Unlike some people who don’t think it’s important, I do enjoy using toner and will never stop using it.
Some use toner for that pH balancing purpose, but I believe my skin is clearer (free from oil plugs and such) when I use one. And I can definitely judge the effectiveness of my cleansers, just by looking at how dirty my (soaked with toner) cotton pads. I found it very satisfying.
Personally I prefer toner with no scent and water-like in texture.
Here’s some of my favorite Fungal-Acne Safe Toner, and I include the ingredients analyzed by cosmily.com (which I thought is more detail than skincarisma.com)
DEAR KLAIRS DAILY SKIN SOFTENING WATER
Literally like water with no viscosity, no scent too!
Perfect to use with cotton pads. No matter how I cleaned my face, my cotton pads will get dirty somehow when I use this toner.
Big size (500ml). Perfect size for toner fans like me, and it’s very affordable.
It is a gentle exfoliating toner, so I don’t recommend this for toner masking.
Great if you have whiteheads and sensitive skin. It didn’t sting at all.
No Butylene Glycol inside, so it won’t trigger comedo.
ABILL FIRST STARTING TONER
Same thing, literally like water with no viscosity and no scent.
Only 4 ingredients inside, which I love.
Can be use as first toner with cotton pads, or if you’re using exfoliating toner, use this as hydrating toner with no pads.
Or you can use it for toner masking, it is that gentle.
Affordable price but not much of my local online shops here carry this brand.
EUCERIN DERMATOCLEAN CLARIFYING TONER
Great daily toner, feels just like water with no scent and no viscosity.
To be use with cotton pads as first toner. Somehow, I always see dirt left on cotton pads when I use this.
Recommended for sensitive skin.
It’s a drugstore brand, but they don’t have this officially where I live. But some online shops do carry this from neighbors’ countries like Singapore or Malaysia.
PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA & SCREENSHOT FROM COSMILY.COM
Summer or not, outdoor or not, sunscreen is a must. Even though there are some contradictions out there about how the spray one is not as effective as the lotion one, it’s all about personal preferences.
However, I do keep sunscreen spray for touch up purpose, as it’s more practical, especially on this pandemic situation when dirty hands are our biggest enemy. With sunscreen spray, we can just spray over makeup and no need to blot, let it dry by itself. They won’t mess up our makeup. Just make sure to close your eyes and don’t breathe in while doing so.
And by the end of the day, please take your sunscreen properly with your choice of first cleanser (mine will be cleansing oil). Please don’t just wash them with soap and water to avoid clogged pores.
OK, now on with the review.
KOSE COSMEPORT SUNCUT UV PROTECT SPRAY SPF50+PA++++
It’s a Japanese brand. Claim: maximum UV protection for complete full-body sun protection. Protect skin and hair from UV damage. Plus points:
waterproof
comes off with soap
can spray upside down
can be used on hair and scalp
transparent, no mineral oil and paraben free
fragrance-free
How to use: shake the bottle vigorously four to five times and spray evenly at a distance of 10-15cm. Price: IDR255K for 60gr
BANILA CO HELLO SUNNY WATER ESSENCE SUN SPRAY SPF50+PA++++
It’s a SoKo brand. Claim: shield & hydrates, enriched with ceramides to impart moisture & ensure sunscreen sticks effectively on skin. Plus points:
also infused with birch tree & spirulina extracts to help nourish & soothe stressed skin.
can also be used on body.
lightly fragranced.
How to use: after fully shake the bottle, spray for 3 seconds from a distance of 20cm on skin areas exposed to UV rays. Price IDR370K for 150ml
MY THOUGHTS:
First of all, (unfortunately) both of them are not Fungal-Acne safe. But since they’re sitting on top of everything, I don’t mind at all and both didn’t trigger my FA either.
Both come in an aluminium bottle, KOSE has small ball inside for easier shaking purpose. Obviously BANILA CO is more attractive in terms of packaging, just look at that bright orange shade.
Both also contain alcohol, which I believe to make them dry faster. But again, I don’t mind at all and they didn’t irritate or dry out my skin.
In fact, speaking of dryness, BANILA CO is faster to dry than KOSE.
