Monday, July 2, 2018

COSRX ACNE PIMPLE MASTER PATCH: How to kill your pimple in a few hours.

Hey loves! It's been awhile. Months ago, I decided to finally cease blogging and focus on other things. But, since my blog has been helping a lot of gals (maybe even boys but, who knows?) I chose to continue this sojourn on blogging plus the fact that I JUST WANT TO SHARE SO MANY BEAUTY TIPS I've discovered recently. So, expect more beauty content from now on!

Jumping on today's main course is the COSRX ACNE PIMPLE MASTER PATCH.

The most annoying pimple is the one with that green eyed monster, eeewww! Don't you just wanna prick it right there and then? But, self pricking if not done properly always end up with an ugly scar. YES, a deep-seated-icepick-scar. What better ways to do it but let an expert handle it.
And no, I'm not talking about spending a few hundreds to see a derma (but it's good to do so every now and then) however, when on a really tight budget I've found another solution. Good news, this doesn't involve SCARS.


I was a faithful MIACARE user but it gets sold out often in drugstores like Watson's. I found COSRX as an alternative.

COSRX is a korean brand and is ranked as one of the top brands in 2017. I just had to try!


I love how it's sealed for hygienic purposes.

PHOTO SOURCE: GOOGLE

Basically, one pack consists of 24 patches of different sizes. You have the option to choose depending on the diameter or size of your pimple. Instructions tell us to only use it in the MORNING however, I've tried using it AT NIGHT AND IT WORKS LIKE A CHARM.


Now you see it! Now you don't! It's translucency and blurring effect makes it invisible to the eye.
What I didn't like though was its SHINY finish. It looks like there's a diameter of oil on top of your face compared to MIACARE that's matte. 

Amazingly on the other hand, when I woke up in the morning - the patch sucked itself on the skin like it's trying to extract all that annoying PUS on the pimple. The night before, only half of its ugly head was peeking out. The next morning as soon as I've peeled off the patch it was liquidy as if extracted on the surface.
All you have to do is wipe it off with tissue or cotton. And this is the magic of COSRX ACNE PIMPLE MASTER PATCH:


THERE IS NOTHING LEFT. No scar or pus whatsoever. Though, it was a bit red from the blood but it would dry up eventually and completely die down and never resurface again. If you see that it might, you can do over with a 2nd patch. It'll do the trick.

I've been wanting to make a review on this and FINALLY, I got to share this magic trick LOL.
IT TAKES ONLY A FEW HOURS if you decide to put in in the morning. Usually, I remove it when nighttime comes.

Here's a closer look.


COSRX is quite difficult to find locally in physical stores. But there are some exceptions like BEAUTY BAR who has tons of popular Korean Brands including NACIFIC. Or, there's SHOPEE.

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But, for a more convenient way of purchasing, we thank LAZADA for that.

Here's a direct link to buying this awesome-sauceum patch!
The cheapest singles I've found is:

For a good bundle deal check this:

Thursday, January 18, 2018

YOUTHEORY COLLAGEN REVIEW - DELAY AGING!



Hey guys! I'm back! Sorry for being MIA for a long while that's because I already decided to shut this site down but ended up doing otherwise. So, YES - PINK PARADOX is back!

I would love to share one of the products that changed my life inside out!
Beauty enthusiasts most likely know the function & significance of collagen in our skin and body but for the sake of the newbies, here are the WONDERS OF COLLAGEN accdg. to Youtheory:



 Now what are TYPES 1,2 and 3?
According to www.energeticnutrition.com

Collagen Types 1 & 3 for Hair, Skin, Nails, and Bones

Suggested use to take with juice or Vitamin C supplement in the morning. Take separately from Type 2 Collagen.
Collagen Types 1 & 3 may:
  • minimize fine lines and wrinkles*
  • improve elasticity*
  • support the bone matrix (36% of bone is made up of collagen Type 1 and 3)*
  • correct weak or damaged nail beds*
  • thicken fine hair, slows hair loss*
  • improve circulation*
  • promote glycine production which builds leans muscle and helps burn fat during sleep*
Supplementing with collagen may also, “increase skin hydration by 28%, decrease micro-furrows by 26%, and increase skin suppleness by 19%”*

