Olay AquaAction Long Lasting Hydration Gel TW

Picked up this 50g jar of Olay AquaAction Long Lasting Hydration Gel at Watsons in Taipei (hence the TW) with hubby in mind. He was a fan of the long-discontinued Lancome Aqua Fusion line. Way back in the mid 2000's when I still using both the non-SPF as well as the SPF versions of the creams and lotions, he would mooch the non-SPF cream from me every night until I get him his own jar. Then Lancome discontinued this line and he moved on to Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, then SkinFood Lettuce & Cucumber Water Jelly Cream after he grew bored of Clinique.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Super Cream TW

Got a giant 2g sample packet of Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Super Cream from Taiwan, which is why I marked the post's title with "TW" since it might differ in formulation else where. It was a thrown in freebie since I went to and bought from Watsons a lot ^.^'

Olay Age Defying Revitalizing Eye Gel

Aside from the Avon Hydrofirming Eye Cream, I finally found another eye cream for day use that doesn't melt my waterproof sunscreen - Olay Age Defying Revitalizing Eye Gel.

Of course I haven't tried all the eye creams out there, but I'm glad to have found a replacement for the Avon Hydrofirming, for now. I'd used the Avon cream faithfully for a few years and simply wanted to move on to give other eye creams out there in the world a chance. I have my eyes on a few others as well, in case I get tired of this Olay eye gel :D



I have to say though, so far, this Olay eye gel has been great! As you can see, it's a clear gel, but it's decently moisturizing. It absorbs pretty quickly too, so I don't have to wait long before applying sunscreen. Keep in mind I'm only looking for a moisturizing product, so I can't really comment on the "reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles" claim. What I will say, and perhaps it is just my imagination, is that the gel seems to brighten up my eye area and I no longer come into the office looking delirious every morning. Granted, a few weeks back while I was still using the Avon eye cream (before my vacation, visiting my parents), I was delirious, so I actually don't know if it's just me surviving another busy season or it's the Olay eye gel.



Texture wise, the eye gel is a bit, umm, slippery and a tad stickier than a gel should be. That said, once applied, it is not sticky on the skin. Phew! It is fragrance free, just as claimed on the Olay USA page for this product. Also, it has an unexpectedly short ingredients list that is alcohol free. Main ingredients include witch hazel, cucumber extract, which, I'm guessing, probably accounts for the slippery and sticky bit. If your skin is sensitive to colorant, fragrance, or alcohol, but can tolerate witch hazel, this eye gel is worth a good try.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

Holy crap! - I think I've found the one in Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream! Could it be true my search for a moisturizer has finally ended? At least for now, I can't imagine going back to or trying out anything else!

Since high school, I've struggled off and on with moisturizers because of my combination dry skin. It was so difficult for me to find something that will work with my super oily t-zones and super dry cheeks. Aside from the countless various moisturizers I've tried here and there, there were only a couple I used for longer than a few months:
- Olay Complete All Day UV Moisture Lotion SPF 15: used to be my day lotion during high school. Of course, my face was always shiny and blotchy as hell. My skin was oily then, and I guess I never realized this lotion was not a good match for me. I just used whatever my mum gave me. I didn't use any moisturizer at night then, which was a really bad idea and only made my oily skin worse.
- Lancome Aquafusion Lotion & Cream: both the non-SPF and the SPF versions were my college staple. I would use the SPF one during the day and the non SPF at night (yeah, finally learned my lesson...), the lotion on my t-zones and the cream on my cheeks. It was kind of working for a while, and then suddenly my skin changed and became dry combination with my t-zones became even more oily and my cheeks got super duper dry. At that point, putting this lotion/cream on turned my face was pure agony. Even the lotion was too oily for my forehead but the cream was not moisturizing enough for my face.

And then I learned the truth about sunscreens, which completely altered my skincare routine. My expectations of moisturizers changed too. Not only I was looking for a moisturizer that works with both my combination dry skin, I wanted one that could be used day and night since I had started wearing a separate sunscreen (layering products with SPF is a big no no!). Needless to say, that made my search even more impossible.
- Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion: I picked this up when my Lancome Aquafusion failed me. It was okay for my cheek but was too oily for my t-zones.
- Lancome Pure Focus Lotion & Gel Cream: used this to fill the space Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion couldn't. This was good for my oily t-zones but irritates the hell out of my dry cheeks and chin.
- Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre & Lait Creme Concentre Fluide (aka 24-Hour Miracle Cream): the very last cream/lotion combination I used. It was okay, not that great. Didn't break me out, but was certainly no miracle either.

