Sunblock for Oily Skin? CorDerm Matte Finish Sunblock SPF 45 is the Best!

Summer time, beach trysts, out-of-town vacays.... It's fun to go out and enjoy your vacation with family and friends. But it's no fun if you hide from the sun because you haven't worn your sun protection. And it's doubly distressing if you wear sunblocks that make your skin so oily and ugly... I've been on the lookout for the best sunblock even before summer started and my dermatologist suggested CorDerm Matte Finish Sunblock SPF 45. This reminds me of Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation because of its consistency, texture and coverage, but the better part of this is that the CorDerm sunblock is a broad spectrum sun protection. So what is broad spectrum sunblock? My dermatologist explained to me that the harmful UV rays of the sun have both UVA and UVB components that damage the surface and deep parts of the skin. The traditional sunblocks block either UVA or UVB, but broad spectrum sunblocks protect you from both the UVA and UVB. And the good thing is it doesn't make your skin oily. Plus it doubles as your foundation and concealer since it hides your skin imperfections because it's tinted. And it stays on the whole day; no need for touch ups. I don't have to wear layers of creams, lotions, makeups... I just wear CorDerm Matte sunblock and a little powder and I'm good to go. Saves me time to primp up in the morning before work. Yay! :)

My verdict: Great sunblock for oily and combination skin. I will definitely buy another one from my dermatologist when my current tube runs out. Highly recommended!

Finally... An Oral Glutathione That Delivers Really Fast Skin Whitening Results!

So many oral glutathiones are out there in the market and the average person would probably be so confused on which one to try. Well, like them, I've tried so many and the latest one that I tried really took me by surprise. My cousin and I tried Platinum SF700 glutathione capsules last week. Let me tell you that I've had reservations on trying this out since it's not really cheap; my dermatologist sells this for PhP 2,500 and online sellers at sulit.com and multiply.com sell it for PhP 3,200 to PhP 3,500 pesos. Expensive, huh? But I went to several forums, inquired about it and had some positive feedback so I said, "What the heck, might as well try." And it was really worth it. After 1 week of starting my intake of Platinum SF700, there was significant glow and skin lightening. I read an article in my dermatologist's clinic FB page (CorDermSkinClinic), explaining why this Platinum SF700 is special - "nanotechnology delivery system." The glutathione particles in Platinum SF700 are able to get absorbed in the blood by 90% because of this nanotechnology delivery system. Oral glutathione with IV glutathione results! No needles, no pain! Yay! :)

My verdict: Will continue taking Platinum SF700. I highly recommend it especially to those who don't like needles and want faster skin lightening results.

Update: I just learned that my dermatologist's clinic sells this and her other products online (through FB and sulit.com) and delivers Free within Metro Manila. Now that's a good deal! No need for me to go to her clinic to get my gluta refill. Yay! :)

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick - Creme D'Nude

I've been searching for the perfect nude lipstick and I found this while I was in Glorietta this weekend. I instantly liked it because it had a creamy texture and the nude color tone was ideal for me so I purchased it. I got compliments on the effect on my lips; it has a Kim Kardashian nude lips kinda effect. However, the color does not really stay long; I have to retouch every couple of hours or so.

Verdict: Not worth the money since it's quite expensive. I wanted an opaque, nude lipstick that stays on. Will not repurchase or recommend it to anyone.

Neutrogena Skin Clearing® Mineral Powder

My first impression on this face powder was, "Really?!?" I was quite skeptical since it promised to dry my existing pimples. Well, I had to try it to believe it. I have very sensitive skin and not keen on buying over the counter products, but I ran out of the pressed powder that I get from my derma and I was in the US that time, so I had to try this. I guess it's serendipity since I discovered that this powder didn't break me out or caused any allergy whatsoever. Plus, it glides smoothly on my skin and wasn't cakey at the end of the day. This is now my new favorite face powder. :)

So when I came back from my US vacation, my derma asked me if I wanted to get face powder from her, I said "no." I didn't tell her why. I just bought 5 of the Neutrogena Skin Clearing Mineral Powder from CVS. Hopefully I will be able to go back to the US before my supplies run out. ;)

My verdict: Great for normal to oily skin, sensitive skin and acne-prone skin. Highly recommended! :)

Facial with Gold Mask... What you would want to have before an important event!

I went to my dermatologist last weekend because I had a major break out of pimples due to late nights. She recommended a special type of facial for me - facial with gold mask. I said, "Why not?" If it's gold, it must be good! Heheh! ;) Anyways, I had a wedding to go to and so I was desperate, desperate enough to pay 1,000 pesos for a facial. ;) But it was sooooo worth it. My breakouts calmed down and some of the dark pigmentations seemed lighter. I think I will have more of that on a more constant basis. My dermatologist said that I can have the facial every 2-4 weeks. :)

My verdict: Facial with Gold mask is a must have before a special event. Highly recommended! :)

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush

I was in San Francisco, CA last month and was on the lookout for some interesting beauty finds. This blush caught my eye since it promised to have a "mood boosting" benefit. Hmmmm... Maybe it will lift my mood when I have my PMS? Hahah! ;) So I got one and tried it on once I got back to my hotel room. 

My verdict: I loooove this blush! I have very sensitive skin, and with this blush, I didn't have any bad reaction at all. I like how easy it is to apply it and the color is just right. It is sheer on first application, but you can easily build up the color to your liking. The color lasts a real long time. The violet scent is definitely a mood booster. Well, the cute embossed hearts make me smile as well. :)

Hooray for Carboxytherapy!

Like most people, I underwent several treatments for any issues with my skin. One of them was for my stretch marks. No, I didn't get it through childbirth since I don't have kids yet. ;) I got them because I was a chubby kid when I was younger. Then when I hit my teens, I got so self-conscious and did everything to lose weight. So I ended up slimmer, but got the ugly stretch marks. Eeewww!

So I went to a dermatologist who gave me creams and lotions. Tried it for months, but didn't really help. She gave me another one and promised to give positive results, but no results again. So I ended up going to several dermatologists who didn't deliver good results. Luckily, I found the best dermatologist for me. She did carboxytherapy on my stretch marks for 5 sessions. It's not a walk in the park though. I had to go to her clinic every 2 weeks for treatments.

If you're trying to find a good dermatologist who is at the same time very nice and accommodating, you can see my dermatologist, Dr. Margaret Corcoran. Her clinic is in Medical Plaza Makati (Phone: 8088140). 

Hello World!

This is my first post... I have been reading some blogs on things about beauty routines and I would like to give some of my opinions on this topic. I am a certified beauty products addict! So my passion might be able to help some people out there on which products and routines to choose. Stay tuned! :)