line drying the girls

a cheap and easy way to dry your brushes. =)

Kanebo TIFFA suncreen SPF50 PA+++

i decided to try this product out after reading a couple of reviews comparing it to Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection Face & Body Lotion SPF 55 PA+++, which is my HG sunscreen. (I like the face & body version better because it's thinner/more lotiony feeling than creamy, and because you get more product for your money.) but... since i love trying out new products, i decided to give my HG a challenge with the Kanebo TIFFA sunscreen. i bought two kinds -- the TIFFA Silky Look and the Regular. (it comes in Regular, Silky, and Pearl.)

first impressions: omg, the bottle is so small (25 mL)! i knew how many mLs were in the bottle when i was ordering it, but it was when i actually had it in my hand that i realized how small it was. lets just say it's VERY airline friendly. LOL

application was very smooth. i have to agree with other reviewers that it's very similar to the Shiseido Face & Body SPF50 PA+++. TIFFA is actually a little bit more watery in my opinion -- its almost like latering your face with whole milk. but as with almost all sunscreens, there is an intial stage of greasy feeling as you're putting it on. HOWEVER, this disappears in less than a minute, leaving your face ready for primer and makeup!

overall, its a very good sunscreen but i'm not sure if it beats my HG. the performance is equivalent to the Shiseido (which says a lot). the price, however -- not so sure. Kanebo TIFFA costs approx $10 for a 25 mL (0.845 oz) bottle. Shiseido Face & Body costs $37 for a 3.3 oz (97.6 mL) bottle. that makes TIFFA slightly more expensive per oz/mL than Shiseido if you do the math. the only other thing to consider is - since TIFFA isn't readily available in the U.S., you may end up spending more for it w/ shipping costs from overseas companies (e.g., sasa.com).

the verdict: i like it but i'm not going to go out of my way to buy it if i run out. i'll restock only if i find a uber good deal online.

Price: $9.90 -11.00 (minus shipping)
Where to Buy: sasa.com, ebay
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Tip: good for people who normally don't like wearing sunscreen!

NOTE: just to refresh your memory about what SPF, PA, and +++ mean:

all sunscreens in the U.S. indicate a sun protection factor (SPF). SPF is a measurement of how much protection the product offers from UVB rays (the rays that cause sunburn). A few sunscreens (mostly asian brands) also list a "PA" ranking, which refers to the amount of protection you're gettting from UVA rays (the rays that cause aging and long-term skin damage). PA rankings are listed as PA+, PA++ or PA+++. The more +'s, the more protection from the harsh rays.** For my full shpiel on sunscreen and SPF, check out my previous sunscreen post.

(content edited from mayoclinic.com)

new skincare!

for the past couple of months, i've been looking for a new moisturizer/night cream to replace my old one (creme de la mer). don't get me wrong, i really like la mer but it's just so expensive! $230 for a 2oz pot!

when looking for a moisturizer, or any skincare product, you should first ask yourself what your skin needs the most. for me, my problem is hydration. i have combination skin (oily in the T-zone, dry in other areas) so it does have oil, but w/o makeup, my skin looks dull and lackluster -- this is due to dehydration. one of the best things you can do for this is to drink more water, but quite honestly, i don't like drinking loads of water because i hate having to go pee so often. that's why i need to seek help from some good topicals. ^__^

a friend of mine - who is actually younger than i am - recommended that i check out estée lauder. (yes, the brand your mama uses. but know this: they own more than half of the cosmetic companies you see @ the department stores.) from estée lauder's line of moisturizers/creams, i tried Hydra Bright, Daywear Plus, and Time Zone and decided on:

Hydra Bright


i liked Hydra Bright because it really sunk into my skin and made it feel well-hydrated and supple. my skin didn't feel like it had something sitting on top of it. unfortunately, by the time i made my decision to get this moisturizer, it went off the shelves to be "reformulated." grrrrr-eat. i guess i'll wait until it comes out again (in JANUARY!) and test it again.

another line i'm testing (and i did get to purchase!) is derma-e. for now, i'm only testing the moisturizer and the face wash.


why all the fuss w/ DMAE, alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and C-ester? well ladies, we're not getting any younger! and even though we may not look old, we should do our best to preserve what we have now.

dimethylaminoethanol or DMAE has been found in clinical studies to tighten skin and to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, dark under-eye circles, and nasolabial folds (the "smile line" some ppl get). in addition, the results of this anti-aging agent has been noted to last even after you stop using it (so you know it's not just a quick, superficial pick-me-up). don't believe me? read here.

how about alpha lipoic acid? ALA is a powerful natural antioxidant found in plants and animals. when taken orally, it offers many benefits to your body (i.e., regulating cholesterol, blood sugar, liver function). for your skin, it helps to prevent and minimize wrinkles. maybe i'll start taking the oral pills in the future, but for now, i'll use the topical version.

