Hello everyone, how was 2017 (BE 2560) for you? I have to say that I (Thep) had so many skin problems this year — breakouts everywhere! My skin changed so much — sometimes oily, sometimes combination, sometimes dry. I have to admit that ever since I started testing things for everyone to see, my skin has been good sometimes and bad sometimes, depending on the situation. There is no cream, no skincare that truly covers the entire universe. We have to adapt to our own environment. Today I have curated 10 categories for everyone to see — My Favorite Skincare, Hair & Body Care, Makeup 2017, mine alone. If you're ready, let's look at the first category.
1. My Favorite Cleansing Water
Let's start by removing makeup first. I have to say that this year I tried very few new cleansing products — mostly the same familiar brands, drug store brands that everyone knows. Whether it's Mizumi, Pure Vivi, Nu Formula, oh and there's Garnier with a new formula, and Lalil too. But the ones I use most often, switching between them, are these 3.
Mizumi Smooth Cleansing Water 500ml. Price 490 baht
Purevivi Cleansing Lotion 500ml. 590 baht
Nu Formula Mineral Cleansing Water For Sensitive Skin 510ml 490 baht
During sale periods, Mizumi drops to just over 200 baht, Pure Vivi to 390, and Nu Formula does a buy-1-get-1 deal — incredibly generous. The value is amazing. The ingredients are premium for Pure Vivi and Nu Formula. But after cleansing I do recommend washing your face right after — leaving it on after cleansing isn't great, and may affect the skin barrier. Though all brands say no need to rinse after, personally I recommend following up with a foam or gel cleanser for best results. As for Mizumi, it leaves a smooth feel and has decent, minimal yet effective ingredients at a very affordable price. Among these three I like all of them, but if I had to pick a true favorite for someone on a budget, I would crown Nu Formula as The Best Cleansing Water of this year. Sometimes they run a promo where you buy 1 large bottle and get another large bottle plus 2 small bottles for just 500–600 baht — that deal really hits hard. Absolutely worth it.
2. My Favorite Cleanser
For the best facial cleanser, I'll divide it into gel and foam. If you have a small budget and want something extremely gentle with just a light lather that's easy to find, I recommend:
MizuMi Extra Mild Facial Cleanser — 229 baht
They run a buy-1-get-1 promo for a very long time, which is good because it runs out fast. Size is 100ml. This one has no SLS, is moisturizing, doesn't leave skin dry or tight, has built-in moisturizer, contains no alcohol, oil, fragrance, paraben, or dyes. After washing you get a clean feel without that squeaky-tight sensation. Available at all Watsons branches. I sound like I have a script — anyway, I recommend it. Those who use it probably know it's good.
Next is foam cleanser. If you have a small budget and want clean skin without tightness, but with that oil-gone feeling, this is it:
Nu Formula Pore Deep Cleansing Foam 50g — 89 baht
Truly affordable and good. I love that the foam is fine and smoother than ordinary foams — they use some Spring Sea Bubble technology or something, making it fine and soft. This one has no oil, paraben, or alcohol. Students can use it. Now, if you're wealthy and want an expensive foam, I have to give it to:
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream 125ml. — 700 baht
Expensive enough? I've loved this one since last year. If you have oily skin, I recommend it. After washing, the oiliness on your face disappears instantly. That feeling — personally I love it very much. If you have the budget, give it a try.
3. My Favorite Pre-Serum/Serum
This category I created to satisfy my own needs — pulling out serums with light, thin textures to group here. You can apply them as the first step depending on your skin condition at the time, then follow with a heavier serum, or skip straight to a cream. Let's begin.
– Very tight budget
If you have sun-damaged, weak skin and also a tight budget, I recommend:Smooto Aloe-E Snail Bright Gel 50g. — 49 bahtAt first I was confused whether it's aloe or snail, but I've recommended this to many low-budget people. If you can't think of anything, go to a 7-Eleven first. What you'll get is moisturization. If you chill it in the fridge first, it's incredibly relaxing. The coolest thing is it's not sticky, not oily, dries fast, absorbs quickly. You can apply it all over your face and body. Whether going to the beach or a hot place, grab this to take along. Affordable and good.
– Mid-range budget, can show off a little
I would give my whole heart to this one. I often use it as my first step because it absorbs quickly and has good ingredients — My Act1 by Mho Ya Pah Suay. Many may not know this brand; it's owned by a pharmacist. I've reviewed it before. It helps control oil production, kills P.acne bacteria like BHA but isn't BHA (haha), restores dry and peeling areas, has whitening effects, and tightens pores. I love it. The price is a little high — 650 baht, but buy during a promo and it drops to around 400 baht. If you have a mid-range budget and are acne-prone, give it a try.
