After reading about rave reviews from different bloggers with True Beauty, I decided to give it a try.
Word of mouth is very powerful especially for ladies.
Ever recalled memories of products which your girlfriends deemed as good and we started to go and buy them, in the process of hoping that it will give us better skin as them?
Unfortunately, I am one of them.
Its like a curse - if I do not get the product, I start to think alot of "IFs". If I get this product, my skin will be better, I will not be experiencing this breakout as what I am having now, my skin will be flawless and the list goes on.
Then when I eventually get the product, I will start regretting it with alot of "IFs" again.
If I have not have gotten this product, my skin will have been better. See, what a mess my skin have become? I will have more cash on hand to spend on more practical stuff. I should not have listened to my friend, what can I do with this half-used bottle, its such a waste to throw away and the list goes on again.
Well, so I decided to get my TRUE experience once and for all. Never did I realize that its going to be the biggest mistake of my life.
Actually I always read beauty reviews with a pinch of salt but at times, I just get swayed by the rave reviews and made mistakes along the way.
It may get abit biased especially when the product is sponsored.
One may feel obligated to write some good comments about the product and service when he/she are receiving free gifts in return. If a reader says their review is not true, who is to blame? The reader to believe it or the writer who writes about it?
The writer can just brushed it aside with the excuse that their skin types are different and thats why they are getting good results and the readers are not.
True Beauty uses 100% natural skin care products and their director, Susan Foo is experienced and willing to share her knowledge with her customers.
I am not one who uses natural products but hoping I can get started bit by bit. But because the market is flooded with more and more natural skin products hence I am hesistant to try since I am new to this category. There were too many brands to choose from and I simply do not know where to start.
I visted their outlet located at Winsland House II and it gives me a very posh feel from the exterior right to the interior.
However, if you expect their consultant to be the same, you are wrong.
In fact, their consultants are quite down to earth, speaks better Mandarin than English and have no make-up on at all. Its their rule not to have make-up.
Actually, I was a bit shocked that their skin were not that good, it simply wasn't what I expected it to be.
As what Susan have shared, she believes that make-up contains ingredients that are bad for the skin and advises me strongly not to use it.
The room has a very relaxed ambience and as usual, it actually made me sleep during the mask routine. No machines were used and stroking methods done by Susan to firm up the skin actually gives me instantanous results. I was quite pleased in fact, because its just so amazing!
During the facial process, I also noticed that they frequently wash their hands with an antiseptic lotion. This was one area which I admire and like very much. In fact, I hope all facial salons can follow them because I am quite panaroid with facial salons outside who touched my hair, massage my shoulders and still cleanse my face, all using the same bare hands. I am actually quite horrified by their "cleanliness".
I am impressed with Susan's knowledge and is glad that she is willing to share her experiences and knowledge with me.
However, when it came to buying products, Susan the beautician become Susan the sale person. I found her tactics pretty hard-selling and I was quite turn-off by the whole incident.
She kept insisting me to get the whole product range which costs above $1000. I was reluctant because I have a whole drawer of skincare products at home.
What she said is true though, if I know the products I am using are harmful to the skin, why continue to use it?
In the end, I decided to get their trial size products but it still set me back by $230 which is super expensive because its only 15ml size each and together with the facial, I paid $415 in total.
Since I am new to natural products, I decided to just try their products first to assess if I am suitable for it.
As usual, my topmost concern is hydration and I noticed that their products do not hydrate as much as my normal products and it actually freaked me out abit.
I know my own skin type despite what my beauticians out there told me.
As what she advised, I followed the whole 4 products faithfully for 5 days, hoping my skin will not dry out since I did not follow up with a hydrating mask.
I am refraining from using any non-natural products as I do not want any conflict between the products leaving breakouts on my skin.
Actually I made the very 1st mistake that I know I should not make. I should not have switched the whole skincare range immediately. That is my number #1 skincare sin. I usually follow this rule faithfully but this time round, I actually thought it may not matter that much.
Afterall, I thought natural skincare is good for the skin, there should not be that much of drastic changes.