C-ester (ascorbyl palmitate) - everyone knows that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, but vitamin c-ester is thought to be better by some skincare professionals because it is more soluble. per dr. weil (from the Origin's line), vitamin c -ester helps to "reduce the redness and inflammation of sunburn and thus protect against sun-related skin aging." and we all know (or should know) that sun-related skin aging is the most powerful and damaging kind!
ok, i'll update again when i've tested the goodz.

ciao!

what not to do...

in the sun!



what have i done?! jk this isn't me. this is my beloved seeestor. she and i are polar opposites but i love her to death. however, i do NOT approve of her "accidentally" forgetting to put sunscreen on and falling asleep on the beach. i don't think she'll ever make that mistake again, because although the areas minus the bow look nicely tanned, her skin is actually recovering in pain/itch due to UV damage. just a few days ago, this brown back of hers was actually red like a sausage. =X

did you know that UV rays can EFFECTIVELY KILL germs, fungus, and various micro-organisms? UV rays can kill things that alcohol cannot (e.g., Parvovirus, Strep, etc.) - that's how strong it is - and it does so by messing up the organism's DNA. now doesn't that sound scary? this is also what it's doing to YOUR SKIN when you lay out for so long w/o protection! you have to remember that you can still get tanned wearing sunscreen.

alrighty, just my 2 cents. the only remedies i can suggest for sun damage like this would be pure aloe and/or Creme de La Mer, although the latter is VERY expensive if you're going to lather (or "warm and pat") it onto your whole back. (believe it or not, this creme was made by a burn victim.)

Best.Hand.Cream.Ever. - Jurlique

(big thanx to lillian for introducing me to this wonderful product!)

this is by far the best hand cream ever. why? because it moisturizes VERY well and leaves your hand silky smooth, not sticky. it also doesn't have any parabens (a chemical preservative found in many well-known hand creams w/ possible links to breast cancer) and instead, is loaded w/ good natural ingredients like calendula - a flower/herb known for its soothing/healing characteristics.

the scent: i'm usually not too crazy about flower-scented lotions but this one is different. the rose is very light and... just not like what you'd expect from a "rose" scented product. this rose cream actually smells like a real rose - light and refreshing, and not overpowering like typical floral products (as in the perfumes you try to avoid @ department stores). if you don't know what i mean, just go and try it out. if you still don't like the rose scent, the hand cream also comes in citrus and lavendar, but rose is by far my favorite.

btw- this review is coming from an ex-Aveeno user (aka person w/ super dry skin). my hands get really, really dry to the point where parts of my skin turn white if i go unmoisturized for a while.

the only not-so-nice thing about Jurlique is that the cream (and every other product in its line) is quite expensive - $25 for only 1.4 ounces of product. if you're not familiar w/ ounces, this is like two travel-size tubes of toothpaste. (btw- the picture above is of the 4.3 oz, which is $46-$49!) *sigh.. but i will continue to repurchase because it is the best (imo, of course). ohhhhh! by the way, i recently came across a website that sells Jurlique products for more than 25% below average cost. *see link below*

Price: $17.86-$25.00
Where to Buy: Sephora, Jurlique.com, various beauty & health websites (cheapest @ Vitacost.com)
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
Tip: as cliché as it sounds, a lil goes a long way, so use sparingly. if you want to TRY it, get it at Sephora so you can return it if you don't like it. if you already like Jurlique and want to keep repurchasing, buy it from Vitacost.com.

alpha hydrox 12% glycolic AHA souffle

don't waste your money on microdermabrasion. exfoliate w/ AHA!


