Hair Care

The Body Shop - travel size hair care, try before buying full size

There was a sale on travel sizes 5/$10 so I wanted to give these a try.
Rainforest Balance Shampoo: Reduce excess oil for hair that looks clean and fresh all day, oily hair
Rainforest Shine Conditioner:  Smooth hair's surface for incredible shine, normal to dry hair
I used the Balance Shampoo to remove oily buildup on my scalp and then protected it with Shine Conditioner.  Love how light the hair feels and more volume.

Rainforest Radiance Shampoo: Remove dulling residues for prolonged color radiance using a gently cleansing shampoo , color treated hair
Rainforest Radiance Conditioner: Condition and moisturize color-treated hair while prolonging radiance using a protective conditioner

Phyto hair samples:

Shiseido Tsubaki Head Spa Extra Cleansing with Essential Oil:




Shiseido Tsubaki Damage Care set:

Shiseido Tsubaki Shiny Hair set:

Kracie Naive Aloe Conditioner:

I got this conditioner at my local Japanese store Marukai.  It came in a set with one refill for $13.  It's on the pricy side of supermarket brands but it works well.  I only needed one pump to cover my hair and rinses nicely.  My hair doesn't feel heavy but it has much shine from using this.  The only thing I didn't care for is the smell.  I know it's aloe based so it will smell very green.  The smell goes away quickly after hair dries.
















hair care:

QVC Beauty Test Tube - Sept 2011

This is my first New Beauty Test Tube Set from QVC.  I read very good reviews from previous sets so I decided to give it a try.  This is the September 2011 kit which contains 8 beauty items (deluxe samples and full size) and a magazine.  QVC has a special price $29.95 (plus $6.47 shipping) the first few weeks when they first started selling them.  Now a month later, it's priced at their regular $33.00 (plus $6.47 shipping) and waiting to be stocked.  Wow, that tells you how popular they are.  You can also enroll in their autodelivery program so you don't miss out on future kits.  But I like to see what they have in the kits before I buy, so I will have to keep an eye on the next one, probably every 4 months or so.

Here's what is in the kit.

It Cosmetics full-size brow pencil.

Smashbox full-size lip gloss in color Flame.  Deluxe sample size  Fresh Sugar lip treatment in Rose.  I really like the Smashbox lip gloss.  It's not too sticky and the color is shiny natural look.  The Fresh Sugar lip treatment has no shine and very little color but very moisturizing.  I will probably use this for the no time for make-up days.

Philosophy Microdelivery Wash 2 oz.   Perricone Face Finishing Moisturizer 0.5 oz.  Lavanilla body butter in vanilla grapefruit 2.75 oz.  I have the full size Philosophy Microdelivery Wash already and love it.  So this small bottle will be great for traveling.  It's a cleanser and gentle scrub in one product.  But I feel that it's not enough for my deep pore cleaning routine when I use a grainier scrub and purifying mask.



Lea Journo hair conditioner 3 oz.   Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Dry Shampoo 0.75 oz.

Eminence Organic Skincare

I often get massages at my favorite local spa but never had a facial.  During my last visit, I browsed around their skincare shelves and found an interesting brand that I got some samples to try.  This brand is pricey at the spa but I found better pricing online.

Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant:
I love this natural rice based scrub, so much that I started looking to see where I can get it for the lowest price. It comes in a dry powder form that you mix with your favorite cleanser or water.  I used only water to create a good paste on my hands and exfoliated my face with gentle circular motion.  The granules are very fine but powerful so I could feel it working on my face and hands too.  After rinsing my face, it felt so soft and my hands were so much smoother than before too.  This is definitely going to be on my list of exfoliants to buy.  The cheapest place I found online for this scrub is still $42.00.
http://www.lovelyskin.com/details.asp?PID=119469&MID=0

Strawberry Rhubarb Masque with Hyaluronic Acid:
I was not that impressed with this masque.  It is a nice strawberry moisturizing mask priced at $52 online.  But I found that Laneige's Strawberry Yogurt works about the same for $25, so I probably won't be getting this.

