Anti-Acne Team (My Skin Care Routine) + Capsule Review

* This is not a sponsored post. Item was purchased by my own money and what's written here are based on my own experiences.

** Pictures were only watermarked, cropped and combined in collages. No alterations, photoshop, etc. were done. =)

Do you know that my my skin was at its worst state during the last quarter of last year? It was horrifying and it came to a point that I got so depressed that I didn't want to go out.


Wanna see?

My Skin Care: History and Current Routine

How are you today? It sure was one crazy week for every one! I guess you are all enjoying your long weekend. =D

As for me, I don't know *sarcastic tone* what that is! Hahaha!!! In our industry, we follow Korean Holidays. So, while you are chillin' out, I am still here, in front of my computer, teaching language, grammar, pronunciation, etc. to my Korean students. =)

Anyway, I just thought about sharing with you my skin care routine. To tell you the truth, I am a late bloomer when it comes to skin care. I used to be scared of using creams and stuff on my face, although I see my grandmother and other relatives use various kinds of skin care products while I was growing up with them. I used to think that I was "too young" for such stuff.

HISTORY

The only skin care "routine" that I lived by until I started working was, just cleanse. Yes, ONLY cleanse. I would occasionally try out some stuff like honey mask but not in a regular basis. I used to be scared of using toners for other people (like my mom) think that it'll burn my skin. As for creams, moisturizers and other products that provide moisture (and eventually leave a heavy feel), I wasn't that enthusiastic in trying them out because I thought I didn't need them. =D

My eyes were only peeled open when I started watching Michelle Phan's videos, started collecting Cosmopolitan magazines and grew my love for cosmetics. I learned from Michelle Phan that skin care should never be skipped. That is, if you wanted to have better looking skin when you get older. At that time, I was nearing my mid-20's. And reading about growing wrinkles at that age bracket, I have been interested on how to keep my skin wrinkle-free. Besides, it was also the dawn of my discovery for the beauty of Koreans' skin. I was very amazed at how nice looking their skin is.

My journey started there. Since I loved makeup, all I ever cared for was to be able to remove my makeup thoroughly. While my sister-in-law could sleep with her makeup on, I hate not washing my face before going to bed. I am bothered about what stuff are lying on my face - dirt, makeup and other microbes that could cause mishap on my skin. I would wash my face twice or use a citrus smelling cleansing balm (from iWhite Korea) to remove my makeup. I always want to sleep with fresh, squeaky clean skin. ^__^

However, I still don't use toners. In as much as I wanted to have clear skin, I still shied away from toners. Then, I started looking for moisturizers and road tested some drugstore products. =D

LIFE WITH PCOS

It was only a couple of years ago that I started breaking out badly. I suspect it is due to my PCOS. A few months before my breakout, the doctor gave me low dose birth control pills that helped well in keeping my menstruation regular and my skin tamed. As far as I have researched, those low dose pills are called "beauty pills" mainly because they regulate the hormones, making the skin acne free. Even before the acne flare out, my skin was okay and my officemates would compliment on it. What more when I used the low dose birth control pills! My skin was really good that time. Mind you, it's my first time taking contraceptives and I couldn't believe that I will be needing them. After three months, I stopped taking them, since the doctor advised me to take it for only three months. For some reasons, I didn't return to see the OB-Gyne again.


The following months without the contraceptives has made my body change. My period became irregular more than ever, missing two to three months the worst. My cravings made me gain weight (which some of my friends and relatives found nice) and worse, worse, worse of all, breakouts pop out often, never giving my skin a break. It's okay if they're the normal kind of zit - but then, they are painful, cystic ones. I knew I mustn't worry much, because stress will just worsen it. But I can't help it! My wedding was only a few months away! =(

I decided scouring for products that would help me alleviate the breakouts. I also decided to upgrade my skincare regimen to be able to be really prepared for my big day. I was hoping to have perfect, smooth skin on my big day. Read here on what I did a few months before my wedding. I even had to go back to basics! Sadly, on the day of my wedding, I had to endure walking the aisle with a couple of zits that appeared on the morning of my big day! TT__TT

The bride (with her zits)

It was a huge fail, but I'm glad that my makeup artist was able to cover up those ill-behaved zits! =D


Since then, I've always been in search of how to deal with my pesky breakouts.


So far, the regimen below has helped in taming the "shrew". =D


Morning

1. Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub (Review here.)
     I would wash my face with this and leave it on while I bathe.

2. Korean Moisturizers (Samples from the prizes I previously got from my winnings.) and Nivea Visage Q10plus Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream (Review here.)
     Yes, yes, I don't have the toner part. =D Well, I tried using a House of Obagi Toner but I ran out of it and I haven't found a good toner out there. Any recommendations? 
     So, I immediately move on to moisturizing. =D I used up my Korean moisturizers as I don't want them to expire and go to waste. So far, Korean moisturizers work for me. =)

3. Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm (Review here.)
     Lips need some lovin' too! Do you know that there was a point in my life that I got addicted to this lip balm that I apply it after every class? Yes, I did! That was every 25 minutes! =D Good thing this baby lasted me a few months. =D

4. Garnier Anti-Perfections Roll On (Review here.)
     I only apply this when I have zits. =)

Evening


1. Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub
     Yes. I always feel the need to wash my face before going to bed. I can't stand feeling sticky and grimy. I want to feel fresh before hitting the sack! =D

2. Krave Minerale Panacea Olio Nutriente (Review here.)
     This is my evening elixir. Read on my review to know more on how I started using it. =)

3. Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm
     I want to have soft and kissable lips when I wake up in the morning.  Plus point when waking up hubby with kisses! =D


Here's a visual on how my evening regimen goes...

