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/2nd-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:
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!
