Product Review: The Face Shop Face It Aqua Tinted BB Cream

The Face Shop Face It Aqua Tinted BB Cream

Several years ago, long before Korean dramas became a hit in my country, I was already immersed into watching them. I just loved to see the chemistry between two gorgeous leads, listen to the beautiful OST, and watch the romantic story unfold. But somehow, I've outgrown watching these dramas already. Nevertheless, the fangirl inside me got convinced to buy myself a Korean skincare product - just because the endorsers happen to be one of the most irresistible Korean actors.

The frustration that came across me though is that most of these products lack English labels. How am I supposed to choose a product good for oily skin if I can't even understand Korean? So off I went to different Korean shops to try on the products, then came back home and did my research. I've found some reviews and ingredients information. Finally, I came with my decision.

Online Resources on Cosmetic Ingredients

Source: Philippe Sainte-Marie | Fotopedia.com

Different governments have their own way of regulating cosmetic products within their jurisdiction. By following these strict guidelines, manufacturers can formulate their products with consumer safety as the main priority. Despite these, a non profit organization, by the name of Environmental Working Group, continually alerts the public for unsafe products in the market. According to this group, many hazardous chemicals are being used by manufacturers of these products. The group even warned the public against buying specific products on their website. Though many ingredients' safety are still debatable, many manufacturers continue to use these ingredients. 

BB Creams for Oily Skin

When you choose a skincare product, you have to look for products that suit your skin type. Say, if you have oily skin, you should choose products that are water-based and noncomedogenic. If you have dry skin. products that are oil-based and heavily moisturizing for your daily regimen are preferable. If you have sensitive type skin, choosing the right products require a closer look at the ingredients. Aside from avoiding the specific ingredient that causes allergy, choosing products that are colorless and odorless tend to lessen the likelihood of irritation.

Same with BB cream. Since BB creams are cosmetics with skincare benefits, you have to look for those functions that will help improve your skin condition. There are many functions of BB creams such as anti-aging, whitening, hydrating, and acne-fighting. It's up to your skin which of these BB creams you should choose.

Skincare Tips for Oily Skin

Source: Photorack.net

If your skin appears to be always shiny, even after a few hours of washing the face, then you probably have an oily skin type. Though the sebum (or oil) may act as a natural lubricant for the skin, which makes oily-skinned people less prone to wrinkles, but too much of it isn't a good thing. The sebum produced by the oil glands passes through the skin pores to wash away dirt. When there is too much sebum, the pores will tend to be clogged, trapping the dirt and bacteria within, a condition that is known as acne. 

Cause of oily skin is usually due to heredity. Our genes determine how much oil our glands should produce. Aside from heredity, oil production is also determined by our bodies' hormonal changes. Fluctuation of hormones responsible for sebum production usually occurs during puberty, before a woman's menstrual periods, menopause, pregnancy, or too much stress. So you may notice more acne breakouts around those periods.

Product Review: Za Total Hydration BB Cream UV

Za Total Hydration BB Cream UV

BB cream might be the latest fad now when it comes to beauty products. In fact, as soon as I've learned about BB cream, I was immediately amazed by the concept behind this product. Who wouldn't love a product that offers coverage for skin flaws, and at the same time, moisturizes and protects the skin - a makeup but with the added benefits? 

I've already heard and seen a lot of brands of BB cream - from Maybelline to Neutrogena, from BodyShop to Ponds, and from Skin79 to Missha. Yet, I ended up buying my first ever tube of BB cream from Za. I got the Za Total Hydration BB cream UV (natural color) during my shopping spree in a Hong Kong beauty store (Sasa).

Benefits of Natural Ingredients

When shopping for skin care products, you may notice a lot of products boasting about certain natural ingredients that they contain through their labels. As I've mentioned in my earlier post about natural ingredients, to benefit more from them, check if they're listed as the first few ingredients in the label. That would mean that the product contains a relatively larger percentage of that ingredient compared to the rest of the ingredients.  If you're rather clueless about the specific benefits of certain natural ingredients, the following list might help you choose the right product for you. Do keep come back to this post as I will keep adding new ingredients in the list.

Sunscreen: Is it Safe?

Sunscreens are one of the protective measures you use against UV radiation. Having enough sun protection is a good way to slow down aging process as the sun's rays are one of the culprits why people get wrinkles and age spots. In fact, it is the best anti-aging product you could use! In addition, sunscreens contain UV filters to protect your from the harmful UV rays that increases your risks of skin cancer. However, a bottle of sunscreen might not be as helpful as it promises.