Best Beauty Products of 2017: Skincare Favourites

Best Beauty Products of 2017: Skincare Favourites

Vitamin C Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, December 19, 2017

I spent the major part of the last weekend ruminating over my wardrobe - as everyone, from my Mum and Gran to my friends, keeps telling me, it is boh-ring, old-maidish, and predominantly black. So I went out hunting for new outfits and came home with two - both black.
Mum came to see for herself, and lost it. She has now taken matters into her own hands. Apparently, for her Christmas present for me, she's taking me shopping in the last week of the year (I forsee getting half my hair pulled out in the mad crowds), and will CHOOSE my outfits. I also forsee some rather colourful rows.
She is right, though. From the time I started dressing myself, I've been choosing outfits that actually make me seem older, not younger. My favourite kind is the classic-length shift dress, and I own a few dozen of these in BLACK alone. I can see why she wants to take drastic action, although there is no way I can explain why I gravitate towards the same kind of clothes so much.
Before the chaos due to erupt during the wardrobe-revamping process, let's get this year's Best of Beauty series out of the way. I've started with skincare; stay tuned for makeup posts!

Scroll down for the first in my Best Beauty Products of 2017 series - this one is all about my skincare favourites!

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February 2017 Beauty Empties

February 2017 Beauty Empties

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, March 03, 2017

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 1.00%. That's the hero of this empties post; it is also the one product I will be repurchasing consistently, for a long time ahead.
The name of the product sounds weird. You'll know what I'm on about as you read my empties post.

Here are the beauty products I used up in February 2017, and my thoughts on each.

I bought everything. affiliate

Allies of Skin 24/7 Skincare Kit Review, Results

Allies of Skin 24/7 Skincare Kit Review, Results

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Last month, I introduced a skincare brand called Allies of Skin on this blog - they are based in Singapore, though they manufacture in the US. They are cruelty-free. I first came across samples of their products in a Cult Beauty goody bag last year, and was so, so impressed that I actually left a review on Cult Beauty and purchased the full size.
I have already given you a basic introduction to the brand here. Do check out the post if you have not seen it already, and go here to check out their ethos. 
I have been taking a 28-day challenge, after using the Allies of Skin 24/7 Kit every day, and here are the results.

Scroll down for the review of the Allies of Skin 24/7 Skincare Kit, and before-and-after photos of the products' effect on the skin. 

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Allies Of Skin 24/7 Skincare Kit Preview

Allies Of Skin 24/7 Skincare Kit Preview

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Last year, one of my favourite beauty retailers, Cult Beauty, came out with a Fall Goody Bag, containing full- and sample-sized products. Among them was a set of four sachets from a brand I had never heard of before - Allies of Skin, who are based in Singapore and manufacture in the United States.
There were two sachets of an Overnight Mask, and two of the All-Day Mask. Not being a huge fan of foil sachets, I put them away in my travel bag.
And then, one weekend away at my Gramps's, I saw the sachets and opened the Overnight Mask, applied it, and went off to sleep. What I saw the following morning made me head over to Cult Beauty and buy the full sized tube immediately, and leave a review, which I now feel was understated.

Scroll down for more on the Allies Of Skin 24/7 Skincare Kit.

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Holiday 2016 Gift Idea: Beauty Expert Rose Edition Collection

Holiday 2016 Gift Idea: Beauty Expert Rose Edition Collection

Skin care Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, October 07, 2016

If, like me, rosehip oil, rose extract and rose water are staple ingredients in your skincare routine, then there is great news that will save you a nice bit of money.
Online retailer Beauty Expert has a special Rose Edition collection put together for just £50, inclusive of worldwide shipping costs - everything is full-sized, and the individual cost of the products actually comes to a whopping £134. That's a saving of £84. Not bad, eh? 

Scroll down for more details about the Beauty Expert Rose Edition Collection.

