I Don't Believe in Make-Up: Avene Light Hydrating Cream SPF 20

Woohoo! I am baaaccckkkk.... albeit intermittently but we'll have to work around the number of things that's happening all around and I have decided to talk about skin care. Tons of things interest me but I have to say making the skin healthy and moisturized is high up on the list.

I am a loyal Shiseido and Kiehls' girl but I do like to discover new products that can work wonders on my skin. Dermatologists have been recommending Avene products to their patients for ages. I do remember 10 years ago that my mom's dermatologist prescribed Avene ultra rich moisturizer for her almost 50-year-old face for maximum moisturization. Specializing on sensitive skin, all Avene products contain Avene Thermal Spring Water which is very low mineralised, rich in silica and trace elements and clinically proven to soothe, prevents irritation and has anti-free radical properties.

This water is from the South of France - Saint Odile specifically and has been known to treat horses which suffer from intense skin eruption. If it can treat horse skin diseases, some sage found a way to make it work best for humans. My personal take is if it's good for sensitive skin, it's generally good for everyone!

The last 4 months, I've been applying Avene Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream with SPF 20 in the morning.

According to Avene, it maintains and restores skin's hydration. Gentle, light texture and penetrates quickly while absorbing excess oil, leaving skin with a matte finish. Of course, it contains the spring water which soothes and softens skin.

I personally think this is a winner. It indeed makes my skin soft, even-toned, highly moisturized. No skin problems at all. Also, it is the lightest moisturizer I've tried - not oily and you can even go out without loose powder on.

This is my skin without any product on - not even powder. 

Pardon the puffy, bagong gising look but do focus on the skin quality - not bad at all.

This is me sweaty and all - after yoga. No product on - to be clear, the only product I put on is toner, moisturizer and loose powder.

I don't get the rosy cheeks look naturally (Shiseido has that effect on me) but I'll put this next to Shiseido. Will use this product in rotation with my other favorites.

At PhP 1800 for 40mL bottle, it's a bit expensive but for great skin and without the worry to buy make up, I think it's worth the buy. The Hydrance Optimale line has 4 variants of this cream: for dehydrated skin, for oil skin and for hyper-sensitive skin. The one I got is for normal - combination skin.

You can get this in the Philippines from Mercury Drug Store or from most dermatologists.

I Don't Believe in Make-Up: Shiseido's The Skincare Line

In my "I Don't Believe in Make-Up" series, I feature products that I use and work on my skin. I am not really a fan of putting on make-up to conceal flaws. I opt to spend the same amount of money nourishing my skin so I don't need to apply foundation. Please don't get me wrong, I put on make-up once in a while (because the occasion calls for it or I feel like it) but I usually don't have the time, resources and patience to do so everyday. I love that I still feel good with just powder on to control shine, lip balm to mitigate cracked lips, a dose of confidence and a happy disposition. Beauty is relative after all. I may have a double dose of confidence.

Hahaha!

In this installment of this series, I am featuring Shiseido's The Skincare line, 

which I've been using for more than 9 months now. Although I can name a number of products which already work great on my skin, I am always on the lookout for new creams because there might be recent breakthroughs in skin care research. Plus, the products I swear by may be concocted for Caucasian skin so I am searching for something that are made for Asian skin. I have been coveting Shiseido but it's a little above the money I want to spend/mL of product. However, I can't resist trying Japanese products. In my book, Japanese equates to perfection and they rarely do anything wrong when it comes to consumer products. When I ran out of toner one day, I just said, "What the heck, I'll try it so that I won't have to deal with what-ifs later on".

According to Wikipedia, Shiseido is one of the oldest (established in 1872) cosmetics company in the world and the fourth largest. The Skincare is among the 7 lines the brand is offers to address all skin concerns. According to the product leaflet, It has long been known that the key to beautiful skin lies in the power of moisture. Obtaining the moisture - and keeping it - can pose a challenge. The Skincare offers your complexion all it needs to easily achieve perfect hydration each day ... whether faced with the stress of your life or your environment. Shiseido science goes beyond moisture replenishment to provide the tools for both actual moisture creation and optimal moisture management. With continued use, The Skincare gives skin the ability to avert dehydration and the resulting sings of aging. Day by day, you'll see the wonder of its work in the appearance of softer, smoother, incredibly vibrant complexion. Formulated with Yuzu seed extract which iproves the production of hyaluronic acid. 

The Skincare Hydro-nourishing Softener (PhP 1950)

Let me walk you through the product line according to my morning and night regimen. After washing my face with cleanser I apply Hydro-nourishing softener.

A dual action hydrating and exfoliating lotion that transforms the skin's texture in an instant. Improves clarity, radiance and moisture retention. This is the lightest toner I have tried that sometimes I can't help but question, does this ever exfoliate and cleanse my skin? Fret not, since I am using an extra-light cleanser, I still see traces of dirt clinging to the moistened cotton pad. I see this as a good sign. After application, skin feels instantly smooth that it feels like you've applied moisturizer already! According to the sales assistant, the softener prepares the skin for moisturizer application.