DIY Facials

Gentle Oatmeal Mask For Acne:

Combine three quarters a cup of oatmeal with half a cup of water and cook medium heat for a few minutes.  After cooling off a little, stir a quarter cup of honey into it. The oatmeal will absorbe the oil from pores and act as a gentle exfoliant. The honey is to help the mask stick to the face and moisturize the skin. Be careful not to get any of the mask in the eyes, as this may irritate them.  Leave mask on for at least 15 minutes before washing mask off.  When washing off mask, use circular motion to rub the oatmeal around for exfoliation.  This is cheap to make and can be used once or twice a week.

My Experience with Sasa.com 02-2011

Since they carry many Asian brands that I cannot get in the local store here in the U. S., I have been trying to get an order from them since last year.  My first order back in Oct. 2010 kept being delayed in processing and then they said they were moving to a new warehouse and all orders were being held until later.  They charged me already in Oct but the order was held forever.  My order was finally cancelled because multiple items were not in stock any more by the time they finally began processing my order.  But since they charged me already, I had to deal with my credit card company to get my money back.  What a hassel.  But with there products back in stock, I was so tempted to try again.  I just placed a new order with them Jan. 27, 2011.  Let's see how long it will take for me to get my goodies.

Update: I got notified that my package is shipped out on Feb 7.  Expecting shipping to take 14 - 21 days.

Update: I finally got the order on Feb. 24.

Cleansing Oils 2011

Kose - Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil, $9:

I can easily find this at my local Japanese supermarket and it's cheap.  It only takes 2 pumps to clean the entire face, with light makeup, including mascara.  It comes out a clear liquid that you rub into your dry face.  Then add a little water and it becomes milky white.  Then I rinse with water and it does not leave my face oily at all.  I still double cleanse with a light foaming gel though.  Overall I love this basic cleansing oil for it's price and cleansing performance.

Origins - Clean Energy, $19.50:

This is my first non-Asian brand cleansing oil that I have bought. It is thicker consistency than others that I have tried.  I placed a little bit of the oil on my hands and spread it over my dry face.  Then I added a little bit of water to the face and the oil becomes a white milky film.  I continue to work the cleansing oil all around my face until it is clean.  After rinsing my face, I noticed that my face was smooth and seemed brighter.  I double cleansed with a gel cleanser and skin is still very smooth.  I highly recommend this oil cleanser for those who cannot get access to Asian brands.

Best Face Cleansing Regimen

Double cleansing the face is important if you wear makeup.  The first cleansing is to take off the makeup, usaully better with an oil cleanser. The second cleansing helps remove oil out of pores and any left over makeup from the first cleansing.  I like gel foaming type of cleansers for second round cleansing.  Good ones that I use are Avalon Organics gel cleansers, The Body Shop Seaweed gel cleanser, and The Body Shop tea tree cleanser.  I think that we all need to regularly mask with a good clay mask to get rid of blackheads.  I have never had a facial before, nor extractions, because I feel that with regular skincare, I don't need it.  I believe that extractions can temporarily clean pores out but you need to keep it clean.
Do the following at least once a week and you will see improvement.

1. Wash face and exfoliate
2. Steam your face for about 5 minutes to open the pores and soften the skin, or shower will do 
3. Apply a clay mask and let dry for 15 minutes
4. Don't apply anything that night, let skin breathe with clean pores
5. You can put your regular stuff on next day

Good clay masks that I have in my bathroom are :
Mary Kay Clarifying Mask 3, http://www.marykay.com/skincare/classicbasicskincare/10347300/10347300/default.aspx
Origins Clear Improvement, http://www.origins.com/product/3857/11588/Skincare/Daily-Essentials/Masks/Clear-Improvement/Active-charcoal-mask-to-clear-pores/index.tmpl
The Body Shop's Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask, http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/facial-masks/prod808821

Cleansers 2011

Philosophy - Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash:
8  oz, $25
16 oz, $37
32 oz, $55

This is one of my favorites face scrubs/cleanser in one products. It's like a basic face wash and scrub in one, saving your time. Try it in the evening before your night time skincare ritual and you will see that it makes your skin absorb better and feel so soft. But it doesn't take off makeup, so if you wear makeup, you can use this as your double wash. I got the big 32 oz from Sephora since that's the best deal and lasts for ever.  I find that if you use this regularly, you will not need to do a separate weekly scrub.



