The Body Shop and Silk Whitia Masks Reviews

THE BODY SHOP - 3-IN-1 DEEP CLEANSING MASK

I am not a fan of The Body Shop skincare, but the raves on forums prompted me to get this when it was on much discounted price on an atrium sale. The retail price is $29.90, but it is at $10 off during the sale. That makes it priced at $19.90 during the sale.

It is made of Blue Corn powder, Kaolin Clay and Corn Oil. The Blue Corn powder works to to remove dead skin and dirt from the skin. Kaolin Clay, the most common item on most deep cleansing masks, draws out impurities. And Corn oil adds the necessary moisture.

After using it for 3 times, it is becoming one of my favourite deep cleansing masks! Although at a slightly pricer range (in comparison to the cheap Queen Helene Mint Julep), it is of better texture and gives a really clean feeling. I am surely getting more when there is another atrium sale! :)



I spread a good layer on my face each time, and after 3 usage, it is still full. You do not really need a thick thick layer for this.




SILK WHITIA - Highly Concentrated Collagen Gel Mask

I bought this off SASA when they seems to always have the Silk Whita Series on 1 for 1 offer. I can't remember the exact price for this.

Prior to using this, I've tried their strawberry and Kiwi, which I prefer the former to the latter. The Kiwi smells kinda weird. As for strawberry, the smell is okay, except that it is way too sweet for my liking. Effects for both are similar.

For this highly concentrated collagen gel mask, the effect seems to be what I desired. It firms up the skin and makes it look supple and well moisturize. The pores on the face look less 'hungry'. The amount of gel on this sheet mask is way more sufficient. If you find it too wasteful, you can actually drained out the excess gel to another container, and use it by spreading it on the face the next day.

One thing to note on this, please read the instructions when using this mask as it is required to wash off the essence off your face after masking! :)

3M Nexcare Acne Patch

3M Nexcare Acne Patch is supposed to be a water-based material that you paste over pimple/ acne and it will absorb the oil secretion and pus.

3 of the 5 bitches have tried this before and very mixed reviews.


Whiney - No rants, no raves. It doesn't fo any good for pimples, neither did it aggravate it.

Gentle - Loves this. Says it does good and subsides her pimples fast. She says it only works for pimples with pus or after you squeeze it.

Shitty - Is in a terrible state because of this. From a small pimple, to the monster below:

Shitty is so upset now. She went to see a doctor and have to go back for a review. If it doesn't subside, she will have to go to the hospital. Poor Shitty.... use this product with caution and may she recover soon.

Laser Treatment

Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you.

Yes, both whiney and gentle went for laser treatment with the SAME doctor. Of course, the review won't be a total duplicate. But I will touch on more on the treatment process and the recovery process.

Similar to Whiney, I couldn't stand the scars permanently residing on my face. I have both pigmented scars, pitted scars, box holes, and some active pimples when I decide to consult Whiney's doctor who did her laser. It was a difficult decision because his consultation and treatments aren't cheap. And his consultation fees can't be waived even when treatment is done on first visit. His consultation charge is a whooping S$100.

I was mentally prepared for an immediate laser treatment when I visited him. Yes, I cannot stand inefficacy and love instant results. However, through his examination of my 'damaged' face. He suggests that we should treat those active pimples and pigmented scars via Booster Peels. I obliged. I was running at my wit's end as to how to treat my face. The Booster Peels tuen out pretty ok. It wasn't anything special but chemical peels (Neostrata products) with pre-peel booster applied to strengthen the effect. I was also prescribed Dalacin T and Differin Gel 0.1% to apply too. After 2 peels and the topical medication, I was told I am ready for the laser.

I did mine on 21st Feb 2009. I told him that I'm going to be retrenched and he can perform the laser as deep as he felt suitable since I will have lots of time to spare. And yes, he went all the way. There are 3 parts to the whole procedure. First 2 will be focused on the pitted scars whereby the last part is an overall scanning of the entire face. Prior to the procedure, a numbing cream is applied 30 mins before the procedure. Upon Whiney's advice, I instructed them to apply to the entire face, including the jaw. As Whiney's pain treshold is sky high, I got to prepare for the worse. (When Whiney says not pain, it is pain. When Whiney says slightly pain, it is near-death type of pain. When Whiney says pain, it should be classified as death) Whiney says not really pain, but shocking. My verdict (my pain treshold is normal) is PAIN, to the extend that I almost wanted to stop the whole procedure. The most painful area, to me, is the area below the nose and area near the mouth. The pain almost killed me.

The entire procedure last about 20 mins. Though that 20 mins seems short, it was hell long when you at being shot by the laser gun continuously. After the procedure, it is totally not advisable to take public transport unless you stay so near the MRT that the MRT is less than 100 steps from your house. Mine is, and I received lots of stares, lots! I totally look weird. And I didn't wear a cap. Not that I didn't want to spend on a cab, but taking an MRT is much faster than if I were to take a cab and risk my face in the sun!

Back home, the pain and the burning sensation still lingers. So much that my brother has to go to convenient store at night to get me panadol extra to kill off the pain before I can sleep. Applying the cream that he gave is also a tough job when the skin is in pain. I can't remember how I managed, but I'm glad I pull through. The pain was gone the next day. But he indeed did a deep laser which gave me a downtime of more than 5 days. I appreciate his decision and skill in the laser depth, as it really helped a lot. And the effect is significant.

Below is some pictures of the 5 days recovery process.

The red spots were the deep area that was lasered. They evetually dropped off. The improvements are quite tremendous. Many of those who did not know I went for this treatment ask about the improvement. Even a hairdresser from a Salon I patronize ask me about my skin.
The price for my laser alone is S$1000. (Not including all the medications and Booster peels before the laser

Laser burn my skin (and my pocket). But it is well worth it.

He is located at
The Plastic Surgery Practice
Novena Medical Center
10 Sinaran Drive
#11-33Singapore 307506
phone: (65) 6397 6618
fax: (65) 6397 7076

Verdict: Don't waste money on products on pitted scars or enlarged pores, They'll probably give you temporary effects. Laser is the way to go.

LANEIGE WATER BANK CREAM 2_EX

A gift from a friend from her trip to korea.

This brand is common in SG. But this item is pretty special. The SG version sells WATER BANK CREAM 2. But the Korea version is WATER BANK CREAM 2_EX. Personally, I have no idea the difference between the two. However, I do try at the counter. And it appears to be more creamy than mine.

On the Laneige Korea website, it is stated suitable for combination and normal skin. And the benefits as stated in the website are as follows:

1) Fresh gel-typed, nano liposome supplying cream for the combination skin type that gently hydrates skin as if downy snow gently covers the earth.

2) Himalaya Snow Renew Water that contains 70 kinds of snow minerals provides nutrition and vitality to the skin and realizes the transparent and pure skin from deep inside of skin.

3) Water carrier protein, sugar apple that supplies fine water stimulates water circulation by leaving hydrated and soft skin behind.

4) Multi-nano liposome gradually discharges liposome water energy as time goes by, which enables moisture to be remained for some hours.

My reviews

This moisturizer gives sufficient moisturing capabilities for daily care, provided one is not sleeping in air conditioned room, nor applying topical treatments like Differin or Retin A. If you are using Differin, Retin A, or any products that can be drying, it would be good to apply a thicker than usual layer.

Texture: Gel based. Non-oily. Upon application, there won't be the 'perfectly smooth' feeling. (If there is, it's probably silicon loaded) Absorbs into skin readily.

Effects: Supple skin. And if you load a thicker layer at night, you will be expecting well moisturized, glowy skin. No clogging of pores observed after 2 months of religious usage.

Suitability: It has been used by me, the super problematic skin, highly prone to clogged pore when wrong products used. It was also used by the nice ladies who bought this for me. Her skin is normal, and slightly dry. It worked well too, but she probably got to apply a thicker layer than usual. And no negative effects for her too!

Verdict: A GREAT basic moisturizer.

4 out of 5 claps!

Gentle - 4th reviewer

I'm slow, but not for taking care of my skin. I'm 4th reviewer, Gentle

I probably have most skincare products than the rest of them. However, that does not mean that I have the best skin. Because buying and religiously using is 2 different story. But of course, having battling acne for more than 15 years, the problem is finally kept at bay, at least for now. :)

Age: 27

Skin Type: Combination. With my lovely jobs (past and present) having makeup restrictions and with dry working atmosphere, the previously oily skin has evolved to combination. On certain unlucky period, peeling can be evident if my face is in touch with alcohol.

Current Problems: Pitted holes cause by itchy fingers of the past. Some scars that are easily covered by concealer and living in harmony for the time being. A fervent patient to peels and lasers.

Slogan for Skincare: If it works fast, it’s worth it!
(Yes, I prefer things fast and instant)

Favourite Make Up: Blusher.

Can't live without: Concealer!

Eating habits: Love good treats occasionally. Particularly love Japanese food. Particularly hate food courts.

Pain Threshold: Moderate

Tolerance for funkiness of product(s): High. As long as it works FAST!

Body Type: FAT.

Hair: Chopped it short not too long ago. Am adaptable to both long and short hair. Rebond when I need more manageable hair. Coloured.

Other concerns: Get depressed when I look at pictures a few years back. Why do mankind has to grow old!?!