But this Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream - where do I begin?


***Picture from Amazon.com.

The Ingredients
Decently simple, probably 1/5 as long as the ingredients in the above stuff I've used, and nothing too complicated. Not that I am a chemist, I just figured I really should pay attention like I do with my sunscreens. The Skin Deep - Cosmetic Safety Database gave this cream a rating of 4 (out of 10), meaning "moderate hazard." While that sounds kind of scary, considering the vast majority of products with higher ratings (0-3) are organic/green/natural/wholesome/what have you, a rating of 4 is not great, but it's not too shabby either! I figured I should stick with stuff rated 5 or higher.

The Cetaphil website lists ingredients as follow:
Purified Water, Polyglycerylmethacrylate (and) Propylene Glycol, Petrolatum, Dicaprylyl Ether, PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Dimethicone and Dimethiconol, Cetyl Alcohol, Sweet Almond Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactic Acid.

The Texture
Definitely creamy, but strangely light. I just can't get over how fast it absorbs into my skin. I really was expecting a bit of a fight, some grease, and at least a film of some sort, but nope, NONE. I used it in moderation, of course. I would quickly dab my fingers onto the cream and used that tiny amount for my t-zones. Then I would swipe slightly across the cream's surface and use that bit more on my cheeks. I guess if you goop it on it could get a little greasy, but anything would get greasy if gooped on. Moderation is key, folks.

The Moisturation
Oh my, I can't rave enough here. Not only it worked for both my oily t-zones AND my super duper dry cheeks, it worked as both a day and night moisturizer! I kid you not. I wore it during the day underneath my sunscreen and it was not too heavy, allowing my sunscreen to retain its mattefying properties. I wore it at night before bed and it was just right. My face felt the most comfortable it's ever been! No oily sheen at mid day, no greasy face the next morning. Just very soft and well moisturized skin. The cream is also unscented. SOLD.

The Price
Honestly, if my perfect moisturizer were to bleed me dry, I would just fork over the goddamn price. That was how desperate I was for a good moisturizer. But nope, no blood to be spilled with this Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. It's about $10 for a giant, and I mean GIGANTIC, 16 oz. tub, and it will probably last me for more than a year, if not longer, given the little amount I use. But then I've read that this is a multi-purpose moisturizer that could be used anywhere on your body, so I'm sure I could figure something out to finish it up. The perfect $10 moisturizer that will last for ages? Did I tell you I'm sold? I am soooooooo sold.

Now, the 1 itty bitty little complaint: the packaging. Yes, it's in a HUGE tub. But while most people have trouble with the tub, fumbling with sanitation and storage, to me it's a very minor problem that can be easily solved with a small sanitized glass jar (from a used up eye cream, face cream, etc.). Yep, I just used a sanitized scoop, scooped some into the glass jar, then stored the tub in a cool and dry place (NOT the cabinet in the bathroom) and put my little glass jar in the fridge. When I use up the glass jar, I'll sanitize it again before refilling :D Problem solved. So really, this is not a complaint at all.

Now, if you would excuse me, I need to go dance around my living room like a lunatic.

Sun Protection! Part II

Below are my sunscreen history, filled with trials and errors. Not that I know that much more now, just a bit of experience...

Olay Complete All Day UV Moisture Lotion SPF 15
My sister and I used to use this in our high school days, and I think she was still using it up until last year before switching to Lancome Aquafusion. Yeah, I know, these are lotion, not sunscreen, but I used to think that's what sunscreen is! My very first big mistake! If I'd have to use 1/4 teaspoon of *real* sunscreens just to get the labeled SPF, and products like these probably have only a percentage of sunscreen by volume, think about how much of them I'd have to use to get that puny SPF 15! If this Olay lotion contains 25% sunscreen by volume, I'd have to use a whole teaspoon of it on my face! But of course they don't tell you that on the label now, do they? Urgh.

