Garnier Pure Active Anti-Spot Roll-On

When I ran out of my favourite pimple gel, Garnier’s SOS Blemish Clear Pen, I expected to get an exact replacement at Priceline. Unfortunately, they were out of the gel, and all they had was the new anti-spot roll-on. I figured, what the hell, I’ll give it a go. That pimple of mine was going to have to go, by hook or by crook!

Garnier Pure Active Anti Spot Roll On

Description:

Garnier Pure Active is a new generation of concentrated formulas tested on acne-prone skin.
Is Garnier Pure Active Pimple relief cooling roll-on right for me?
Yes, if your recurring and stubborn pimples tend to become red and leave marks easily.
How is it different?
New Garnier Pure Active Pimple relief cooling roll-on has a revolutionary metal roller-ball that helps provide immediate relief from pimples. Convenient to carry around, it is even easier to use and apply under any circumstances.
How does it work? Its clear formula is ultra-purifying and non-greasy. Concentrated with 2% salicyclic acid to quickly dry out pimples, and HerbaRepair, which helps accelerate skin recovery, the number of pimples and red marks are visibly reduced.

Garnier SOS Blemish Pen
In comparison to the SOS Blemish Gel

I compared this to the SOS Blemish gel in a tube when I first tried out the roll-on stick. First of all, the roll-on spreaded a watery substance on the skin, compared to the gel. I tend to be very heavy-handed with the gel when attacking a pimple; I’d squeeze out a big dollop of it upon every single use. For the roll-on stick, it felt as though I wasn’t putting enough product on the zit.

Still, I reckon it’s a good thing because prior to the roll-on stick, I think I was using far too much pimple gel on just one spot. Not only was it a waste of product, the active ingredients dried out the skin around the pimple too, causing it to peel. With the roll-on, I didn’t have to use as much product.

As a pimple attacker, this works just fine. Dried out my spots in just a day, at most two. Plus I like the cool feel of metal massaging the bumps 😛

There’s just one thing I don’t like about it though, and that’s the sanitary factor of the roll-on. Before, with the gel, I could share it with my husband, who gets spots quite often. With the roll-on, I’m the only one who can use it, as I’m not comfortable spreading zit germs to and fro, even with the hubs.

Oh well. It’s MINE and mine alone. Huzzah!

Garnier Pure Active Anti-Spot Roll-On retails at AU$12.55 for 15ml and is available at all leading pharmacies and supermarkets.

What I like about it: Handy size, cool metal effect, works just as well as the previous pimple gel.

What I do not like about it: Can’t share it with anyone (perhaps that’s a good thing? ;))

4 comments

The Brand Film of Illamasqua

This film unravels the multi layered heritage tapestry of Illamasqua; the 1920s Berlin influence, the story of Kryolan, S.O.P.H.I.E and the influencing factors of sub cultures.

A bit la-di-dah, and sales-pitchy towards the end, but an interesting video nevertheless.

2 comments

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup

After seeing my shiny T-zone in photographs at the Primped Look Book event, I knew it was time to change my foundation. I had a good run with Clinique’s Superfit Makeup, but it really was time to move on.

I first stumbled upon Chanel’s Vitalumiere Aqua foundation when I peeled a sample sachet off a fashion magazine. After I completely squeezed out every single drop of fluid from the foil, I knew I had to get the full-sized bottle.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup

Description:

A new-generation texture. An unprecedented sensory experience. A unique makeup result. Rapid and easy application. VITALUMIÈRE AQUA. Apply your makeup without thinking about it.
Its soft and evanescent ultra-fine fluid texture is a real surprise. Although it is exceptionally delicate and light, an incomparable “second-skin” perfecting result is achieved. The complexion appears amazingly even, fresh and energized. The skin glows with seemingly nude beauty. As if glowing from within. Bathed in light…
Its formula, endowed with a UVB sun filter and mineral sunscreen, protects the skin from damaging sun rays (SPF 15). Its crystalline fragrance accentuates the sensation of freshness and pleasure on application.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup Ingredients

Okay, that description was too frou-frou, even for me. Bathed in light? I half-expected rays of sunshine when I picked up the bottle! 😛

Here’s what the foundation really is like.