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LookFantastic Best of British Beauty Box August 2016

LookFantastic Best of British Beauty Box August 2016

Unboxing Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, September 02, 2016

I went to university in the UK, and had a lovely time in the aisles of House of Fraser, Debenhams, Boots, Selfridges, Harrods, and Superdrug, despite being on a student budget. So when I found that LookFantastic's August 2016 Beauty Box was themed #LFBestOfBritish, my excitement and expectations hit the roof. So many of my favourite brands are British, and LookFantastic itself retails worldwide from the UK. I did, however, expect the box to be primarily skincare. 

Scroll down for the unboxing of the LookFantastic Best of British Beauty Box for August 2016.

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Belli Skincare Face Wash, Eye Cream, Hydrator: For Glowing Skin

Belli Skincare Face Wash, Eye Cream, Hydrator: For Glowing Skin

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, August 02, 2016

A couple of years ago, "glowing" skin meant oily in my book, and I was doing all I could to make my skin as dry as a desert. Harsh treatments; little hydration. A huge protest later, my skin got its message across - the glow comes from within as fresh skin is revealed, is a sign of health as dead cells are cleared away, and can be achieved with active ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids, which increase the rate of cell turnover and replacement.
The world of skincare acids can be daunting. One of the gentler AHAs out there is lactic acid, which occurs naturally in our bodies. American brand Belli Skincare incorporate lactic acid in their products.

Scroll down for review of Belli Skincare Facial Wash, Eye Cream and Healthy Glow Hydrator - a harm-free, pregnancy-safe range for glowing skin.

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Sunday Riley Artemis Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil

Sunday Riley Artemis Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil

Sunday Riley Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, July 22, 2016

Despite Sunday Riley facial oils being cult products, I tried Luna oil, which contains retinoids, and did not love it. So I had decided the brand wouldn't work for me. And then, Sandra of Cult Beauty suggested that I try Artemis Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil. "It is better suited for combination skin," she said. Here's how it fared.

Scroll down for the review of Sunday Riley Artemis Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil.

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10-Step Skincare Routine: FAQs And Doubts

10-Step Skincare Routine: FAQs And Doubts

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, July 14, 2016

Yesterday, I published a guide to the 10-step skincare routine (click here to read it). Posts on each of the steps listed will follow later. I'm going to address common doubts and frequently asked questions about the 10-step skincare regimen today.

Beauty Routine Round-Up And Favourites: May 2016

Beauty Routine Round-Up And Favourites: May 2016

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, June 01, 2016

After spending the first quarter of 2016 recovering from a bad staph infection, I now have a full-fledged skincare routine in place, complete with gentle cleansing, acid, hydrating mist, serum, facial oil and moisturiser at night. While the core remains the same, I rotate a couple of products every few days. Over the last month, I have been documenting my nightly routine every few days on my Instagram, and here is what I have been using.

Scroll down for a round-up of my beauty routine in May 2016.

Best Acid Treatment Pads For Acne Prone Skin

Best Acid Treatment Pads For Acne Prone Skin

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Since the end of last year, I have incorporated acids in my skincare routine, following my dermatologist's advice for a skin infection. I now use Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) pads in the morning and Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) or combination pads in the evening. Together, they help fade pigmentation, prevent acne, exfoliate, provide a bunch of nutrients to the face and facilitate quicker and deeper absorption of other products. Here are my favourite treatment pads and WHY I love them.

Scroll down to read more about the best acid treatment pads for acne-prone skin. 

When to use acid treatment pads

After cleansing. Before a hydrating mist or moisturising toner such as Thayer's Rose Water (and the rest of your skincare routine). Some of these need to be followed by a splash of water to the face to neutralise. I cut most of my acid pads in half, so they last much longer (with a sterile pair of scissors I keep aside for this).

