Product Review: Benefit The POREfessional

Hello again, everyone!

If you're considering buying this product, I'd suggest reading my review first.

Jar Packaging: No
Tested on Animals: Yes
Price: RM 40.00 (7.5 ml), RM 115.00 (22 ml), RM 210.00 (44 ml)

Claims

Quickly minimise the appearance of pores! Apply this silky, lightweight balm for translucent pore coverage and smoother-than-smooth skin. Pores...now you see 'em, now you don't! Complements all skin tones.

Ingredients

Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance (Parfum), Mica, Iron Oxides, Trethoxycaprylylsilane, BHT

How To Use

1. Cleanse your face and apply facial moisturiser.

2. Apply The POREfessional.

3. Reapply as needed.

Lil' Missy's Review

It's highly recommended to apply The POREfessional after your facial moisturiser to hide enlarged pores and give your skin a smoother and matte appearance. Note the word "hide".

The texture is a little creamy, and it goes on dry and silky. Upon application, it's shine free, but if you have stubborn oily skin, you'll definitely need to keep reapplying the product as it doesn't hold back shine for long.

If you're looking to hide your large pores for nights out or events, then you would want to consider this product. It will do the job for a few to several hours (with reapplication).

I've discovered that the best way to use this is to apply a bit first, then blend it well. If you need more coverage, apply more. Also, let it set into your skin for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then apply powder by gently pressing it into your skin (as opposed to using sweeping strokes).

The ability to minimise pore size is highly overstated. I may not repurchase this product as the effects are superficial; there are no skin-care properties that actually help to reduce enlarged pores.

Do I like this product? Ehhh... it's not bad. 

Would I recommend it? No. Not unless you want a temporary measure to hide enlarged pores.

Pros

• Temporarily reduces the appearance of enlarged pores.
• Upon application, skin feels and looks shine free, silky, and smooth.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Effects are only superficial; doesn't actually help to reduce enlarged pores.
• Provides temporary silky, smooth, and shine-free skin.
• Not fragrance free. Has a bit of an intense fragrance.

Skin-Care Tip

Using the right moisturiser makes a big difference because if you have enlarged pores and oily skin, applying most traditional moisturisers will almost definitely exaggerate both skin concerns.

If you have oily skin and large pores, I'd recommend using a lightweight, gel-type moisturiser for smoothing your skin without a creamy or slick finish.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

I hope this review helps you, especially if you're considering purchasing this product. I'm certain that the skin-care tip would definitely help you!

Until my next update soon... :) xoxo

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

Product Review: Love Is Caramel Custard Lipbalm

Hey, everyone!

A couple of my friends have an online seasonal store, Love Is, and they recently ventured into the art of DIY body care and skin care. They were nice to let me try one of their handmade lipbalms for my review: Caramel Custard Lipbalm.

If you haven't heard of them yet, you will soon enough. It is an exciting and growing seasonal store that deserves to be known!

Ingredients

Beeswax, Grapeseed Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, and Flavoured Oils.

Price

Per container or tube costs only RM 10.00.

Weight

Each container or tube contains between 25 - 30 grams of homemade lipbalmy goodness.

Lil' Missy's Review

The lipbalm comes in a cute little container that you can easily keep in your handbag, and carry around with you. It smells so good, you'd want to eat it! Seriously! It smells like a combination of caramel popcorn and maple syrup. You need to try it to believe it.

This product would be good for dry lips, or if you simply want moisturised lips. It is non greasy and doesn't leave your lips feeling weighed down.

It gets more exciting: this little baby now comes in a sleek, black tube for absolute convenience! You get to choose whether you want your very own lipbalm in a container or a tube.

Love Is Caramel Custard Lipbalm in Tubes

Love Is is owned and managed by two lovely Malaysian ladies: Philo and Pam; Philo makes the products while Pam does brand marketing and advertising for their products, and manages the Facebook page. That's what I call teamwork!

Love Is owners: Philo (right of image) and Pam (left)

Don't you just adore these faces? To top it off, these ladies are through and through animal lovers! :D All you animal lovers out there, take note. ;)

They have a pretty wide variety of handmade items like soaps, body scrubs, and lipbalms. And these items are made from all-natural ingredients to feed your skin with nothing but wholesome goodness. Also, their prices are affordable and the products are value for money. 

