My Winter Skincare Regime

GENIE IS BACK!!!

It's been SOOO long since I've blogged - I did become a little put off by the fact that one of my blogposts was suddenly deleted without my consent, and RSS Feeds stopped working anymore. Since then, I've been really busy with my life with the two kids, trying to find a job, my severe back pain, and MaskGenie. Most importantly, I just lacked the motivation to blog, especially not being able to find something that I really wanted to blog about and something that was worth blogging about.

In this blogpost, I'd like to talk about the products that I'm using now, after having switched to products suitable for the super dry winter climate.

Since November, I've been slowly incorporating richer products into my skincare regime. I've been using products from CNP Laboratory since summer, and it has really helped to boost the water level in my skin. During the home care facial that I had at Shiseido's as a part of the birthday special they offer for VIPs, they used a special device to check my skin, and they found that my face was highly hydrated (all thanks to the CNP Laboratory products I had been using), but my skin slightly lacked collagen.

When winter was approaching, I realised that CNP products were not moisturising enough for my skin (even after switching to a heavier face cream), so since then, I have been incorporating Shiseido products into my regime, though the first night I started using them all (I was too excited to try them all), I broke out on my forehead. This didn't stop me from continuing with Shiseido products though, but I did stop for a few days before slowly adding them back in. During the days that I broke out, I used these products:

CNP Laboratory Hydro Intensive Toner

LJH Tea Tree 90 Essence

CNP Laboratory Dual-Balance Waterlock T/U Serum

CNP Dortoray Intensive Hydrating Cream

I also used a few Dr. Morita masks to help calm my skin and soothe the breakouts.

After recovering from the breakouts, I slowly added the products into my regime, sometimes adding the emulsion, sometimes adding the toner, until my face felt stable and okay with adding them in.

I'm currently using up a random cleanser from Memebox - Awesome Aqua Whip Hug Foam Cleanser. Nothing special, doesn't clean very well and quite drying for the face especially in this weather. Will not repurchase.

 Currently using up another Memebox toner - Tosowoong Timeshift Skin Toner. It's more like a gel rather than a watery type of toner, not so moisturising, but it cleans very well and makes the cotton pad brown after swiping it on my face and neck. Will not repurchase. During the days after my Lipodermis treatment, I use the CNP Laboratory Hydro Intensive Toner instead, as my skin is very delicate then. Will consider repurchasing since this is very moisturising and gentle.

I don't always use an essence anymore (I used to use the IOPE Bio Essence Intensive Conditioning religiously, but stopped during summer), but when I remember to, or when my face reminds me that it's extra dry, I'll use the DM Intensive Hydrating Essence. The essence itself is great, leaves a slight sticky feeling, but the pump sucks. My sister-in-law gave this to me, but I don't know if I'll repurchase since it is kind of pricey. When my face is super dry, I'll apply the IOPE Essence before applying the DM one. This is my second bottle of IOPE Essence, but I'm not sure whether I would purchase a third one, since I don't use it as often anymore.

When I know I'll be putting on makeup the next day or when my face really needs that extra water boost, I'll use the Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate before using my usual serum, followed by the Ultimune Eye for the eyes. I realised that my makeup does adhere better, and my face is less dry after using the Ultimune line, but they are kind of pricey, so I'm not sure whether I would repurchase. I don't use these everyday, so I'm hoping they'll last me for a while before my next repurchase.

As for the serum, I have the most expensive serum that I've ever purchased - Shiseido's Vital-Perfection White Circulator Serum. I started with a deluxe sample, but finished that, and opened up the full size. I use two pumps of this on hubby's face, and his face reacts very well to it (did I mention that he breaks out using most products but not this one?), but I did break out on the first two times of use. I use 1.5 pumps on my face, massage it into my face, and a few times more on my cheekbones (where the hyperpigmentations are). May consider repurchasing but I'll need to save up for it.

