tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83947913201907514982024-03-21T03:46:03.636-07:00Gloriaus DaysA K-beauty BlogGloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-91676396234383251492017-06-21T21:01:00.000-07:002017-06-21T21:08:12.186-07:00My K-Beauty Haul from Althea <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rggC0bjfJKJpTVewMTRaIWRd09DkVvFPfWfmbhNMRNh1GZWlUWNDvfU8nVpE7ZrLh-24Lh0Si45JQ-77pBGSuAmPQy_mxp-DD1CSCGPAX0uaIdUGOuFHoKuwuzzKHLA03_7bjuuoS0aU/s1600/DSC_3990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rggC0bjfJKJpTVewMTRaIWRd09DkVvFPfWfmbhNMRNh1GZWlUWNDvfU8nVpE7ZrLh-24Lh0Si45JQ-77pBGSuAmPQy_mxp-DD1CSCGPAX0uaIdUGOuFHoKuwuzzKHLA03_7bjuuoS0aU/s1600/DSC_3990.jpg" /></a></div>
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Over the years it seems like new Korean beauty retailers have been popping up constantly, and honestly? It's great, but I didn't really care for the same type of beauty shop for the <i>nth </i>time. However awhile back I came across <a href="http://us.althea.kr/">Althea</a>, a retailer that used to ship exclusively to Southeastern Asia, but recently opened its doors to the rest of the world. And after shopping with them? <b>They've definitely gone on my list of retailers I'll continue to shop from. </b><br />
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Not to say that I won't continue to shop at my favorites, but Althea has some strengths and unique points that makes them stand out among the sea of K-beauty retailers. Here's why:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>30-day Return Policy </b>| I don't know many retailers that allow for returns at all unless the product is damaged or defective, but Althea does as long as the product is unopened and in its original packaging. In addition, they'll also reimburse up to $10 of your return shipping cost! </li>
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<li><b>Low and Competitive Prices</b> | Their best price policy is something that can't be beat, and based on what I've seen, their prices are pretty darn close to the Korean retail price, if not better.</li>
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<li><b>Free International Shipping on Orders $50+ </b>| Now you may be thinking "Plenty of retailers offer free shipping!", but hear me out. While it's true many do, those who offer it often sell their products at a higher price, which makes free shipping... well, not really free? But with Althea, that's not the case. Also, their shipping is <i>incredibly fast</i>. From the day I placed my order to the day I received it, it took a total of <i>one week</i>. Granted it was EMS, but even then it usually takes longer because of processing time. </li>
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<li><b>Crazy Discounted Beauty Boxes </b>| Otherwise known as <a href="http://us.althea.kr/althea-box">Althea Boxes</a>, these are limited edition beauty boxes that are around 70%+ off the total value. I'm normally not a fan of these themed boxes, but Althea's are pretty good in my opinion and totally worth checking out. </li>
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<li><b>Carries Lesser Known Brands</b> | Althea carries some Korean beauty brands that I've never heard of before, or ones that I have but are really hard to find. For example, they offer selections from Tov, Swanicoco, B-Lab, and so much more. </li>
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Now, that's not to say that Althea is the perfect K-beauty destination, because it's not. It definitely has its flaws. The one I noticed immediately while browsing their site is that it takes awhile for the pages to load. Another is that while they may list that they carry a brand, that brand's products are nowhere to be seen on the site. That or they don't offer the brand's entire selection. Also, some products seem to get sold out very quickly, be back in stock, and then sold out again within an hour. Case in point, the Laneige Eye Sleeping Mask. I wanted to get it, but it kept getting sold out so eventually I just gave up. </div>
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None of the aforementioned cons are deal breakers, but they are slight annoyances. Hopefully over time Althea will be able to fix those problems, especially the lag and lack of product selection for select brands. Also to note- Althea doesn't offer free samples with orders. I personally don't mind, but maybe they're a deal breaker for some.</div>
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Now enough chit chat and let's move on to my haul!</div>
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First up, sheet masks. Althea has a huge selection when it comes to masks, and these are the ones I finally settled on:</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><b style="text-align: justify;">→<a href="http://us.althea.kr/v7-toning-mask-single-sheet">Dr. Jart+ V7 Toning Mask </a></b><span style="text-align: justify;"> $3.00</span></div>
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→<a href="http://us.althea.kr/rich-moist-soothing-sheet-mask" style="font-weight: bold;">Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Sheet Mask</a> $1.75</div>
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→<a href="http://us.althea.kr/silver-silk-blanket-mask-single" style="font-weight: bold;">A'Pieu Silver Blanket Mask</a> $1.50 </div>
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→<a href="http://us.althea.kr/premium-metal-snow-mask" style="font-weight: bold;">B&SOAP Premium Metal Snow Mask</a> $1.75</div>
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→<a href="http://us.althea.kr/jumiso-skin-lightening-mask-sheet-8422"><b>Helloskin Jumiso Skin Lightening Mask Sheet </b></a> $2.00</div>
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→<a href="http://us.althea.kr/cellmazing-mask-pack" style="font-weight: bold;">Torriden Cellmazing Centellareal Mask Pack</a> $1.00</div>
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→<a href="http://us.althea.kr/ultra-moisture-cream-mask" style="font-weight: bold;">Let Me Skin Ultra Moisture Cream Mask</a> $4.00</div>
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For skincare, I decided to get these four products which I've wanted to try for quite awhile.<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"> →<a href="http://us.althea.kr/midnight-blue-calming-cream"><b>Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream</b></a> $24.50</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"> →<a href="http://us.althea.kr/laneige-lip-sleeping-mask"><b>Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask</b></a> $13.00</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"> →<a href="http://us.althea.kr/clear-c-peeling-mask"><b>Laneige Clear-C Peeling Mask</b></a> $19.00</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"> →<a href="http://us.althea.kr/supple-preperation-facial-toner"><b>Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner</b></a> $21.99</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8GwQlk2LOtz-o3lxNw7AD5VYmyBSrrVAN7h5afPieVlmyb4zzu5h_dIQesAbMjjyLgakvB9MFKG_GoPLwz5DceZEfU0nJLmmLpRs4IJWHthVaj2LhHdIuj3DysQL4jPMYMJn_aSWXEbu/s1600/DSC_4021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8GwQlk2LOtz-o3lxNw7AD5VYmyBSrrVAN7h5afPieVlmyb4zzu5h_dIQesAbMjjyLgakvB9MFKG_GoPLwz5DceZEfU0nJLmmLpRs4IJWHthVaj2LhHdIuj3DysQL4jPMYMJn_aSWXEbu/s1600/DSC_4021.jpg" /></a></div>
Last but not least, makeup.<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"> →<a href="http://us.althea.kr/radiant-lolli-tint"><b>Witch's Pouch Radiant Lolli Tint in 02 Jenny Jelly</b></a> $8.25</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"> →<a href="http://us.althea.kr/miracle-fit-contour-stick"><b>Secret Key Miracle Fit Contour Stick in 04 Shading Dark</b></a> $8.50</span><br />
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Overall I had a very pleasant and satisfying experience shopping with <a href="https://us.althea.kr/">Althea</a>. My items arrived in a cute and sturdy box, and everything was well packed and protected with bubble wrap. If you're looking to make a K-beauty haul sometime in the future, I'd recommend checking them out! Right now they're offering a <b>$20 gift for new members- </b>$10 off your first purchase and $10 instant rebate in points!<br />
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A quick update on life- I graduated high school a couple weeks ago (just four more years of school left!) so that means it's summer vacation. I'm going to try to post as often as I can, although my goal is 2-3 posts a week. I hope everyone has a great weekend, and stay cool in this heat!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclaimer: I was given credit from Althea to shop from their store, but all thoughts and opinions stated are mine and 100% honest</span></div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-89742997204062964722017-05-03T16:11:00.001-07:002017-05-03T16:11:30.207-07:00Review | Etude House March Pink Bird Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Etude House has done it again with the packaging guys, only this time it's customizable! Well, kind of, but I'll get to that later. Last month they released the <b>Glass Tinting Lips-Talk</b>, which consists of 20 different shades (or so they say, I only count 19 on the website) ranging from beige to red to purples, including what I like to call the <a href="https://www.roseroseshop.com/image/data/brand/etude/light/etude_mt_255_gr_701_light.jpg">unicorn shade</a>. Sadly the unicorn lipstick isn't in my possession, but I did receive three other shades to test out, along with <b>Etude House's new Soon Jung skincare line </b>and<b> 0.2 Therapy Air Masks</b>. I'll be sharing a brief review of these products, but here's a spoiler: <b>This is the first time I've ever recommended an Etude House skincare product.</b><br />
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First up: the <b>Etude House Dear My Glass Tinting Lips-Talk </b>(whew that's a mouthful) is semi-sheer lipstick that's also a tint. However, it's not any normal lipstick. Remember the customization I mentioned earlier? This is where it plays in. Rather than using the same packaging for every shade, Etude House released <a href="http://www.etudehouse.com/index.php/lips/etc/glass-tinting-lips-talk-case.html">19 different lipstick cases</a> (there's supposed to be 20 but again I only count 19 so...) with cute designs across the board. </div>
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These are the three that I received, but there are many more as well!<br />
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Moving back to the lipstick itself, it comes packaged in a tube which you then have to insert into the cases. The shades I received are <b>BR402 Bohemian Rosy Brown</b>, <b>PK003 Romantic Frill Pink</b>, and <b>RD302 Swag Red</b>. Pictured above is PK003, which is also the only shade that has Krystal's signature printed on the tube.<br />
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Inserting the lipstick into the case is super easy- all you have to do is place the bottom of the tube (the white part) into the bottom half of the case, push down, and voila! The lipstick feels pretty secure in the case, but it's also easy to remove if you want to switch it up with a different case. Just don't do what I did and somehow smush the bullet in the process.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI45dasn9wW1ONNIrMDn_ojQvqsPx5RDSGjorRDjN0isQrgEfwHTpwv9_BcOiMp6-byO7BGQv98KoFxW_d16E7Cvd949xuU_VcollP0FsnWTxVdWV2cBiIKU2zqoGLFM6ZdstwwM2kijha/s1600/DSC_3318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI45dasn9wW1ONNIrMDn_ojQvqsPx5RDSGjorRDjN0isQrgEfwHTpwv9_BcOiMp6-byO7BGQv98KoFxW_d16E7Cvd949xuU_VcollP0FsnWTxVdWV2cBiIKU2zqoGLFM6ZdstwwM2kijha/s1600/DSC_3318.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am clumsy and this is proof of that.</td></tr>
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I completely forgot to take individual photos of the bullets, but as you can see from the pictures above there's nothing special about them. Just a normal, rounded bullet. I personally prefer the more pointed and slanted bullet (what I refer to as the traditional lipstick shape) for better precision, but since these lipsticks are meant to be applied all over the lips and don't need to be perfectly outlined, I don't mind.<br />
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And finally, the most important part of the review: swatches and finish.<br />
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<b>BR402 Bohemian Rosy Brown </b>is the perfect MLBB lipstick, and my favorite shade out of the three. The name is pretty self-explanatory- it's a warm, rosy nude shade with a hint of brown. </div>
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<b>PK003 Romantic Frill Pink</b> is what I call Barbie pink- it's a bright in-your-face sort of pink that has a semi-cool undertone. I personally didn't like this shade because I hate bright pink lipsticks, but to each their own.</div>
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<b>RD302 Swag Red</b> is a really pretty watermelon red (thus I placed it inside the watermelon case lol). It's such a cheerful color that works well for every day looks since it's not too bright, but still gives you that pop of color.</div>
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All of the lipsticks in this line have a semi-opaque, glossy finish. They're moisturizing, but here's the catch: they will accentuate dry patches. My lips get a little flaky at times if I don't drink enough water or apply lip care the night before, and the pigment from these lipsticks will stick to those flaky bits and make them very obvious, thus making the overall finish look uneven and patchy. However as long as you don't have dry lips when you apply this, then the finish is beautiful and glossy.<br />
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One swipe is enough in my opinion, since adding another layer doesn't really build up the pigmentation. These do transfer easily and wear-time is so-so, so don't expect them to be long lasting. The good thing is that the tint these lipsticks leave behind are all really pretty. Also, did I mention that they smell super sweet, like fruit candy? The scent reminds me of my childhood, and I don't mind. If you do care about scents though don't worry, the smell pretty much dissipates upon application.<br />
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If you're a fan of glossy, moisturizing lipsticks that are translucent, thus allowing your natural lip color to show through a little, then I'd recommend checking these out.<br />
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You can purchase the <b>Glass Tinting Lips-Talk </b>for <b><span style="color: red;">$10.40</span></b> (<a href="http://www.etudehouse.com/index.php/lips/glass-tinting-lips-talk.html">lipstick insert</a>) and <b><span style="color: red;">$5.20 </span></b>(<a href="http://www.etudehouse.com/index.php/lips/glass-tinting-lips-talk-case.html">lipstick case</a>).</div>
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In addition to their new lipsticks, Etude House also sent me a few of their <b>0.2 Therapy Air Mask</b>, as well as a trial set of their latest skincare line, <b>Soon Jung</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQS_Ab4h-6q2CQes8oulQG3pkjUqp3d81MZzF8sdBZzRSiz-Dc2uf6zUJ_xC19kvXQZcNpMg8xu2k3CaxBaLJubd0UGI6C-LiRH1qk2KutEGc8DzzBL4SEyv7Y1TpWBrUkkEpI5ahAGivB/s1600/DSC_3349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQS_Ab4h-6q2CQes8oulQG3pkjUqp3d81MZzF8sdBZzRSiz-Dc2uf6zUJ_xC19kvXQZcNpMg8xu2k3CaxBaLJubd0UGI6C-LiRH1qk2KutEGc8DzzBL4SEyv7Y1TpWBrUkkEpI5ahAGivB/s1600/DSC_3349.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm just going to be brief with these masks: They're very thin (according to Etude House they're only 0.2 mm thick!), fit pretty well, and have a watery, clear essence. The material isn't the softest material ever, but it isn't uncomfortable by any means. I wore them for 30 minutes and they still were still fairly wet when I took them off, so they have a long wear time. Scent-wise they smell sweet and floral, but not overwhelming, and there aren't different scents for each "flavor". When it comes to results, I have to say all three (Strawberry, Hyaluronic Acid, and Aloe) give pretty much the same result. My skin feels more hydrated after use, and that's all there really is to it. I don't notice much of a brightening or firming effect, nor is my skin significantly calmer the next day. All in all they're pretty mediocre. Good if you're just looking for an everyday mask that will add a boost of hydration to your routine without breaking the bank, but otherwise I say meh to these masks. </div>
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You can purchase the <a href="http://www.etudehouse.com/index.php/skincare/mask-sheet/0-2-therapy-air-mask.html"><b>0.2 Therapy Air Masks</b></a> for <b><span style="color: red;">$1.30</span></b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx2FdiD1Xi2VQPc6zPXPA5ieDJUrUxhonI1k6yQLmRFHRAChIO0WA_LHEREc7eOtbS3LX_LRkYBpMiDUTDGmixKV4RGhp1_tGfSVbd2urRQhvv47kq_5HpMQTyrlLqyV2eoyWjG3JQb_a/s1600/DSC_3284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx2FdiD1Xi2VQPc6zPXPA5ieDJUrUxhonI1k6yQLmRFHRAChIO0WA_LHEREc7eOtbS3LX_LRkYBpMiDUTDGmixKV4RGhp1_tGfSVbd2urRQhvv47kq_5HpMQTyrlLqyV2eoyWjG3JQb_a/s1600/DSC_3284.jpg" /></a></div>
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Since I only got to try the <b>Soon Jung </b>skincare products for roughly a week and a half,<b> I will only be sharing my initial impressions of each product</b>. None of the products in this line have a scent, and they didn't break me out.</div>
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<b>pH 5.5 Relief Toner- </b>This is a watery toner with a bit of a slip to it. It's definitely hydrating without being heavy, and absorbs well into the skin. Not sure if it helps calm sensitive skin and breakouts, but it didn't irritate my acne-prone skin. Also, it's low-pH.</div>
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<b>10-Free Moist Emulsion- </b>Emulsions aren't really my thing. I find that they're more likely to make my skin oilier than creams (strange, I know), and this one was no exception. The good thing though is that it doesn't feel heavy nor oily, and honestly it only made my skin get oily earlier during the day rather than later. If you enjoy emulsions and are just looking for one with clean, simple ingredients, definitely check this one out.</div>
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<b>2x Barrier Moisture Cream- </b>This is just a regular cream without any frills, and it does its job as a moisturizer. It absorbs pretty well, and doesn't leave a dewy finish. Also, it didn't feel heavy or make my skin oilier during the day. </div>
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<b>5-Panthensoside Cica Balm- </b>As the name suggests, this is a thicker, balm-like cream. It's semi-opaque, and despite having a thicker consistency, spreads very easily and absorbs even quicker than the moisture cream. It has a satin-like finish that didn't make my skin oily at all. It is moisturizing though, so I think all skin types can use this one. What really surprised me with this one is that my skin actually felt calmed by this- I had some active breakouts due to stress and lack of sleep while testing this out, and my pimples actually looked better after using this. </div>