These are just some of their handmade products:

Love Is Assorted Lipbalms -Strawberry Slushie, Pink Angel, Caramel Custard, and Bubblegum
(RM 10.00 per container)

Love Is Lemon Chia Soap
(RM 10.00 per piece; for a minimum order of 50 pieces, it's RM 8.00 per piece)

Love Is Milk Rosette Milk Soap
(RM 10.00 per piece; for a minimum order of 50 pieces, it's RM 8.00 per piece)

Love Is Orange Tea Soap

Love Is Latest Creation, Panda Soap
(RM 10.00 per piece)

Besides these products I'm sharing with you, they have MORE luxurious items for sale. 

Currently, they are taking orders for soaps and lipbalms from only within PJ and KL. All deliveries will be made via Poslaju.

When you place your order today, they ensure that the order goes out the next day. While they provide efficient service, do bear in mind that Poslaju takes anywhere between 1 - 6 days for delivery. I'm afraid that Poslaju isn't as efficient as Love Is. However, you should be able to receive your order within a week.

The delivery charges are RM 6.00 for Semenanjung Malaysia; RM 8.00 for Sabah and Sarawak.

For more details - or to place your orders - do visit the Love Is Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/loveisgifts?fref=ts

These two ladies are friendly and helpful, and they would be happy to answer your questions/enquiries. Well, what are you waiting for?? Visit their page and place your orders today! Go, go, go! :) Tell them Lil' Missy sent you their way with hugs and kisses. xoxo

*Note: All other photos are courtesy of Love Is Facebook page.

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Be good. Be safe. Have a fabulous weekend, my lovelies!! :) xoxo

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

DIY Body Scrubs: Mother's Day Gifts

Hey, everyone!

Every year is a dilemma for me when it comes to buying gifts for Mother's Day. This year, though, I decided to do something different and creative. Instead of buying gifts, I made them. :D

I had 3 people to give gifts to, so I chose to make body scrubs using ingredients from the kitchen. I decided on body scrubs because these women care for their skin and enjoy pampering themselves. After all, which woman doesn't want her skin to feel and look good? ;)

For many months, I have searched and found loads of interesting and simple recipes online. I made note of the recipes I liked, tested them, then customised them to how I like them. I have been making these homemade specialties along with many other homemade stuff mostly for myself and as gifts. 

They're excellent for your own use and as gifts for many reasons:

1. You control the ingredients in these items (you choose what goes in them).
2. They are incredibly economical (so much cheaper than store-bought products).
3. They contain mostly natural, healthy ingredients (you can literally eat these scrubs).
4. They are so much FUN to make! (some people find shopping therapeutic.. my therapy is making these DIY stuff)

I made 3 types for 3 very special women this Mother's Day:

1. Choco Sugar Scrubalicious
2. Lemon and Thyme Salt Scrubalicious
3. Earthy Honey Scrubalicious

Once I made the body scrubs, I put them into airtight jars that I carefully selected for this occasion.

The ingredients are mostly as listed:

• Sugar (white and brown)
• Salt
• Honey
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Cocoa Powder
• Artificial Food Colouring (they don't stain the skin)
• Artificial Food Flavours

Then, I made labels with their names and a small set of instructions. I tied each jar with a ribbon and label. And they were good to go!! :)

It's easier than it sounds, but making these handmade gifts requires interest/passion, time, and patience. I went through many trial-and-error experiments before coming up with just the right mixes. Some of the scrubs that I've been making last up to 6 months! How awesome is that?! 

A special note of thanks to my partner for being very patient all these months, and for being a great sport allowing me to test them on him! Thank you, baby! :D

I gave these gifts to these wonderful women today. Needless to say, they were very happy that the gifts were personalised, and made with love and care just for them. I gave the Lemon and Thyme Salt Scrubalicious to my aunt this evening. She tried it as soon as she went back home and called me full of excitement to tell me that she used it and was very happy with it! She has dry skin and said that the scrub was easy to use, moisturising, and just as good (if not better) than store-bought ones!! YAYYY!!! :D

It makes me very happy that she was extremely satisfied with my handmade gift for her!

If you have the interest, time, and patience, you could do it too. These homemade body scrubs make excellent gifts for any occasion!

I hope you enjoy this tip as much as I enjoyed making them and sharing them with you.

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To all mothers on Earth and in Heaven, may everyday be a celebration of your endless love, care, and support. We, your children, cannot thank you enough and are eternally grateful for everything you've done (and are still doing). We love you very much.

Until my next update, be good, be safe, and have a wonderful week ahead, my lovelies! :) xoxo

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

Product Review: Olay Regenerist Night Resurfacing Essence

Hey, everyone!!