AHA or Combination Pads:

1. Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Original Formula

HG. If I had to pick just one, it would be this.
What: Two-phase treatment. There is an alpha surface refiner and a beta treatment pad. You get it in individually-packed boxes as well, so you can take 'em travelling without risk of spillage.
How many: 30 pairs.
How much: £59.25. Code LF15 for 15% off. 
How to use: Apply the alpha refiner pad first. Wait for two minutes; apply the beta pad. I use this two nights a week.
Versions: Two Alpha-Beta Peel versions - original formula and extra strength. They also have other pads but we're talking about AB Peels now.
Repurchase: I've bought the Extra Strength version recently; let's see what they are like.
Buy it here.

2. Cane + Austin Retexturing Treatment Pads

As effective as DDG - also formulated by a dermatologist. I adore the packaging.
What: 10% glycolic acid. Also has Vits A, C and E, COQ10 and antioxidants. 
How many: 60 pads.
How much: £34

How to use: Dab away. Cut 'em in half so they last longer. Use sterile scissors. I use this four or so nights a week. Or whenever my skin feels congested.
Versions: An anti-acne version with 5% AHA and 2% BHA; and a 20% glycolic version called Miracle Pads.
Repurchase: Yes! These and Dr Dennis Gross are my favourite glycolic/combo pads. I might buy the Miracle Pads next.  
Buy it here.

3. Skyn Iceland Nordic Skin Peel

What: Lactic acid, white willow bark and glycolic. Seriously soft pads.
How many: 60
How much: £38
Use as the other single-pad formulae listed here.
Repurchase: When there's a GWP or offer across the site.  Incidentally, the Skyn Iceland Discovery kit contains a full-sized jar of 60 of these pads and costs as much as the pads do by themselves. So you get a sample face wash, moisturising lotion, two eye gel pads, and a full-sized eye treatment pen FREE for the price of the pads.
Buy it here.

4. Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Pads

What: A 20% complex of alpha, beta and gamma acids and amino acids, Vits A, C, D, E and F, chamomile and green tea extracts. 
How many: 60
How much: £29
Versions: There's also a Max Complexion Corrector version which has peach bellini fragrance, but it also contains alcohol (denat.) high up on the list. 
Repurchase: Yes, when there's a GWP or offer.
Buy it here.

5. Pixi Glow Pads

What: 20% glycolic, rose water and some SA and lactic. STRONG stuff for me. Slightly smaller circumference for the pads, so I didn't cut these in half.
How many: 60
How much: £24. Code LF15 for 15% off.
Versions: I wish they had a milder version; this was a tad too strong for my skin. 
Repurchase: If I need something this strong.
Buy it here.

6. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

A pad-based form of Pixi Glow Tonic.
What: Mildest mix of glycolic, lactic and hyaluronic. Start here if new to acid or if you've never used acid-based toners. Good to use every day.
How many: 60
How much: £22. Code LF15 for 15% off. Buy now and get an FAB hydrating serum free with two FAB products.
Repurchase: Have progressed to stronger formulae.
Buy it here

BHA pads:

7. Stridex Maximum Strength Pads

Everyday morning treatment
What: 2% salicylic. Feels strong, so maybe build up after using Paula's Choice 2% BHA or a similar milder formulation. 
How many: 90
How much: $6. Yes, 'swhatisaid.
Versions: A regular strength and an aloe version for sensitive skin. I prefer the Max Strength version, though.
Repurchase: Yes. 90 pads is always a good deal.
Buy it here.

8. CosRx One Step Pimple Clear Pads

What: Salicylic, hyaluron, tea tree oil, orange peel. Nice, large-sized pads. Gentler than Stridex but has equally good flattening and preventive effects on acne. 
How many: 70
How much: $26. Code 2758605 for $5 off.
Repurchase: When there's a sale.
Buy it here.

Favourite AHA/Combo Pads: 

Tie between Cane+Austin and Dr Dennis Gross. I suppose being formulated by an MD makes a huge difference!
If you are a beginner, start with FAB, but after your first jar, upgrade to Cane+Austin or Dr Dennis Gross.