Boy! Was I wrong. After the 5th day, my skin starts peeling as what I expected because its lacking in hydration. I decided to switch back to my normal products and thats when my skin goes haywired.
My face starts to turn super oily and I had non-stop breakouts. One subside and new ones will form, one after another.
I was very upset with the breakouts that are creating havoc on my skin. It continued for 3 whole weeks until it subsided.
During that 3 weeks period, I was horrified and angry with myself. I was desperately seeking remedies to salvage my skin and went online to search for similar stories like mine. Sadly there was none and I wondered why am I the only one with such a bad case of "natural products turned awry" story.
It should not have happened. Was it due to the drastic change of products? Was my face in the process of purging out toxins? I do not know and no one seems to be able to provide any answers to me.
This review here is actually to share my experience with my readers. If you have similar experiences, share with me, I will love to hear from you.
After this horrifying experience, I was actually pretty reluctant to try natural products. I am back to using my normal products now and my skin have gone back to its normal self.
Review on Beauty Credit Nutritive Royal Jelly Mask
Monday, September 21, 2009
Give yourself a royal treatment with this moisturising mask!- Nourishes as well as soothes inflamed or damaged skin.
- Made of 100% cotton.
- Prevents skin irritation.
One of my favourite brand for facial sheet masks, I picked this up during my Korea trip earlier this month. Since Royal Jelly is known for being beneficial for skin, I decided to give this a try.
I did not buy alot since I have never use it before.
As with all Beauty Credit sheet masks, it is folded and kept in a transparent plastic tray inside when you first tear open the packaging.
Sad to say, I think this mask is too rich for my skin. I broke out with several small zits at the chin the next day. In fact, my chin have always been the first area to breakout easily, so I guess I will give this mask a miss.
My face did feel smoother and softer after the mask session but the royal jelly scent may be a bit too much for me.
Retailing at $8.90 at Beauty Credit counters
Review on Beauty Credit Waterful Ceramide Mask
Anything with the word "water" is bound to attract me. "Water-based" products, products that claim to be able to moisturise the skin, products with ceramide or hyaluronic acid are examples of products which will have me forking out money to get them.Why? Because I truly believe hydration is the most important function of the skin. If your skin is hydrated, then you can start caring for your skin in other aspects such as whitening and anti-aging but if your skin is dry, then all the whitening and anti-aging products have to take a backseat.
Once your skin is dry, like what most ladies in the older age group are facing now, all the fine lines will be very much obvious on the skin. Make-up will not be able to stay well, much less able to conceal well. Flakiness on the skin will start to show. One will look so much older than their real age.
Ceramide is a natural ingredient in the human skin that is critical to the skin's good health and youthful appearance. As we age, skin begins to experience a natural loss of ceramide, making it more vulnerable to the signs of aging.
And this is what the mask does.
- Ceramides: one of 3 types of lipids, or fats, that help keep moisture in the skin.
- Helps treat eczema and dry skin.
I love Beauty Credit sheet masks because the size of the cotton mask fits my face perfectly and its made of 100% cotton.
The 100% cotton feels very sturdy yet soft on the skin. The cut-out areas are not too big or too small and fits perfectly on my face.
There is not much of a scent for this mask and its a bonus point for me.
My face stay well hydrated and moist right after the mask is taken off.
My skin immediately feels plumped up and skin no longer looks that dull.
Give this a try if your skin needs to stay hydrated like mine.
Retailing at $8.90 at Beauty Credit counters
Kimchi For Beauty
Friday, September 18, 2009
Since I just came back from Korea recently, I thought I will just discuss about Kimchi as a beauty food.
As one know, Korea is famed for its Kimchi. Koreans take Kimchi is every of their meal. Its their staple diet.
There is even a Kimchi Museum but my itinerary did not cover this. However, I did learn how Kimchi is done, though not very well done.
Its been proclaimed recently that Kimchi brings health and beauty.
Kimchi, South Korea's most famous food -- a pickled and fermented vegetable dish - is the main dish that gives Korean women beautiful skin.
