Ettusais Medicated Pre-acne Care Sheet

As I find that I tend to have quite some nasty pimples, during certain days every month >_<, I thought that it might be good if I try Ettusais' pre-acne care sheet. I can't really remember how much I got it for, but official site says it's $49, though I thought I paid $50+ for it… hmm…

The care sheet is designed to strengthen the skin that becomes prone to pimples before menstruation each month. About 1-2 weeks before menstruation, this can be used on areas where pimples usually appear. This is used as the last step of my skincare regime. After applying Ettusais Skin Version-up Extra, Dual Effect White-shooter and Whitening Essence, I put 1 sheet of the care sheet at area above my lips, and 1 sheet at my chin, the 2 areas on my face most prone to painful large pimples. I leave the sheets on for 5-10 minutes. After that, I massage the remaining essence into my skin and follow with Medicated Acne Defense Nighttime Powder.

I can see some immediate results after I remove the sheets, especially at the chin area, where the skin's texture is usually very rough, with those impossible-to-remove kind of white heads 'embedded' in the skin. After care sheet, the skin looks and feels smoother, and some of the white heads actually seem to have disappeared. Did the care sheet 'melt' them down? 

So after using 2 sheets every night for 2 weeks, only 1 pimple appeared, when usually I would get 3-4 every month before menstruation. In fact, I remember that last week, 2 red bumps appeared, one above lips, and 1 at the chin. After 2 days, the bump above lips did not develop into a pimple, but the one at chin did. I am pretty sure it was the care sheet that managed to calm the skin down. Too bad it couldn't get rid of the pimple at my chin, which I think was the more serious one. However, I think the result was  good enough for me! 

The care sheets sting a little upon application, but that kinds of make me feel that the care sheet is working...

Sealed with aluminum foil, so that the essence do not dry up

50 thin sheets, shaped like those black heads pore packs with slits for better fit

Comes with tweezers so that it is convenient to pick the care sheets up

A loop attached to the side of jar packaging to hold the tweezer

Though this product does not solve my pre-menstrual acne problem 100%, I find it effective enough and will definitely buy the refill once I am done with the 50 sheets in my jar. 

Ettusais Medicated Acne Whitening Essence

I am a new huge Ettusais fan, ever since I started using their whitening skincare range. I have posted about them here and here. I thought it would be nice to complete my skincare regime with their whitening essence. I got it in Singapore for $57, 40ml, which I find quite a reasonable price.

Hmm, there is nothing much to rant or rave about this essence, except that I think it does its job at whitening, to a fair extent. My skin is brightened upon application, but I do not see drastic improvement in my skin or skin tone over the weeks. I have been using this for more than a month. However, I guess the essence somewhat keeps my skin from looking dull, because I had friends telling me that I look fairer (I just don't see it myself). 

Ingredients

There is one thing about this essence that kind of bothers me -- it has a rather strong alcohol smell. My skin does not sting or anything when I apply, but I just smell alcohol when i use it, which is not terrible, but would be great if it isn't there. Because of the smell, I feel like I am putting strong stuff on my face!

Overall, I would give this a 3/5 for its mild brightening effect, something I might repurchase, since I love Ettusais skincare, but would not miss if I find something better.

Update on Ettusais Medicated Skincare Range & Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

I am loving my currently skincare regime. It is cheaper than the previous SK-II range, and is working better!

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, 30ml, $90

I use this beauty essence right after Ettusais's Dual Effect White Shooter. It contains mainly Squalane, a botanical lipid similar in molecular structure to Natural skin lipids, Evening Primrose Oil, rich in Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Essential oils like Lavender, which provides a boost of moisture to depleted skin. It claims to 'instantly penetrate the skin surface to help replenish it. It works at night when skin is most receptive to repairing itself from daily aggressors'.

Hygienic drip bottle

Just like essential oil

Ingredients

I really love how the concentrate smells. The lavender scent is really soothing, not too 'organic', not too overwhelmingly sweet. I feel relaxed when I apply this. I apply this like how the SA taught me. I put 2 drops of the oil onto my fingers, warm them by rubbing my fingers together, then pat the essence over my whole face. Although this essence is just like an essential oil, it absorbs quickly into the skin, and does not leave my skin oily, sticky, or anything. I apply this only at night. The next morning, my skin looks and feels smoother. I do see the difference before and after I use this concentrate. Although this concentrate is a little overpriced in Singapore, I think it is quite worth it, as I only use this once a day at night, only 2 drops, so I see this lasting for more than 6 months probably!!

Ok, now let me update on the Ettusais Medicated Skincare range… For my original post of this range, please read it here.

Pore care wash, 125ml, $30

My 1st impression: This facial wash is very foamy and seems to cleanse really well. Skin feels smooth and pores seems smaller... or am I thinking too much? But skin definitely looks clearer. I like the smell of the cleanser. Smells herb-y... or maybe its the scent of medicated skincare…

Update: My 1st impression stays. Skin is clean and clear after using this foamy cleanser and I still like the herb scent! I think this cleanser will last pretty long because I only use a small amount each time. Great cleanser at a great price!