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Guys, I'm kind of shocked that I didn't dislike these products. I've actively avoided Etude House skincare ever since I had a good number of mediocre and bad experiences with their products, but this line I would actually recommend to people who are looking for moisturizing skincare with simple ingredients or kids who don't have any skincare problems like acne, dull skin, pigmenation, etc. Out of the four products I tried, the only one I'd truly consider purchasing is the 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm. I think it's a great moisturizing cream to have on hand for days when my skin is feeling a little tight due to dryness, and considering how I'll be living in the East Coast this coming fall, I think I'm gonna need a cream like this. All of the other products weren't bad, but when it comes to skincare I want ones that offer brightening and skin-soothing effects, and these just don't have the formulations to make the cut. </div>
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You can purchase the <b>Soon Jung skincare line</b> in full-size and travel-size <a href="http://www.etudehouse.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=soonjung">HERE</a>. Prices range from about <b><span style="color: red;">$7-$20</span></b>. </div>
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What do you guys think of these new Etude House products? Have you tried them before? I hope everyone is having a great week so far! I'm sorry I've been quite inactive on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gloriausdays/">Instagram</a> and the blog lately, school has been a bit crazy these past few weeks. I feel like every teacher decided to schedule tests and due dates right before or during AP testing lol (not really laughing, these past weeks haven't been fun). I actually have a four-day calculus final this week, so I definitely won't be back for another week. Hopefully after next week though I can blog more often. Have a wonderful day everyone!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclaimer: The products featured were sent to me by <a href="http://www.etudehouse.com/index.php/">Etude House</a> for review purposes as part of their Pink Bird Program. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and 100% honest.</span></div>
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Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-26929058821626730992017-04-16T00:20:00.002-07:002017-04-16T00:20:35.954-07:00Review | Troiareuke Acsen Oil Cut CleansingWhen it comes to cleansers, there's a lot of trends that I never really jumped on board with. I've tried a lot of them, but I just don't think they're all that great, such as cleansing sticks, cleansing waters, and now: non-foaming cleansers. Of course, no offense if these have worked well for your skin and you love them, since skincare is all YMMV. But after a <a href="http://www.gloriausdays.com/2017/01/review-nooni-advanced-repair-therapy.html">bad, first-time experience with a non-foaming cleanser</a>, I didn't plan on ever trying one again. Why bother when foam cleansers work perfectly fine, right? Well, that plan changed when Troiareuke sent me their Acsen Oil Cut Cleansing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6h_6GfYORqtyEojdu8iWMH7BhlS2ptzQYHzaAWlypAEE1uyHXsIZfjuNI7dnCHUluhpDymgnhoYmPb9X4vw0yld6b0u0XtowA4Ge60fToiJACRC2PU8nl4dfyDeFYIBWQY4b7h4-gMZl/s1600/DSC_2950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6h_6GfYORqtyEojdu8iWMH7BhlS2ptzQYHzaAWlypAEE1uyHXsIZfjuNI7dnCHUluhpDymgnhoYmPb9X4vw0yld6b0u0XtowA4Ge60fToiJACRC2PU8nl4dfyDeFYIBWQY4b7h4-gMZl/s1600/DSC_2950.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Product Information</b></h4>
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<b>Name: </b>Troiareuke Acsen Oil Cut Cleansing</div>
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<b>What Is It: </b>A non-foaming, hypoallergenic cleansing gel that can be used as a makeup remover and second cleanser.</div>
<b>Size: </b>120ml<br />
<b>Ingredients: </b>Water, Butylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-8, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Water, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Fragrance<br />
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Since this is a cleanser, I'm not going to go in-depth on the ingredients because it's only in contact with your skin for such a short amount of time. This contains a <b>good amount of soothing extracts</b> (i.e. <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">aloe barbadensis leaf juice</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">portulaca oleracea extract</span></b>) with antioxidant properties though, and while <b>I can't say if they'll be on your skin long enough to make a noticeable impact</b>, I do want to point that fact out.</div>
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On a more important note,<b> this does not contain any potential acne triggers and irritants other than</b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">butylene glycol </span></b>according to <a href="http://cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_96d4274841.html">CosDNA</a>, which is a common ingredient in cosmetic products. However if you have any known sensitivities to any of the ingredients listed above, then don't use this product. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CFgJUVAwGnnQheALv0LTyOe4Qjn3wFdMBJwzreeysAYiJu3sGrcdNluXxR3Z1Xb_6DCEGA34sDeztP6-fOCAH4vFMawSsI15scWFl4NHZuPAhdIawdgnTybIPGqFY8lDzSPwjkj7SO8t/s1600/DSC_3387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CFgJUVAwGnnQheALv0LTyOe4Qjn3wFdMBJwzreeysAYiJu3sGrcdNluXxR3Z1Xb_6DCEGA34sDeztP6-fOCAH4vFMawSsI15scWFl4NHZuPAhdIawdgnTybIPGqFY8lDzSPwjkj7SO8t/s1600/DSC_3387.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I remember back when I first started blogging, pH levels were hardly ever discussed in skincare. I know a good amount of people now care about using low-pH cleansers, so I've decided to include pH tests in all of my future reviews where pH levels are a concern.</td></tr>
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The Acsen Oil Cut Cleansing has a <b>pH level of 5.5</b>, which makes it a low-pH cleanser. Unlike many other cleansers where you have to mix them with water, you apply the Acsen Oil Cut Cleansing directly to dry skin, so the pH level won't increase due to the water and will remain the same. I'm honestly not that knowledgeable when it comes to pH levels and skincare, so I'm not going to delve into any of it. But I will continue to provide these pH tests for those of you who are pH conscious!<br />
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The cleanser is packaged in a sturdy plastic bottle with a disc top cap. Like the rest of the Acsen line, the color combination is purple and white. Nothing exciting about the packaging here, but I've come to learn that with Troiarueke the packaging is boring while the formulations are (mostly) stellar.<br />
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As you can see in the picture in the top, right-hand corner, it comes out as a watery gel- runny enough that I had to hurry to take this picture to prevent it from dripping onto the ground <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(taking swatch photos is a real struggle guys)</span>. Unlike other gel cleansers, this is only slightly thicker than water and not sticky at all. In fact when I'm spreading it it feels like I'm just spreading a really moisturizing toner that doesn't absorb, which sounds terrible and if such a toner does exist then it would be awful, but as a cleanser it feels really nice.<br />
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The scent is kind of difficult to describe, but that might also be due to my complete lack of ability to describe scents. I want to say it's a light floral, but I can't say. It definitely smells fresh though, and not heavy. I personally don't mind it, and I'm pretty scentsitive.<br />
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Texture and scent aside, the most important thing for a cleanser to do is clean, and boy does this do its job, meeting and exceeding my expectations. I had my doubts about its makeup removing abilities, but upon first use I was convinced that I could rely on this as an all-in-one cleanser. As you can see in the pictures above, it really does remove EVERYTHING, not leaving a hint of makeup behind. At the time I took this photo I only had a limited amount of products on hand so I used what I had, but I've also been able to remove waterproof mascara and other long-lasting makeup products with this.<br />
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Here's the thing though- while I do think this is an amazing product, I don't love it. But before you conclude that this is a product not worth trying, let me explain myself. As someone who doesn't have any problems using regular oil and foaming cleansers, I don't see the need to buy something like this which is more expensive and does the job only just as well as its alternatives. Also, and this is entirely me being biased, I enjoy the feeling of massaging foam on my skin and thus prefer a foam cleanser over a non-foaming cleanser even if it has a lower pH. But that's just me and not everyone shares my preferences and skin type, so here are the people I would recommend this cleanser to:<br />
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If you have very sensitive and acne-prone skin and have trouble finding cleansers that don't break you out, this is a great, gentle cleanser that will really get rid of all the sebum and gunk in your pores. Also, if you're someone who cannot use cleansing oils due to various reasons (they clog your pores, cause breakouts, etc.), this is the alternative for you. It doesn't clog pores, removes every trace of makeup, and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed. If I couldn't use cleansing oils, then I'd be all over this cleanser because I <i>hate </i>how the other types of makeup removers (cleansing waters and wipes) leave a tacky finish on my skin and they also often cause me to breakout.<br />
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One a side note- I do notice a very slight soothing effect whenever I use this cleanser, but it's pretty minimal. My skin hasn't been on the sensitive side for awhile, so I can't say if it would help calm sensitive skin problems such as redness. Most of my breakouts for the past 2-3 months have been due to stress and lack of sleep, and this barely does anything for them. So don't expect this to be an acne-clearing cleanser, even though it is formulated for sensitive acne-prone skin.<br />
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Overall I think this is a really good cleanser, but simply not worth the price if you already have cleansers that work super well for you. It's nothing phenomenal in my opinion, but I've also heard a good amount of refer to this as their holy grail, so YMMV. If you don't have sensitive or acne-prone skin then skip this, but if you do then it's definitely worth a try.<br />
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<b>Where to Buy:</b></div>
<a href="https://w2beauty.com/en/troiareuke/23305-troiareuke-acsen-oil-cut-cleansing.html" style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">W2Beauty</a><b style="text-align: left;"> </b><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">$38.00 </span><span style="text-align: left;">(</span>$60 min. free worldwide shipping, sign up with my code <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-size: 16.5px; font-weight: bold;">04308009 </span>to receive a free $5 voucher)<br />
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If you guys have tried the Troiareuke Acsen Oil Cut Cleansing before, let me know what you think in the comments below! Or if you currently have any favorite cleansers at the moment, I'd love to hear about them as well. I hope everyone has had a great weekend so far, and happy Easter to those who celebrate it!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*The product featured was sent to me by Troiareuke for review purposes. All opinions stated are mine and 100% honest.</span></div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-32017929822000908152017-03-11T22:58:00.003-08:002017-03-12T00:53:42.402-08:00Review | Yadah Oh My Sun SlushOne of my biggest regrets growing up is probably not wearing sunscreen, especially when I used to swim and often go outside. In fact, I didn't even start using sunscreen religiously until 2-3 years ago!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I know, I know, it's so bad considering I live in California, where it's sunny 80% of the time)</span></div>
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Needless to say, I admit that my mom was right, and I totally should've listened to her since I now have a couple of sunspots on my face. In my defense, I hated how sunscreen felt on my skin back then. Because the only brands I ever knew for sunscreen were Neutrogena and Banana Boat, I assumed that all sunscreens had the thick, hard-to-spread texture that made my skin feel so greasy and suffocated. Now I know that there's a whole world of sunscreens out there with finishes and textures that are more agreeable with my skin. Although I used to think that sunscreens with a matte finish and oil-control would better suit my oily t-zones, over the past year or so I've found myself gravitating towards more hydrating sunscreens such as this one.<br />
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<b>Product Information</b></div>
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<b>Name: </b>Yadah Oh My Sun Slush</div>
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<b>What Is It: </b>A moisturizing sunscreen with SPF50+ PA+++ </div>
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<b>Size: </b>50ml | 1.69 fl. oz</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXhVReYCHHtGvN4Rvrxic6LSVwQghsxMs2M7cKXQb8SpiciYPYpqZAixNBj5AdOaqN_i04RPdFzpN7Oqac5jFvm8BoAByL77Dp4pUOskxxLr7jyHd5iye81eHmwfOodAMDYOcY58qllXv/s1600/Morning+Routine+2-19-17-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXhVReYCHHtGvN4Rvrxic6LSVwQghsxMs2M7cKXQb8SpiciYPYpqZAixNBj5AdOaqN_i04RPdFzpN7Oqac5jFvm8BoAByL77Dp4pUOskxxLr7jyHd5iye81eHmwfOodAMDYOcY58qllXv/s1600/Morning+Routine+2-19-17-6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>INGREDIENTS:</b> Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear Cactus) Extract, Homosalata, Butylene Glycol, Octocrylene, Behanyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Seedcake Extract, Bambusa Arundinacea Juice, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Silica, Water, Caprylyl Glycol, Tromethamine, Dehyroxanthan Gum, Gellan Gum, Ehtylhexylglycerin, Madecassoside, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance</div>
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According to <a href="http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_0a70275342.html">CosDNA</a>, the only low potential acne trigger in this sunscreen is <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">butylene glycol</span></b>, while <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">carbomer</span></b> is the only low potential irritant. </div>
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This sunscreen consists of <b>only chemical UV filters</b>, which are <b>homosalate</b>, <b>octocrylene</b>, and <b>butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane</b>. Homosalate provides full UVB protection, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, also known as avobenzone, provides full UVA protection, while octocrylene provides UVB protection and some UVA protection. Although avobenzone is relatively safe, octocrylene can act as a photosensitizer that increases the production of free radicals in your skin. Photocontact and contact allergy may also occur for adults and children who use products containing octocrylene (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24628344">source</a>). Luckily I didn't break out from using this sunscreen, but I do want to warn sensitive skin types that this sunscreen may not work well with their skin since chemical UV filters can be irritating.<br />
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Moving on, the list does feature some great plant extracts. It contains <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">50% prickly pear cactus extract</span></b>, which is the star ingredient of this sunscreen. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties on top of possibly wound-healing abilities (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16635743">source</a>). This also contains <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">portulaca oleracea extract</span></b>, sourced from a succulent as well, which has anti-oxidant and skin-soothing properties. Two other notable ingredients are<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> betula playtyphylla japonica juice</span></b> (birch sap) and <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">bambua arundinacea</span></b> (bamboo) <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">juice</span></b>. Birch sap has incredible moisturizing properties that helps your maintain a good oil-moisture balance. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Charlotte Cho from SokoGlam talks more about birch sap and why it's good for your skin <a href="http://theklog.co/e-nature-energizing-natural-korean-skincare/">here</a>, if you're curious about learning more!) </span>Bamboo juice has moisture-binding properties that act as an emollient, helping your skin retain moisture while improving its overall condition.<br />
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The Yadah Oh My Sun Slush comes packaged in a bright, green-yellow tube. Although it looks slightly metallic, the material is entirely plastic. There's not much to talk about when it comes to the packaging (it's pretty much standard sunscreen packaging), but can we appreciate the product's name for just a moment? Whenever I hear the word "slush" I think of a cooling, watery substance that just melts into the skin. Pair that with "sun" and it sounds like a product that's perfect for the summer (which isn't exactly true, but I'll get to that later).<br />
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This sunscreen has a really refreshing scent that's kind of floral but not quite. I'm not good at describing scents so I apologize for the vague description >__< It's not overpowering at all though, and doesn't linger after application.<br />
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The texture of this sunscreen is unlike any sunscreen I've tried before-<b> it contains these moisture capsules that I can actually feel bursting as I apply it to my skin</b>. If you've tried those water drop creams before, there's a similar effect in the sense that you can feel the texture changing, only the sunscreen doesn't turn into water the more you massage it into the skin. Instead, it becomes like a watery emulsion, and has this cooling and moisturizing effect. <b>It's super easy to spread, and doesn't have a white cast at all</b>. Once applied, it sinks into my skin within a minute or two so I don't have to wait at all to apply foundation.<br />
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The first couple weeks that I tested this sunscreen out, my skin was more oily than dehydrated, so I hated how it felt on my skin. On top of all of my other skincare products, it was too moisturizing and heavy, and left my skin feeling suffocated. However, in the past week or so, my skin became more dehydrated, and my feelings towards this sunscreen changed as well. When I use this, I skip using other moisturizers or products that are very hydrating, otherwise my skin feels suffocated once again. My current skincare routine consists of products that don't provide much hydration, so this is perfect for providing the boost of moisture my skin needs to not feel dehydrated. For comparison, this is slightly more moisturizing than the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence. It wears well underneath makeup, and my skin doesn't become oilier any quicker as long as I use a powder. When worn alone, I find that my t-zone starts getting oily after 4 hours, but it doesn't make my skin look like a greasy mess.<br />
