SAFE AMPOULES FOR FUNGAL-ACNE

Personally, I prefer to use ampoule and skip moisturizer when my fungal acne attacks. But, why ampoule? You might ask.

My current Ampoules Collection

Well, did you notice that most of ampoule comes in smaller bottle (except the Skin 1004 ones)? It’s because they are mostly very concentrated, and we only need up to 3 drops each time. Ampoule is like an extra booster of help, when your skin needs it the most. That’s why you can skip ampoule step if your skin doesn’t need any help and already in its’ tip top condition.

So, if you want to jump to this ampoule wagon, please note that the general rule is to apply essence, serum then ampoule. But, that depends on what kind of texture it has. Just remember to use the thin texture first, than move on the thickest.

Let me tell you why I love these ampoules for my fungal acne prone skin.

The biggest bottle of Ampoule

I’m going to start with Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica 100. It comes with a huge 100 ml pipet glass bottle (which I never brought to travel with me, for sure!). As Centella Asiatica is a plant that is rich in saponins and is an anti-inflammatory, I believe this ampoule calm my redness and help reducing rashes, including fungal acne which mostly attacked my temple area. I use this every morning, because it’s not sticky and good for layering under makeup.

My PM Ampoule

Moving on to Leegeehaam Grow Vita Propolis Ampoule. I used raw honey mask to help tone down my fungal acne. So no surprised when I tried propolis, it did good as well. It contains a whipping 50% propolis extract, which is basically a combination of beeswax, enzymes and tree sap used by bees to seal, disinfect and waterproof their hive. You see, propolis has powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. However, this might feel sticky when used alone. So I like to mix it with Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster and apply at night. This will give instant glow when applied (yes, even at night I want my skin to glow, LOL).

Last but not least, the latest find of mine: CNP Laboratory Mugener Ampoule. My first encounter with the brand and snail mucus. And thankfully, it did just fine for my fungal-acne and the rest of my face. This works to relieve redness, calms blemished skin and soothes sensitive skin. This has the thickest texture out of two ampoules above and the most hydrating, too. First applied, it will be sticky but soon disappeared after few pats. The only con, it’s a bit hard to pull the pipet out of the glass bottle. Can’t do it with one hand if I’m in a hurry.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

REVIEW: SULWHASOO SHEER LASTING FOUNDATION

Thanks Sulwhasoo Indonesia for sending me this liquid foundation for an honest review.

Love the luxurious packaging

I believe most of Korean foundation designed to look as natural as possible. This one, too. Infused with sea buckthorn berries (which is rich in antioxidants), and powered with Sheer Hydra Formula Technology, this foundation adheres to skin gently, with a natural glowing finish. The formula contains non-oily moisturizing ingredients for that fresh powdery finished look and long-lasting effect.

Given to me is shade No 23

Unfortunately, according to skincarisma.com, this foundation is not fungal-acne safe due to one of its’ ingredient (Sorbitan Sesquioleate), but it’s not one of the top 5 main ingredients. If you don’t have any problem with fungal acne, it should be fine.

Bare Faced
Using the foundation, set with loose powder


Tips:

  • Shake really well before each use.
  • A little goes a long way

Go buy this if you like:

  • Light-weight liquid foundation
  • Natural and glowing finish

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

REVIEW: TRILOGY CERTIFIED ORGANIC ROSEHIP OIL

I went to the launch of Trilogy in Jakarta last week, and they claim that this specific product sold every 20 seconds around the world. Is it that good?

First, why did I choose this over two others? Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ contains Cranberry Seed Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil that might trigger Fungal-Acne. Similar with Rosehip Oil Light Blend, it contains Jojoba Seed Oil and Cranberry Seed Oil. Big no for Fungal-Acne. Meanwhile, the Certified Organic Rosehip Oil contains 100% Rose Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, which is totally safe for Fungal-Acne.

If you’ve been reading my blog posts, you’ll know that I did electrocauter to get rid of milias and sebaceous hyperplasia that I had last year. And to get rid of the scars from the treatment, was a challenge. I’ve tried this and that to make the scars from cauterization healed faster, and when I stumbled upon this specific oil, I was hooked. Until now.

