Friday, February 17, 2012

Fixing my skin..

Battling with acne as a teen can be horrible but battling acne as an adult is even worse! I have struggled with acne since I was 14, from the tiny pesky bumps to the cystic painful ones which make you cry, I have had them all.

Along the years I have tried many products: Oxy, Akne-mycin, Proactiv, Clinique, Mario Badescu.. you name it, I most probably have tried it. At 16, I was regularly taking pills from a skin doctor to keep my skin clear. I stopped after 2 years thinking they were gone for good. I was wrong! They came back eventually, and it got so bad- to a point where it hurt so much and there were clusters of bumps on my cheeks, forehead, even chest. Waking up to blood on my pillowcase was nothing new.

One doctor recommended Roaccutane but I was hesitant because of the side effects. After some research I decided to take birth control pills to control my hormones. Within a few months, everything cleared up. They worked very well, my skin looked SO GOOD.

Then about 5 years ago, I started to become more aware of the things which I put in and on my body and I figured if the problem is internal, the more reason for me to heal naturally. Taking pills didn’t fix my acne, it just suppressed it. So I stopped taking the pills and tried more natural approaches. I still get break outs these days, but they aren’t as raging and clustered anymore.

All the harsh acne skincare I used over the years has left my skin very sensitive, dry (on the surface) and to make matters worse there are many tiny bumps under the skin along my jawline. I would upload pics, but I will spare you the horror (note: it looks like milia but dozens and dozens of them. Ick). The beautician whom I visited mentioned that they were all “stuck” under my skin because the surface is too dry and I need to soften the layer of skin before they can pop out.

Many people think that suppressing pimple is better than having it grow and pop. I feel that the saying “better out than in” applies here. The reason why a pimple forms is because the pore is congested, so if all you do is push it back down the hole, it WILL come back out- so why not get it out and let it heal (using the proper products, not squeezing and poking- that only damages your skin).

My skin condition has never bothered me (much) because my cheeks and forehead are relatively clear and who notices/looks under your jaw anyway? But the older I get, the more I feel the need to get rid of these bumps. I want to maintain my skin and let it be the best it can be. I can fake a smooth face with makeup but I would much rather have a smooth canvas to begin with.

So, yesterday I picked up the credit card and signed up for an intensive facial package. A huge chunk of my saving is gone, but it will be worth it. Using luxurious serums and skincare will not get rid of these impurities, and not to mention be a total waste on my current skin condition. Into storage they go.. (waves to SK-II) for now. The beauty house which I signed up with gave me a cleanser and moisturizer which would be better for my skin. I’ve never heard of the brand Tedoger before so I did a little Googling..

“Lab TEGOR was founded in 1933 in Spain. Combining the reach of traditional medicine and naturopathy, the company has developed unique solutions using natural ingredients under professional cosmetological line TEGODER COSMETICS. Created in their own labs, these products which combines skincare, spa therapy and homeopathic remedies are for salon and home use.

Our products are the reflection of the perfect combination of the most modern and rigorous natural active principles.”

I've used them last night and this morning (they smell lovely! despite the weird name) and will write more on the products I am using. Before pictures were also taken this morning so hopefully I will see improvements in a month.

Maybe sometime in the near future I will be able to pluck up the courage to post these pictures. Wish me well on my journey to achieve clear skin!

Monday, January 16, 2012

In a week...

I WILL BE IN MELBOURNE!! ♥ ♥ ♥ 

I will be spending my birthday in Melbourne and I can't wait to over-indulge myself... good food, great company, and shopping!!

