed down since last year.  
• ianti Luxe Jewelry Blusher (#04 - Sexy Pink):  What can I say, love the colour and the softness of it when applied on my cheeks.  Downside of this is, the colour fades off rather quickly, around 2 hours.  I had to throw it away because the packaging was plastic and the cover broke.  
• Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Instant Skin Perfecting Cream with Micro-Minerals (BB cream): Man, what a mouthful.
• L'oreal Derma Genesis  Cellular-Youth Creator Pore Minimising Smoother Gel Cream: There goes another one.
• b.liv by cellniq Off with Those Heads Pro Sebum Gel: This took me forever to finish because I slack in between wayyy too much.  However, it still works well even though I stopped using it  for a period of time. 
• Etude Sun Guard Natural Covering Color Case SPF 42
• Skin79 The Oriental Gold BB Cream and Super + Beblesh Balm Trip Function: Lovely when applied on the skin but it's quite thick.  Does get oily after about 6 hours.  Nonetheless, the skin continue to look good after blotting.  It's said to have whitening effect but I could not see any effects from using it.  I tend to use my BB Cream as foundation and not on its own.
• Empro Diamond Black Eyeliner
• Vaseline Healthy Sunblock: Am now using my second one!  
• Etude House Collagen Moistfull Emulson: Nice on the skin.  Not sure of its efficacy as this is just a test tube.  Wish the bottle would be made in a way where it's easier to be poured out as the liquid is slightly thicker than water and tends to bunch (can they do that?) at the top.  I had to tap it onto my palm for the liquid to come out (sometimes it gushes out and I would end up having too much).  Then again, this is a free sample.

Etude House Sun Guard Natural Covering Color Base 42 SPF/ PA ++

I find myself getting lagging in terms of blogging, and many-a-times I ended up blogging items when it's near binning time! Gosh.  This item is no exception.  Man, what a long name for a sunblock: Etude House Sun Guard Natural Covering Color Base 42 SPF/ PA ++.  It is definitely a mouthful.  I shall keep it as Sun Guard Natural Covering Sunblock.

Not long after I bought, used and finished my Etude House Glow Base Sun Guard did Etude House changed its entire range of sunblock.  This is one item that is supposed to be nearest to the one that I used previously.  I really liked the previous item and I had really high hopes that it will work the same.  However, I have to say that both items are very different.

The one I had is pretty much a sunblock cum make up base.  Whilst it's good to know that one does not have to apply sunblock and base(2 in 1 formula), I have a little gripe about this one.

For one, I cannot apply this like any typical face sunblock because of its colour.  Otherwise, I look like I'm wearing a mask.  This then causes me probably not to have enough sunblock on my face.  I've not seen any "results" from the lack of sunblock (thank God for it) but I do worry because it can creep onto me later on.  Most days, I do just risk wearing "mask" with this item and apply a little more just to ensure that I have ample coverage.

Even if I do apply more, there is another problem.  It runs.  It kinds slip off my face after a while.  This kinda annoys me because whilst it's supposed to function as a base, it doesn't.  It causes my make up to slip.  Now I have to resort to using another make up base before my powder.  Talk about heavy layering!  But still once I do apply another base on top of the sunblock, it works.  My make up stays, and I don't look as though I am wearing a mask.  Phew for that.  Otherwise, this item would really be a waste of my money.

Will I re-purchase?  I don't think so.  I'm already on the look out for a different sunblock because the ones from Etude House doesn't interest me anymore.  Any recommendations from you guys?

Vaseline Healthy Sunblock Water Resistant UV Protection Lotion SPF30

Having finished my sunblock earlier, I have been scouting for a replacement.  Guess what I landed myself with?  It's the Vaseline Healthy Sunblock Water Resistant UV Protection Lotion.  I'll keep it to Vaseline Sunblock for short. What attracted me was really the orange colour.  Yes, besides pink, I am always attracted to bright colored stuff...>.<  I was quite stunned when I picked it up and look at the price.  At the time of purchase, Watsons was selling this for RM10 only. Yes, no joke.  I remember kept staring at it because it's the cheapest sunblock ever (given its size) and that made it all the more harder to resist this purchase! RM10 for 100ml is definitely worth my money.

The description:

Non Sticky Water Resistant Sunblock Lotion

Protect and nourishes your skin to keep it healthy

With Yogurt Protein known for skin nourishment and Aloe Vera Extract known to replenish skin moisture

SPF30 & Broad Spectrum Sunscreen PA++ to effectively protect skin from harmful UVA and UVB.