After a long leave of absence, I'm happy to announce that I'm back! :D No, I did not forget you. And, yes, I've missed you, my fellow followers and readers. Thank you for all your likes on my Facebook page, and for your support with the page and my Blog! Also, thank you for your messages asking if I'm okay! :) xx

I've had a very busy couple of months, and needed to focus on other matters: new job, new home, no Internet, yada yada yada yada. Everything's good, though, and it's all sorted now. And I'm BACK!! Woohoo! :D

Let's get right to it then!

In my continuous pursuit to find the right skin care over many years, I've had to use countless brands and products. By "right" skin care, I mean that the brands and products must:

1. Suit my skin (I have combination skin that's a little sensitive. Also, my skin gets a little dry because I'm exposed to air conditioning a lot).
2. Actually do what they claim.
3. Preferably have all the products I need in one range.
4. Not cost me an arm and a leg.

Off the top of my head, these are only some of the brands that I've used: 
SK-II, Clarins, Clinique, Simple, L'Oreal, Kate Somerville, Aesop, Origins, Avon, Bio-Oil, Dr. Brandt, Dr. Jart, Estee Lauder, Fresh, Garnier, GoodSkin Labs, Kiehl's, L'Occitane, Laura Mercier, Neutrogena, Nivea, Perricone MD, Peter Thomas Roth, philosophy, Pond's, Shiseido, St. Ives, StriVectin, Clean and Clear, and The Body Shop. Yep, I've really used countless brands and products. ;)

As you can see from the list, I've used brands ranging from affordable to very expensive. Unfortunately, most of the brands didn't do it for me - they were either too costly to maintain, worked for only a short duration, didn't do as claimed, or didn't suit my skin.

These past two months, I've been using Olay Regenerist Night Resurfacing Essence. In Malaysia, you'll find that this product is labelled by this name. However, in other countries like the USA, it's called Olay Regenerist Night Resurfacing Elixir. I don't know why they're named a little differently, but they're both the same product.

I bought it from Guardian at Bangsar Shopping Centre for RM 99.00 (normal price). It comes in only one size: 50 ml (1.7 fl. oz.). I've been to quite a few Watson's and Guardian outlets in PJ and KL, and they don't have it. Either that or they didn't have stock. I asked the assistants working at these outlets and they had no clue what it was.

(Photo Credit: www.impactpr.co.nz)

Claims

Resurface skin while you sleep for tighter, smoother skin when you wake. Olay Regenerist Night Resurfacing Elixir works each night to help gently resurface skin while you sleep for tighter, smoother skin when you wake - without the risk of harsh side effects associated with a professional chemical peel. When applied each night, the non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula with glycolic acid works over a normal sleep cycle to give you uninterrupted exfoliation while antioxidants and moisturizers continuously provide soothing hydration to tighten skin's surface.

Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Allantoin, PEG-100 Stearate, Cellulose, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Iron Oxides.

Lil' Missy's Review

I was very skeptical at first because I've used so many products with minimal to no results. Let me just say that, after just one or two uses, I could see a difference! I've been using this product for about 2 months now and not only is my skin hydrated and more even-toned, but my blackheads and whiteheads have reduced too! I'm amazed to say the least. 

This product has a very light, silky, serum-like texture that provides slight hydration and a smooth finish. It is non greasy, and it exfoliates your skin while you sleep. No joke.

Each night, after cleansing your face and neck, apply this product. You need to use only one or two pumps at the most, then apply a thin, even layer on the face and neck (avoid the eye area). Once applied on the skin, it dries fast. You'll need to let it absorb for a few minutes before applying your night cream/moisturiser. 

The first time I applied it, I didn't wait. I immediately applied my night cream over it. As I was applying the cream on my skin, there were little white stuff on some areas that looked like my skin was peeling off. My skin wasn't peeling off - the white stuff were because I didn't allow the Essence to absorb into my skin. So remember to allow the Essence to absorb into your skin for a few minutes BEFORE applying your night cream/moisturiser.

Notes:
(i) The translucent pump bottle packaging should be stored away from light to preserve the efficacy of the antioxidants.

(ii) Although Olay positions this product as a moisturiser, it is first and foremost an AHA exfoliant. So those with dry skin will definitely need to apply a cream/moisturiser over this.

A bottle will last for many months, and is absolutely value for money. The photo below shows how much I've used daily for 2 months, and there's still a LOT left. How awesome is that?!