UPDATED:Birthday MateriaLIST:


1. Yves Saint Laurent Belle du Jour leather clutch
*still thinking of the colour.. red? navy? magenta?

2. CANON s95 camera thank you Papa Mama




3. Louis Vuitton Vernis 4 key holder in Rouge Fauviste
thanks meimei~ though it wasn't intended as a bday gift!


4. SK-II Facial Treatment Foaming Cleanser


5. Diamond Studs


6. Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ring (Turquoise Stone)
*size 8 please! :D

7. Belle Noel Nugget Cocktail Ring (size 8)


8. Tiffany Notes I Love You Ring (size 8) thanks JagiBOY (: I'm a size 7! heh
*I keep writing I am a size 8 but to be honest I really am not sure :/

9. Peter Alexander/Glasshouse candles



10. CHANEL Beige Perfume




11. Jurlique Daily Exfoliating Cream



12. ettika Love Me, Hug Me, Kiss Me, Im Yours to Keep bangle
(www.miijo.com)

13. Louis Vuitton Mini-Travel Keyholder



14. Shentel & Sereni, New Money in Light Grey
& Akeem in Cream



15. Acqua di Gioia EDP



16. La Mer lip balm



A dear friend who currently works in Singapore got this early present for me...

Karl Lagerfeld for Sephora Eyeshadow Palette
I basically squealed when I unwrapped the present and saw what it was. Because this eyeshadow palette was only released in Singapore and Europe, I was so sure it would be sold out the moment it hit the stores. I vaguely remember asking her (months ago) if she could take a peek and check it out for me. So so so happy :D thank you!!!

So, if you find yourself stumped as to what to get me, you can get some ideas here. Even if I don't receive the items listed above for my birthday, I am going to save up for them because I have been lusting over these products/accessories for quite some time.

Last year, I managed to make it through the ENTIRE YEAR without buying any bags! So pleased with myself. This year, I will aim to cut back on more unnecessary items.. Here's to 2012!!

Countdown: 5 MORE DAYS!!!
♥ 

Friday, December 30, 2011

White out

According to Master Wong, I need to inject more white into my life.

White clothes,
white accessories,
white phone,
anything white I can get my hands on, I need to put it ON me.

He has been spot on with everything else in my life and health/wealth wise too, so *just this once* I will do as I am told- by a total stranger.

So my blog is getting a WHITEOUT treatment too. 

I like it better now, clean and simple.

Have a great year ahead, everyone!
♥ 

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Undying ♥ for CHANEL

The Chanel Spring 2012 Harmonie de Printemps is "an enchanting makeup collection inspired by springtime skies".




Every season, I have to convince myself what I DON'T need. And it's not an easy task. Some Limited Edition releases are one-of-a-kind, like this blush, and I would not want to miss out!

I am trying to save some money for my yearly travels but I justify my Chanel makeup purchases with the fact that I rarely purchase makeup from other brands. 

Their glosses and lippies from this collection don't appeal much to me but I am contemplating on getting the Christmas Rouge Allure Laque- Empire & Dragon (rumoured to be discontinued soon).

 And these two polishes above ♥

Christmas this year was fun, I spent it with some of my closest friends playing the "White Elephant gift exchange" and scored myself a Starbucks Giftcard!

My birthday is in a month and I have already gotten myself an early birthday/Christmas present (: I am so happy with it and I get to cross off an item from my MateriaList! Also, I will be celebrating my birthday OUT OF THE COUNTRY! IN MELBOURNE! YES, MELBOURNE! AGAIN! HAHAHAHAHA 

Yes, I just came back a week ago and I will be visiting again in Jan!! Am counting down the days.. 24!! 

Okay I will stop here, I can barely contain my excitement!! Birthday List post to follow!



Saturday, December 10, 2011

ME-time!

I haven't abandoned this blog- the past few months have been hectic.. I had been writing beauty reviews for a lifestyle website, and on top of that work has been craaaaazy busy. I rarely saw my friends and was getting easily agitated from the lack of sleep.

But you know what, all that's changing TODAY because though I am at work this very moment, I will be flying off in a few hours to MELBOURNE! 

I usually pack 1-2 months ahead of my trips but this time? I did almost overnight *proud*.

Am very excited to see my little sister again and stroll the streets of Melbourne. 

10 TEN 10 days of r&r with the family. Life is good.

Will leave you with random pics of my trip to Melb back in May..


 MY HOLIDAY OFFICIALLY STARTS IN 30 MINS!!! 
Wheeeeeeeeeee~