Raspberry and Pumpkin for a mask from TheFaceShop

Because of my messed up body clock, I woke up at the wee hours of the morning and is on the third and hopefully final post for the day (while eating avocado, clover cheese and chili, hello panda and toblerone, while sniffing because of an uncontrollable colds achooo).

Speaking of last, these two masks that I used are the last from the first batch of masks that I hoard ordered from TheFaceShop through Bae Lu.

First would be one of my favorite masks from TheFaceShop:  The Real Nature Mask Raspberry.

TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Raspberry

Aside from the funky smell (mixture of raspberry juice and the sweet raspberry smell of candies), I also love how it soften, smoothen and how it made my face plump after just one sleep.

nice words :)

Not sure about the anti-aging etchos that is on the description but I enjoyed using this mask as it's refreshing (even the smell is refreshing, nothing too alcoholic) and the essence is not sticky nor heavy on the skin unlike the next mask.

TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Pumpkin

I thought this mask would be...wait for it...LEGENDARY!  Because of it's out of this world variant:  PUMPKIN.  Well, I was proven wrong (huhuhu..sob..sob...sob), it's one of my dislikes as it's sticky, heavy, strong smelling (let's just say it's a drunken mask because of it's alcohol smell) and most of all, didn't do anything significant on my face.

"and I though this can restore the youth of my face..."

So yeah, with all the drama while saying ..."I thought this can restore the youth of my face" I regret to inform the facial mask lovers out there that this one didn't do anything significant on my face (let me know your story if you happen to try this).  The only benefit I got is I discovered that there's an expiration date indicated the packs of TheFaceShop mask sheets ahahahaha.

a very long shelf life

I'm running out of words and I think the way I talk (actually, write) is getting funnier? (like a drunken kid from a bottle of beer) and blurry so this will be the last post for the day.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Etude House Natural Mask Pearl

This is the first time that I will be posting a face mask from Etude House simply because it's my first time to use one, thanks to all the online sellers since physical stores of Etude House in the Philippines always run out of face mask, Pearl variant in particular which I used last weekend.  This is perfect for my skin since I have a dull one

Etude House Natural Mask (Pearl)
Essence mask contains pearl extract that promotes natural skin glow.  Tension fit design for improved facial adhesion and comfot
1000mg of essence
P58

I love the matted packaging and find the cartoons pulling  and holding the pearl a little funny.
The sheet mask has a medium thickness and doesn't tear easily.  It's a little short on the chin area though but other than that, it fits my face alright (those with big/matangos nose may have a little problem with the nose area of the mask, I have a small nose by the way).

only have 2 cuts

The essence of the Etude House Pearl Mask is so light it's almost like water but when I applied the excess essence, my face feels sticky.  It has also a light pleasant smell and it's white in color with some small pearly glitter particles when applied to the skin.  I am so happy at how this mask instantly brighten my face after 45 minutes (yeah, I let the mask stay on my face for nore than the recommended time which is 20 to 30 minutes) and when I woke up the following day (I use masks before I got to bed), the glow in my face remains and my skin is smoother.

I'm not just okay that it opened up my pores in the cheek area (I must really buy a closing pore serum) but overall it's a good refreshing and brightening mask.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Just Another Watsons Haul

By now you must be getting tiredof packages/haul posts.  I know.  So I'm doing everything I can to not look on online shops and just write on a piece of paper whatever I like then throw it in the trash bin.  But last Saturday, I went out with my sister to do a regular grocery but fist have to check out something from Watsons and it just happened.  I ended up buying things (ooppss).

Let's categorize my haul into two:
First is for the Hair and Body.

Nivea Body UV Whitening Serum P219
Eva's Vitamin Hand Cream Avocado Flavor P139 for two
Watson's Paddle Hair Brush P99.75
TREsemme Smooth and Shine Hair Mask P160

It's all the Nivea Serum's fault!  I don't know why I've become into Vitamin C infused products, maybe they promises to brighten dull skin.  The hand cream is so cheap I immediately agreed to my sister to buy it and split the price into half.

Next is for the face.
My sister and I are just looking, just looking and then there's Bifesta cleansing oil that other bloggers reviewed.  Oh it's cheaper than other cleansing oils but shedding P400 off my wallet just for me try it is a total waste of money but right next to  it are some products from a brand called Pure Beauty.  I'm so surprised how cheap this brand is despite of it's sophisticated packaging (serum at P399 compared to others at around P800+).  Really don't know what to choose between the peeling gel and serum (I asked myself that I should only buy one, for me to have the Nivea Serum).  My sister solved the problem by her; buying the serum, and I will just let her try the peeling gel (and vice versa.  deal!).  iWhite for the sake of sampling and mask for my satisfaction (why am I addicted to mask??) both are from Korea (as emphasize from the packaging) and also got some nose pore strips from Glam.

Pure Beauty Pomegranate Antioxidant Exfoliating Gel P299
Pure Beauty Pomegranate Antioxidant Serum P399
iWhite Whitening Aqua Moisturizing Cream P20
Watsons facial mas at P29 each
Glam Green Tea Nose Pore Stips P99 original price per box but on a buy 2 take 1 promo

I know I should stop.  But expect two or three more for the first quarter of the year *__*

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

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!

TonyMoly Tea Tree Mask

It's the time of the month again when I can't help but to have breakouts because of hormonal imbalance (well that's what they say).  My boyfriends I mean guy friends (I do not have a boyfriend) once ask me and my girlfriends why we have pimples and always feel irritated when we have our monthly periods and all we can say is "hormonal imbalance".

So again, I grabbed something that has tea tree because many claims it to have antiseptic property that can treat wounds and skin infections/problems so I guess it can help my minor breakout and allergy (hmmm someone sneak something into my food??)

Natural Pulp Essence Sheet Mask Teatree
Natural Pulp Essence Sheet Mask made of 100% Pulp Fabric locks moisture on face and provides better absorption for skin for a longer period of time with its silky texture. Contains herbal Tea Tree extract, well-known for its trouble care effects, to help to keep the skin free from troubles and fair with no irritation.

Surprisingly, this doesn't have very strong smell like other products that has tea tree though it smells like Italian spice and dish washing soap combined.

As usual of TonyMoly's mask, the mask sheet is thin and have just enough essence which I like because I can walk around the house without the fear of the mask sheet falling off my face.  As for the essence, well it's not as sticky as the other masks from TonyMoly that I tried but I still have to pat my face in order for the essence to sink into my skin.

I pricked some of my bumps before using this mask so I feel some "spiciness" while the mask is on.  The moment I wake up, of course I go directly to the mirror to see the effect and my face looks glossy and some of my zits got zapped and my bumps are less red.  The glossiness disappeared though after washing my face.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

DIY Green Tea Mask

Here's a refreshing mask that I tried this week.  I derived this DIY green tea mask from lifeandbows.com and made some modification to suite my taste and the ingredients that are present in our kitchen.

half cup of green tea, a tablespoon of brown sugar, half tablespoon calamansi and six cotton pads

Mix green tea, brown sugar and calamansi.  Stir until the sugar dissolve then soak the cotton pads to tea mixture then stretch and apply all over the face.  Leave it on for 15 minutes.  Rinse then moisturize.

Why Green Tea?
Because green tea is good for the skin.  It has polyphenols; an anti-oxidant that possess anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effect which is beneficial in treating inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and eczema.  Polyphenols can also reverse the signs of environmental damage, such as exposure to the sun and cigarette smoke and can  protect the skkin against free radicals-source: livestrong.com

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!

DIY Moringa Mask - a succesfull experiment

moringa grass

No you don't need a trunk of moringa to make a mask, just the leaves hahaha and sorry for the quality of the pictures I,m just using a vga camera.  So while in the province, I decided to experiment on this grass because one I remembered my friend's idea, two is that we have a lot of this grass in our backyard and three is that we also have lots of stones to pound the leaves (we do not have mortar and pestle) so running out of materials to use is not a problem.

1/2 cup of moringa leaves + 1 teaspoon of clamansi juice or lemon juice

Pound first the leaves then add the juice.  That's it! So easy right?
Apply the mask all over the face and neck and leave it around 5 to 10 minutes. It doesn't matter if the leaves fall off as long as the extract is in your face.  Then rinse with water.

the end product~moringa mask

My mom was suprised to see that my face looked whiter and smoother and laughed when I said that I applied moringa grass on my face.  But really, this mask made my skin instantly brighter and smoother and squeaky clean yet still a little moisturize too.  Maybe I'll use olive or sunflower oil next time for full moisturization effect.

Let me know the result if you happen to try this mask.

Thanks for reading.  till then.  Bye!

My Online Purchases!

Yey, finally my online purchases have arrived and I just wanted to share them because it's a first for me.

Let's start with these mask:


TheFaceShop facial mask

I know they are quite a lot.  20 pieces actually because I ordered it when there was a buy 10 take 10 promo from Bae Lu in facebook.  I almost run out of patient though, I think I waited for almost 2 months because it's a pre-order and some holidays in Korea.  Anyway, still very happy when I saw the package in our dining table, patiently waiting for me.

Next is my ebay purchases.  Actually one of my friends ordered these together with her's to save some moolah on shipping fees:

used Ipod to capture these samples so it's a little blurry

Ordered lots of samples to try out from different Korean brands that are new to me like Skin Food, Liole and Missha.

I feel like a kid today because of these packages.  Do you feel the same whenever you received your orders?

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!