Some experts have agreed that Kimchi helps to delay skin aging. Its lactic acid bacteria and plant chemicals may help retard skin ageing and reduce cholesterol levels and calorie content is very low and its full of fibre and vitamins
Full story can be found here
Lactic Acid Bacteria
The well fermented kimchi has more lactic acid bacteria than yogurt. This bacteria is known to be especially good for the intestines and has anti-germ functions.
Acetic Acid
Acetic acid is produced differently according to the materials used, fermentation temperature and period, and level of salt. The flavor depends on the level of acetic acid. Overall, kimchi that is fermented with less salt at a low temperature has a better taste.
Amino Acids
The special flavor of kimchi depends not only on acetic acid, but also carbon gas, condiments, and amino acids. Amino acids are produced by breaking down protein in pickled fish paste and oysters. Researchers have found that kimchi contains 17 different kinds of amino acid.
Vitamins
Kimchi has high levels Vitamin B, C, and Beta Carotene. The levels of Vitamin B1 and B2, and B12 double after a 3 week-fermentation period.
If you are a Kimchi fan, all the reasons above will provide you with even more excuses to indulge in it.
Read more about Kimchi nutrition here and here.
History of Kimchi can be found here and here.
As one know, Korea is famed for its Kimchi. Koreans take Kimchi is every of their meal. Its their staple diet.
There is even a Kimchi Museum but my itinerary did not cover this. However, I did learn how Kimchi is done, though not very well done.
Its been proclaimed recently that Kimchi brings health and beauty.
Kimchi, South Korea's most famous food -- a pickled and fermented vegetable dish - is the main dish that gives Korean women beautiful skin.
Some experts have agreed that Kimchi helps to delay skin aging. Its lactic acid bacteria and plant chemicals may help retard skin ageing and reduce cholesterol levels and calorie content is very low and its full of fibre and vitamins
Full story can be found here
Lactic Acid Bacteria
The well fermented kimchi has more lactic acid bacteria than yogurt. This bacteria is known to be especially good for the intestines and has anti-germ functions.
Acetic Acid
Acetic acid is produced differently according to the materials used, fermentation temperature and period, and level of salt. The flavor depends on the level of acetic acid. Overall, kimchi that is fermented with less salt at a low temperature has a better taste.
Amino Acids
The special flavor of kimchi depends not only on acetic acid, but also carbon gas, condiments, and amino acids. Amino acids are produced by breaking down protein in pickled fish paste and oysters. Researchers have found that kimchi contains 17 different kinds of amino acid.
Vitamins
Kimchi has high levels Vitamin B, C, and Beta Carotene. The levels of Vitamin B1 and B2, and B12 double after a 3 week-fermentation period.
If you are a Kimchi fan, all the reasons above will provide you with even more excuses to indulge in it.
Read more about Kimchi nutrition here and here.
History of Kimchi can be found here and here.
7 Skin Savers Ingredients
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Total Beauty consulted the most sought-after clinical skin care experts to find out which ingredients they believe in the most.
See why these skin savers made the list – and where to find them.
Peptides
What: Short chains of amino acids, found in protein
Why: They act as messengers between the outer layer of skin, (epidermis) and the inner
layer (dermis) to trigger the healing process and rebuild the skin. Different peptide
types (i.e. Metrixyl and Argireline) have different functions, including reducing dark
under-eye circles, lessening the appearance of fine lines and fooling the skin into
thinking it's making more collagen.
Where to find them: Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, US$18.99
Vitamin C
What: An antioxidant that naturally occurs in most animals and plants (but not humans)
Why: Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, stimulates collagen and helps protect the skin
from sun damage. Applied topically, it can firm, smooth, improve hyperpigmentation and
lessen fine lines.
