skin

Ask Ruby! On Brighter Looking Eyes

Hello Ruby! I just want to ask how can I get rid (really get rid) of these wrinkles under my eyes? Sometimes I do notice that I have these really bad crow's feet if I'm smiling in front of the mirror. The problem is that if I apply foundation/concealer at times, it gets stuck right in between those lines. I'm 23 y.o. and I'm getting worried about this-- and I find it annoying. :( Would there be a way on how I could get rid of this? Thanks! -Gracey

Mini Reviews: Witch Hazel Astringent and Sally Hansen Nail Polish

Fabulous Find-Witch Hazel Astringent

I discovered this wonderful beauty product just recently. I was at the Guardian Pharmacy looking for germicidal solution which I use for cleaning my makeup brushes, when I saw Witch Hazel Astringent on one of the shelves. I got curious, read its back label, and bought it. Witch Hazel is said to be very good for the skin as it contains anti-oxidants which help diminish skin imperfections such as acne, comedones, and even enlarged pores. I've been using it for almost 2 weeks and I noticed that my skin has improved. It looks radiant and less oily now. Even my pores are remarkably minimized. I want to see results everytime I try a beauty product, and I must say that Witch Hazel did not disappoint me at all. You know what makes it even better? It costs only S$4. Amazing, right? :-)

*Originally published in Liza Venturina's site

The Battle of the Sunblocks: Nivea SPF 30 vs.Neutrogena SPF 50+

If I'm in a hurry, I can usually forego applying mascara or drying my hair before heading off to work, but I can never ever skip my sunscreen (Hello, skin cancer anyone?!).

I've been using Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ for a few months now (see the past posts on the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer line here and here), and I was very satisfied with it, but ever the curious cat that I am, I eventually bought another brand, Nivea Sun Refreshing Fluid Protect SPF 30, when my Neutrogena ran out.

The following is a side by side comparison of the two sunblocks, to help everyone out there in choosing their sunblock of choice against the big bad sun. And we do this with great pleasure because we here at Kikay Exchange aim for nothing less than total public service (yesiree!).

shiseido the skincare tintedmoisture protection

More proof of my lack in EQ. Last month, I rushed out of the house without sunblock or moisturizer on because I was late for mass. In my world, it's a sin to run out into the world sans sunblock or moisturizer. My combination skin tends to make me pay for such infractions via blemishes, flaking, and or acne. So after family lunch at the mall, I decided to try some tinted moisturizer. I've been looking for tinted moisturizer for a while anyway. After 7 months of work, I've learned that I neither have the time or energy to put on make up daily, yet work requires that I look a little more polished. The plan was to walk in, ask for my shade, try the tester and walk out. Unfortunately (fortunately) I walked into Shiseido and ended up walking away with a whole tube of The Skincare Tinted Moisture Protection SPF 20 moisturizer instead.

Skin Savers

Growing up, I sought refuge with the thought that once I got past my turbulent teens, life would be infinitely easier. By then, or so I told myself, I would have my own house, go anywhere and everywhere in my own car and finally say goodbye to problematic teenage skin. Well guess what, I still live with my folks, soaring gas prices have made me think twice about going on a joyride and the oil slick has not left my face. But you know what, things are admittedly better now, mostly because of my two simple yet effective skin favorites.

One Girl's L'Oreal Discovery

*Originally posted in Cornerseat
I have dry skin. Which was fantastic growing up because while classmates labored over Clearasil, astringents and oil blotters, I had absolutely no worries about breakouts. I never used face powder until I started working. But (reaching my) late twenties / early thirties will more than make up for what I lacked in blemishes, fine lines, and the gradual appearance of the horror that is wrinkles. Which I can overdramatize into a disaster now: tenacious creases under my eyes, the multi-pronged semi-dignified crowâ€™s feet, a furrowed complex between my eyes and eyebrows, and these hairline canals of laugh lines in places that, at a younger age, indicated joy. Problem isâ€¦ I hate face gunk. I donâ€™t like the feeling of moisturizers, no matter how light they claim to be. Theyâ€™re all the same heavy, humid, gluey stuff to me. Heck, I donâ€™t even use body lotion despite my scaly surface. So how to battle (or at least delay) these signs of aging without the aid of gelatinous substances? I suppose thereâ€™s no easier way.