Makeup for Breakup / Inspired by Queenie Chan

For anyone who has felt the misery of a failed relationship, watch Queenie's video.  The purpose of looking good after a breakup is to feel good about yourself.

The look I did is not inspired by the colors Queenie used, but rather the concept of feeling good about myself.  I don't need makeup to feel good about myself.  However, having the power to change how I can look does give me satisfaction.

BC Aspirin (NSAID)

24 powders, $8-ish at CVS

I left my uncoated aspirin tablets in Dallas, so I needed to buy some more aspirin for my skincare (and headaches).  I remembered Michelle Phan's video on aspirin masks and how she had aspirin tablets and BC powder.  So, I thought I'd give BC powder a try.

However, I am a bit disappointed in this product as a skincare agent.  I've only used it twice and I think that this will be it.  It doesn't rinse off completely and the residue feels greasy on my skin.  Also, for $8.00 +/- for 24 packets of powder, this is really expensive!

Product Review: Mentholatum Acnes Medicated Sealing Jell

I would like to do a product review on the Mentholatum Acnes Medicated Sealing Jell; however there isn't much information in English about this product.  What I can glean from some reviews is that you're supposed to apply this over problem areas.  I don't know what it's supposed to do, so this product review will be based on my experiences with this product.

*Please keep in mind that I'm reviewing this product based on my experiences and with little information to work from.*


How I use this product
I use this product in the evenings as an all over treatment/moisturizer for my face.  This is the last step of my skincare routine for now.

Scent
The scent reminds me of herbs and lemons, though it's not a strong scent at all.  I can guarantee that the scent is not floral, fruity, or sweet.  The scent goes away after the product gets absorbed.

Consistency
The gel is thick and doesn't smoothe on very well.  It feels thick and sticky on my skin, but it absorbs very well after a few minutes.  Maybe because of its consistency that I find the product to act as a good moisturizer for the evening.

Does it work?
I don't know what it's supposed to do to acne.  I wish I had more information on this product!  However, I will say that I don't notice any new breakouts so whatever is in this product must be good for my skin (I assume).  It seems to suspend my cystic acne and calm them down over the course of a few nights.  I think it may be contributing to lightening up some hyperpigmentation from acne scars.  However, my lack of fresh breakouts may be from diet (I've given up one of my favorite foods: nuts!). 

Would I purchase this again?
Given that I don't actually know what it's supposed to do, I think I may be crazy in saying that I would repurchase this again.  It hasn't done any harm to my skin so far and its in a hygenic squeeze tube.  However, I can't get it.  It's only sold in Asia.  Boo!  :'(

2011 New Year's Look / Mr. P visiting me in December 2010

Wow!  I can't believe that only last week, Mr. P and I were in Texas and Louisiana!  We did the nearly impossible and were able to spend January 1st in Louisiana with his sister, brother-in-law, and mom, and in Texas with my mom, dad, and brother.

I know this post is a bit late but I've been too tired to update (try spending 33 hours on the road in a span of 4 days), and I got sick within the first week of 2011.  Anyways, here's the look I sported for the whole adventure, including the day I picked Mr. P up from the airport.  What a sight for sore eyes, I might add! :)

Product Review: Sisley Paris Flower Express Gel

AKA Gel Express aux Fleurs

This mask is at least $100 USD.
Picture is linked to Sisley's website.

Claims to chase away the visible signs of fatigue and stress, moisturize and tone the skin, create a feeling of significantly firmer skin.


Directions for use: Apply Express Flower Gel over the face and throat 2-3 times/week or more often as required.  Leave on for 3 minutes then gently tissue off any excess.  Follow up with usual skincare routine and makeup as required.

I like to review my products by the claims so that I can later look back at these and see where the claims fell short or exceeded expectations, which will help me decide if that product is worth the repurchase or not.  ^_^  Before I begin this product review, please note that I did change up the application, duration, and removal of this mask.

3-Minute Mask
No 3-minute mask for me.  This is a very expensive mask that deserves more time on my skin than 3 minutes.  Also, I personally don't believe that 3 minutes is enough time for my skin to absorb the natural botanical nutrients in this mask.  I leave my mask on for a full 30 minutes.  I've never experienced an acne break out problem for defying the directions.  :-)

Tissue off, no need to rinse off
I rinse off, despite what the instructions say.  This mask is very hydrating, even after leaving it on over night, which means it is very sticky and moist.  Whenever I've used a tissue to remove the excess, I always have tissue fibers stuck to my face.  When I follow up with my nighttime skincare routine, tissue fibers ball up under my serum and moisturizer.  So, I just rinse the mask off with lukewarm water before following up with my skincare routine.

Now that you know how I apply and remove the mask, let's get on to the reviewing the product claims.

Chase away the visible signs of fatigue and stress
After using this product, I do notice that my fine lines around my eyes, nose, and mouth are a little filled in and less noticeable.  My skin looks brighter and healthier, and feels like it got dunked in hydrating botanicals.  The effects last between 1 and 2 days for me.  Because of the cost of this mask, I'm not willing to use this mask more than once a week.  I don't think this mask does anything for the darkness under my eyes.  Maybe only concealer and makeup can cover that.

Moisturize and tone the skin
This mask is very moisturizing.  It retains its moisture on my skin, it never feels dry, even after 30 minutes or all night.  When I rinse the mask off, my skin feels smoother, more supple, and looks a little more radiant or glowy.

Create a feeling of significantly firmer skin
This mask makes my skin feel a little firmer, not significantly firmer.  It's nowhere near as firm as I felt with the Envie de Neuf mask or even an egg white mask.  However, given that this mask never feels dry or tight on my skin, and my skin feels more supple after rinsing does tell me that this mask is effective in refreshing and rejuvenating the skin.

My opinion
I like what this mask does for my skin.  It is too expensive to be used as casually as the instructions suggest, in my opinion; however, altering the application and usage hasn't changed the result that this mask does what it claims.  I would repurchase this mask again.

This mask is also great for travel because:
1.  It comes in a tube form.
2.  No need to fumble with a cloth mask.
3.  No need to stay in a reclined position.
4.  It doesn't dry up on your skin.
5.  It really counteracts the stress traveling can create on your skin.
6.  You can use as much or as little as you need.
7.  You can focus on problem areas, such as fine lines under the eyes.