I admit I've been lazy with eye creams lately, I think it's because CNP Laboratory products can all be applied around the eyes, so I've been too lazy to apply other things, but seeing it's winter, that's when lines start to appear, so I decided to do something about my dark eye circles and fine lines. I was looking for Christmas presents at Fresh when I decided I want something for myself too, so I got a Christmas Set that came with a Black Tea Eye Cream, a Black Tea Cream, and a Black Tea Sleeping Mask. Despite it being an eye cream, it's very light and easy to blend. It doesn't cause milia. The full-size product is really expensive, so I'm not sure whether I'll repurchase, but if it does do something for my dark eye circles and lines, I will consider saving up for it. Before I started using the eye cream from Fresh, I tried a sample of an eye cream from Shiseido that was really rich, but felt nice and smooth after blending, and really did seem to do something for fine lines, but I bet it's really expensive just by looking at the packaging.

 

As for the night cream, first off there's the one from Shiseido - Vital-Perfection Sculpting Lift Cream. It is rich and moisturising, not oily, but its perfumey scent is really strong. After realising that my face was okay with using such rich creams, I decided to take out my long lost favourite, the IOPE Super Vital Extra Moist Cream. I used to love this cream, but there was a time after I gave birth to my second child, that I couldn't use anything heavy on my face, otherwise I would breakout. I tried it again, and my face loves it again. The only problem with this cream is that if you take too much of it, it does feel a bit oily. I now use the little spatula I got from CNP Laboratory to scrape the top layer of the cream a few times to get what I need, and this ensures I don't get too much, because you really don't need a lot! Out of the two creams, I think I prefer the IOPE one, as it's actually more moisturising, and the scent is more acceptable. As for the price, Shiseido is more than double the price of IOPE! Plus, I still have two more deluxe tubs of the IOPE, so I won't need to repurchase in a while!

I also have another cream sample that I use - A-True Darjeeling Black Tea First Anti-Wrinkle Cream, but because it is actually quite light, so I use it in the mornings instead. Light in the day, heavy at night. The A-True cream actually smells like black tea which is really nice and relaxing. Probably won't repurchase though, since Memebox products are quite hard to source.

Every night, I apply the Fresh Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy followed by the L'erbolario Shea Butter Lip Balm. I absolutely cannot live without this lip balm - this is my second one! I used to have serious flaking lips, and nothing would help except this lip balm! They recently ran out at the shop, so I got their Natural Glossy Lip Balm as a spare, but it's nothing like a lip gloss that you normally think of, nothing in the cosmetic sense, instead it's like a tube filled with different essential oils, and is super moisturising to the lips! It has a slight flowery-herbal scent, but nothing synthetic.

In the mornings, I keep it simple. I wash my face with cold water. That's it, no cleansers or anything, just plain water. Then, I follow with my Tosowoong toner, CNP Laboratory Waterlock T/U Serum, Shiseido Vital-Perfection Emulsion, and CNP Doctoray Intensive Hydrating Cream or A-True Black Tea Cream. The CNP Laboratory Dual-Balance line is my absolute "go-to" for summer - I used the toner, serum, and cream from the same line during summer, whilst hubby uses the A-Clean line!

Next, I apply my CNP Doctoray Real Perfect Sunblock which has a UVA PA+++ and UVB SPF 50+, AND it has a slight tint to it (I blogged about the summer edition before, but that's the post that got deleted), but I really can't tell you enough by words how much I love this! My face is matte and oil-free all day long!

If, for some reason, my skin feels dry during the day, then I'll use a mist spray - I swear by the Recipe By Nature Spray Essence Water, but if I'm wearing makeup, I'll use the Recipe By Nature to prep my skin before applying makeup, and the CNP Laboratory Quick Soothing S.O.S. Mist over makeup. I've lost count of how many Recipe By Nature mists I've used, but it's definitely a lot, and the great thing is that it's free from mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dye, triethanolamine, and parabens! The S.O.S mist is great as not many mists can be used over makeup, and this one can because the particles are very small, and won't leave droplets over your face after spraying. The S.O.S mist also smells of rose, but it's not overwhelming or annoying.

Other products that I use every now and then:

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner
I actually like its predecessor more (I blogged about it here), but this one is still pretty good and convenient to use. Not suitable for sensitive skin.
CNP Laboratory Deep Enzyme Powder Wash (click here for the review)
Absolutely love this powder wash - it's very gentle, yet it cleanses and minimises pores.

CNP Laboratory Anti-Pore Black Head Clear Kit (click here for the review)
I absolutely swear by this blackhead set, and would definitely recommend it to others! After using the first mask, all the impurities really float to the top, and it doesn't require much effort to squeeze out the blackheads using a blackhead extractor!

Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask
Started using this recently. There's no need to apply night cream before using this mask, only requires a thin layer, and leaves face feeling super moisturised - probably will not repurchase due to the high price tag.

I also use lots of different masks - sheet masks, sleeping masks, and wash-off masks.

That's a lot of CNP Laboratory products as well as the newly added Shiseido into the family! I must say that my face really does look flawless and has a glow after incorporating Shiseido products into my daily skincare regime! I also have a Lipodermis treatment done every 3-4 weeks, and I've noticed that my skin is back to being flawless, as well as my pores being slightly minimised. The only downside to these treatments is how painful they can be - it's like a facial scrub, but much more intense, and much more painful! Will talk more about them later in another post.

I used to be reluctant to use and eat products made in Japan, especially after the radiation leak, and having heard several stories from friends and families about the side effects and things that happened to their close friends after visiting Japan and everything, but nonetheless, one day I decided to try some of their makeup products since I've heard many good things about their products, and that's when I received some of their skincare samples to try, and I absolutely fell in love with the results! By the way, I love their makeup products too, but those will have to wait for another post.

As you can see, the Shiseido products that I have are mainly in sample sizes. Shiseido gives out many samples to try, and I have yet finished them all, so I haven't purchased anything in full size other than the serum. The only thing I don't really like about Shiseido's products is probably the perfumey smell and the high price tag to them, but other than that, Shiseido is awesome and I'd definitely recommend this brand to friends and family! Shiseido always comes out with these trial packs, and they're a great way to be able to try everything! Shiseido HK also has a VIP programme, so that's even more samples to try, as well as having birthday treats and discounts! What's more is that they even have samples for loose powder and other makeup items! Look below at the photo where the tub on the left is the loose powder in its full size, and the one in the middle is the deluxe size, and the deluxe also comes with a small puff inside the container! This loose powder is the best I've used, like seriously!

Okay, so that's a fairly long post with lots of products and lots of photos. I hope to see you guys soon in my next post, which hopefully won't take another 6 months to write.

Thank you for reading, and have a nice day!

If you guys have any questions about the products, please comment below :)

REVIEW: JENNY HOUSE PERFECT SKIN ONE SHOT COVER STICK FOUNDATION

I've been so busy lately that I haven't really had time to update my blog, especially after I've realised how easy and convenient YouTube videos are compared to blogging, however, I think videos can't always show how great things are, so here, I've decided to write about it instead!

The product that I'm going to review today, is...

"Jenny House Perfect Skin One Shot Cover Stick Foundation".

A portable 3 in 1 (Base + Sunscreen + Foundation) perfect skin cover stick foundation can transform your skin through instant skin perfection and long-lasting makeup. Its advanced lightweight formulation delivers a very subtle sheen with high coverage and great adhesion to your skin. Patented Vitamin-C complex core essence illuminates your complexion and whitening your skin, also visibly minimises all imperfections, pores, fine lines, and dark spots instantly and over time.

Lightweight, breathable, silky hydrating base with high coverage that make your skin become a beautiful flawless airbrushed finish without any stickiness. It helps to keep you looking and feeling your best through any season. Its high coverage, great adhesion and long-lasting formula that leaves your skin looking virtually flawless without a trace of heavy foundation after blending like a natural born beauty.

It comes in a pretty silver box, and the product itself is also wrapped in silver, with a pink bow at the top.

Why did I get it? I was really tempted to get it after watching videos that appeared on my Facebook newsfeed! I'm so glad I bought it, because now I'm in love with it!

This is a foundation stick that comes with a sunscreen level of SPF50+/PA+++. The foundation stick comes in two parts - the bigger circle with the foundation, and the smaller circle with the sunscreen and serum - they come out as one, so problem there!

The fun thing about it is that the foundation is on one end, and the brush is on the other. The brush is also at a slanted angle, so that it's easier and less tiring to use. 

The bristles of the brush are super soft and silky, so it doesn't cause any irritation to the face whatsoever.

There are two shades to choose from:

No. 21 Light Beige

No. 23 Natural Beige

How To Use:

1. Gently twist the bottom part of main container for 0.5cm of stick foundation then apply a thin layer directly on your face, no primer is needed generally.

