What’s Good PPD: La Roche Posay Anti Shine SPF 50+ Gel Cream PPD 31 review

July 18, 2018 viewsinpixelsLeave a comment

I feel like I’ve been on the hunt for the HG sunscreen for a while now. For the longest time I would only use mineral sunscreens because chemical ones can be irritating. Well, I’ve slowly dipped my toes into using chemical SPF’s and found my skin can tolerate it pretty well.

Recently, I learned about PPD and how it relates to sunscreen. Basically PPD stands for Persistent Pigment Darkening and is used to value how well a sunscreen protects against UVA rays – the bad ones that cause aging and hyperpigmentation. IE, a “PPD of 10 means that it’ll take around 10 times longer for your skin to tan, compared to if it was unprotected”.

This La Roche Posay (LRP) has a PPD rating of 31! For reference, most North American sunscreens (and even Asian ones) have PPD ratings of less than 16. What. Is. Good. PPD?! F*ck now I’m realizing, this whole time I’ve been using weak UVA sunscreens and that’s probably why its taking me FOREVER to heal my PIH! Could this LRP sunscreen be my gateway drug to my obsession with EU sunscreens?

La Roche Posay Anti Shine SPF 50 Dry Touch Gel Cream PPD 31, Claims:

High UVA protection PPD 31
High SPF50+ to defend skin from UVA/B rays
Non-greasy, dry touch texture, no white marks & anti-shine
Water resistant for long wearing

Liquid BHA Comparison: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid vs Paula’s Choice Resist 2% BHA Liquid

July 16, 2018 viewsinpixelsLeave a comment

When it comes to skincare, I feel like Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA is the DEFINING product in her line and with good reason. It’s such a Holy Grail product and there’s nothing in the market like it, besides the different variations they sell. I’ve tried looking for other effective liquid BHA that contain 2% Salicylic acid, is non-irritating, is non-drying, and antioxidant filled. I tried. It’s basically impossible to find. The closest dupe is CosRX BHA Power Liquid; which I tried and enjoyed but feel like I needed something STRONGER.

With Paula’s Choice, I’ve strayed many many times (it’s so expensive with shipping, customs fee, and the sh*tty CAD exchange rate) but I just can’t find another alternative that does what this liquid BHA does! I just find a liquid BHA penetrates my skin more effectively and I see such immediate results vs a gel like The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid, or a lotion like Philosophy Clear Days Ahead. I’ve heard great things about the Stridex pads but I’m turned off by some of the ingredients (menthol, fragrance, and surfactants).

So my question is, which Paula’s Choice BHA liquid is better? The OG Skin Perfecting (4oz) or the premium Resist (3oz)?

Claims of Paula’s Choice BHA:

Visibly reduces pore size
Clears & minimizes enlarged pores
Smooths wrinkles, brightens and evens out skin tone
Gentle enough for daily use on all skin types
pH 3.2 to 3.8

Shine Control Routine: Estee Launder Double Wear tawny, Hylamide Matte 12, Paulas Choice BHA….

July 16, 2018July 16, 2018 viewsinpixelsLeave a comment

We got a major heatwave here in Vancouver and my oily skin is suffering. Thankfully I’ve perfected a skincare and makeup routine that helps me beat this heat. For my oily skin, I can literally see oil seep through my pores like 3 hours after washing my face. But with my arsenal of products I’m able to look fresh for a large portion of my 8+ hour work day.

Here, I’m breaking down the key skincare and makeup products that keep me beat during the heat.

Middle Name Matte: Jack Black Clean Break Oil-Free Moisturizer review

July 13, 2018 viewsinpixelsLeave a comment

You guys, I think I found the perfect moisturizer for oily skin sufferers! I’ve overlooked this hidden gem SO many times while browsing Sephora online (always on a hunt for a good lightweight-antioxidant-matte-layerable moisturizer). I am so glad I swiped right on Jack “Matte” Black, because this has been hitting all my requirements and keeping me looking fresh.

Jack Black Clean Break Moisturizer Claims:

Antioxidants help improve skin tone and texture
Ultra-light gel-cream with a cool and soothing sensation
Oil-free moisturizer leaves skin with a natural, shine-free finish
Cruelty-free and formulated without oil, fragrance, colorants, gluten, and alcohol

BEAUTY BATTLE: [review] Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi Use Sculpting Concealer Natural Beige vs Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer Custard

July 11, 2018August 15, 2018 viewsinpixelsLeave a comment

In this review, I’m testing out the Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer in Natural Beige against the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer; which is pretty much everyone’s go-to and my personal Holy Grail. But Too Faced just launched a direct competitor that has very similar claims. I’ve been reading and watching (on Youtube) RAVE reviews and just had to see, what’s good? Can Too Faced compete with the OG?

Claims: Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer NATURAL BEIGE (light medium with neutral undertones)