Retinol
What: A vitamin A derivative that acts on DNA to promote healthy keratinocytes, cells that
make up most of the epidermis
Why: Retinol is a powerful ingredient that has really benefited skin on a molecular level
It works well even in over-the-counter products to thicken skin, promote collagen production, improve skin tone and elasticity and reduce fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
What: Synthetically produced or naturally occurring acids, often found in plants and milk
Why: AHAs like glycolic, lactic and polyhydroxy fruit acids make a significant impact even
after just several uses by removing dead skin cells. They help exfoliate the skin which is
important for skin renewal
Growth Factors
What: Naturally occurring proteins that stimulate cell growth
Why: Our skin loses 1 percent of its fibrolasts [its structural framework of tissues] and
thickness per year. Growth factors help improve the health of sun-damaged, aging skin by triggering the skin's rejuvenating process, which results in new collagen, new elastic tissue and new blood vessel formation. (Translation: fewer deep lines and wrinkles.)
Olive Leaf Extract
What: Also known as OLE, this antioxidant is derived from an ancient remedy, the leaves of the olive tree.
Why: The olive leaf has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic (or anti-itching)effects. OLE can calm and heal rosacea and even cystic acne. Chronic inflammation will impair the skin's ability to repair itself and will speed up the aging process.
Sunscreen
What: A natural or chemical substance (or series of substances) that helps protect the skin
from the sun's harmful rays
Why: Sunscreen is perhaps the most important anti-aging product to have. Although a modest amount of UV exposure is healthy and promotes Vitamin D production, too much can deplete the skin of antioxidants, promote free radicals and decrease collagen and elastin production. Skin then becomes thinner, weaker and more rigid, with more wrinkles and brown spots. It's critical to find a sunscreen that protects against UVB, which causes sunburn and skin cancer, and UVA, which can cause wrinkles and play a role in skin cancer.
Extracted from Total Beauty
See why these skin savers made the list – and where to find them.
Peptides
What: Short chains of amino acids, found in protein
Why: They act as messengers between the outer layer of skin, (epidermis) and the inner
layer (dermis) to trigger the healing process and rebuild the skin. Different peptide
types (i.e. Metrixyl and Argireline) have different functions, including reducing dark
under-eye circles, lessening the appearance of fine lines and fooling the skin into
thinking it's making more collagen.
Where to find them: Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, US$18.99
Vitamin C
What: An antioxidant that naturally occurs in most animals and plants (but not humans)
Why: Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, stimulates collagen and helps protect the skin
from sun damage. Applied topically, it can firm, smooth, improve hyperpigmentation and
lessen fine lines.
Retinol
What: A vitamin A derivative that acts on DNA to promote healthy keratinocytes, cells that
make up most of the epidermis
Why: Retinol is a powerful ingredient that has really benefited skin on a molecular level
It works well even in over-the-counter products to thicken skin, promote collagen production, improve skin tone and elasticity and reduce fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
What: Synthetically produced or naturally occurring acids, often found in plants and milk
Why: AHAs like glycolic, lactic and polyhydroxy fruit acids make a significant impact even
after just several uses by removing dead skin cells. They help exfoliate the skin which is
important for skin renewal
Growth Factors
What: Naturally occurring proteins that stimulate cell growth
Why: Our skin loses 1 percent of its fibrolasts [its structural framework of tissues] and
thickness per year. Growth factors help improve the health of sun-damaged, aging skin by triggering the skin's rejuvenating process, which results in new collagen, new elastic tissue and new blood vessel formation. (Translation: fewer deep lines and wrinkles.)
Olive Leaf Extract
What: Also known as OLE, this antioxidant is derived from an ancient remedy, the leaves of the olive tree.
Why: The olive leaf has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic (or anti-itching)effects. OLE can calm and heal rosacea and even cystic acne. Chronic inflammation will impair the skin's ability to repair itself and will speed up the aging process.
Sunscreen
What: A natural or chemical substance (or series of substances) that helps protect the skin
from the sun's harmful rays
Why: Sunscreen is perhaps the most important anti-aging product to have. Although a modest amount of UV exposure is healthy and promotes Vitamin D production, too much can deplete the skin of antioxidants, promote free radicals and decrease collagen and elastin production. Skin then becomes thinner, weaker and more rigid, with more wrinkles and brown spots. It's critical to find a sunscreen that protects against UVB, which causes sunburn and skin cancer, and UVA, which can cause wrinkles and play a role in skin cancer.
Extracted from Total Beauty
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