2. Use the built-in special designed professional foundation brush for blending the foundation inside out evenly onto your skin in order to get a flawlessly blended, full coverage, high definition results. Re-apply it as a concealer on specific spot area for building up some extra coverage there if needed.

I did a video to demonstrate how to apply the Stick Foundation:

The shade I'm using is the No. 21 (I also use the N21 IOPE Air Cushion XP). The foundation is very creamy and very easy to blend in (it does take some time, but it'll be perfect after you're done!). It doesn't even feel like I've got anything on my skin, and it doesn't block my pores! It's not sticky too, doesn't need a lot of loose powder to cover up, and my face doesn't look oily at the end of the night!

It matches perfectly with my skin tone, perhaps slightly white on my face, but it gives my skin the kind of glow that it needs!

"At the end of the night" look - still flawless and non-oily (with no touch-ups during the night)! I had a few bumps on my forehead that night, but the foundation stick did an awesome job to cover them up (my concealer sucks, so the foundation stick definitely takes the credit)! I guess I forgot to mention that I use minimal makeup each time, so what you see is what you get!

I also forgot to mention that in the past, my face would normally feel super dry after a day of makeup, and I would urgently need to use a face mask that night, but since using this foundation stick, I haven't had this problem anymore!

The only complaint I would make would probably be the silver packaging, because all my fingerprints get stuck onto it and makes it not so pretty, but it's easy to wipe off so it's not too bad!

Price: HKD188 (equivalent to USD25)

Let's compare this to my previous favourite...

IOPE Air Cushion XP in N21

I really liked this before because...

1) the colour was a perfect match to my skin

2) it's really easy to use

3) it's not drying on my face

But what I don't like about it is that using it was very messy to use (and I don't like my things to look dirty!). As you can see from the photo below, the puff has already changed to become a beige coloured puff, but I've only used it a few times (every time I dipped the puff into the cushion, the foundation would all float to cover the sides of the puff). The mirror is also very dirty too, though it was never clear enough to be a mirror in the first place. The most important thing is that the cushion is already used up, and I've only used it a few times, so it's quite pricey for something that can only be used with a few uses! It also left a sticky feeling on my face, required me to apply a lot of loose powder on top, and yet still had an oily nose! I guess it's really not suitable for the humid weather we have here in Hong Kong!

Enough rambling over my new product...I bet you guys want to know where I got it from or where you guys can buy it (goodwillbeauty ships worldwide too!):

http://www.minikmall.com/shop/all/jenny-house-perfect-skin-one-shot-cover-stick-foundation-%E6%99%BA%E5%AD%9D%E7%B2%89%E5%BA%95/

http://www.goodwillbeauty.com.hk/en/face/595-perfect-skin-one-shot-cover-stick-foundation-spf50-pa.html

Thank you for reading, and have a nice day!

The italicised phrases are copied from www.goodwillbeauty.com.hk.

MEMEBOX EXCLUSIVES: 10 POINTS ON IOPE PURCHASES

I'm sure everyone has heard of the brand, IOPE, since IOPE has proven to be a leader in beauty in not only Korea, but all across the globe! Their products are formulated from state-of-the art technology and years of research and development!

Memebox has come out with two IOPE Boxes just for us!! The two IOPE boxes contain IOPE's famous Essential Skin Boosting Serum, Eye Cream, Relief Cream, Essential Face Oil, Lip and Cheek, and IOPE Air Cushion!!!

Plus, this box has a retail value of over US$325, but you can now get yours at this exclusively low price!!!

This deal is exclusively for the readers of Genie's Favourite Products:

When you purchase the IOPE 1 Box or the IOPE 2 Box, you will receive 10 reward points (equivalent to US$10, which will be saved to your account, so that you can use it to buy anything from the Memebox Website in your next purchase!)

Contents of the IOPE 1 Box:

Contents of the IOPE 2 Box:

Don't miss this chance to try all the skin and beauty benefits that these IOPE Boxes have to offer!!!

For MORE Exclusive Deals, please check out the following link:

http://us.memebox.com/referral-only-deal?acc=6da37dd3139aa4d9aa55b8d237ec5d4a

For more information on Memeboxes, please check out the following link:

http://us.memebox.com/user/geniesfavproducts

IOPE

Who hasn't heard of the brand IOPE nowadays? It seems to be really popular, with its "Miracle Water", the Air Cushion, and other great products it sells. I started using this brand during the winter of 2012-2013 when my sister-in-law brought back some sample sized creams from Korea, and I instantly fell in love with those creams!!! Let's see what the rave is all about!!! :D

Super Vital Extra Moist Cream by IOPE

This cream is a bestseller item from IOPE, a brand of Amore Pacific Corporation.

