Homemade tendskin

Have you heard of an ingrown hair removal product called Tend Skin?  I was almost sold when I found their website (can't trust everything a business say, can we?).  According to the website, it can reduce redness of skins fro waxing, shaving and laser hair removal.  It also prevents new and removes existing razor bumps and ingrown hairs. 

Caution: do NOT use if you are allergic to Aspirin. 

Tend Skin Liquid may be applied with a cotton ball.  Make sure skin is dry prior to application. Rinse hands after use. The product may be rubbed on thus acting as a cleanser. It also acts as an astringent for oily skin. To avoid irritation to the eyes, do not "splash" on when applying to facial area.

Ingredients: Isopropyl Alcohol, Water, Propylene Glycol, Acetylsalicylic Acid (aspirin), Glycerin, Cyclomethicone.

On their website, Tend Skin liquid is selling for USD$20, $35, $50 for 4oz, 8oz and 16oz. 

As I mention in my previous posting on an epilator, I constantly have problems with ingrown hairs.  So if Tend Skin really works, it would be a life saver.  According to reviews from MakeupAlley, a lot of people swear by it and said it was effective.  So....I decided to give it a try.

What about a HOMEMADE VERSION?

I started looking at WHERE I can get the TendSkin liquid in Canada then I found a fairly popular homemade recipe for it.  Now usually we would be suspicious to homemade skincare products but this recipe has even been reviewed on makeupAlley.  Surprising!  I rushed to Zeller and grabbed the 3 main ingredients: aspirin, isopropyl alcohol and pure witch hazel.

I have used the homemade version for a few days.  I want to try this more before I make a review.  Below is the step by step instruction that I found on the net for making this.  Please note I am not responsible for the following recipe.  Please make your own judgment on its safety.   You might want to test this on a small area of your skin first to see if you are allergic to anything. 

Recipe for homemade Tend Skin liquid:

• 26 uncoated aspirin (aka Acetylsalicylic Acid or ASA)
• 5.5 oz (165 mL) 70% rubbing alcohol
• 2.5 oz (75 mL) pure witch hazel
• A measuring cup/bottle
• 2 bottles used to shake mixtures
• 1 8oz (250mL) bottle/container to keep finished product 

Steps
1. Pour 5.5oz of 70% alcohol into one bottle.
2. Drop 18 uncoated aspirins into the alcohol. Cap bottle and shake.  Optional: ground up aspirins into fine powder.
3. Pour 2.5oz of witch hazel into the second bottle.
4. Drop 8 uncoated aspirins into the witch hazel. Cap bottle and shake. Optional: ground up aspirins.
5. Wait awhile (30 minutes to a whole day) for the aspirins to dissolve in the liquids. Shake periodically to help dissolve aspirin and mix.
NOTE: not all of the aspirin pieces will dissolve.  See "Other Questions" below for details.
6. Now combine both the alcohol and witch hazel mixtures together into one bottle. Make sure you shake it up before you pour them out so you also get the aspirin residue into the new bottle. This last bottle is your Tendskin! 

Use 1-2 a day. Reduce usage if you experience dryness or flaking or irritation. Make sure you shake it well before each use.  

The resulting homemade Tend Skin looks like this.  After filtering, the remaining solution is clear with a little bit of white residues left on the bottom of the bottle.  If you don't filter, there will be a lot more powder left. 

Review: Biore Cleansing Pore Strip

Every time my family goes back to Taiwan, me and my sister would request PACKS of Biore Pore Perfect Stips be brought back for us.  It wasn't an essential part of our skincare routine but more of a fun thing to do when we have the time.  Although we only use them once in awhile, we just like them enough to stock up on these.  However, this past weekend, I have learnt something new about these strips and discovered how powerful they can actually be.  I was really amazed by it.

As you can see below, the packaging for the pore strips is quite different between ones sold in Taiwan and in Canada.  It is a lot cheaper in Taiwan so we never purchase them in Canada (another reason to stock up). 

It functions as a quick fix to unclog pores and remove the dirt, oil and blackheads.  What I recommend is to combine this with your pore-cleansing routine.  After all, prevention is always better than cure. 

How to use them?
These pore strips worked to lift off pore-clogging dirt.  You wet the nose area slightly with water then press the strip onto the nose, removing any air bubbles.  Wipe off excessive water with a towel and let the strip air dry [usually 10 minutes, depending on temperature and humidity of your location].  Peel off the strip from one edge.  Wash face with water and carry on with your typical skincare routine. 

Useful Tips...maybe these can explain WHY it didn't work for you.

• Don't over wet your nose.  Splash your nose with handful of water then let excess water drips off.  Make sure all areas of your nose are wet.  The strip needs the water to bind properly to your skins. 
• IMPORTANT!  Pull off the strip as slowly as you can.  I saw a HUGE difference.  Hmm...I think I took about 45-60 seconds.  
• Buy the version for men.  They are bigger!  
• You can cut off the edge and place these mini strips below your nostrils or wherever you wish.

