Empties Week 1

Empties Week 1

1) DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

This is my THIRD empty bottle within 6 months! I don’t even think I need to explain myself how much I love it!

*Tips: There’s always a misconception that oily skin type should avoid using cleansing oil. In fact, it’s the best way to clean the sebum and dirt trap in your pores.

Facts: Cleansing oil attracts sebum/oil-produced by skin because they’re of the same liquid properties UNLIKE cleansing water and sebum.

Ingredient Dissect: It has the simplest ingredient list unlike other cleansing oil which caught my attention the most! Main ingredients is OLIVE Oil. But we all know pure oil doesn’t cleanse properly, so this olive oil–based formula is blended with a surfactant/emulsifying agent (sorbeth-30 tetraoleate) which can also attract dirt from environment and sebum produced by the skin then remove altogether. The ONLY potential around-the-eye irritant is Rosemary oil BUT nothing happened to me.

Cleansing Properties: Remove literally EVERYTHING including Kiss Me Waterproof Mascara (the most difficult to remove mascara!)

Texture: Smooth and easily spreadable. Feels very fresh/non-drying after emulsify and cleanse with water. Doesn’t leave a film despite the use of surfactant.

Comedogenic?: NOT AT ALL (at least for my skin)

2) Etude House Real Art No-wash Cleansing Water (Mild and Refreshing)

Bought it when there was a “Buy 1 Free 1” promotion together with Etude House Real Art Cleansing Oil (Perfect). Finished the cleansing oil long ago BUT will not repurchase despite the hype because it broke me out (very small zits, micro-comedones) so I’m not gonna go in-depth about it.

Tips: Cleansing water is very helpful to act as a morning cleanser instead of regular foaming cleanser. It prevents unnecessary stripping off hydration or irritation to the skin barrier and at the same time provides nutrients and hydration to the skin. (Say NO to cleansing foam in your morning routine!)

Ingredient dissect: It contains lots of fruit extract which is amazing BUT I’m quickly turned off by the presence of fragrance, PEG-6 and Disodium EDTA (both acts as surfactant, preservatives, and enhancer/penetrance) as this product is promoted as NO-WASH! These ingredients are present in most cleansing products, however you’ll usually rinse them off. These ingredients as penetration enhancers will break the skin barrier which may actually cause dehydration instead.

Cleansing properties: Decent for foundation/BB creams/ sunscreen (Usually used up 8-10 cotton pads per cleanse; which is normal) NOT promoted for eye or lip makeup BUT can sting if swipe across eye area. (BEWARE!)

Texture: Watery. Fresh, leaves no residue or film after use! BUT too drying for my skin if not immediately followed by skincare!!

Comedogenic: No

Repurchase: NO (I wouldn’t be so harsh on it if it wasn’t promoted as No-wash though)

3) Loreal Paris Gentle Lip and Eye Make-up Remover

Most available drugstore (eg. Watsons, Guardian, Caring) eye and lip makeup remover. Always on PWP in Watsons for RM20+ which is super affordable for its 125ml size which is half the price of Sephora Eye Makeup Remover for the same size. The usual duo of oil and water formula for effective removal of waterproof eye and lip makeup.

Tips:

Shake the bottle till you see a mixture of the formula before any use. Then, soaked the cotton pads completely. Place the soaked cotton pads on your eyes and press gently for 10-15 seconds. If you have MASCARA on, slide your cotton pads downward in the direction of your lashes. Repeat the downward stroke until your lashes are clean. If you only have EYELINER on, use a cotton swab soaked with the product and slide across the eyeliner in an outward stroke. (ALWAYS ONE direction only! Prevent any wrinkles) For LIPS, use soaked cotton pad gently press for 10-20 seconds then from the centre of the lips in a circular motion outwards. (To prevent residue left in the lines of your lips)

Ingredient dissect: Decent, alcohol and fragrance-free.

Cleansing properties: Decent for usual and waterproof makeup (Mascara/Matte Liquid Lipstick)

Very friendly and non-irritating for the eyes.

Repurchase: YES! (Cheap and decent cleanse)

4) Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Bought from @hermomy and now available in certain @watsonsmy store. Its pH level is at 5.0-6.0 which is about neutral and most similar to our skin’s pH level. (Slightly acidic) Most cleansers especially soap are alkali. When slightly acidic skin and alkali soap come in contact, a chemical process of neutralization will occur. (We want to minimize this as chemical reaction on the skin can alter the skin condition causing dehydration) That’s why I wanted to give this low pH (skin-like/friendly) cleanser a try.

Tips: For any cleansing wash that foams, always create the bubble foams on your palms. (Either using just your hands or foaming net)  DO NOT apply cleansing wash/gel/soap directly on the face. (Foaming process is also a chemical reaction when product comes in contact with water, we don’t want the reaction to occur on our skin; we only want the product of the reaction which is the BUBBLE FOAM!)

