Truth about IQQU?

Note: I am not here to ruin anybody's reputation. This is merely an updated review about a product I have reviewed in the past, and everything is based on my experience. I have friends and family who wants to buy these products so I felt that I needed to go back again and re-review them. Please read everything first before you leave any negative comment. Thank you!

On my Skin Care Routine: http://withadriyah.blogspot.com/2011/01/skin-care-routine.html, I have mentioned some products that did not work for me. Almost everyone know that sometime last year, I have purchased and reviewed IQQU Products by Michelle Phan. Here is my Beauty Review for it: http://withadriyah.blogspot.com/2010/02/beauty-review-iqqu-acne-serum-and.html

Why am I touching this topic again? Or why am I reviewing a product I have reviewed in the past?

 Because a lot of people I know (friends and some are even family) wants to purchase these products AND I have never told them NOT TO because I know people have different skin type and it might work for them. Who knows right? It could just have been me that broke out using these products.

I never did my research on these products before trying. I just trusted Michelle Phan and thought, "wow, she uses this! and she has gorgeous skin!" I know, it's not a good idea to just think that just because someone popular advertises a product, it's already good. I always have a disclaimer or note when reviewing products like "try this at your own risk because whatever works for me, might not work for you"

I never even thought about FDA regulations as I know FDA doesn't review cosmetics (or do they?). I'm not even sure if they review skin care? But I never knew that IQQU is under the drug category until I started reading this article about IQQU on the tumblr about Michelle Phan. No wonder it has an NDC (National Drug Code).

Michelle Phan advertised a sale on her IQQU products last November and somebody commented on her facebook about IQQU not FDA approved.

image from michellephail.tumblr.com

image from michellephail.tumblr.com

image from michellephail.tumblr.com

OKAY SO SHE CLAIMED IT AS US FDA APPROVED.

image from michellephail.tumblr.com

1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)

FDA confirmed that the only IQQU product that was reviewed by FDA is the ACNE SERUM and they labeled it as "not safe and effective"  the other IQQU products has not been reviewed. FDA stated that its FRAUD to claim that a product is US FDA approved when its not.

"If the product is not in the FDA approved list, then the results will state no matching records found just like the other IQQU products"

So, what its the truth about IQQU? Is it really safe to use? Would your risk using it knowing that US FDA labeled it as not safe & effective?

image from michellephail.tumblr.com

Michelle Phan recently claimed that she no longer own IQQU (but then deleted this comment afterwards). Now she changed what she said and is claiming that it is approved by FDA Asia? but complies in FDA US? It confuses me because in one of her statement, she was sure IT IS US FDA APPROVED!

image from michellephail.tumblr.com

image from michellephail.tumblr.com

It was deemed unsafe. You can read more information about IQQU Acne Serum here: http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=34402

In my experience, IQQU does not have a great customer service as Ms. Phan claimed because they never answered my concerns about the mineral oil on their Jasmin Rice Product.

I don't question to why Ms. Phan is no longer the owner of IQQU. I question her for claiming that IQQU products are US FDA then changed her statement afterwards.

I hope this serves a lesson for all of us. Do more research when trying out a different product. Just because the owner is popular, or has "great skin" doesn't mean its a good product. Please do your research. 

To everyone, there you have it, please consider all the PROS and CONS of a product before trying it.

Note: This is about IQQU products and not about Michelle Phan. There is no way I'm trying to "trash talk" this guru. Every screened capped pictures above were from her facebook. The only topic I'm touching is the IQQU products as I have bought, used those products and had my own experience with it.

Beauty Review: IQQU Acne Serum and Jasmin Rice Scrub

FTC: I am not affiliated with IQQU or the owner of this company. I did not get paid to do this post or review and I paid the products with my own money.

NOTE THIS: This is my personal experience and I AM NOT STATING THAT THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU ALSO, so please be open minded since everyone has different skin type. Everyone will have different reaction to products. I am not here to ruin anyone's reputation. I am just stating my personal experience here.

IQQU ACNE SERUM

Website: http://iqqubeauty.com
Reviews from IQQU site: http://iqqubeauty.com/int/index.php/review/product/list/id/13/category/3/

According to iqqubeauty.com, this acne serum is a concentrated treatment that is designed to treat acne and redness. Non comedogenic. No fragrance. Paraben Free.

MY TAKE:
I don't even know how to begin with this review. I don't like to take my time reviewing a product I don't really like but some people emailed me telling me what I think about IQQU and I tell them I didn't like it and people asked me "but why?? its such a good product.. blah blah blah..." Ok so here goes...

I take pride in having a good skin [note: not great but good]. I might have break outs during my period but usually goes away and acne scars goes by after a week or two with the help of any whitening soap or cream.

Then why did I buy Acne serum...?
Of course I want to minimize the redness, hyrdates my skin (I have dry skin) and in their website it claims that acne serum hydrates the skin and also brightens up the skin and also has antioxidants. I thought it would also be good to minimize the acne I get during the time of the month. Boy, I was so wrong..