I’d highly recommend it for all skin types. I have 3 words for you: Buy It Now!

Let me know how it works for you. Leave me a comment on my Blog or Facebook page, or even send me an email or a message.

Olay Regenerist Night Resurfacing Essence

If you have an adverse reaction to this product, please seek medical consultation immediately.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

I enjoy making DIY skin care and body care stuff - it's fun and so much cheaper, but sometimes you need some products that are made by experts in a lab. For my skin, I do need the experts help sometimes. 

The Internet is amazing with what you can find online! Since starting my Blog last year, I've been researching and found some really cool stuff online. I've been experimenting and making some DIY stuff as gifts for friends and family. Perhaps I'll put them in my list and share them with you in my updates to come. 

Also, there'll be more reviews on Olay products. Yay, Olay!

Be good, be safe, and have fun, my lovelies!! :) xoxo

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

DIY Face Mask: Egg White

Hey everyone!!

I'm b-a-a-a-c-c-c-k!!

I'm sorry for the long silence. Did you miss me? Did ya? Did ya?? :p I'm back in action after the long break and I'm kicking off 2014 with a super simple skin-care tip for you. Check it out! ;)

Here's a really good treatment for your skin regardless of your age and gender: use egg white as a face mask. This is an effective mask that you should try! :D

(Photo Credit: http://7beautytips.com)

Benefits of Using Egg Whites

• Contains a lot of protein.
• High in collagen and vitamin A.
• All natural.
• Inexpensive.

Benefits for Your Skin

• Tightens your skin.
• Removes blackheads and whiteheads.
• Helps to minimise open pores.
• Removes dead skin.
• Helps to prevent wrinkles.
• Reduces fine lines. 
• Reduces acne.

~ Caution ~

Before I get to the steps involved, I need to inform you that if you have an allergy to raw eggs or even find the smell of raw eggs unbearable, then this is NOT the mask for you. The smell of raw egg whites is quite strong and smells bad to some people. Think of.. ammonia.. That's it: ammonia! That's what it smells like to me. I'm not exaggerating - some of you would agree with me. :p

With the words of caution out of the way, let's get right to it!

You'll Need These:

• 1 Egg (if you prefer, you could use an organic egg)
• A Small Bowl
• A Fork
• Clean Fingers or A Brush
• Lemon Juice (optional)

What You'll Need To Do:

Step 1: Cleanse your face with a gentle facial cleanser.

Step 2: Crack open an egg and separate the yolk from the white. 
            I'd recommend doing this over a bowl, so that the egg white drips into it.

Step 3: Gently beat the egg white until it's a little frothy.
            You could add several drops of lemon juice if you'd like a cleansing effect.

Step 4: Using clean fingers or a brush, apply the beaten egg white onto your face in
            upward motions avoiding your lips and eye area. Remember to apply it on your
            neck as well using the same motions.

Step 5: Leave the egg white to dry on your skin for about 15 - 20 minutes.

Step 6: Gently peel off, or wash off the egg white with lukewarm or cold water.
            I usually wash it off with water followed by my facial cleanser because I don't
            fancy the smell of egg white on my skin.

Step 7: Finish up with your regular skin-care routine (ie. toner > eye cream > moisturiser >
           sunscreen).

Frequency

For oily or combination skin: it's best to use this mask 2 - 3 times a week.
For dry skin: use this mask once a week.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

When I use this mask, I use only egg whites; I don't add lemon juice because, when combined, the unpleasant odour sends me dry heaving in the nearest corner. Needless to say, that's not a pretty sight.

You'll need to use the mask regularly before you see significant results. Although some may see results faster than others, don't worry because each person's skin responds differently and at a different rate.

Try this effective home-made remedy and let me know how you find it. As always, I'd love to hear from you! :)

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

Product Review: Shine Night Cream

Hey everyone!

Have you come across a Facebook page advertising a cream called Shine Night Cream?

Perhaps you may have seen your friends like this page on Facebook? 

Several months back, a friend of mine tried this cream and told me about it. She said that since using it, she saw a difference in her skin in just a couple of weeks. I saw the difference in her skin as well: it lightened the marks on her face and she didn't have as many pimples.

I've seen the page before and ignored it because it looked like every other Facebook page selling "miracle" stuff. Besides, I had never heard of it. Since my friend tried it, I thought, "Why not try it out myself?"

Try it, I did.