Collagen Type 2 for Joint and Cartilage Support

Suggested use to take at bedtime on an empty stomach. To improve effectiveness, do not take in conjunction with Type 1 & 3.
Collagen Type 2:
  • makes up 50-60% of protein in cartilage
  • makes up 85-90% of collagen in articular cartilage
  • may reduce popping knees*
  • may support back, jaw, and joints*
  • includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid
Finding a high-quality collagen supplement in the type you need and formulated for easy absorption is easy once you know what to look for. Collagen supplements are appropriate and beneficial for adults of all ages. Hydrolyzed collagen supplements are available in the form of tablets, capsules, powder, or even tasty chewables!
AWESOME RIGHT?
You may ask, maybe that's only on paper! But personally, works like a charm for me!

HERE ARE THE PROS:

* So, far is the cheapest with maximized benefits pertaining to amount of collagen available and months of use. Others will cost you 2x the price will little mg of collagen and will last you only half a month.

* Can be found in LAZADA & they sell it so much cheaper esp. for the 390 tablets. This size costs me around 1,600 - 1,700 php and lasts me 2 months - that's like spending only 750 per month in 2 months for maintenance.

* THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS, IT MADE ME LOOK YOUNGER AND LESS HAGGARD. I thought my topical skincare maintenance (CHECK OUT MY SKINCARE ROUTINE BLOG HERE) and Revlite was good enough but when I started using this, I was glowing everyday! It made a HUGE difference on how I look and I no longer wear makeup daily (only during events & special occasions).

* I RECOVER FASTER post workout! I don't feel any joint pains except muscles and I am stronger in doing grueling routines. I finally noticed & believed it more when I stopped using it for months only to end up in getting weaker & in pain after gym.

* My boyfriend noticed lesser to no pain during workout on his wrist which he had a problem in. There's also a variant for males btw (but this one is also okay for them). LAZADA has it as well.

* GREAT for those with Arthritis too!

* I had lesser hair fall!

* With 60 mg of Vit. C - it works better with it since it stimulates production of collagen and is an antioxidant.

* DAIRY-FREE, SOY-FREE, NO GLUTEN in the ingredients! :)


HERE ARE THE CONS (but something you can work out for your benefit):

* Haven't seen any changes with my nails though as it claimed.

* Hard to find in the market. So far, Watsons caters Youtheory EXCEPT IT'S NOT DISPLAYED. You have to ask the saleslady personally to get it in their stock room or to ask for its availability. The reason behind is because of thieves, accdg. to them.

* The mg's are divided into 6 tablets = 1000mg per tablet. Hard to swallow in one sitting. I had to seperate the dosage (3) in the AM & (3) PM. However, once I got used to it I can drink it all one-by-one in one go!

* You might not be getting the right amount of Vit. C by solely relying on this. I buy a separate product for it to work better and so I could also get the right amount I need as an adult. I use BEWELL-C which is safe and non-reactive for people with hyperacidity/gastritis.

* No hyaluronic acid unlike some other powder forms or brand. I had to buy a separate bottle at Healthy Options. It's a veggie capsule type, 100 mg & 60 capsules for only 1,100 php. Take once a day along with the Collagen - the bottle can last for 2 months as well. Overall, if both products divided by two  you are spending 1,200 per month in 2 months which is still SO MUCH CHEAPER THAN OTHER BRANDS.

* According to my research powder forms are best absorbed by the body BUT super expensive like BELO Collagen. It is also super effective though and the glow is like WOW in the morning. Makes you sleepy at night too preparing you for bed. *Will review this soon!*
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Been taking Youtheory for more than a year now and here's a before and after:

BEFORE:



AFTER:
With no makeup and no filter.



With just powder on and lippie:



P.S. Forgive my blemishes on my chin. I experimented with so many products recently, broke out and I'm still recovering.