Favourite BHA: 

Tough; both perform beautifully. I would say CosRx, but 90 pads makes Stridex much better value for money.

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Ten Facial Oils for Acne-Prone Skin

Ten Facial Oils for Acne-Prone Skin

Sunday Riley Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, April 20, 2016

A few months ago, during a consultation for a bad skin infection, my dermatologist advised me to use facial oils as my oily skin was actually dehydrated, and a well-formulated oil would actually help balance the skin. I spoke to Sandra of Cult Beauty and, with her guidance, selected some facial oils which my skin is now loving. I use them two times a day and they have not broken me out. Individual reviews will follow, but take a dekko at the list in the meantime.

Scroll down for a look at the best 10 facial oils for acne-prone skin.

Best Skincare Discovery And Starter Sets

Best Skincare Discovery And Starter Sets

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Ever invested in expensive skincare, only to find that the product does not work for you, or worse, breaks you out? I bought two bottles of Lancome Visionnaire as soon as it came out, after all the hype about the international waiting list. Wham - my face was an explosion in a fireworks factory. Luckily for me, I was able to palm them off on my Mum who was not affected adversely by the product.
Most brands do not give out samples these days unless you buy something from their counters first, which means you try-when-you-buy instead of try-before-you-buy.
Fortunately, several brands now offer discovery kits with trial sizes of their key products, so you can actually go through a whole routine for a couple of days, before deciding to invest further. Plus, these are ideal for travel.
Here are a few sampler kits that I have tried over the last few months - individual reviews to follow later. These would also make nifty gifts for Mothers' Day, birthdays or special occasions. Everything shown here ships worldwide.

Scroll down to know more about nine of the best skincare discovery and starter sets available. 

Clearogen 3-Step Acne Treatment Review, Results

Clearogen 3-Step Acne Treatment Review, Results

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, April 05, 2016

Having left me severely alone through my teenage years - perversely, when I was a don't-care-about-my-face swot - acne has reared its ugly head in my adult life. Every month, I get three or four - even six at times - breakouts no matter what. Worse, they are ALWAYS close together so that area becomes a bit of a beacon on my face. The timing of the breakouts makes it clear that the cause is hormonal.
Combining botanical ingredients along with anti-bacterial prescription ingredients, Clearogen (PR sample) is a three-step regimen developed to treat acne by preventing the androgen hormone DHT from doing its nasty work. More about DHT in a minute.

Scroll down for more on the Clearogen Three-Step Acne Treatment regimen and how it worked.  

Cover FX Custom Cover Drops Review

Cover FX Custom Cover Drops Review

Reviews Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, December 23, 2015

It took me eight weeks to realise that my review for this had not actually been published. Nice. Got to love how I am always on the top of things, eh?
Cover FX Custom Cover Drops is THE BEST makeup product of 2015. It. Covers. Up. Everything. Political scandals. Water damage on the carpet. Black money. Cracks on the walls. My cystic acne.
It also lets you control the shade, finish and coverage. I have to thank Courtney of Phyrra.net, whose review swayed me into buying this.

Scroll down for my review of the Cover FX Custom Cover Drops.

Cellnique Acne Banisher Pack Review, Results

Cellnique Acne Banisher Pack Review, Results

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, October 19, 2015

Of all beauty bloggers - bloggers or humans, even - my acne is probably the worst. You will agree when you see the graphic, scary photos further below. Acne struck the day I turned 21, and has been visiting on and off ever since. And, no, I did not have acne as a teen. Paradox, what?
I have tried everything except Accutane (my derm won't prescribe it) - doxycycline tablets, topical applications of tretinoin, Retin-A, Clindamycin, Adalpalene Gel, Epiduo (combo), Azelaic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sulphur-based products, Korean AC treatments, Benzoyl Peroxide from 2.5 to 10 per cent - you name it, I have used it. Which means my skin is in bad shape.