The Skincare Day Moisture Protection (PhP 1950)

A daytime moisturizer specially formulated to provide optimal hydration and balance in skin while protecting against UV rays and the damaging effects of other environmental factors.

This daytime moisturizer is similar to most moisturizing sunblocks although it's not as sticky. Secondly, although it is thick, it gets absorbed by the skin real fast. Another plus of the line are its product in a tight pumped container hence preventing the creams from oxygen exposure minimizing reaction to its chemistry.

The Skincare Night Moisture Recharge Light (PhP 1950)

After applying the softener at night, I pump small amount of this moisturizer and massage it to my face. The massaging is important because the instruction says to warm up the cream by mixing it on your palm before application. Rather than the palm absorbing the moisturizer, I opt to warm it up on my face. Wa-is tip.

A multi-action nighttime revitalizer that counteracts signs of daytime damage and delivers intensive hydrating benefits to skin while you sleep. Restores softness, smoothness, and a healthy-looking glow.

And I agree.

This is me after exposing my skin to harsh elements: 4 hours of sun, 2 hours of cave water with minerals, sweat and a heavy downpour, no powder or anything, I think my skin is holding up despite the "I am a Survivor" look. 

Like Kiehls, the entire morning and night regimen minimizes my pores, keeps my skin well-hydrated, smooth, supple and soft. Although, what sets this apart is it makes my skin partially luminous- which I wasn't able to achieve with other products. Therefore, Im currently loving the line and won't be replacing it anytime soon. And the staff at Shiseido Glorietta are very kind to give samplers if you ask for it. 

Of course, I try to eat healthy, exercise, load up on water and try to cover up. The hat does wonders in protecting the face, trust me.

Taking care of one's skin is not a single-product show after all.  

I Don't Believe in Make-Up: Organic Peppermint and Organic Cranberry Lotions

I have to admit that soft, silky skin makes me feel confident. I consciously take care of my skin: I drink LOOTTTSSS (3-4 L a day) of water, eat fruits and vegetables, use mild soap and constantly moisturize with lotion. It would be no surprise that I read the labels in the lotion bottles that I purchase. My go-to product is Nivea but from time to time, I try new products. 

When I found the Avalon Organics on sale in the grocery store, I was convinced to get it.

Avalon Organics Peppermint (~PhP 480, PhP 240)

Helps prevent and relieve extra dry skin. Contains organic peppermint essential oil, organic aloe, and vitamin E.

The consistency is thick but not heavy on the skin. You can feel its richness and once the lotion is fully absorbed, skin feels silky for at least 6 hours. It gets the job done. Peppermint smells extra nice but the major downside is the extra cool sensation of peppermint. It's no fun when you apply it at 5 in the morning and just before you sleep. Trust me. It wakes you up! For this reason alone, I won't get the peppermint variety.

There's another organic lotion that works really, really well on my skin.

JASON Cranberry Lotion (~PhP 450)

According to the JASON website, "a group of independent thinkers drew upon the pioneering spirit back to natural ingredients proven safer and proven to work together in naturally effective ways. And so the JASON (which means "healer" in Greek) brand was born."

Akala ko July, August, September, October, November.The cream-colored lotion has extra fine texture. Skin feels lovely after application and lovelier once it is absorbed: very silky, very smooth and skin looks well-moisturized. If applied overnight, you'll get the softest skin in the morning. I am pretty sure there are fancier and more expensive kind that can deliver the same effect but for the bottles I've tried, this is the best: value and result.

What lotion works for you?

Candy Cane Lane

I am having a quiet evening with my blood red polish. With my preferred date out for work, I decided to get a manicure and pedicure and topped it off with a trip to the waxing salon.

Nothing like fresh polish and hair-free body to welcome the weekend. Light bounces better without fine hair, giving a shinier look - at least for the legs. And I find satisfaction with every hair stripped and groomed.

Kanya-kanyang kaligayahan lang 'yan.

Orly's Candy Cane Lane

This shade of red comes out nicely on my warm skin tone. It brightens my skin. It's a far cry from my typical good girl shade. 

Wicked enough but with a hint of modesty.

Just how I feel right now.

I Don't Believe in Make-Up: Kiehl's Line Reducing Eye Brightening Concentrate

In one of my trips to Kiehl's Glorietta 5, the staff was kind enough to give me several samplers of moisturizers and eye creams. He handed me 4 packs of Line Reducing Eye Brightening Concentrate enough to last me for 3 months!



The great thing about eye creams, they are pretty expensive but they last eons. You don't really need a lot to maintain a healthy looking peepers.

According to Kiehl's, the eyecream is formulated to improve the look of the delicate eye area with a potent concentration of Pure Vitamin C 10.5%, known for its affinity with skin and powerful ability to improve the appearance of ageing skin. While Haloxyl, a new-patented ingredient, strengthens, soothes and brightens the eye area helping to eliminate dark circles. 