* I AM USING LANELLE products which I find works best for me and I RARELY get pimples anymore even if it's the time of the month. I experimented on SO MANY soaps only to breakout more and create more scars & blemishes. Eventually, I got back to Lanelle Kojic Soap and still highly effective. (CHECK OUT MY SKINCARE ROUTINE BLOG HERE)

Don't forget to follow me so you would get updated on new blogs! And do comment below if you have any questions. God bless you more than enough! :)
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WHERE TO BUY THE CHEAPEST ONE?
I always buy in LAZADA because they have the cheapest and best deal. You can get the 390 tablets that will last you 2 months or more depending on how you use it for maintenance. As other stores sell it for a whopping 2k plus, you can get it at 1,690 more or less here:
https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/youtheory-collagen-advanced-formula-390-tablets-i102439561-s102706503.html?spm=a2o4l.searchlist.list.3.57d07058PLLVaJ&search=1

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Achieve Korean Skin Under P500



You can never get enough glow! Since I can no longer drink my supplements such as glutathione and collagen due to my gastritis. So, I've been once again out on the hunt for alternatives on anti-aging products. 
Long ago, Korean products have invaded our local market and a cornucopia of skincare choices scattered like mushrooms. The very reason why I refused to delve in their products because simply put, they were TOO many to choose from! </3

LUXURIA CHARCOAL SOAPFrom Strokes By Momoi Supe Greenbelt 1

What made me finally try Korean products was from the CHARCOAL SOAP I got as a sample from Strokes By Momoi Supe. SRP is 200 for the regular size.
 It has activated charcoal as the main ingredient infused with Vit. C and Salicylic Acid! Works great as a skin brightener, antioxidant and dries pimples fast accordingly. 

More about Activated Charcoal from Allure.com:

 Activated charcoal, which is carbon that's been treated to increase its absorbency, isn't new. It's been used in hospital emergency rooms for years to treat alcohol poisoning and drug overdoses. It works by attaching to toxins in the stomach and absorbing them before the bloodstream can. The theory behind including activated charcoal in beauty products is similar: It'll act like a magnet to attract and absorb dirt and oil. And the experts say that theory holds water. "When dirt and oil in your pores come in contact with the carbon, they stick to it and then get washed away when you rinse," explains cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson.

Benefits on skin according to beverlyhillsmd.com:
1. Deep cleanses
2. Purifies complexion
3. Fights blackhead
4. Balances oily skin
5. Gently Exfoliates

Photos below were taken after the 2nd use of the charcoal soap above. How my complexion brightened and improved greatly in an instant! Absorbing toxins and balancing the oil holds true for activated charcoal. We've been training for airsoft from 10am - 330pm a total of 6 hours and 30 mins. of heat and sweat but I didn't seem to oil up almost at all. No blotting papers used mind you! I didn't break out too. And I've noticed how it can kill acne - whether cystic ones or small bumps, in 1-2 days time. Also made my pores smaller!
* CONS: Stopped working after a month. It couldn't prevent pimples any longer but PERFECT for controlling oil and making your skin glow and drying pimples 1-2 days time.

2nd use of Charcoal Soap
Then recently, a group was referred by a fellow blogger selling really CHEAP and quality Korean skincare at SaeliYuriMelissaLee's All About Korean Cosmetics and Skin Care.

 You'll have to hunt for the items though as each distributor sells limited varieties of Korean brands and checking availability has been an SOP furthermore, asking for recommendations. It can be quite confusing however, these 3 products are names that frequently pops up in the threads and posts!



I installed and purchased all items through Shopee because it was easier to search which was already onhand.
The best thing about these is that you can buy it in what they call "takal." It comes in 10g giving the leeway to try it out first instead of buying the entire thing at a steeper price and just finding out it doesn't work in the end.

REAL KILL BLACK 9.9 Horse Oil Cream

Takal 10g
SRP: P120.00 + P65.00 shipping
Shopee Account: themakeuphubph
When to apply: PM only

Description: Contains horse oil from je-ju island that forms a thin moisturizing and protective layer on dry skin. Prevents evaporation of moisture and leaves skin dewy. Skin-whitening and highly moisturizing hempseed oil cream. Whitening, good for dark spots, pimple marks, stretch marks, whitening of dark underarms, knees, elbows and back of neck. (Also treats chicken skin)

SCENT: Smells watery! I was bothered at first but got used to it!

APPLICATION: On the blemishes on my legs from post bug bites, my underarm and entire face in the evening. 

VERDICT:
PROS
* Fades blemishes on my face
* Whitens my complexion
* I look fresh in the morning
* Reduced chicken skin on my face
* Faded my stubborn blemishes on my thighs.
* Whitened my underarms.
* No breakouts for the 1st month.

CONS
* I BROKE OUT ON MY FACE AFTER ONE MONTH. (Accdg. to my Derma, oily/acne prone skin should avoid any oil-based products). No problem whatsoever on my underarms or legs though.

VELVETY WHITE CREAM

Takal 10g
SRP: P100.00
Shopee Account: qaka3na
When to apply: AM only

Description: Moisturizng/Anti-wrinkle, whitening, nourishment, soothing, tone correction and waterproof.

Ingredients: With Niacinamide to make skin tone clear and bright. Contains snail secretion filtrate, grapefruit peel extract and adenosine.
 
SCENT: Light floral and feminine. Quite a heavenly smell!

APPLICATION: On face

VERDICT:
PROS
* Whitens and brightens complexion instantly!
* Hides dark undereye circles
* Made my complexion less oily as if I have normal skin. Wowed by this!
* My face was VERY soft to the touch!
* Smells really good!
* Somehow made my face look younger! Like wow!
* Reduced my pore size greatly!

CONS
* Broke me out after a month as well! :(

WHITENING PACK (facial mask)

100 ml tube (I haven't read anything about this being available in takal or 10g size)
SRP: P250.00 (price is still not bad though!)
Shopee Account: shaynne88
When to apply: 2-3 times a week only, apply enough amount of face and rinse after 3 mins.
Description: A whitening pack containing whitening ingredient and niacinamide which helps keep skin white and clean through effective management of skin tones.
 
SCENT: Mix of Pond's and iWhite fragrance! For me I like this smell best of all because I'm not really a fan of strong scents. It is quite neutral but a whiff of freshness.

APPLICATION: I wash with water first then spread the whitening pack all over my face. Rinse then wash using your facial cleanser (as for me I use Luxuria Charcoal Soap).

VERDICT: 
PROS
* Whitens your face instantly (tried only once because I was already happy with the RK Black and Velvety White Cream). I'll give more updates soon!
* Face is soft to the touch after.

CONS
* Leaves a white cast when unwashed with soap/cleanser.
* I get huge painful bumps the next day! :(

AFTER MORE THAN A WEEK OF USING GOWOORI, no makeup except lip tint to channel the Korean in me and no filter! Taken with Fujifilm XA3 flipcam in natural light!



PIECE OF ADVICE: I could have saved more if I only stuck to one seller. In my case, I purchased from 3 different Shopee accounts adding a shipping fee on top of the SRP for each product. Try to connect with one seller as much as you can by browsing through one account. Sometimes, they would have all these in one place. Or join SaeliYuriMelissaLee's All About Korean Cosmetics and Skin Care in group in FB. Not only you'll get the right seller for you but proper recommendations!


Also, I can still claim how porcelain looking my skin was and it has never been better upon using these products and I'm just as frustrated I cannot use them anymore. BUT, WHAT MIGHT NOT WORK FOR ME, MIGHT STILL WORK FOR YOU. Now, atleast you have precautionary measures to go with it. Maybe it would work better on DRY/COMBINATION skin. Since us oilies have to avoid oil-based products.
Feel free to comment below for questions! :D

Yours truly,

Pink Paradox


Tuesday, July 11, 2017

My Final and Staple Skincare Routine with Lanelle Products

I've already told you my tale of skin woes. But, just for a short BG check I have ACNE-PRONE, OILY, and SENSITIVE SKIN. And you can see my pores a mile away. 
Products that only worked for me so far is BEAUCHE, BELO PRESCRIPTIVES and finally LANELLE. The latter is something we have to dab on. 
For product review on BELO PRESCRIPTIVES just click on the link.
I've dealt with my acne, oil, scars and blemishes half of my life.