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I personally really like the texture of this sunscreen, and the lack of a white cast. That is due to it being completely made up of chemical UV filters though, so if you have sensitive skin then this may or may not break you out. Luckily I didn't have a problem with this, and<b> it actually had a cooling and soothing effect on my skin!</b> I don't see myself reaching for this in the summer though, because of how moisturizing it is. Even though it gets so dry in Cali during the summer, my skin becomes oilier, so I usually want something with a bit more oil control. But this is great during the winter when my skin leans more dehydrated, and the rest of my skincare routine is lightweight.<br />
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<b>Overall, I'd say this is a great sunscreen if you want one that's moisturizing and absorbs well</b>. I wouldn't recommend this to oily skin, since it will feel a bit too heavy. If you have combination skin, I'd suggest using this without any other moisturizers to prevent overloading your skin with moisture and making it oily. Dry skin folks, you'd probably love this!<br />
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You can purchase the Yadah Oh My Sun Slush from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/YADAH-Oh-Sun-Slush-SPF50/dp/B01KXJHD2U/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1478059500&sr=8-4">here</a> for <b><span style="color: red;">$16.89</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The product featured was sent to me by<a href="http://bbcosmetic.com/"> BBcosmetic</a> for review purposes. All thoughts expressed are mine and 100% honest.</span></div>
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What are some of your guys' favorite sunscreens? Now that the weather is getting warmer I'm on the search for new ones to add to my stash. I'd love to hear what you'd recommend, so let me know in the comments below!</div>
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Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-10054119902495627382017-02-26T21:28:00.000-08:002017-03-12T01:07:16.309-08:00Unboxing | Beautibi aNEW Beauty BoxIt's a (somewhat) new year, and what better beauty box to do as the first unboxing of the year than one curated by Beautibi? I've always been a fan of Jen's curations, so I had high expectations for Beautibi's latest box. Of course, they did not disappoint. I'm actually quite behind on blogging at the moment due to school and work, but I pushed all of the other posts aside to write this one first. If you're wondering why, it's because they're almost sold out of some versions of this box, and I don't want any of you to miss out on it. I'm serious. If you're always on the prowl for something new in the Asian beauty world, you're gonna want to get this box. So enough chitchat and let's begin the unboxing!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I apologize beforehand for some of the low quality photos in this post- I had to take them with a high ISO due to very poor lighting so there's a lot of noise)</span></div>
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For this box Beautibi decided to name it <b>aNEW</b>. According to Beautibi:</div>
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"<i>The design behind the name of our first box of 2017 comes from that feeling of peeling off old layers to bring out the new. Our design features the delta symbol to signify 'change' </i>"</div>
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I personally love the design of this box's "logo", which can be seen on the card below. It's simple yet aesthetically pleasing. The minimalist design actually reminds me of my goals for this year, which is a more minimalistic lifestyle.</div>
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This box is available in three versions: Soothing + Brightening, Hydrating, and Balancing. The one I have is the Soothing + Brightening version, which sounds perfect for my sensitive skin. Balancing is meant for oily skin-types, while Hydrating is for those on the drier side. </div>
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First up I want to talk about these <i>amazing </i>sheet masks that are included in all three versions: the <b>Wishing U Advanced Dried Bio-Cellulose Mask ($8/EA) </b>in<a href="https://www.beautibi.com/products/wishing-u-advanced-whitening-dried-bio-cellulose-mask"> </a><b><a href="https://www.beautibi.com/products/wishing-u-advanced-whitening-dried-bio-cellulose-mask">Whitening</a> </b>and <b><a href="https://www.beautibi.com/products/wishing-u-advanced-firming-dried-bio-cellulose-mask">Firming</a></b>. According to the description:</div>
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"<i>A new brand from South Korea, this new patented dried bio-cellulose cleansing facial mask was developed through bio-engineering technology using fermented natural fruit water of coconut. Its cooling and adhesiveness are excellent for skin cleansing and sebum control. Contains EGF, peptides, niacinamide and more to deeply hydrate and cool the skin while brightening complexion.</i>"</div>
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If you guys follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gloriausdays/">Instagram</a>, I tried out this mask a few nights ago and posted about it in my Story. The fit of this mask is no joke- I can definitely see why people call it a face "condom". Extremely thin and clingy, this felt very comfortable on the face. The essence it came with was super creamy, albeit a bit sticky. As the bio-cellulose dried down it began to tighten on my face so it was difficult to move in the end. The directions state that you should re-hydrate the mask in lukewarm water to see all the gunk the mask sucked out of your pores in the end and girl. <i>Girrrrl</i>. They aren't kidding about the the gunk- there were all these little white spots on the mask (especially around and on the nose area) which I assumed to be sebum that came out of my pores. Needless to say I was both disgusted and impressed. This wasn't a hydrating mask, but it's definitely great for pore care. The next morning my face looked a little brighter and my pores were noticeably smaller. The pore tightening effect didn't last for long, but I could see that my pores were clean and clear. I haven't been this obsessed about a sheet mask in awhile, and this one is a must-try in my opinion. I will for sure be picking up a couple more of these in the near future! </div>
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Next up is a trio of travel-sized products from <b>23.5°N </b>that came with this cute canvas drawstring pouch. The set I received is the <b><a href="https://www.beautibi.com/collections/23-5n/products/23-5n-soothing-travel-set">Soothing + Brightening Travel Set</a> ($24)</b>, which consists of the the <b>Oriental Beauty Tea Balancing Facial Cleanser</b>, <b>Rice Soothing Gel Mask</b>, and the <b>Red Pearl Barley Whitening Serum</b>. </div>
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23.5°N is a Tawainese skincare brand that Jen curated awhile back and I've been really interested in them ever since. So when I saw that this box included three products from the brand, I was really excited to be able to finally try some of their products. I haven't tested any of them out yet, but I definitely will! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLouxpIbrpuI2pVzTh8-9zpi-jXSpuCZsS01c8TXxgB8sTdyvtZe5g1p4VBc0IsQ3rwcGbz6_ET_STvz7czP-M_LzGNsvm4ltJQNbR5w5cNLnCXBG7vhlIhrAxo-nwjokLGy7lw28g7eDY/s1600/DSC_2707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLouxpIbrpuI2pVzTh8-9zpi-jXSpuCZsS01c8TXxgB8sTdyvtZe5g1p4VBc0IsQ3rwcGbz6_ET_STvz7czP-M_LzGNsvm4ltJQNbR5w5cNLnCXBG7vhlIhrAxo-nwjokLGy7lw28g7eDY/s1600/DSC_2707.jpg" /></a></div>
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Next up is another trio of travel-sized products from <b>invi+apotheke</b>. This<b> <a href="https://www.beautibi.com/products/invi-apotheke-hair-body-care-travel-set">Hair + Body Care Travel Set</a> ($27)</b> consists of a hair treatment, hair cleanser, and body cleanser that are all 50mL in size.</div>
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According to the description: </div>
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"Inviapotheke is a compound of invisible + pharmacy (apotheke: German), which is intended to provide an intangible space that helps to balance inadequacies in urban life. Products have natural peat coloring and pH balanced using organice ingredients and natural ingredients."</div>
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I've never tried low pH hair or body care before, so I'm interested to see how these'll go. These little bottles are perfect for travel, which is great since hotel bath stuff is usually meh. To be honest I don't know much about hair care or body care, but this brand sounds quite intriguing. It's nice to see beauty boxes feature products other than skincare and makeup (which I already have too much of), so I think this was a good addition to the box! After all, your hair and body needs attention too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgff9tVNPdZ8kmeUjtZh9TrkMThy0U0TII5hHf0Crn1UOJ_9BWXw6r_kmtq_eYvvvBAdBG4heCYEIxRXZrUPIXbQP_i-Cf-H9fj_2N6TWMqsTf0D7qt4zUsO0xDIy9oGaPbFtK2sxsXpghd/s1600/DSC_2721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgff9tVNPdZ8kmeUjtZh9TrkMThy0U0TII5hHf0Crn1UOJ_9BWXw6r_kmtq_eYvvvBAdBG4heCYEIxRXZrUPIXbQP_i-Cf-H9fj_2N6TWMqsTf0D7qt4zUsO0xDIy9oGaPbFtK2sxsXpghd/s1600/DSC_2721.jpg" /></a></div>
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Last up is this <b><a href="https://www.beautibi.com/products/thank-you-farmer-be-beautiful-luminous-cc-cream">Thank You Farmer Be Beautiful Luminous CC Cream</a> ($29)</b>. The hydrating version includes the <a href="https://www.beautibi.com/products/thank-you-farmer-be-beautiful-natural-bb-cream">Natural BB Cream</a>, while the balancing version includes the <a href="https://www.beautibi.com/products/thank-you-farmer-be-beautiful-pure-makeup-base">Pure Makeup Base</a>. For those of you who would rather receive skincare products than makeup, you can request for the <a href="https://www.beautibi.com/products/thank-you-farmer-back-to-iceland-peeling-cream">Thank You Farmer Back to Iceland Peeling Gel</a> instead by leaving a note in the checkout section! Anyways, back to the product description:</div>
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"<i>A radiance-enriched CC cream that adds an elegant glow an brightness as sunlight that shines through a chiffon curtain.</i>"</div>
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I'll be honest here, I'm not the biggest fan of CC creams. I often find them a little too oily for my t-zone, but I'm willing to give this a try because it just looks so pretty and the finish isn't dewy like most CC creams. The color of the CC cream isn't actually as pink as the bottle, it's more of a pale peachy cream. This does contain microglitters, which I don't really mind since I'm pretty neutral when it comes to shimmery makeup bases. However, if you're not a fan of them then you definitely wouldn't like this CC cream. From what I can see this has little to no coverage, and there's not really any noticeable pigmentation to it so I think most skin tones can use this. I'd probably use this on no-makeup makeup days, or as a base before foundation.</div>
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Finally, Jen also included A LOT of samples- including <b>a mini of the Loveisderma Hydramax Serum</b>. How adorable is that tiny dropper and bottle?? I'm super excited about the samples since they're from the brands <b>107 Oneoseven</b> and <b>SIMPLISTIC Cosmetics</b>, both which I've been lusting after. Hopefully one day I'll be able to try more from the two brands, but for now these samples will satisfy my curiosity!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOE5J7WIstOOIPlsL76KFi4lVIwaL8VosH3u2olaz5Qz7rSzR1wtxgVGxR8wJsyV8opOt4p7XD2TwU4hOZpTPsR6tJUM6I9Yuq7CUZxBXfSkpG_QY0RRh9vcpzPUMD4GV40A7ENBSzmGN3/s1600/DSC_2738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOE5J7WIstOOIPlsL76KFi4lVIwaL8VosH3u2olaz5Qz7rSzR1wtxgVGxR8wJsyV8opOt4p7XD2TwU4hOZpTPsR6tJUM6I9Yuq7CUZxBXfSkpG_QY0RRh9vcpzPUMD4GV40A7ENBSzmGN3/s1600/DSC_2738.jpg" /></a></div>
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In total, <b>this box contains one full-sized product, six travel-sized products, and two sheet masks</b>, which adds up to <b>$92 worth of products</b>. I personally think<b> this was a really well curated box with lots of interesting products</b>. When to comes to beauty boxes, my only standard is that they must include new products that I'm excited to test out- and the aNEW Beauty Box definitely meets that standard! All of the products come from quality brands, and they're all ones that I haven't tried before. I've already found one of my favorite pore care masks thanks to this box, so I can't wait to see how everything else performs! Overall,<b> I'd highly recommend this box if you're a fan of Asian beauty</b>, it's worth your time and money in my opinion. </div>
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You can purchase the box <a href="https://www.beautibi.com/collections/beauty-box/products/anew">HERE</a> for<b><span style="color: red;"> $78</span></b> with free shipping in the U.S. If you'd rather purchase the products featured in this box individually, I've linked them to their pages above so just click on the product name!</div>
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What do you guys think of the aNEW box? Are there any products you're interested in trying?</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The products featured in this post were sent to me by<a href="https://www.beautibi.com/"> Beautibi</a> for review purposes. All thoughts expressed are my own and 100% honest.</span></div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-65240456011169608372017-02-13T09:27:00.001-08:002017-02-13T16:08:19.370-08:00Review | Troiareuke Skin Complex Formula + Mela C Formula Ampoule<div style="text-align: center;">
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Dehydrated oily skin is like Goldilocks- it can't have too much or too little, everything has to be <i>juuust </i>right. Too much hydration results in oily t-zones and possible acne, while too little results in tight, dry skin everywhere. I'm not the biggest fan of creams and lotions because they often provide too much moisture, so lately I've been using the <b>Troiareuke Skin Complex Formula </b>to give my skin the right amount of hydration it needs. Since post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is also a huge concern of mine, I've paired it with the <b>Troiareuke Mela C Formula Ampoule </b>to tackle two problems at once. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcZkMQ7_RMLa16ny2QU-cwvvmLw2N0-ReSA78yjlbkb2X6IwboLKkTpE8XGTHicF7atqOysW5zyoBabuTjosBNUfVSx2HB_eqF6T1AzB6fAGJ-LEDbtOS9W5PRdAcoik6kdTmKOJ1lllZ/s1600/DSC_1766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcZkMQ7_RMLa16ny2QU-cwvvmLw2N0-ReSA78yjlbkb2X6IwboLKkTpE8XGTHicF7atqOysW5zyoBabuTjosBNUfVSx2HB_eqF6T1AzB6fAGJ-LEDbtOS9W5PRdAcoik6kdTmKOJ1lllZ/s1600/DSC_1766.jpg" /></a><br />
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This combination was part of the skincare "prescription" given to me by <b>Troiareuke </b>when I told them my skin type and concerns. Since they're not really known internationally, here's a<span style="color: #990000;"><b> short introduction to the brand</b></span>: Pronounced troy-ARE-keh, Troiareuke was originally a spa brand in Korea that decided to make their products available to the public after launching 6 years ago. Their products are formulated based upon scientific research as well as knowledge from one-on-one interactions with clients at thousands of spas. I was really excited to give their products a try after I found that they're devoted to creating <b><span style="color: #990000;">effective</span></b><span style="color: #990000;"> </span>and <b><span style="color: #990000;">gentle</span></b><span style="color: #990000;"> </span>products for every skin type. As someone with sensitive and acne-prone skin, I'm always on the lookout for gentle formulations that also deliver results. And Troiareuke is definitely one of them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdo6v_bWnhFGv-e6dFvlqPIdubBvU6YpKVLrXDA5vubInvXCNAud-zfVH-QyDvKF9CWa9cKU08WRvHIjliLHWgQiD3PvMVXbX6_wWyQXAKwwcw6DzQ5bkFsx_ZtYXdeXInmsykWSi5bwW/s1600/DSC_1769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdo6v_bWnhFGv-e6dFvlqPIdubBvU6YpKVLrXDA5vubInvXCNAud-zfVH-QyDvKF9CWa9cKU08WRvHIjliLHWgQiD3PvMVXbX6_wWyQXAKwwcw6DzQ5bkFsx_ZtYXdeXInmsykWSi5bwW/s1600/DSC_1769.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Production Information</b></div>
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<b>Name: </b>Troiareuke Skin Complex Formula</div>
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<b>What Is It:</b> A hydrating toner to be used after cleansing and actives (if you use any). Can also be used as a facial mist anytime.</div>
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<b>Size: </b>180ml | 6.08 fl. oz.</div>
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<b>Ingredients: </b>Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pinus Densiflora Bark Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, Rosa Canina (Dog-rose) Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Roselle) Flower Extract, Citrus Unshiu (Satsuma Mandarin) Peel Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Lonicra Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum (Japanese Pepper) Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Citus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Betaine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus (Cornflower) Flower Extract, Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's Wort) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Perfume</div>
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According to <a href="http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_6aff272028.html">CosDNA</a>, there is <b style="color: #990000;">only one low potential acne trigger, </b>which is<b style="color: #990000;"> butylene glycol</b>. I do want to note however that this is an ingredient that appears in most skincare products, and I've personally never had a problem with it, so it's not going to make most people breakout. However if you are sensitive to this ingredient or have known sensitivities to any of the other ingredients listed above, don't use this product.</div>
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Troiareuke highlights hyaluronic acid as one of main ingredient in this toner, but what they have listed is actually <b style="color: #6aa84f;">sodium hyaluronate</b>. What's the difference between the two? Sodium hyaluronate is a water-soluble salt form of hyaluronic acid. It's more stable (less likely to oxidize) and has smaller molecules than hyaluronic acid, so it's able to penetrate the skin better. That means it's a more powerful humectant than hyaluronic acid, helping your skin retain more moisture.<br />