The texture is incredibly light, watery even. When I applied it on my skin, it spreaded effortlessly. This foundation gives medium coverage, which suited me just fine. I wasn’t looking for anything heavy, not with my oily skin anyway.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup Spout

I really like how light this is. It felt as though I had no makeup on, even after sweeping my favourite loose powder on top. My T-zone, especially the nose, remained oil-free for hours. I don’t normally apply foundation all over my face, just the T-zone and areas that need that bit of coverage (e.g. redness around my nose and cheeks). This suited me to a T. The added SPF 15 is simply icing on the cake.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup Swatch
Mine was B30 (Beige-Sable)

This is my first Chanel liquid foundation, and it did pinch my wallet, seeing how expensive 30ml is. But for something that works that fine for me, well, I’d say it was money well spent.

If you have oily skin, and that extra bit of dough to spend, this is something I highly recommend.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup SPF15 retails at AU$77 for 30ml and is available at MYER, David Jones and selected pharmacies. It’s available in three colour ranges:

Ivory Beige – for a soft natural radiance
– B10 Beige – Pastel (Pink)
– B20 Beige – Tendre (Soft)
– B30 Beige – Sable (Sand)
– B40 Beige – Desert (Desert)

Rose Beige – for a healthy matte finish
– BR10 Beige Rose – Paste (Pink)
– BR20 Beige Rose – Tendre (Soft)
– BR30 Beige Rose – Sable (Sand)

Ceramic White – Beige Ocre
– BO20 Beige Ocre – Tendre (Soft) – available in Limited Edition

What I like about it: Very light in texture, oil-free, contains SPF

What I do not like about it: It’s bloomin’ expensive!

PS: It just makes me wonder, how many of us have bought full-sized products just from trying and loving those tiny sample sachets we peel off magazines?

Update (13 June 2011): Chanel’s Vitalumiere Aqua foundation started oxidising on me after a few months of use. It’s not very obvious, but I could tell my skintone looked just ever-so-slightly darker than usual. It’s not a major problem for me.

29 comments

Neutrogena Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser SPF30+

Neutrogena Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser SPF30+

Description:

Neutrogena Healthy Defence SPF 30+ is a nourishing daily moisturiser that offers balance between 24-hour hydration and advanced protection to help combat the signs of premature ageing caused by UV exposure. The formula is lightweight, non-greasy and absorbs into the skin. Contains helioplex with technology to provide UVB and UVA protection against UV exposure as well as vitamins A, C and E. Can be used as a base under make-up. Available in: Normal/Combination and Combination/Oily.

Neutrogena Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser SPF30+ Ingredients

First of all, I don’t know if this is a product rename, or a new range altogether by Neutrogena (I suspect it’s the latter), because look at how similar it is to the Ultra Sheer Daily Face sunscreen lotion?

Neutrogena Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser SPF30+ with Ultra Sheer Face Lotion

Secondly, I have to say, I absolutely LOVE this sunscreen. I’ve been using thie Ultra Sheer lotion for a year, and although it was for normal to oily skin, it still gave me a slight hint of shine after several hours of use. But the Healthy Defence SPF30 for combination/oily skin is a godsend for those of us with oily skin.

It’s light in texture, oil-free and absorbs to the skin very quickly. I could have it on all day and not have a shiny nose. There’s no white cast upon application, and spreads on the skin well. What I like even more about this is that it doesn’t have that strong chemical-y smell that sunscreens usually have. You know what I mean? Even the Ultra Sheer sunscreen has a hint of that chemical-y scent. But the Healthy Defence? It has a subtle fruity scent, which is really quite pleasant.

I’m very glad to say that this has now earned a staple position in my daily skincare routine, and will remain so all summer.

Neutrogena Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser SPF30+ Range

Neutrogena Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser with SPF30+ comes in Normal/Combination Skin and Combination/Oily Skin. For those with combination skin, I would still recommend you to use the one for Combination/Oily Skin. Your skin will appreciate it better. It retails at AU$17.95 for 50ml and is available at all leading pharmacies and supermarkets.

What I like about it: Light, oil-free, subtle fruity scent. Great for oily skin.

What I do not like about it: Nothing

This product was sent to me for consideration.

5 comments
Scroll To Top

Not another bloody pop-up! I know. But now that I've gotten your attention (because this is how I roll *ahem ahem*), come join the BA Insider community! Sign up for a weekly newsy letter for your beauty and lifestyle fix. Straight to your inbox.

Because I love you for reading this and not closing the pop-up just yet, you'll also receive a FREE Skincare Cheat Sheet where I share some of my tips for taking better care of your skin. Let's keep that gorgeous mug of yours glowing!

We hate spam as much as baked beans. We also won't share your details with anyone because we're selfish like that.