I've been applying it on my face and neck every night for the past 3 months. Before I tell you what I think about it, though, let me share what this cream claims to do for you.

Benefits?

Renews, refines, and gives a natural glow to the skin. Also, reduces fine lines, evens out discolouration as well as prevents and fades marks and acne.

Ingredients?

Contains natural ingredients such as Vetiver, Mint, and Liquorice, Also uses modern day technological research by experts from Pakistan.

Price?

A Trial Pack/Jar costs RM 30. When I used it daily, it lasted me about 2 weeks.
A Non-Trial Jar sets you back RM 170. For me, this can last about 3 months.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

So now, this is the part where I tell you what I think about the cream. 

Pros

• Need to use only a small amount daily - say, the size of a 5 cent coin.
• Easy to apply and not greasy. I have combination skin, so this is helpful.
• Dries fast, and dries to a smooth finish. If you have ever used Hazeline Snow, this cream's texture is similar to it.
• Does not have a strong scent.
• Once applied, skin looks a little whitecast. I'm not fussed about this because I'll be sleeping, and not going out.
• Keeps my skin hydrated. I like this about the cream, especially since I sleep in an air-conditioned room almost every night.
• Does not have a negative reaction to my skin. This is ultra important to me because I have sensitive skin.
• Evened out my skin discolouration a little.

Cons

• The sizes of the trial and non-trial jars are rather small.
• No packaging for the jars, and no labelling.
• A bit expensive.

Overall, I like it and I'm happy that I tried it. It's a bit expensive for a small jar, but it can last up to 3 months with daily use. I can't say that I'll stick with this for life, but it's good enough for me for the time being. As a matter of fact, I'll be placing my order for another non-trial jar soon because mine's finishing! In case you're wondering.. no, I'm not getting paid for writing this review. This is my honest feedback.

For more information, search for the "Shine Cream" page on Facebook. There are also other products being sold. You may message them for more enquiries and/or to place your order(s). One of the page Administrators, Komethi, is a pleasant and friendly lady. She'd be happy to answer your questions. You could tell her you read about it on my blog. Tell her I say "Hi!"

If you're trying out the cream too, let me know how it goes. I'd love to hear from you! :)

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

DIY Face Mask: Banana, Honey and Lemon

Hey everyone!

Hope your weekend's treating you well so far. 

I personally LOVE homemade scrubs and masks simply because they are all natural, effective, and inexpensive. It take only a little time shopping for the items and preparing them, and it's completely worth it!!

Sundays are usually ideal for relaxing - a great day for pampering yourself in the comfort of your home! Here's a homemade mask that you need to try! 

Ingredients

1/4 small, ripe banana
1 teaspoon honey
3/4 teaspoon lemon juice

Steps

01. Cleanse your face and neck with a facial cleanser.

02. Cut or tear the banana into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Then, mash the
      banana pieces with a metal fork until it turns to mush.

03. Add honey and lemon juice to the banana mush.
     (It doesn't matter which goes into the mush first as long as they are both poured in.)

04. Mix the ingredients well until you get a slightly runny consistency.
     (You don't want the mixture very runny or it'll drip down your face; you don't want it
      very thick either because it'll be difficult to spread on your face.)

05. Make sure your face and neck are dry.

06. Apply the mixture onto your face and neck, making sure to avoid the entire eye area
     and hairline. It's best to apply the mask within 10 minutes of mixing it or else it dries
     up and hardens.
     (The closer to the hairline you apply the mask, the more difficult it is to remove
     because some bits will get stuck in your hair.)

*Note: If you like bananas and honey, you'll be tempted to eat this straight from your
          face because it smells yummy. I should know because I did it! *lol*

07. Leave the mask on for about 20 minutes. Once it's completely dry, the mask will
     feel like a thin, satin film on your skin.

*Note: You may experience a slight stinging sensation because of the lemon juice - this is normal. 
          If it feels painful or if the stinging persists and is very uncomfortable, then STOP and
          immediately wash your face. 
          Also, be mindful if you have any cuts or open wounds on your face because it WILL hurt. Best
          to wait until the cut or wound heals.

08. Wash your face with lukewarm/warm/cold water. Then, gently pat your face dry with
      a face towel.

09. Apply your toner (if you use one) and facial moisturiser like you normally would.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

Results

My face and neck felt like SATIN immediately after - soft and smooth like a baby's bum! My skin felt hydrated and taut. My face looked clean, bright and radiant. I really like it! I'd definitely recommend this mask! :D

Benefits of Bananas, Honey and Lemon Juice

Bananas contain vitamins that are known to improve complexion and even smooth wrinkles when applied directly to the skin. Eating bananas is also a great way to beautify as vitamins C and B6, manganese and water improve your complexion from the inside out.

While bananas help nourish the skin, honey absorbs and retains moisture, hydrating the skin and enhancing your natural glow. 

Lemon juice is a natural exfoliator, skin lightener, and brightens your skin. It also helps to reduce the appearance of scars and acne. If you have dark spots, scars, acne or would just like to lighten your complexion, try using lemons.

Why This Mask Is GOOD

•  The ingredients can be easily found in your kitchen. Or grocery store.

•  It's home made, which means that NO chemicals and preservatives are used.

•  It's totally inexpensive, people. Seriously!

•  It's effective. But you must be patient because you'll see long-term results only over the
    course of weeks.

Skin Type

This mask is suitable for all skin types, especially combination or oily skin types because lemon can be a little drying when applied to the skin. 

If you have dry skin, try reducing the amount of lemon or simply make the mask without it. 

Preparation Time

5 minutes

Frequency

Best to use this mask 2 - 3 times a week. The more frequently you use it, the more apparent you'll see and feel the results.

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Have a go and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from you! :)

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

Lemon and Sugar Facial Scrub

Hey everyone!

When life gives you lemons, make facial scrub!

I've watched many different YouTube videos and read many different articles about this home-made scrub, and thought I'd try it out. 

Firstly, there was no particular video I watched or article I read to be able to cite sources. Secondly, well... there is no secondly! ;)

Here's how you do it: 

Ingredients

Lemon

Sugar (brown or white - your preference)

Facial Cotton

Steps

01. Cleanse your face with a facial cleanser.

02. Cut a slice of lemon and squeeze the juice into a bowl, making sure there are no seeds
      in the bowl.

03. Take the facial cotton and dip it into the lemon juice. Make sure that it soaks up the
      juice.

04. Take a little sugar and put it on the already-soaked-with-lemon-juice facial cotton.

     (I used half a small teaspoon of white sugar. You can use either white or brown sugar.)

05. Make sure your face is dry.

06. Rub your face and neck in gentle, circular motions. Make sure you avoid the entire eye
     area.

     (I would suggest leaning over a sink when you're doing this so that the sugar falls into the
     sink, and not all over the floor.)

*Note: You may experience a slight stinging sensation because of the lemon juice - this is normal. 
          If it feels painful or if the stinging persists and is very uncomfortable, then STOP and
          immediately wash your face. 
          Also, be mindful if you have any cuts or open wounds on your face because it WILL hurt. Best
          to wait until the cut or wound heals.

07. Wash your face with lukewarm/warm/cold water, then gently pat your face dry with a
      face towel.

08. Apply your toner (if you use one) and facial moisturiser like your normally would.

Results?

My skin looked immediately brighter and cleaner. And it felt fresh! (I'm a happy camper!)

Why use lemon?

Lemons are a natural skin lightener. If you have dark spots or would just like to lighten your complexion, try using lemons.

What's the sugar for?

Sugar acts as a natural exfoliator (bet you didn't know that):

•  does not clog pores

•  helps eliminate blemishes

•  restores balance to skin’s oils. 

First, sugar is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment into the skin. So when you apply products with sugar or sugar derivatives, they’ll actually help hydrate your skin and keep moisture within.

Secondly, sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that penetrates the skin and breaks down the “glue” that bonds skin cells, encouraging cell turnover and generating fresher, younger-looking skin. Glycolic acid is typically used to treat sun-damaged and aging skin. Because it can be irritating to certain skin types, over-the-counter products typically contain less than a 10 percent concentration of glycolic acid in their formulas.

Finally, sugar’s small particles make an excellent topical exfoliant, and are used in a number of body scrubs to exfoliate dead surface skin cells and reveal the glowing, healthy-looking skin underneath.

Why this scrub is GOOD?

•  The ingredients can be easily found in your kitchen. Or grocery store.

•  It's home made, which means that NO chemicals and preservatives are used.

•  It's cheap, people. It's cheap!

•  It's effective. But you must be patient because you'll see long-term results only over the
    course of weeks.

This scrub is suitable for combination or oily skin types because lemon can be a little drying when applied to the skin. Best to use this 2 - 3 times a week.

Give it a go and let me know what you think! :)