swtexcape

Nail Polish Love - Revlon Top Speed Fast Dry Nail Enamel

2010-09-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

I have been on a nail polish kick as of late. And to my delight, I stumbled across a new collection by Revlon featuring lovely colours, nothing like what I've seen from them before, and some of which I immediately fell in love with.

Revlon Top Speed Fast Dry Nail Enamel

Pastels have been all the rage this season and I myself could not resist these. I picked up all 3 of the pastels in

the collection: Lily, Cloud and Jaded. They are SO pretty and absolutely perfect for summer. Granted, these
colours may not be entirely unique and easily duped by other brands, but they were different enough to
prompt me to add these beauties to my existing collection.

On my nails: Revlon Top Speed in the colour "Cloud" (just 2 coats)

I apologize for the condition of my nails. These photos were taken a couple days after I painted my nails so they're not in perfect shape, but you get an idea of the colour. I absolutely love it! What made me love these polishes was not simply the colour, but their application. These polishes apply like a dream - they are very smooth, not runny, and opaque in just 2 coats. Also, when they say "Top Speed", they really do mean top speed as each coat of polish dries within the minute.

The other pastel polish I picked up was this pale green.

Although I already owned a pale green by Essie in "Mint Candy Apple",

I was drawn to this particular shade in Revlon's latest collection because of its warmer tones,

compared to Essie's which evidently has a bluer tone to it.

Swatches of all the polishes from left to right:
Essie in Mint Candle Apple, followed by Revlon Top Speed in Jaded, Lily and Cloud

If you are lucky to get your hands on these polishes, I recommend picking them up. I've heard there are new shades coming out (if they haven't already!) for the fall season. I'm definitely keeping my eye out for them! ;)

♥♥♥

Cellnique - Gotta See It To Believe It - Review and Giveaway!

2010-05-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! It's been a while and so much has happened in a short time. Ever since finishing my final exams, I've leapt straight into work. I didn't expect to be working so much so soon, to be honest. I haven't had much of a chance to breathe since April. But sometimes when you're given an opportunity, you have to take them as they come. So I've been working my butt off, waking up at 6:30am daily and coming home no earlier than 10:00pm, exhausted and without much energy left to do anything else. This week, I feel like I'm settling into this new routine so I pulled out some time to finally put up this long overdue review for you!

(Stay tuned for a mini giveaway at the end!)

Recently

I had the opportunity to try out a few products from Cellnique. These products were so kindly sent to me by Selina from Cellnique to try (thank you again!). She asked for my skin type and skin problems I had, then chose products accordingly for me to try.

My skin profile:

oily, acne-prone skin

tend to get cystic acne on a regular basis

acne scarring, redness and uneven skintone

congestion around the nose area

Sometimes it really sucks being a girl because girls can be so hormonal! Every time during finals, my stress levels will naturally skyrocket and along with it, the number of pimples that pop out on my face. Unfortunately for me, I don't get simple acne but rather cystic acne - the kind that stays under the surface of your skin and doesn't go away for weeks.When these finally erupt onto the surface of my skin, I'm usually left with a lovely reminder in the form of scars to taunt me for the next few months. And when my skin finally shapes up again, guess what? It's time for the NEXT exam period and the cycle of breakouts repeats itself. It is absolutely frustrating!! So naturally, I am always looking for products to help stop this horrible cycle of breakouts for me.

Products for my skin:
1. Skin Purifying Cleanser
2. Skin Action Gel Plus
3. Skin Action Sebum Gel
4. Vital Cellular Repair masque

1. Cellnique Skin Purifying Cleanser

Benefits
	Antiseptic
	Regulates sebum secretion
	Anti-inflammatory

Main Active Ingredients

Burdock Extract
•	Burdock is used for its antiseptic properties to regulate oiliness of the skin, and its anti- inflammatory properties help control and effectively prevent breakouts.

Willow Extract
•	A natural form of Salicylic Acid, used as an exfoliant and astringent. It has anti- inflammatory effects making it an effective ingredient to help with acne problems.

Tea Tree Oil
•	With excellent anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties. Has been used to support the skin by rebuilding cells – reduction of inflammation, swelling and less scarring

Full Ingredients List

Purified Water (Aqua Purificata), PEG-150 Distearate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, Silica Beads, Cocamide Diethanolamine, Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Great Burdock (Arctium Majus) Extract, Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Oil, Bio-Sulphur, Lactic Acid, Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) Extract, Willow (Salix Alba) Extract, Camphor, D-Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Alpha-Bisabolol, Methylparaben.