How do I find it?

Let's start with my needs, I have perennial eyebags, the two never go away. 

It doesn't help as well that I only get 6 hours of sleep each night, I look fresh if I get 7.5 hours of sleep. Lastly, I don't want my skin to prematurely age.

After 2 months of application I am happy to report that the eye cream works for me!

Meaning, the circles are noticeably brighter hence if I only slept for 5 hours, it doesn't look as dark. The puffiness is still there though. Secondly, the eye area also looks fresher. I say the haloxyl works for me. I rate this second to Abyssine cream and not yet sure if this is better than the Avocado Eye cream, all by Kiehl's.

I haven't checked how much it is in the local store but the website says USD 41 for a 0.15 oz. 

Please try it.

I Don't Believe in Make-up: Face Moisturizer Edition

Remember I told you that I don't believe in make-up? Thank you very much for your positive reception to that post, it got a decent number of comments.  Let me continue the series with the night face moisturizers I swear by.  I am in no way an expert on beauty products but I can tell you that I consciously take care of my skin: lots of fruits and vegetables, at least 3 Liters of water a day, and if I have the money, I don't scrimp on beauty products.

My daily regimen consists of cleansing, toning and moisturizing; right after I shower in the morning and just before I go to bed at night. Among the products I smother on my face, night moisturizer is my favorite. Moisturizer is considered the cornerstone of good skin care. It forms a barrier between the skin and the environment and at the same time allows moisture to be locked in. Given the number of moisturizers available in the market, the key is knowing what your face needs, match it up with an active ingredient and be patient (it takes at least 8 weeks!) to see its effects. 

That's my face very raw at 6PM: with 5 hours of sleep, after a day at work and nothing on. I am good with it. 

According to research, ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol help keep moisture and repair the skin's protective barrier. 

If you're moisturizing sensitive skin, salicylic acid, feverfew, chamomile and aloe vera can help soothe irritated or inflamed complexion. Hydroquinone, kojic acid, cucumber/licorice/mulberry extracts alleviate blotching and spotting as does glucosamine.

On anti-ageing: Peptides rev up collagen production, boosting firmness and smoothing wrinkles. Vitamin C is needed by skin to make collagen. Antioxidants like idebenone, Vitamin E, coenzyme Q and green tea may help prevent wrinkle-formation. Btw, retinol is the most highly regarded ingredient that treats wrinkles.

I like taking care of my skin. I want to have good skin 30 years down the road and there's nothing like going out with no make-up on yet having the best glow, smooth and blemish-free skin. I do get pimples easily so putting make-up is never an option. Below are a run-down of my favorite night-time moisturizers. I haven't tried a lot but I already like the effects of these products on my skin so I don't bother looking for other products. 

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer (~ PhP 1200)

According to the packaging the moisturizing effects are continued beneath the surface layer leaving the surface area soft and the other layers nurtured. The consistency is not too light and not too heavy, although it usually feels oily after application. However, once you let it sit through the night, the skin feels supple and oil-free in the morning.  What I like about this product is it makes my skin baby-smooth and has that fresh face look to it. This is actually my favorite.

Mario Badescu Hydro Moisturizer with Vitamin C (Php 1250)

Its main function is hydration so dry-normal skin will benefit from this. Although I suspect, oily skin will also find this product great considering that it's greaseless. I consider this a light formula and since I don't have a primer at home, so when there's a need, I double use this as a primer before I put on foundation. It actually works! It pretty has much the same effect on my skin as Kiehl's: you actually feel that your skin has sufficient moisture lock in without being too oily. The texture comes out perfect! The reason why I like the former is I find this a little bit expensive than Kiehl's. 

Body Shop Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream (~ PhP 500, when it's on sale)

It's marketed as an antioxidant which repairs skin cells as you sleep. Among the products I use, this feels heaviest on my skin, which kinda gives a good feeling if you need intense hydration. In the morning, the skin is smooth, supple just a little less than how the 2 products work for my skin. The reason why I get this is it's much cheaper than the other 2 (when it's on sale!) and I like to rotate products once I consumed a bottle. 

A 60-mL bottle, used once day lasts me 4-6 months. I say, not so bad. Also, if you ever try getting these products, ask other samplers from the sales associate. -(",)-*wink* Freebies are great and you also get to try other lines.

If you ask me, night cream does wonders to my skin. Of course that's in combination with other products and regimens that I do. And again, I'll say this I believe that great skin comes from within: good products, lots of water, exercise (sweat cleanses out impurities from your pores!), proper diet with lots of fruits and veggies, and a good disposition. I am an advocate of all these and mind you, they usually trump the best products in the market.

Kiehl's Manila

Greenbelt 5 

Mall of Asia

Mario Badescu

Rustan's Department Store

Makati, Alabang, Gateway Mall Cubao

Body Shop

Major Malls in the Country