Philosophy - Purity Made Simple :
8  oz, $20
16 oz, $32
24 oz, $40
32 oz, $45.50, this size not always in stock
I tried a sample of this when I bought my Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash.  It's a thick gel texture but doesn't foam at all.  It feels very slick and you could use it as a facial massage product.  The smell is not that great but once you wash it off, you can't smell it anymore.  It does leave skin clean and not over drying but not feeling oily either like other cream cleansers do.  I like my cleansers to foam up so I probably won't be buying this.  This is a great product for those with sensitive combination skin since it feels really gentle.

Zirth - Clean, 8 oz, $20:
Although this line is targeted for men, I find that this cleanser works great for me on my oilier days.  I received a sample of it before and liked it so much that I purchased the full bottle.  It's very concentrated and only need a small dot to make a nice foam for the entire face.  It rinses out completely for squeaky clean feeling.  You get a lot of it too for the price. I like to use it for a pick me up morning wash.  Since it is targeted for men, I don't think it will take off makeup completely so it should be used as second step washing if you wear makeup or morning washing.  This is a bit drying, so not recommended if you have dry skin.

Origins - Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser, 5 oz, $18.50:
I got a sample of this when I bought my Clean Energy cleansing oil.  It is a clear gel cleanser that foams up pretty well and rinses completely but can be drying if you don't have oil skin.  This cleanser replaced the old mint version, which I liked better.  This one is ok but doesn't smell as nice as the mint cleanser.

Shiseido - White Lucent Brightening Cleansing Foam, 4.7 oz, $35:
I had a sample of it last month and loved it.  It's expensive but very concentrated.  I only needed a dot smaller than half of a jelly bean size and it foamed up so much.  The fragrance is very light.  It cleans off light makeup and leaves skin clean but not dry. I don't know if it does anything for whitening but for a product to stay on your face for such a short time, I don't think it will do much.


L'Occitane - Immortelle Brightening Cleansing Foam
5.1 oz, $24
10.1 oz refill, $34

This gentle foaming cleanser contains Immortelle floral water, camomile, raspberry, and strawberry to even out complexion.  I only need to use 2 pumps to clean the whole face and it has a light floral fragrance.  It does remove light makeup and rinses well with no residue.  Face is left very soft after wash.  This is a nice cleanser to repurchase, especially with refill reasonably priced (L'Occitane online only).  I have used this for 2 weeks and have not seen any major skin brightening effect but my skin tone does look good.

kose

 

yu lan

Moisturizers 2011

Qiora Moisture:

Qiora is the premium line from Shiseido.  It's philosophy is purify, calm, enhance and soothe using a lot of aromatherapy.  It is pricy so I only bought the moisturizer, 4.2 oz, $70.  I got the level IV moisturizer because I wanted something not too rich but not too watered down so that a little is all I needed.  I love using this at night because the fragrance does calm me down and the light moisturizer gets fully absorbed without any oily feeling.  It is a big bottle and I have had it for over a year now.  Shiseido is a good brand and this is probably great stuff but since I started using Laneige products and they are cheaper, I probably won't repurchase this unless I wanted to splurge.

Sheet Masks 2011

For those who are not familiar with sheet masks, here are general directions for sheet masks:
1.  Wash and dry face in the evening.  Exfoliation can also be done in step 1.
2.  Spread wet sheet mask on face.
3.  Pick up extra serum that might be running down mask with fingers and spread it around face.
4.  Lay down and relax for 15 minutes while mask does it's wonders.
5.  Peel off mask and spread any remaining serum onto face for extra softness, can be used to soften hands.
6.  Leave serum on all night.
7.  Rinse face with water in the morning and enjoy the glow.

*************************************************************************

I purchased these during my last trip to Japan and Hong Kong.

Sexylook Pearl Whitening Sheet Masks, 10pc, $15:

Kose Clear Turn White Sheet Masks, 26 count box, $12:
I have been using this for over a month now, once or  twice per week.  It's such a big box but the sheets are thin and serum is settled in the bottom so I have to place the package upside down 30 seconds before use so that the next sheet on the top of the package will get soaked up with the serum.  Caution not to leave package upside down for too long as the serum will leak out and get wasted.  The sheets fit comfortably around the face with the holes being well proportioned.  The serum is on the watery side, so I had to lay down to prevent it from running down my face.  My face felt moisturized after I peeled off the paper but it didn't look any brighter instantly.  But I think over time, it does help keep skin clearer and brighter.  I had less break outs with this mask.