You see, Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil is a 100% pure organic rosehip oil that works not only to prevent skin aging, but also to assist skin renewal and repair. It is also clinically proven to help scars and damage skin. So yeah, no wonder it really worked to help me clear out my cauter scars. For scars, I used this on the very end step of my PM skincare routine.

Bare Faced. Left – not using oil. Right – using oil.

Then, after all the cauter scars were gone, I’m still using it until today. For different purpose, that is. I mixed this with foundation to give me that radiant healthy glow. Because of its’ oil texture, I believe it will blend well with any liquid foundation. Check out the difference when I’m using the oil and not.

Can you tell? When using the oil, skin doesn’t look dead matte. It glows naturally.

By the way, Trilogy is a brand from New Zealand. Come to think of it, this is the first and the only Australian’s skincare product that I purchased. Now you can get them here in Indonesia at some C&F stores (they carry only 15 SKU’s for now). Or you can buy them online, here.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

REVIEW: ROLLOVER REACTION CUSHION COMPACT SPF 27 TINTED MOISTURIZER

Thanks Rollover Reaction team for sending me this PR Kit before they even launch this on March 25, 2019.

So, is it a cushion? Or is it a tinted moisturizer? Or both?

Use the puff to apply
My given shade is the lightest (perfect shade) Custard Tart

You see, cushion is ‘the house’ for the liquid inside (it is a packaging format). Most brands filled it with liquid foundation. But being Rollover Reaction, they filled it with tinted moisturizer. To tell you the truth, I was being skeptical at first, because I thought this is going to be one sheer base like most tinted moisturizer out there. Boy, I was wrong!

I only use one layer! No concealer, no filter!

This didn’t just cover well, but (I guess because one of the ingredient is caffeine) it perked up my complexion. And since this is also formulated with sunscreen SPF27, you can carry this for touch-ups during the day. Reapply over makeup and voila! You can get sun protection all day too.

Comes in 3 adaptable shades. Names inspired by Asian desserts.

But, talking about the ingredients, I’ve noticed Stearic Acid on the list down below. According to SkinCarisma.com, it is a fungal-acne trigger. So better watch out if you are prone to fungal-acne.

You’ll enjoy this if:

  • You are not feeling like going heavy on foundation
  • You love natural-looking cushion (not dewy nor matte)
  • You like versatile products that can go with you anywhere (thanks to its’ cute packaging)
  • You expect medium to high coverage tinted moisturizer in a compact
  • You want your skin to look ‘real’ not made up

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

UPDATE ON MY FUNGAL-ACNE SAFE SKINCARE ROUTINE (PART TWO: PM ROUTINE)

After my update on AM Routine last week, here’s the second one, PM Routine. Please note that they’re all also fungal-acne safe (based on skincarisma.com checking).

Avene 3 in 1 Makeup Remover (I don’t understand why they put in quite a strong fragrance into this one, luckily it’s safe for me).

Purito Defence Barrier pH Cleanser (this is my second tube, and I love the clear gel texture that made my skin feels super clean but not tight).

Biologique Recherche Lotion p50T (don’t buy this if you are super sensitive to vinegar scent. It really smells like one and the price is out of this world. But worth every single drop).

I’m From Mugwort essence. (I skip hydrating toner, and go straight to essence. But still, I will layer up to five times depends on how sleepy I am, LOL. For the last layer, I mixed with Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster to avoid stickiness).  

Drunk Elephant Glycolic Night Serum (only on acne days, and only on the spots).

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum (my new favorite serum. I use this on areas that need to brighten, like around the nose and lips, and some newly formed acne scars).

Vely Vely Pink Calming Gel (this is my first ever face and body moisturizer. At first, I was hesitant to put it on my face. So I tried it on my neck. It didn’t cause any break out, so I decided to apply it on my face, too. It did what it claimed: soothing & calming. And I love the pink gel with pink microbeads in it).