AC skincare version up extra, 85ml, $37

My 1st impression: The softener looks like emulsion, but feels quite watery on skin. Takes a while to be absorbed into skin, so requires a little massaging. No visible effect yet, but texture feels light and not sticky/ oily. Skin feels fresh after application. 1-1.5 pumps to be applied with hands.

Update: I have now gotten used to massaging this into the skin. I use 1 pump of this now. 1/5 bottle used after 3 weeks. This is going to last long. Skin is moisturised after use. I do not think this product work wonders on its own, but I do believe it is an essential step in the Ettusais regime, as the Dual Effect White Shooter might not be moisturising enough on its own.

White shooter dual effect, 170ml, $43

My 1st impression: This is a toner + moisturizer. This is applied after the softener Version up extra. Although texture is watery, it feels moisturising after application. It takes a while to be absorbed. Quite fresh on skin. SA told me that if I want to apply any essence I should apply it after this. For night time, I might want to apply an additional layer of moisturizer if I sleep in an air-conditioned room. So far so good but nothing extraordinary yet. I pump 3 pumps of this onto facial cotton and pat the product into skin. For better absorption, I follow with my usual mini facial massage.

Update: I enjoy patting this onto my skin with facial cotton as it is so convenient to use. A toner + moisturizer! Skin can feel a little sticky after use, so it is vital for me to apply the Medicated Acne Nighttime Defense to smoothen out the skin. However, the strange thing is, although this product feels a little sticky on skin, my skin feels less oily in the morning the next day. I am thinking that it is good in sebum control, that is why it is good for skin that is prone to acne!

In the morning, I apply the SK-II Cellumination Essence after this. At night, I apply Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.

Medicated acne nighttime defense powder, 8g, $40

My 1st impression: Easy to apply and removes any dewy/ oily feeling after moisturizer application. I don't like the smell of it though. There is a faint, weird smell as I apply it. I really can't describe it, but I just don't like it.

Update: Like I just mentioned, this step is VITAL in my current skincare range. It really removes any dewy and sticky feeling after moisturizer/ essence and controls oil on the face. Furthermore, it seals in all the goodness of the products I use before that and I think that is why my skin looks better than before now! I think even if I decide to change the regime when I finish all the products, I will still repurchase this powder. The 'faint, weird smell' no longer bothers me as I have gotten used to it.

In conclusion, this regime is the best one I am on so far, even better than the SK-II and Laneige one which I raved about earlier on. SK-II is really too expensive and Ettusais' oil and acne control seems better than Laneige. My colleague recently commented that I look fairer recently =)

Yes I know I am going to try something else again after this, even though Ettusais is working so well for me, but for one thing I am sure… I will definitely repurchase products from this range sometime again!

Ettusais Medicated Skin Care: To Combat Adult Acne Problems

After finishing my Laneige White Plus Renew trial kit, I decided to try something affordable (as compared to SK-II, Kose, Shiseido etc) to control my adult acne problem. I don't have lots of acne (thank god), but I do get some really irritating ones, especially on nose and area above/under the lips. Those really take a long time to heal!

The most straight forward choice is Ettusais' Medicated Skincare range. I have started using this range for 2 days. I will write down my initial impressions first, and update 2 weeks later =)

Medicated acne nighttime defense powder, White shooter dual effect, AC skincare skin version up extra, Pore care wash

Pore care wash, 125ml, $30

10 cent coin amount for each wash (ok, I squeezed out slightly more here)

Creates a fluffy rich foam with water

From website:

"How it Works:

It cleanses deeply thanks to fluffy foam that catches “unsaturated fatty acid”, the cause of enlarged pores, while gently lifting away impurities. It fights acne bacteria and moisturises with AC Control Oil. IT also conditions rough skin with jojoba oil and does not rob skin of needed moisture."

My 1st impression: This facial wash is very foamy and seems to cleanse really well. Skin feels smooth and pores seems smaller... or am I thinking too much? But skin definitely looks clearer. I like the smell of the cleanser. Smells herb-y... or maybe its the scent of medicated skincare...

AC skincare version up extra, 85ml, $37

Semi-translucent skin softener

From website:

"How it Works:

Soften your skin's surface layer, with this softener. It will penetrate rapidly into the skin after washing your face, optimizing your skin's natural moisture absorption strength so that it absorbs all the goodness of your moisturizer. Prevents pimples as it keeps the skin dewy fresh."

My 1st impression: The softener looks like emulsion, but feels quite watery on skin. Takes a while to be absorbed into skin, so requires a little massaging. No visible effect yet, but texture feels light and not sticky/ oily. Skin feels fresh after application. 1-1.5 pumps to be applied with hands.

White shooter dual effect, 170ml, $43

Translucent and watery!

From website:

"How it Works:

This extremely lightweight moisturizer prevents blemishes from occurring! It has AC control oil which helps to seal the moisture and the goodness of your moisturizer in. It has vitamin C and other brightening ingredients that heal blemishes, lighten acne scars and helps to prevent pockmarks!"