Kose Clear Turn Q10 Sheet Masks, 26 count box, $12:

Supia Nano Deep Vitamin C-Q10-Royal Jelly Sheet Masks, 10pc, $60:

I purchased these premium masks during my last trip to Japan because my tour guide raved about them.

Sheet masks from Taiwanese brand My Beauty Diary:

Bulgarian White Rose Mask, 10pc, $13:
I bought these a few months ago and didn't have time to try them until now.  It's Valentine's week so this is perfect to complement all the rose products I am using this week.  Each mask is packaged individually in pretty foil packets, keeping them fresh until you are ready to use.  This way, you don't have to use the same masks continuously until the package is done, like Kose's big count boxes that I reviewed at the top of this page.  This mask has a thicker premium sheet soaked in lightly fragranced serum.  It doesn't have a heavy rose smell like I am expecting, but still a very relaxing frangrance.  There was so much serum that I decided to sqeeze some off the sheet and back into the foil packet for later use.  The sheet size is comfortable.  After 15 minutes, I peeled off the sheet and saw an instant brightening of my face.  Wow, it was a translucent glow.  I am thinking that this could be used right before a special event.  Although the brightening effect disappeared the next morning, my face still looked refreshed and skin is smoother than before.  The serum in this mask is thicker and more moisturizing than others that I have used.  I used the extra serum directly onto my face for a few more days.  Overall I really like this mask and in the long run, it may whiten skin.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Mask, 10pc, $13:

Ojon Hair Care

Will you pay $89 for a set of 33.8 oz shampoo and 33.8 oz conditioner, Ojon Duo Set ?
Well I don't unless it's so worth it.  I stopped by Sephora and asked for a sample of each.  I color my hair regularly with do-it-yourself kits.  With Asian hair, it's coarse already and add the hair coloring, you get dull thick hair.  I have basic haircare that will clean and untangle hair.  But on special days when I want that brilliant shiny hair, I need more.  I have tried the Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment before, leaving it on overnight with a shower cap on.  It was very uncomfortable sleeping with plastic on my head.  I did love the results though, hair stayed soft and lustrous for a week and I wash my hair every other day.  But the amount of work and strong smell of this product prevented me from buying it again.  Now I am trying their shampoo and conditioner and see if I can get the same results as the overnight treatment.  I have sample sizes for about 2 washings and used them once this morning.  The products do not feel as greasy as the overnight treatment but I could feel a difference already while I was shampooing.  Then the conditioner goes on light without any heavy smell.  My hair (shoulder length) feels so bouncy and healthy looking after air dry. Then I switched back to my basic hair care and it's back to where it was before I used the Ojon Duo.  The results are only temporary but if you have special events where you need to make your hair look its best without spending a lot of effort, get a smaller versions of Ojon Shine & Protect Kit at Sephora for $39.

Dr. Brandt

I have sampled a few products from Dr. Brandt line that is worthy of writing about.

Pores No More Pore Refiner, 1 oz, $45 :
This is a gel like primer with microspheres that soak up the oil throughout the day.  It holds the oil and your face looks really nice but when I touch my face at later hours, I feel this greasy film on my fingers.  I feel a lot better once I wash my face in the evening.  But it does keep the face "looking" fresh all day.

Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner, 1 oz, $45:
This is a mask that you put on after you thoroughly cleansed your face.  It is suppose to draw out dirt and oil from your pores for the ultimate cleansing routine.  I tried a sample of this and it's amazing.  It comes in a somewhat transparent gel that spreads easily.  I have visible black pores around my nose and inner cheek areas. I only use this mask around these trouble areas.  After 2 minutes, I already felt it tightening and turning to a solid white color.  There are tiny holes visible from the surface of the mask, showing where you have large pores that absorbed the mask.  Another 5 minutes later, I washed my face with warm water and I looked closely in the mirror.  My pores were cleaned out! This is an expensive mask so I will probably purchase and use it on my most troubled areas.

Avalon Organics Vitamin C

I saw these at my local health food store but bought them online at vitacost.com since it was cheaper and no sales tax.  These are relatively inexpensive compared to name brands so I wanted to give them a try.