– Budget for those with a thousand-baht note
This one has to be mentioned — it's the best-selling product at OP. That is:Oriental Princess Red Natural Whitening Phenomenon Concentrate Serum 30ml Discounted price 800–900+ bahtI have to say this is a serum I've been trying since early this year. Honestly the ingredients are quite varied — vitamin C, Ylang Ylang oil, ferulic acid to strengthen skin, anti-wrinkle agents, and a bit of Astaxanthin. Overall it's basically solid. But I personally love the texture. It's a nourishing serum that oily-skin people will love. If you're very oily you can use this one alone and you'll get all the nutrients you need. Use it for a while and your skin will gradually brighten, firm up, plus no fragrance, dyes, or mineral oil.
– Budget for the well-off
This one I've never posted about before — I deliberately kept quiet and saved it to mention here. It is:Bobbi Brown Superblends SKIN SOOTHER – CALMING ALGAE COMPLEX 14ml. — 1,950 bahtWith various promos it won't cost that much. If you have sensitive skin that's easily irritated, I strongly recommend it. It is a product that soothes this type of skin — ideal for delicate skin that is easily damaged — and also helps the skin feel more comfortable. The result is skin that looks healthy. I mean this, no exaggeration. It contains red algae and sea kelp extracts. It seems to focus on anti-aging, but I see it as more effective at reducing skin from allergic reactions and strengthening the skin. I love it. You can apply it first and then follow with other skincare, or for oily-skin people, apply this alone and then sunscreen. Once it's finished, buy more. It's truly good — absorbs very quickly.
4. My Favorite Essence
The essence that has been trending every year — you'll see Biotherm Life Plankton consistently ranking up there, right? Until the latest Homme formula came out and it's great — absorbs super fast, same % Life Plankton, but smells quite strongly of alcohol (haha). My friend who uses it loves it. I can't not mention it. But this year let's shift to look at another brand. Sharing only what I've tried — I think this one has good ingredients and not an extreme price. That is:
Sewa Insam Essence Ginseng Water by Glass Noodle Brand 120ml. — 1,190.00 baht
The appealing thing is probably the combination of herbs and red and white ginseng or whatever they have, blended together. The texture is just right — not too sticky or heavy, but not the type that absorbs instantly either. This isn't sponsored. I've done a clip review of this before so you can search for it. The reason I rank this as trending is mainly because I look at the raw materials, and looking at the back of the box you can see the key ingredients are genuinely present — not just the spirit of ginseng. Those who've used it will know there's an actual ginseng scent. It helps with skin plumpness and fullness. For dark spots I wasn't too wowed, and for pores it helps a bit. Anyway, let it take the crown for this year. For those asking if it's better than Sulwhasoo — they both have ginseng. I have to say here I've never used Sulwhasoo. Can't afford it. Haha. That's it.
Oh, I almost forgot — another one I want to recommend is this:
VIVA Skin Balance Essence — 50ml. — 1,090 baht
People with acne should love this one. It's an acne-formula essence with no alcohol, silicone, fragrance, or paraben. It controls oil, tightens pores, reduces the chance of acne and bacteria. Absorbs super fast. The ingredients are decent — iris flower, mushroom, tea leaf, vitamin B5, and a light plankton too. As for the price, it's a little high, but if budget is not an issue, I recommend it.
5. My Favorite Basic Moisturizer
In this category I want to recommend a lot. For those of you with sensitive, easily irritated skin who want to find a simple, worthwhile moisturizing cream, this is it:
La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Light 40ml — 960 baht
The Ultra Light formula is more suitable for oily skin; the Ultra formula (without "Light") is more for dry skin. But both are truly excellent. Excellent here means it answers the true definition of a Basic Moisturizer. They use a compound called Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, or what the brand calls Neurosensine, as the star ingredient. It has the property of reducing skin stress, thus alleviating various skin discomforts such as itching and peeling. Combined with their milk-water base, it also helps add moisture at the same time. Personally I have oily skin — after using it, it's not overly oily, adds just the right amount of water. Not many ingredients — probably to avoid irritation — but that's good in that it doesn't disturb sensitive skin too much. Can be applied around the eyes too. No alcohol, fragrance, or paraben preservatives. It satisfies my needs. However for pores and whitening, it doesn't help. This one is ideal for those with very sensitive skin. Recommended.