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Two other ingredient highlights are<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> pinus denisflora bark extract </span></b>(pine bark extract) and <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">salicornia herbacea extract</span></b>. Pine bark extract is an antioxidant that also protects skin against UVB-induced photoaging (<a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750014000730">source</a>). Salicornia herbacea extract comes from a type of succulent, and is found to be an potential skin rejuvenating agent that has antioxidant and brightening effects (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19270393">source</a>).<br />
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This toner is also full of many other plant and flower extracts- including some that I've never seen before in cosmetics. At first look the one I recognize immediately is <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">calendula flower extract</span></b>, an anti-inflammatory ingredient rich in antioxidants. Some of the more interesting extracts include <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">japanese pepper fruit extract</span></b> (antioxidant rich as well) and <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">satsuma mandarin peel extract</span></b> (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich). <b>It seems like many of the extracts are high in antioxidants, which slow down the effect of free radicals on our skin to prevent and repair damaged tissue. </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is non-beauty related, but I came across a study that suggests japanese pepper fruit extract can induce cancer cell death (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27626481"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">source</span></a>). There isn't much information on its topical uses, but I wonder if it has a lot of potential as a skincare ingredient?</span></div>
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Some other notable ingredients include <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">allantoin </span></b>(skin soothing and healing),<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> niacinamide</span></b> (brightens and even outs skin tone), and<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> dipotassium glycyrrhizate</span></b> (skin-conditioning and anti-irritant).<br />
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The Skin Complex Formula is packaged in a plastic spray bottle, but I find the spray nozzle a little too strong to spray the toner directly onto my face. Compared to super fine mists (like the Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist), this does not dispense a fine mist at all. It's similar to those $1 spray bottles you'd find at the supermarket- it does its job, but not very well. The only way I can spray it directly onto my face is by holding it at more than half an arm's length away, which I find wastes the product. It's a shame since I think it'd be a wonderful hydrating mist to use throughout the day, so I'm probably going to decant some of it into my Tatcha bottle once I'm done with the Tatcha mist.<br />
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Although it fails a bit in the packaging area, the Skin Complex Formula makes up for all of it with its formula and results. It's amazingly hydrating yet lightweight, and I find that I can rely on it alone to hydrate my skin. Yes, that's right- <b>for the past four weeks I've been using this alone without any other serums or creams during the day </b>(other than the Mela C Formula Ampoule, which has little hydration) <b>to test how effective the two products actually are</b>. And the result? <b>By layering this three to four times, my dehydrated skin is well-hydrated without the use of any other products</b>. On days where my skin is feeling particularly dry, I may do five layers, but since I do have an oily t-zone, I usually do 3. What I do is simply spray once into the palm of my hand to dispense the product, then pat it evenly onto my face, and repeat this multiple times. It does have a <b>somewhat sticky finish</b>, but once it's fully absorbed I'm just left with hydrated skin that's smooth to the touch. Despite it being so hydrating, it's still very lightweight, so it doesn't feel heavy at all. At night I do like to use a sleeping mask, but I can see myself using this by itself at night in the summer since my skin gets oilier during the warmer seasons.<br />
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Also, despite using this product so much, it looks like I've used up about a quarter of it in a month and half, so a whole bottle can last around 4-6 months depending on how often you use it.<br />
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<b>Product Information</b></div>
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<b>Name: </b>Troiareuke Mela C Formula Ampoule</div>
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<b>What Is It: </b>A skin brightening ampoule that can be used all over the face and as a spot treatment.</div>
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<b>Size: </b>20ml | 0.676 fl. oz.</div>
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<b>Ingredients: </b>Water, Butylene Glycol, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Saururus Chinensis Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Phytoplacenta Extract, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Propylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Alcohol, Niacinamide, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Arbutin, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Perfume, Disodium EDTA, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil</div>
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According to <a href="http://cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_fc97244995.html">CosDNA</a>, the <b><span style="color: #990000;">only low potential acne trigger</span></b> is <b><span style="color: #990000;">butylene glycol</span></b> as well in this ampoule. This does contain alcohol, but I personally don't have a problem with alcohol in cosmetics as long as it's in small amounts. However if you are sensitive to alcohol or any of the other ingredients listed, then don't use this product.<br />
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This ampoule is also full of plant extracts, but since I'm seeing some ingredient overlap with the Skin Complex Formula, I'm just going to focus on the key ingredients in this ampoule. First off are the ingredients that make this ampoule what it is: <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b style="color: #6aa84f;">niacinamide</b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: #333333;">and</span></span></span> <span style="color: #333333;"><b style="color: #6aa84f;">arbutin</b>,</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #333333;">t</span><span style="color: #333333;">wo well known ingredients for skin brightening and whitening. While niacinamide can lighten areas of pigmentation and even out skin tone, arbutin reduces melanin production to lighten your skin tone</span><span style="color: #333333;">. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">A</span>nother ingredient to note is <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">green tea extract</span></b>, which is an antioxidant and has skin soothing properties. This product also contains <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">soybean phytoplacenta extract</span></b>, which is an antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient that has comparable effects to retinoid, but can be used during the daytime (<a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ics.12014/abstract">source</a>). It also has the ability to reduce hyperpigmentation and is anticarcinogenic (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2958188/">source</a>).<br />
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The Mela C Formula Ampoule comes in a glass bottle with a dropper. Texture- and appearance-wise, it's pretty much like colored water. It doesn't feel particularly hydrating, and it's fairly easy to spread when used on its own. It absorbs quickly and doesn't have any sort of finish. There is a slight scent to it, but it's so faint that it's almost undetectable.<br />
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I was told to mix about 3/4 of the ampoule into the toner, and use the remainder of the ampoule as a spot treatment. However, what I decided to do instead was to use the ampoule all over my face the first week, and then use it as I was instructed to the following three weeks. I'm not sure if that actually helped with anything since brightening effects take time to see, but you'd get the same results using it alone vs. using it mixed + as spot treamtent probably.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2WD0mwTeax888UnrJ5vRiZ-9uJHtAiC6vticV6Q1L0o5jbbUoRWOvZ1LxwDnJj-LNzCVeuUo4xa6lQ2gW8lKiCe29MSIyBDaDM5kaJkWwPrNunkhZuqZ7iWkG-j0ISPC74iK9MKeIxbF/s1600/DSC_1778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2WD0mwTeax888UnrJ5vRiZ-9uJHtAiC6vticV6Q1L0o5jbbUoRWOvZ1LxwDnJj-LNzCVeuUo4xa6lQ2gW8lKiCe29MSIyBDaDM5kaJkWwPrNunkhZuqZ7iWkG-j0ISPC74iK9MKeIxbF/s1600/DSC_1778.jpg" /></a></div>
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I didn't trust myself pouring the ampoule into the toner since I actually knocked the ampoule over while I was taking photos (I was having one of those clumsy days), so I used the dropper to add it into the toner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV2U51fMeB8Q75azeOQIbNBjNtLlWC4nt5WVL4R1eMyvv8k-zRG9xsWP9sTD1qsrTCjDZojN2cX6mFymlIqZ4l1ghQq-I0RTmHe3Y_wURkAJ_XguPaZeJEo6slWeKcbOV7cG8kaTAZWVu/s1600/DSC_1781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV2U51fMeB8Q75azeOQIbNBjNtLlWC4nt5WVL4R1eMyvv8k-zRG9xsWP9sTD1qsrTCjDZojN2cX6mFymlIqZ4l1ghQq-I0RTmHe3Y_wURkAJ_XguPaZeJEo6slWeKcbOV7cG8kaTAZWVu/s1600/DSC_1781.jpg" /></a></div>
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And here is how it looks mixed! Since the ampoule is quite pigmented, it turned the Skin Complex Formula into a light but still bright yellow. Other than the color though, nothing else changed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilORrEVKBbeVaeJl89cgZ82h8INUIH5_J5ftZ2Hmjeu4Y3IK6yJ-W5Vp_IJDlo52eYudfNdnZ1mav9Oe9Toc5fLvKldCH5OY6qqpO6bKFzmQjhxLTaC2bqUSEHq2T4o_8NDYhm4Cph1K2v/s1600/DSC_1700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilORrEVKBbeVaeJl89cgZ82h8INUIH5_J5ftZ2Hmjeu4Y3IK6yJ-W5Vp_IJDlo52eYudfNdnZ1mav9Oe9Toc5fLvKldCH5OY6qqpO6bKFzmQjhxLTaC2bqUSEHq2T4o_8NDYhm4Cph1K2v/s1600/DSC_1700.jpg" /></a></div>
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So how effective was this combination at reducing my PIH? Well, in four weeks time, I've definitely seen quite a bit of improvement in my acne scars. Prior to trying out these two products, I had used my Curology prescription for months and it never really did anything for my scarring despite containing 4% niacinamide. But with this,<b> I saw results in just one month</b>. Granted it's nothing drastic, but the spots are definitely fading and some are almost completely gone. When it comes to PIH, I've learned that it takes lots of time (I'm talking months or even a year) and patience for it to disappear, so I'm pleased that the ampoule was able to speed up the process. During the time I used these two products, I got a few pimples due to a makeup base I tried out. Normally those pimples would've left pigmented scars that'd take forever to go away cause I squeezed some of them (I know, I really shouldn't be doing that), but amazingly the scars they left behind were gone in less than a week.<br />
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The pictures don't show it too well, but I've also noticed that my skin tone has lightened slightly since I started using this combination. By no means am I saying it bleached my skin, it just sped up the process of fading my tan and returning my skin to its natural color. My skin also looks brighter now, so I'm definitely happy with the results! I wasn't expecting much because brightening products normally don't do much for my skin, and if they do it's very temporary, but I can tell that<b> the Mela C Formula Ampoule has a permanent brightening effect and does its job at fading hyperpigmentation</b>.<br />
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Overall, I would highly recommend the Skin Complex Formula for all skin types, and the Mela C Formula Ampoule for those looking to brighten their skin and fade hyperpigmentation. I never had any irritations or breakouts from using these two products, so those with acne-prone and sensitive skin should be fine with them. In fact, most hydrating toners (especially those that have that "slip" to them), end up being too heavy for my skin and cause me to break out, but this one didn't. I think anyone could benefit from the Skin Complex Formula, even those with oily skin. If you have oily skin you could probably rely on it alone to hydrate your skin since it won't make your skin oilier (as long as you apply the right amount), and those with dry skin could use this to add an extra boost of hydration to their routine. As for the Mela C Formula Ampoule, it's a very gentle but effective brightening product so any skin type can use it as well.<br />
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<b>Where to Buy:</b><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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-<b><span style="color: #333333;">W2Beauty</span></b>: ($60 min. free worldwide shipping, sign up with my code <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "eb garamond"; font-size: 16.5px; font-weight: bold;">04308009 </span>to receive a free $5 voucher)</div>
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<li><a href="https://w2beauty.com/en/troiareuke/23863-troiareuke-skin-complex-formula-mist-type-toner.html">Skin Complex Formula</a> <span style="color: red;"><b>$50</b></span></li>
<li><a href="https://w2beauty.com/en/troiareuke/23866-troiareuke-mela-c-formula-ampoule.html">Mela C Formula Ampoule</a> <b><span style="color: red;">$65</span></b></li>
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-<b><span style="color: #333333;">KBeautyBay</span></b>:</div>
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<li><a href="https://www.kbeautybay.com/product-page/389e8e57-65fc-bb39-65f5-da10463ad728">Skin Complex Formula</a> <b><span style="color: red;">$41</span></b> | <a href="https://www.kbeautybay.com/product-page/d91995be-9cb3-aaa3-7c1f-2b8fdb00c609">Travel Size (50ml)</a> <b><span style="color: red;">$22</span></b></li>
<li><a href="https://www.kbeautybay.com/product-page/efac4bd7-e603-5cbc-8b9f-5cb04a287779">Mela C Formula Ampoule </a><b><span style="color: red;">$65</span></b></li>
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What do you think of these two Troiareuke products? Let me know in the comments below!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclaimer: The products featured were sent to me for review purposes by Troiareuke. All opinions are mine and 100% honest.</span></div>
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Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-62885348410488540432017-02-10T17:16:00.002-08:002017-02-10T17:16:46.815-08:00Reivew | Yadah Quick Tattoo Brow Gel in 02 Deep Brown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't know about you, but I like sleep. Especially since I don't get a lot of it during the school year. However, that also leads to a problem in the morning: getting up in time to get ready at a leisurely pace. If you ever see me in the morning, I'm usually rushing through my skincare and makeup routine, trying to get everything done within ~20 minutes. Which isn't fun, and thus any products that will shorten the time it takes me to get ready is always welcome. Such as a brow gel I can apply the night before so that my brows are ready to go in the morning. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2poVIVB1noeGJlY19jyKdS0ndBIByUYwgQEh4wcqwSloPly5G9SVSLRPe2oQXlAzareaJ3H0nnPa8w9cPnTo2ZC7WzAlcGqJ_4FCq18XldJfqJHs2GyMLNB5_smj2q5LPekTHbMI6eXPC/s1600/DSC_2286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2poVIVB1noeGJlY19jyKdS0ndBIByUYwgQEh4wcqwSloPly5G9SVSLRPe2oQXlAzareaJ3H0nnPa8w9cPnTo2ZC7WzAlcGqJ_4FCq18XldJfqJHs2GyMLNB5_smj2q5LPekTHbMI6eXPC/s1600/DSC_2286.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Product Information</b></div>
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<b>Name: </b>Yadah Quick Tattoo Brow Gel (02 Deep Brown)</div>
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<b>What Is It: </b>A peel-off brow gel that leaves a natural-looking tint on your brows that doesn't fade or smudge.</div>
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<b>Size: </b>8ml | 0.27 fl. oz. </div>
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This supposedly contains <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">blackberry extract</span></b>, <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>black bean extract</b></span>, <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">portulaca oleracea extract</span></b>, and <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">panthenol </span></b>to nourish and strengthen your brows. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_M0fwkn6qUXJiceTQbspqDrpFo8tnWPdHq0oYFyy91m_T_TMdfuro5mnl6wMzuX9jlsPS8BH1kQDMcNHEV1_vFOpOcp5rOHU3feXkd1ZWcTsCHca6UG-cSOcj7VLAHplCHhhKLsPj4BRw/s1600/DSC_2304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_M0fwkn6qUXJiceTQbspqDrpFo8tnWPdHq0oYFyy91m_T_TMdfuro5mnl6wMzuX9jlsPS8BH1kQDMcNHEV1_vFOpOcp5rOHU3feXkd1ZWcTsCHca6UG-cSOcj7VLAHplCHhhKLsPj4BRw/s1600/DSC_2304.jpg" /></a></div>
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The Yadah Quick Tattoo Brow Gel comes in a black, plastic tube about the size of a tube of mascara. The design isn't eye-catching, but it has the playful font and child-like drawing on it that seems characteristic to all Yadah products. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMl-Jf92H9OSlLyqfIPfUOdBDEJ5s0V7np8ZvFLOOQJgGlkq0_qYrG-VC5nVNri8vKMd39iJRLc3vnTS67zwcKLbHU4mV4CgUaV7BfWo3iL4NkleN2bXvCU_sd8ecTUU8Qq4ZL_7RnxwY/s1600/DSC_2311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMl-Jf92H9OSlLyqfIPfUOdBDEJ5s0V7np8ZvFLOOQJgGlkq0_qYrG-VC5nVNri8vKMd39iJRLc3vnTS67zwcKLbHU4mV4CgUaV7BfWo3iL4NkleN2bXvCU_sd8ecTUU8Qq4ZL_7RnxwY/s1600/DSC_2311.jpg" /></a>To apply the brow gel, you can use the included brush applicator to paint the gel onto your brows. I'm personally not a fan of the shape of the brush, which I find a little too wide and pliable for precise application. It makes drawing the tip of my brow quite a pain in the neck, and I often find myself wiping off the end to redraw it because I messed up. A thinner and more pointed brush would make drawing and shaping the brows much easier, something that this brush fails to do. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMWLoQBEjCro7pNN519zn6oYQO3EJHASNhDwznV8-YJ11_REUes_ey9qKQUxfRVI6_qjo8S5OlwIi2m2rxSo7p15kVYusSN8YtU80CUgy-3-TOr0r6ZPxT9ccTClkPe18e8PxqTuL6_gF/s1600/DSC_2315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMWLoQBEjCro7pNN519zn6oYQO3EJHASNhDwznV8-YJ11_REUes_ey9qKQUxfRVI6_qjo8S5OlwIi2m2rxSo7p15kVYusSN8YtU80CUgy-3-TOr0r6ZPxT9ccTClkPe18e8PxqTuL6_gF/s1600/DSC_2315.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'd say there's definitely a learning to curve to using this brush. You need to be slow and patient with this, otherwise it's quite easy to mess up. There's been plenty of times where I applied a bit too much pressure, or tried to rush through the drawing process, and ended up having to clean up the edges because I went "outside of the lines". With that being said, once you've successfully applied to gel everything's a breeze from there on.</div>
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According to the instructions, you're supposed to leave the gel on for at least one hour to let it dry and tint your skin/brows. I've never noticed a difference in pigmentation when I leave it on for one hour vs. overnight, so the time doesn't really matter as long as it's at least an hour. After that one hour, you simply peel off the gel to reveal your tinted brows.<br />
