And Another One! This Time From It's Skin

I have another reco serum/essence/ampoule for those who are just diving into the korean skincare world and it's cheaper compared to the Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum.  It's the Power 10 Formula CO Effector with Phyto Collagen from It's Skin.

But of course, this is just based on my opinion and personal experience.  Products that works for me might not work for you.

This is a bit thicker and stickier than the Innisfree but the effect is almost the same.  It's as moisturizing but a half step lower when it comes to nourishing but it makes it up to it by making my skin softer.  And since this serum is thicker, I only need half of the pipette to cover my face and neck.  And because it's cheaper (average $10), I sometimes layer it but not up to 7 times like what I do with the Hatomugi Skin Conditioner.

It's Skin Star Cream

I wanted to blog on a regular basis but heck I'm busy daydreaming about my good old job ahahaha.  I know I need to move on but anyway, since I'm not blogging as much like before (that I even share with you some grocery stuff) I've been choosing what to blog and deleting a lot of drafts since I'm just overcrowding not just my blog's space but also my mind but I think this one is a good one to share.

I ordered this It's Skin Star Cream via GMarket when it was release (whoah) because it's on sale and I'm glad that I got it even though I paid a gigantic amount of cash for custom taxes (I also got other stuff, but never again!).  It's cute, it shiny and got stars on it's packaging...what more can a girl ask?  But on the serious note, this is my "go to" face coverage because...

This stuff just do the the right things for my skin:  it has light coverage perfect enough for me to blur the imperfections of my face making it look smoother and it gives this glowy effect because of the "shiny pearl powder" ingredient which when hit by light kind of glisten so it's not proper to go overboard with this product unless you wanted to look like a glistening vampire.  Or if you wanted to highlight some part of your face then go ahead, double apply this cream it pretty much works like a highlighter in cream form.

Two more things that I like about this cream is that it has SPF25 so I don't have to apply a separate cream with spf and it's moisturizing: this one is definitely a makeup and a skincare product in one.

This can also act like a base slash cc cream though your foundation or bb cream shouldn't be too heavy specially those with oily skin since this cream is moisturizing.

See the "brightening" and "glistening" effect at the back of my hand?  Not too obvious so it's perfect because I don't want to be like a walking disco ball!

Despite it's cutesy packaging, this cream is seriously good.  It's like the better version of chin chan su that can work as a base, light bb cream or foundation, highlighter and a day moisturizer.

Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Google+ | Instagram | Email

Mustache, I mean Pore Strips

It's been awhile since I use pore strips since I noticed that the more I use them the more blackheads and whiteheads come back with vengeance or maybe my skin is just so clogged with dirt and hardened sebum...or maybe both?

Here are three strips that I used for the last couple of weeks, all of them are made from Korea even though the other one is a Filipino brand.

Opening the packets before hand saved me from smelling the burning scent of the TheFaceShop and Bench strips.  The It's Skin has an Eskinol smell which is more on the citrucy side.

It's Skin was the weakest remover from the three.  It didn't remove my blackheads plus whiteheads are sticking out that extra plucking is needed.  What I like about it though is that it has a bit of a cooling sensation.

According to the packaging "The Black Head Clear Nose Sheet with Charcoal and Witch Hazel extracts keep your nose skin soft and refreshed.  This product is designed to clean your noseby removing ugly black heads and cleansing clogged pores.  It also makes your skin dramatically clear and smooth"~not all true in my opinion, I'm just glad that it doesn't hurt to use this.

Next is from the TheFaceShop which I got as a freebie.  This one is the smelliest from the 3 and also the weakest that when I started to remove it from my nose it also started to tear.  This is a neutral one meaning it does remove blackheads and whiteheads but there would still be remainder to work on.  It almost have the same promise as It's Skin's but my nose is still not smooth as my forearm :P

Lastly, Bench.  This is the most effective but also the most painful to use (although very tolerable kind of pain, I'm talking pore strip stripping kind of pain here).  It did remove most of my blackheads even the big and stubborn ones and whiteheads but it's quite drying so better use moisturizer afterwards.  Like that it also has all the necessary information in the language that I can understand in its packaging and that the strip itself is made of a soft kind of material.  Like the TheFaceShop's, this also has a burning smell but more on the lighter side and again opening the packets beforehand helps in diminishing the weird scent.

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Google+ | Instagram | Email

Remove your Face

I'm just seeing pictures wherein people seem to have a different face when they remove their makeup.  Well, it's a matter of preference and it just so happen that I do not have the skill to transform my face and opted to have a simple almost naked face make-up but everyone (who uses make-up) should remove it and let the skin breathe and currently, these are the items that I'm using.

By the way for the month of July I guess I'll be doing a group product post to eliminate my backlogs.  I will mention the essentials but with less details like packaging, where I bought it, how much etc.  etc.

It's Skin Rice Firming Cleansing Milk got my attention because it's dermatologist tested  and well it's on sale when I bought it.  I was looking for a mild cleanser that I can use in the morning and when I'm halfway through it did I know that I'm using it wrong.  It's best to massage this cleansing milk on a dry face because it will turn into something oily and almost work like cleansing oil only this one can't remove tough makeup like the ones that are waterproof.  Then dampen your hands and massage again your skin to emulsify the cleansing milk then rinse.  I like how this makes my skin soft and doesn't leave it thirsty.

Before I'm amazed with cleansing oil, I was first awed with Bifesta Cleansing Lotion that I got two variants:  the Brightup and the Moist.  Pour some on a cotton pad then swipe it all over your face to remove makeup and dirt, amazing how you don't need water to use it.  BUT it has flaws:  one swipe is not enough to remove makeup even the simple ones...at least three to make sure everything is removed which is for me a waste of cotton pads, it stings the eyes and you need to use a lot to make it work.  I also use this before as a toner but they seem (especially the moist) to be a bit sticky so I stop.  These flaws makes me appreciate cleansing oil big time!  Bifesta Cleansing Lotion is handy though when you are practicing in your makeup skill (just a cotton pad and this can erase the minor errors) and when travelling and water is not available or if you are just afraid to use water for I don't know reason :P

And lastly, this little guy who looks like a mochi or rice cake (puto).  I got this Konjac Sponge in Landmark for like a $1 to replace my Olay cleansing brush in my everyday face cleansing routine.  It's mild and it lightly scrub my face to remove the dirt off my face, lessening the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads.  And if you use foam cleanser, this helps in making more foams so no need to use extra amount of cleanser to enjoy the divine happiness of thick small bubbles/foam on your skin.  Cheap and reliable tool!

Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Google+ | Instagram | Email

All of a Sudden: Cleansers

All of the sudden, I realized that I have 4 kinds of cleanser in the bathroom.  I don't know how that happen but anyway, I'm sharing them to you (this is not a proper review post).

Let's start with a foam cleanser.  I have dry skin so I should be using cream cleansers but I just can't resist the goodness of bubbles.  The SA in Etude House said the Baking Powder range is good for the pores.

After months of pondering, I finally gave in and tried Etude House Baking Cleansing Foam in Moist because I have dry skin.  I love it's perky citrusy scent and how thick the foam it creates leaving my face thoroughly cleanse.

Come the cold months, using foam cleanser twice a day makes my skin a bit drier than normal (in the first place, I should use a cream type of cleanser because of my dry skin...and that is the second time that I said that, ngek) so I opened the Rice Firming Cleansing Milk from It's Skin.  It's a cream type of cleanser that is light and moisturizing.  Not sure about the firming effect of this cleansing milk though.

Cleansing Oil mesmerizes me, I just like the magic of the oil in the skin turning milky when rubbed with water.  Lacvert Pure Deep Cleansing Oil is the cheapest I can find online and so far so good:  it removes most of the make-up that I use like bb cream, foundation and blush.  I have a bit of a trouble with the eye area because it clouds my vision but I'm working on it.

The last cleanser is the deluxe sample of Olay Regenerist Skin Renewal Cleanser which is a type of cleanser with micro beads on it.  I like the idea of a cleanser which also acts as a scrub.  Unfortunately, I don't like this cleanser from Olay because of its plastic smell and how it gives me small bumps and zits.  Maybe I'll just use it on my feet :)

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Sample Sample Din Pag May Time

We like freebies right?  Even if sometimes we don't use them and because I don't use them immediately I got tons of sample at the back of my closet.  So I made some time to use half of the samples that I got from my purchases.

Here's some quick thoughts on some sample products.

all from Mizon

First batch are all from Mizon which I got from my haul from Bae Lu.  Let's start with the toner which has the same consistency as with almost all the toners that is also a little moisturizing than clear ones and almost like an essence.  It does leave my skin a bit moisturize but there's nothing really special about it (I don't know why it's expensive for a toner) plus it smells like liquid floorwax.  Next are the products derived from snail mucus:  the All In One Snail Repair Cream and Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule.  Both of the products are light and doesn't have a snail smell which is good (I don't want to smell like a snail).  I kind of expected a lot from these two because they're the first snail product that I used (also, I had these when almost everyone is hailing about the power of snail mucus) but it failed my expectation, yes they are light and provide just enough moisture but I didn't feel the "wow" factor when I used the duo.  Maybe samples sachets are not enough to prove the power of the two snail products from Mizon.  Lastly, the Returning Starfish Cream.  Odd name but I'm guessing one of the main ingredients have something to do with starfish?  Anyway , I kind of like this product because it's moisturizing enough not to let my skin dry for a long period of time even when the A/C is in full blast.  At first it gives my face a heavy feeling but after 30 seconds to a minute, it's as if I'm not wearing moisturizer yet my face is well moisturize.  I hope no starfish was harm if my guess is correct.

random stuff dominated by Skin Food

I am not a fan of Skin Food's skincare products but the Mushroom Multi Care BB Cream is a bomb for me.  It just wowed me and made me forget the ineffectivess of the skincare products from this Korean brand.  It's light and liquidy that application of this bb cream is a breeze.  It also matches my skin tone and brightens the overall look of my face.  Coverage maybe a problem because it's more on the light side (medium if applied 2 layers) but not for me since I'm always after the natural look, it just make my skin looking smooth amidst it skin imperfection (thanks to Hipstyle for giving this as a sample).  The cactus set (toner and emulsion) is just strong for my face it's like I'm applying Eskinol and Lifting Eye Serum is a plain fail for me, it didn't do anything.

Enough of the Skinfood lets move on with the Nature Republic Forever lasting Essential Emulsion (the yellow on top).  It was release I think on winter season to cater the dryness of the skin and it's really really moisturizing (no questions about that), I don't think that I can handle the cream though with the Philippine weather.  Lioele Daily Soothing Essence is such an amazing product: it's an essence that already has an SPF of 30 which is already enough for me to protect my face.  I hate applying sunblock because of the icky feeling when worn plus the white cast plus the awkward smell so I'm very liking this essence, it's just so perfect for me.  I'm also liking iWhite Aqua Moisturizing Cream which is readily available in Watsons both in sample sachet and tube.  It's light (very light that even those with oily skin can handle it) yet moisturizing and cheap too and it has sample sizes that I can bring on travels (I'm actually going to buy 1 later for my October quick out of the town).  Plus it didn't breaks me out.

another random samples from different sellers

I got these samples from GMarket, Bae Lu, bhappywithme and Kkochi Pida.  I'll start with the unfamiliar brand well for me, the V on U.  It works like other grocery type hair treatment almost have the same consistency with conditioners, overall it's okay.  It's skin Toma Jelly Cream is fun to use because I just like it's gel consistency and it's cooling on my face.  The pleasant tomato smell is awesome too.  I'm neutral with the Power 10 Formula VC Factor, I don't know what to tell about this product...maybe it's an okay product but there other serums that are far better.  Moist Steam Cream from Nature Republic  is also something that are for winter season, kinda heavy and makes my skin a little oily.  Lastly, The Innisfree Eco Natural Green tea BB Cream which I also like because it has medium coverage yet it's still look natural on my face.  Consistency is a little thicker and heavier with the Skinfood but I can still easily apply it on my skin then spray a mist to tame the heavy feeling.  The smell is a bit on a medicinal side but it's nothing to strong, my nose and I bet your nose can handle it too.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

It's Skin Phyto Therapy Nature in Emulsion

It took me months before I can finally have the strength to post this.  I'm being lazy again and I'm running out of words.  Anyway, Its Skin Phyto Therapy Nature in Emulsion is one of the item that is included in my first GMarket haul.

It's Skin Phyto Theraphy Nature in Emulsion
14800 won but got it for 7400 won

Yup, I got it on sale in Gmarket.  It's Skin is one of the stores in GMarket that never fails to offer sales on a monthly basis, too bad though that the shipping rate got up so it's a good thing that there's already a physical store of the brand here in the Philippines located in SM North (wanted to visit soon to get some hyaluronic stuff).

Aside moisturizing, the factors that attracted me are the words phyto which means organic, clinical, tested and safety.  I'm born with sensitive skin (I have no choice) and grew up going to clinics for my allergies and other skin diseases and I dreaded using soaps or other products that are too harsh as it irritates and my skin wounds (the doctor once recommended to use Perla, specifically the white variant as my laundry soap).  Good thing as I grow up, my skin became stronger but that strong enough yet.

I also love the packaging of the product.  Although it looks mature, I think it's pretty even the box (in person because my photo sucks) looks really good. The emulsion is white in color (no pic because I already run out of this product).

Edelweiss

Edelweiss or Snow Flower according to www.botanical-online.com, has protection against ultraviolent radiation, anti-aging effect and anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties.  It's not hazardous but should not be taken as a food.  The product also has Mineral Water that according to the description above, provides health and vitality.  Combing the two and the product will offer a perfect response of well-being to the skin.

Setting the words and the claims above aside, this emulsion actually did great on my skin:  no irritation and breakouts, moisturizes my skin really well without the stickiness or heavy feeling and I can put or leave out the cream stage of skincare process and it also gives a nice glow and moist effect.  The smell is also pleasant, it's on an oriental/medicinal side but it's so mild it helps me relax.

Just take note though that when I first used this my skin isn't very problematic and during and after using it, I don't remember having a problem with my skin.

the ingredients

This product seems like a great Geisha to me, pretty and lovable but works really hard.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

It's Skin Aloe Soothing Gel

Yep I'm still alive and here's my take on It's Skin Aloe Soothing Gel.  Now, I bought these two from GMarket at very affordable prices but weeks ago, I saw some serum of It's Skin in Watsons and hope Watsons would bring more of the brand's stuff since the prices are affordable plus I could escape the staggering shipping fee plus the painful way going to the customs.

Let's start with the Aloe Soothing gel 92%.  You can find the link from GMarket here and I got it at 50% off.  I got the english description and ingredients below though from koreadepart.com:

It`s Skin ALOE SOOTHING GEL 92%

Ingredients:  Aloe Vera Extract, Black Bean Extract, Camomile Extract, Rosemary Extract, Lavender Extract, Oregano Extract, Spearmint Extract
Product Description:  Includes California organic certified aloe flesh and 6 herb ingredients.  Pacifies skin from the Sun.  Provides moisture
How to Use:
1.  Apply moderate amount around sensitive and dry face
2.  Massage until aloe flesh grain melts


It's Skin Aloe Soothing Gel 92%
8800 won/$7~$8
200ml

You might be wondering why I love aloe gel, well Aloe Vera have many benefits and the fastest to get ahold of it for is through store bought gel.  Here are some benefits from mindbodygreen.com:

1. It treats sunburn.

2. It acts as a moisturizer.

3. It treats acne.

4. It fights aging.

5. It lessens the visibility of stretch marks.

6. It's nutrient rich for good health.

7. It soothes in periodontal disease.

8. It aids in digestion.

Well, of course I'm interested with the first 5 benefits.  Since it's freakin hot here in the Philippines especially this summer, aloe is my must have.  It gives my skin instant freshness without the sticky feeling even if I put layers of it.  It also gives an instant relief if I over scrub or if there are red spots on my skin.  Moisturization is light to almost medium so sometimes I still layer a lotion if my skin is extra dry.

the clear aloe gel

I'm wondering though why there are lumps of...I guess aloe in the tub.  If it's It's Skin's way to show that it's this gel is really made of aloe then I think it's unnecessary because it's bothersome to see an almost transparent lump on my skin that's why I'm more into the 90% version of this one.

It's Skin Aloe Soothing Gel 90%
3300 won/$3~$3.50
75ml

So I got the 75ml of the It's Skin Aloe Gel still from GMarket so I wouldn't pay an extra 2500 won domestic delivery charge.  I also got this at 50% off.  I always carry this around with me for instant freshness when everything around me is hot and humid.  It doesn't have any lumps so it spreads smoothly on skin.  The consistency is more dense than the 92% but it's still not sticky.  Plus it has english description!

english description is always welcome :)

Both of these products have the aloe smell (almost identical to the real one).  They provide enough moisturization in a hot weather without the sticky feeling and gives instant relief from the burning rays of the sun and itchiness.  My hair also feel refresh when I apply this but I don't recommend these to be use on the lips as they somewhat dries mine.

Tried an aloe gel lately?

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Oh Yeah! My First Ever GMarket Haul

Yesssss, I finally got my GMarket Package (insert applause and ^__^ evil laugh here).  Yeah, so this is my (and my friend's) first time and I've known GMarket because of a friend who loves BigBang (particularly the leader) who endorses GMarket.

Unlike others who have a BIG box on their first haul, mine is in medium size.  I'm expecting a small one but turns out that I need two hands to carry it.  Actually I wanted to buy lots of products but two words keep on bugging my head: Shipping, Customs, Shipping, Customs, Shipping, Customs and boy they scared me.
(and because they scared me I forgot to get the $1 deal from Mizon. I could have added just P150 for the product and shipping)

~my precious~

Thank you EMS for carefully handling my box,  I thought that it would look haggard when I'll claim it but it looks safe and sound that even the invoice don't have any tear nor scratch.

Okay, to all GD fans out there...I'm so sorry.

to all GD fans all over the world, please accept my sincerest apologies

I used Kwon Jiyong a.k.a. GD because I don't personally know anyone from Korea and since my friend loves GD, why not give her a little *kilig* di ba?

GD gave me a gift ^__^

And so let's take a look at what's inside.  Ahahaha, the box is only half full (maybe this is GMarket's standard medium size?).  And inside, there's another 2 boxes that came from the 2 stores where my friend and I ordered.

waste of space, I really should have ordered more

And here are the 2 packages.  The square one is my friend's order while the elongated one is mine.

packing tape everywhere

The square box is from 폰 plus Minishop in which my friend ordered her Mercury-style cell phone Jelly Cases for her Samsung S3.  While on the way home, my friend hoped that she'll get another case for free.  With her wishful thinking, she got what she hoped for plus more!

free pink case plus koala dust stopper

She ordered the black and the baby pink one here for 2650 won ($2.60) each.  So how did we know what color to pick from the drop down button (which is in hangyul)?  What else, Google Translate!  Thanks to the seller by the way for the very fast and smooth transaction (the items are shipped to GMarket a few hours after we paid even if it's on weekend) and of course for the generous freebies.

Update: After almost a week, I finally have the guts to throw the boxes of my haul but lo and behold! I found these 2 plastic of protectors, each containing 2, my friend would really be happy to have these extras.

found additional freebies in the magic box

Next is mine!  I only got 4 items (insert sad face here) but this is my first time and I'm very nervous because of what I read from other bloggers about their package being held hostage in customs.  Anyway, still very happy because I got everything on sale.

did I order bubble wraps?

So every item of my order is bubble wrapped. Removing the bubble wraps will leave the box half empty.

92% aloe and 90% aloe hmmm what will be the difference?

I don't know why I ordered another tub of aloe since I still have 3 Nature Republic Aloe Gel.  Maybe I want to compare the two or maybe I've been wondering why the It's Skin's is pricier?  Maybe both!  And also got a tube of aloe to carry around but it's smaller than I thought.  Anyway, the main reason why I got it is to escape the domestic delivery charge of 2500 won (1650 won versus 2500 won? of course I'll go with the 1650).  Original price of the It's Skin Aloe Soothing gel 92% is 8800 won for 200g  (link here) while the It's skin Aloe Soothing gel 90% is 3300 won for 75ml (and yet the estimated weight is .3 kg whoah!, link here).  Both by the way are at 50% off.

Next, still from It's Skin: Skin Rice Firming Cleansing Milk.

can it also brighten my skin?

I'm loving my cucumber cleansing milk from The Body Shop so since this is at 30% sale, I got myself another cleansing milk and I'm happy that it's dermatologist tested.  Here's the link to the product which I got for 4760 won.

Last item is the Phyto Theraphy Nature in Emulsion.  Again, I got this out of curiosity because of the word "Phyto".

Phyto, Fighting!!!

Pretty box, pretty packaging and pretty price too good thing I only got it for 7400 won.  This one promises to wake up skin's own potential energy.  I do hope that it can wake up my pale face!

And last but not least is of course freebies.  Not much, just 3 sachets of Power 10 Formula VC Effector which is one of It's Skin's best seller.  Still thankful to the seller because he still gave freebies even if I bought everything on sale.

with Vitamin C Derivatives

The name of the mini shop and link is 잇츠스킨숍 and just to let you know, this shop doesn't process order on weekends based on my experience (I ordered on a Saturday and they processed and shipped my orders on a Monday which is for me still fast).

Here's what I paid for the shipping.  I didn't check the weight of my package so it's a shame that I paid for the .11 kg even if I didn't use it (click here for the shipping rates of GMarket).  I wish that the next time I order, the shipping fee is also on sale kekeke. Just a note, if you are new to GMarket, check Plus Zone first before ordering.  I only check it after purchasing and I'm not aware of the coupons and special benefits.  I got a 5% discount coupon but too bad I already ordered.

Subject	Shipping Fee Info.	Amount	Remarks
Worldwide Shipping Fee	ㅁEstimated Shipping Fee (Prepaid)	￦18,160 ㅁ	ㅁ Estimated Weight :1.60 Kg ㅁActual Weight :1.69 Kg
	ㅁAdditional Shipping Fee (Paid)	￦0 ㅁ
Total Worldwide Shipping Fee : ￦18,160

this is my tracking.  thanks EMS Korea for answering my question

Overall, my first GMarket experience is very good.  Fast and hassle free and as you can see in my tracking (except when my package arrived in the Philippines, the intervals is just 1 day.  I ordered February 2, 2013 and my orders already arrived in my country February 6, 2013.

Kamsahamnida GMarket!

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

*to learn more about GMarket, go to http://english.gmarket.co.kr/