Description: This is a lightweight and non-comedogenic cleansing gel with micro-fine beads to remove dead skin cells and reduce excessive sebum. The multi active ingredients such as Burdock Extract, Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil accelerate the recovery process of acne prone skin to deliver a clear and fresh complexion.

Usage:

Use day & night after Vital Cellular Repair Milk or makeup remover

Wet face & neck, work cleanser into a lather, rinse well & wipe dry

My results:

I use this twice a day, once in the morning alone and a second time at night after removing my makeup with cleansing wipes. The reason why you need to use a separate makeup remover is because of the microbeads in the cleanser which is not recommended for use around your eyes. The microbeads are very fine and not readily visible, so I was surprised how harsh it felt on my skin the first time I used it. It smells like tea tree oil but the scent is quite pleasant. My skin became used to the exfoliating beads after a few days and I absolutely loved how it made my skin feel after cleansing - it made it SO soft and smooth!! Even when I skip a few days of use on this, my skin stays smooth. I love a product with results that last.

Rating: 4.5/5

2. Cellnique Skin Action Gel Plus

Benefits
Controls and prevents further breakout
Reduces inflamed acne lesions
Lightens acne scars or marks
Anti-bacterial, antiseptic, antioxidant

Main Active Ingredients

AHAs + BHA (Glycolic acid + Lactic acid + Salicylic acid)

•   When using Glycolic Acid in treating acne, it is often combined with Salicylic Acid. While Glycolic Acid breaks dead skin cells, Salicylic Acid exfoliates dead skin cells and sebum within the clogged pores. Effectively prevent breakout and dry up acne lesion.

Bearberry Extract

•   Used to lighten skin tone, fade dark spots by inhibiting tyrosinase (the precursor to pigment) and act as an antioxidant against free radicals. It also naturally degrades existing pigment with exceptional efficacy.

Tea Tree Oil

•   Has excellent anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties. It penetrates into skin quickly and accelerates healing of skin disorders.

Full Ingredients List

Purified Water (Aqua), Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, SD Alcohol 40, Salicylic Acid, Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-Ursi) Extract, Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Extract, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Oil, Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) Oil, Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), Polysorbate, Triclosan, Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) Gel, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Allantoin, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, DMDM Hydantoin.

Description: A proven AHAs plus BHA formulation in reducing inflamed acne lessons and lightening acne marks. The infusion of Tea Tree Oil, Camphor, Eucalyptus Oils and vitamin C accelerates the healing process, thus preventing the formation of scarring.

Usage:

Use day & night after cleanser, toner & eye care
Apply on spots / acne-prone areas only
My results:

This main function of this product is to help with acne scarring. It comes out as a clear, yellow-tinted gel and has a nice fresh scent. It's gives a slight cooling effect when I put this on my face and absorbs quickly.

Rating: 5/5

3. Cellnique Skin Action Sebum Gel

Description: This is a phyto bio-engineering formulation gel for all skin types to reduce both blackheads and whiteheads on affected skin area without painful extraction. This daily maintenance gel also reduces sebum secretion, leaving the skin clear and producing smooth visible results within 10 days of applications.

Benefits
Controls excessive sebum
Reduces the formation of blackheads and whiteheads
Reduces skin inflammatory
Controls and prevents breakouts
Increases skin moistures and improves skin elasticity
Anti-irritation

Main Active Ingredients

Phyto Bio-engineering Technology

•   The application of engineering principles to address challenges in the fields of plant biology. It applies principles to the full spectrum of living systems. It deals with disciplines of product design, sustainability and analysis to improve and focus utilization of biological systems.

Male Ferm Root Extract

•   Reduce skin inflammatory and irritation with its soothing effect. It is able to control and prevent future breakouts on skin. It also helps improve skin texture.

Potassium Azelaoyl Diglycinate

•   Has been used to control the secretion of excessive sebum thus decrease the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. It is also helps prevent skin discoloration caused by acne or comedones without over drying the skin. Besides, it also increases skin moistures and improves skin elasticity.

Witch Hazel Extract

•   The use of Witch Hazel to disinfect the skin has significantly reduces the presence of bacteria on the face, this reduction limits skin inflammation and the likelihood of acne or comedones developing.

Full Ingredients List
Purified Water (Aqua), Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Extract, Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana ) Extract, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Menthol, Poly(Oxy-1,2-Ethanediyl),α-(Donyl Phenyl)-ω-Hydroxy, Sodium Hydroxide, Peppermint (Mentha piperita) oil, Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Potassium Azelaoyl Diglycinate, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Leaf Oil, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea.