My sister-in-law brought this back from her Korea trip back in 2012 and gave me a small 8mL sample to try along with many other Korean skincare products. I instantly fell in love with the cream and asked her where she got it from, then she gave me a few more samples. At that time, IOPE was not so popular in Hong Kong, and I could not find them selling anywhere, but I'm glad to find them selling almost everywhere in Hong Kong nowadays! I mainly use this in the winter as it is super moisturising, but I did try to use it recently too and it's spring now...it was still okay but I still prefer saving it to use in winter.

Texture: Rich and creamy, but absorbs very quickly and does not leave any sticky nor greasy feeling.

Pros:
- Nice packaging
- Smells really nice
- Very nutritious for the skin
- Leaves my skin feeling very soft and supple after application
- Absorbs very quickly into the skin
- Does not leave a greasy nor sticky feeling
- Perfect for normal/dry skin or to use during the dry winter months

Cons:
- The full size tub is quite expensive (around HKD750+)
- May not be so good for people with oily skin or for use during the humid summer months

Rating: 9/10


Bio-Essence Intensive Conditioning 168mL

This is an Asian facial treatment that promises to promote clear skin and firming, even out skin tone, and brighten skin within 3 days of use. Other bloggers usually compare this to the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, and found them to be of similar effectiveness. I will be referring to the Bio-Essence Intensive Conditioning as "IOPE Essence" in this review.

I ordered the IOPE Essence from www.minikmall.com for a price of around HKD380 when it was on sale, but I had to wait for around 2 weeks for the shop to restock. I recently went back to see how much the IOPE Essence cost, and the price has gone up to HKD438, but there is stock available at the shop, so there is no need to wait for that long for the IOPE Essence to be delivered to your door.

I love online shopping because I really enjoy the process of unwrapping packages! When I opened up the package, I was surprised to see that my IOPE Essence had come with a box of cotton pads for free!

I have used the IOPE Essence for more than 1 month before doing this review.

Appearance:
- It comes in a frosted glass bottle with a silver cap
- It feels sturdy and heavy in hand
- There is a small hole to dispense the product (many people complain that the hole only releases a few droplets of essence each time, but I have had no trouble with this so far)

How to use:
- It is recommended to be used as an essence: After using toner, place the cotton pad onto the middle finger and soak the pad with 3mL (size of a coin or 1/3 of the cotton pad) of the IOPE Essence. Starting from the cheeks and forehead and then moving from the centre of your face, slowly wipe your face from the inside to the outside, and then gently pat your face with your hands to enhance its absorption. You will see that the cotton pad will turn to a brownish colour, as it wipes off all the dirt on your face.
- Some people prefer to use this as a toner: Pour a sufficient amount of the IOPE Essence onto palms, and pat onto the face.

Pros:
- Contains a high percentage of fermented ingredient(s)
- It is transparent and has a watery consistency with no smell whatsoever
- It is very hydrating (sometimes I just apply the IOPE Essence without applying moisturiser, and my skin still feels hydrated!)
- It wipes off any dirt very well (even better than my usual toner)
- Absorbs very quickly (especially when I pat it onto my face using my hands)
- Hubby has complimented that my skin looks healthier and brighter now too!
- Much cheaper than the SK-II "miracle water"

Cons:
- Slightly expensive
- I had hoped for it to tighten my pores, but it had no effect on this
- It didn't do anything "WOW!" to my skin (perhaps it would be more effective for those older than me and actually needs some fixing up in their skin)

Rating: 7/10


IOPE Air Cushion XP SPF50+/PA+++

This is another highly raved product, but unfortunately I didn't end up buying this product - my friend did. These are the photos that she took of her product, and she loves it, so unfortunately, I cannot review this product.

Appearance:

I've read mixed reviews on this IOPE Air Cushion, so I'm still deciding whether to purchase this one or the Laneige one. I'll let you know when I do buy my one though!

But for now, thanks for reading, and have a nice day!

Do leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions!