Organic Aid Vitamin E Moisturising Cream

I usually tend to avoid cream products as I have oily combination skin and creams tend to break me out.  However, due to some strange reason, my skin was getting rather dry and it was a painful experience because I was breaking out due to the dryness!  Saying I was at loss was an understatement.  I'm still trying to figure out the cause of the break out but I was more active in trying to look for a product that would help me overcome the dryness.  I'm pretty sure that once the dryness give way to being moistured, the breakouts will cease.

On the other side, I do know that Vitamin E is good for the skin to help the skin.  I've read here that some of the other benefits of Vitamin E are these:

• vitamin e products help reduce the appearance of stretch marks
• vitamin e can help prevent the appearance of age spots
• it helps maintain the skin’s oil balance during the cleansing process
• it reduces transepidermal water loss from skin and strengthens the skin’s barrier function

Based on this, it would seem that Vitamin E does function well when applied onto the skin.

I noticed this Organic Aid product for eons, but because of my aversion to cream products, I never did get my hands on it.  That is, until recently (so you could imagine the desperation that I have to resort to creams due to the dryness and tightness of my skin).  I am thankful that they do produce two sizes, so that I can grab the smaller one to try.

Here's the description:
New vitamin E moisturizing cream with amino acids is a  gentle and effective skin-care product that contains vitamin E to promote and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion. And amino acids to help restore nutrients to rough skin. Our special formula also includes natural emollients for added softness, plus moisture replenishing humectants to protect against the sun and wind. One application of Vitamin E Moisturizing Cream will soothe and refresh dry, rough skin and leave it creamy-smooth and naturally beautiful.

And here's the ingredients:
Deionized Water, Glycol Monostearate, Propylene Glycol Monostearate, Diglycol Stearate, Triethanolamine, Hydrolized Amino Acids, Vitamin E (1000 I.U. d-Alpha Tocopheryl) and Fragrance.

I did a check online and found that their main website does not contain anymore skin care, rather, only their hair care and hand care sets.  I guess they are phasing out?  Not very sure though.

It's stated on the bottle that it's non-sticky and non-greasy, which to me, is quite rare given that it is a cream product.  We all do know that there is some level of greasiness and stickiness when it comes to a cream product.

 However, to my surprise, Organic Aid Vitamin E Moisturising Cream really is as it claims.  The initial feel of this product is that it feels thick and a little hard to apply.  It seems to be absorb to the skin right immediately, unlike other creams and lotions which you would need to massage them to get your skin absorb it.  There seemed to be a layer of film during the initial few seconds (or minutes?) but right after that there isn't any stickiness or greasiness, as said earlier.  I am rather impressed by it.

After a couple of weeks of consistent application day and night (seriously, I had to use it during the day cause my skin was that bad), I find my skin is getting better.  I look more refreshing and was regaining the fair and unblemished look.  Alright, there are still a bit of scarring on my skin that has yet to fade off from the breakout, but it's good to say the least that I don't have crazy breakouts anymore, except those that tend to pop up during that time of the month.  My skin also feels smoother and softer.  I quite like touching my skin nowadays... haha.. crazy I know.

I find that my skin is not as oily as last time too, which is good because I don't have to keep wiping my face to get rid of the oil.  Looks like the Vitamin E is working eh?  I am truly happy with this Organic Aid Vit E Moisturising Cream.

I will definitely re-purchase this item once I'm done with it.  For RM14.88 (or less during promotion), it is worth the purchase.

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!

Nature Republic Grape Fruit Body Lotion

There was a period of time where I was crazy over Nature Republic and I kept buying heaps of their stuff.  One of the items I got during a spree late last year at their main outlet at Berjaya Times Square is the Nature Republic Fruits Morning Fruits Grapefruit Body Lotion.  Evidently during that time, they came up lots of fruity lotions and facial wash that's hard to resist!

Most of the information written is in Korean, so I don't really understand it.  They had a tester pack available and I was trying it on my hand.  The slight citrus-y smell was captivating and without hesitation, I took it.
I've been using it on and off because I can be quite lazy when it comes to applying body lotion.  Guilty! I know I need to be more "rajin" or persistent in applying the lotion given that majority of my time is spent in air-conditioned rooms.