Usage:
Use day & night after cleanser, toner & eye care
Apply on oily / T-zone area only

My results:

Most of you who have heard of Cellnique will probably recognize this product. This is one of their star product. I was excited to try this product out the most because of all the great reviews on it. It pumps out as a clear gel with a really refreshing scent that also spreads and absorbs quickly without leaving your skin feeling sticky after. I use a very small amount on my T-zone and around my nose where I'm usually congested. I don't use a face primer when I use this because it does the trick just fine. I think it compliments the Skin Action Gel Plus well. One of the things I really appreciate is that my skin hasn't dried out from using either of these serums. With the help of these two products together, I haven't gotten any new acne since starting these products and the blackheads on my nose have gradually disappeared. I can't say anything about whiteheads since I don't have any to start with, but this is another winner in my books!

Rating: 5/5

4. Cellnique Vital Cellular Repair Mask

Description: This gentle, nourishing and repairing mask is specially enriched with potent nutrients of to promote healthy skin and to further protect your skin from pollutant and environmental allergen assault. Suitable for all skin types including post-operation skin.

Benefits
	Increases and retains skin moisture
	Restores skin collagen and elastin content to fight against aging and enlarged pores
	Stimulates cells renewal and promotes scars healing
	Repairs damaged cells and prevents further damage

Main Active Ingredients

Yeast Beta Glucan
•	Helps stimulate cell renewal, this ingredient is effective in promoting wound healing and is able to strengthen blood vessels and increase skin immunity.

Papaya Extract
•	A complete extraction of papaya and contains all the chemical compound of the papaya. Not only does it have great anti-bacterial and wound healing abilities, it is also extensively used in removing damaged and dead skin cells.

Marine Collagen and Elastin
•	Collagen helps increase and retains the moisturization of the skin, it is able to restore skin collagen content as skin supporting system for a firmer and toner looking skin.
•	Elastin allows tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting. Sufficient quality of elastin promises the optimum elasticity. It helps rejuvenate the skin and act as a anti-aging agent.

Full Ingredients List

Purified Water (Aqua), Cyclomethicone, Sodium PCA, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Hydrogen Peroxide, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Vitamin C), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Lactic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrocotyl Asiatica (Centella Asiatica) Extract, Butchers Broom (Ruscus Aculeatus) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Tropical Fragrance.

Usage: Use after cleanser & toner, once a week.

My results:
I use this just once a week and had enough in my sample jar for 2 times of use. It smells delicious and slightly fruity. After using this, it made my skin very soft and supple. I can't say anything about its long-term "skin renewing" properties since I only used this twice, but it definitely helped make my skin feel more moisturized and conditioned when I use this, so I do like this mask.

Rating: 4/5

♥ ♥ ♥

Cellnique has such a large selection of products, it can be a bit mind boggling to choose products. When you go on their website, though, you can have your skin profiled and get product recommendations accordingly. I thought this was really helpful to know which products catered towards my particular skin needs. The chart below shows how the above products (highlighted in green) can be incorporated into your skincare routine and also lists some recommendations from Cellnique of other products that work well for my skin-type (if you have oily and acne-prone skin like me). I started using these products in the middle of March and have been using them continually since, so it's been a good couple of months now. I've heard SO many great things about Cellnique's products, which I'm sure many of you have as well, so I was excited to try all of these products out, but at the same time I was also reserved in my expectations for the results because so many products have failed me in the past, and you can never be sure if a product lives up to its hype. I guess you've got to see it to believe it!

My results:

*click on images to enlarge*

After a month, the redness in my skin has calmed down and my complexion is noticeably brighter. The pores around my nose are smaller, my T-zone less oily, and the spots on my face are slowly but surely fading.

This is the result after a little under 2 months worth of use. Ever since using these products, I haven't gotten any new pimples, and my breakouts from before have been healing up nicely. I think overall, these products have really helped to balance and keep my skin calm. I'm now *this* much closer to achieving that perfect skin I've always wanted and having good skin is not such an elusive thing for me anymore. Overall, I'm really happy with these products and the results they give.

Overall rating: 4/5

(I would've given these five stars if not for the hefty price tag that comes with these products. To be honest, I don't really have anything bad to say about these products except for the price. It'd be nice if these weren't so expensive so that it'd be accessible to more people, but these are great products and you do get what you pay for.)