So, why did I suddenly transfer to Lanelle if the 2 former products work? Simple. IT KILLED THE GLOW. Okay fine, we had the acne under control but my skin never looked so dull! And yes! What happened next was my search for that FINAL AND STAPLE skincare routine. The Holy Grail. Because my skin and I are tired from all the experimentation of possibly breaking out from new treatments. 
What I want? NO ACNE, ANTI-AGING and GLOW ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I guess, we are bound to change routines as we grow older. As our skin needs will vary with age. And hey, we're are definitely not getting any younger! 

Now, without any further adeu here are my FOREVER products: LANELLE with a few mixes in the set. I never get any pimples anymore even on my periods! Only at times where I FORGET to wash my face. That's why ladies and gents, no matter how tired you are WASH YOUR FACE IN THE AM AND PM! As for me, I was having a terrible stomach pain problems so imagine how I had to fight that every night just to wash my face and go about my nightly routine. 

I apologize though because I don't have any before pics that I can show. Hard to be fan of selfies having bumps poking out of your face with hideous scars. But, I do wish this pic will give you hope as well:

 Above snap is me now! No makeup whatsoever on my face. Just YUMI LASHES and 3D Eyebrows from Strokes By Momoi Supe. Review on this click here.


MORNING:
1.  Start washing face with Lanelle Kojic Soap. (Forgive the image for it has been soaked whenever we take showers in the bathroom). My brother and I found out that using it like this without cutting is more "tipid". This is like the HG of all. Me missing just one wash in the evening makes me breakout the following days! :(( I've learned from my years and yeaaaaaarrss of experience how the soap alone is already a game changer! I always need to have this in my stash or else! XD I may change my anti-aging creams but this is something I'll never or can never give up!
 PRICE: 210.00 php per bar

2. TONE. Get a cotton ball and apply on face in circular motion. I may have modified my kit since using Lanelle Toner contains stronger ingredients such as Retinoic Acid, I use SKIN 101's 2% Clindamycin Toner as alternative. This is to avoid my face getting red since I do have sensitive skin.
I forgot the price but I think it's around 250-350 php. It's been more than half a year and I still haven't purchased a new bottle.
Clindamycin is an antibacterial agent great to fight and prevent acne. Alcohol is not too strong based on the scent.

3. DRY THOSE PIMPLES! I used to apply BENZOYL PEROXIDE 5% from Benzac AC. Be careful though, percentage differ on the patient from mild to severe conditions. There's also 2.5% which is the milder one. You may start with that. However, since a tube costs around 350.00 php or more in drugstores per 60g. I decided to shift to a cheaper BUT not having to sacrifice quality.
This is pretty handy dandy moreso portable and cheap! Only 55.00 php in Watson's. A pack goes a loooong way! Not sure if they have it in other drugstores tho. But best place to look are in SM Malls.
Feel free to read the description for more of its purposes.
Remember: This is a SPOT TREATMENT only for AM and PM. I don't use it on the whole face. Not sure if you can. It has key ingredients such as Salicylic Acid (great for drying zits and unclogging pores) + Glycolic Acid for exfoliation. It hits 2 birds in one stone: DRIES PIMPLES and HEALS BLEMISHES. Works like a charm! I think they released ones in tubes now! 

Just an added bonus, here are other variants of QUICK FX, all costing 55.00 php only each.
Credits to blogger www.askmewhats.com for the pics!
CREDITS TO www.askmewhats.com for the pics on GOOGLE.