Ingredient dissect: Tea tree oil and BHA with lots of plants extract is definitely great especially for acne-prone sensitive skin. Plus point: fragrance free!

Texture: Gel type but then foam at the slightest (Good for oily skin type for morning wash)

Cleansing properties: Remove light makeup. (Sunscreen/Non-waterproof) Very gentle and does not dry the skin out. (It’s promoted “Moist skin all day long” BUT I doubt that TBH)

Repurchase: YES! Would use this alternating with my cleansing water in the morning 

5) KATE SOMERVILLE Exfolikate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash 

Bought it when it was first launch in Sephora drawn by the word “AHA”. (AHA = Alpha Hydroxy Acid aka the gentle version of chemical exfoliator compared to BHA=Beta Hydroxy Acid) AHA has been such a huge trend for the recent few years for it exfoliative,  acne treatment, improving the appearance of acne scars, for improving the appearance of photo-aged skin, and firming and smoothing skin etc etc. It’s a super ingredient and very easily obtainable from food such as citric acid (found in citrus fruits), glycolic acid (found in sugar cane), lactic acid (found in sour milk), malic acid (found in apples), tartaric acid (found in grapes).

Ingredient dissect: This sulphate-free formula contains a duo of AHA’s—Glycolic and Lactic Acids—and Pineapple, Pumpkin and Papaya Enzymes. Nothing to complain except Benzyl Alcohol which might not be as friendly for kids and sensitive skin. Fragrance-free but smells really citrusy but not overwhelming.

Cleansing properties: Can only be use as normal/2^nd-step cleanser after makeup removed. DOES NOT remove makeup!

Texture: Usual foaming cleanser. Leaves skin clean and soft after cleanse.

Claims and Should-have:

·         Gently removes surface impurities, oil and makeup (NO for makeup)

·         Acne treatment, lighten acne scars (No)

·         Refines the appearance of skin texture without over-drying (-) (Doesn’t help much with skin texture though)

·         Refreshes, softens and conditions skin (YESS)

·         Helps reduce the appearance of pores (-)

·         Gentle enough for daily use (YES)

·         Non-comedogenic (YES)

Repurchase: NO (I wouldn’t pay high-end price for a normal cleanser)

6) Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum EX

 The hype of this product was REAL since their launching in 2015. I was slightly late in jumping onto the bandwagon. So, I only started using this early of 2016. But then now I’m HOOKED to it like seriously! This empty bottle is actually my second and half bottle! (Where’s the other half? I love Sulwhasoo product so much that the salesperson would usually put in few deluxe size samples which I use during short travel trips)

Tips: This product is a serum BUT not to be use after toner! As its name “First Care Activating”, it’s meant to be use right after you cleanse your face and before toner. Take 2-3 pumps in your palmsà warm it evenly on your palms (helps activate product, temperature of product more similar to skin temperature for optimal absorption)à put both palms covering your nose and smell the goodness of the herbs (calming)à spread evenly across your face and press the product gently into the skin (sensitive skin) OR massage gently from centre of the face outwards and upwards (ALWAYS!), then add more pressures at the smile line, jawline for lifting effectà follow by toner and others

Ingredient dissect: JAUM Balancing Complex unique formula (radiance, anti-aging, balancing) with five key ingredients, namely Peony, Sacred lotus, Solomon’s Seal, White Lily and Rehmannia carefully selected from the goodness of 3000 traditional medicinal herbs. However, there are a few of ingredients at very bottom of the list which I’m slightly disappointed with for example, phenyl trimethicone (silicon which may clog pores), propanediol (anti-foaming ingredient BUT sometimes the products foams slightly), phenoxyethanol (preservative/soap stabilizer) and fragrance. However, they become my very least of concern as they are all very low in the list considering the product work so well on me, I shall let it passed! LOL XD

Texture: Exactly like liquid with the slightest viscosity. Very readily and quick-abosrbing into the skin within seconds! Refreshing and skin feels hydrated immediately. Following skincare products are also more easily penetrated/absorbed into the skin.