My latest breakout, in August after a lot of air travel, was a veritable nightmare. I stopped doing full-face makeup looks. People were kind enough to point out that I had bad acne, in case I had missed seeing it. My GP recommended a bunch of hormone tests and scans (all normal).
When I heard about the Cellnique Paramedical Acne Banisher Kit (PR Sample), I did not have much faith that it would work. Nonetheless, I tried it, and recorded my results over six weeks, as you will see below.

Scroll down for my experiences with the Cellnique Acne Banisher Pack and before and after results.

WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOS FURTHER BELOW.

My stock of essential beauty products

My stock of essential beauty products

Tools Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, September 19, 2014

If you had read this post of mine last year, you already know I am a hoarder. I am paranoid that brands will discontinue products I love, or supplies will run out, or war will break out. I hope none of it happens, but I like being prepared by stocking up on the most essential products, namely foundation, lipstick, cleansers, applicators and other tools. And, no, I do not stock up on eyeshadow, blush, bronzers or body butters.
The problem with hoarding is that you need to keep a close watch on expiry dates and move the older products to the front of your shelves. Also, I keep an Excel sheet with dates of purchase and expiry for products that are must-haves. All these are products I use on a daily basis, so they run out long before they grow old!

Check out my bare necessities and how I have stocked up!

Products used in my face cleansing routine

Products used in my face cleansing routine

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, July 08, 2014

Being saddled with a super-oily face that is ready to step in the moment worldwide fuel supplies run out, I am always looking for cleansers that will help control the slick somewhat. So far, I have not found anything that controls oil permanently. The most I can achieve, with good cleansing, followed by a mattifying primer, oil-free moisturiser and mattifying foundation, is four hours or so - with a blotting sheet or two.
At the same time, I want my face cleansers to be gentle, and not to strip my skin of all moisture. My skin is sensitive to a few things, which means not many products make the cut. Plus, I am prone to breakouts, so I tend to rotate products  accordingly - when I have breakouts, the acne-controlling cleansers play a key role in my regimen, whereas when the weather is dry, the gentler cleansers are used. That is why I have all these products in that little mirror cabinet above my wash basin - no, I do not use all those products at once.

Here are the face cleansers, scrubs and makeup removers that are part of my cleansing routine.

Memebox Free from Oil & Trouble unboxing

Memebox Free from Oil & Trouble unboxing

Unboxing Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, May 15, 2014

For those of you who have been on the fence about buying a Memebox, now is a great time to cave. They have some great offers on right now, including $15 boxes, and the best part is that there are bundles where you can order three colour-themed or fragrance-themed beauty boxes for the price of two. That is just $10 a box, which is as good as it gets. Of course I paid for both sets already! I would not be sharing this without buying them myself, would I? The "scent" boxes do not just include perfume, but products with the same fragrance. Click here to read about each box separately - hurry, I expect them to sell out any time!
Now about this box. I have been plagued by oily skin from teenage and by acne from the day I turned 20. Neither shows signs of abating. Whoever said both problems were restricted to teenage ought to be boiled in oil, skinned and then imprisoned for life. This beauty box is intended for those with oily, troublesome and sensitive skin.

Here is my unboxing and review of the Memebox Free From Oil and Trouble beauty box.

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot acne treatment kit review, usage

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot acne treatment kit review, usage

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, March 11, 2014

In December, Lancome Dream Tone made such a mess of my face - which had just become acne-free after Lancome Visionnaire - that no treatment could stop the painful cysts - you must have seen some of the nightmarish photographs on my blog's Facebook page. That was when I turned to Korean skincare.
There were way too many acne treatment options and I decided to pick Etude House, the most famous of Korean brands. I had heard so much about the effectiveness of the Etude House AC Clinic range and I found the maximum number of raves for the Pink Powder Spot kit which seemed to put paid to major cystic acne. I must say that buying this kit was one of the best decisions I've made for my skin and I've just bought my second box of this wonder kit from W2Beauty.

Here is my review of the Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot acne treatment kit.