 4. FIGHT THOSE EYEBAGS! I used SNOE BEE HAPPY before. But, took the leeway of trying something new! I came across OLAY. It's not exactly tinted. I recalled the saleslady saying it somehow corrects the dark circles upon application hence the nude color. Works fine though!
around 1,299 php as far as I can remember. Sorry, I happen to find almost all eye creams are expensive! Huhu! I shifted to this because SNOE was around 1,500 php. Well, to no luck on cheaper eye creams except the QUICK FX.

5.  PUT ON THE SUNSCREEN (also my moisturizer btw)! 2nd personal favorite of mine: Lanelle SBF Collagen Cream with SPF 30. Why is it pink? Becaaauuuse to give you that rosy effect! Hehe! And the best thing about it is the powdery finish. Whatever redness you have on your face it helps fade it out. Which in turn giving you a fresher and glowy look! Collagen and sunscreen in one! And, yes! You may skip the foundation!
PRICE: 450.00php


Almost out! Don't leave home without it! This is my nth product!
You may read more of its benefits here.
Almost there!


EVENING:
1. Wash with Lanelle Kojic Soap Again.
2. TONE. This time I use Lanelle Whitening Toner. Also a game changer! It's anti-aging and also clears out blemishes! I blew up the images so you may read description and benefits!
You know what to do, 3 drops on a cotton ball is enough for me. Then I use upward strokes. This lasts me to almost a year. But in the end, it really depends on the user.





3. Apply Quick FX to dry zits.
4. GOODBYE BLEMISHES. I apply Lanelle Bleaching Cream on my dark spots and post-acne marks. Although, you may put them on pimples you see brewing blemises underneath for a faster cure. 
Depending on your skin condition, some put this on their entire face to even out skin tone. If you do, you will experience peeling in the next few days and maybe redness with itching. This is normal, eventually your skin will shed those and be back to normal. This is amazing because I used to have a huge scrape on my face hit by a rattan stick. After the scab fell off it left a blemish which the bleaching cream miraculously eradicated without a trace! Truly, heaven sent!
PRICE: 350.00php


5. Apply OLAY for the eyebags again.
6. FIGHT AGING! As soon as you hit 25 y/o., start using products to help delay aging. As for me I drink YOUTHEORY Collagen Supplements as my internal care. I will review more about it soon so you're not overwhelmed with too much info for now. Anyways, as a topical nightly treatment there's a lot that I tried including ETUDE Moistfull Collagen Water Jelly Cream. It was really nice because it feels like my face just drank water after and adds a cooling effect. Great for summer! However, when I ran out I was given a free sample from Lanelle called the Wonder Cream.
It's placenta and Vitamin E. I wake up with a more glowing and fresher skin. I noticed a whitening effect as well. 
NOTE: With anti-aging products, I think this is something you can still play around on which works for you. As long as you have your acne already under control, stick to those products. While anti-aging ones are safe to try. However, if you notice a breakout observe for a few days more before you give up on it. I've been wanting to try out serums these days! Especially Kiehl's. Though it costs 2,895.00 php that is only good for 3 months. So, no thank you! XD LOL.
For now, the wonder cream may also be a keeper! Been using it since March 2017 - 5 months and I still have this amount left. :)

ADDITIONAL TIPS:
** You can ICE your face! Lol. Use a cold compress or wrap ice around your hanky before you wash your face in the morning. It helps depuff eyebags, delays aging, reduces blemishes and minimizes pores.
** Massage face and undereye area to distribute equally blood and promote circulation.
** For permanent or Icepick Scars and stubborn blemishes you can resort to lasers. Check out my REVLITE review in Skin 101 here.
I've been taking Lanelle Products going 2 years now and have no regrets! I hope you may find it helpful and effective for you too!

More pics of my bare face: one on date night and one in the beach! :D 



I am even confident to go bare for SLR shots. Snaps taken with Fujifilm XT10:





Stay tuned: 
** DIY Home Remedy Mask to tighten and reduce pores!
** Skin supplement to make you look younger and attain glow from the inside out!
As promised here is my YOUTHEORY COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENT REVIEW.