Next is a hydrating product for those with extremely oily skin who still want to add moisture. I recommend this:
Dr.Wu Intensive Hydrating Serum With Hyaluronic Acid 15ml. — 1,150 baht
This is a hydrating product from a Taiwanese brand that is very different from competitors in our market, but it really delivers. It can penetrate deep beneath the skin and release a protein called CD44 to stimulate skin genes to produce moisture and boost moisture synthesis beneath the skin. Simply put, it's a hydrating product that maintains skin balance very well, without leaving skin sticky at all. It's a clear liquid — absorbs in the blink of an eye. After applying, no oiliness. Skin that just had a laser treatment can use it too. I was just going to test the texture and ended up finishing it in about 2 weeks. Works great with other skincare. The downside is it's very little — only 15ml. For oily skin people with a budget, I recommend it.
6. My Favorite Acne solution
This category I'm gathering all the items that helped rescue my acne at various points. What to start with — let's start with clogged pores/small bumps. Small but numerous, scattered but stylish, high fashion. I recommend this — the spot treatment gel I use most often would be:
Provamed Acne Retinol A Gel (blue tube) 10g. — 195 baht
This is a spot treatment gel for clogged pores and small bumps. It helps reduce blockages, contains Zinc PCA to reduce oiliness, has BHA, Allantoin, BHA from pine bark extract, and Defensil in an acne-reducing formula. Overall it's good — with properties beneficial for acne in many ways, whether regulating sebaceous gland oil production, regulating skin cell production and shedding, or reducing pore blockage. Many may wonder if adding vitamin A will cause irritation — it won't, because it's in the form stored in Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin with a spherical structure to increase solubility and absorption and reduce irritation. Plus no silicone or alcohol.
Finally, the one that can't be missing from this category is acne patches. When I have a pus-filled pimple that I've dealt with and drained, I used to just use special powder dissolved in water to apply. But these days I have this:
Miacare Acne Patch For Day — 1 pack 139 baht, Night formula — 169 baht
This is a hydrocolloid acne patch designed as round discs, available in both Day and Night formulas. I've used acne patches from many brands — I can say sitting and lying down right here that no other brand compares. The Day formula is very thin — they say you can apply makeup on top, but have I ever done that? No, haha. The Night formula seems to improve absorption of fluid from the pimple even more. No matter how you sleep, it won't come off. It absorbs fluid from beneath the skin, helping the pimple subside faster. When you wake up, the wound is completely closed, beautiful, not swollen, not inflamed. Absolutely excellent. I recommend it. The best acne patch out there. They have small packs at 7-Eleven too. Absolutely amazing.
7. My Favorite Sunscreen
Honestly this category was quite quiet this year, because I tried very few new things. Mostly I stuck with the same products or used day cream with built-in sunscreen. Let's look at the champion from last year that's continued through to this year:
MizuMi UV Water Serum SPF50+ PA++++ 40g — 890 baht (blue)
Honestly when buying at Watsons it's not that expensive — sometimes buy-1-get-1. I have to say it really does protect against the sun and grew so fast. I've watched it since they only had the sunscreen, and now they have cleansing wipes, face wash, eye and lip remover too. Great ingredients, decent sun protection. The blue is the regular formula, the orange can handle water a bit and challenges the sun. Personally I prefer the blue. I use it sometimes and sometimes not, but I keep coming back to this one brand. So let it take the crown this year. For those who want to catch a promo, they have small travel sizes too — I don't remember the price. Available at all Watsons. Go check it out.
And another one I liked for a period because it's so convenient — all in one, ready to go out the door. That is:
Faris Lazy Day Total Skincare Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 45ml. — 890 baht
This is truly a complete cream in one bottle — you could call it 4-in-1. Apply just this one in 30 seconds and you're done. That's why it's called the "lazy cream." It functions as both a nourishing cream and sunscreen in one. Sun protection is also decent. It contains Antioxidant nourishing agents and anti-inflammatory compounds to counteract the harm from UV rays that sneak through the skin. And it's oil-free — suitable for relaxed days when you're not going out in intense sunlight. It's more of a day cream focused on nourishment than sunscreen. Even though it does protect, it's not the type for being out in strong sunlight all day. But for students, young office workers, it works fine. There is a bit of Alcohol, which may make some people feel dry or irritated. But personally I felt no irritation at all. Choose whichever suits you.
