Showing posts with label korean products. Show all posts
Showing posts with label korean products. Show all posts

January 4, 2015

Sample: IOPE Kit


Auto pilot:  ON

Got 4 of this IOPE Moisture Intense Kit last 2013 and use most of them last year.

IOPE Moisture Skin Cleansing Foam
It says that this cleansing foam is moisturing, it's not.  While it really cleanses my face, it also suck all the moisture out of my face like I when I use ordianry bar soaps.

IOPE Moisture Intense Softener
Ahhh, this one is something that I really like.  Though it's thicker than normal toners, this is perfect for my dry skin as it also moisturize it while toning and it makes the skin soft.

IOPE Moisture Intense Emulsion
Lately, I'm not a fan of emulsion anymore and this one feels more like a body lotion.  I gave most of them to my sister and a friend.  Some, I just use it as a body lotion when I'm travelling or at someone else place (the size is perfect for travelling).

IOPE Moisture Intense Cream
The intensity of moisturization of this is so high that my crack heels benefited much from this cream.  Moisturization wise, this is really good but it just so heavy on the face and sometimes I wake up with an oily face when I use this at night.  This is more applicable to those with a winter or a very cold weather.

IOPE Mild Sun Cream
This is my favorite out of this kit.  It has SPF 35, it's moisturizing, it's easy to spread and it also acts like a base that it blurs my pores and other imperfections of my face plus it also makes my skin glow a little bit.  It has a pleasant smell and looks really natural considering it has spf which makes my skin look ghastly.


IOPE Bio Activator Plant Stem Cell Active
Not part of the set.  This essence/ampoule or whatever IOPE call it is amazing as it got rid of the bumps that I got from Olay Regenerist Cream.  It also makes my skin much smoother  and my pores looking smaller.  This is a very active product that when I use it day and night on a daily basis, my skin got a little sensitive so I just use this at night.

Happy New Year!

Arya

April 6, 2014

Etude House Vitamin Face Masks

Different kinds of vitamins is essential to ones being.  So why not also put them on the face?  Here are three sheet masks from Etude House with different kinds of vitamins as essence.

Etude House Essence Masks in Vitamin E, C and A
Regular price: P58/ around $1
Links/Websites:  Etude House PhilippinesEtude House Global/ Etude House Philippines facebook page

I find that these combo of sheet masks are perfect:  Vitamin E for nourishment, Vitamin C for brightening and Vitamin A for skin tightening.

Vitamin E Essence Mask Sheet is formulated with Vitamin E and rich essence for skin protecting care.  This one is very moisturizing that even if I didn't moisturize my skin the day after I use it, my skin is still soft and smooth and well, moisturize.  Among the 3 this is my favorite.

Next is the Vitamin C Mask Sheet which is formulated with Vitamin C and rich essence for skin brightening care.  This one is sticky so I went back to my old habit of refrigerating my mask before using which somehow helped in reducing the stickiness.  This is also a bit moisturizing and brightening but continuous use is needed in order to see maximum result.

Same goes with Vitamin A Mask Sheet which is formulated with (can you guess what?) Vitamin A and rich essence for tightening care.  This has a "funny" smell, I actually can't explain or understand the concoction.  The effect is not very noticeable but my pores shrunk a little and again, continuous is needed to see the amazing result of skin tightening which can prevent wrinkles :D

If you want to know more about this vitamins, you can read this link that I found while browsing for some description.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

March 30, 2014

Innisfree It's Real Sheet Masks in Acai, Adlay and Bamboo

I'm on the last three of the many sheet masks that I have from Innisfree and so far, the rice variant is still my favorite.  However, these three are good enough that if ever someone asks me what brand of sheet masks would I recommend that is affordable, I would definitely say Innisfree.  I'm hearing that My Beauty Diary and Leaders Insolution are the best and I haven't tried them but they are much pricier than Innisfree.

Innisfree It's Real Mask in Acai Berry, Adlay and Bamboo
got them for P35 each/around $.80

These three masks are surprisingly do not have much of the alcohol smell and do not have sticky and heavy feeling when the sheet is removed from the skin that I've been complaining with most of the Innisfree masks that I tried.

It's Real Acai Berry is the most moisturizing and nourishing among this three and is probably the lighter version of the rice variant.  It has this fruity lovely smell that I just love and the milky essence just sinks in to my skin.  For those with combi to normal skin (the rice variant is still the best for those with dry skin type in my opinion but this will be perfect on summer hot days) type of skin that wanted a nice moisturization and a little nourishing, brightening and moist effect, I think you'll like this.

It's Real Adlay has this clean and crisp smell with a clear a bit oily but not too heavy essence.  This one is more on the softening of the skin side rather than moisturization.  Again more recommended to those with combi to dry skin type.  Don't worry oily skin type peeps, I think bamboo is the variant for you.

It's Real Bamboo weirds me at first but looking into all the masks that I tried, it immediately dawns into me that it's not weird at all (snail, bee, snake are much weirder right?).  This one has the lightest essence, smell and it's definitely not heavy...it's like it has moisturizing water that refreshes the skin so it makes me think that it's perfect for those with oily skin.

In my last Innisfree masks post, I said I would try to find the meaning of the color of the circles in the packaging of the mask sheets right?  Well, I run out of luck and couldn't find it no matter what I do but www.yesstyle.com seem to have most of the description of Innisfree masks (no I'm not paid or is affiliated to yesstyle to mention the site here, it is just where I found the description of these masks).

So far, the Rice variant is still the best that I tried second would be the Acai Berry and the least would have to be Lemonlime.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

January 10, 2014

What Should I call This?- Another Haul

Should I start calling this kind of haul Faux GMarket haul since everything I order from Bae Lu is from GMarket???


This probably is my largest online haul that my big Forever21 bag is hall full.  What can I do, retail therapy is addicting and I had lots of stress last year (when I ordered all these stuff).  Most of the items might already be familiar to you if you have read Just Sharing my Excitement post, I'll just put the links from GMarket if in case you're interested to order them too plus I also ordered some make-up stuff (can you believe that?).

nice boxed sets
First is from this shop that sells samples from Amore Pacific (I hope I'm not mistaken).  Here's the GMarket link to the shop.  By the way, recheck the links...the seller constantly change the items in his shop's links.

I got the IOPE Moisture Intense Miniature Set which includes a softener a.k.a. toner, an emulsion, a cream, a cleanser and a sun cream.  Each order includes 2 boxed sets and a freebie (mine is a 3W hand lotion) for 7,500won (I paid around P500 to Bae Lu).  You can check the set here or here.  I got two orders so that I won't have to pay extra local shipping fee.

I also ordered the IOPE Bio Activator samples (40 sachets plus 2 mask sheets as a freebie) which I will use as a serum.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find the item anymore in the shop...too bad there's a lot of good reviews with this product.

3 orders in total from IOPE

Next is from Laneige.  I am supposed to get samples of eye creams but the link that I gave to Bae Lu changed and got the Moisture Care miniature set instead which includes a softener, an emulsion, gel cream and the very famous water sleeping pack plus 2 sheet masks as a freebie (link can be found here).  I also got the Water Bank Essence (4 with 15 ml product content, link can be found here) and the Original Essence White Plus Renew (4 with 10 ml product content, link can be found here).  The price before for each order is 7500won (got them from Bae Lu around P500) but they are now priced at 9900won per order.

3 orders in total from Laneige
Sulwhasoo

Next is from this shop that sells high-end korean cosmetic product samples.  Here's the link to the GMarket shop.  Oh by the way most sample shop from GMarket has this mandatory freebie rule.

all from Sulwhasoo, well except for the pore strips

There's no way that I can afford a full size Sulwhasoo products so gorabels na me with samples.  From the Renewing Ginseng Line I got the face cream (3 pieces per order), the sleeping pack (3 pieces per order) and the eye cream (33 sachets) for 7500won each order (paid Bae Lu around P500 too per order) and got pore strips as mandatory freebies.  I also got the "basic" emulsion (6 pieces per order).

Unexpectedly, one of my Missha order was already included in the December shipment.  I got this Misa Essence when Missha was having a 50% off on certian products.  Originally it cost 13800won but got it for only P380 (which I think is already cheap for an essence).  GMarket link here.

Misa Essence, everything is in korean

Now for makeup.  I got the 3W Clinic Professional Natural Make-Up Powder (formerly known as Palgantong) in Transparent Pearl (number 10) for only P230, the cheapest I can find online (thanks Bae Lu for finally offering this in your online shop).

Palgantong
Last is from Clio which is my disappointment from this haul.  I guess, I didn't understand the promo and the translation is not correct so I got the wrong shade plus I didn't get what I expected.  I'm supposed to get two eyeliner: one black and one brown plus a lipnicure as a freebie instead I got one eyeliner in "Bloody Red" if I'm not mistaken and a pot of lip balm for P580...for me it's not worth it so, sorry Clio but I will not order from you unless it is super duper clearly indicated in your site the things that I will be getting.  Anyway, here's the link of their GMarket shop.

bloody wrong order
Oh my, Bae already knows that I'm a huge mask addict so it's not a surprise that she sent mask in sheet and in spreadable form as freebies and I'm very happy that I got the cream from the soybean line of Innisfree (I wanted to order the essence before but it's so darn expensive).  I wonder what kind of drink/tea though are those pack in pink?

love them!
Wow it took me two hours to edit everything.  Hope you enjoyed this haul.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

November 19, 2013

I'm Hauling in Love Again this time with Sae Sil

(I'm listening to Eagle Eye Cherry's Falling in Love Again)  It's the first time that my blood boils and be palengkera at the same time (I kind of force myself so they can feels my woe) just because of a courier. In the end, I feel boggled as to what I've done was wrong or to harsh but then I paid a sum amount of money for a good service...but then again... ehhh enough, I think I'm torturing myself too much.

I made another order (my wallet is definitely skinny now) from an online seller named Sae Sil Parknshop(hmmm maybe I should make a post regarding all the online shops that I transact with this year) and I'll treat it as an early Christmas gift to myself.

Missha Sets

The items from Missha really looks like gifts because they are in a box set (maybe I should wrap them so I can open something on Christmas day since I seldom have gifts on that special occasion boohoo). I got stunned with the The Time Revolution Best Seller Trial Set because its cuter than I expected: I imagined it to be as tall as a "Venti" cup from Starbucks but it turns out it's just "Tall". Anyway the box is so gorgeous with its prism gold design. I also got the Super Aqua Special Gift Set because I'm loving the essence from this line. It's kind of lame that I didn't ordered it when it's at 30% but still got it at 20% off but still sayang yung 10% which is equivalent to 1 sticker in Starbucks (are you collecting stickers for the planner?, but I guess it's still a good buy!

they can fit at the palm of my hands

Next would be from The Saem: I got a tub of Aloe Vera Gel which is cheaper than Nature Republic's hahaha (extra moolah too for the shipping). I also got a (drum roll please) a pack of daily sheet mask from Etude House. Oh my please someone out there give this crazy lady a medication to her mask addiction.

aloe and honey

Lastly is this critically acclaimed powder: The 3W Clinic Professional Makeup Powder formerly known as Palgantong. I wanted the transparent pearl but Sae Sil is only offering the light and natural beige (I ordered the pearl from another seller, guess who?). Good thing my sister is also interested with this powder so I'll just give it to her as a gift.

3W Clinic Powder Crystal Creator Bright

And freebies!!!!!

ohhh green tea :)

Wahhh, I should have ordered a little more after my friend's order got out of stock to avail Sae Sil's freebie of the month.  I'm actually drooling over her November treat which is Pepero!

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

October 23, 2013

Just Sharing my Excitement!

I got excited when my seller friend Bae Lu sent me a message that my orders arrived last weekend and got stoked when I saw the pics of my order.  She even said she got happy while checking my orders.  Well, who will not get  happy with these stuff:

the mandatory freebies

No, the masks and hand creams are not my main orders but they are the mandatory freebies from the seller in GMarket.  It's "free" so why not?

fresh from the box with bubble wraps
From Laneige, I got the Water Bank and White Plus Renew Essence samples for me to try and a miniature/travel skincare set for an I don't know reason ahahaha...maybe I got overwhelmed with the shop in GMarket.

Laneige samples

Next is from Iope.  Not familiar with the brand?  Well if you are a subscriber of Michelle Phan's then you might have heard the Iope Air Cushion Sunblock Ex-Cover in her summer favorites video (you can watch the vid here).  I heard about the brand from Hope in a Blog but only learned from Michelle how to pronounce it :)

Iope is under Amore Pacific who is also behind Etude House and Innisfree.  You can check Amore Pacific's site here.

Iope samples

Next are from Sulwhasoo.

Sulwhasoo Samples

Sulwhasoo is a high end brand in Korea under Amore Pacific and there's no freakin way that I can afford their full sizes skincare products so I went for the samples.  By the time that I'm making my order, I have no emulsion that's why I ordered a lot but then I couldn't help but buy one when Etude House went on 20% sale so I guess I have two quarters supply of emulsion now?  Hehehe, I don't mind.

And as you can see there's a Missha bags in the photo.  I wish they are mine but they are for Bae Lu's other customer.  Dang, I should have ordered when there's a 1+1 event, now all I do is look at the photo (I hope the customer wouldn't mind ^^).

Missha

All photos are from Bae Lu's fb page from here https://www.facebook.com/bae.lu.fashion/media_set?set=a.682243881788928.1073741854.100000099676763&type=3.  You can like her facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/baeluBFCuisine to know what's the current promo from Korea.

I still don't have my orders as I asked her to wait for my Clio and maybe my 3W Clinic Natural Make-Up Powder before shipping all of these to me.  I'm excited for November, I smell Christmas!

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

October 19, 2013

I'm a Panda and I like Cherry Blossoms

I'm a panda.  I'm a panda.  I'm a panda. I'm a panda

You probably don't know what I'm singing but the original lyrics is "My inner ninja" by Classified and "I'm a panda" just goes well with the song ahahaha and I do not know why I'm telling this.  Anyway, here are two TonyMoly products that I've been using lately.

TonyMoly Cherry Blossom Hand Lotion and Panda's Dream Good-bye Dark Eye Corrector

I'm always fascinated whenever I see cherry blossoms in tv and would wish that someday I will have a face to face encounter with these beautiful trees.  I also wonder what a sakura flower smells like.  Scent from cherry blossom inspired products tend to differ but this hand lotion from TonyMoly is something that I like.

with a pump

I tend to have drier skin whenever ~ber months come so even if this hand lotion is a bit sticky, I still use it.  Moisturization doesn't last long though and I have to apply at least every after hour.  The only extra ordinary about this lotion is the scent aside from that I don't think I can justify it's P297 (around $7) price tag as there are other drugstore hand lotions that works like this under P100.  Oh by the way this hand lotion is glossy white in color.  I took some pic of the product itself on my hand but for some reason my hand looks as if I just dip them in the ashes, it looks creepy!

And here's the panda:

I'm a panda!

Cute packaging (the panda lured me) with an affordable price (around $8 to $10 I guess) with a claim to brightening effect around the eyes: it's perfect for my dark circles!  Sadly, this product sucks!

There are only two reasons why I'm not liking this product.  First is it's hard for my skin to absorbed it.  Second is, it simply can't do anything:  it didn't help in brightening my dark circles plus it's also not moisturizing.  I read somewhere in the net that this can be use on the face for brightening effect.  I use it like a face cream once and I got breakouts.  So, I'm not liking it bigtime.  This one has a matted whitish with a hint of baby pink color.

That's it.  I'll just leave you with this waving panda.

see how the white paper turn into something ashy?
I'm a panda.  I'm a panda.  I'm a panda. I'm a panda

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

July 22, 2013

Nature Republic Collagen Trial Set

It's already been three weeks since I finished this trial set so I hope I can still remember my experience with it.  Why collagen?  Because my face loves collagen based skincare products.  I know, many would say that collagen is also absorbed by skin either by injection or ingestion but I really don't care :P

Nature Republic Collagen Dream 90 Trial Set
I bought this trial set from bhappywithme from Ebay because I wanted to try other brand's collagen products and at the same time to give my skin a break from the Etude House collagen cream as my skin; when already accustomed to a product, tend to react wildly (like the minions!!!)

it comes with a booster aka toner, emulsion, essence and a cream
This trial set did last for 15 days in my hands (yup that long even if used it twice a day), so it's also perfect for those long vacay (I wanted a long vacation now na!).

Contents:
Skin Booster (pinagandang pangalan for toner)- 20ml
Emulsion- 20 ml
Essence- 5ml
Cream- 8ml

Let's start with the skin booster which is just a toner (really).  It's thick in consistency like an ampoule and has a yellowish color.  I usually apply this with a cotton pad but sometimes I just love to put a small amount of it in my palms and pat it on my face for faster absorption because it takes a while before my skin absorb this toner because of it's consistency but at the same time (because of it's consistency) it also already gives my skin a little moisture.  (gosh, I'm abusing the words consistency and because).

From yesstyle.com:

Nature Republic Collagen Dream 90 Skin Booster
Antioxidant enriched toner revives and nourishes skin with acai berry, a powerful superfood packed with Omega 3, 6, 9 and Vitamin E, minimizing cellular damage and restoring skin's youthful vibrancy. Deep sea marine collagen increases skin's collagen reserve, allowing skin's outer and inner layers to maintain an optimum collagen level to keep skin moist and supple. Suitable for all skin types.

everything in korean
Next is the emulsion which is (as you can see in the below picture) white in color.  Just like other emulsions, this one has a runny almost like lotion consistency that gives my face a moist effect.  The box says 90 but this one is just 70 and I do not know the difference except for the numbers written.

From sasa.com:

Nature Republic Collagen Dream 70 Emulsion
Contains marine-collagen derived from deep sea in Indonesia and SYNiorage, which helps inner and outer skin retain higher level of collagen. It also contains extract of Northern Brazil Asai Berry, which is known as an effective antioxidant. With these highly effective ingredients, the Nature Republic Collagen Dream helps to keep your skin moisture, elastic and healthy.


and this my friends is a photo of what the products look like
The essence is my favorite among the four.  The consistency surprised me because it's no watery and almost looks like a gel cream.  My face absorbs this quickly and even in just small amount moisturizes my skin well that I sometimes skip applying the cream.  It also makes my skin looked nourish.  Like it very much!

From yesstyle.com:

Nature Republic Collagen Dream 70 Essence
Rich and hydrating essence rejuvenates skin cells and stimulates collagen production with potent antioxidants and marine derived collagen. Marine collagen boosts skin's collagen level, aiding skin's outer and inner layers to maintain a higher level of collagen. Antioxidant enriched acai berry then halts cellular damage for noticeably smoother skin with a youthful glow. After cleansing and toning, gently massage a small amount of essence all over skin and neck and follow with emulsion.

And lastly, the cream which is the heaviest among the four.  I think this cream is more suitable in places with colder temperature.  I use this at the end of summer in the Philippines and there's this day that my face looks oily so I only apply it at night.

From zalora.com:

Nature Republic Collagen Dream 70 Cream
This highly effective anti-aging face cream is teeming with marine collagen and antioxidants that help keep skin moist, elastic and with renewed health. It also works to keep the skin smooth and glowing with youth.

All these products are almost odorless by the way.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

June 8, 2013

GMarket Haul 2: BitterSweet

Finally; after months of waiting, I got (actually it's "we", I'm with a friend) my 2nd GMarket box.  I feel like a winner and a loser at the same time with this box because I'm one of the winners of GMarket's March Blogger of the Month and at the same time I paid lots of taxes all thanks to our dear customs for declaring my orders as illegal entry (sob sob, I don't want to talk about it because I paid a lot of $$$$).

Here's the box, bigger than my first but....

still from GD *belat*
...if I arrange the small boxes and platic neatly, the big box is half empty (such a huge waste of space).  This time around, I ordered other stuff aside from cosmetics and cellphone case.

around 5 little boxes plus 2 plastics
I ordered a bag and a shirt.  The bag looks really cute but the quality well is...okay?  The lining is surprisingly good but there are defects on the outside material and I don't think I can put book/s in this bag (durability is very questionnable).  The shirt on the other hand is very comfortable!!!  It's actually a shirt dress and goes well with not so thick skinny black jeans.  I tried it with leggings but it looks better on skinny.

the backpack is from here and the shirt is from here
Next would be the cellphone cases of my friends.  I don't know why they always change their cellphone cases but well I love the colors, so refreshing!

both cases are from here
And of course, the very reason why I ordered:  Skincare/Cosmetics!  It looks a lot on the 2nd picture but if I combined all my orders and remove all the unnecessary bubble wraps, they can all fit in a small box.

see? and there's already layers of bubble wrap underneath these goodies
 If I remember it right, Secret Key delivered my order the fastest!  The tin cans really look cute even the inspector from customs said so.  The mini hand cream is a mandatory freebie.

check Secret Key here
Star Cream from It's Skin which I got for a special introductory price.  It's like a primer and a CC Cream? not quite sure since it's not clearly indicated in the description.  So generous of It's Skin to give a mini Toma Jelly Mist (I gave it to my sister though.  I tried the Toma Jelly Cream/Gela nd I like it).

got the Star Cream here
Missha finally have it's...like a store in GMarket and most of their products (around 80%) are actually cheap.  These foaming cleansers (in set of 3 but give the green tea variant to someone) are bigger than I have imagined (I really thought they we're just refills).  Also got some sponges as a freebie.

these affordable Missha cleansers are from here
And the most expensive item in my box, a Laneige toner hehehe.  I thought that this is an essence that's why I ordered it.  Later did I know that it's a toner (the "refiner" in the name deceived me).  I wish the seller gave me more freebies but come to think of it, the Missha Time Revolution Serum is kinda expensive.

don't know if Laneige has it's own space in GMarket but I bought the toner here
Want to know what's on GMarket?  Check the english website at http://english.gmarket.co.kr/index.asp

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

April 8, 2013

April Haul

Haul time again!  I can't believe that I bought a lot (again), for others this might be small but for me spending this much (almost 2,000) is already galore.  Funny how I set my alarm 5 minutes before 9:00 pm to reserve items from Kkochi Pida (you already know her, right?).  I fell asleep and never heard the alarm (I must have been really tired from cleaning) wake up at around 9:20 pm panickingly look into FB and boom no more items.  Well that's what I thought until 5 minutes later pictures of on hand and sale items are starting to pop-up (I'm just in time).  I only have have 2 to 3 hours of sleep (i have irregular sleeping time people) but got up real fast full of energy commenting mine in almost every item that I want (items sold fast with this online shop, can't blame the shoppers since Charm (the seller) can really charm you).
In short; amidst this silly story, I'm a happy and here's what I hoarded.
tonymoly + holika holika
Cacao for my skin and pig for my nose ◕_◕??? But seriously look at the packaging, IRRESISTIBLE.
And lookey! Nagdadalaga na ako (I'm turning into a lady).
a base, a balm and a a blusher
As much as I wanted to open and try all these items, I must stop myself because I just opened a bunch of products last week (9 to be exact) but I'll start with the Baby Choux while it's still in hype and maybe the Blusher too to give color to my pale face (I hope Charm will also sell other items from the Sweet Recipe line).
as always with korean products, packagings are cute
And of course the freebies that makes every online buyer extra happy.  If you go to a store, one must purchase a minimum amount to get freebies.  By online, you get assortments os products and still get freebies.
I have another mask to use
Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

March 28, 2013

TheFaceShop Lemon and Rice Mask

As a continuation of the brightening and Vitamin C series, here's two TheFaceShop masks that I used for the past 3 weeks.
TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Lemon
A brightening mask sheet containing fresh lemon extract bursting with vitamin c to densely penetrate the skin and brighten dull skin tone while maintaining its translucence
I'm afraid of lemon masks as they one:  remind me of car fresheners that are unpleasant to the nose and two:  a pimple will surely appear the day after used.  This one is an exception:  though it didn't brighten my skin, the smell and lightness of it's essence is refreshing that it puts me to a quick nap (a first for me!).  No pimple outbreak too so this mask for me is perfect for relaxation purposes.
TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Rice
An exfoliationg/complexion improvement mask sheet to smoothen and brighten dull and rough skin
extract grounded from quality rice 1,000ppm contained
I know what what kind rice was used
Wow, my phome camera can take decent photos (hooray!).  Going back to the mask, among the  ones that I tried from TheFaceShop, so far (I syill have raspberry and pumpkin to try) this is my favorite.  Though  the smell has tiny bit hint of alcohol, the nice clean, a little flowery smell of the essence overpowers it.  This too put me into a quick nap.  I do not know how will this mask exfoliate skin (and I don't expect any exfoliation to happen) but it does really smoothen and brighten dull and rough skin.  My face is glowing after I removed the sheet and the glow stays even after I washed.  Too bad there's only one piece of this rice mask in the 20pieces in a pack that I bought last year (but will have to buy some when I got to Korea hopefully next year!)

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

March 14, 2013

My Recent Travel Buddies: Samples Review

I see a good weather from where I am right now and would love to take vacation but of course I have to work for a living >_<  besides I already took some time off from my office desk job last week to visit my mom in the province.

Anyway, traveling is a hassle if you you bring loads of stuff, right?  But who can blame a girl who take lots of products with her on an escapade not just for beauty but for comfort?  Since I started to be aware of the needs of my skin,  I use around 8 to 10 products (cleansers included) that are mostly in bulky container.  I can't bring them all and I like to travel light and so bringing samples is a no brainer.

Let's start with Skin Food Energy Color Kit which comprises Carrot Sun Cream SPF30 PA++,  Aloe Vera Cleanser and Orange & Mint Body Wash.  The cleanser is pearly white in color while the body wash reminds me of Johnson's baby shampoo.  Both gives an ample amount of bubbles and there's no question about their cleaning prowess because they always leave my skin squeaky clean.  Not liking their scents specially the Aloe Vera Cleanser, it just smell so weird to me.  I used these two for around 10 days already and I still have a few left (good for another 3 day vacation I guess).  Next, the Sun Cream which has an SPF30 PA++ which I'm not liking so far but it's already summer here in the Philippines and protection from Mr.  Sun is a must.  I not much into sun creams or sunblocks or sun screen as it gives me a white/grayish cast, sticky feeling and the weird smell and this sun cream from Skin Food has almost the same effect (a little lighter, okay) but it's a protection for my skin so I used it when I'm under the sun, besides applying it is very tolerable I just have to pat and pat the cream plenty of times for the white cast and stickiness to disappear.
1.Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser 30ml
 This soft, refreshing cleansing foam contains aloe extract that soothes sensitive skin, and cucumber extract to moisturize skin, while cleansing.
* Use:  Foam a desired amount by rubbing in wet hands, and massage gently and thoroughly onto face.
Rinse with warm water.

2.Orange & Mint Body Wash 30ml
 Fine foaming body wash with orange and mint extracts to deliver vitality and energy to the body. 
 * Instruction:  Apply an appropriate and spread onto the shower ball during shower and foam up to massage over the entire body and rinse.

3.Carrot Sun Cream SPF30 PA++ 10ml
  A sunscreen contains the nutrient-enriched extract of organic carrots grown in pure water from Jeju Island and keeps your skin healthy .
 *Formulated without 6 chemicals: Parabens, dyes, alcohol, animal-derived ingredients, artificial fragrances, and sulfates.
 *To use:  After your daily skincare regimen, apply liberally onto your face, neck, arms, legs, and other areas that are easily exposed to UV sunlight.  For best results, apply at least 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure
Another item from Skin Food is the Fresh Apple Sparkling Pore Serum.  The name kind of confused me:  I thought it would be transparent and liquidy with an apple cola~ish smell but it's not.  It's in cream/lotion type with a white color and a green papaya smell ( I want apple *_*).  This serum takes time to absorb and feels like I used an emulsion (it's a bit heavy for a serum).

Next are some aqua based cream:  Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Moisture Watery Cream (pink is for dry skin) and Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterfull Cream.  These two are also heavy for my liking.  I'm not sure if it's just the hot weather or because I'm already used to Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream but these two provides enough moisturize to my dry skin and makes my skin a little plumber (two sachets is not enough to judge their long term effects).  No breakouts two plus I like the smell of the Missha cream.
SKIN FOOD Fresh Apple Sparkling Pore Serum
 ▶ Product description 
-Formulated with unripe apple and soda water
-Provides pore clearing and trouble caring effects simultaneously.
-Removes dead skin cells and makes skin soft, smooth and elastic
-Refreshes and clarifies skin during the day

NATURE REPUBLIC Super Aqua Max Moisture Watery Cream
▶ Type:For dry skin
▶ Product description
 -Formulated with oceanophyte, collagen, hyaluronic acid, MD101
 -Provides moisture and prevents evaporating
 -Maintains watery skin for a long time.

Super Aqua Ultra Waterfull Cream
Highly moisturizing cream activates the moisture preserving ability of the skin to stop the cycle of dryness
Description
1. Ultra moisturizing cream that has been inspired by the moisture preserving ability of desert plants to keep skin moisturized for all seasons.
[Providing ultra skin moisture]
Solution1. Aqua lock
Imperata cylindrica extract creates a protective shield that prevents moisture from evaporating and from skin adapting to harmful elements
Solution2. Aqua Sponge
Adenium extracts absorb moisture like a sponge to increase skin elasticity
Solution3. Aqua Tank
Baobab tree extract activates the moisture energy inside the skin to stop the cycle of dryness
And lastly E'thym O2 Water Balancing Toner and Water Moisture Lotion from TheFaceShop.  The O2 Balancing Toner effectively removed the  dirt residue left behind after washing my face but I'm not liking the lotion because it clumps into white particles.  These two also are quite strong that I feel a little stinging after the third use  (looking at TheFaceShop website, I found out why).  They both have a nice smell though:  clean and citrusy.
E'thym O2 Water Balancing Toner
-For Oily to Combination Skin
A toner that has an aloe extract helps smoothen and moisturize the skin.

E'thym O2 Water Moisture Lotion
-For Oily to Combination Skin
A moisturizing lotion that has a touch of water helps keep the skin smooth and moist.
So that's it (pancit hehehe).  Enjoy the weather and don't forget to relax and enjoy so have a vacation!

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!