I guess you'll want to know how it fares, eh?

Okay, before that, let me share with you how I apply body lotions.  I tend to do it immediately after shower, pat my body a lil dry (I mean a little) and apply the lotion.  I find the lotions apply much better this way and it keeps my body more moisturised.

Texture
The lotion is slightly on the thicker side.  It's not as liquid as water but yet at the same time it's not as thick as creams (think Rosken Body Cream).  I like it when I apply with onto my slightly wet body because it kinda lessen the thickness of the lotion.
However, if I use this on my dry and clean body, I do find it a bit too sticky to my liking.  So I just stick to using it after I shower (whenever I do remember and not that lazy).

Smell
Of course it's Grape Fruit smell! What do you expect huh? Hehe, well, it gives the citrusy smell plus a little of the sweet smell, and it is quite decent.  At least it doesn't smell cloying to me.  By the way, it does get quite citrusy, so if you don't really fancy it, this might actually turn you off.

Packaging
It comes in a tube form which I quite like.  It's easy to dispense and because of its slightly thick texture, I don't have to fear that the lotion will leak or drip when I am applying the lotion.  The tube is quite big too, given that it's 150ml.  I guess it will definitely take me quite a long while before I could finish it since I'm so slow on using it.

Moisture Level
I tend to use it immediately after my shower, so it does quite well.  It is moisturising enough for me, and given that I can get quite lazy sometimes, it works well to bring back the moisture even with one application.

In overall, there isn't a whole great deal of shout-out for this body lotion.  It is a decent buy for its price and it works well, as a body lotion should.

*Item was priced at RM16 during time of purchase.

Eau Thermale Avene Very High Protection Emulsion 50+ SPF

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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.

Shills Deep Cleansing Black Angel Bamboo Charcoal Whitening Mask

I requested from Only Beauty this particular mask and thought that it would be interesting to give it a try.

(picture taken off the internet)

The mask is supposed to help in the following manner (description found from the internet): 

Angel Bamboo Charcoal Whitening Mask is an ultra-fine particles technology embed in bamboo charcoal with the capacity of anti-bacteria with excellent absorption that can draw out and decompose the impurities such as sebum and dirt inside pores. The far infrared ray released from bamboo charcoal can facilitate the essence infiltrate deep into skin. 

The special blend of Hawaii seaweed gel can facilitate your skin metabolism and regulate sebum secretion, to fight against signs of aging. The Hyaluronic acid enhances your skin hydration, which can quench your skin. Arbutin, Chamomile extract and peppermint extract, which can not only calm and relax your tensed skin, but also brighten your skin in a wink of an eye. Your skin will look luminous with irresistible charm! 

I'd have to say that havent the black mask over my face looks weird and definitely feels weird.  I doubt we ever put anything black onto my face, save for the healpharm nose pore cleaner.  One thing that kind of put me off was the smell of the mask.  It smells odd.  It's not yucky smelling, but it smells a bit like watery airy kind of smell.  Can't actually describe it but it is something that put me off though.

How does it fair?

In terms of cleanliness, it does fair well.  I skin feels more purified, if you know what I mean.    I massaged the remaining lotion into my skin and it felt rather nice.  However, after a few minutes, I felt a tingling on my skin and touching it, it felt warmer.  I guess it may be the ingredients of the mask lotion working.  I left it as it is for a while, till I felt a tightening of my skin.  Worried that my skin will get tighter and drier, I quickly applied some moisturiser onto my skin.  It felt better that way.  I guess since this is considered a purifying mask, we need to remember to apply moisturiser once we are done with it.  This is so that our skin won't get too dry and have some misgivings.

Even after shower at night, my face still feels clean.  I quite like the feeling.  Then again, this is definitely not a regular mask for me to use because I doubt my skin can tolerate it well.  Maybe a bi-monthly affair.

I might re-buy, however, that would be after I am done with all the masks that I have in my drawer!