Step 1:
I wash my face with  Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub. I make a good lather and look like this:

Awooo.... =D

I don't use a towel. I let my face dry on its own. =)


Step 2:
I apply Krave Minerale Panacea Olio Nutriente in massaging and finger tapping motions.

Step 3:
Next, I swipe on Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm. =)

Step 4:
I use Garnier Anti-Perfections Roll On when there's a zit or two. =)


There! Some parts of the usual skin care routine might be missing, but I am glad it works for me. I will update you soon as I change it or update it. You might find my routine lacking, but I am taking baby steps in creating my own routine. So far, I am researching on Asian skin care. =)

How do you do your skin care routine? How did you start?

If you have tips for me and my PCOS? Any product recommendations for a skincare noob like me? =D

Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On Review

** Pictures were only watermarked, cropped and combined in collages. No alterations, photoshop, etc. were done. =)

*** Long and intensive review. This is not a sponsored post. Item was purchased sent to me by the company and what's written here are based on my own experiences and therefore are my pure and honest opinions. I wasn't paid nor compensated to write this review.

Another Garnier review for you peeps! ^__^

This item came together with the Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub that I got last May. It was only recently that I tried this product. 

If you read my posts about my Happy Weekend(s) of June, I was able to go out and have a good time with my hubby and friends (read about it here). I also went out to meet the lovely Ms. Martha of The Beauty Junkee (read the about it here.). Whenever I go out, I always want to look pretty and polished. As much as really wanted to, I want to go out without or with only minimal make-up. But how would I do that if I have bumps? TT__TT

Last June 15th, my nose is painful and hurts a lot. I knew right there and then that a zit (or two) will erupt on the surface of my skin. It was red and a couple of bumps were starting to appear, too. So, on the night that we'll be meeting our friends and on the day I was about to meet Ms. Martha, I couldn't help but conceal the redness and bump about to show up on my nose. =(

That was the time I decided to grab the Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On sitting on my desk...

What it claims...

Anti-imperfections action:

Concentrated in Purifying Salicylic acid, its fresh non-greasy formula quickly dries out imperfections instantly.

Anti-marks fading action:

Enriched with HerbaRepair™, known for its regenerating and repairing properties, it helps to improve skin, minimize redness and fade out marks.

How to use:

Apply directly onto and around imperfections and their marks as soon as they appear. Continue applying until they have cleared. Avoid eye area.

What I love about it...

• Did lessen the pain and redness.
• Helped reduce visible marks.
• Dries up pimples fast.
• Cooling sensation. It helps soothe the pain and irritation. =D
• The tube is translucent, making it easy to see how much product is left inside. =)

What I don't love about it...

• The smell is okay, but it can be too strong when you apply it around the nose area. So strong that it'll hurt your nose.
• The packaging. The roll-on can be a bit unsanitary since you have to use the roller ball directly on the pimple and affected area. So, no sharing to others, okay? =D
• You can have dry patches of skin if you keep using it from time to time. Since salicylic acid works as an exfoliant, it acts by peeling and sloughing away the dead skin cells. 

Price:

P199 for a 15 ml tube. 

Where to buy?

It is available at Watson's and Supermarkets nationwide.

 

Whom would I recommend this to?

People with acne-prone skin and other kinds of imperfections like whiteheads and blackheads. Handy for teens and students who want to have clear skin. Also perfect for times when you are preparing for a special event and there's a zit trying to be a party-pooper. =D

Rating:

4 out of 5

Effective as it is as a product, but I hope Garnier could get over and move on with the roll-on packaging and come up with something innovative and sanitary. =)

Tips:

• Always make sure your face is clean before applying this product. You wouldn't want to make things worse, you know! =D
• Re-apply as needed, but be sure the surface of the skin is clean (Sorry, I have to reiterate that. =D). READ: Make-up free.
• If you want to get rid of your zit fast, be religious in re-applying it. 
• Use under make-up, but as much as possible, avoid using make-up if you're trying to treat acne and such blemishes. Trust me, it'll help heal your pimple faster.
• Wipe the roller ball before and after using it. (Yeah, I am a clean freak! XD)
• Avoid touching your pimple. Why? Well, touching it often will cause you to bring more infection-causing bacteria to thrive on your pimple, making it worse.
• Always make sure that what whatever you use for your face is clean. Sometimes. the cause of acne is also from the things that we use. Bacteria grows and hides in make-up and make-up brushes. Be careful and responsible for the things that you use on your face. =)
• Always moisturize. Salicylic acid dries up the skin so better combat dryness with a good moisturizer.