Pros

• Quick fix for those ugly blackheads
• Easy to use
• Fun to examine the yucky things that get pulled out from your pores.  I'm not ashamed to say that I can spend a few minutes staring at all those nasty white and blackheads on the strip.  ^__^ 

Cons

• Expensive in North America but cheap in Asia.  
• Won't remove all blackheads.  But with patience, you can improve the success rate.  

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Overall: I would definitely recommend this if you have oily skins, whiteheads or blackheads on your nose.  These work great to quickly unclogged some pores however, you need to follow up with regular face cleaning.  Be persistent in your routine to thoroughly clean out your pores everyday.  Can't really comment on its effect in reducing pore size, as I only occasionally use these.

Earthquake in Ontario!?

I can't believe there was a noticeable earthquake in the Toronto area.  I was sitting at work when I suddenly feel like I was swirling.  At first I thought it was my imagination, then I wonder about the construction next to the building.  It was when I looked the water in my kettle, I realized "hey!  The ground is shaking for real."  Coming from Taiwan, I had been through many much scary earthquakes.  However this just surprised me.  From the number of years I've lived in Canada, I don't really remember going through any noticeable earthquakes.

The EarthquakesCanada main index is still down at the moment, assuming it's from the sudden spike of traffic.  However the US Geological Survey has reported the Ontario-Quebec border earthquake with an index of 5.5!  The surrounding cities had an lower index so many people didn't feel the earthquake.

I just feel so excited for some reason.  Anyways, back to work now.

Review: Got 2b dazzling Shine Spray

I purchased this Got2b dazzling shine spray (175mL) from drugstore awhile back.  Although I have straight black hair, it is frizzy with fly away.  According to my hairstylist, my straight hair actually is slightly curly, hence the messiness.  A lot of Asian actually get straight perm to flatten their hair further.  However, I hate damaging my hair so I resort to hair product. 

I usually spray 7-8 times onto my damp hair then blow dry and smooth with a brush.  I have been using this now and then for awhile and currently, I'm applying this every time I wash my hair.

What I found

• Light flowery Fragrance was pleasant.  Most smell quickly goes away after blow drying.  
• Light weight & not sticky at all
• I tried applying this only to half of my hair.  No difference when I compared to the side without the product.  The comparisons were done immediately after styling and a couple of hours after.

Score: 1.5 out 5  I like using this product but it doesn't give you any obvious result.  I will finish this bottle but I won't repurchase.

I saw Toy Story 3!

Last night I went to see Toy Story 3 with my boyfriend and his brother.  We were almost going to watch A-team (not really interested) but then they gave in to my high(er) interest in Toy Story.  haha~  To not spoil the fun, I won't really say too much about the story line.  Let's just say the plot was well done.  It's fun how the story is about when Andy is going to college and the toys are having a crisis of being thrown away. 

I was entertained the whole way through.  There are quite a lot of new characters benig introduced in this movie although some of them are only shown briefly without being named.  Anyways, below is the new character that I really like.  Peas-in-a-pod!  How cute are they?  I'm hoping to get my hands on a real plush. 

See the 360 degree view of these adorable peas.  Yummy~

I did find one site that seems to sell these cuties but right now they are out of stock! Gahhh...I really hope I can find these in stores or online. Anyone knows where I can get these?

Oh oh oh....and here is the image of the plush.  How cute are they! 

Haul from Revlon & Johnson Johnson sale

My first Revlon sale experience was not too bad.  I came home with these skincare products with some other random household things.  FYI, here are the prices I paid (in Cdn).

• Clean&Clear Soft day/night lotions and cleanser were 3 for $10 or $4 each.  
• Clean&clear pore perfecting line were $5 each.  The eyemakeup remover, makeup cleanser, makeup remover wipes were also available. 
• Clean&Clear deep action refreshing gel cleanser $4.  
• Neutrogena spray sunscreen SPF45 $7.  Aveeno SPF30 spray sunscreen was also available for $7.
• Revlon makeup erase pen $2.

Half of the place was full of household items for gardening, kitchen, bathroom, shoes and clothing.  There were a lot of French Connection clothing to my surprise.  My boyfriend bought a dress shirt for $20 (down from $78).  A lot of men's clothings are sweaters and winter jackets however there were also huge selection of dresses for women on sale for $25, $35, $50 and $100.  I didn't need another dress right now so my wallet was saved. 

There were lotions, face cleanser, shampoo, nail polishes, beauty tools and perfume.  I have to say the selections were slightly disappointing.  I didn't find any makeup worth buying as majority of them were Almay's products and nothing look appealing.  Some of the products showing on their website were not available.  Grrr.  I was so looking forward to buy the Revlon gel eyeliner.  Some prices were actually not much cheaper than the stores so you gotta know the regular price before you do a huge haul.