anti-wrinkle, fragrance-free, oil-free

this is a wonderful product. it may be a little harsh on your skin in the beginning for some people (like me), but it's one product that i can say that has definitely improved the texture of my skin. AHA stands for "alpha hydroxy acid" - it is an exfoliant. i usually use it @ night before bed and i wake up with soft, exfoliated skin without the need for scrubbing! one thing to note is that you HAVE TO use sunscreen (during the daytime) when using an AHA product, as it causes your skin to be more sun sensitive. this shouldn't be a surprise to people who have used ANY anti-aging or acne skin products.

the only problem i have w/ this souffle is its packaging. i hate products where you have to dip your fingers into it.

here are the basics:
Application: smooth, sinks in to skin (non-greasy), but tingly (kinda like you got hairdye on your skin -- not a great feeling, but if you can endure it, it'll be worth it)
Price: $14.99 - $15.99 (cheap!)
Where to Buy: neotericcosmetics.com, drugstore.com
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars!
Tip: if you have sensitive skin, make sure you do a skin test before using it on your whole face. recommended areas to test: right under your ear OR on the lighter part of your wrist (underneath).

kinerase C6 peptide intensive treatment

this is the treatment that Courtney Cox uses and has gotten a lot of exposure because of it. however, that doesn't say much because (w/ all due respect) Courtney Cox doesn't look young anymore. either way, due to all of the good ingredients in this product (e.g., argireline--an advanced hexapeptide, vitamin C & E, green tea), i decided to try it out.

my impression:
i am a little on the fence about this product. knowing the ingredients make me feel like it's a wonderful product; however, i have not seen any visual improvements on my skin. i don't have many skin problems as is (and maybe that's why it didn't do much), but i was still looking for some type of improvement as far as skin texture, tone, etc. goes. i haven't noticed a thing. the only thing i can say is that it might have helped prevent additional skin damage, along with my sunblock -- but that's about it. i may repurchase for preventative reasons but definitely not to help fix anything.

basic 411:
Application: smooth, sinks in to skin (non-greasy)
Price: $96 (but you can find it cheaper if you search online)
Where to Buy: various places online (e.g., amazon.com, skinstore.com, dermadoctor.com), Sephora
Overall Rating: 3/5 stars (not worth it, but definitely not a bad product)
Tip: if you wanna try it, i suggest just getting it at Sephora and returning it if it doesn't work out.

collagen

no, not the injections. i'm talking about natural collagen... the kind that your body produces!

so, what is collagen?
Collagen is a major structural protein in the skin. It plays a key role in providing the structural scaffolding for cells, tissues, and organs. If it weren't for collagen, the body would literally fall apart. Collagen also gives the skin its strength and durability and is responsible for the smooth, plump appearance of young, healthy skin. Understanding the structure and function of collagen will help you better know how to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance. (source: nuskin.com)

Basically, collagen keeps your skin nice, tight and plump (in a healthy, non-fattening way). Take this example: PORES. Why is it that little kids don't have any visible pores? It's because they have an abundance of healthy collagen (and elastin + other biological and environmental factors). as we age, our collagen production decreases and/or breaks down, causing our skin to look dull, thin, wrinkly, and loose. Sucks to get old, ey?

ways to promote collagen production
There are many ways to promote the synthesis of new, healthy collagen. First, you can provide the skin with a reserve of vitamin C. As a necessary cofactor in collagen synthesis, vitamin C is proven to increase the production of collagen. One study showed that extended exposure of human connective-tissue cells to vitamin C stimulated an eight-fold increase in the synthesis of collagen (Murad et al., 1981).

Another way to promote the synthesis of collagen is to use chemical exfoliants, such as alphahydroxy and polyhydroxy acids, which break down the bonds between cells of the stratum corneum and slough away dead skin. Consistent exfoliation stimulates cell renewal. Chemical exfoliation has also been shown to increase dermal thickness. Scientists attribute this dermal thickening to the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and collagen within the dermis.

A third way to promote collagen synthesis is to supplement with collagen stimulating peptides. Fibroblasts are naturally stimulated to begin the synthesis of collagen when specific combinations of peptide signal molecules (fibroblast growth factors) bind to receptor sites on the fibroblast membrane. These signal molecules can be supplemented with topically and help boost collagen production. Some skin care companies are including these peptide fragments in their treatment products.