I hope to restock on some of these products when I'm out. I'm itching to try out some of their other products as well such as their Advanced Bio Renewal Masque which I've heard so much good things about! They offer tons of other products on their site for all sorts of skin problems - there really is something for everyone. You can check out their products on their website:

Cellnique

And last but not last.....
♥ MINI GIVEAWAY ♥
Cellnique would like to offer free samples of the Skin Action Sebum Gel (3mL) to my readers (first 50 readers). All you have to do is be a follower and e-mail your full name and mailing/shipping address to fbfreesample@cellnique.com with the subject "swtexcape.blogspot.com". Offer ends 1 week from now (May 18) and sample delivery within 4-6 weeks. Enjoy and thanks for reading such a long post!

Have a great week!

<3 Anita

American Apparel For My Nails

2010-04-07T16:36:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! It's been a long while but it sure feels good to be back! I've been bogged down with school and haven't had a chance to write until now. There are also tons of blogs on my blog feed waiting to be read. It's a nice change to be reading blog posts instead of my textbooks, though soon I have to dive right back into the books since final exams are coming up in a little under 2 weeks. Thanks for all of your supportive comments! It's so nice to come on blogger and see all your sweet words. <3 It definitely helps encourage me to get through this last month before I reach FREEDOM! We're almost there! ;)

So lately, these have been the newest loves of my life. I'm not sure why I didn't discover them earlier, but ever since I got these, I've been wearing them non-stop!

American Apparel - Dynasty

This is the first colour I tried from their collection. I'm not really sure how to describe the colour, but it's definitely different from anything I already own.

I've always known that American Apparel makes nail polishes, but who knew they were such good quality?! I wasn't expecting much at all, but I actually found that I like the formula of these a lot. They are smooth, easy to apply, and I only needed 2 coats to get the colour and finish I want. Not bad at all!

American Apparel - Factory Grey

This is an amazing colour! If you follow me on Twitter, you probably heard me raving about it before.

It's an interesting shade of cream grey because while it looks like any regular grey polish with hints of blue/purple in certain lighting, it gives off a really strong purple hue in other lighting.

American Apparel - Factory Grey

This is the best photo I could capture of the purple hue I was talking about. This was taken with flash so in real life it doesn't come off as such a bright purple.

American Apparel - Mouse

This is a pretty taupe-grey shade and this colour is right up my alley!

One of my all-time favourite colours is "Metro Chic" from Sephora by OPI. When I was told that "Mouse" was a lighter version of it, I totally had to check it out and was curious to compare the colours.

Comparison of all four colours.

Dynasty is nothing like the others and doesn't quite fit in, hence the sad face. I just threw it in for fun. I do like how Mouse looks but I still like Metro Chic more. Factory Grey has really grown on me and it just might replace Metro Chic at the top of my favourites! We'll see as time goes by. ;)

*************

Overall, I'm really happy to have found this collection. They offer a total of 18 different shades, all cream-based which I like, and so far I like the looks of most of the colours. You can check see for yourself online:
American Apparel

Some of the colours look similar to others I've already seen from other brands, but at the same time, they're different enough to catch my interest. I'm looking forward to stocking up on a couple more of their colours, especially the brighter ones. I feel like with Spring here, it's time to switch things up to some brighter colours. What do you think?

What are some of your favourite polish brands or colours?
I'd love to check out your suggestions too! :)
♥ Anita

*swtexcape*

Nail Polish Love - Revlon Top Speed Fast Dry Nail Enamel

Cellnique - Gotta See It To Believe It - Review and Giveaway!

Benefits

Full Ingredients List

Main Active Ingredients

Full Ingredients List

Description: A proven AHAs plus BHA formulation in reducing inflamed acne lessons and lightening acne marks. The infusion of Tea Tree Oil, Camphor, Eucalyptus Oils and vitamin C accelerates the healing process, thus preventing the formation of scarring.

Description: A proven AHAs plus BHA formulation in reducing inflamed acne lessons and lightening acne marks. The infusion of Tea Tree Oil, Camphor, Eucalyptus Oils and vitamin C accelerates the healing process, thus preventing the formation of scarring.

Description: A proven AHAs plus BHA formulation in reducing inflamed acne lessons and lightening acne marks. The infusion of Tea Tree Oil, Camphor, Eucalyptus Oils and vitamin C accelerates the healing process, thus preventing the formation of scarring.

Usage:

Usage:

Usage: Use day &amp; night after cleanser, toner &amp; eye care Apply on oily / T-zone area only

My results:

Benefits

Main Active Ingredients

American Apparel For My Nails

swtexcape

Usage:
Use day & night after cleanser, toner & eye care
Apply on oily / T-zone area only