***Picture from Olay.com.

I'm glad I know better now, and the lotion used to make my face all shiny and greasy anyway. Yuck. If you like Olay, it's better to just use one without the SPF and wear a good sunscreen on top for *real* protection.

Lancome Aquafusion Lotion & Cream SPF 15
Same mistake as above, unfortunately. I started out with the non-SPF ones, and I really should have just stuck with them and wear a separate sunscreen...



***Pictures from Lancome USA.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sun Block SPF 70
I first effort to make a change after learning I've been duped. Granted, I didn't start out with the SPF 70. Back then, the highest one Neutrogena made was SPF 45, I think. So I tried it on top of my lotion. And to my horror, it had zero substantivity. Not only that, it melted in the presence of my lotion, seeping into my eyes and burn them like crazy. I then tried to use it only my neck and arms, but again it melted, even in the dry heat of Colorado, and made me a sticky icky mess! Another thing I had issue with is that this sunscreen claims to be "sunblock" when it really is a chemical sunscreen. See why I really really hated it?

***Picture from Neutrogena.com.

Clarins UV Plus Protective Day Screen SPF 40
Before going to Japan, I thought about my daily struggle with Neutrogena and came to the conclusion that there was no way I'd do the same given the humidity and heat in that lovely country. So during my quest for a lighter and more manageable sunscreen, I came across this one. A red flag initially went off when the Clarins SA insisted to me that it's not technically a sunscreen but instead a "day screen," whatever the hell that means, however, I ignored my intuition and brought it with me to Japan.

***Picture from Clarins USA.

Pros: I've read that this thing is, in fact, a physical sunblock lotion, and with an estimated PPD 8, it's pretty darn good! It was exceptionally light, even more so than the Shiseido SPF 55 and didn't bother my eyes a bit, even when the instructions say to keep it away from the eyes.
Cons: Unfortunately, it had more bad points than good. First of all, it had zero substantivity. One wipe with the hand or tissue and it was off! Secondly, it didn't sit well on top of my lotion and turned my face oil-slick. Thirdly, the bottle was tiny, about 3.5 inches in height containing 30 mL for all of the $36 I paid for it. Plus, Clarins was just as devious as the others and didn't say anything about using 1/4 teaspoon, so out of my ignorance I used several drops! Needless to say, I didn't get much protection and my face was red and tanned the whole time I was in Japan!

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion & Cream SPF 55 PA+++
Embittered with my failure in finding a good sunscreen, upon coming home from Japan I gave these two a try, even though I had to change my daily routine to include the oil cleanser needed to take them off every night.


***Pictures from Shiseido USA.

Pros: Absolutely substantive and mattefying, it zapped all the oil on my face and gave me beautifully clear skin for the first time in my life! Plus, I came in a generous bottle for the same price as Clarin's.
Cons: Yes, it cleared out my skin, but because it absorbed every bit of oil on my face! My skin was wrung dry! So dry, in fact, that I started seeing fine lines and wrinkles I never saw before! I substituted with the cream version, but that didn't help at all, not to mention the much heavier texture and finish. Sad. Very sad, indeed.

Lancome Soleil Ultra Expert Suncare SPF 50
While I was using the Shiseido stuff for my face, I used this for my neck and body. Just didn't feel like washing my neck and arms with an oil cleanser everyday too, you know? This stuff was pretty good, decently priced, substantive enough but not so stubborn that it wouldn't wash off. My only complaint is that it's overwhelmingly fragranced. But if you don't mind that, give it a try.

***Picture from Lancome USA.

Even my mom liked this enough to use it for her face because she didn't want to add another facial cleanser to her routine. So far, she says it's good too. It turns her face a bit shiny towards the end of the day, but it doesn't irritate her eyes or clog her pores.

California Baby SPF 30+ Sunblock Stick
After the Shiseido SPF 50 deep fried my skin, I thought may be all the chemicals in it are to blame, so I went through an organic sunblock phase and tried out this one.
Pros: no eye irritation, smelled decent - a citrusy scent that reminded me of Tang, dried to a semi-matte finish after rubbing in.
Cons: impossible to rub in, left behind horrendous white cast, the decent scent turned sour and disgusting towards the afternoon (so bad hubby wouldn't even kiss me!!!), turned my t-zones shiny in the afternoon, low substantivity, clogged the hell out of my pores, creased all makeup except for blush, and worst of all, my face tanned after several weeks of using this and my face almost NEVER tans!!!