Because collagen gives the skin its strength, durability, and smooth, plump appearance, it's important to protect and promote collagen growth. Taking good care of your skin means taking care of your collagen. (source: nuskin.com)

wash, wash, pat, pat

i haven't been able to post in a while because i've been kidnapped by this thing called grad school. my bedtime is so late that it's early -- this is definitely NOT good for my skin, might i add. i am such a hypocrite... but what can i do? grad school is no joke. i don't even want to imagine how getting through a phD program would feel. anyway, back to my topic...

a couple of tips on washing your face! yes, it's such a simple process that we've been doing since childhood, but here are a few useful tips that will help keep your face nice and fresh:

tip #1: do a double wash with a gentle/mild cleanser before bed (mild means something that doesn't leave your face so tight afterwards), then do a single wash in the morning.
why? a double wash before bed allows you to remove as much dirt and excess oil before your skin goes into its "regenerating" mode when you're sleeping. in the morning, you only need a single wash (unless you have an oil problem) - there's not much to clean in the morning since you've cleaned it all off the night before!

tip #2: be nice to your face and gently pat your face dry instead of wiping it dry.
why? think about it. what's going on when you're smearing that towel across your face? you're no longer 10 years old with young, plump skin. your skin now can actually stretch a lil from frequent pulling. your face is not a dirty window. don't treat it like one.

tip #3: don't forget the toner! believe it or not, even after my double washes, i am often able to get more dirt/makeup off my face after i use toner (well, more so on days when i cake on the makeup) - this is also because i use an exfoliating toner. (i also have a moisturizing toner, which i've been using more these days. this one doesn't "remove" more dirt because i just splash it on my face vs. wiping it on w/ a cotton ball.) the main purpose of toner, however, is to restore the natural pH level in your skin.
what is pH and why is it important? "pH" stands for potential hydrogen. pH levels range from 0-14, from 0 being acidic, and 14 being alkaline. when the pH level of your skin is too high, your skin will lack power in fighting off infections (including acne). when the pH in your skin is too low, your skin will look dull, less elastic and older. the optimal pH level for your skin is 5.5 (slightly to the acidic side). when you wash your face, you strip the natural pH level off your skin (causing the pH in your skin to spike up). so you're doing yourself good by cleaning your face, but if you don't restore pH, you might be leaving your skin more vulnerable to damage.

tip #4: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! after all that washing, your skin is practically oil free. if you don't put any moisture back into your skin, it will work harder to compensate for the loss of moisture by producing more oil.
this will be worse if you use a stronger cleanser that dries out your skin. so try to find a cleanser that is effective yet gentle enough to let you smile w/o feeling like you're gonna rip your skin.

tip #5: this is a no-brainer. even if you're tired from a night of partying (or from a long day @ the dirty racetrack), MAKE YOURSELF WASH YOUR FACE BEFORE BED (even if it means forgoing some of the steps mentioned above). you'll thank yourself in the morning.
dirty skin = acne, expedited aging, larger pores, mid/quarter-life crisis, etc.


la. di. dah! =)

food for your skin

a good diet won't guarantee perfect skin (because some people do have to battle with heredity), but it definitely can't hurt. and if you think about how food allergies work and how quickly they can affect someone, the things you put into your mouth can definitely make a big difference!

here is a brief list of good-for-you foods. hopefully, you guys won't be allergic to any of them. =X

avocados - lots of good fats/oils and vitamin B3, which can help w/ redness & blotchiness
mangoes - lots of vitamin A, which maintains and repairs skin
blueberries - my personal favorite(!) these babies are LOADED with antioxidants.
almonds - good source of vitamin E as well as protein & magnesium
carrots - vitamins A & C
flaxseed oil - not only is this type of oil good for your heart, it's also good for your skin. omega-3s and good fats. (remember, fats aren't the enemy!)
pomegranate juice - contains anthocyanins (helps strengthen tiny blood vessels under your skin)
salmon - omega 3! BUT say "no" to atlantic salmon. a chef and writer from the LA Times (Foods section) once told me that anything from the Atlantic has more mercury that any other ocean/lake. YUK! King salmon is better.
sunflower seeds - lots of vitamin E, but watch out for the sodium if you're going sit there like a bird and crack away!
whole grains - lots of vitamin b, helps to reduce/avoid cracking skin.
green tea - you keep hearing that green tea is good for you... because it is! green tea has lots of vitamins and other good stuff like zinc, magnesium, calcium and so forth - one of the best sources for antioxidants.

(gathered from various sources from the web. i'm not that smart!)