The Revlon sale is pretty regular things that go on every year I believe.  See my previous post for more information.  Check their website to see if your area will have one.

Review: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist sunscreen SPF60

I noticed a lot of higher SPF sunscreens this year and Neutrogena was among the brands that are advertising for their high SPF sunscreens.  I purchased a bottle of body mist sunscreen instead of the traditional lotion type due to laziness.  ^____^  I can't emphasize the importance of protecting your skins from UV damage more.  Although tanned skins might portray you as a healthy outdoor gal, in reality, you are more prone to skin cancer than the non-tanned ladies.

Blogger Beautiful with Brains have talked a lot about sunscreen including some misconceptions.  Read up on these postings if you are interested:

• Facts about sunscreen
• Applying sunscreen the Right Way
• 6 Common Sunscreen misconceptions
• Sunscreen Myths busted 

Now, moving on to the review.  Note: I'm not a sporty gal.  I used these for walking between bus stops and places I go.

 

According to Neutrogena's website...
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30, 45 and 60 provides broad-spectrum UV protection in an ultra light sheer mist. Stabilized with HELIOPLEX, it provides photostable broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays in an ultra-light, non-greasy finish. This weightless formula applies easily to even hard-to-reach areas. It is waterproof, sweatproof and resists running into eyes. This one-touch continuous spray works at any angle.  You CAN apply this sunscreen to face. 

Pro

• Lots of product: 141g
• Quick and easily sprayed over the body
• "Fairly" light weight....IF you don't touch your skins afterward.
• "Fairly" matte finish.  I wouldn't say this is 100% oil free.  It doesn't feel greasy but then it doesn't give you a fresh, completely dry feel either.    
• waterproof + sweatproof. 
• Offers high UV protection.  Bear in mind that the sun protection factor tells you how LONG the sunscreen can protect you.  Unless you are going under the sun for extended amount of time, You actually don't really need very high SPF.   
• Bottle is really light for carrying around.  High quality packaging.  I like the feel of the bottle finish (ha~)

Cons

• If you rub your skins, you will feel some resistent due to the sunscreen.  So to me, this is not 100% light weight.  At the end of the day, this feeling doesn't go away.  So you probably want to shower before you go to bed and not in the morning.  
• The spray bottle is really wasteful.  I would say half of the sunscreen has landed somewhere other than on my skins.  Environmental polluting?  Plus, you might miss a spot without realizing. 

Score: 3.5 out of 5
I would recommend purchasing the lotion type if you want a full protection.  The spray version would definitely be useful for quick reapply during the day or when you are on the go.  I haven't try this sunscreen with makeup but I would not recommend it on face if you apply a lot of makeup.

Raving about a Toothpaste?

I am in love~  I can't believe how a simple toothpaste can be so awesome and pleasant!  I mean it's TOOTHPASTE!  Yes you heard me right.  I can't say how happy I was when I discovered this in Taiwan.  When I tried it at my cousin's place, I was awed by this green tea flavored toothpaste.  Yum~

In the past few years, green tea has become a popular scent and flavour in a lot of products, whether it is food or non-edible things.  Yet, I can never expect to see a combination as this:

Darlie TeaCare LongJing Green Tea essence fluoride toothpaste

Pros

• Refreshing, taste and smells good.  Strong green tea flavor!
• After taste is a fresh slightly sweet green tea flavour, just as if you drank some.  But much better!
• Cheap.  About Cdn $5 for 3x 160g tubes.
• Make brushing your teeth FUN and EXCITING!  Seriously...how many of us hate brushing our teeths and flushing them properly?
• Brand is well known in Taiwan.  Very easy to find in Taiwan.  

Cons

• Not available in North America. 

Score: 5 out of 5 I love love love this. Darlie actually makes a series of other cool flavor toothpastes.  If I have the chance, I might try a few others.  However, I will definitely repurchase the green tea flavour when I finished the THREE tubes I got.

Revlon and Johnson & Johnson Warehouse Sale

When: June 19-27, 2010
Mon-Fri 10AM-8PM
Sat 10AM-6PM
Sun 11AM-5PM

Where: International Centre, Hall 4
6900 Airport Road
Mississauga, Ontario

What: Makeup and skincare products including brands like Aveeno, Clean&Clear, Almay, Neutrogena, Roc, Nivea and Lubriderm.  Also other brands like Twix, Mars, Stayfree, Visine, Goody's and Snickers.  Why are there chocolates at this sale?  ~___~  Beats me.