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

UPDATE ON MY FUNGAL-ACNE SAFE SKINCARE ROUTINE (PART ONE: AM ROUTINE)

Yes, I have different morning and night routine (and products, too), so let’s break them down on different post. Please note that they’re all fungal-acne safe (based on skincarisma.com checking). Let’s do my morning routine first, shall we?

Wash with mild gentle foaming wash (DHC Morning Face Wash)

Pyunkang Yul Acne Toner (this is not an exfoliating toner, but I still use hydrating toner after this, just to be safe)

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner (it might feel tacky at first, but after a few taps, you will know why this is my favorite essence)

Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica 100 Ampoule (this big baby lasts forever!)

Glossier Super Pure Serum (works like a charm under makeup due to its’ texture, this is my third bottle so far)

Innisfree Orchid Eye Cream (it doesn’t make my eyes watery like most of eye cream I’ve tried, and it becomes a base so my under eyes concealer won’t look patchy or sits on the lines)

Iunik Centella Calming Gel Cream (contains silicone, that’s why I use this as morning moisturizer)

Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ (super love this sunscreen, no scent, no white cast, light gel texture. I already restock on my second bottle).

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

COMPARISON REVIEW: GLOSSIER SUPER PURE SERUM & PAULA’S CHOICE 10% NIACINAMIDE BOOSTER

There’s the one sure thing that I can tell you before I go in details: Both are Fungal-Acne safe.

First, let me start with Glossier. This is my third bottle, so I guess you can tell that I like it that much. This serum goes after essence step on my AM routine. Why AM (you might ask)? Because it is rare to find a serum that works well beneath everything. And this works like a charm beneath everything, skincare and makeup included. Yes this is one of my absolute skin-vestment.

Priced at IDR490K (at trustable online shop here in Indonesia) for 15ml, it is expensive but the hero ingredients: niacinamide and zinc really helped my problematic skin. It helped my skin clear and reduce breakouts significantly. Unfortunately, the company didn’t state how many percentage of Niacinamide used in this HG serum. But no worries, if your skin is familiar with this form of vitamin B3, you won’t have any problem at all.

OK, let’s move on to Paula’s Choice. To tell you the truth, this is my first product from this brand. I read some good reviews about it, so I decided to purchase it from a reputable market place in Indonesia. They named this booster, but I used it with my essence in the evening as PM routine. Why so? Unlike Glossier, this is way tackier if use alone. It is sticky (almost like glue), but not oily or filmy. You can certainly feel the stickiness, even after tapping for a while. Yup, it is less comfortable compared to Glossier. But then I learned along the way, they do recommend to mix this with other serum or moisturizer. So I did mix it with my essence and voila! It didn’t feel sticky anymore. Bonus: this is the right booster if you want to achieve that glass skin look.

Priced at IDR550K (at trustable online shop here in Indonesia) for 20ml, it is more expensive than Glossier, but contains 5ml more serum. Unlike Glossier, this has 10 percent concentration of niacinamide (quite an impressive dose).

THE DIFFERENCES:

Glossier recommended to use only once a day, meanwhile Paula’s Choice can be applied twice a day. For me, I apply Glossier in the morning, and Paula’s Choice in the evening.

Glossier is more viscous compared to Paula’s.

Packaging. I like Glossier more because it’s transparent bottle so I can prepare to purchase another one before it’s finish.

SIMILARITY:

Clear texture

Price (both are expensive, but IMHO worth every drop)

Odorless

Nice pipet bottle that looks pretty on the vanity (instagramable, too!)

Satisfying result, clearer and smoother skin (less acne popping up).

Manufactured in the US (see, not all of my skincare products are from Korea).

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

DOUBLE TONING FOR FUNGAL-ACNE

As important as double cleansing, people!

My current double-toning products

After that double cleanse, using toners are critical. Why? Because they’ll help to remove any impurities left behind by cleansers. But, seriously, do we need two toners to do that? Well, if you have problematic skin like me (read: prone to fungal-acne and closed comedones), you might need both, Exfoliating Toner and Hydrating Toner.

You see, exfoliating toner is like one level up from ordinary toners. Most of them have additional acids that can help clean away those dead skin cells, improving rough skin texture and dullness. This alone can be tough for some, so need to get extra hydration from fellow toner.