But, in term of shine & glow, KOSE gives more shiny effect on skin (great for dry skin). For oilier skin, I think BANILA CO will work greatly.
Disclaimer: this is not a comparison review, but both are Vegan.
I agree when someone said “Serum is like the Couture of skincare”. And just in case you are still wondering, serum and ampoule are basically the same. Both belong to the same step, after essence and before emulsion/moisturizer. But I believe, ampoules are slightly thicker than serums, so in accordance with the thinnest to thickest rule, always apply serum before ampoule. And according to Director Pi, if you already use Essence in your skincare routine, you can skip the Ampoule.
ALPHA-H VITAMIN B WITH COPPER TRIPEPTIDE SERUM You know how I love their Liquid Gold, so when Sephora Indonesia had a (rare) sale, I know I have to purchase this too. This vitamin serum contains powerful natural antioxidant Chia to assist in plumping and hydrating, plus Ferulic Acid (extracted from Rice Bran Oil) to help diminish the appearance of uneven skin tone. And of course, it has Niacinamide (you know it’s my favorite too) and Copper Tripeptide (Copper with Amino Acids) to prevent premature ageing and promote elasticity.
They recommend to apply twice daily, but considering the hefty price tag, I’m using this at my PM routine. I can say this is the ‘do it all’ serum for me, for its’ ability to prevent moisture loss, regulates excess oil, boost skin immunity and reduce hyper-pigmentation.
Price IDR787K for 25ml
Full Ingredients List: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Niacinamide, Methyl Gluceth-20, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Ferulic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Wheat Amino Acids, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Lactobacillus Ferment, Copper Tripeptide-1, Hydroxyproline, CI 42090 (Blue 1)
ROVECTIN LHA BLEMISH AMPOULE I guess this launch earlier this year, but stay under the radar. But I believe this deserve some attention, people!
It doesn’t use purified water as their main ingredient, but they use 85% of Neroli Flower Water Extract, known to help soothe and calm skin with its anti-inflammatory properties.
As the name stated, it contains LHA, excellent yet gentle exfoliant (with pH 5.5) to combat clogged pores. So gentle, it can be use day and night everyday.
Texture is thick like a light gel, that’s why it’s easy to use as a spot treatment. But, I dislike the droplet as it’s slightly hard to pick up, and the size (it’s only 15ml). Other than that, I love everything about this ampoule. It instantly calms down the redness of a huge pimple within hours. Might be a bit sticky at the first application but after it absorb, it feels like nothing on my skin. Will definitely repurchase this, and using it only as a spot treatment.
They’re confident enough to call this ‘Liquid Gold’. Does it live up to its’ name?
So, I started to buy the travel size (30ml) ones, like last year (and compare to 2020, 2019 was a great year). And because it worked so well on my skin, then I decided to splurge and purchased the 100ml ones.
PRICE? In Sephora Indonesia, 100ml cost IDR673K.
WHAT’S IN IT? Only 9 ingredients (another minimal ingredients winner!): Aqua (Water), Alcohol Denat, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract.
CLAIM: Effectively diminish wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage.
HOW DOES IT FIT INTO MY SKINCARE ROUTINE (2x/week): Double Cleanse (Oil Cleanse & Foam Cleanse) LIQUID GOLD
MY THOUGHTS: I believe it’s a very clever skincare product. In one easy step, it works as a toner, chemical exfoliator, serum and moisturizer. On a very tiring night, it’s a savior. On this pandemic time, when we can’t visit beauty clinic to do facial, this will be a wonderful ‘overnight facial’. Their hero ingredient is Glycolic Acid, an AHA which works to exfoliate our skin, not just on the surface but on the walls of our pores as well. So it really helps to reduce the build-up of cells in pores that lead to breakouts. That’s why it worked wonderfully on my skin pores. I applied twice a week, but when I feel like a pimple is going to get bigger, I will apply this with cotton pad (recommended to use one because the texture is watery) and it’ll eventually flatten the morning after. Yes, it stings (and still stings after months of using this), but it didn’t cause any redness or irritation on me. It is one strong active, but somehow they say it’s safe to use during pregnancy & breastfeeding. But beware for those who have sensitive skin, try to patch test first. Some people compared this to Biologique Recherche P50 Lotion, but having tried it also, Alpha H works better on my skin, easier to find and more affordable. And yes people, it is safe for Fungal Acne.
Check out my skin before and after using Alpha H Liquid Gold (please note that I use other skincare products too).
On me, it’s great for skin textures and acne scarring.
Check out the used cotton pad of mine (I already double cleanse before, so imagine that dirt and gunk were still there if I don’t use this).
New decade, New Brands are entering Indonesia’s market. This included, THANK YOU FARMER from Korea is now available at C&F Stores offline and online, here.
When I read about the story behind the brand, I’m amazed by how “Thank You Farmer” did not promise instant effects like most brands that I’ve tried. Instead, their products are painstakingly formulated to provide cumulative benefits. Their goal is simply to achieve balance for healthy skin slowly and naturally without burdening the skin.
So for those who are fed up with too many claims and promises from beauty brands, you might consider to try this brand. Especially if your skin needs extra hydration during this rainy season, this might help a lot.
TRUE WATER DEEP TONER If you are not sure what your skin type is, but your skin is thirsty and need a glass of water, this might be a toner for you. With ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, aloe vera and niacinamide, this toner is like a quenching drink for thirsty skin. But beware for those who have fungal-acne prone skin, as it has two ingredients (Portulaca Oleracea Extract and PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil) that are known for Fungal-Acne triggers. It’s not your typical liquid toner that you can use with cotton pads, though. Just apply with your hands because the texture is quite viscous.
TRUE WATER DEEP SERUM Deeply moisturizing serum that simply hydrates with added cell-supporting ceramides and liquorice extract to brighten. Also suitable for all skin types, but I do recommend this if you have dry skin. Beware for those who have fungal-acne prone skin, as it also have Portulaca Oleracea Extract and PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor oil.
TRUE WATER DEEP EMULSION Great for those who have problem with moisture barrier. With brightening bamboo and fig extracts, this should go on the emulsion step, after the serum before cream. Expect added bonus: radiance boost! Use with caution if you have acne-prone and fungal acne-prone skin, as it contains Shea Butter and Centella Asiatica extract. Since this is an emulsion with a lighter texture than cream, I recommend this for oily skin type.
TRUE WATER DEEP CREAM With ingredients like aloe vera, sodium hyaluronate and liquorice extract, this cream really moisturize, soften and plumping. Perfect cream if your skin is dry, as the texture is quite rich and creamy. This shall be applied at the very last step on your skincare routine, before putting on sunscreen. Oh one more thing, it contains dimethicone (silicone) and not safe for fungal acne.
SUN PROJECT LIGHT SUN ESSENCE SPF50+ PA+++ I just love K-Beauty sunscreen, most of them are lightweight, don’t feel sticky or leave a white cast. Including this one. With a subtle scent, the formula offers in-between matte and dewy finish. With ingredients like aloe leaf extract, lotus flower water and soybean lipids, this sunscreen is definitely not oily. Unfortunately, it’s not safe for fungal-acne, but is free from mineral oil and paraben.
HAPPY 2020, y’all. The very first post on a new year.
I’m so looking forward to try and review more local brands this year. Watch out for this space!
Just launched last year, SOMETHINC already has their Halal Certification. And thanks to Irene from IG @beautyhaulindo for sending me their skincare products to try and review.
I guess The Ordinary really set the bar for many skincare brands to develop high quality and honest ingredients with super affordable prices. These remind me a lot of The Ordinary, right from the glass pipette bottles to the ingredients. Affordably priced at IDR115k a pop, they are all fungal-acne safe. Just remember, even though the ingredients sound so legit, you won’t see any instant result after using these. Everything takes time, dear.
AHA BHA PHA PEELING SOLUTION Claim: Help to clean clogged pores, remove dead skin cells & maintain skin moisture level. OK, judging from the look and feel, it really reminds me of The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. The difference? The percentage of the acids. This only has 3% of AHA, 1% BHA and 2% of PHA. The rest is a great combination of Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate and Panthenol. I do recommend this for those who have sensitive skin like me, but want to experience the chemical peeling sensation at home. How to use? Make sure your skin is clean and completely dry. Apply evenly and avoid eyes area. Then wait for 10 minutes max and rinse with warm water, continue with your regular skincare routine. Just treat this like your weekly facial mask. My suggestion: Try once a week first. Then if your skin can tolerate it, apply twice a week.
NIACINAMIDE + MOISTURE BEET SERUM Claim: boosts barrier function by increasing ceramide production and fight free radicals & moisturize the skin. Same percentage of Niacinamide like The Ordinary (10%), but this contains Beet Extract from Swiss. Texture wise, its’ texture is thicker than The Ordinary but didn’t clump under makeup (which is a good thing). If you want to lessen the thick feel, use it after a mist toner while your skin is half dry. If you are not used with high percentage of Niacinamide, try using this once a day instead of thrice a day like suggested.
HYALURONIC B5 Claim: Promotes a maximum moisture, helps soften and brighten dull skin and make skin looks more supple and healthy. This is very similar to The Ordinary, except this contains Butylene Glycol (might trigger comedo). Texture is thinner than The Ordinary, with no scent. It’s just like water, a good one. This is my go-to serum after applying Retinol. It seems to calm down my skin after harsh actives. And for sure, you can layer this with their Niacinamide + Moisture Beet, or apply this after rinsing that AHA BHA PHA Peeling Solution.
Shout out to C&F Store Indonesia and Cremorlab Indonesia for sending me their latest three products to try & review.
It’s my first encounter with this Korean beauty brand. I googled them and their story is quite simple (like all their packaging). It all began with a very special water, which they trade marked as T.E.N water. This special water starts back about 260 million years ago, located deep in the mountains of the Taebaek range, approximately 1,100 meters below sea level. And this reddish glow water, finally appeared in year 2003. Rich in minerals, T.E.N water has unique beauty energy to care for sensitive skin. OK, I am sold at the term sensitive skin. Let’s jump in to the review, shall we?
BRIGHTENING TONE-UP CREAM
This is my first tone-up cream, just because I believe I didn’t need any help on instant brightening. But hey, there’s always a first time for everything. Other than T.E.N water, this tone-up cream contains pearl powder, fermented rice and rice wine. They recommend to apply a small amount at the last step of skin care routine. First of all, I love the glass jar packaging and the expensive scent (well, it is quite expensive. It costs IDR 750k for a 50ml). Its’ texture is opaque and thick but very easy to absorb once applied and didn’t leave any stickiness.
I believe this is a good moisturizer/primer that just makes everything look better. But, for those who have fungal-acne prone skin, better watch out for ingredients like Stearic Acid and Shea Butter, which can trigger them. Tips: use sparingly when you need it most.
O2 COUTURE OXYGENIC PEELING MASK
Now, I’m excited for this one. Lately, been into bubble mask, and this also bubbled up and exfoliate. Its’ like earth, air and water meet in a product, thanks to the unique ingredients’ list. Beside T.E.N mineral water, it also contains Wintergreen, a natural plant-based ingredient (also known as a natural Salicylic Acid) for mild peeling purpose, and Marine Oxygen Plasma (an active oxygen circulator that helps oxygen penetrate deep within the skin).
It comes with a convenient and pump bottle. And I love how the light blue gel quickly transformed into bubble foam within seconds. Apply on clean and dry skin, wait for three minutes and rinse off. Then continue with your skincare routine. I believe my skin looks brighter and smoother (feels) after one use only.
Even though it’s not safe for fungal-acne, this is a wash-off once a week product, so I’m fine with it. And it feels like light fluffy cloud on my face, so yes I’m loving it! Priced at IDR 550k for 100ml bottle
AQUA O2 SHIELD
Unlike any UV Protection I’ve tried, this doesn’t just blocks ultraviolet rays. It also protects against blue light, thanks to their Cloud Skin Shield formula. Yes, it is interesting, because it can protect our skin from the light from our laptop, cell phone and LED lighting fixtures.
The good thing, this does not leave a white cast, so I believe this will work best for all skin tone, including dark ones. It’s so easy to apply and finishes with a light, non-sticky feeling on the skin. Great under makeup, too! Is it safe for fungal-acne? Unfortunately not, because it has Polysorbate 80 and Sorbitan Oleate on the ingredients’ list. But, this shall sit on the very last step of your skincare, so should be fine. Priced at IDR550K for 50ml tube
Now you can get this range of Cremorlab online here, or at C&F Stores.
When to use
mist & essence in your fungal-acne prone skincare routine?
Well, for
me, mist can go beyond their original duties. Mist can fit in nicely to my
hydrating toner step, especially after that harsh exfoliating toner. And of
course, spritzing mist on before makeup (after SPF) will help to prepare skin
to enhance our makeup staying power. Or, impart that dewy glow by spritzing
mist after makeup. There’s more: try spritzing before applying sheet mask or on
beauty blender or cushion puff to even out foundation and help it blend
seamlessly. Throughout the day, mist can also help to refresh skin and makeup.
These are
the mists I love that are safe for fungal-acne prone skin.
ROLLOVER REACTION HYDRATING FACE MIST & LEEGEEHAAM (LJH) TEA TREE 70 MIST TONER
How about
essence? Well, if you are into Korean skincare routine, you’ll find that
essence is actually the heart of the skincare routine. Use after hydrating
toner and before serum, usually essence comes in thicker liquid form than
toner. Think of essence like a base layer of hydration and moisture.
These are the essences I love that are safe for fungal-acne prone skin.
AMORE PACIFIC VINTAGE SINGLE EXTRACT ESSENCE & I’M FROM MUGWORT ESSENCE
To cut the
post short, I’ve been looking for skincare with green tea.
Why? Because
it’s rich in EGCG (that’s Epigallocatechin Gallate), that research has shown
can improve acne and oily skin. As I’ve been dealing with never ending hormonal
acne, thanks to my fluctuating androgen levels, I need EGCG’s help. Not only
that, EGCG is also a great anti-aging oxidant which helps fight wrinkles by
increasing cell turnover.
Then, my
googling journey came to this product. An expensive product for a bottle of
essence. What made them so bloody expensive? Well, it carefully utilizes green
tea cultivated from the Dolsongi Green Tea Garden, the first of the three
garden tea gardens that the company owns and operates on Jeju Island, off the
South Coast of Korea. The green tea leaves are handpicked and naturally
fermented in optimal condition for 50 days, then transferred by tea masters and
placed into this traditional Korean earthware band buried in the earth, to age
naturally for another 50 days.
So yes, it
needs 100 days of waiting and another 24 hours slow extraction process to make
this worthy essence. But, does it worth my splurge (btw, it costs me IDR1,5 mio
for 120ml bottle).
From skincarisma.com
Rejoice for
those who love minimal ingredients. It only consists of 6 ingredients: Water,
Propanediol, Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (aka the green tea),
1,2-Hexanediol and Ethylhexylglycerin. And yes, this product is also vegan.
As the name
stated, it is an essence, so it goes straight after toner. I use this twice a
day, morning and night by pouring three drops on the palm of my hand and pat. If
you’ve been reading my post, you know I still believe in essence step, as it
will help skin to absorb serum and moisturizer more effectively.
So how did it perform on my skin?
BEFORE USING THE ESSENCE
AFTER USING THE ESSENCE
Well, I can see a huge difference when I applied this on night time. When I woke up in the morning, I saw less oil on my face. And if big painful zits, especially on chin area started to appear, this will lessen the red appearance. I believe, it also brighten my skin tone.
Texture:
very watery with no scent. It looks more like a black tea essence, even though
it’s supposed to be green tea.
Is it safe for Fungal Acne? Yes, even though it comes from fermented green tea.
Thanks to
Patyka Indonesia for having me last week at the launch of their new range:
CLEAN, HYDRA & PURE.
PATYKA PARIS PURE RANGEPATYKA PARIS HYDRA RANGE
At the
launch, I surely learned a lot about this skincare certified organic brand from
Paris.
The first product from this brand is HUILE
ABSOLUE, which created way back in 1922. The formulas haven’t changed since.