What caught my attention as I was checking the ingredient is that it contains Zinc Oxide.  I understand that there are some that find themselves having breakouts due to this particular ingredient.  However, I don't have such issues and I do use it for the face when I am running out of the face sunblock =p

I like the fact that this sunblock isn't too thick or creamy.  It feels as though I am applying body lotion rather than sunblock.  That's quite decent as it makes it all the more easier to apply.  I have to agree with its description that it's non-sticky.  Like body lotion, once applied, it doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky.  Instead, it feels quite comfortable and I pretty much slap it on and not having to worry about it.  (you know sometimes the stickiness feeling makes you keep thinking about it, but with this, I don't have such worries).

Best part of this is there's no funny or cloying smell attached.  It's just a plain smell; not even those chemical-ish or the typical sunblock smell.  This is good because I don't find myself being commented upon when I am using this sunblock.

Granted, it's only SPF30, so there are times when I will tote it around with me so that I could apply it.  And it's with ease too given that the bottle isn't too big and easy to slip into the bag.  I don't worry about it spilling either because it has sturdy cover.  Packaging is simple, and like I said, if you are attracted to colours, the packaging itself would attract you too!

I'm half way through my first bottle and I've already gotten my hands on two others.  Granted, it seems a lot but I guess it's fine since I use sunblock everyday.  At RM10 per bottle, one cannot complain too much eh. But of course, of all the sunblocks I've purchased, I find myself being happy with this one the most.  I guess, if Vaseline does end up producing one with SPF50, I'd probably be all hyped up for it!

*Noted in Guardian this item is selling at RM18++ instead of RM10 at Watsons.  I guess it's a promotion by Watsons?

Binnings for August 2011

There isn't a whole lot of items that I binned for the month of August, but they are still items which I would proudly share here.  Why?  Because these are proofs that I spent my money wisely and they are used to the very last drop.  This is a rather personal to me and it is my ideals.  Even for items which I find is not suited for me, I would either give them to my mom or relatives or even friends rather than throwing them away.

I love beauty items and at the same time, I value wisdom in finance, so this is one way of giving a pat to myself that I've done well and not simply spend eh =D

(Right): Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Sunblock SPF 50 Ultra Light 

Blogging about it here.  Like I said, I like it but if you cannot handle cloying smell, this is a passover for you.

(Left): Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil

I've yet to come to blog about this but in a short update, this is my loved product!  Since it is only available in Hong Kong, I got my friend to buy it for me and they got me two bottles! Whee... will update on this as soon as I could =D

Fruit of the Earth Block Up SPF 50

There seems to be a spurt of different range of sunblock in the market in the recent months.  First it was Ocean Potion and then it was the Fruit of the Earth range (from hereon will be referred to FOTE).  I saw a small bottle of it at one of the hypermarket, Carrefour and thought I'd grab one to give it a try, since I was running low on the Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Sunblock SPF 50 Ultra Light.  The one I got my hands on is the FOTE Block Up! Full Spectrum SPF 50 with Aloe Vera.

Their website describes this item as follows:

Experience the cutting edge of suncare with the added UVA/UVB protection of avobezone! The Best Sun Protection Available Today.

Features:

• Protects against UVA1, UVA2, and UVB rays
• Anti-oxidants A, C & E combat free radicals
• Prevents premature aging
• Designed to use all year-round
• water and sweat resistant

The one I got is a 30ml, so it's very travel friendly.  I am a sucker for travelling goodies and this one is a good size.

So how does it fare as a sunblock?  

Being one with SPF 50, it does work to ensure that I don't get burn, especially my hands, with the crazy erratic weather here in Malaysia.

Smell

I wouldn't say it smells cloying, but I'd say it's definitely void of any good smell.  The only word to describe it is that it smells like chemical.  Since this is an item for the body, I'm not to worried about the smell.  I guess it can be a turn off to some.

Texture

It is slightly creamy, but not as thick as the Ocean Potion.  I'd say one thing is good though, it's not sticky.  Once applied, you don't feel as though there is a film on your skin.  That works well for me since I dislike the sticky feeling. I guess as it is slightly lighter in terms of texture, it doesn't take too long to apply the sunblock.  Well, this is in comparison to the Ocean Potion item I got. With this item, you know you are applying sunblock and not lotion due to the texture.

Packaging,

It comes in the form tube.  It works for me because I don't have to keep tilting the bottle to pour it out.  I guess partly it's due to the size as well.  

For its price point, if I am not wrong, the big bottle is costing about RM22.90-RM24.90.  Quite an okay price I'd say, for a bottle of 88ml.

Will I get it?  Well, that's a tricky question because I am a little turn off by the smell.  It's an item that I would contemplate a little more before proceeding to repurchase I guess.

Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Sunblock SPF 50 Ultra Light

Having finished my sunblock earlier, I was on my toes scouting for a replacement.  One thing I know what the fact that I wanted to look for one that has at least SPF50 since the current place that I am working is awfully sunny and without any shades.