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Sometimes the gel does stick to my individual brow hairs, so it doesn't come off in one piece. I've never pulled out any hairs when peeling off the gel, but sometimes it does hurt a little since I have to tug at the gel (and in turn, my brows) to get it off. I personally don't mind that it's not an effortless process, but if you have weak brow hairs then it might be a problem.<br />
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I apologize for the different lightings in the pictures above, I took them all at different times during the day so it was difficult to get them all in the same lighting. However the color of the tint is pretty accurate! </div>
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As you can see in the after removal image above, the <b>tint left behind is pigmented but still pretty natural</b>. It's a dark brown color with a slightly red undertone, so it should be a good match for people with warm toned dark to medium brown hair. It'd also work well for anyone with dark auburn colored hair. </div>
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Prior to trying this brow gel I had used a similar product before, which was the Etude House Tint My Brows Gel. I remember the craze surrounding the Etude House one since they were the first one to create a peel-off tint for brows. Back then I remember being a bit disappointed that the tint was only good for a day, but that seems to be the case with all of these peel-off brow tints. With the Yadah Quick Tattoo Brow Gel, <b>the tint lasts all day without any fading or smudging. However, if you get water or sweat on your brows and wipe it off, the tint does fade a bit</b>. And if you use a makeup remover and wash your face with a cleanser, the tint fades a lot so you definitely can't depend on it to last for more than a day as you can see in the picture above. I did find that applying the gel overnight helps the tint stay visible longer, but it still fades too much (to a light honey brown) after the first day that you can't really rely on it alone the second day. <b>The only way to avoid fading is to use a cleansing water to cleanse your face only</b>. I personally don't feel like a cleansing water is enough to really cleanse out my pores, but if you don't have a problem with only using cleansing water then this tint can definitely last you more than a day. </div>
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What I like about this brow gel is that<b> it can be such a time-saver in the morning</b>. I just apply the gel the night before, peel it off in the morning, and my brows are good to go (with a bit of brow mascara if I feel like it). Drawing my brows takes me about 3-4 minutes at most, but when you only have 20 minutes to get ready, 4 minutes can be a lot of time. Do I think it's a necessary product to have? Not really, but <b>if you want to save time in the morning and like a natural brow look, then I would recommend that you give this a try</b>. </div>
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<b>Where to Buy: </b>You can purchase this on Amazon for <b><span style="color: red;">$10.98</span></b> with<i> free shipping</i>. Here are the links to the three different shades available: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yadah-Quick-Tattoo-Eye-Brow/dp/B01N3VN2ZK/ref=sr_1_1?m=ALCNT94032R1B&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1483507384&sr=1-1&refinements=p_4%3AYADAH">Ash Brown</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yadah-Quick-Tattoo-Eye-Brow/dp/B01MQI1SXL/ref=sr_1_3?m=ALCNT94032R1B&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1483518788&sr=1-3&keywords=yadah+quick+tatoo">Deep Brown</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yadah-Quick-Tattoo-Eye-Brow/dp/B01N3NF83C/ref=sr_1_2?m=ALCNT94032R1B&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1483518788&sr=1-2&keywords=yadah+quick+tatoo">Natural Brown</a>.</div>
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Have you ever tried a peel-off brow tint before? Would you be interested in trying one? Let me know in the comments below!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*The product featured was provided to me for review purposes by <a href="http://bbcosmetic.com/">BBcosmetic</a>. All opinions expressed are mine and 100% honest. </span></div>
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Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-76158426297180191602017-02-03T17:43:00.001-08:002017-02-05T21:02:11.467-08:00Review | Troiareuke Acsen A+ Cushion <div style="text-align: center;">
Last summer, I had the worst breakout I ever had in my life. I got acne all over my face, including areas I rarely broke out in. And the pimples just wouldn't stop coming- it seemed like a new one was popping up every two days! During that time, I wore <i>a lot </i>of makeup to cover it all up. I went on a search for high to full coverage foundations and concealers, which probably wasn't the best idea since my skin was hypersensitive and my pores were very clogged already. But I didn't care, since all I wanted was to cover up my acne.</div>
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Fast forward six months, my skin has calmed down completely. And my interests have changed as well. Back then my ideal foundation was one that provided full coverage and a flawless finish, ingredients be damned. However, about a month ago, I began searching for skin friendly makeup that would act like skincare while also covering imperfections as a foundation. And I'm happy to say that I've finally found the one: the <b>Troiareuke Acsen A+ Cushion</b>.<br />
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<b>Product Information</b></div>
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<b>Name: </b>Troiareuke Acsen A+ Cushion<br />
<b>Shade: </b>Natural beige (No. 23)</div>
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<b>Size: </b>13g + 1 extra puff</div>
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<b>What Is It: </b>A skincare cushion foundation with SPF50+/PA+++. It contains 99% skincare and 1% makeup, featuring ingredients such as centella asiatica extract to heal your skin while also providing natural coverage like a foundation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu01SXbqxFxqFyYHxOsE9blokCVIW_XnO4mxsRFTNwt-zxX8oY7v1OamrVf1gQUXBc4Qa44uSHfEyE3YRxbUh0VwF891_QzNBI66DudZ23y1uGGm8hv3TF_prpAtJPslZPg9dS5hluvx4N/s1600/DSC_2125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu01SXbqxFxqFyYHxOsE9blokCVIW_XnO4mxsRFTNwt-zxX8oY7v1OamrVf1gQUXBc4Qa44uSHfEyE3YRxbUh0VwF891_QzNBI66DudZ23y1uGGm8hv3TF_prpAtJPslZPg9dS5hluvx4N/s1600/DSC_2125.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Ingredients: </b>Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Cyclohexasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl benzoate, Niacinamide, Octocrylene, Zinc Oxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Quaternium-18 Bentonite, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Calendula Officinalis Flower Water, Melaleuca Aternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Madecassoside, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Chlorphenesin, Aluminum Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Adenosine, Perfume<br />
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A quick look at <a href="http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_3e40271184.html">CosDNA</a> shows that there are only <b><span style="color: #990000;">four very low-potential acne triggers</span></b> (which are butylene glycol, dimethicone, zinc oxide, and calenula officinalis flower water), and no irritants. Now moving on to an ingredients analysis:<br />
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This cushion contains <b>multiple UV filters </b>including both physical filters (<b>titianium dioxide</b> and <b>zinc oxide</b>) and chemical filters (<b>ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate </b>and <b>octocrylene</b>) to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. While UVB rays are the ones that play a role in skin cancer development, it's also important to protect your skin against UVA rays too since they can cause premature aging. Zinc oxide is the only one out of the four that offers protection against all UVB and UVA rays, while the other three offer protection against all UVB rays and only some UVA rays. However, sensitive skin can have a bad reaction with chemical UV filters, so if you know that you have sensitivities to any chemical UV filters then I would advise you to stay away from this cushion.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Niacinamide</span></b><b style="color: #38761d;"> </b>and <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>adenosine</b> </span>are two ingredients in there that are <b>beneficial for aging skin</b> (and all skin types really!). While niacinamide is known for its ability to <b>brighten and even out skin tones</b>, adenosine is great for <b>skin restoration and fighting wrinkles</b>.<br />
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Most importantly, the ingredients that make this cushion<b> ideal for sensitive skin</b> are <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">calendula water</span></b>,<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <b>tea tree leaf water</b></span>, and <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">centella asiatica extract</span></b>. All three are great for healing and soothing skin. Calendula is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, while tea tree is commonly used to treat acne thanks to its anti-bacterial and anit-inflammatory properties. Centella asiatica extract is an ingredient that's becoming very popular for its ability to increase collagen synthethis and promote wound healing. Personally I'm a fan of all three ingredients, so I'm happy to see that they're included in this cushion.<br />
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The Troiareuke Acsen A+ Cushion is housed in a white and silver plastic compact with the product's name printed in purple on top. Design-wise it's pretty boring, but I'm willing to overlook that since it delivers stellar effects.</div>
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The foundation itself is contained in a "mochi" cushion, where unlike most cushion foundations where the foundation is already saturated throughout the cushion, the foundation is in the center of the cushion like a mochi. This supposedly keeps the foundation fresher, although I'm not sure if it actually makes a difference.</div>
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This does have a <b>fresh </b>and <b>somewhat floral scent</b>, which I find quite pleasant and not overwhelming at all. It dissipates pretty quickly upon application, so those who are scent-sitive (like me) shouldn't be bothered by it.</div>
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I've been using this cushion every day since the beginning of January and am seriously impressed! For the past year or so, I completely stopped using cushion foundations because most of them made my skin very oily at the end of the day, even if I used a sebum-absorbing powder. Although this one does make my skin look dewy, it doesn't make it feel oily. By the end of the day the edges of my nose do get a bit oily, but it doesn't look like the oily-mess my skin normally is after wearing a cushion for 6+ hours. When worn under a powder, some of its dewiness still comes through and gives my skin this<i> subtle luminosity</i>. The finish looks beautiful, and has this natural look to it that makes my skin still look like skin.</div>
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Foundation tends to get patchy on my skin throughout the day since my skin is quite dehydrated during the winter, but <b>this leaves my skin feeling (and looking) well moisturized the entire day</b>. I've been using it in place of a moisturizer, and my skin has never felt dry. Texture-wise, it's <b>extremely lightweight</b>, and is similar to a watery lotion. My point is that it doesn't <i>feel </i>like foundation, and everything about <b>it is more skincare than makeup</b>. Except for one part: the coverage. Since it supposedly contains only 1% makeup, I thought the coverage would be quite sheer, but boy was I wrong. As you can see from the pictures above, it's <b>between medium to high coverage</b>. Although it doesn't completely cover my hyperpigmentation, its coverage is sufficient and I never feel the need to use concealer on top. </div>
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What amazes me the most however is its<b> healing ability</b>. The first day I wore this I had a pimple forming, and by the end of the day it was pretty much gone! I've noticed that my skin feels soothed whenever I wear this, and<b> my skin condition has only improved</b> ever since I started using this as my sole base makeup. It's probably the only makeup that I'd feel okay falling asleep in (although I still wouldn't do it because I enjoy my night-time skincare routine more than anything else, and plus I have eye makeup to remove).<br />
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Lasting power-wise, it's pretty good, but not spectacular. If you lean your face against your hand, it does transfer easily, so you have to make sure that you don't touch your face or rub it against anything to prevent fading. But if you don't touch your face and set the foundation with a powder, I've worn it for <b>10+ hours before with slight fading</b>. I'm honestly not going pick on its lasting power because it's not marketed as a long-lasting foundation, but if you need a foundation that can go through a lot of wear (sweat, contact, etc.), then this probably isn't for you. <br />
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The one problem I will pick on with this cushion is that it's <b>only available in one shade</b>. If your skin tone is NC25-NC20 (and possibly NC15), this will match you really well since it's light with a warm undertone. NC30 skin tones may be able to make this work with a bit of bronzer, but if your skin is any darker than that then this'll be too light for you. I wish Troiareuke would create a broader shade range for their foundations, but sadly this is a problem that occurs with every Korean makeup company.<br />
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I'm honestly obsessed with this cushion and will definitely repurchase this once I run out! I've actually gone ahead and purchased Troiareuke's other cushion, the H+ Healing Cushion, to make a comparison with this one. The only difference I know so far between the two is that the H+ cushion is shade no. 21, but we shall see how it goes. Overall, as the name suggests, this an<i> A+ cushion</i> for sensitive, acne-prone skin. <b>If you're normally sensitive to foundation or break out easily from it, I highly recommend that you give this a try.</b> Although this is suitable for all skin types, I think acne-prone skin will benefit the most from it.<br />
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You can<b> </b>purchase this online at the following locations:<br />
<a href="https://w2beauty.com/en/troiareuke/23559-acsen-a-cushion-acne-sensitive-skin-solution.html" style="font-weight: bold;">W2Beauty</a><b> </b>for <b style="color: red;">$40 </b>with<b> free worldwide shipping</b> (for first time customers, use my code<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">04308009</span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">during registration to receive a $5 voucher towards your first purchase)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.kbeautybay.com/product-page/88ad247d-8337-c7dd-ef18-083e3b26a6ac">KBeautyBay</a> </b>for<b> <span style="color: red;">$38</span></b></span></span><br />
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What do you guys think of the Acsen A+ Cushion? When it comes to foundations, what are your expectations?<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*This product was sent to me by Troiareuke for review purposes, but all opinions stated are my own and 100% honest.</span></div>
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Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-21342576433370460072017-01-07T15:54:00.000-08:002017-01-07T15:54:16.571-08:00Review | Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Revitalizing Cream + Gel Cleanser<div style="text-align: center;">
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When it comes to skincare, I usually divide products into two categories: <b>moisturizing </b>and <b>hydrating</b>. In my point of view, a moisturizing product means that it forms a protective film on your skin to prevent any moisture loss, keeping your skin soft and supple. Aka an emollient. On the other hand, a hydrating product is like a glass of water for your skin, providing lightweight moisture that your skin just drinks up to prevent dehydration. As someone with dehydrated skin, I'm a fan of hydrating products but have always shied away from moisturizing ones because past experiences have taught me that they're no good for my acne-prone combination-oily skin. That is, until now.<br />
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Awhile back I started testing out the<b> Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Vitalizing Cream</b>, which is definitely a moisturizing cream. Upon seeing the product my first thought was "Great, my skin's going to hate this". And it did. Well... sort of. See, when I first tried this cream out, it was during the summer when my skin was being a hypersensitive and oily pain in the neck. I stored the cream away back then and didn't pick it up until late October, when the weather in California finally started to cool down and my skin was behaving better. And along with that I picked up again its partner the <b>Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Vitalizing Gel Cleanser</b>, which I also disliked back then. And this second chance came with somewhat good news and bad news, but let's start with the good one first.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapZjxa6L3lZIsqNsQmqxgLGj4T7bp0f1pGTc60Gp73I5e2IXWmnFG8zMxg66BjpxhgdTwXmf3QEae4dxBgcC1PQEsd2nTRbI2lqCRioIQzD7M8W5g9wVpLXGg2AkcjT2KfFHuzQ-rRqzt/s1600/DSC_1549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapZjxa6L3lZIsqNsQmqxgLGj4T7bp0f1pGTc60Gp73I5e2IXWmnFG8zMxg66BjpxhgdTwXmf3QEae4dxBgcC1PQEsd2nTRbI2lqCRioIQzD7M8W5g9wVpLXGg2AkcjT2KfFHuzQ-rRqzt/s1600/DSC_1549.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Product Info.</b><br />
<b>Name: </b>Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Vitalizing Cream<br />
<b>Size: </b>50ml<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Description:</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The Advanced Repair Therapy Super Vitalizing Cream renews damaged skin with a high concentration of therapeutic Centella Asiatica, loved for its powers to repair and strengthen. Calendula and Portulaca Oleracea extracts also nourish and soothe, while Evening Primrose Oil calms troubled skin, and Ceramide 3 fortifies. The naturally citrus-scented cream's jelly-meets-balm texture allows these nutrients to soak right into skin to effectively care for and help prevent dry patches, enlarged pores, and other problems. After a quick therapy sesh, your pores will be more refined and your skin more moisturized, revitalized, and firm.</i></span></span><br />