Currently, it took them 3 to 5 years to
develop one product.
All of their products have ECOCERT Certification
since 2002, and became the first cosmetics brand in the world to be awarded
Ecocert organic certification.
Most of their products are vegan (because some
of them still use bees wax) and they do not test on animals.
Only botanical actives not grown in France
are sought somewhere in the world, but all of their products are fully
manufactured in France, including their unique box packaging.
Last but not least, these new range will be
more affordable and dedicated for more wider age group from 20 years up.
And of
course, we came home with their PR Kit. Mostly contains PURE range, which I
chose because of my oily skin problem. So, let’s begin the review, shall we?
PATYKA PARIS DETOX CLEANSING FOAM
It’s one of their CLEAN range, which actually consists of 3 items: cleansing oil, cleansing foam, and toner. Basically, it’s a basic cleansing routine range.
CLAIM:
eliminate impurities and particles of pollution accumulated during the day. Deeply
cleanses for a radiant and smooth skin.
THE ‘WOW’
INGREDIENTS: Aloe Vera (for its’ moisturizing purpose) and Moringa (highly
detoxifying).
PROS:
Yesssss!!!! It’s safe for Fungal Acne and it’s soap-free.
CONS: Still
contains fragrance
THOUGHTS: I
love this, seriously. It caught my attention at the launch event, because
unlike any other facial foam that I’ve tried, this glides so luxurious and
beautifully on skin. It’s still foamy even though it’s soap free, but the
cloudy foam didn’t pull on that disappearing act on your skin (if you know what
I mean). Yes that cloud of foam feels so wonderful on my skin. Highly
recommended, guys!
PATYKA PARIS ANTI-BLEMISH TONER
One of their PURE range, dedicated for combination to oily skin.
CLAIM:
Remove all impurities and excess sebum. Rebalance and smooth the skin.
Imperfections are reduced and pores are tightened.
THE ‘WOW’
INGREDIENTS: Organic Mint Floral Water (it’s a natural astringent), Prebiotics
from natural sugar, and (they had me at this) Botanical Salicylic Acid. So,
they use vegetable salicylic acid, extracted from Wintergreen.
PROS: Another
Fungal Acne safe product (yeay!)
CONS:
Alcohol and Fragrance
THOUGHTS:
Even though it’s fragranced, I found the scent really pleasing. It does smell
like mint water, very refreshing to sort of waking up my skin in the morning.
PATYKA PARIS MATTE PERFECTING FLUID
Also from their PURE range. It is a moisturizer, by the way.
CLAIM:
Regulates the production of sebum throughout the day and mattifies the skin
without drying it.
THE ‘WOW’
INGREDIENTS: Burdock Root Organic (sebum regulating), Prebiotics from natural
sugars (promote the growth of the microbial flora which protects the skin)
& Natural Silica Powder (absorbs excess sebum)
PROS: Well,
it is a mattifying moisturizer. What’s not to love?
CONS: Not
safe for Fungal Acne because it contains Jojoba Seed Oil and Sunflower Seed
Oil. And it has alcohol and fragrance.
THOUGHTS: Textured
like light gel and smells wonderful. And unlike most mattifying moisturizer
which contain silicone, this one does not have any. They use natural silica
powder to absorb excess sebum and shine, and to create that soft but not overpower
matte.
PATYKA PARIS DETOX CHARCOAL MASK
Last but not least from the PURE range.
CLAIM: Absorbs
excess sebum and cleanses the pores. Unclogs pores without drying the skin.
THE ‘WOW’
INGREDIENTS: Plant-derived Charcoal (sanitize skin and regulates the sebum
production), Green Clay (as decongestant), and Zinc (cleanses and purifies).
PROS: It is
a wash-off mask (leave it for 10 minutes) or use it for spot treatment (for
night time use only).
CONS: Not
safe for Fungal Acne and has fragrance.
THOUGHTS: First, I use this as spot treatment. It didn’t budge throughout my sleep, until I took them off in the morning. Of course, it didn’t heal acne overnight. But, I found this work well on almost there pimples. So when you found that spots, put this overnight and they wouldn’t be aggravated acnes.
shintarosvita 
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