I saw this brand, Ocean Potion and I find it rather intriguing.  The first thing that came to mind was OP - the brand for sunglasses instead.   Having looked at the different ranges that they have, I finally settled on the Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Sunblock SPF 50 Ultra Light.  The name is awfully long, so I will keep it as OP (makes you think of the other brand, OP for sunglasses eh?) Anti-Aging Sunblock SPF 50.

A quick check at their website shares the following description on the product:

Specially formulated for fair skin, Ocean Potion® Broad Spectrum, Anti-Aging Lotion SPF 50 provides higher sun protection against UVA I, II and UVB sunrays.

This clean, dry formula glides on easily for quick absorption, while enlisting Seaplant extracts and Anti-Oxidant Vitamins A, C, and E that aid in the reduction of cell damaging free radicals for younger looking skin.

Solaplex enhances the stability of Parsol® 1789 (Avobenzone) which makes Ocean Potion sunscreens more reliable and longer lasting.

Does it work as it claimed?
It works decently as a sunblock.  I don't feel the heat burning me as I walk around my office area and that is good, because like I said earlier, it can be rather hot.  It's becoming rather habitual for me to apply this sunblock on my arms before I leave for work, just to make sure I don't feel the burning sensation.  I'm starting to pick up on applying it over my neck and upper chest area (places where our tops usually don't cover).

Smell
It smells sweet; berry-like sweetness.  It can be pungent cloying if I were to use it on my face, but since this is for the body, it is still alright.  No worries, I don't smell like a walking berry if that's your concern =p  Some people thought I was wearing perfume though, so you could imagine it being quite strong.  I tend to avoid wearing perfume whenever I am using this sunblock.  It will be an overdose if I do wear perfume *faint*

Texture
It is creamy in texture, but it's not the super thick kind.  As it is creamy in texture, I don't have to worry about it dripping when I squeeze it out of the tube.  It applies quite easily, although you need to take some time to massage the sunblock onto your skin.  Otherwise you may see a patch of white on your skin.  Don't think you want to do that right?  It's not sticky though once you massage it in.  It is quite comfy, as though you have just applied body lotion onto your skin.  A decent texture, I'd say.

Packaging
I like the bottle.  I like the fact that I don't have to turn it upside down to get it out.  All I just need to do is flip open the tube and press, and viola! However, the downside of the packaging is that it kinda attracts dirt.  My bottle is turning quite ugly and I don't know why!  I store it as per all my other items but this is probably the dirtiest bottle on the shelf.  That itself might be a turn off for me to re-purchase.

In overall, it is rather decent for its price at RM28.90.  I might re-purchase it, but I kinda saw their Gentle and Sensitive range, so I'm contemplating of getting that to try instead when I'm done with this.   Too much choices for us!

Eau Thermale Avene Very High Protection Emulsion 50+ SPF

,

Don't let the picture deceive you!  This is actually quite a sample item which I was blessed with by Plusizekitten when I bought something from her a while ago.  It was such a sweet gesture from her! XOXO

I have to say that this sunblock is pretty good.  It applies on easily, without making your face feel greasy or sticky.   Rather, I find my skin feeling smoother once applied.  This is a pretty good thing because it makes make up application pretty easy too.  Also, it does not make your skin looking whitish.  It sinks well onto my skin.

I love the fact that it is 50+ SPF.  I don't have to worry about not having enough sun protection since it's so high.  I find my face not feeling the heat even on days when it's burning hot (this is rather good given the fact that the weather's quite crazy hot these days).

This 5ml bottle actually lasted me for quite a while.  I remember bringing it along to my recent Singapore trip and it works fairly well.  Those who went to Singapore before would definitely agree with me the amount of sun exposure you face everyday with the walking and MRT travelling.

I'd say I'd love to buy this when I can afford it.  This is definitely a pricey item (sorry, I can't remember the price) and given that there's so much choice out there that's a whole lot more affordable than this, it'll take me some time before I need to reach out and purchase this again in the near future.

Like I say, I really like this, but given the price point right now, I'll hold out for a little while more.

January 2011 Pan Out Session

Like I said earlier, I'm on a mission to finish!  Hehe... so here's some of the stuff that I've binned for the month of January 2011:

Daiso Cleansing Make Up Remover Sheet
Red Earth Perfect Liner
In2It Liquid Eye Liner
Red Earth Lip Gloss
Ianti Green Shimmer Eye Shadow
Sunplay SPF 130
Johnson's Body Care 24H Lasting Moisture Body Lotion (mini size)

Daiso Aloe Vera Facial Scrub - Simple, non-abrasive type of facial scrub.  Don't expect too much out of it. I think my natural mung bean powder paste I use as scrub works better than it.  

