Nescafe Gold? Try Nescafe Taster's Choice French Roast

 I used to love Nescafe Gold. It was my favorite instant coffee for the longest time.

But things change.

I can't remember when but its packaging changed from the sexy lady packaging (small waist, large top and bottom) to the more aesthetic square cylinder. And it seems like a change in the outside was accompanied by a change in the inside. It was just as aromatic as before, but lost all flavor.

I tried several bottles, from the tiny 50 mg pack to the jumbo 200 mg bottle at different times to no avail. It was lost forever. Yet somehow gaining more popularity thanks to its marketing campaign.

Which I did fall for. But was disappointed by, again and again.

Instead, I have officially switched to Nescafe Taster's Choice in French Roast.

The Face Shop Hand Cream in Acacia Honey

 Really old product but opened only recently...

I really like how this looks and smells, sweet but sophisticated.

While it's not as good as L'Occitane, it's so much cheaper. It's super worth it, especially as we're all washing our hands more. Hope they bring this back soon.

Garnier PureActive Acne & Oil Clearing Foam

 I think I bought this a year or two ago, but I've only ended up emptying it now. But when I say empty, I mean uber empty: I've already cut out the tube and got the last bits out!

Garnier's Acne & Oil Clearing Foam is a long standing product and has been with me for more than a year. I'm glad it's been formulated so well that it didn't smell or look funny even with how long I've had it. So thanks to all those parabens, I guess... I'm not particular about it either way, but in this case, I'm glad they were in there.

I first bought this cleanser because I ran out of a good facial wash and this was easily available at Watsons. After a quick look, I found it had Salicylic Acid (as well as something called HerbaClear), which I always look for in my acne prone skin (at least one salicylic-laden wash per day!) so I ended up buying it.

2021: Sunscreens in Review

 With all the hullabaloo about sunscreens in general, and K-beauty sunscreens in particular, I thought it's a good time to look back on the sunscreens I've been using and which ones I'd recommend right now.

Best for daily use would be Nivea's Super Water Gel from Japan. I've reviewed this before and this is still my favorite sunscreen for daily use (even though I don't have one on hand right now). I tried the Biore Aqua Rich Watery Gel, 2019 formulation (and failed to review because I lost the tube too early :P), but I prefer this more since I don't need a mirror to apply and reapply. The latter sunscreen is also a good runner up if you can't find Nivea locally, but you can find it of shopee (but be sure to find a good reseller).

Best for swimming/sports/heavy use would be Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion. I used the one for sensitive skin (light blue bottle). This is part of the WetForce line and really sticks to the skin. Again, I can't do a full review because I lost the tube... again. Honestly, I didn't like how this looked and felt but this really stuck to my skin as a thick, opaque white film. It actually clung more than some of the old sports sunscreens I've tried. With repeated application every 3 to 4 hours, I had no burning/darkening even at a full day at the beach. If ever beach things are a thing again, this would be my bet.

Best local sunscreen would be Belo SunExpert BODY SPF 60. This is expensive if you really use it daily, but it's the best local sunscreen I've tried. And I've actually used this for both face and body without any problems. Slightly sticky but good enough for daily use. While I haven't done a full review, I have finished a tube of this recently.

I've been trying daily body sunscreens, and I've posted regarding Biore and Nivea's offering. I'd use both, with a preference for Biore right now, but I don't have one I'd solidly recommend to be both cheap and effective for summer. I sometimes use the Belo Body sunblock on hotter days but it's not sustainable for me to use it daily as a sunscreen for its price.

Anyway, I'm actually trying one sunscreen right now, but I'm not too fond of it so I'm opening my first K-beauty sunscreen soon. Still, I've been quite guilty of not using sunscreen as often as I should, so my next real sunscreen post should be in a while.