Claims:

·         Promotes natural skin circulation (YES)

• Restore skin's healthy radiance (YES)
• Replenishes essential moisture and nutrients (YES)
• Soothing and calming (YES)
• Add elasticity to the skin (YES)

Repurchase: YES (Definitely! But not for now because I’m currently trying other pre-toner softener)

7)  👍Belif True Cream-Aqua Bomb 👍: 

My all time favourite morning moisturizer (3rd jar since end of 2016)  😏 It's a gel and cream hybrid which gives you enough fast-absorbing moisture (Gel is more easily absorb) and moisture-locking (Creams prevent moisture lost from previous skincare applied) properties! At the same time, super lightweight for day use especially before makeup! @belifmalaysia always stay true to their goodness in their ingredient and definitely a very trustworthy brand! (Repurchase  💵: Yes!)•

8)  👎佰草集新玉润保湿精华水 Herborist Hydrating & Moisturizing Lotion (aka Toner) 👎: 

This is my least least favourite product among all empties! This is a brand from China. It has a sticky texture very close to @hadalabomalaysia lotion. It absorbs quickly into the skin BUT leaving the surface of the skin feeling DRY!  😭 It's as if I applied nothing AT ALL! I bought it due to the fact that it's a brand that claims the use of traditional herbs however it just never impress me in any way! (Repurchase 💵: NEVER!)•

9)  Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Gel Creme: 

I'm always attracted to these oil-free gel-cream hybrid texture! This claims to be lightweight (Yes), 24-hour hydration (NO! My foundation still cracks badly throughout the day) and firmer supple skin. (right after application but not throughout the day)  🤔 It's a decent product if you have normal to oily skin (claim to be for all skin type  🙄) BUT I believe brands @cliniquemalaysia should always stay true to their product's claims instead of boasting over the top. Not a very suitable product for super-dry skin! (Repurchase 💵: Hmmm.. Maybe?)•

All the above are Edward-approved for 😊 Non-comedogenic  😊 BUT that's only for my skin though  😏•

Sunscreen Empties

I can’t stress enough of the importance of sunscreen to all my friends especially when we’re in a tropical country where sun is almost ALWAYS there! Where there’s sunlight, there’s UV rays, so make an effort to apply sunscreen every morning even when you’re staying indoors. Let’s be honest, sunlight does penetrate through the glass/window into the house especially longer UVA rays! Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is use to protect against UVB rays which causes increase sensitivity, redness or sunburn on the skin most outer layer. (The numbers eg. SPF15, SPF30, SPF50 literally means the number of times it will prevent from sunburn. For example, I usually get sunburn without sunscreen under direct sun exposure by 10 minutes. So, when you apply SPF30, it means that it prevents you from sunburn for at least 300 minutes. Hence, reapplication is highly recommended if you’re outdoors with direct sun exposure!) On the other hand, PA is use against UVA rays which is the main culprit to hyperpigmentation, premature skin aging and loss of skin elasticity. (More ‘+’ symbols means more protection from UVA rays)

10) 自白肌 White Formula 玻尿酸水感保湿防晒凝露 Hyaluronic Acid Lightweight Moisturizing Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ PA+++: 

This is a Taiwanese brand famous for its Hyaluronic Acid series. This brand is easily assessable in @watsonsmy and @guardianmy, however this sunscreen is still not available in Malaysia yet. Bought 2 of this in Taiwan last year and finished both of them last year as well. Texture right from the tube is kind of a whitish cream, neither liquid nor clear gel at all. BUT once applied, it turns to a very clear, lightweight film on the skin. No white cast unlike any other sunscreen! It is fragrance and alcohol free which makes it very suitable for sensitive skin. This product also claims to have 3 different sizes of Hyaluronic Acid molecules which is readily and more easily penetrating deep into the skin. It’s definitely moisturizing enough for my oily skin type BUT some of my friends who have dry/combination skin type has complain that this product dry their skin out instead! (Caution for Dry skin types out there) Overall, a very great product for me! (Repurchase: YES! If it is made available in Malaysia)

11) Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++: 

This is actually my third bottle of since mid of 2016. I can’t stress enough of how much I love this product. All of my friends would know that I L.O.V.E this sunscreen! It’s definitely my Holy Grail sunscreen! As its name “Ultra light”, this sunscreen right from the tube has a cream texture and remains cream texture after evenly spread on the face BUT it feels exactly like a lightweight moisturizer. To me, it doesn’t leave a white cast on the face. Makeup sits nicely on the skin and I felt that it somehow grabs the makeup to prolong its longevity. (NOT a claim by Kiehl’s though) Extended protection against long UVA rays (penetrates deeper into the skin causing aging) as well as short UVA rays and UVB rays. Skin-loving ingredients such as Rosa Gallica is added to soothe and calm skin. On top of that, it is oil-free, fragrance-free, colorant-free and non-comedogenic. It is also so far the one of the sunscreen that is loved by all skin type! (Not too sticky or too drying) Overall, the BEST sunscreen in the market! Only downside of this product is it’s too expensive for the amount of product you get (RM155.00 for 30ml! or RM250 for 60ml) (Repurchase: Hmmm… I would LOVE to but considering I’m dealing with bankruptcy XD)