8. My Favorite Mineral Spray
Honestly this year I tried a huge variety of mineral water sprays. I loved every one I tried this year. Those are:
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
Avene Thermal Spring Water
These two come in many sizes. The highlight is that they draw on mineral water from France and put it in the bottle. Both are good, but which brand you prefer depends on your budget. Prices range from the hundreds (small size) to nearly a thousand baht (large bottle). But for those on a very tight budget who want a spray to nourish skin throughout the day, I recommend these 2 brands, namely:
Fresh Drop PURE MINERAL SPRAY
Klerk mountain mineral spring water
These two — you could bring 100 baht to EVEANDBOY and still have change. The bottle or mist may not be as luxurious, but the properties and effectiveness are really like nourishment packed into a good spray format. Let me give:
9. My Favorite Mask
In this category I'll combine all masks — jar type, tube type, and sheet type. Let's start with sheet masks. Last year I loved Oguma, and this year I still do.
Oguma Aquakey Super Mask — 179 baht per sheet
I have to say it really soothes the skin — especially when chilled in the fridge first, it's incredibly good. The #1 best-selling mask from Taiwan. One mask sheet is equivalent to spraying 80ml of mineral water onto the face — creates a relaxing spa-like experience for 1 hour. I love it. Most importantly, when you peel it off, it doesn't leave the skin sticky, and you can immediately apply cream after. But for those who want a sheet mask that's non-sticky and also brightening, I recommend:
Giffarine Stay-C 50 Plus Repairy (Betaglucan) Facial Mask Sheet — 160 baht per sheet
This is a brand that makes vitamin C work very effectively, because it comes in a water-serum formula. Mask for about 15–20 minutes and it dries. You can immediately apply cream after. When you wake up in the morning you'll feel your skin is brighter, softer, and lighter. Overall it suits all skin types. For those with dull skin or acne marks, give it a try — it helps. And the final brand I love the most is:
Luminesce HydraShield Mask — 677.6 baht per sheet
It's in the Luminesce group — 677.6 baht per sheet. Wow! They say the mask sheet is very thin and can hold serum well and release it for a long time, using Shea Butter and Asian Grass Root as the main ingredients to help reduce dullness, increase moisture, and brighten. The mask sheet is so thin it adheres perfectly to the face. Do I like it? Yes, I do. But the price is something else — 1 box contains 5 pieces at 3,388 baht per box.
My favorite tube mask would be from:
BK Mask Acne Mask Tea Tree Oil Green Tea 35g — 389 baht
I've gone through countless tubes of this. The price is great too. I won't say much about this one — most people have probably tried it. It has European mushroom to help tighten pores, Gotu Kola to reduce inflammation and redness, white willow to exfoliate and reduce blockages, tea tree leaf extract to fight acne-causing bacteria, and Aloe Vera to add moisture and reduce irritation. Affordable and good. Love that it's easy to find — even at 7-Eleven. Those on a budget can also buy it in sachet form.
10. My Favorite Hair & Body Care
AloEx Hair Regrowth Set (Shampoo 200ml + Serum 120ml) — 1,500 baht
This year was the year I tried the AloEx herbal shampoo and loved it. At first I was indifferent, but I gave it to my mom to use too, and she said new hair grew in! My mom is 61 years old — I was amazed. So I also keep using it to prevent hair fall (haha). The shampoo leaves hair feeling a bit dry, but then spraying the serum after, it doesn't feel that dry overall. Overall I like it. They run promos at EVEANDBOY fairly often. This pair is priced around 1,500 baht. The item that really helps with hair fall is the serum spray. Either way, you can try buying them separately first.
Next is my all-time favorite shower cream. I can truly call it The Best shower cream I've ever loved. That is:
Namu Life Snail White Crème Body Wash 500ml. — 199 baht
The shower cream comes in 3 formulas:Formula 1: NATURAL WHITE, Formula 2: DEEP MOISTURE, Formula 3: ANTI-AGINGWhich formula do I love most? I like all of them. But the scent that suits me most is probably Deep Moisture — it has a light, cool minty feel. I love it very much. For anyone who hasn't tried it yet, I urge you to rush to Boost or Watsons right away. The feel you'll get is: easy to lather, foam is soft and fine, fragrant, skin doesn't feel dry or tight after washing, good moisturization, feels very clean, no squeakiness, and not slippery. I love it so much. When buying I get the 500ml size and buy all scents — I'm a bit crazy, loving to try every new formula released (haha). The large bottle is not expensive at all. You really should go try it. Love it so much.
Next is body lotion. This year I tried very few, because I personally don't love applying things on my body — I easily feel sticky. Today I'll highlight the one I use most often. That is:
Namu Life Snail White Body Booster 500ml. — 399 baht
Honestly, the reason I use this is because I love the Snail White shower cream so much. I was walking past and saw this for sale — big bottle — so I picked it up to try. Honestly the texture is great — not too runny and not too heavy. It's in between: moisturizing yet lightweight. It doesn't weigh down the skin at all. The moisturization is just right. The ingredients aren't bad — snail mucin and Astaxanthin. After patting it in your skin feels springy and plump. Mainly it seems to help with brightness too, but I haven't noticed whether I'm lighter since my skin isn't dark to begin with. Anyway, I love this one because it gives the moisturization I need — just right, doesn't leave skin sticky at all. So for those who like lotion but dislike the stickiness, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed — I confirm.
Speaking of scrubs, this year I give it to this one:
Chompoo Pink Black Herb Turmeric & Phthai Scrub — 240 baht
This is a Thai brand. The first jar they sent me to try — by jars 2, 3, and 4, I was buying them myself. Using it, skin becomes very bright and soft. It contains 12 types of herbs — Mahat root, Ginseng, Tamarind, Honey, Wan Nang Kham (a Thai herb), Thanaka — I've been looking for something like this for a long time. Making it yourself would be tough — just thinking about it makes me dizzy. I thought it would be hard to use but it's not. Just gently scrub on wet skin, including knees and elbows. When the scrub meets the water on your body, it turns into milky water — I love that. Not like ordinary scrubs. Doesn't mess up the bathroom, just goes down the drain. Can even be used daily. This is my own review — I use it myself and love it myself. If you're looking for a scrub, I recommend this jar. The downside is it's only sold online. Search for the name to find it.
But for those who like a coffee-scented scrub — intense coffee all the way — I recommend this:
Lalil Tightening And Reactivating Coffee Body Scrub 200g. — 490 baht
Lalil — this is a coffee scrub that smells intensely of coffee. Mainly it helps exfoliate skin using naturally ground coffee beans, making skin look firm and healthy. If the price works for you, you're getting a scrub that smells incredibly of coffee. Guaranteed not to disappoint. This brand is great at aroma. A newer brand that has really delivered quality. Easy to find — on Konvy, Lazada, Central Rama 9 2nd floor, and Central East Ville 1st floor. Excellent.
11. My Favorite Make Up
Honestly this year I tried many new makeup items, but the ones I love most and use most often would start with this:
BK Retouch Acne Concealer No.02 — 389 baht, 9 grams
This is a concealer that matches my skin tone very well — No. 2. It helps cover redness and dark circles under the eyes. But mostly, when I'm in a hurry, I just apply cream, sunscreen, dab on this concealer, and then set with powder before heading out.
The cream texture blends easily and covers dark marks, dark spots, and redness from acne just right. What I love most is that it also treats inflamed acne at the same time. That point deserves a shout-out.
For those asking which cushion I like, I have to say I've narrowed it down and these 3 brands are my favorites — best shades, best textures, control oil and add moisture. They are:
TER UV MATTE CUSHION OIL CUSHION SPF50+ PA+++ — 9 grams, 419 baht
Grid Solution Foundation Intense Cover SPF50+ PA+++ — 15 grams, 529 baht
BOBBI BROWN Long Wear Weightless Foundation SPF50 PA+++ Full Cover Cushion Compact — 1,500 baht for 13 grams + 600 baht for the refill, total 2,100 baht
Meilinda Miracle Foundation Powder Shade 01, Price 199 baht
Honestly, when I tell people about this, not many believe me — I really do use a compact powder at 199 baht, and I've gone through quite a few of them. This one is a foundation-powder hybrid with sun protection. It conceals dullness, dark spots, freckles, blemishes, acne marks, and signs of aging to a decent degree, and covers pores somewhat. But the finish is light and natural-looking, with medium coverage — best paired with concealer if you have acne scars. When you sweat or your skin starts to get oily, it melts into the skin and gives you a surprisingly beautiful complexion. I love it so much — it suits my skin tone perfectly, shade 1. The only downside is that it's only SPF 25 PA++. But at this price, that's totally acceptable. You could call it one of the most affordable and effective powders out there. Love it!
[Watch in video format]
How is everyone doing? I hope you all enjoyed my My Favorite Skincare, Hair & Body Care, and Make-up 2017 picks. If there are any new exciting items, I'll update them on the fan page 'Ae-Ah Review'. Thank you so much for following along — love you all to pieces!