Pics and Swatches:

June 17

This was taken at 1:30am, when we arrived home from my friend's birthday (read here).

June 17 (Evening)

This was after arriving from my meet up with Ms. Martha (read here). There were about two pimples there. The worse one at the corner is just well concealed. Plus, it wasn't that noticeable yet.

June 20

This was taken after showering. The skin is soft and the zit is already "ripe". I decided to take photos before using the roll-on.

June 20

I carefully patted the area dry with a tissue then surprisingly, the skin came off! It bled a bit. See what happens next...

June 20 

Out came yellow stuff from the area. I think everything came out! =D

After the bleeding stopped, I used the roll-on on the same area to completely heal it. I'm glad I did because now, there's no trace of that awful zit on the side of my nose. =)

I would have to agree with its claims. =)

I am glad Garnier came up with this amazing product. I just hope they could change the packaging. A sanitary one, please! ^__^

Have you tried this product? Did it also amaze you?

Share your thoughts! ^__^

Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub Full Review

** Pictures were only watermarked, cropped and combined in collages. No alterations, photoshop, etc. were done. =)

*** Long and intensive review. This is not a sponsored post. Item was purchased sent to me by the company and what's written here are based on my own experiences and therefore are my pure and honest opinions. I wasn't paid nor compensated to write this review.

Hello loves! I'm back with another review for you! ^__^

Last May, Garnier sent me two of their latest products, Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub and Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On. I'm not exactly sure what they were sent for, whether for the boo-boo their PR company made or for review purposes, but I tried them anyway. =)

If you noticed, I don't make reviews right away. I make sure to test out a product first before writing about them. It takes me a month or so before I give my two cents on something, more importantly if it is a skin care product. And today I will talk about the Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub. I have been using it for about 2 months now. The day that I got it, I didn't hesitate to use it as I am running out of facial wash. =D




Anyway, here are my thoughts on the Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub after two months of use... ^__^

What I love about it...

• I love the squeaky clean feel after washing. It is as if no oil or any residue is left. =)
• Dries pimples fast. 
• Does help reduce whiteheads.
• Did help improve the texture of my skin.
• Eliminated imperfections, pimples and whiteheads.
• Didn't leave dark spots. It helped reduce acne bumps, spots and marks. Clear skin, it is! =)
• The tiny blue beads gives the skin a gentle scrub.

What I don't love about it...

• Although it helps prevent and eliminate whiteheads, it doesn't do much with getting rid of blackheads. =(
• Can be a bit too drying due to the salicylic acid content.
• The weird smell.  It smells like something old. Well, better get used to it if you really wanna zap those zits! =D

Price:

 P150 for a 100 ml tube and P85 for a 50ml tube.

Where to buy?

It is available at Watson's and Supermarkets nationwide. 

Whom would I recommend this to?

 Best for people battling acne like me. In my case, it isn't that worse, but I am used to my then clear skin before my PCOS. Pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and bumps appear from time to time. Yeah! Blame it all to PCOS and hormonal imbalance! TT__TT

Rating:

4 out of 5

Does it's job nicely but I hope they could make it also work well on eliminating blackheads. That way, everything is all cleared! =)

Tips:

• If you want a thorough scrub, just use your fingers. You may use a facial sponge but you won't feel the beads working. 
• Wore heavy makeup? Wash up twice to be sure you have gotten rid of all makeup, oil and the grime accumulated in your skin.
• Be sure to moisturize after washing your face with this scrub. Like what I said, it can be quite drying. You wouldn't want dry skin, right? =)
• What I do is i let it sit on my skin for a minute or while I take a bath. It helps in making the active ingredients do their job, therefore drying up the acne stat! =)
• Down to the last squeeze? Cut the tube in half and scrape the leftover product. Once you cut the tube, you'll see that there's plenty of product left in the tube. Now that's getting your money's worth to the last cent! ^__~

• Although this product works well in eliminating imperfections, some stubborn whiteheads and blackheads would still love to stay underneath the surface of your skin. So, it pays to have a facial cleaning to be sure to be able to get rid of them. 
• Invest in good skin care products that works best for your skin type. It doesn't have to be expensive, as long as they work well for you. =)
• Visit your dermatologist to be sure that your skin is really in good hands. They know what's best for you. Plus. they could help you trace the root of your acne. ^__~

Photos:

 June 15

June 22

After a week; Notice the bumps on my left cheek? They subsided after a week of use. =)

Some redness and a few imperfections still appear since I have hormonal imbalance but I think it'll work perfectly with people who doesn't have the same condition that I have. =)

July 3rd

July 4th

July 4th (Close up)

Almost clear! The only imperfection left is this bump on my left cheek. Why is it shiny? I used Garnier Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On on it. =)

So far, I am loving my skin's texture and appearance today. ^__^

I wish that bump goes away! =D

The next item that I'll be reviewing is the Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On. =)

Do you have acne problems? Do you know the root cause of it? Have you tried this new product from Garnier? 

Do share your experience down at the comments section! I would love to know your stories! ^__^