Never Again: TBS All-in-One BB Cream & A'pieu Pore Cover Balm

There are times that you get excited with a certain product that it hurts so much when it performs below your expectation and swear that would never again use and buy it and the only reason why your keeping it is because of the "just in case" thought.  It'll be in your stash for some time and then one day you will look at it and wonder "why did I even buy and keep you".

It's cleaning time once again and I have to throw makeup that are already expired (it hurts to throw them because it's like throwing money in the garbage, but I have to because it's not healthy for my skin) and make peace with the items I swore almost to death (I'm exaggerated, I know).

Let's start with The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream.
This one hurts me so much because it's the first "legit" and pricey (although many consider it drugstore and cheap)  bb cream that I bought.  Most of the bb creams that I tried are sample deluxe or in sachets so the All-In_One BB Cream signifies my being "dalaga" when it comes to makeup.

The Body Shop All-In-One BB cream is a color adapting cream that looks natural on the skin.  I swatched the 01 in store and it perfectly matched my skintone though I should have wondered and questioned why there are shades to choose from where in the first place it should "adapt" to one's skintone.  Anyway I still bought it, use it and happy with the result (because it's not too obvious that I'm wearing a bb cream) while at home.  Took the bus, walked around three blocks under the sun with minimal shade from the trees and when I went to the comfort room, my face look almost a shade darker~ I instantly have a tan.  I still gave it some more try because I thought I'm just applying too much or applying it the wrong way but the results are the same.  So I gave it a rest and thought maybe this will be perfect for summer since it can fake a tan.

QUICK BITES: In Tubes

There are times that strolling in the aisles of grocery is dangerous in the sense that you see things that makes you curious, take for example the Pantene 3 Minute Miracle conditioner (which luckily I got at half the price)  I don't need it but bought two for good measure (that's what I thought).

Here's another edition of Quick Bites where I share my thoughts of random products in a "quick" way.

Pantene 3 Minute Miracle
This is love at first use of sachet, I was head over heels and decided to get a tube but lo and behold it went on sale and so I bought two.  The first 2.5 weeks was heaven: my hair is soft and shiny it's as if I having an everyday hair spa.  Past the 2.5 weeks though, my hair started to feel heavy and I noticed more bumps like pimples on my shoulders, on my hairline and jaw area and on my scalp too meaning this conditioner is just too strong that my sensitive skin can't take it~ it's like the conditioner's love is too much that my body is already choking.

Nivea Intensive Moisturizing Serum SPF25PA++
I hate wearing sunblock or any lotion with SPF because they are heavy and overall give an unpleasant feel to my skin but heck I need protection from the blazing sun this summer (I'm talking 30 degrees and beyond temperature with so much humidity) so I'm happy with an emulsion like moisturizer with SPF.  At first I thought this doesn't provide enough moisture because the outer layer of my skin is not as smooth and silky as when I apply my regular lotion at night but I'm wrong because when I scratch myself, I don't see any white marks~that's how I measure how moisturizing my body moisturizer is :P

St. Ives Bright Skin Apricot Scrub
This is pricier than the regular St. Ives scrubs and the packaging have all these Japanese (if I'm not mistaken) words so it got me curios.  Well, the "granules" in this scrub is much finer which I really like.  Aside from that thought, it seems like the other kind of scrub from St.  Ives.

Beauty Formulas Glorious Mud Facial Mask
I tried the green tea version of this when I stayed at my sister's place one night and it lifted my white and blackheads that I can easily remove them without the help of tweezers so I thought this must be better because mud masks lift or absorbs impurities and it's made of kaolin and bentonite.  Well, I'm slightly wrong~the green tea is better when it comes to removing whiteheads and blackheads but this one seems to suck all the accumulated oils of my body from the products that I use (I use this not just on my face but on my body as well) I have to remember to moisturize well after though as it is a bit drying.

The Body Shop Hand Cream
I got these  (I got three, gave the other one to my sister and I don't know why I'm telling this to you) from some of the points I accumulated from buying The Body Shop products (I'm quite loyal before) and I love them especially this summer.  They are light yet very moisturizing (more light than all the aloe gels that I tried which to me are very light) and also give a refreshing feel to the skin.  The satsuma smell is really refreshing, it's like orange and lime in one.

QUICK BITES: My Bro Said "Oh It's Your Lotions"

Oh hey, it's been a while since I've been busy with work and watching animes (again).  I already catch up with World Trigger and Kamisama Hajimemashita and I'm planning to start with another recommendation from my brother, Ansatsu Kyoushitsu.

I'm doing another random review (I'm now calling this kind of post Quick Bites) because I'm still not into doing a proper full review blog post but I hope it still interests you :D

Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion
Another ginseng based product with a ginseng smell, this emulsion is just right during night time but is a bit heavy during these summer days and when I say heavy I mean sticky and looking greasy.  It works just like other emulsions and because it's doing just okay with my face, I started using it as a body lotion and surprise surprise as a brush cleaner.  It seems to have a fair amount of oil so I put this on my brush egg then swirl a dry brush.  Then I wet the brush and swirl again then rinse with water and the emulsion does the job.

Sulwhasoo Overnight Repairing Treatment
Sulwhasoo is a high end brand in Korea so I'm really into trying out their products and bought samples even though they are a bit pricey and unfortunately I'm disappointed.  This Sulwhasoo sleeping pack didn't beat my love for Laneige Water Sleeping Pack.  It's not as sticky as other sleeping packs and my skin mostly absorbs the product but it doesn't feel refreshing to apply...it's like I applied a medicinal cream.  Also, I get these hard bumps that look like a pimple when I use it (I currently have three after a month of using the sleeping pack/treatment which I use twice to thrice a week) and over time they darken.  Obviously my face is slightly hating it but my legs seems to like, it helps in soothing the itchiness of my skin.

Laneige Moisture Balancing Emulsion
I feel like my face is into Laneige products.  This emulsion is light enough to use during day time but still gives enough moisture and a little moist throughout the day.  Like other emulsions, it takes some time before my face absorbs it, so I wait around 5 minutes before I can apply my spf or makeup. Two more plus about this product is that one it doesn't irritate my skin (no bumps or red spots whatsoever) and two the smell is light and refreshing.

That's it.  It's summer here in the Philippines so Happy Summer and Enjoy the Sun!

2 More Revlon Lippies

I thought I'm completely a blush girl until I made contact with a "real" lipstick...it change my makeup life.

For years, I lean on different kinds of lip balm: colorless, tinted or those "magic" type that changes color and dries my lips, and I was okay with it since I only use lips balms when I remember that I have them or when my lips are chapped.  And then I bought a legit lipstick but at the back of my head I always say that I'll just use it on special occasions or if I wanted to be not so ordinary which rarely happens.  Until came Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain...

Wait a minute, it's a balm not a lipstick (my whole life is a lie!).  I only know this now because the print on the tube was already erased.  I have the 001 Honey Douche which is a color that I'll never pick because it's a shade of pink but this was just given to me by my sister who thinks that it's more appropriate for me than on her (and she's right).

Yes it's pink but it's not the shouting kind of pink, it's more on the demure and not so girly side (why is this hard for me to explain, makeup reviewers/bloggers out there-HELP ME).  It's also close to my natural lip color so even a newbie like me can apply this without a mirror.  When I wanted to put some color to my tired looking face or spruce my no makeup makeup look, I usually grab this~it's an everyday-looking natural kind of lipstick.

Another lipstick that I got for free (it's from a hair dye) is this Revlon Colorburst  Lip Butter 063 Wild Watermenlon.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter is moisturizing and buttery so I'm not surprised that I'm halfway through with Fig Jam (a variant that darkens or adds depth/shadow when I use it on top of my other bright lipsticks).  The Wild Watermelon shade is like a demi lip stain and balm in the sense that it's not as buttery as the blank blank that I have but it is more staining.  I hope the above photo can explain this, I mean just look how liquidy it is compared to the Just Bitten.

I usually wear Wild Watermelon when I wanted to brighten my lips and maybe more often this summer because it's bright red orange (which I usually associate with something perky and colorful).

I'm happy that I have these two in my lipstick stash (I hope that makeup collection (dangerous words) will never occur to me) and even happier because I got them for free!

Remnants of Etude House and Some Brushes

Here are the last pieces of Etude House products that I got and at the same time the brushes that I have before the Ecotools brush set that I got last christmas.   I thought it might be fun to share them, although I don't have much to talk about.

These two I guess were the first real make-up products that I bought.  The Etude House Apricot Stick is a good transitioning product from tinted lip balm to lipstick.  It's like a half tinted lip balm as it's not yet as pigmented as a lipstick but the texture is almost like a lipstick, creamy and no transparency at all from the tube.  I like how the color is so close to my lips; orangey, pinkish, peachy and reddish, is perfect for an everyday no makeup-makeup look~ that it'll just make the color of the lips even plus it gives a little gloss.  This also gives a nice faint flush to my cheeks, a nice way to fake a blushing face without people noticing that you actually put something in there.

Because of it's creamy texture, it can moisturize the lips for hours but can be easily smudge too.  Probably around the 4 hour mark, it will dry leaving some gritty particles on my lips but if I don't eat, drink or lick my lips much, it will leave a faint tint so the grits is not very noticeable.

My attempt to get a define winged liner failed with the Etude House Styling Eye Liner.  This is more for tightlining the eyes or as an eye shadow on stick.  I usually just lightly apply this at the ends of my eyes and smudge it for a slightly smokey effect.  This is also a good tool to practice with eyelining as it can easily be remove and if you wanted a black eye shadow but don't know how to use it (like me) then you can start with this one, it's so creamy and can easily smudge and you can control how much you'll apply (since it's on a stick).

Since there's a time that I've been slightly obsessed with winged eyeliner and with my brows, my sister gave me this Marionnaud Slanted Eyeline & Eyebrows Double Side Brush.  It has the slanted firm but not too harsh and not too thick brush on one side, good for eyelining and making feather strokes for the eyebrows.  And on the other is the spoolee to tame the messy hairs of the brow and I sometimes use it to comb my lases when they seem tangled.

I got the flat top kabuki brush from Landmark...the name starts with a K but I completely forgot.  And I swear that it's way denser and flat than in the below picture, it's just that I am so harsh in washing brushes that it finally shedding after a year of usage.

The flat top kabuki brush is so dense and soft that it gives this almost airbrush effect~clean and even, when I apply my bb cream.  It didn't bleed and shed for a year or more (can't remember when I got this), it's just a week ago that the hairs started to fall when I squeezed it to the max.  This is just around 150 pesos again perfect for those who are starting with make-up (like me) and also for those who do not have enough space for brushes (like me again) because of it's short, chubby handle (it's also easy to grip it).

Sorry if I sound too flat today, I'm just sick and my body is sore and some parts needs a massage.

The Best Sleeping Pack is from Laniege

I've been skeptical about this product before because I'm always thinking "how can a very light sleeping mask beats the heavier ones".  Since a sleeping mask should do wonders on the face like nourishing, revitalizing and heavily moisturizing the skin over night, I thought it should be heavy.  Tried some, and my theory seems to be accurate until came Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX.

Texture & Application
The mask is a whip gel cream that is so light it's like a water in a cream form.  I use this at least once a week as recommended.  But when I do not have enough sleep or my skin is very dry than normal, I apply it thrice a week sometimes on consecutive days, sometimes on every other day.  The instruction also said that I can use it whenever my skin feels dry so I don't think there's harm in me applying the mask more than once a week and so far haven't seen any bad effect on my skin.

I apply the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_Ex after my toner and I sleep.  Sometimes when my skin is in a bad shape or needs extra moisture, I apply serum and light moisturizer on top of the sleeping mask.

Effect
It soothes and cools my face and just melts in the skin~it's a refreshing experience every time.  Of course the most important thing is the mask's effect, is it any good?  And the answer is a BIG YES!  The morning I wake up, my skin just feel smoother and supple plus it gives this refreshed look even on days when I only have 5 hours of sleep (sometimes even less).  Although it also gives this impression that it doesn't provide much moisture because of the mask's lightness, I feel that the moisturization happens more after the first layer of skin so if you are in a colder weather or place, I recommend to put your moisturizer after this mask.  For me though who is in a tropical country, the moisturization it gives is enough.

It also didn't experienced any outbreak from this mask and still apply it even when I'm experiencing skin asthma or eczema although I heard from someone that she had bumps on her jaw area when she used this mask so better test it first on other parts of your body to know if it's suited for your skin.

Final Thoughts
Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX is the best and it changed my outlook towards sleeping pack.  It's light and just brings back the liveliness of my skin in it's very dull moment.  It's pricier compared to other Korean masks in its range (considered in mid range) but it's worth it.  Laneige also have a firming version of this sleeping pack and I can't wait to try it.  I still have to test another sleeping mask which is considered high end in Korea but I'm still betting on Laneige's as the best.

Random Review Again and Again

3W Clinic Olive Hand Cream
Not the most moisturizing hand cream that I tried but what I like about it is that it's so light, my skin absorbs it so well and I can't feel any residue after applying or even when I wash my hand which is usually the case for most hand cream and lotion that I tried.

Human Heart Nature Hydrating Creamy Wash
Tried this as an alternative for Cetaphil and works well not just as a wash but also as a shampoo though it doesn't lather much but if you have a sensitive skin like I do then this is a good alternative.

Pantene Daily Intensive Conditioner Aqua Pure
This doesn't have dye and paraben and it catches my attention because of it's color and the "aqua" in it's label.  It's a light conditioner that doesn't weight down the hair but it's not as intensive as I want it to be.  For those with normal hair or even fine hair, this will work just fine but for those whose needs much more nourishment, this is not enough.

Black Beauty Hot Oil with Vitamin E Treatment
This is a recommendation from my sister and it works well.  It tames and straighten my hair and makes it more shiny and it does my makes my hair looks a little fuller and thicker.  The only thing that I really don't like about it is that it makes the ends of my hair tangled but the more I use it the less tangle I get but it's still there even if I already used up 3 tubes of this.

The Body Shop Chocomania Body Butter
I waited for so long to have this and I'm so glad that it's on sale when I purchased it.  It's super thick so I need to rub it first in my palms before applying on my skin for easy spreading.  The smell is so great! it's like chocolate pudding or a butter mixed with chocolate.  Moisturization is just okay probably because of the cold weather (where my skin gets extra dry).  Main reason though why I get this is because I read the cocoa butter helps with diminishing the appearance of scars and stretch marks...my scars are still in my body.  But at least I still smell like chocolate :P

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Missha Misa and Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

I'm trying to keep some cacti alive (one already said goodbye because I watered it too much and another one already struggling) and luckily this one in my photos is doing well.  You'll see it as an accessory to most of my photos this coming months because I think it looks pretty.

If you read my Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule then you know how much I love it and it made me want to try more products from Missha.  I got the Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence with the ampoule as a set and the Misa Essence which does half the trick of the night repair.

Missha Misa Yehyun Essence
This is like the younger half sister of the Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule in the the sense that it does half the job of the latter.  This is more suitable for those nearing the age of having wrinkles but still not ready for anti aging products, that is my opinion by the way.  This is one of the "oriental" products of Missha with korean ginseng and other oriental medicine aiming to boost skin elasticity and making it healthy.

Since I already tried stronger essences and ampoule and I'm already nearing 30, the effect is not enough for my skin even if it's moisturizing on it's own and quite nourishing.  Maybe if I used this when I'm younger, then I think it can help in delaying the aging of my skin.  Texture is a bit thick and the "dropper" of this product is useless, I hope Missha will work on improving or just remove it.

Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence
There are a lot of fascinating products available in the market that aren't necessary.  One of them is first essence.  First essence or first treatment lotion is a product you apply after washing your face but nope it is not a toner.  Let's just say that it's a pre toner product that nourishes the skin and can you believe that is mostly made of yeast?

According to Missha, Time Revolution The First Treatment contains 80% Fermented Yeast Concentrate, which absorbs into skin instantly to energize your skin. Also contains Niacinamide, a Vitamin B3 component, to improve skin elasticity, enhance skin barrier function, and revive skin tone and texture. DN-Aid, made from Cassia-Alata Extract, provides vitality to aging skin, protects DNA from aging caused by UV rays, and promotes restoration of damaged DNA.

While using this, I can say that my skin slowly GLOWS and brighten.  It help in making it soft too.  If you have extra time and money and wanted to take your skincare to the next level then consider getting a first treatment essence, it can make a difference although overall it's not necessary.

Those are the last two items of Missha that I have.  Arya

Visit my social medias.  I'm in the following or email me:)

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Where to get products (affiliate links):

Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence
-http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HEP0R0
-http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CMIEGXK

Missha Misa Ye Hyeon Essence
-http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H4HUUQ6

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

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Sample: Sulwhasoo

Gone for awhile but I'm trying to get back to this blog though for now I'm on auto pilot and wouldn't be very chatty.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Cream
Got interested with this cream as I read a review somewhere that it rejuvenates skin which my tired face mostly need and it works.  Some might get irk about the ginseng, earthy and herby smell but this stuff really moisturizes and seem to repair the skin.  Although it's on the fluidy side, it feels heavy on the skin.  It's probably because I used a lot of water based skincare lately but so far this is a great cream.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Eye Cream
I ordered 30+ sachets of this eye cream which equates to a full size amount.  This is a thick but tolerable eye cream which, again, kinda rejuvenates the undereye area.  Though it did not make my dark circle go away or the lines in the undereye area, it keeps the wrinkles and crow feet at bay which is good because I'm already nearing 30.  Although it's a heavy eye cream, I find it better than using a fluidy one as it doesn't slide on my cheeks...it just stay where I apply it and with the right amount, gets absorb by skin quite fast.

Great New Year to Everyone.

Cheers to 2015!

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Shine Bright Baby!

Here are three of my make-ups that can make me shine bright like a diamond in a party (that is if I attend one).

Missha The Style Mono Touch Eyeshadow CBE1
This can be use in the inner corner to brighten the eyes or as a base or just wear it alone if you wanted something beige, creamy and a bit glitzy.  Got this because it has the Get It Beauty seal which means it's one of the best beauty product in Korea.  Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of glitzy or shimmery makeup so I don't use this but maybe this holiday season I can use it as a highlighter.

Clio Gelpresso Mini Bloody Sweet #13
This is a light pink color with a metallic finish that can be use as an eyeliner or as an eyeshadow.  This looks good in photos but I find some chunks of glitter when I apply this on my lids which makes me hate it.  I actually got this by mistake because I wanted a black eyeliner but the translation is just so bad that I got this instead.  Again, if you wanted to add some glitz or shimmer around your eyes, then this is for you.

3W Clinic Powder Transparent Pearl
Also known as Palgantong, this is in my must try list because of all the beautiful reviews plus this is use by a lot of makeup artist to the stars in Korea.  I got the transparent pearl because I only wanted a powder to set my makeup and this is could have been perfect because it is finely milled...but it has this tiny specks of glitters on it.  Seriously, I look like Edward Cullen when I first used this because my face shine like there's diamond on it when I'm under the sun and my niece said "you're so shiny!!!".  This can perfectly act as a highlighter though :)

Shining brightly lately?

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Hada Labo and More

Here's the random review again but this time, some goodies are irresistible!

Zenutrients Massage Oils
I got the Eucalyptus and Peppermint and the Eucalyptus and Green Tea and I like the latter more than the former because it's more minty, more relaxing and it helps me breathe better.  These oils are not only good for massages but also for moisturizing the skin because of the coconut oil which is not greasy to use that I apply them even during daytime...good stuff I'm going to try other variants.

Watsons Green Tea Pore Minimizing Gel
If you wanted to try aloe gels for the longest time but don't want to spend 200 to 300 (around $4 to $5) pesos then this gel is a good option.  It has the same light moisturization and cooling effect for less than 100 pesos.  Not sure about the pore minimizing part because I only use this on my feet :)

The Body Shop Special Edition Blueberry
There's a thin line between this, having a childish blueberry smell with a blueberry smell that is good and okay to use in the body.  This has a thick consistency like the shea and moisturizes like the olive, not one of my favorites but for a change of smell to something almost toothy fruity is refreshing once in a while plus I got this for free, yihey!

Bath & Body Works Deep Cleansing Hand Soap
And Bath & Body Works is not joking because this hand soap have the power of deep cleansing.  The only problem is that it also washes away the moisture off my hands so I go gaga slathering lotions everytime I pee and you know what.

Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion
Hands down to this moisturizing toner, I really wish this is readily available in Watsons Philippines.  This softens my skin to the highest level!!! and really helps in refining and moisturizing my face.  The effect is shocking after just one night of use.  I can't give a full review though because I only use it for less than a month (got to try only around 1/8 of the bottle, thanks to a friend who let me have the remaining of this stuff).
 

Tried any of these?

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Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Black Head Out Balm

Soap, foam, milk, cream, oil now balm~ my latest face cleanser is a balm which sounds really weird, it feels weird and overall I feel weird.  Mine is the Jeju Volcanic Head Out Balm from Innisfree.  Did this made a convert to balms like many famous youtuber's?  The answer is...I wouldn't be like others who would make read till the end to know the answer~ it's a NO.

While this is very friendly to my dry skin as it doesn't strip the moisture and natural oils of my face, this gives me a feeling that I didn't wash my face which is slightly my fault for not using warm water for rinsing or  take extra step in using foam cleanser as instructed but hey I thought this is a cleansing balm and it should already be as good as foam cleansers or cleansing oil.  But things usually don't work the way I think they should work (universe, please be more lenient to me!).

 So how to use a balm?  First get an ample amount of the balm slightly crumble it into your fingers.  Next massage it into your dry face until it turns into oil.  Third wet your hands, massage again and the the balm will turn milky.  Then rinse with water or wipe thy face with a washcloth or whatever cleansing cloth you desire or do another of your cleansing routine.

This balm can remove light make-up like lipstick but not those heavy ones, I use a black eyeshadow one time and it didn't do much in removing the shadow in my lids.  It makes the skin soft and so are my blackheads but it didn't make them disappear.

In the end I still prefer using a cleansing oil or Cetaphil as cleanser and make-up remover.  I wouldn't close my door though for balms, there might be a really good one out there!

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Laneige Essences: Water Bank and White Plus Renew

This will be part 1 of the sample "series" because if you read my What Should I Call This? - Another Haul post then you'll know that I went overboard at hoarding sample size products.  First stop, Laneige essences.

Laneige is considered as a mid-range brand though for me, its price is already on the high end category.  Price is justifiable though, basing on the Power Essential Skin Refiner and Water Sleeping Pack that I tried.

One of the known range from Laneige is the Water Bank and I got 3 15ml + 1 10ml essence, that's already like a full size amount of product.  Water Bank Essence says that it's a long lasting hydration essence that provides clear and moist skin.

It's light, it makes the skin hydrated, smooth and moist and it has a nice refreshing smell so it hit all the things that is in the description (good job Laneige).  This is also a friendly product to those with oily skin type because it's moisturizing without being too heavy, it's even lighter than emulsion.

Full size of this Water Bank Essence cost around $30 to $40, in this Amazon link it's $37.04 free shipping but if you wanted a cheaper alternative then go for Missha's Super Aqua Essence which is around $20 I got mine before at a discounted price.

And here's how the essence looks like, it seems that it melts when applied on skin.  Next essence is a much more liquidy one, more like a very moisturizing lotion/toner and it's the Original Essence White Plus Renew which promises to mildly renew skin to be radiant and clear.

"in just 2 weeks, find solutions to 6 whitening concerns with gentle whitening that excludes 4 mild ingredients for a complexion 2 tones brighter." I don't want to have a lighter skin tone, I just wanted my blemishes like freckles and pimple scar to lighten.  The brightening part is a bonus and this essence didn't deliver.  Sorry Laneige but this essence didn't do any action that it promises and the only good thing that I can think about it is it's texture/consistency because its liquidy and can easily be spread to the skin so it is perfect for all skin types.

No brigtening, no lightening...just a mild kind of moisturization...boring... :)

The Water Bank Essence is really great in terms of moisturizing without being greasy and I'm glad that I bought sample sizes rather than a full size for the White Plus Renew Essence which is perfectly not for me.

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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.

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TonyMoly Latte Pore Pack

Cute, TonyMoly really gave a big effort on the packaging of this Latte Art Milk-Cacao Pore pack I even don't want to mix the pack at first to retain the brown and white swirl effect.  I have this on right now and I challenged myself that I could finish this post before the pack hardens and ready to be rinse off.

According to the packaging this cacao in cream mask contains Soft Milk Cream that tightens and moisturizes the skin, Cacao Pack from Ghana which has an excellent sebum-absorbing function and can also remove impurities from the pores,  Marshmallow extract (I also can't believe it) that provides excellent moisturizing effects to the skin.  It also has Peppermint and White Willow extracts to remove dead skin cells and to tighten pores.

It even has this spatula that looks like a teaspoon on top, when I first saw this I was like oh my that's so cute but now I think I prefer packaging that are simple unpretentious.  Going back to the review, this pore pack has a heating effect upon application that slowly "cools down" the longer you put it on the skin.  And as it "cools down", I can feel that the pack is hardening and it's as if it's lifting my face and tightening my pores which for me is awesome.

Directions on how to use (which I usually don't follow :P):
"After washing your face, apply our toner to prepare the skin for the next step in skin care.  Mix the cacao pack and milk cream in a 1:1 ratio and apply the mixture to the entire face, avoiding the skin around eyes and mouth.  Leave it on for 10~15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.  After opening the product for the first time, it is more convenient to mix the milk and cacao parts with the spatula contained in the box before use.  (Use 1~2 times a week)."

I leave this pack on sometimes for 30 minutes sometimes less (when I'm in the shower and wanted to have a pore pack but in a hurry mode) then I just usually wash it with tap water and when it's tough to remove it, I usually use washcloth.

What I like about this pack is that it leaves my skin somehow moisturize not like other packs that I tried that right after I pat my face dry it's like a dried sponge gasping for water so I guess the marshmallow extract is effective!  Of course the milk also did a big part in the moisturizing area.  I especially use this whenever I have mini zits or it's the time of the month and pimples are inevitable and it does help in "drying" them out (together with my tea tree oil).
 

And I can't smile now because the pore pack is already hard so I guess I'm done with this post :D

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Nature Republic Rose, Rice, Shea

"By Nature", no annoying overpowering smell, sheet is not too thick nor thin and they are affordable: readers, here I go again with sheet masks.

Nature Republic is one of the korean brands that I knew when I was just starting to blog and also when the kpop started to boom in my country.  It's one of the brands that offer skincare and make-up at an affordable price.  It's been a while since I visited one of its shop but when I do, I usually buy a tub or two of the aloe gel and masks sheets for the quality is quite good considering it's price.

With the still old packaging, rice variant always have a spot on my sheet masks world because of it's brightening promise (if you're wondering why, well I have pale skin and some brightening is quite welcome) and this one from Nature Republic didn't fail to deliver.  The milky essence have a little alcohol smell to it but I guess Nature Republic improved this area because the rose hip and shea variant almost have no trace of alcohol (but I sniff close and hard just to smell the very faint alcohol smell, but if I don't put that extra effort then I really can't tell that they have alcohol in the ingredient list).

The Rose Hip has more oily finish than the rice.  Other bloggers say that this variant whitens their skin (but I'm not a fan of whitening products and when I bought this, rose hip is making some noise so I got curious).  It does smoothen my face in the sense that it moisturizes my skin and leaves my skin with this slightly oily "film"/"layer" that fills the unevenness of my skin.  Firmness, in my opinion can be achieved after a lot of usage just like doing yoga and exercising for a period of time for the body to be toned and firm.

Lastly, the Shea Butter which seems very weird to me because it reminds me of the body butter that I apply on the driest part of my body: very heavy and sticky.  Fortunately, it's not that heavy as I expected but needs a lot of massaging and time before my skin absorbs the essence.  Moisturization is not that heavy but I don't have to apply cream or emulsion the next day so I guess it's promise of "increasing skin's moisture-retention level" is true.

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