What IQQU Acne Serum claims:
☛ This product is for you if you want to hydrate your skin - ✘ It dried my face so bad even if I put my moisturizer, it is still dry!
☛ This product is for you if you want effective action to reduce acne - ✘ It made my acne worse! Some people in the review claimed that it also made their acne worse but after that, it got better. I used Acne serum on and off because its making my acne worse like after I apply it at night, one pimple with puss will come out the next day so I still apply it at night thinking it will cure that acne but the next day two acne came out so I decided to stop using it and the acne went away but after a couple of days I decided to try it again, and yes I was right, it happened again.
☛ This product is for you if you want a skin detoxifying treatment - ✘
☛ This product is for you if you want to brighten your skin while treating your acne - ✘ I didn't see any brightness on my face at all. I think its the same.
☛ This product is for you if you want to sooth and renew your skin - ✘
☛ This product is for you if you want to provide your skin with antioxidants without irritation - ✘
☛ This product is for you if you want enzymatic complex to control oily skin - ✘ Maybe that's why it didn't work for me because I have dry skin?


The packaging is also not good because it took me several pumps for the product to come out. And this is what IQQU stated, "Turn the bottle upside down and pump. The product will come out. Pressure changed during air shipping, so you have to give it good pumps, once you create the vacuum, it will dispense normally. Thats why we are having this sale to improve by creating new packaging that everyone will find effective"

And a person who reviewed IQQU also stated that the Acne serum broke her out and this is what the IQQU stated, "You probably broke out first because of the retinol, it usually happens for 1 week. After the first week, the skin should get use to the retinol and clear up. Also, remember to wear sunscreen over the acne serum to product your skin from further irritation. "

IQQU should state this on their label that you are PROBABLY GOING TO BREAK OUT BECAUSE OF THE RETINOL! and should warn people that has sensitive skina about this.

I have tweeted before, "My acne scars is slowly fading, thanks to IQQU." Do you guys remember that Tweet? I think I spoke too soon because the next day, I broke out like no other.. *sigh*

Also note that I was using same old products that I was using before I broke out. The only addition to my skin care routine are the IQQU products.

I TOLD YOU GUYS MY SKIN IS SO UGLY RIGHT NOW. THIS IS ONLY HALF OF MY FACE. IMAGINE WHAT MY OTHER CHEEK and FOREHEAD LOOKS LIKE? *Sigh*

I FEEL SO EMBARRASSED POSTING THESE PICTURES. :(

Here are some reviews which shares what I feel about IQQU Acne Serum: http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=320168

I didn't bother to email them about this. Maybe I should have before I even reviewed this product but what for? It doesn't change anything - it still didn't work out for me. Also they don't have a good return policy. They only accept those unusued or unopened product. For an expensive product like this, at least have a good return policy.

JASMIN RICE SCRUB

According to iqqubeauty.com,
This luxurious rice scrub is a delight for the skin using the finest organic jasmine rice grown in Asia. The rice is hand milled to perfection to smooth away any dullness to the skin. The delicious scent is reminisce of a bowl of fresh rice, making this scrub a treat for the skin. This scrub is paraben free and should be used at night once every 2 days.

The young rice scrub and rice
bran oil is enriched with vitamin
E, a natural powerful anti-oxidant.
This creamy scrub firms the skin
and reduces wrinkles while
balancing the skin's complexion.
There is a natural exfoliation effect from
the young rice scrub. Furthermore, it
helps whiten the skin. This creamy 
scrub gives a natural moisturizing
effect that keeps the skin looking
healthy and young.

This scrub actually smells delicious. Smells like a cake batter, but when I 1st got it, I couldn't stop smelling it. I almost wanted to eat it. The grains of this scrub is very fine.

✔ After using this, it did make my face softer.

✔ I love the smell, it really smells delicious and the smell stays on my face even after I washed it.

✘ My skin gets a little red whenever I use it. I think its because my skin is so sensitive, its just reacting to the grains of this product. No big deal because the redness goes away.

✘ It contains MINERAL OIL -  I also read about some articles about mineral oil that is bad for acne prone skin: http://www.acnetalks.com/pimple/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=574&Itemid=9&mosmsg=Thanks+for+your+vote!

In that article, it stated there that, "But, certainly mineral oil is not an appropriate choice for using on a very oily or acne prone skin that does not need any more emollient as excess of mineral oil can be harmful. The good thing about mineral oil is that it does not clog pores, in fact, it decreases inflammation in acne patients but the products containing this ingredient are actually too oily for clients. According to some people, mineral oil found in Vaseline and or any other kind of petroleum jelly worsen the acne leading of severe pimples on the face. The truth according to few people are that mineral oil can have adverse effect on acne skin care. It would not help in treating acne instead, would definitely worsen it by making your skin more oily. So, use only mineral oil free cosmetic and beauty products to have an acne free skin."

So what is the truth about MINERAL OIL?! I Direct Messaged Michelle Phan about my concern regarding the Mineral oil in the Jasmin Rice Scrub but I never got an answer. I understand that she gets lots of emails and probably don't have time to answer all of them. This is the time that she needs to get associates in order to help her answer her costumer's questions. Good costumer service is a plus in a company.

Now this review doesn't have anything to do with Michelle Phan - me liking her or not because honestly, I watch her videos and truly think she's an awesome make up artist, so please don't ask me if I still LIKE HER OR NOT just because her products did not work for me. I don't want to judge a person that I don't know personally.

OVERALL: I won't repurchase.

Early Valentine's Day Date and Update..

Its me and Adrian's day off today but we decided to just stay home and cuddle =p But at around 0700pm, he told me to get ready so we can have dinner out. Yay for dinner! Nom Nom.. It's gonna be our Early Valentine's Day Date since we are both working on Valentine's Day. Adrian is such a sweetie!♥

We decided to eat at Claim Jumper.

(You can't see my acne here because the L'egere BB cream does its job real good covering up acne and acne scars)

Adrian: "hmmmm...what to eat?"

I decided to order their Lobster tail. It's so yummy!! I really love Sea food! ♥ I also ordered a side of baked potato, Really really good. I got so stuffed!

Adrian ordered Rib eye steak. I didn't taste it but he said it was good =)♥

After our scrumptious dinner, we decided to go to Walmart because we needed some things..

I got this Aveeno cleanser to try because my skin right now is unbelievably UGLY! Yes you read it right,  I hate my skin right now. I am breaking out LIKE EVERYWHERE! I hate this, I hate this feeling, you know having a low self esteem especially when I look into the mirror and see these ugly zits all over my face, and to top it all, it has these nasty pus on it too and leaves me scars when they heal! I HATE YOU ZIT! DIE DIE!!!

Ugh, I'm sorry for the outburst but I am having the worst skin ever! I have never had this much acne before. I hate it.. What to do.. What to do.. I think it has to do with the stuff I added to my skincare routine which is the IQQU. Whenever I use that stuff, I get new zits. Ugh. I stopped using that now. Like completely stopped. If it weren't expensive, I'd throw those stuff to the trash! I'm sorry if you are a fan of IQQU, that stuff just doesn't work for me. Before I used to think it was working for me, then after a few weeks of using it, acne formed on my cheeks like there's no tomorrow. When I stopped using it, acne slowly started disappearing but left me deep acne scars.

I also got these disposable toothbrushes as when I needed to just remove any food stuff that gets stuck on my braces. I can't wait til they remove my braces. I think it adds up to the ugliness that I'm feeling right now. UGLY BETTY.. UGLY IYAH. Ugh. I am not overreacting. It's really nasty.

I also got this smackers lipgloss. I am a fan of great smelling lipgloss and I bought this because its cheap and its strawberry :P

My friend gave me this to cheer me up. LOL. cracks me up everytime I open the barrel. HAHAHA! Thanks Kristine for this cute gift :P

Anyway, that's my update and if you have any questions, feel free to formspring me. I will try my best to answer everything but try not to ask sexual question as it can be awkward. :P Especially when Adrian or any of my family reads my answers. Yup, my family and friends know my blog and reads it once in a while =) Thanks for the consideration :P

GSP Prize Pack, IQQU, and Update

POP CHAMPAGNE

Last week, I received a package from Pop Champagne as a prize from her give away :) She is very generous to give me all these fabulous prizes! Again, Thank You Julie! :D

She made this, you can check more of her creations by clicking this link: http://www.glamsparkleandpop.blogspot.com/

She also made this necklace! Very Very Pretty! :) She is very talented :D Look  how shiny the necklace is? It's just too beautiful! Thanks again Julie for such wonderful prizes! :D

TUMBLR

I signed up for Tumblr. Its for my "personal thoughts" hence the title "PERSONALIZED.. Away from the Beauty Blog" I just want to separate some personal things from my beauty blog so it won't clutter this blog :) Visit me if you have time :D Well that is if you are interested.. :)

http://adriyah.tumblr.com/

IQQU

My acne scars has remarkably decreased. I don't really know yet why - maybe because of the Clinique? or maybe because of the Mia? But I decided to give Iqqu products a try. I have been reading all the reviews and it seemed great so I picked up 2 products. Will review them soon!

http://www.iqqubeauty.com/int/index.php

I got the Acne Serum and the Jasmin Rice Scrub

It is sealed with plastic all over and a sticker on the opening of the box

This Jasmin Rice Scrub smells amazing!! I can't even explain how good it smells. I just want to eat it. The husband loves the smells so much :)

NAILS

I also painted my nails today while watching New Moon :P Its a pretty taupe color topped with glitters.

This is with the flash :)

Without the flash

Milani Disco Lights and OPI Over the Taupe

Well, that's it for now.. Happy Almost Holiday!! :)