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The Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Vitalizing Cream is packaged in an opaque, sturdy plastic jar. I personally don't mind the jar, but for those of you who are concerned about hygienic issues, do note that this doesn't come with a spatula.<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: start; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethyl Hexanediol, Sea Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Allantoin, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Ceramide 3, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Panthenol</span></span><br />
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According to<a href="http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_dd72266945.html"> CosDNA</a>, there are a few acne triggers and irritants in this product such as cetearyl alcohol, butylene glycol, and glycerl stearate SE. Do not use this product if you're sensitive to any of the ingredients.<br />
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Let's start off with the star ingredient:<b> titrated extract of centella asiatica</b>, which is composed of <b>asiaticoside</b>, <b>madecassic acid</b>, and <b>asiatic acid</b>. This extract is often used for its wound healing properties. Asiatic acid increases collagen synthesis, making it ideal for healing pitted acne scars since it helps your skin fill up those "dents". Another ingredient in the list that is also known for stimulating tissue growth is <b>allantoin</b>.<br />
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Some other notable ingredients are <b>ceramide 3</b>, good for reinforcing your skin's barrier and locking moisture in your skin, and <b>evening primrose oil</b>, which helps your skin regulate itself by increasing or decreasing oil production so that it becomes normal. Also to be noted are a couple plant extracts (<b>portulaca oleracea</b> and <b>calendula flower</b>) that are great for soothing your skin.<br />
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There aren't really a lot of ingredients that were unexpected or concerning. The few acne triggers/irritants included are commonly used in skincare and I never had a problem with them. Also, based on the cream's texture (which I'll talk about later), I expected those ingredients. However, there is <i>one ingredient</i> that <i><b>really</b> bothers me</i>: the <b>artificial coloring (Yellow 5)</b>. It's unnecessary and harmful for your skin, since it's a toxin and carcinogenic. I don't care what my skincare looks like as long as it works, and I'm sure most people feel the same. Luckily I haven't had any negative reactions to this cream, but I'm really not happy that it contains a dye.<br />
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Let me start by saying that this is a pretty thick cream. It's not creamy per say but almost like a hybrid between a gel and a balm? This is one of those products where I feel the need to warm it up between my hands before applying to my skin. I usually take a pea size amount and rub it between my hands to kinda "melt" it, and then I press it into my skin. What's wonderful about this is that even though it's a thick cream, by melting it first and then applying, it absorbs quickly into my skin and doesn't feel heavy at all. It's never made my T-zone oily, and my pores don't feel clogged like they often do when I use thick creams like this. So thumbs up for the texture of this cream! It does have a very light citrusy scent which I love, and it's not noticeable unless you stick your nose into the jar.<br />
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Now onto the results. I've used this cream for the past 2-3 months and I really like it for the dry winter weather. It gives my skin just the right amount of moisture to keep it from feeling tight, but it's not too much that it gets oily. In fact, I suspect that this cream is what helped my skin become normal and no longer oily over the past few months. It hasn't caused any breakouts, and it also helps in calming my skin. I can't really comment on its healing properties because I only have hyperpigmentation from my acne, not actual scarring. The description claims that it refines your pores, but it doesn't, and that's okay because I didn't expect it to. When it comes to a cream I just expect it to be moisturizing and soothing without making my skin oily, which is exactly what this cream does.<br />
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Here's the thing though... I feel a bit conflicted with this cream. While I love the results it gave me, I don't like how it contains a synthetic dye that's harmful to the skin. I probably will not be repurchasing this because of that. If you want to try it out and don't care about the dye, then I'd say go ahead because (despite the dye) it's a wonderful cream that's suitable for all in skin types. In fact, if this didn't contain the dye, it'd be a holy grail. However, unless Nooni stops adding that ingredient, this cream won't be on my recommended list.<br />
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You can purchase the <b>Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Revitalizing Cream </b>at <a href="https://us.memebox.com/product/5524">Memebox</a> for <b style="color: red;">$28</b>, which is a markdown from its usual price of $40.<br />
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Now moving on to the next product in the same line!<br />
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<b>Product Info</b><br />
<b>Name: </b>Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Revitalizing Gel Cleanser<br />
<b>Size: </b>150ml<br />
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<b>Description:</b><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: start; white-space: pre-line;">This refreshing, soothing gel cleanser with a pH of 6 is a heaven-sent for sensitive skin. It's enriched with 60% Centella Asiatica Extract, which calms and relieves irritations and redness. It's also flowing with Carbonated Water from the lush island of Jeju, which fizzles deep into skin to clean and nourish more effectively than pure water from the inside out. Other natural botanical extracts help to moisturize skin, strengthen layers, and improve its overall complexion, leaving skin healthy and ready to soak in the next goodies in your skincare routine.</i><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Centella Asiatica Extract, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Carbomer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tromethamine, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Carrageenan, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Rose Flower Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Onsen-sui, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Water, Styrax Benzoin Gum, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to <a href="http://cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_19be255322.html">CosDNA</a>, there are quite a few acne triggers and irritants in this product, and some ingredients that raise a yellow flag in terms of safety. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once again this cleanser also features centella asiatica as a star ingredient, however it only lists <b>centella asiatica extract</b>, not the titrated version. From what I've learned, it seems like if it's just the extract, then it has soothing and antioxidant properties. It may possibly increase collagen synthesis, but I'm not sure. Some other notable skin calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients listed are <b>aloe vera leaf extract</b>,<b> </b><b>witch hazel extract </b>and <b>licorice root extract</b>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Also to note there are quite a few oils included in this cleanser. I'm not going to go over all of them, but some of them, such as <b>jojoba oil</b> and <b>rose oil </b>are amazing for moisturizing dry skin. <b>Bergamot oil</b> is also great for healing scars and killing bacteria.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Salicylic acid</b> is also another ingredient in this cleanser. It's a great ingredient for treating acne, however some people may be sensitive to it. If you know that you're sensitive to salicylic acid, lavender oil, or any of the other ingredients listed then don't use this product.</span></span><br />
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While looking through the list I noticed an ingredient I've never seen before: <b>carrageenan</b>. When used in cosmetics, it functions as a thickening agent. However, it also scores a 5 as a potential acne trigger. That doesn't mean it's an unsafe ingredient, in fact it's pretty safe for topical use, but it can aggravate acne and clog pores for some people. </div>
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This gel cleanser is one of those non-foaming cleansers that seem to be getting more popular these days. It does have a low pH, so it's good for people who need to use low-pH cleansers. It has a fresh scent that isn't offensive or strong, so those who are scent sensitive should be okay with this cleanser.</div>
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This was my first time trying a non-foaming cleanser, and... I didn't like this one. Remember how I mentioned that carrageenan can be pore clogging for some people? Unfortunately, I'm one of those people. Whenever I used this cleanser, although the surface of my skin felt cleansed and refreshed afterwards, I felt like my pores were kind of clogged. It did leave my skin feeling soft and well moisturized thanks to all the extracts and oils, but it also gave me some small pimples due to the clogged pores. Luckily I didn't get any major breakouts or cystic acne, and the pimples would go away within a day or two. I was really excited to try this cleanser because I know my skin likes a lot of the ingredients in it, but sadly it wasn't the one for me. I do know that some people really like this cleanser though, so YMMV. </div>
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You can purchase the <b>Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Revitalizing Gel Cleanser </b>at <a href="https://us.memebox.com/product/6469">Memebox</a> for<b> <span style="color: red;">$15</span></b>.</div>
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What do you guys think of the Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy line?<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The products featured were sent to me by <a href="https://us.memebox.com/">Memebox</a> for review purposes.</span></div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-40444903702109523552016-12-27T21:14:00.002-08:002016-12-27T21:14:54.928-08:00Unboxing | November to LOVEABOX <div style="text-align: center;">
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There's always something exciting about beauty boxes, especially mystery ones. But what's even more exciting? A new mystery beauty box! Today I will be unboxing a new Korean beauty box that is based in Malaysia, called <a href="http://www.loveabox.com/">LOVEABOX</a>. My really good friend Zyro, whom I met through blogging, actually started this company and sent me the first box to show you guys what it has to offer! LOVEABOX is a monthly non-subscription box filled with Korean beauty products such as makeup and skincare which are handpicked with love. Each box contains at least 3 full-sized items, and costs 160 MYR (about $35 USD). They do ship internationally through EMS, so their boxes are available worldwide! </div>
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What I have here is the November version of their box, called<b> November to Loveabox</b>. When it comes to beauty boxes, my only criteria is that I am willing to try out most, if not all, of the products included inside of the box. There can be products I dislike in the end, but ultimately it just needs to include products that I'm interested in testing out. I admit I'm a bit picky when it comes to mystery boxes, so let's see if this one passes the test! </div>
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Before I start diving into what's inside the box though, just take a look at that packaging! It's possibly the most luxurious-looking beauty box I've ever seen. The box is sturdy and made out of this thick, stiff cardboard material that will be able to hold quite a bit of weight. It's definitely one that I will be keeping to use as a storage container! What I like about this box is that the middle part (the golden strip) is indented in, making it easy to open. Although the gold section of the box feels a bit flimsy, the black top and bottom ensure that the box as a whole is very durable.<br />
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Honestly everything about the presentation of this box looks so chic and aesthetically pleasing! Also, their slogan, "It's not hard to LOVEABOX" is really cute.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Please note that the retail value I use for each product is based on its<i> retail price in Korea</i>. Some of the brands do have US online shops, but often times the prices are doubled compared to the Korean retail price. There are plenty of online shops that sell K-beauty products at or just slightly above their Korean retail prices, hence why I'm using the retail prices in Korea to estimate the value of each product. </span><br />
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Upon opening the box the first things I saw were these sheet masks from <b>Entel Mask Pack</b>. The two versions I received are C<b>ollagen</b> (featuring pomegranate as the main ingredient) and Pine Mushroom. Along with the masks were two <b>Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream_EX </b>samples.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Estimated Value (couldn't find exact prices) | $2.00</span><br />
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The masks aren't anything special in terms of ingredients lists but I could always use more face masks, so these were a nice addition to the box.<br />
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Up next is another type of mask- the <b>Etude House Fresh Cup Modeling Mask </b>in <b>Strawberry</b>.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Retail Value | $3.50</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIt5xq1RMFk3pNReCVNodyL2KG1mUiYWhFszFby9T_xucq5jO6aMrxbBbijH8iltN2ZA5vWVsssl6JHXo-c2-3OLxRCRPwK_fTTeaN_wpIpjedBzjrNG8-f2wLay-lSzRBs5Ok5DdTAzC/s1600/DSC_1453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIt5xq1RMFk3pNReCVNodyL2KG1mUiYWhFszFby9T_xucq5jO6aMrxbBbijH8iltN2ZA5vWVsssl6JHXo-c2-3OLxRCRPwK_fTTeaN_wpIpjedBzjrNG8-f2wLay-lSzRBs5Ok5DdTAzC/s1600/DSC_1453.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've been wanting to try a modeling mask for awhile, so I was really happy to see this included inside the box. I haven't used it yet, but the mask smells like yummy strawberry candy so I can't wait to give it a try!<br />
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Also included inside are a couple makeup products. The first one is the <b>Tony Moly LipTone Get It Tint </b>in <b>06 Dark Night</b>.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Retail Value | $8.00</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeOeupQMK8X8jmz-LHqdOnsyie63Ili74YbWNFTUZ8XSm2zdhPaXLjeCKzqavKlv6akY5K999NOj4DRAmC6TJ5X9pO1ir0X8RR3VGhbDq47NgxxujOzGpZv41OqibCGYA2Bw8RuJPn4Em/s1600/DSC_1464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeOeupQMK8X8jmz-LHqdOnsyie63Ili74YbWNFTUZ8XSm2zdhPaXLjeCKzqavKlv6akY5K999NOj4DRAmC6TJ5X9pO1ir0X8RR3VGhbDq47NgxxujOzGpZv41OqibCGYA2Bw8RuJPn4Em/s1600/DSC_1464.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have one of these lip tints already, but I'm happy to get another one in a different shade. If you've never tried this lip tint before, I <i>highly </i>recommend that you do! They're very pigmented and long-lasting, and not drying at all unlike most watery lip tints. In fact, they're even a bit hydrating! Definitely my favorite water-based lip tint to date.<br />
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The second makeup product included was this <b>Pony Shine Easy Glam 3 Eyeshadow Quad </b>in <b>03 Orange Blossom</b>.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Retail Value | $18.00</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCDkw8Q3FP_VAHLqzB9-SkYI_Ju4KkfOwagG0Isw_3OEnsIKSPICakOc8A8rui_vTAHA6eX0Ctms-CpbLbLIaKsTNeO0VpKhsX3rbIF4A3LoYa98mKE3esqDc4kQjgfV1X57mqGgxdQK_/s1600/DSC_1442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCDkw8Q3FP_VAHLqzB9-SkYI_Ju4KkfOwagG0Isw_3OEnsIKSPICakOc8A8rui_vTAHA6eX0Ctms-CpbLbLIaKsTNeO0VpKhsX3rbIF4A3LoYa98mKE3esqDc4kQjgfV1X57mqGgxdQK_/s1600/DSC_1442.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL__8VWZkRO5MzhIt5eGYbl1lVW232H0dqLE6xd9C7ZvqLgNH8p2XcuzaLrHTPlblwCFhrLJ87gOG5eRCrCGsCebou3WN_X_x93Qf2eo7o918JBo9DF7PwnSvwH04D6NMNR5dVdvZpzzji/s1600/DSC_1440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL__8VWZkRO5MzhIt5eGYbl1lVW232H0dqLE6xd9C7ZvqLgNH8p2XcuzaLrHTPlblwCFhrLJ87gOG5eRCrCGsCebou3WN_X_x93Qf2eo7o918JBo9DF7PwnSvwH04D6NMNR5dVdvZpzzji/s1600/DSC_1440.jpg" /></a></div>
I'm a huge fan of Pony's own brand, Pony Effect, but I've never tried the products she made in collaboration with Memebox before. This eyeshadow quad is one of them, so I'm curious to see how the quality fares compared to her brand's. I love all of the shades in this quad though, so I'm excited to test it out! If the quality is just as good as the Pony Effect quads, I can see this becoming one of my favorite eyeshadows.<br />
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Last but not least, there were two non-skincare and makeup products in this box. First was this really cute gold <b>necklace </b>with the word "Love" and a heart on it.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Retail Value | Unknown</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5CEEVWV1vhgUFidtEk4Lvvl8gH8WTI-KLoRDVklNolWH_delS62lc8N2UfAD-Et511x-U7WyVmQHy0tsKnkrb4TTCx48w507sQxfibfmZT0T3BrWduZNUrKe9OTzeaBy_Qb3CX-t597Q/s1600/DSC_1469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5CEEVWV1vhgUFidtEk4Lvvl8gH8WTI-KLoRDVklNolWH_delS62lc8N2UfAD-Et511x-U7WyVmQHy0tsKnkrb4TTCx48w507sQxfibfmZT0T3BrWduZNUrKe9OTzeaBy_Qb3CX-t597Q/s1600/DSC_1469.jpg" /></a></div>
The necklace is dainty, which I like. This was a nice surprise cause I didn't expect any jewelry in the box, and the quality doesn't seem cheap or flimsy.<br />
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And finally, the last product: an <b>Etude House My Beauty Tool Lovely Etti Headband</b>.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Retail Value | $4</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17FlKV1MdJy74NlAcT5hXUdlVBrbi99REY865Dfh27NWehBJYYecwrtRcx-7Ao86U9MniuUxfUeU36MK3Eu9K4L9A7vD5PM8QnFYLh76VT1SO5BReGuqd8lgvyDOMEivVAKfpYdcEXwiC/s1600/DSC_1471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17FlKV1MdJy74NlAcT5hXUdlVBrbi99REY865Dfh27NWehBJYYecwrtRcx-7Ao86U9MniuUxfUeU36MK3Eu9K4L9A7vD5PM8QnFYLh76VT1SO5BReGuqd8lgvyDOMEivVAKfpYdcEXwiC/s1600/DSC_1471.jpg" /></a></div>
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I actually own this exact same headband, but an extra pair is always welcome. It's an adorable cat eared headband that helps keep your hair back and away from your face when you're washing your face, wearing a mask, etc.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_FCoorIaNnXGz_GV-nhQl-QXDY8knZVgHBB0LhVq5rqRxAoxL4hXyUJS77jAitguNnK1vT10s1aMK1WwdmvDN-Ronz9hVhncnZKMfYi3k9P5-yhUvGDM-nk_tgJ7G6GEquH5nqKkaha1/s1600/DSC_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_FCoorIaNnXGz_GV-nhQl-QXDY8knZVgHBB0LhVq5rqRxAoxL4hXyUJS77jAitguNnK1vT10s1aMK1WwdmvDN-Ronz9hVhncnZKMfYi3k9P5-yhUvGDM-nk_tgJ7G6GEquH5nqKkaha1/s1600/DSC_1500.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ImbGkL_RBvXikLnLg8ZOBoSPn1YQH4HBYrB3pzXBtNJRj4YuG2edEH7nmpOOJ2jT6EPa4_SXnJj-5Mci_W-LyujIwbpogDmNBjbjWCYQw_ecooUDM0VoKXjeWaFo34ev-w_tTOudFdRR/s1600/DSC_1506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ImbGkL_RBvXikLnLg8ZOBoSPn1YQH4HBYrB3pzXBtNJRj4YuG2edEH7nmpOOJ2jT6EPa4_SXnJj-5Mci_W-LyujIwbpogDmNBjbjWCYQw_ecooUDM0VoKXjeWaFo34ev-w_tTOudFdRR/s1600/DSC_1506.jpg" /></a></div>
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And that concludes the November to LOVEABOX! The <b>total retail value</b> of this box came out roughly to $35.50, not including the price of the necklace. Do keep in mind that I used the retail prices of the products in Korea to calculate the value, so it may differ greatly if you're buying it online through a K-beauty shop. Although this box was nicely curated, it was lacking a bit in high value, which is what beauty boxes are known for. However, for me, this box was worth it since I actually will be using everything single product included. A lot of times with mystery beauty boxes I end up with at least 2-3 items that I won't ever use, so I appreciate it when a beauty box is well-rounded and contains not a single product I won't use.<br />
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If you're interested in purchasing this box, the <b>November to LOVEABOX</b> is still available <a href="http://www.loveabox.com/products/november-to-loveabox">here</a>. Unfortunately the LOVEABOX in December is sold out, but you can also check out the <b>Makeup Exclusive Loveabox </b><a href="http://www.loveabox.com/products/makeup-exclusive-loveabox-special">here</a>.<br />
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<i>What do you think of LOVEABOX?</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*The products featured in this post were sent to me for review purposes.</span><br />
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Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-33137425321455023532016-12-09T23:49:00.001-08:002016-12-09T23:49:47.007-08:00Review | Memebox I'm Stick Shadow <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ML3PRBc0w-nlaEitFIDoGJkvs3gDhyWDoLCdXvcBb8qs_ImveSEZeRgT4WIQgwuYD5_1wYSwR0YZ7PZTA5v9iO7zzllPLTXjjUGZh_l-1Rg1NApK1tTrrX6Cpy5WamOh9V3j-snYE7d1/s1600/DSC_0990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ML3PRBc0w-nlaEitFIDoGJkvs3gDhyWDoLCdXvcBb8qs_ImveSEZeRgT4WIQgwuYD5_1wYSwR0YZ7PZTA5v9iO7zzllPLTXjjUGZh_l-1Rg1NApK1tTrrX6Cpy5WamOh9V3j-snYE7d1/s1600/DSC_0990.jpg" /></a></div>
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The first time I heard about eyeshadow sticks, it was in 7th grade when a couple girls were gossiping about another girl who used them. They were calling it "weird", "ugly", etc. At that time I had no experience with makeup other than mascara, so I had no idea what they were talking about. And in situations like that, where I don't know anything about the subject, I usually just listen and nod along. Which is exactly what I did back then. Now, if the same thing happened again today, I would definitely say something that counters their opinions (and tell them to stop bashing on the poor girl, because they were being pretty mean).</div>
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Why do I bring that story up? Even with my limited knowledge of makeup back then, I don't think eyeshadow sticks were much of a thing, at least in Western beauty. They existed, I'm sure, but they weren't popular. However, if you look at Western brands today, from high-end to drugstore, many of them have their own versions of eyeshadow sticks. Amazing how beauty trends change so quickly isn't it? Also, I brought the story up because I'm reviewing these Memebox I'm Stick Shadows today. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jgbaRPkE3FlDL5O4hYhMabTcZgyp7tBhk6RREtvIHVQASvKZcv-B0m_rOD-n_w4bmMKhNn88wZyEc8Ct0NNrUiwKOdqPPk5zHNx4-kQQy2gklRj8VnkpvYqpq_PK49Mmos6q5hQl2Xz2/s1600/DSC_0980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jgbaRPkE3FlDL5O4hYhMabTcZgyp7tBhk6RREtvIHVQASvKZcv-B0m_rOD-n_w4bmMKhNn88wZyEc8Ct0NNrUiwKOdqPPk5zHNx4-kQQy2gklRj8VnkpvYqpq_PK49Mmos6q5hQl2Xz2/s1600/DSC_0980.jpg" /></a></div>
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According to the description, the Memebox I'm Stick Shadow features a waterproof formula with pigmented, shimmering shades that glide on easily with no fallout. Each stick contains<b> 0.05 oz of product</b>. The four shades I'm reviewing today are <b>#ES407 Bellatrix</b>, <b>#ES408 Stellar Rose</b>, <b>#ES409 Hazel Topax</b>, and <b>#ES410 Spica Bron</b>. </div>
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Also to note: No animal testing was performed with these eyeshadow sticks, so they're<b> cruelty-free</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXAyQT1GCyFiX83hseK8F_IQVeRoHGRVwveGh3oJRRNKwhs9fQ6cAe85rCCqjwnhyei8FFQsVHcNirMuz7j8fqHx5yut9xpKjYWmK6k0DrAGIl1Epj27O_iMhTgDY9K5TLOykWuwLFbm3/s1600/DSC_0994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXAyQT1GCyFiX83hseK8F_IQVeRoHGRVwveGh3oJRRNKwhs9fQ6cAe85rCCqjwnhyei8FFQsVHcNirMuz7j8fqHx5yut9xpKjYWmK6k0DrAGIl1Epj27O_iMhTgDY9K5TLOykWuwLFbm3/s1600/DSC_0994.jpg" /></a></div>
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The I'm Stick Shadows are packaged in a matte black plastic casing with the shade's color at the end of the packaging to easily identify which shade is which. To make more product come out, all you have to do is twist the colored end. There's nothing special about the packaging, it just looks like a lot of other eyeshadow sticks in terms of design style.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0WjVYUZeXWdqD0puAw3nNVV-e-fH8ME3DDb8Y2-XQE5RtPJZZV7peVXzcoZgdc9KHqTAhVPH7G69iGR-f6UKtRFJeNSisFoFr9iunTsGq9bZLPtyS-aYPmgiIWMaZi4y6v3k3Td_fXc3/s1600/DSC_0998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0WjVYUZeXWdqD0puAw3nNVV-e-fH8ME3DDb8Y2-XQE5RtPJZZV7peVXzcoZgdc9KHqTAhVPH7G69iGR-f6UKtRFJeNSisFoFr9iunTsGq9bZLPtyS-aYPmgiIWMaZi4y6v3k3Td_fXc3/s1600/DSC_0998.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's a closer look at the total amount of product in each stick! The pictures don't really show it, but the I'm Stick Shadows are a lot bigger than the usual eyeshadow sticks in diameter. I'm not really a fan of the larger diameter because that means there's less precision, but it can be useful at times when I'm just applying the shadow all over my lid. If you don't like chubby eyeshadow sticks, then these definitely aren't for you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c8e7xcv47RF3OCttEv70VwY4zS7OYF1ZnfyW9ZYnaUd32q5yVlUeHURZNppHEL4FnDq6RV-XYaB3eV_Q_0T1vsJpnSOb9LDoUn-oW3AV2M5aOC-LfwiUl-gptoNwWumspm5pomP7eQzU/s1600/DSC_1020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c8e7xcv47RF3OCttEv70VwY4zS7OYF1ZnfyW9ZYnaUd32q5yVlUeHURZNppHEL4FnDq6RV-XYaB3eV_Q_0T1vsJpnSOb9LDoUn-oW3AV2M5aOC-LfwiUl-gptoNwWumspm5pomP7eQzU/s1600/DSC_1020.jpg" /></a></div>
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Moving on to the fun part- the shades! </div>
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<b>#ES407 Bellatrix</b> is a beautiful peachy pink with gold shimmers. It looks really pretty when applied all over the lid. I also like to use this on the outer third of my lid and blend it into #ES408 Stellar Rose to create a gradient look.</div>
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<b>#ES408 Stellar Rose</b> is a pretty pale pink with iridescent shimmers. This works well all over the lid as a base color or as a highlighter for the inner corner of the eyes and undereye.</div>
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<b>#ES409 Hazel Topaz</b> is a neutral shimmery brown that looks great on the outer corner of the eyes or basically anywhere on the lid. It's that perfect shade for a neutral look!</div>
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<b>#ES410 Spica Bron</b> is a bronzy orange that works well with warm browns and light peachy tones. I usually use this on the outer third of my eyes and blend a warm to neutral brown on the outer edges of it.</div>
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Now, let's talk about formula! These eyeshadow sticks are creamy and very easy to apply onto the lid. For full pigmentation I usually have to go over it a second time, however once they've set they do not budge. Before they set though, they're easy to blend just by using your fingers. I tried running the swatches on my arm under water while rubbing really hard on them, and they didn't fade or smudge <i>at all</i>, so they're definitely waterproof! There's no fallout whatsoever, but throughout the day the color does fade a bit. One thing to note though is that I never use eyeshadow primer, which may help intensify and prolong the pigmentation of these eyeshadow sticks. </div>
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Overall I think the I'm Stick Shadows are great for makeup beginners, fans of shimmery shadows, or busy people with not a lot of time for makeup. Since they're quite easy to apply and take hardly any effort to blend, they're great for a quick eye makeup look. On days where I choose to sleep in for an extra 5 minutes, I usually reach for these eyeshadow sticks to cut down the time I spend on makeup. Although the colors are shimmery, they're subtle so they're suitable for any occasion whether it be casual, professional, fancy, etc. (depending on the shade, of course). My only complaint with these is the larger-than-average diameter, which takes away some precision. For the price though, the quality is really good and the amount of product included is above decent!<br />
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<b>Where to buy:</b><br />
Unfortunately the I'm Stick Shadow is out of stock at<a href="https://us.memebox.com/?referrer=Direct"> Memebox</a> for now, but normally you can purchase them for $11 each. I'll update this post with links once the product is back in stock again!<br />
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What's your preferred eyeshadow type- cream, powder, or liquid? Let me know in the comments below and tell me about your favorite eyeshadows!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The products featured were provided to me by <a href="https://us.memebox.com/?referrer=Direct">Memebox</a> for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own and based on my true experiences. </span></div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-38639747456120245982016-12-01T22:27:00.000-08:002016-12-01T22:27:25.550-08:00Review | LOVEISDERMA Hydrating Mask + Gelly Masque + UV Clear<div style="text-align: center;">
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Ever since I started using skincare at the age of 14, I always focused on Korean products and never deviated from them. I'll admit I was biased, and thought that Korean skincare was superior to all since they always seemed to have the most interesting ingredients. Now, 3 years later, I've started opening myself up to other Asian (and Western) beauty products. My skincare routine still consists of mainly Korean products, but I have been branching out. This all started when I tried Taiwanese face masks (Maskingdom I'm looking at you), and then Japanese sunscreens. Price-wise I think I'll always have a slight preference for Korean, but I'm no longer biased in terms of quality. So when Jen from <a href="https://www.beautibi.com/">Beautibi </a>asked me if I'd like to try three products from Tawainese brand LOVEISDERMA, I was more than happy to give them a shot.<br />
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The three LOVEISDERMA products I'll be reviewing today are the Deep Hydrating Mask, VC+ Whitening Gelly Masque, and UV Clear SPF50. First up is the Deep Hydrating Mask!<br />
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The LOVEISDERMA Deep Hydrating Mask is a bio cellulose mask. According to the brand:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;">Each Bio Cellulose Mask consists of 100% organic, micro-cellulose fibers that are 200 times finer and four times stronger than cellulose produced naturally by plants. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;">The quality of this superior fiber structure – synthesized from Aacetobacter xylinum bacteriais premium grade, comparable to the cellulose fiber commonly used for wound care and medical applications. It absorbs and retains an exceptional volume of age-defying ingredients, more than any other cosmetic facial mask on the market.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;">This mask contains a whopping <b>50 ml of essence</b>. That's more than twice as much as your average sheet mask! However, while the mask has retain a good amount of the essence, there is also a lot of essence left in the packet. Personally I couldn't care less about whether or not there's any leftover essence left, so the 50 ml seems a bit excessive to me. For those of you who love using that extra essence in the packet though, you'd definitely like how much this mask has!</span></span><br />
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On the back of the packaging you'll find all the additional information about the mask- description, directions, etc. What's really nice about all LOVEISDERMA products is that all product information is written in English, despite the brand being Tawainese. This makes it much easier for international customers, so kudos to LOVEISDERMA for that! Now moving on...<br />
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<b>INGREDIENTS: </b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Water/Aqua (Swiss Spring Alpine Water), Barley Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Quercus Robur Bark Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Caramel, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A quick look at the ingredients list shows that while the mask does contain the usual filler ingredients, all of them except water are actually located near the end of the list! What you see instead at the top is a bunch of extracts, which is always a welcomed sight. A scan on <a href="http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_c15a261651.html">CosDNA</a> shows that only Propylene Glycol and Phenoxyethanol have a yellow safety flag, and Butylene Glycol has a low potential of causing acne. I've never had problems with the three ingredients (all are common in skincare products). However if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients listed, <i>don't use this mask</i>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;">The mask comes sandwiched between two protective backings: a semi-transparent film and an opaque white film. Instructions say that you're supposed to remove the semi-transparent film first, place the mask on your face, and then remove the white film. I prefer to remove the semi-transparent film, then peel the mask off of the while film and place it on my face. Feel free to do it however you like!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please excuse my face. I was trying not to laugh while my friend took this picture. Also the mask was sliding down my face.</td></tr>
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Bio cellulose masks are one of my favorite types of masks due to their thin and clingy material, however I wasn't too impressed by the clinginess of this one. It kept sliding down my face, so the only way to make it stay in place was by laying down. When I use a sheet mask I'm often multitasking (i.e. sitting upright) , so it was quite annoying to have to keep adjusting the mask. The fit was fine other than the mouth area being a bit too large. Also this mask comes with eye flaps which are good if you're just going to relax, lay down, and close your eyes. But, I'd rather multitask so I didn't use them. </div>
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The results of this mask though was enough for me to forgive its inconvenience. I kept it on for about 40 minutes and it was still moist when I removed it. I woke up the next day with brighter and plump, well-hydrated skin. A few acne spots I had were also calmed down. While my face did feel sticky and a bit oily after I removed the mask, it wasn't the heavy, pore clogging kind of feeling that many very moisturizing masks give. I didn't notice much of a scent while wearing this mask, so I'd say it's safe for scent sensitive people.</div>
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The price of this mask is a bit high, however I see this as an intensive treatment mask so it's more of a once in awhile treat rather than daily maintenance for your skin. The fact that this mask provided ample amounts of moisture for my skin without making it feel like it was suffocating is something I rarely come across with high moisture sheet masks, hence why I'm willing to repurchase it. Next time though I'd definitely use it while laying down.</div>
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You can purchase this mask <a href="https://www.beautibi.com/products/loveisderma-deep-hydrating-bio-cellulose-mask">HERE</a> for $9 each or $24 for a box of three.</div>
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Next up is the VC+ Whitening Gelly Masque!</div>
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According to the brand:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"This gel-based masque is formulated with a skin lightening formula rich in nourishing hydrators and brightening ingredients such as VC-IP, Vitamin B3, White Mulberry Extract and Oryza Sativa Lees Extract that help promote overall skin clarity, give the skin a brighter, fresher appearance.'</i></span></span><br />
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<b>INGREDIENTS:</b> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Water, Glycereth-26, Corallina Officinalis Extract, White Mulberry Extract, Butylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Lees Extract, Glycosyl Trehalose, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, <span style="color: red;">Retinyl Palmitate</span>, Carbomer, Niacinamide, Mannitol, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Caffeine, Zinc Gluconate, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Potassium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin,Polysorbate 20, Fragrance</span></span><br />
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This mask contains a number of well known skin brightening ingredients such as white mulberry extract, rice extract, and niacinamide which will help give your skin a more radiant complexion while reducing hyperpigmentation.<br />
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However, a quick scan through <a href="http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_cc89234933.html">CosDNA</a> shows that there are also some not so good ingredients as well... or are they? <span style="color: red;">Retinyl palmitate</span>, a combination of palmitic acid and retinol (vitamin C), received a red flag in terms of safety. Considered a gentler form of vitamin C, retinyl palmitate has some bad rep as being a potential cause for skin damage, aging, and cancer when exposed to UV rays. However, the studies made on this ingredient only tested it on mice under simulated UV rays from lamps, hence why there's disagreement on whether or not the evidence is enough to support the claims since results may vary in real world environments.<br />
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My opinion on this? Vitamin C does cause UV rays to be more damaging to your skin if applied during the day, but every product that contains retinol or any other forms of vitamin C always has warning labels that tell you to apply sunscreen when using the product. The controversy with retinyl palmitate is also due to it being used in sunscreen, something that this product is not. With this being a wash-off mask, I think the risk of skin damage is negligible as long as you use it at night and wear sunscreen the next day.<br />
