TheFaceShop Cucumber Mask

After all the mask that I've tried from TheFaceShop, I thought this Cucumber variant wouldn't have any significant effect on my face like the Olive.  But surprisingly, it turns out it's the mask that is prfect for my tired skin.

TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Cucumber
Extract grounded from fresh cucumber 1000mg contained
A hydrating/vitalizing mask sheet containing cucumber extract to fill puffy and lackluster skin with cool hydrating minerals
around P65 ($1.50), I got it for  P32.50 inclusive of delivery charge

No wonder my skin reacted so nicely with this mask because it targets dull, lifeless and tired skin.  And cucumber is very known for its hydrating and refreshing factor.

Here's how to use a mask sheet, just in case it'll be your first time:

How to:

1. Get the skin even by toner

2. Place the mask sheet evenly according to where nose and eye areas are

3. Take off the sheet after 15-20 minutes. Gently pat for better absorption

Good gracious, this mask doesn't smell to alcoholic but it also do not have the refreshing cucumber smell.  But it's alright, what matters is the freshness that I felt when I used it.  Essence is not sticky too and provides light moisturization.  I didn't bother to put another layer of skincare on my face because of the hot weather so the moisture from the mask essence is just perfect.  It also instantly brighten my face (not looking too tired anymore) and the morning after, gives my skin a healthy glow.  I didn't have a pimple nor a zit with this mask so, thumbs up!

Oh by the way, if you have small chin and jaw like me then you'll have a little problem with the sheet mask. It didn't fit perfectly in the said area and what I do is overlapping the cuts in the chin area with the jaw part of the mask sheet.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Olive from TheFaceShop

Wahh I accidentally erase my pic of this mask and already used the two that I have so the pic down there is from TheFaceShop's website.  Update: I found it!!!!

TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Sheet Olive
20ml essence
All Skin Types
P65 (approximate) around $1.50

Anyhoo, price is approximate because I got some TFS masks on sale:  20 pieces for P500 excluding shipping fee which is P150 so if computed each mask cost me P32.5 (less than a dollar).  By the way for the initial review of TheFaceShop mask please click here.

photo from TheFaceShop website

Polyphenols which is the active ingredient in the Olive Mask belongs to a group of antioxidants compounds called as catechins whic can fight free radicals in the body.  Polyphenols also improve moisture retention and absorption  (thanks google for providing us the necessary info).

So surprisingly the scent is not too alcoholiche essence is not too sticky too (I have lots of complaints with TFS masks because of the scent and essence's consistency).

Now for the effect: nothing much actually, it's just neutral.  If I used this before the other variants maybe I could commend it with it's moisturizing feature but for now I just like it for it's refreshing feeling especially if it freshly came out of the refrigerator.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Red Ginseng

Relax, relax it's Friday.  Let's end the weekday with a mask!

THEFACESHOP Real Nature Mask Red Ginseng

Finally a TSF mask that I love! Surprisingly, this Real Nature Mask Red Ginseng has no alcohol smell that I always complain about whenever I use a mask from TheFaceShop (bravo, clap clap).  Instead, it has a little herby, minty scent that is light and refreshing- nothing irritating.  The essence is colored brown! And not sticky yet patting is still necessary for quick absorption.

I tried putting the essence in a white shirt and it stained, can be remove by washing with soap and water though

Now for the effect:  My face looked revitalize though I noticed that my pores on my cheeks gone bigger good thing they went back to their normal state (how I wish they shrink) when I wash my face.  My skin also still feels moisturize even after washing and looks healthy up to 3 days (with diminishing effect of course and moisturizing cream is still needed).

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Sample Everywhere: Chia Seed

Sample here, sample there and everytime I purchase, sample is everywhere.  One of the reason why I love shopping in korean products is because of the samples and freebies I get from boutiques and online seller.  I got some TheFaceShop Chia Seed samples from my mask purchases from a facebook user seller Bae Lu.

Chia Seed Toner, Lotion and Cream
"Contains 100% chia seeds water instead of water
Chia seeds water is extracted within 24 hours via the Fresh method, instead of water delivers the vitality of the highly pure chia seeds."

What I like from this range is the scent: it smells refreshing yet becomes unscented when already applied to skin.



Toner + Lotion sample

Here are the descriptions from TheFaceShop's international website:
Chia Seed Watery Toner
A moisturizing toner that instantly hydrates the skin.  Tones dry and patchy dead skin cells and moisturizes the skin as if water is absorbed.
A natural moisture drop absorbing moisture 10 times its own weight.

Chia Seed Watery Lotion
A moisturizing lotion that restores the skin's innate clear luster.  Spreads onto the skin smoothly without stickiness and is absorbed quickly to prevent skin dryness.
Soft suppleness both inside and outside the skin
Organically germinated chia seeds, which draw and absorb moisture, not only hydrate but also nourish the skin to effectively restore suppleness.

The toner leaves my skin fresh and clean though I'm not amaze with its moisturizing effect as promised in the product's description.  As for the lotion, it's perfect for those who live in a hot place as it doesn't leave my face oily and sticky and is quickly absorbed by my skin but whenever I got to a cold place I use the cream.  The toner and the lotion samples are good for 5 to 6 applications.

Cream Sample

Chia Seed Moisture-holding Seed Cream
A refreshing water drop that busts the moment it touches the skin fully hydrates the skin and moisturizes the inside of the skin for an extended period.
Immediate hydration and a comfortable protective film
Chia seed, which carries moisture 10 times its own weight, and chamomile provide immediate hydration and soothe dry and reddened skin quickly.

I think this is great when a cold place.  Why?  I used this cream twice while sleeping without the air conditioner on I woke up with an oily face and poof a small pimple!!.  So I used this instead whenever I go to work and by the middle of the working hour, my nose is starting to dry so re-application is needed.  The sample is good for 5 to 6 uses.

Quick post eh?  Well I'm not a huge fan of the TheFaceShop skincare products so I use sample first, before buying a full size.  Anyway, I hope the descriptions and my quick notes helped.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Pomegranate

"A lifting/radiance mask sheet containing pomegranate extract rich in vitamins B1 and B2 and minerals to improve resilience and provide moisturized radiance to the skin".

Real Nature Mask Pomegranate
Extract grounded from fresh pomegranate 1000mg contained

Lots of healthy stuff in a mask huh?  Let's google them!
So from www.acne-vitamins.com:
Vitamin B1 or Thiamine - "aids digestion in the process of metabolizing food. A proper balance of vitamin B1 can help your body to better absorb other vitamins. B1 is also an antioxidant that rids your body of toxins, enhances blood circulation and assists in energy production"
Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin - "Vitamin B2 deficiency can be a cause of acne. B2 is essential for healthy skin, hair and nails. B2 also plays a role in growth and energy release. Along with vitamin A, vitamin B2 works to improve and maintain the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, aiding in digestion and preventing the buildup of bacterial waste"
And from livestrong.com:
Minerals - "mineral in addition to vitamins, also help skin rejuvenate and appear healthy"

i hope you can still read the ingredients

I like that the essence of this variant is lightweight and not sticky and is quickly absorbed by my skin.  A bit itchy while the mask sheet is on my face but goes away once I removed it.  The strong smell of alcohol is really annoying and irritating but got used to it after 5 minutes.  The moisturizing effect is just okay especially if in a tropical country but needs to apply moisturizers when in a cold place.  It gives my face a natural sheen maybe because of the minerals but disappears immediately after just washing my face with water.  Resilience?  I guess one time use is not enough to judge this aspect.

TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Pomegranate for me, is just okay:  it doesn't gave my face any extraordinary effect but thank goodness there's no breakouts!

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

TheFaceShop Clean Face and E'thym

It's the time of the month when girls can't stop pimples and breakouts and also it's ~ber months which means that my skin gets extra dry even when the weather is not too cold and so when I visied my family back in our province last weekend, I do not have any excuse to skipdoing my usual skincare routine but it's just a hassle to bring all the products that I'm currently using and so I relied on the samples that I got from my purchases.

Clean Face + E'thym

I got tons of TheFaceShop samples when I became a Club20 VIP member and chose to bring with me the above products because they claim to be mild yet are best for acne, troubled skin.  It takes a month to see the full effectivity of a product but I only have three days so I'll do my best to; although brief, describe the necessary details of the samples.

photo from The Face Shop Clean Face Series fb page

Clean Face Acne Solution Foam Cleansing claims to wash away acne-causing bacteria and debris.  This cleanser has a soapy with a hint of citrus smell.  It iss foamy and leaves my face squeaky clean.  The sachet is good for 2 to 3 uses.

photo from The Face Shop Clean Face Series fb page

Clean Face Mild Toner claims to provide quick and effective care for skin troubles.  I pour a just right amount of the toner to a cotton ball and was really surprised to find brownish color on it (just when I thought that the cleanser removed all whatever is on my face.  I should never underestimate the power of a toner).  Just like any other toner, it's transparent, liquidy and has a citrusy smell with a hint of alcohol into it.  Good for 3 to 5 uses.

photo from The Face Shop Clean Face Series fb page

Next is the Clean Face Mild Lotion which I'm a little skeptic to because well it's called lotion (maybe I'll post something in the future the differences of face lotion, emulsion and cream).  It has the same smell as the toner and is white in color.  Consistency is like of a body lotion and feels heavier than an emulsion when applied to face.  My skin didn't absorb this quickly and have to pat my face for like a minute.  Good for 3 to 5 uses.

These three somehow helped in lessening the redness of my pimples probably because of it's main ingredient Tea Tree extract which; as indicated in the label, treats oily or problem skin more quickly and effectively.

Now since I have dry skin, I also brought with me this essence and cream to use at night.

photo from http://international.thefaceshop.com

I already gave my thoughts on the essence so I'll move on to the E'thym O2 Aura Cream which is liquidy rather than creamy yet it feels heavy when applied and my face looked oily.  I also don't like the scent of this one because it smells like melted plastic.  The result is just okay: my face is moisturize and a little smooth, but will not be a fan of this line.  I think it's more for those with normal skin type.  Good for 1 to 2 uses.

Do you also bring samples when travelling?

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Aloe Vera

Finally, my facial masks online order just arrived.  I have 20 masks from TheFaceShop so expect a lot of facial mask reviews from the said brand.
I'll start with aloe since I need something that will hydrate and soothe my sensitive skin because this crazy weather is giving me skin asthma.

TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Aloe Vera
A soothing/hydrating mask sheet containing aloe extract, which hydrates and soothes the skin with a rich sense of moisturization, to provide instant care to puffy and and sensitive skin

CAUTION:  Use with caution if you have allergy to adhesive tape.  Do not use on broken or abraded skin.  Discontinue use if signs of irritation or rash appear.  Keep out of reach of children.  Keep package sealed until use.  Avoid contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water

The words soothe and hydrate were mentioned twice in the short description so I really hope this will provide enough moisture to my thirsty skin.  It has 1000mg of extract from grounded fresh aloe so that's only 10g of essence.  Hmmm  I usually use mask that has at least 20g of essence.  Here's how to use:

Directions:  1.  Pull out a sheet 2.  Unfold and place a sheet on a clean face after cleansing and toner stages 3.  Remove the sheet after 15~20 minutes and let the residue get absorbed deep in the skin

The facial mask itself has 12 cuts, is horizontally elongated that it almost reached my earlobes and is neither thick nor thin.  It doesn't cover the mouth and nose area well.

As for the essence, it smells like a real aloe though it also has a strong alcohol scent when I opened the mask packet.  Good thing it goes away after a minute or two after placing it on my face but can still be irritating for those with sensitive nose.  The essence is oily for me; it's like a dry oil though it's not sticky.

When I take out the facial mask from the packet, it's not dripping wet just okay wet (??? what a term) and there's not much essence left for me to apply on my face for the whole week.  After 10 minutes the outer area of the facial mask started to dry out so I applied all the little extra essence left from the pocket.  You'll know when 20 minutes has elapsed because the mask will start to fall out of the face .

When I removed the mask sheet, my face doesn't feel sticky and heavy and my hands glides easily because the essence is really like an oil.  I have to wait around 15 minutes before my skin fully absorbs the essence and take note, I am in front of a fan.

I woke up with a moisturized face though I am a 50~50 on the soothing part, my pimple on my forehead is still angry in red.  Don't ask me about the puffiness part because I don't have a puffy face to begin with (ahahaha my face actually needed some puffiness, just a little though).

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

The Face Shop Freebies

One of the things I love when shopping on some korean beauty stores are the freebies or GWP (gift with purchase) that they offer that sometimes I buy more than what I have planned just to avail them.

The Face Shop gave a pack of freebies just by availing their P150 VIP Card.  Tried most of them on and after my trip to Coron and here's the description of the products plus a little of my thoughts after sampling a sachet or two:

E’thym O2 Water Recharging Essence
"Refreshing hydration line containing natural ingredients with 5 free system (Mineral oil-free, Paraben-free, Benzophenone-free, Artificial colorant-free, Animal origin ingredient-free) and premium oxygen water. E'thym helps your skin look younger and well-moisturized."

What I love to love:  Keeps my dry skin moisturized all day
What I love to hate:  It breaks me out

Natural Sun AQ Power Long-lasting Sun Cream SPF45 PA+++
"Natural Sun AQ (Absolute Quality), a mild sun block product line made from natural plant extracts such as rhubarb plant, argan tree seed and blue sea kale extracts.  This line features groundbreaking technology melding the best of both worlds – excellent sun protection and feather light texture through the Optimum Disperse System."

What I love to love:  Long lasting and waterproof that I don't need to reapply every time I go for a swim.
What I love to hate:  None. Oh, the long name!

ACE it Power Perfection BB Cream SPF37 PA++
"Total Skin Treatment BB cream(Special ingredients for rejuvenating skin): actively addresses all skin problems such as loss of firmness, dry skin, uneven skin texture and dull complexion."

What I love to love:  Adapts to my skintone and is easy to apply.
What I love to hate:  None as of the moment.

Real Nature Mask Lemon
"A mask sheet that has lemon extract which is rich in Vitamin C helps make the skin clearer."

What I love to love:  Really do brighten my face.
What I love to hate:  The essence is a bit sticky and it takes time before my skin absorbs it.

I haven't tried the Clean Face Mild Special Gift Set.  I'm saving the toner and lotion for my next trip.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!