***Picture from Californiababy.com.

Badger SPF 30
Turned to this one after the California Baby sunblock stick failed.
Pros: surprisingly, it was rather moisturizing! Unscented, at least not that I noticed.
Cons: very thick and pasty and therefore extremely difficult to rub in, left very apparent white cast, low substantivity yet very pore-clogging, creased all makeup including blush! Again, my face also tanned with this one, so I stopped using it immediately after noticing the tan.

***Picture from Badgerbalm.com.

Bioderma Photoderm MAX Fluide SPF 50+ PPD 35
Disappointed with the organic sunblocks' failure, I decided to give European sunscreens a try. People were raving about the high PPD protection, so I was dying to see how suitable it is for my skin.
Pros: the protection, of course! This one was light yet very moisturizing, even for my dry combo skin. It did leave a very shiny film after application, but I found that skipping moisturizer eliminated this problem. It actually went on dewy and dries to a semi-matte finish on bare skin, much like the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA+++
Cons: this stuff burned like hell!!! If you would believe it, it stung my eyes during application around the forehead and chin - not even close to the eye areas! I was guessing the culprit must be the Avobenzone or the Tinosorbs? I wasn't sure which it was then. After just 1 week (that felt like an eternity) of watery and irritated eyes, I couldn't take it anymore and gave up :( The sunscreen never really absorbed into my skin anyway. Yes, it dried to a semi-matte finish on bare skin but would slowly separates and shifts around in patches as the day wore on. I looked so awful by the afternoon that I had to wipe it all off and reapply. Also, perhaps because it never really absorbs into my skin, it had ZERO substantivity! Forget the "water resistant" claim!


Bioderma Photoderm MAX Lait SPF 50+ PPD 35
Tried this one after the Fluide above didn't work. This one had a much better finish than the Fluide, better absorption and even more matte, but, boy, I was sorry still. I got all the trouble I did with the Fluide (see the Cons above), and then some. After just one more week, my face had exploded in such horrific acne I thought my skin was reverting to its puberty days! Ack!

***Pictures from Bioderma International.

Eau Thermale Avene Ultra High Protection Lait SPF 50+
So I theorized my skin couldn't tolerate Avobenzone and tried one without it! This lovely sunscreen uses Tinosorbs and no Avobenzone for UVA protection, but unfortunately, I learned with this trial that it wasn't Avobenzone my skin couldn't tolerate. It was actually the Tinosorbs all along!!! Anyhow, it broke me out again, and much worst than last time! Sigh...


Eau Thermale Avene High Protection Lait SPF 40 for Children
This one has the best finish out of all 4 European sunscreens I tried, and it's also alcohol and fragrance free. But again, my skin couldn't take Tinosorbs, so now I'm using these 4 for my neck and body. Funny, isn't it? The ingredient doesn't bother my neck and body at all, all the while wrecking havoc on my face. I just don't get it!

***Pictures from Tubotica.com.

Sofina Perfect UV SPF 50 PA+++ Lucent
So, after many a sunscreens (and a couple of sunblocks) later, I just didn't want to go back to Shiseido SPF 55. I was just so sick of piling on a ton of moisturizers on my face and still looking like 100, so I started looking for a similarly textured but less drying sunscreen and, thanks to MUA, I've arrived at this awesome little angel!
Pros: It does everything the Shiseido SPF 55 does minus the drying factor. The finish is also mugh lighter! I could barely feel it on my face even when I use the 1/4 teaspoon amount! It is also fragrance-free, and it keeps my skin matte to the very end of the day until I take it off (the Shiseido did not, as drying and mattefying it was!). The bottle is about half the size of the Shiseido bottle, and thankfully it's also half the price. Using it daily, one bottle lasts me about 10 weeks.
Cons: its PPD is only about 8-10, but since I'm never under the sun for more than 15 minutes at a time without cover, I guess it's okay. I'm just so happy my search ended with a great and affordable sunscreen! Hooray!!!

See the ingredients list translated from Japanese.

***Picture from Adambeauty.com.

See the first Sun Protection! post.