My 1st impression: This is a toner + moisturizer. This is applied after the softener Version up extra. Although texture is watery, it feels moisturising after application. It takes a while to be absorbed. Quite fresh on skin. SA told me that if I want to apply any essence I should apply it after this. For night time, I might want to apply an additional layer of moisturiser if I sleep in an air-conditioned room. So far so good but nothing extraordinary yet. I pump 3 pumps of this onto facial cotton and pat the product into skin. For better absorption, I follow with my usual mini facial massage (10 secs).

Medicated acne nighttime defense powder, 8g, $40

Looks like baby powder!

From website:

How it Works:

A medicated skincare powder that protects your skin from pimples and roughness all night long. The ultra fine powder particles lock moisture in the skin's keratin layer while smoothening out rough skin. Greet each day with fresh and oh-so-smooth skin!

My 1st impression: Easy to apply and removes any dewy/ oily feeling after moisturizer application. I don't like the smell of it though. There is a faint, weird smell as I apply it. I really can't describe it, but I just don't like it.

All the products are oil free, non-comedogenic and colorant free. SA told me all products should last up to 3 months. I will update 2 weeks later!

OPI Shatter

OPI Shatter E59, SGD19

Ok I know this is not new~ but it's new to me! I discovered this exciting new polish from OPI that "shatters" into uneven "pieces" upon application~

It looks like just a normal black nail polish

I first applied base coat, then 2 coats of China Glaze SCI-FI, a Khrome purplish silver. After the polish is thoroughly dry, I apply one moderately thick coat of OPI Shatter.

The OPI Shatter dries matte in about 30 seconds, and amazingly cracks into intricate irregular patterns! If you apply a thinner coat, you get patterns that are smaller; if you apply a thicker coat, the polish cracks into bigger pieces.

OPI Shatter over China Glaze SCI-FI with glossy top coat.

I experimented OPI Shatter over a few other colors of polish. I think Shatter works best over glitter polish and light, bright colors! My favorite is the pink on my pinkie!

On index finger: OPI Shatter over Ettussai Nail Color N in VI1 and Chanel Nail Color 237 Pepite

On middle finger: OPI Shatter over OPI Amazing Alice A56

On ring finger: OPI Shatter over Zoya Bekka

On pinkie: OPI Shatter over Anna Sui Nail Color N in 318

Quick get your own OPI Shatter and have lots of fun with it =)

Update on Ettusais Aqua Splash

So I have been using the new Ettusais Aqua Splash in place of my oil blotting paper for the past 5 days. I have normal to combination skin. On a typical day, after applying make up, shine will start to appear at my T-zone after about 2 hours in the morning. After blotting with normal blotting paper, shine will reappear (mostly at the nose area) after about an hour or so. My face is not the type that is really oily, but I am the type who prefer to have a "matte" look rather then a "dewy look"!

Amount of product left after 5 days

I normally use 5-6 pumps each time. I spray the product on bout 3-4 times a day

This is the result of the product on my face:

After applying make up, I spray the product on about half an hour later. My face stays matte for a maximum of about 3 hours. Without blotting, I spray the product on, pat, and face becomes more or less matte again, a little dewy, a bit of shine in a nice sort of way (not oily). However, after that, I will have to spray the product on about every hour or so if I want my face to stay matte.

I do not think that this is a miracle product, in the sense that it will not help your face stay matte for the whole day after application. However, it does do a good job in keeping your face matte for a short period of time without taking away moisture from your skin, like blotting papers. It will also be useful for those who are not diligent enough to touch up foundation regularly in the day as the splash contains power, which will somehow keep your skin looking smoother even without touching up (but of course you won't be able to achieve the flawless look without proper touch up).

I will give this product 3 stars out of 5. I might not repurchase as I initially thought that my face could stay matte longer after using it! I had rather high expectations of this product!

NEW! Ettusais Aqua Splash

After work each day, I would always cut through Isetan to go to the train station. After staring at it for a few days in a row, I finally succumbed to temptation and bought the new Ettusais Aqua Splash (40ml).

This product works like a normal facial mist, which replenishes the moisture of your skin whenever it feels dry, or oil start to form on your face. However, the special thing about this is that this product contains an oil absorbing powder that absorbs the oil on your face, making it matte after spraying it on.

I tested this out at the counter. At the time of testing, I had shine at my T-zone (I have combination skin). So the SA held this thing 15cm away from my face, sprayed for about 3-4 times. I saw white tiny droplets on my face, so I patted my face gently and the product absorbed quickly into my skin. My whole face amazingly became matte, without looking or feeling dry. The powder in the mist had absorbed the oil on my face. I immediately brought this home at S$29.

When I reached home about 45 minutes later, my face still looked relatively matte. I will test it out for a few days and see how long this product will keep my face matte and update here. As for now, I am indeed pretty impressed by it. If the result continues to be good, I will no longer need facial blotters...