12)  LANEIGE Mini Pore Water Clay Mask

Clay mask has always been my thing since I have oily skin type. Beside sheet masks, clay mask is occupying almost half of the storage. Don’t judge! Cause those enlarged clogged pores need regular “vacuum cleaning” in order to prevent acne and skin ageing. (Clogged pores will cause the surrounding skin to loose it’s elasticity hence premature ageing) I typically use it twice every week and sometimes up to 3x/week. Clay mask can also be use as spot treatment for acne. I sometimes use it as a post-acne treatment on those newly extracted/accidentally-punctured acne wounds to literally suck out those impurities and also dry the wound preventing further infection. (the last one isn’t recommended but I find that it works well for me at least)

Ingredient Dissect: Mainly natural mineral-rich mud collected from Yellow Sea. It contains alcohol which is quite high up in the list. (Alcohol can act as an antibacterial which is good for acne skin) BUT do be aware if you’re allergic or sensitive towards alcohol. No complains though.

Texture: It’s a clay GEL mask! (One of the most innovative texture for clay mask) Its moisturising gel-based formula is quick to apply and quick to dry. (Caution: NEVER leave clay mask on for too long! When to wash off? If it starts to dry. NOT when it’s all dry and uncomfortable/tightening your skin!! It will dry the skin out too much!!) This product claims to let it dry completely for 8minutes which I think is about right.

Reviews: Decent sebum-absorbing effect BUT not the most powerful I’ve used. The most obvious effect after use is pore-minimising!! Thumbs up for that!! The ONLY downside is there’s a very weird pungent scent even after you washed them off completely using the sponge that comes with it. (Seriously can’t deal with it!) XD

Tips: After any clay mask dry down on the face, use an OIL cleanser first to remove the clay mask instead of water first (Remember? Oils take oils together with them!) Then lastly cleanse the face with water

13) M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix +: 

My other Holy Grail and Must-Have item for my makeup. It’s a lightweight (YES!), mineral rich finishing mist that refreshes the skin and finishes makeup. Claims to help create an even surface for a smooth makeup application. (Agreeable) I’ve finished countless of bottles as I do makeup daily. It acts as the best primer before my makeup application. Skin feels refreshed, hydrated and plumped. Pores seems smaller. Hence, makeup will always apply like HEAVEN! I would also use this as a refreshing mist throughout the day just to refresh and rehydrate the skin. However, I CAN’T agree that it’s a fixing/setting spray because it lacks the ingredient such as polymers/silicones. Ingredient wise, it’s highly rich with antioxidant ingredients (prevent aging, anti-inflammatory, prevent foundation from oxidising):  Cucumber fruit extract, Chamomile extract, Green tea extract, Vitamin E, Caffeine and Arginine BUT the only downside for this product is that it contains: Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol (last few on the list) which may be possible skin irritant. Repurchase: Definitely YES!! (Always the best mist I’ve ever BUT not the best setting spray)

14) Etude House Tint My Brow Gel: 

This product is meant to be a temporary brow tattoo which saves you the trouble from drawing your brows every morning. It comes with 3 different colours to match your hair colour. (Although not a wide variety of choices) It comes with a stiff brush tip for easy application.  Review: It stained my skin evenly without fail. The colour might appear very obvious and strong for the first day but then as you washed your face, the colour will fade slightly and become more natural and will last me at least 3 days. “What if I draw a brow shape that I didn’t want? Or it’s not the same on both brows?” The gel will only stained your skin when you leave it for hours (ideally 2 hours or more) so you have lots of time to remove or use a cotton tip to reshape the gel. Overall decent product. Repurchase: Yes! Stocked up a few already.

15) Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser:

Bought this from @Hermo Malaysia after watching @euniunni recommendation multiple times on @wishtrend Youtube videos. Now, I’m hooked to this cleanser!

Ingredients dissect: Alcohol and fragrance free plus eco-friendly preservatives to prevent from irritating the skin hence promoted as hypoallergenic cleanser. Its amino acid (protein) cleansing formula with acid balanced pH of 5 is very skin-loving. (Moisturized while cleanse pores) This cleanser also contains hyaluronic acid, ceramide and olive oil for hydration. At the same time, tea tree leaf oil to treat skin trouble. The ingredient list is too long to cover everything but overall a very low-irritant, skin-friendly product.

Cleansing properties: Very clean and fresh after use. Able to remove very light makeup such as tinted moisturizer, sunscreen and non-waterproof makeup. Not squeaky or over-cleansing the skin. Skin doesn’t feel dry after cleanse. Very suitable for morning cleanse for oily skin too.

Texture: Mousse-like foam straight off the bottle! No foaming action needed. Super easy to use!

Comedogenic? NOT at all.

Repurchase: Definitely YES! Must try for all skin types!