Just like the name stated, hydrating toner was made to hydrate. Not just that, think of it as a booster for more steps after (essence, serum, ampoule).

And….just like double cleanse, personally I only do double toning once a day, for my PM Routine. Trust me, I’ve tried to do it twice a day, but ended up over-exfoliating and aggravate those fungal-acne.

Current HG Exfoliating Toner. Expensive like hell, but worth every drop.

So how to double tone exactly? Easy. Exfoliating toner: use with cotton pads.

I like this because it’s unscented and not sticky

Hydrating toner: use your hands and tap

Then follow by essence, serum, ampoule, eye cream, moisturizer and SPF (for AM)

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

REVIEW: TRILOGY

Thanks CNF Store Indonesia for sending me this Trilogy PR Kit for an honest review.

I use their Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (bought from online sis) everyday mixed with foundation. I was happy with the result because it faded my cauter scars and made every foundation that I have looked better on my skin. That’s why I’m so excited to hear the news that Trilogy is officially here in Indonesia. No more worrying about fake items! You can bought Trilogy products online here from now on, or visit CNF Stores (available in limited stores, though).

Let’s get down to each product’s review, shall we?

TRILOGY ROSEHIP OIL ANTIOXIDANT PLUS

To get a better idea of what are the differences with this and Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, here are the comparisons from skincarisma.com.

Unfortunately, this version of Rosehip Oil is not Fungal-Acne safe

Like the name stated, this oil has added antioxidant in it. It claimed to deeply moisturizing while helping to protect against environmental free radical damage.

Use two drops max on your AM and PM routine in conjunction with moisturizer. Personally, I like to put a drop on my liquid foundation to get better glow.

ROSAPENE RADIANCE SERUM

A milky texture serum (as you can see), with Trilogy’s unique antioxidant complex named Rosapene. Sea Algae in its’ ingredients list, will boost skin radiance. While aloe will maintain moisture balance and soothes for a smoother looking skin and glowing complexion.

This can be layered after oil to boost everything up. Or simply add as serum step on your skincare routine.

ROSAPENE NIGHT CREAM

Above all three, I am more excited to try this one, just because Manuka Honey was listed as one of their main ingredients. And I just love the calming, relaxing scent.

Even though it is a rich night cream, but I found it surprisingly light when it comes to texture.

My favorite way to use this was to apply over oil at night, as the very last step on my skincare routine. I found my skin feel softer and well nourished in the morning.

Go buy these if you:

  • have no problem with fungal acne
  • have normal to dry skin
  • like natural products for your face
  • want to add more radiant and moisture for your skin

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

REVIEW: SECRET KEY STARTING TREATMENT ESSENCE ROSE EDITION

Thanks Secret Key Indonesia and Sociolla for sending me this special edition for an honest review.

Love the luxurious frosted glass bottle and rose gold cap.
It comes with a sealed cap

Before I start doing the review, do you know that you can use essence (not just toner) for 7 skin method (you know, that 7 layers of toner). But, of course you have to choose essence with water-like consistency. This layers well (because it’s light) and you can always build up the moisture level by adding layers up until 7. Or you can do a simple mini facial by soaking it with a thin cotton pad, leave it for three minutes for soothing purpose.

This treatment essence claims to moisturize, brighten, good for sebum control, clearer skin and improve skin elasticity. It’s also free of 10 harmful factors, with added Rose Flower Water (great for dry skin).

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: BEFORE & AFTER STE

Please note that it contains 94% of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (identified as Fungal Acne trigger on skincarisma.com)

Go get this if you:

  • Have dry and dehydrated skin
  • Have no problem with fungal acne
  • Don’t mind with mild yeast-like scent (like most of fermented skincare products)
  • Like minimal ingredients list (this only contains 9 ingredients)
  • Like moisturized and instant radiant effect on skin
  • Want an affordable essence that can prep your skin in a gentle way

And make sure you get the original Secret Key by shopping at Sociolla, here (good news, they’re having Payday Promo all 30% off).

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA