Beauty Regimen - Clarins UV Plus Day Screen HP SPF40

I have been using Avene Ultra HP Emulsion SPF50 for past months. As that is water-resistant, it requires me to use a good oil cleanser to remove the sunblock at the end of the day. Sometimes I wonder did I remove the sunblock completely. It is not easy to gauge as compared to remove makeup.

One way of gauging is to apply some sunblock/sunscreen on back of palm and remove using your cleanser. Use water to rinse away and look out for thin shiny layer and water droplets residue. If it is totally removed, it should look matte rather than shiny.

Since most of the times I don't need water-resistant sunblock and I really don't like the feeling of not removing completely, I started to research for an non water-resistant sunblock. Then I came across Clarins UV Plus Day Screen HP SPF40 at Clarins website and get to know it is well-liked by makeup alley reviewers. The only concern to me is the price. Although it is a lot cheaper than a similar product I got from Dermalogica in Singapore years back, I still feel it is expensive as compared to Avene. Unfortunately, there is no sample available at Clarins in Bahamas and they have only 1 tube left, I decided to get it and give it a try.

The color is in white and it is in a form of liquid (unlike the usual creamy sunblock I have been using). It is definitely easier and faster to spread as compared to cream. I like the non-sticky and non-greasy feeling very much.

As I just started using it this morning, it is still early to tell whether it gives suffice protection and whether it adds more problem to my acne-prone skin. Let me try for two weeks before I give more feedback.

Beauty Regimen - Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil

After reading good reviews on this product from makeup alley, I tempted to give it a try. As no sample is available at the counter, I could only buy it and try it. It is much cheaper to get in Bahamas than in Singapore.

This is only to use at night and there is not need to apply serum and moisturiser (meaning: time saver for lazy beauty). Right after toner or Avene thermal water spray, I dabbed the opening again my palm thrice and warmed the oil by rubbing my palms and pressed my palm against my face. According to the Clarins's sales lady, the way to apply oil on face/ body is to warm them and press against skin a couple of times to let the skin absorbs better. She demonstrated two methods (massaging and pressing) on my hand and I could feel the skin feel better by pressing.

I just got this product today and immediately I use it as part of my night care. I love the smell of the oil!! As I was too excited and forgot to use Avene thermal water spray as toner before I apply this. I hope it is not too greasy and cause more acne. Tomorrow, I will definitely remember to use spray before this. 

After using so many different products, no product has truly give me a clear skin. I really hope this product suits my skin and control the oil and gives me a clearer skin.

Note: I am still taking lemon juice every morning and night. I use baking soda as exfoliator every night after cleansing and applying lemon juice (leave it for 10 mins or so and rinsed away) after baking soda exfoliation. When I just started using lemon juice as toner, I use it morning and night and even left it overnight. My skin does look brighter and feels softer but I don't feel comfortable of not applying any lotion or face oil at night.

Just irritated.

Faith was playing "Plants & Zombies" game earlier on Daddy E's ipad2. She then needed help on her game but her dad wasn't free so I helped her. Just then her grandparents wanted to do a video conference with her so we had a video conference and playing at the same time.

While we were playing, Faith and I had some small arguments. To me, this is pretty usual. there is no big fuss over this. But her grandparents interpreted that Faith cried and yelled when I tried to help. Her grandparents then wanted her to apologise to me on shouting at me. Daddy E then added on that she will not apologise so don't bother to ask her. 

I got pretty irritated by her grandparent's and her dad's mis-interpretation. I chose to walk away and went upstairs myself.

Why am I irritated?
- I don't understand why everyone is making a big fuss over a small argument.
- I don't agree that Faith will not apologise. She will. She might be strong-headed but she will apologise. Her dad knows this but why he said she will not. Her grandparents will just take his words.

I wonder how am I going to stay with her grandmother when we back in Singapore. Sigh...

Afternoon tea at Starbucks @ Cable Cottage, Nassau, Bahamas

Today Daddy E drove us around to explore new beach site. As we could not find the place that my hubby originally intended to go, we decided to head back home. Knowing that I was craving for Starbucks coffee, my lovely hubby stopover Starbucks at Cable Cottage and got me a chilled latte. Then our darling wanted to have her favourite chocolate brownie so we decided to chill at Starbucks.

Woody wants to take a bite of Faith's brownie.

My iced latte & apple fritter

Faith & her favourite chocolate brownie

Faith's funny shot

Same expression when taking with her Daddy

Her adaption of Toy Story show

After watching countless times of Toy Story (1, 2 & 3) videos, Faith wants her daddy to write "ANDY" on her foot.

A short conversion between her and Daddy E.

Faith: I belong to Andy.

Daddy E: No. You belong to me.

Faith: You are Andy.

(Daddy E left speechless with a laugh.)

Faith's first time swimming in sea

Today we went to Saunders Beach, Nassau, Bahamas. The weather was fantastic. Daddy E made fried rice and we drove through KFC and bought some add-ons. We then had a yummy late lunch at the beach side before all except me went for a dip. Faith played with the sand for a while and changed into her bikini. Today is Faith's first time swimming in sea. Her daddy got her a life jacket to boost her confidence.

Both are fully geared and ready for a swim.

Daddy E was patiently teaching Faith to swim.

Faith: "I can swim now!"

Faith & Daddy E

Steven, Didi, Faith & Daddy E

Everyone had a great time. This beach is great for swimming and sand play. You get to see some small fishes near the rocks. I hope to go back again to see them.

Beauty Regimen - Natural Remedies to Skin Problems

I have oily skin and blemishes problems since Secondary School. For many years I have used plenty skin care products (many of them are costly) and went to few beauty salons and even visited skin doctors, but my skin just isn't getting any better. Sometimes I just got tired and felt hopeless that I chose not to do or applied anything on my skin.

Lately, I came across an online site where many gave good reviews on using baking soda and lemon juice (both applied topically and as a drink). I get to know that there are many other people having same problems as me and went through what I have, and their skin improve tremendously after using baking soda and lemon juice.  I got very excited and immediately include them in my daily beauty regimen.

Here I have summarized the way I am using them, additional remarks and the benefits I have seen on me.

Baking Soda (http://www.acne.org/baking-soda-reviews/209/page1.html)
Uses as exfoliator & mask. I am using it every night as an exfoliator. Twice a week, I will then leave it on my face for around 5-10 mins.
Note that my skin type is very oily. If yours is normal or dry, just use it once a week and remember to apply hydrating mask after rinsed away.
Benefits include leaving skin clean and soft and help in clearing acne . (Do not expect miracle result on the acne as it takes time to clear. However, you could see your face look fairer and cleaner after first use.)

Lemon Juice (Applied topically) (http://www.acne.org/lemon-juice-applied-topically-reviews/73/page1.html)
Uses as toner. I am using every morning and night.
Note that the stinging feeling might overwhelming and try not to apply on open wound.
Benefits include lightening acne scar and help in clearing acne.  
Lemon Juice (As as drink) (http://www.acne.org/lemon-juice-as-a-drink-reviews/76/page1.html)
Uses as a drink. I have been drinking lemon juice every morning before breakfast and at night before sleep. I wait for 30 mins before I take breakfast. I use 1/2 lemon each time and add lukewarm water and drink with a straw. Drinking with a straw will minimize the damage to my teeth. And I will gulp a few mouthful of water right after my drink.
Note that avoid brushing teeth right after drinking lemon juice. Try to wait 1 hour. I read this from many reviews.
Benefit include sliming down. Haha... I am not sure what does this benefit my skin. According to the website, it mentioned detoxify liver and control acne outbreak.

*****

I started the three natural remedies on 06 July 2011.

*****

After note (dated 17 July 2011)
I have been using baking soda and lemon juice for past 10 days. I could see my skin is getting slightly fairer and scars are lighten a bit. I am still getting acne but it definitely cure faster than previously. I am happy with the result so far. I am confident that this regimen will help me to achieve clearer skin. I will continue and monitor the result.

Good daddy qualities

My hubby. He is a good daddy.

He makes sure she don't get bullied by other kids without been overprotective.

He makes sure she is not naked running around when her friend came over to play.

He carries her even his legs are tired and arm is numbed.

He feeds her dinner even he is hungry.

He looks for new games or videos for her every other day.

He pats her to sleep even he is very sleepy.

He carried her and joined the super long queue at Ben & Jerry @Atlantis just to get her a cup of her fav. ice-cream.

He lends her his new gadget (ipad2) and even his handphone whole day.

He dances silly dance with her and plays boy games with her.

When it comes to disclipine, he stands firm.

He pulled her aside and pat talk her whenever she mis-behave.

He gave warning to her when she gets overboard.

*****

And she knows our limits.She says "Sorry, I will not do it again..." when she knows we are angry or upset with her. But she will do again few seconds after she said she will not.

Many times she is strong-headed and refuse to apologise or give in until we give our ultimate warning. We hate to do this but threatening works many times.

*****

In days when I give up in discliping Faith, he listens to my rantings and gives me words of encouragement.

Sometimes I was very disappointed and upset when things do not turn out to be what I wanted it to be even I have put in so much efforts. And I felt that whatever I do doesn't really matter anymore. He tells me "If we give up, who will teach her..."

Today, Faith is giving me a nerve-racking time. First, she watches videos on her dad's ipad2 for hours. (Now while I am typing this blog, she is still watching.) She didn't touch her school work for whole day. Second, she told me she is tired and asked for milk when she supposed to have lunch. But after drinking milk, she is full of energy watching video again. And been rude to be several times.

I then told my hubby over sms. He again listened to my ranting. He then sms me this "I am trying to be cultivating. If we have no patience, how do we expect she has?"

*****

Although I know my hubby is better in teaching Faith, I disagree with him in certain areas.

1. Let her has his ipad2 for whole day. These days, Faith will choose her dad's gadget to be her daytime playmate. She will either choose her dad's newly bought ipad2 or iphone. I really don't like this idea as I got difficulties in controling her usage since it is given by her dad. And she gets very rude and mad with me when I tried to stop her.

2. Let her watch videos during dinner time. I grow up from a family with little bonding. Since young, parents are seldom at home as they often worked late. To entertain ourselves, we watched television over dinner. And of course it became an habit and even we have meals together, television is on in the background. I see the good family bondings in families with NO TV or VIDEOs during all meals. I hope to see this in our family too. And I no longer seeing the benefits of letting her watch videos during meals. She don't finished her meals.

3. Let her use gadget in car. It is not just my hubby. I sometimes give in and let her has our iphone during car ride. Sigh. Do your kids also watch in car too? I feel that this is very bad for eyesight. What could I do to stop this? Really don't like this.

******

I am grateful to have a hubby who loves and cares so much for his kid. With daddy's unconditional love and kind nurturing, I hope we could see great improvement in our girl's behavior and become an everyone girl who is kind hearted and lovely always.