Refreshing Cleansing Gel:  I really liked the cleanser.  It smells like fresh cut oranges and creates a good foam.  It washes well with no residue.  It does take off light makeup and sunscreen.

Vitality Facial Serum:  This orange scent gel absorbs easily.  Can't tell if it does much though.  I probably won't repurchase.

Revitalizing Eye Cream:  This is a good basic eye cream that moisturizes without being greasy.  It didn't do much for my dark circles but does smooth out the fine lines a little.  If you don't have dark eye circles, it's worth a try.

Renewal Facial Cream:  Although this is not the oil-free version, I feel that it's not oily at all and still absorbs pretty well.  My mother-in-law has dry sensitive skin, tried it, and now uses it regularly. 

Overall, the vitamin C contents must have been very small since I didn't notice much brightening of my skin tone but it's a good basic line for cleansing and hydrating the skin.  I like the orange scent and will probably repurchase the cleanser and facial cream.

The Body Shop Skincare

I get these cute kits when The Body Shop has their $12 sale on skincare kits.

Seaweed Essentials Kit: Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash, Seaweed Clarifying Toner, Seaweed Clarifying Night Treatment, Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream

I liked everything in the kit and the little travel pouch is cute to carry around. The value is awesome when you add up buying the individual items.  The cleanser has a light pleasant fragrance that I enjoy and it foams up pretty well.  The toner does not sting like some alcohol toners do and makes my face less oily during the day.  This is a nice basic skincare kit with mattifying power for oilier skin. I can use the day cream as a primer to keep my oil under control.  The night treatment feels sticky at first but will get absorbed shortly after putting it on.  I don't know if the night treatment does anything for my skin but the cost of the other products already makes this kit a good deal so I would probably repurchase.

Tea Tree Skincare Kit: Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Facial Wash, Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Toner, Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Lotion, Tea Tree Oil

Again I liked everything in this kit.  Tea tree is suppose to help with acne by killing bacteria on your skin. The face wash has a strong tea tree smell and makes your face squeaky clean.  It might be too harsh for dry skin but for normal to oily skin, it's great.  The toner also makes the face a little dry but the Tea Tree Lotion adds some moisture back.  My favorite item is the Tea Tree Oil, which by itself is already $9.  The Tea Tree Oil is not oily at all and I use it for spot treating new small pimple bumps that are just trying to come.  Then they don't really come because I treated it at an early stage.  It doesn't do anything for big pimples though.  But for $12, it's not bad to relieve some acne problems.

Wise Woman Skincare Kit - website description says : Wise Woman products will reduce the signs of aging by strengthening skin, stimulating natural cell renewal, and helping to maintain collagen levels for renewed suppleness and elasticity. Your skin will feel firmer and more hydrated, while the appearance of fine lines and dark spots is reduced.

Since this was a nice looking kit, I decided to try it even though I have combination/oil skin.  The cleanser was a disappointment because it says that it removes makeup but it couldn't remove my BB cream.  It does not foam and feels very slick on face.  I just ended up using this in the morning as a gentle cleanser and will not purchase full size.  The toner is like a moisturizing gel, not watery like other toners.  I put it directly on my hands and lightly press it onto my face, just like how many Asian beauty consultants suggest doing.  The day lotion has some light reflecting property but very subtle.  I like this effect and use it under my eyes to help with my dark eye circles.  The night cream is rich but did not make me break out and can be used during those dry winter months.  Overall this kit is for dry skin and I will probably won't repurchase.

Wise Woman Eye Cream - website description says : Improve the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and lines around your eyes with an innovative, rich moisturizer that uses cotton fibers to “fill” in lines as it soothes and smoothes. Soy and rice peptides reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness while witch hazel refreshes and reduces puffiness.

I find this to be one of the most effective eye creams that I have ever tried.  I got a sample of this Jan 13, 2011 and already I am seeing results.  I have purchased the full size to continue use and see if the results get better.  I am very skeptical about eye creams since no product (Shiseido, Clinique, Ole Henriksen, Kinerase, Philosophy, ...) seems to do miracles.  Working on the computer all day and lack of sleep left my eyes the worst part of my face to deal with.  I found some good eye creams that moistorizes well without being too greasy for my eyes.  But for my puffiness and dark circles, nothing really works.  Wise Woman Eye Cream showed some improvements only after a week use.  It doesn't erase everything but improved it enough to see a difference.  Anyone who wants to try, I suggest asking The Body Shop store to give you a sample to try, it's enough to see if it works or not.