I'm so tempted to go.  I have never been to these makeup/skincare product sales so I don't know what to expect.  Although I don't expect the sales to be super awesome, it would still be nice to get a whole bunch of products at cheaper price at once.  More information on other locations and items likely to be sold at the sales can be find at http://www.saleevent.ca/index.php

Know your prices and you'll know WHAT and WHAT NOT to purchase!  I would be careful on discontinued items and their expiry dates and appearance.

P&G brandSAMPLER for May

This past Monday, I finally received the P&G samples that I ordered back in May.  I have been wanting to try the Magic Eraser sample but it just wasn't offered after I answered the P&G survey.  However, I was really happy to receive 2 Olay samples (YEAH~) and the Secret Clinical Strength antiperspirant sample.  See below for the close up photo of the beauty samples I've received.  If you are interested, P&G periodically offers samples to its Canadian and USA subscriber. 

In the above photo, we have the Olay Regenerist Touch of Concealer eye cream, Panteen Medium thick shampoo and conditioner, Old Spice Odour Blocker body wash, Secret Clinical Strength Sport antiperspirant in marathon fresh scent and lastly the little jar contains Olay Regenerist micro-sculpting cream.

I'm mostly interested in trying the Olay eye cream and micro-sculpting cream.  Reviews will follow shortly after. ^___^

Review: Burt's Bees Lemon butter Cuticle Creme

(Pardon me for the dent in the cuticle creme.  I have been using this for awhile.  At least it shows that it's really being loved by me. ^___^)

Product Info

A soothing blend of natural ingredients for intensive care of dry cuticles, brittle nails and chapped, cracked fingertips.  Massage into and around nails nightly.

95% natural and not tested on animals.

Ingredients: sweet almond oil, beeswax, lemon oil, cocoa butter, vitamin E, candelilla wax, sunflower oil, rosemary leaf extract, beta carotene, vegetable oil.

8.5g/0.3 oz

Movie and Dinner Night

Last night, me and my boyfriend went to celebrate his birthday. It was a nice night out. We dined at Jack Astor's and watched Iron Man 2 afterwards.  We haven't really gone out on a date lately so it was a nice change.  I LOVE Jack Astor's garlic pan bread (without cheese please).  So yummy~  But after I ate 2 pieces of it, I was nearly full.

Here is what we ordered:

• garlic pan bread
• Cream peppercorn chicken rigatoni...really yummy.  The sauce is full of flavor. 
• Steak fajita (1/2 lb) with Smokey BB sauce...my bf ordered this.  It wasn't bad.

We didn't finish everything since the garlic bread made ME so full.  I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you have one in your area.  Yum yum~

Lip Balm Marathon Review #2

As I mentioned in my first lip balm review, I have gone through many many lip balm products due to my constantly chapped and I mean SEVERELY chapped lips. Especially during winter when it's very dry, my lips will just go through cycles of drying, chapping, peeling and healing. Sometimes I thought my lips were back to normal, then the next day the nightmare begins again. Not to mention, the intense peeling process which involves my lips changing skins completely! It was not a pretty skins.

If you want to see lip balm products that I love, please see my first reviews. Starting now, I will focus on the remaining strays that I tried now and then. Two lip balms are being reviewed in this post: Nivea Soothing Care and the Blistex Lip Infusion Sheer Liquid Balm. 

So here you go...

Blogger AprilAthena7's giveaway (expired)

Win a $100 SkincareRx.com giftcard from April on her blog.  The rules are a bit complicate this time so check them out at her blog, AprilAthena7's Beauty Blog.  Watch April's YouTube giveaway video too.  To enter, you need to leave comments under her youtube video. This giveaway is being sponsored by SkincareRx.com.  Ends on June 7, 2010

According to April/SkinCareRx, this site was created with the intention of making dermatologist and spa-grade, clinically active skin care more accessible. Each line they carry is carefully evaluated for effectiveness and is personally tested by their estheticians and staff! 

This site carries tons of well known brands like Clarisonic, DuWop, Stila and Too Faced.

• http://skincarerx.com/clarisonic.html
• http://apothica.com/duwop.html 
• http://apothica.com/stila-cosmetics.html
• http://apothica.com/too-faced.html
  

You don't want to miss out on April's $100.00 Skincarerx gift card giveaway!  Wouldn't hurt to have an extra hundred bucks for our makeup and skincare need right?

Philips Satinelle Ice Premium Epilator HP6517 Review

I got this epilator from the Shin Kong Mitukshi (新光三越) department store in Taipei. It was the latest model at the time so the price is pretty expensive (NT $4000 = around Cdn $130).  This is probably the proudest purchase that I made while I was in Taiwan this January. I have been eying Philips epilators for awhile, hoping to find the solution to a concern of us ladies...hair & more hair! For some reason, the concept of epilators isn't very popular in Canada so I have the hardest time finding a good one in store.  I didn't want to give in to a simpler model that I can get in local Zellers or Walmart.  So I waited and waited. At last~