Loreal Total Repair Shampoo - A re-buy item for me.  My hair is quite sensitive, as is my skin.  If I use the wrong shampoo, I literally am shedding hair!  Utterly scary to see the amount of hair coming off when I use the wrong product.  With this, I don't, and that is enough to make me want to rebuy it.  Best part of it is, it doesn't trigger a bout of acne spree for my face. Hehe... so this is good.

As for total repair, I don't think it works as much as it claims.  But it does well to keep my hair clean and well maintained for a short while.

Will continue my binning habit for the coming months to make sure that I finish what I used.

So what have you binned thus far?

Etude House Glow Base Sun Guard: Current Fave

Just want to share with you guys on my current favourite sunblock.  It's the Etude House Glow Base Sun Guard (sadly, it's discontinued and replaced with a newer version - of course, which costs more!)  I got this a couple of months back when they were running a promotion.  Marketed at the price of RM49.90 at that point in time, they were having 50% discount on it.  Coincidentally, I was looking around for a different sun block and so I grabbed it.  There were two, but when I wanted to buy the other one, it was already sold out.

What I love about it?

Texture: I love the texture.  It is on the creamy side, but not the thick and sticky kind.  It is easy to spread and still feel light on the skin.  Immediately after applying, you can feel that your skin is still breathable.  I like this fact because it's quite annoying when you feel something thick on your skin.  At least for me that is =p

Glow: Because it is a slightly tinted sun block, it does give a natural glow on the skin.  It doesn't make my skin look shady, rather, it gives my skin a rather natural glow.  Granted, if I apply too much (like massively) it does "glow" slightly too much, but with a little powder it'll be okay.  Sometimes, I even use it without any touch ups because, it just gives a natural glow to my skin.

Oiliness: Surprisingly, it does not make my face oily even after almost one day.  Given that my T-zone does get oily as per usual, other part of my skin is rather okay.  I have tried sun block that seems to make my skin glint by noon, but this doesn't.  I still have that natural look and it's rather easy to touch up with it.  I tend to be lazy, and not put anything besides my powder whilst I use this sun block cause, it is just such a good use!  

Does it work as a sunblock?  With SPF36 PA ++, I would say that it does its job.  And the bottle is quite big.  I am rather satisfied with this purchase.  Sadly, although I would want to re-purchase, it is no longer available.  Well, they do have the newer version that costs more.  Maybe I might pick one up and try =p  We'll see...

Halfway Thru the Month & My Purchases are increasing!

I usually pace myself with my purchases, but this month, it's on an overhaul! They aren't that exhorbitant, but still! Woah, I'm going nuts with shopping eh.. and it's only half a month passed, there's another half to go. I seriously need to go slow =.=

Review: Sunplay Super Block Sunblock Lotion SPF130 PA + + +

Was preparing for church camp a couple of weeks ago and as we were heading to the beach (Port Dickson), I'd figured I'd better prepare a good and solid sunblock for my body!  I am quite fair, and I don't really have any intention to be burnt! haha... 

Anyway, I was contemplating on the different brands when I decided that the safest thing to get is the one that contains the highest SPF.  Guess what, it's definitely Sunplay's SPF130++!

Love the word SPF 120 PA +++ (i'm very conscious on getting the 3+ signs next to my sunblock.  Paiseh ah, a bit the kiasi when it comes to sun protection weh)

It's written here that it's suitable for face and body.  However, I did not use this on my face as I'm currently facing break-outs (ARGHHHH) and I don't want to aggravate it by changing my current products.  Although the one I'm using for my face now is only SPF24, I'd rather not risk it.

Well, it's not the first time I've used it, but it's going to be the first time that I'm going to blog about it.  How did it fair?  

I find that it is slightly sticky and white-ish on my skin.  Did you guys encounter the same sticky feeling as I did?  I don't actually like the feeling, cause it seems to be slightly plastic-ky.  But I guess, being someone who cares more about not being burnt, I'm a little forgiving over that plastic-ky/sticky feeling.  It does go off after a while, or maybe it's just that my sweat has mixed with it and I don't feel it cause I'm already sticky?? :p

In terms of the blockage, it does quite well, cause my colleagues commented that only skin face looks slightly tanned (yorz! and I was hoping that I didnt get darker!) as compared to my body.  Haha.. quite off right?  I guess I must've looked a little weird then!

Went to Bukit Cahaya with a bunch of youth too and a few of us took out our sunblock to apply... guess what, at least 3 of us are using the same sunblock! Haha, I guess it may be Asian girls' thing to not be tanned eh *Wink*