Laneige Perfect Renew Set and Mamonde BB Cream

For my new start of the year, I made my first skincare purchases at the Korean Amore store.  Getting Amore products is a problem for many people because they don't have that many Amore stores in the U. S.  I am lucky that I have access to one because it's always good to feel and see the products in person verses buying them purely online.  The owner at this Amore store is very friendly and generous with samples for me to try.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/amore-san-jose-santa-clara
And I always come back for more since I like what I try.

Laneige Perfect Renew Set:
After the busy holiday season, I got the Laneige Perfect Renew holiday set to pamper myself and get a good start of the new year: refiner, emulsion, and cream, full sizes + travel sizes as a bonus for getting the set.

This set is suppose to help early signs of aging by tightening pores and skin, which I do feel that it's working. I love how the products just sinks into your skin and I get a dewy not oily look. Downside is $$ but if I was going to get it anyway, it's best to get them in sets like this during some promotion. 

Mamonde Mineral BB Cream:

This is my first BB cream purchase although I have sampled many brands before.  The other brands made me look orange in natural lighting but this one adjusted very well to my fair Asian yellow skine tone.  It does feel thick when you first start using it but with practice, you will learn to spread it out better and you won't even feel it on your skin.  It's a light to medium coverage and works better for oily skin with a light brush of powder on top of this. I especially like to use this outdoors because of the SPF.  It did not cause me to break out and I always double wash in the evenings when using this.

Laneige Balancing Emulsion and Water Bank Cream and Perfect Renew Dual Touch Eyes:

I tried the Balancing Emulsion and Water Bank Cream together as my nightly routine for a few days.  I find that while the emulsion has a good texture, the Water Bank Cream 2 EX is better for me than the Water Bank Cream 1 EX because I have oilier skin.  They are nice products that hydrates my skin without leaving it oily.  But I don't get the tightening feeling that I get when I use my Laneige Perfect Renew products for anti-aging effect.  But then the basic line cost less then the Perfect Renew line.

Laneige Strawberry Yogurt Peel, Yogurt Pack, and Water Sleeping Pack, priced $20 - $23:

The Strawberry Yogurt Peel is a gel scrub that you spread on dry clean face and gently rub in circular motion for about a minute.  I noticed that it formed white dry flakes and I tried to use them as the scrubbing medium.  The strawberry fragrance in this product is not as strong as the Yogurt Pack.  After rinsing off my face, my skin felt significantly smoother. I also get this same effect when I use The Face Shop's Peeling Day products (full review under my The Face Shop entry), which are very similar but cost less, only $15.

The Strawberry Yogurt Pack looks like a thick lotion with tiny pink beads in it and it smells so yummy.  After the peel, I spread this on using circular motion to give me a facial massage at the same time.  The tiny pink beads just melts away and the lotion gets absorbed in minutes.  Directions says to rinse off but I don't see a need to since all the product got absorbed already.  I just sleep in this delicious smelling face and find my complexsion very supple the next morning.  I did not break out even when I slept with it on all night.

I finally tried the Water Sleeping Pack, Laneige's most popular item. The texture is a light smooth gel that absobs quickly into the skin.  There is almost no fragrance to this.  My skin feels moisture balanced without being greasy.  I liked the texture and tried using it this morning as a moisturizer, worked great keeping my face fresh and moisturized.  I have oily skin but need moisture in winter time so this is something I could use night and day during dry winters.

IOPE

Will update after trying.

Sulwhasoo

Will update after trying.

Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Cooling Masque

Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Cooling Masque, 5 oz, $40:
This is my favorite acne healing mask.

The jar is a screw tight one so it keeps it from drying out for at least a year.  Spread thin in troubled areas only since it can dry up skin in other areas.  I usually put it on my forehead and nose and inner cheeks around nose and leave it on overnight.  Once dry it doesn't really smear on your pillow.  You might smell the sulfur even after you wash it off in the morning and that's ok.  Do this 2-3 times a week if you have acne or just once a week to keep the acne away.  I love this stuff and will repurchase again and again from Sephora.