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Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream + IOPE Moistgen Softener Hydration

February 27, 2017, 4:55 pm
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Today I'm sharing two products that I've emptied out and will share my thoughts on each. 

First, let's take a look at the Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream. This is a moisturizer for people with dry and normal skin. The brand also has one for those with oily skin, but I have not tried that (don't need to).

What I love about this is, for a cream, the texture is light almost gel-like. It makes it easy for my skin to drink up the product and keeps it hydrated for well-over 12 hours. Now that I've run out, my skin doesn't feel as great (currently using samples of other products until I run out of that).

On a side note - Laneige has since updated their product packaging from when I purchased this jar a few years back.


Take a look at that. I used up every last bit. That good folks, that good.

On the company's website, it says that the key ingredients are:

Hydro Ionized Mineral Water
Infuses six moisturizing minerals to deeply hydrate and circulate essential moisture while improving moisture retention.

Quinoa Extract
Widely known to be rich in vitamins A, C and E, quinoa extract nourishes and hydrates skin.
Olive Squalane
Micro-sized botanical oil particles absorb quickly into skin to strengthen the moisture barrier, helping to lock in moisture.
Tillandsia Extract
Rich in betaine, which helps to draw and retain moisture, Tillandsia extract replenishes moisture.

It lists Olive Squalene as the 4th ingredient which is good - it means there's a lot of it in the formula and I'm guessing that its the key on why this moisturizer is as good as it is. No surprise seeing the Quinoa and Tillandsia Extracts towards the middle and end. Extracts are so concentrated that you only need 1-2% in any cosmetic formula.

Will I purchase this again? Most definitely! Its one of the best moisturizers I've tried. My skin was never thirsty (nor oily) when this was in rotation.

I purchased this at a duty free (forgot where but I'm certain its in Asia) but this is also available in Target.


Softeners, in Asian skincare, are used immediately after washing the face. This type of product helps literally soften the skin and allows better product absorption by helping regulate the size of your pores.

I haven't used a softener I didn't like. I've tried some from HERA, IOPE, Etude House, Shiseido, Kanebo (full and sample sizes). They all do the same thing and the main difference seems to be in texture. Others are watery and clear while some are a bit less runny and cloudy/pearlescent.

This one from IOPE is part of the Moistgen skincare line, specifically made for those with dehydrated skin. It works the way softeners are expected to. I apply this two ways: I take a nickel-sized amount and dab it on my skin with my fingers on normal days. When my skin is unusually parched, I take 3 pieces of cotton pad and soak it in some softener. I let it sit on my forehead and cheeks for half to a full minute then pat the cotton on the rest of my face. 

Its key ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid, which is highly recommended for very dry skin types.

Would I recommend this? Yes, specially if you have dry skin.

This was purchased at Amore but also available online through various merchants.

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L'Occitane Angelica Instant Hydration Mask

March 30, 2017, 12:11 pm
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How does your skin feel after a flight? Regardless if its a long-haul or hour-long flight, my skin goes crazy. It will feel itchy, raw and dry. I make sure to stay hydrated but it still happens every single time. As soon as I arrive wherever I'm staying, the first thing I do is wash my face and apply this mask. It works like magic. 

Angelica extract is the key ingredient in this mask - its an herb that's known help boost moisture and soothe the skin.

The mask is fairly easy to use and the best thing is that it only takes 3 minutes. That's the fastest I've experienced with a mask. So the first thing you have to do is wash your face, pat dry and apply a generous amount of product. After three minutes, you wipe it off with a damp washcloth or a cotton pad soaked with toner. After using this, my skin always feels instantly relieved.

It has a grassy scent which I really like. If you're not a fan, take comfort in the fact that it only takes three minutes to wear this mask and that its not a very strong scent.

This is my best travel buddy and must-have ever since discovering it a few years ago.
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Empties - March 2017 Edition

March 31, 2017, 1:41 am
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Hey, hey! It's another edition of empties. I don't get to do this often because I go through products real slow... except when they are deluxe samples. Which is the case this time. I do hope you enjoy this flash review of some products I've been using recently.

First off is the Age Defense Essential Softener, Essential Emulsion and Firming Cream from Etude House. I got these as a gift with purchase (I usually buy their brow products and sheet masks). Although I'm not at that point where I go out and buy anti-aging skincare, I still use whatever samples I get because I've seen a few fine lines and wrinkles appear over the last two years. This is what I get for not taking care of my skin when I was younger! Anyway, I'm happy to say that this skincare line is good. My skin felt more firm after use. I think this will also work for those with dry skin because its quite hydrating and it made my skin feel instantly supple. 

Last year, I review The Saem Healing Tea Garden Green Tea Cleansing Water. I haven't been wearing a lot of makeup so it took a while before I used up the entire bottle. I still stand by what I said in my review and this is definitely something I would repurchase. Except this is not available locally - so I have to either buy this online or wait until I am able to travel somewhere this is available for purchase.

Lastly, I used up my Marc Jacobs Magic Marcer Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Blacquer. This was part of the Sephora VIB welcome kit back in 2015. It took a while (a year!) before I opened this. But when I did, I could not stop using it. And it served me well until there was hardly any product left. It truly is waterproof and worked well for me (I have watery eyes). I like how quickly it sets too. I usually have a difficult time using a felt-tip liquid eyeliner and stay away from those. This was an exception. Will purchase this when I have the chance and once my other liquid eyeliners run out.

Til next time! 

xoxo
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My Beauty Oil Obsession

April 24, 2017, 12:35 pm
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Oh facial oils. They've made such a difference in my skincare routine and I love, love, love them!

It all began with Pony's YouTube video. She mixed facial oil with her BB Cream and the effect was glowy and youthful. I wanted that skin! So I asked someone to buy a bottle of the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Oil (which was the one used in the video) for me.


photo from innisfreeworld.com

I use facial oil either before or after my moisturizer. There are conflicting points of view on how it should be applied. I do either, depending on my mood. Bad news: I threw away my bottle of Innisfree Green Tea Seed Oil after a year because it began to smell rancid. If I remember correctly. it mostly contained Grapeseed Oil and Green Tea Oil. The other oils I've tried have lasted longer than that.

Let me show you what I have in rotation. Two drops at a time and lightly press on my face, that's how I apply it. 

Pictured above from left to right:

1. My own concoction! I've making my own facial oil for over a year and I'm currently using version 3. The formula keeps evolving - this one contains Argan Oil, Golden Jojoba Oil, Calendula, Green Tea, Rosehip & Pili Nut Oil. It also has a low concentration of Rose Otto, German Chamomile, Helichrysum and Elemi Essential Oils.

2. Caudalie Divine Oil. The small bottle was by the checkout of Sephora and it was calling my name. I ignored it a few times but finally caved. The scent is intoxicatingly deep, with a hint of floral. Mysterious, familiar and warm. I love using it on my face, sometimes on my hands and arms.

3. Bodyfood Skin Oil. I've been supporting Filipino indie skincare brands. With a rich selection of raw materials, its easy to fall in love with such wonderful products. This skin oil, I use more on the body as it doubles as fragrance. The combination of Rose, Frankincense, Jasmine Grandiflora and Agarwood in a base of Argan and Golden Jojoba Oils makes it so exotic. 

Ana, the owner of Bodyfood, knows how I love Agarwood (also known as Oud). She was the one who introduced it to me and the memory of the scent lingered on for weeks. It was such an experience. And she's such a darling to have included a drop of it in the skin oil.

I recently ordered Ana's Rose Tea Serum (roses infused in Pili Oil) and I cannot wait to use that too!

4. Lunas by Nanny Rose. Mandy's face oil contains Pink Roses and Ylang Ylang (from her back yard!) infused in Avocado and Golden Jojoba Oils. Geranium Essential Oil was added. It is a soft, powdery floral that feels like a comforting hug. Its a bit heavier than some of the ones listed here, but it absorbs fairly quickly. I use this one days when my skin is extra-dry or when I want a nice, protective layer on my arms.

5. Paul & Joe Facial Treatment Oil. This is what I use on days when I need to feel more alive. The citrus scent is uplifting and that's what I love about this oil.

6. Ilog Maria Royal Jelly Facial Oil. This was my first Filipino indie brand to try. Ilog Maria is a honeybee farm so their skincare items include bee-products. Its a bit greasier than the rest, so I usually include this in my evening skincare only. After years and bottles of this product, I still cannot figure out the scent. Citrus and Floral... but there's something else. It has a wonderful, addictive scent that somewhat reminds of me designer baby cologne and Japanese gel car air freshener. I know that sounds weird but it smells good.

7. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse. Its been on my wishlist for two years. But the price made me think twice. The only reason I have it now is I purchased a gift set which had two bottles of the oil, the other was pocket sized. Its a better deal than buying the full sized bottle. The scent is similar to Caudalie - like they're sisters. Such a beautiful scent. And it feels nice on the skin too.

In the future, I would love to have oils from Mandy Aftel, Vintner's Daughter and Sunday Riley. The latter two I'm curious because of the hype.

What are your favorite beauty oils?
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Kanebo Evita Beauty Whip Soap

April 26, 2017, 4:51 pm
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The first time I got a glimpse of Kanebo Evita Beauty Whip Soap was when a fellow soap maker posted an online video some time last year. Total eye candy! I loved how it formed into a flower, kind of like the ones you see on top of a cake. I imagine The Gothamista would categorize this under Skintertainment.

I heard this facial cleanser was available in Japan only. However, I found this at Manning's in Hong Kong. Without another thought, I grabbed it and walked straight up to the cashier.

Before I share my thoughts, check out my demo video below. I apologize in advance for the shitty quality of the video. My first time to make one and it was at 3am, I think! 


How cool was that?! I still can't get over it.

Okay, the first thing you need to know is it takes practice to dispense the product. It took me about 10 tries in a period of 2 days to get the hang of it. The "buttons" (is that what you call it?) on the side are hard and the right amount of pressure is needed to get 3cm worth of soap out. That's the recommended amount written on the label. I'm usually able to do this easily when I use both thumbs. 

This product has a floral scent, somewhat powdery but I can't say its rosy. It's pleasant and not overwhelming at all.

The foam dissolves quickly when I use it at the end of the day, it thoroughly cleans any gunk or excess oil. When I use this in the morning, my face tends to feel a little drier than usual.  I think its because this facial wash is designed for deep cleansing. 

If you have normal to oily skin, this would be a good fit. For drier skin types, I would recommend double cleansing instead. Although I have dehydrated skin, this works fine as my nighttime cleanser because my face becomes quite oily at the end of the day.

Overall, I like this a lot. Particularly because the weather is getting warmer and I know I'll need to use this more often. I already have 2 cans as back up! I still use my other cleansers - oil, handmade soap, enzyme powders but this has its own special place in my cleansing routine.

Has anyone else tried this and do you love it too?
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Empties - April 2017 Edition

April 29, 2017, 4:26 am
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Whoever started blogging about empties - thank you! It has served as my motivation for going through GWP samples. So let's jump in and take a look at what I've used up this month!

left to right: Elevatione Skin Reformer Nightly Cream, Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum, Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water

GWP Skincare:

Elevatione Skin Reformer Nightly Cream
A sales associate handed me this sample while I was walking around at a mall in Taipei. I was in a hurry so I wasn't able to check out what else they have. This lasted a week and was part of my evening skincare routine. Medium-weight, absorbed quickly, and kept my skin moderately moisturized throughout the night. It's more of a watery moisturizer vs the silicone kind. And I prefer the former. It's nice but there are a lot of better evening creams out there and this just didn't "wow" me.

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Basically, its a softening toner on crack. It should be applied within 5 seconds after washing the face to get the maximum benefits of this product. If there's only one thing I can splurge on, this would be it. And I've been a loyal user for 3 years!

Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water
A toner that I use right after the First Care Activating Serum. This is lighter in weight as compared to First Care. Its a great product and works in synergy with the rest of Sulwhasoo's Essential line. One of the better toners I've tried.

left to right: Innisfree Green Tea Mineral Mist, Biore UV Aqua Rich Whitening Essence SPF 50 PA++++

Full Sized Skincare:

Innisfree Green Tea Mineral Mist
I love facial mists as much as I forget to use them. Seriously, I think they're a great product. Very refreshing and when my makeup starts to look cakey or if my face feels parched, I use this. BUT carrying extra stuff on my handbag is torture so I tend to leave behind a lot of product.  Would I purchase this again? For sure. But there are a lot of facial mists out there that I want to try first.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Whitening Essence SPF 50 PA++++
It's not a serum or essence, in the traditional sense. This is a sunblock. I tend to be generous when applying sunblock to my face and this leaves a white cast. Maybe that's why it's called a whitening essence? That's just my guess. But it does work to protect my skin. The texture is more on the creamy side - I'd say about medium-weight. When it comes to sunblock, I prefer the milky ones.

left to right: Missha The Style Line Friends Edition 3D Mascara, Etude House Oh! M' Eye Lash, Benefit Stay Don't Stray

Makeup:

Missha The Style Line Friends Edition 3D Mascara
I love a product that works great and comes in cute packaging. Thank you, Missha! Thank you, Line Friends! This mascara worked nicely and made my lashes appear thicker. It held curl decently too. My bone structure makes it impossible for even smudge-proof mascara to be smudge-proof. But this held up well with hardly noticeable smudging. Confession: I bought this because of the packaging. My cat has a Line Friends duck doll too. Haha!

Etude House Oh! M' Eye Lash
I don't even know why I bother with mascara for my lower lashes - it looks horrible on me. Regardless of the brand I use. This was used probably thrice in two months and it sat on my dresser for another four months untouched, so I'm throwing it away.

Benefit Stay Don't Stray
This was in a beauty subscription box I purchased some time ago. I like it a lot, I think it's better than Urban Decay because its less tacky which gives me enough time to mess around with eyeshadow. But the one from Etude House is similar and at a more affordable price point, which is why I will not purchase a full sized version of this one from Benefit.


Above are the mascara wands for reference.

Until next month!

xoxo
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Goodbyes & Empties - May 2017

May 30, 2017, 11:43 am
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This month, I want to share with you products that I'm parting with. Stuff that I barely or never used. 

The Estee Lauder Advanced Time Night cream and Advanced Night Repair... I received these as part of a gift set. I have an aunt who just gives Estee Lauder gift sets every year. I didn't get to use it immediately, it was sitting in my dresser for a few months. When I finally had a need for cream and serum, I brought these out. And how disappointed I was. My face broke out shortly after using both products. So... goodbye!

Another item I'm throwing out is the Banila Co. Triple Wonder Auto Gel Liner. Its such a shame because I've been using eyeliner more than ever these days, and heard a lot of good reviews about this product. It was in the box for 10 months & when I decided to finally use it, it was dry. I tried using a brush, melting it with a lighter, any trick to soften it. Nothing worked. They need to review their formula & make something that works just as well as the liner from Marc Jacobs. The latter, I've had sitting unused for a long time and it retained its original texture. 


My empties...

Lets start from the left:

1. Paul & Joe Beauty Lotion Riche N is similar to a softening toner. Its applied after cleansing and before any serum or cream, I love the citrus scent of Paul & Joe products and the ones I've tried are okay. 

2. Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Oil is the lightest among the She Uemura cleansing oil line. This makes it easier to massage into the skin and wash off. This one is specifically designed to help balance the skin. I usually use this when I feel exposed to too much pollution & it works great!

3. Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water and Balancing Emulsionwere featured in last month's empties too. I just have too many sample bottles that need to be used!

4. Biore UV Rich Water Essence I love this sunblock. It wears comfortably, although it has that typical sunblock scent. It wears nicely under makeup. This is my second tube and something on my repurchase list. 

5. Two Girls Living Rose Cream from the Hong Kong based company Two Girls, known for its Florida Water. I decided to try the Living Rose Cream because I was drawn to the scent. I love roses. This is cream is... strange. It has a texture that is thick and tacky which makes it difficult to absorb. I had to use a lot and had to rub it in well. Although my skin did not feel dry while using this, it lacked the feeling of hydration. I'm guessing this works better for those with oily skin.

6. The Saem Botanical Rose Moisturizing Toner is better than the average toner because of its ability moisturize (it has a high glycerin content) and rose scent. However I had to tap it into my skin longer than usual for it to absorb completely.

What did you use up this month? 

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Kneipp Mineral Bath Salts

May 31, 2017, 10:43 am
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On a recent trip to Taiwan, I booked a room at a modestly-priced hotel. I wasn't expecting much except that it was near the train station, had a comfortable bed, clean bathroom and high ratings at Agoda. Had I known our room had a tub, I would have packed some of my home made aromatherapy bath salts. When I found out, it was both an aw, shucks and that's awesome! moment. Too bad I didn't bring my bath salts but yay, I have the perfect excuse to buy some.

The pharmacy across the street had a LOHAS section and it was there I found sachets of Kneipp Mineral Bath Salts. I decided to try the pouches first before committing to a large bottle.


Lavender was nice and relaxing, as expected. But Valerian & Hops was an unexpected experience. It was a deeper level of relaxation and I loved every minute of my warm (almost hot) soak in the tub. Although it contains Citronella essential oil too, the scent was far from that of an insect repellent haha.

It made the tub water blue without staining. Thumbs up!


In the end, I purchased the large bottle of the Valerian & Hops bath salts and have enjoyed using it since. Sometimes, just to inhale the scent at night.


Have you heard of this brand and tried their products?
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The Constants

July 29, 2017, 11:48 am
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Three years after taking an early retirement, I am back to being a corporate slave. Although my business is still alive, its such a niche market that I've had periods of boredom. That, plus having an indefinite no-buy on things I wanted but did not need, was no fun. 

Since I now have to report to an office everyday, looking decent and respectable (haha) is important. After all, perception plays an important role when you're the newbie.

Here are my everyday constants - makeup that I've been using every. single. day. Each one is long-lasting which is why I cannot go through a single work day without these.

1. Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer in SX06 - Excellent coverage and the color match is perfect. I usually mix this with a BB Cream or another Foundation to make it easier to spread. 

2. Eve Pearl Dual Salmon Concealer Treatment in Light/Medium - This is the most important thing that goes on my face. Without it, I would look like a total zombie. The darker shade is perfect for my undereye area. It feels velvety, not a lot of slip nor is it tacky - it works for me since I have some deep lines and this doesn't settle as much as any other concealer I've tried.

3. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder - I set my undereye concealer with this powder. No white cast, it doesn't dry up the skin or make the concealer cakey. 


4. Innisfree Skinny & Jumbo Dualcara - This is pretty unique in that one end has a micro wand and the other has a curled wand with a rounded tip. I forgot to take a photo - will post that on instagram instead. Although it has a wet formula, it sets quickly and stays on the entire day. No clumps here. You'll need a good makeup remover at the end of the day.

5. KATE Tokyo Slim Gel Pencil in BK-1 - This one of Kanebo's more affordable makeup brands. I use this to tightline the upper lid.

6. KATE Tokyo Eyebrow Pencil BR-5 - My natural hair color is black, as in really black. Any sparse area becomes pretty obvious so this dark ash brown shade is a prefect match.

Everything else changes often. Sometimes I wear eyeshadow but there are days when I'm in a rush nd skip that. Lipstick changes everyday but I tend to stick to red shades. 

What are your everyday makeup essentials?
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November Empties 2017... But Mostly Other Thoughts

November 29, 2017, 1:26 pm
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The products pictured above are all empties - from GWPs. They are all fantastic because each one left my thirsty, sensitive skin feel so loved. It wasn't the first time I tried these brands. Sulwhasoo is my ultimate favorite. By the way, did you know these brands all share the same parent company? Cool, yeah?

But let's talk about something else...

I just need to get this off my chest - apart from the makeup no-buy, another reason I haven't been blogging as often as I used to is I'm bored with the makeup scene. Brands have been releasing similar versions of products and if I see another neutral palette, I'm going to throw up. These holographic/glow palettes, Smashbox had eyeshadow transformers which were pretty much the same thing years ago. I wish they still had those. 

The no-buy has been lifted for half a year and I've been purchasing skincare mostly. The truly exciting makeup I bought this year: Pony Effect Customizing Lip Palette... because I've been wanting to buy it since it was released. And Boxy Charm - oh, how I love thee! So worth it!

And the other reason is work. I seriously don't know what to do because I get up at 5:30am and come home almost 9pm. I'm too tired for anything. And my anxiety attacks are getting frequent along with depression. Sometimes I regret going back to corporate life.

How do you get past the boredom or busy-ness of life and still manage to blog?!
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What I Liked In 2017

December 29, 2017, 10:36 am
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2017 was interesting for me because my preferences have changed. So here's a round-up of sorts.

Make-up & Skincare

I'm still very much into skincare but I've been less adventurous - the only new brand I tried and, thankfully, liked was HERA. Sulwhasoo will forever be my favourite because it makes my skin happy. But HERA and Amorepacific (which I tried 2 years ago) are close seconds.


Being on a beauty no-buy for two years helped me in a huge way. What surfaced was a make-up addiction that was bordering on unhealthy. And I used the excuse so I can blog about this or that but, of course, that hardly happened. Limiting my purchases helped me discipline myself on what I really wanted.

Mainstream brands have become boring because they release different versions of the same thing. So I decided to try little known brands. 

I've been wanting Pony Effect's Lip Palette since it launched and allowed myself to get it when I spotted a counter while on vacation. Otherwise, I'd have to order it online and that can be a dangerous thing haha! 

1028 Visual Therapy is a Taiwanese brand - I picked up their Mont Blanc palette which had glittery olive, khaki, brown eyeshadows. A photo of the shadows are on my instagram account.

Paprika launched in the Philippines last November with an eyeshadow palette that has warm and bright shades. Its so interesting but I can't say much because I haven't played with it. The most I've done is stare because its pretty. Check out what's inside the palette via instagram.


I had some subscription boxes in the past that started out nice but either the items were mostly travel/test sizes or weren't just great quality. But BoxyCharm is awesome. It introduced me to brands I had little interest in trying and in full sizes too! I started with the September box and so far, I think it's worth it. Above are some of my favourites from the boxes I've received.


Scents

What I indulged in this year were scents. Its like my olfactory senses were in a happy, playful mood and just wanted to take everything in. This year has been mostly about natural fragrances from small, handmade brands.

There are two scents from Radioactive Mushrooms In The Forest that I love - Promise Ring and Moonage Daydream. Both dried down powdery which I love because it feels so comforting. If you could smell a warm embrace, I imagine it would be like these two.


Prim Botanicals was a wonderful discovery. I want to try more of their products but for now, I purchased their Flor Oscura perfume which has a deep, rosy scent. Their Gypsy soy candle has a bright, fresh scent. In my mind, I'd burn this while listening to a Hed Kandi Beach House album (from over a decade ago).


BodyFood All-Natural is an underground brand with a fiercely loyal following. I absolutely love the brand's products and this year, BodyFood released the Heart Series which is a collection of 5 scents. Selecting my preferred scent was too daunting because everything smelled great. They all share deep, tangy, spicy characteristics but each come with a unique twist. For the Poplar Buds, Pink Pepper & Magnolia fragrance, I bought the accompanying candle too. 


The only mainstream fragrance I fell in love with this year is Rhubarbe Ecarlate from Hermes. I wouldn't have even considered this but a dear, dear friend gave this to me over the holidays and oh, this is heavenly!

Lastly, scented candles. I've been making a lot of soy candles this year and acquired some. I don't remember buying this many candles in a year but I find that burning them as I do my skincare routine to be extremely relaxing.

What did you like this year? :)

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Paprika Matte & Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette

January 11, 2018, 11:34 pm
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Well I made a blooper. My post on instagram showed an eyeshadow palette but I forgot to say what it was. I'll tell you today. Now, its not often I see a palette with this colour combination and I was intrigued. 

I've never heard of the brand Paprika before. Its new - launched in November last year, a Philippine-based makeup company with the product (they just have this to date) made in Korea.

Just look at that beautiful colour palette. Warm, bright, tropical. Looks like fun, yes? You can't find the name of each shade on the box or at the back of the palette but I saw it on their website.

(L-R) Top Row: Mustard Yellow Matte, Tangerine Silver Shimmer, Pink Orange Matte, Red Copper Shimmer 
(L-R) Bottom Row: Orange Shimmer, Gold Shimmer, Orange Brown Matte, Brown Shimmer
Before I share how these worked, I just want to point out that the packaging is really nice. The palette holder is made of sturdy plastic with the brand name in a gold foil finish. The design of the box was cute too.



Each shade appeared vibrant, regardless if I swatched with my finger or applied with a brush. However, the texture was a little on the dry and crumbly side. More apparent with the matte colors. The reason I was able to get the product to apply well was because I had a good primer on (theBalm). As expected, there was a lot of fall out and I had a difficult time removing it. On a side note, I applied my eyeshadow before foundation when I tried this palette out.

The wear time was excellent! I wore this on New Year's Eve, afternoon until late in the evening (morning!), without any fading or creasing. 

The top and middle swatches were applied using a brush. Top was with indoor lighting, middle with natural lighting. I used my finger for the bottom swatches under natural light. A primer was used too.


If you love these colours and can live with the fall out, then this palette might be worth considering. But otherwise, I wouldn't say this is a must-have. 

Now if Paprika can work on the formula, I think it would change everything.
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Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder

January 31, 2018, 5:55 am
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This really isn't a review but more of an FYI type of post. 

Now... 

Cleansing powders are the bomb. At least I haven't met one I didn't like. Let me introduce you to a new one - Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder.


I've seen this mentioned in Meejmuse's YouTube channel a few times and based on my experience with Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant and IOPE Enzyme Powder, I was pretty sure I'd like this too.

Powder cleansers basically work this way: Dispense the product on the palm of your hand. Add a few drops of water and mix until you get a paste like consistency and wash your face. So far, the three brands I've tried (including this) have been kind to my skin - no abrasive feeling, gently exfoliating and always leaves my skin feeling polished and radiant.

Suisai is more similar to Dermalogica in its absence of noticeable fragrance. Otherwise, all three have no glaring difference on how it works and feels on the skin.

The above photo is the trial pack which contains 15 pods. The full-sized one, if memory serves me right, contains 32 pods. Regarding the price - well, various pharmacies had different prices even if they belonged to the same chain! Very confusing. It sells on Amazon at an average of $25 USD for the full price but I'm pretty sure I paid less than that.





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Tony Moly Whipping Cotton Brightening Bubble Foam

February 28, 2018, 8:07 pm
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For the less adventurous in skincare, cleansers are always the safe bet. Or so I thought! Having found a routine that I am comfortable and pleased with, one of the few products I'm willing to switch around are cleansers.

The Tony Moly Whipping Cotton Brightening Bubble Foam was something I chose for three reasons - it was affordable, bubble foam gives me the impression that it is gentle but effective, and the brightening claim since the polluted environment I'm in makes my skin dull. 

I used this both day and night for a few months, satisfied that my skin did not dry out and not at all tight after washing. What bothered me was that my skin had become excessively oily. At that time I brushed it off as the weather was getting warmer. So I tried to control the oiliness by tweaking all the other products I used on my face and stocked up on oil blotting sheets. And then the lightbulb moment came - everything was normal before using this cleanser. I tried using the castile soap I made and some other samples I had to test my theory. You guessed it - this cleanser was the culprit! To be absolutely sure, a few weeks later, I washed with the Tony Moly once and my skin was black to being super oily. How horrible. 

So although this gained over 4 stars in Influenster, this cleaner is a big old NOPE for me. As of today, I've switched to an Etude House foaming cleanser that works great but that's a story for another day.

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