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As usual, if you have any known irritations to the ingredients listed though, don't use this product!<br />
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The gelly masque comes packaged in a plastic tub with a pry-off lid. It's a perfect size for travel since it's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The VC+ Gelly Masque pictured here contains <b>70g</b> of product, but I think this is a travel size since the Loveisderma website lists only a 500g one. Either way though it contains enough product for 4-5 uses depending on how much you apply, which is an adequate amount for people to test out before deciding if they want to get the full size.</span></span><br />
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As the name suggests, this is a mask with a jelly-like texture that feels very refreshing upon application. It's easy to spread as well. It has a floral fragrance that isn't overpowering in any way. I personally don't mind it but those who are scent sensitive may find it offensive.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The directions state that you should apply a layer approximately 5mm thick to cleansed skin. Don't do that, it's a waste of product. 5mm is incredibly thick for a mask, and whenever I tried to apply that much to my face, it just didn't work. I think as long as you apply a 1-2mm thick layer to your skin it'll still absorb the amount of active ingredients needed for the product to be effective on your skin.</span></span><br />
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I applied this mask as thickly as I could and left it on for 30 minutes. Although the directions state to scrape off the excess gel and then wash off any remainders, I prefer to just wash it off instead. The two times I tried to scrape off the mask just kinda hurt my skin, and I haven't tried to do so since. It's a bit difficult to wash off because of its thick, jelly-like consistency, but not so much of a pain as clay masks.<br />
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I thought the mask wasn't doing much for my skin, but after taking those pictures I was surprised by the results. It does temporarily brighten up my skin and refine my pores! My skin also felt well hydrated after washing off the mask. However the brightening and pore refining effect isn't permanent and disappears within a day. Perhaps with everyday-use the results will become permanent, but I'm very lazy when it comes to wash off masks so I don't really the will to use it everyday. Also the amount of product included is only sufficient for 4-5 uses, and according to to LOVEISDERMA, you have to use it consistently for 1-3 months in order to see permanent brightening results as well as reduced pigmentation.<br />
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Overall I'd say that I did enjoy this mask, and liked the temporary brightening effects it gave! I'm also fairly impressed with the appearance of my pores after using it, although again it's not permanent. This didn't break me out either, so I'm pretty happy with it! I'm not sure if I'd recommend this to sensitive skin types because there are a few low-rated irritants included in the ingredients, but if you know that you don't have an issue with any of the ingredients then it's probably okay. As they say, YMMV.<br />
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Unfortunately I'm not sure where you can purchase this as it's not for sale on Beautibi. I contacted Jen and she said that she probably won't be carrying this because she's focusing on another brand of jelly masks, but I will update this post if she decides to sell it in the future!<br />
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Last but not least, the <b>UV Clear SPF50</b>!<br />
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The UV Clear SPF50 is a physical and chemical sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Although there is no PA rating stated, I think the stars next to SPF rating indicates that it's PA+++. I'm not sure though so don't take my word for it! According to the brand:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"The expect UV Clear SPF50 provides unique physical-chemical properties for sunscreen, its full spectrum sunscreen and absorption protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. Help prevent skin darkening and brown spots. Gives you a lightened, natural, flawless complexion."</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: </b></span></span>Octyl Methoxycinnamate (8.63%), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (3.91%)</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>INACTIVE INGREDIENTS:</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isohexadecane, Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Aqua, Sambucus Nigra (Elder) Flower Extract, Cetyl PEG(PPG- 10/1 Dimethicone), Niacinamide, Caprylic-Capric Triglyceride, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Trehalose, Urea, Serine, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Algin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pullulan, Disodium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Laminaria Sccharina Extract, Phytosteryl (Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glumtamate), Sorbitan Oleate, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin</span><br />
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First let's take a look at the ingredients that offer UV protection:<br />
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<b>Octyl Methoxycinnamate (aka Octinoxate or OMC)</b> is a chemical filter that provides only UVB protection. It's water-insoluble, and degrades overtime when exposed to sunlight, making it not the most photostable UV filter out there. Since it is easily absorbed into the skin, there has been some concerns about it promoting generation of potentially harmful free radicals (which can cause cells to function poorly or die). However further research is needed to come to a definite conclusion . The FDA limits a max percentage of 7.5% in sunscreens, and this sunscreen contains 8.63%, so it's a little bit concerning. I'm not really sure what to think of it, but it's recommended that pregnant women and children should use this with caution.<br />
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<b>Diethylamnio Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate</b> is another chemical filter that absorbs UVA rays. It's often marketed as <b>Uvinul A Plus</b>, and is currently approved for use in only Europe and Asia. That doesn't mean it's not safe, for the FDA is very behind on approving OTC sunscreen ingredients, hence why you often hear that Europe and Asia have far more superior sunscreens than the US.<br />
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Lastly, an ingredient everyone is familiar with: <b>Titanium Dioxide</b>. This is a physical filter that reflects and blocks both UVB and UVA rays, however it doesn't offer protection against the entire range of UVA rays. If you see a white cast from your sunscreen, this ingredient is often the culprit. It can cause irritation for some people, but I've never had a problem with it.<br />
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Moving on to the main ingredient in this sunscreen, which is<b> Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract</b>. This ingredient (not to be confused with olive oil) has high antioxidant effects as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This means that it'll help your skin with anti-aging as well as calming and purifying it.<br />
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I'm a little bit meh when it comes to this ingredients list because there are quite a few ingredients that raise a yellow flag in safety concerns (see <a href="http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_f50c242380.html">CosDNA</a> analysis). Luckily this didn't break me out, but people who have really sensitive skin should proceed with caution when trying this sunscreen. As always, if you have any known irritations with the ingredients listed, don't use this!<br />
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The sunscreen comes packaged in a white plastic bottle. It's pretty sturdy and small, so it's travel friendly. Since this is a more liquid-type sunscreen (similar to the Shiseido Sun Protection Lotions), I always shake it before use. I'm not sure if it's necessary, but that's something I always do with liquidy lotions and foundations, especially if it sounds like there's something hard shaking around inside. Anyone know what I'm talking about?<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Its viscosity is higher than water but definitely still fairly low, so it's pretty runny. It spreads out easily and absorbs quickly into the skin. It feels moisturizing and a little bit oily when applying, however once it's fully absorbed it just leaves a satin finish. I was surprised to see that it doesn't leave a white cast, but also glad cause I hate it when sunscreens do that. </span></div>
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This sunscreen is moisturizing, so I wouldn't recommend this to combination-oily and oily skin types during the summer. However I think normal to dry skin types would probably really like this sunscreen year round. When I first tried this back in the summer I didn't like this at all because my skin gets oily very easily in the summer, so even a slightly moisturizing product would make my face oily. However now that the weather is cooler and winter is approaching, I've started using this again and really like it since my skin tends to lean more normal/dehydrated during this time. I prefer using sunscreens that have a stated PA++++ rating, hence why I probably won't repurchase this, but overall I'd say this is a light and moisturizing sunscreen that's very similar to the Shiseido Sun Protection Lotion. It's been awhile since I used Shiseido's, so I can't say it's a dupe for sure, but fans of the Shiseido sunscreen would like this LOVEISDERMA UV Clear one as well.<br />
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It's undecided for now whether or not Beautibi will be stocking this sunscreen, but if and once they do I will be updating this post with the link to purchase it!<br />
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Out of the three products I've tried from LOVEISDERMA, there's not a single one that I disliked. Although the sunscreen has some iffy ingredients, overall I'd say this brand is worth a try, especially if you like bio cellulose face masks with lots of extra essence! Have you guys tried any LOVEISDERMA products? If you have let me know in the comments below, I'd love to hear your opinions! And if you haven't, are there any that you'd like to try?<br />
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Thank you all for reading through this long post!</div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-46639839512250256952016-11-12T11:12:00.003-08:002016-12-26T12:12:31.259-08:00My Current Korean Skincare Routine | Nov 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
Boy has it been awhile since I last posted.</div>
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Hello everyone! Apologies for the short hiatus I took recently, I've been really busy with school and college apps ever since August and haven't had time to work on posts until now. Did I ever mention how stressful senior year is? Well, it is.</div>
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Also, unfortunately, my skin had one of its worst breakouts back in late June and didn't really start calming down until a month ago :( It seemed like I had a new acne spot every other day, so whenever I tried a new product, I had no idea whether or not the product was actually the culprit. Therefore I had to hold off on testing out skincare until I knew for sure that my experience wouldn't be skewed by whatever was causing my skin to breakout.</div>
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Luckily, everything seems to be returning to normal now, except for the number of acne scars I have due to the breakouts, but only time can fix that really. I realized a week ago that I've never posted about my skincare routine, and that's for a silly reason- I kept waiting to find the <em>perfect</em> base routine. I thought that it'd only be acceptable to write about my skincare routine once I'd found <em>all</em> of my holy grails, but what's the point of writing a blog about my beauty journey if I don't include all the steps along the way? So today I'm going to show you guys my current skincare routine! I figured that this post would also be a good way to revisit products I've reviewed and to let you guys know "Hey, this product was actually worth repurchasing!" My skin can't really handle constantly switching products, so whatever I list below are the products I stick to until I run out or I'm sent a new product to try. Mind you there are some days I don't use all the steps, but that's only if my skin is a bit oilier than normal. Anyways, let's begin!</div>
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First things first- <strong>cleansers</strong>. NEVER SKIP THIS STEP. There are rare days where I'm so tired that I skip my entire skincare routine, but cleaning is the one step I never skip.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpU-YCPvxlWOAbv4RfibZZV5DEEXIm_MBX0PcrVWennOtwugDX-unIuKfz1_rm4Tcd-pl6BAh5MBtRuIAV0ikzrJ-8BWhZdfmg8fXttY4pIxECqc9S23iEFZphGKNQZXK8ZtM6kp5nTQLN/s1600/DSC_1154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpU-YCPvxlWOAbv4RfibZZV5DEEXIm_MBX0PcrVWennOtwugDX-unIuKfz1_rm4Tcd-pl6BAh5MBtRuIAV0ikzrJ-8BWhZdfmg8fXttY4pIxECqc9S23iEFZphGKNQZXK8ZtM6kp5nTQLN/s1600/DSC_1154.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've tried a good amount of cleansers over the past 3 years and I want to say that I've found my holy grails. Oh scratch that, I definitely have. When it comes to<strong> first-step cleansers</strong>, which I use to remove all of my makeup at night, I always reach for my trusty <strong>Banila Co. Clean It Zero</strong> . This cleansing balm melts into an oil once rubbed onto the skin, getting rid of all the makeup on my face (even waterproof mascara!). It leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized, unlike many cleansing oils I've tried. It also has an amazing cherry blossom scent! I've repurchased this about 3-4 times, and I don't ever plan to stop.</div>
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Next, onto the <b>second-step cleansers</b>. Right now I'm currently using the <strong>Sulwhasoo Snowise EX Cleansing Foam</strong> in the morning and the <strong>Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash</strong> (<a href="http://www.gloriausdays.com/2016/01/review-tosowoong-enzyme-powder-wash.html%20Done" target="_blank">review here</a>) at night. The Tosowoong is a repurchase, and I'd gladly buy it over and over again. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and supple thanks to its gentle exfoliating properties, and I've found that my skin texture really does improve as I use it. I'm on the fence about Sulwhasoo at the moment- on one hand I love how luxurious it feels on the skin, but on the other hand I'm not a fan of its price. I probably won't repurchase it after I use this one up because Tosowoong's effects are the same, if not better, as Sulwhasoo's.</div>
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After cleansing it's time to use a <strong>toner</strong>. Right now I'm using the <strong>Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner </strong>(<a href="http://www.gloriausdays.com/2015/12/review-memebox-cosrx-box.html%20Done">review here</a>), which is also a repurchase. It really helps keep my skin from breaking out, and free of dry patches as well as any bumps from clogged pores. In my original review I thought that this wouldn't be suitable for the winter, but over time I've found that my skin doesn't like moisturizing toners which usually have a slippery feel, so I'll be sticking to lightweight, water-like toners all year long. I would repurchase this after running out, but I also want to try the Mizon AHA/BHA toner so I'll probably get that one instead. I highly recommend this if you have acne-prone, combination-oily skin.</div>
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This step is only a part of my nighttime routine. Right after applying the toner on my skin with a cotton pad, I apply 2 pumps of my <strong>Curology </strong><strong>prescription</strong>, which consists of <strong>0.25% Zinc Pyrithione</strong>, <strong>1% Clindamycin</strong>, and <strong>4% Niacinamide</strong>. I've been using Curology since late July, and I think it's played a pretty big role in diminishing my breakouts. I'm thinking of changing my prescription though so that it's more potent for lightening acne scars, since that's currently my main focus.</div>
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Moving on to the fun stuff- <strong>serums, ampoules, </strong>and <strong>essences</strong>. I use the same ones for both morning and night. I'm on my second bottle of the <strong>Graymelin </strong><strong>Propolis 80 Energy Ampoule</strong>, but I'm hesitant to call this my favorite propolis ampoule yet. For those of you who have followed my blog for awhile, you'll know that propolis is one of my all-time favorite ingredients. I've been using propolis ampoules for a good 2+ years, and it really does make a difference to my skin by keeping it hydrated while soothing any redness and acne. The Graymelin one is very lightweight compared to others that I've tried, which I really like. It's suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, so I highly recommend it!</div>
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Since I liked Graymelin's propolis ampoule so much, I decided to pick up the <strong>Graymelin White Balance Waterful Brightening Essence</strong> to try. No thoughts yet since I've only used this for about 3 weeks, but I like how lightweight it is. If I see any results I'll probably review this in a few weeks.</div>
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Next up is the <strong>Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Revitalizing Cream</strong>, sent to me by <a href="https://us.memebox.com/product/5524" target="_blank">Memebox</a>. The balm-like texture of this cream is very similar to the Banila Co. Miss Flower & Mr. Honey Cream but not as thick. What's surprising about this is that even though it's moisturizing, it doesn't feel too heavy for my combination skin. I'm not sure if it's done anything for me other than moisturize at the moment, but I'll definitely report back with a full review in a few weeks! I use this both morning and night, although I do skip this step sometimes if my skin feels like it already has enough moisture.</div>
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Lastly, an important step of my morning routine: <strong>sunscreens</strong>. Right now I'm currently switching between two, and honestly I love both so much that I can't decide which is better, so they're both holy grails for me. The <strong>Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence</strong> is, as the name suggests, watery and lightweight. What I love about it is that it's <strong>PA++++</strong>, so it provides very high UVA protection. It's also slightly hydrating, but doesn't have a greasy feel like so many other sunscreens I've tried. I reach for this one on days when I know I'm going to be out in the sun for awhile, or when my skin is feeling slightly more dehydrated.</div>
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On the other hand, I reach for the<strong> Dr. G Brightening Up Sun</strong> when I'm looking for something to keep oily skin at bay. My skin doesn't get oily the entire day if I wear this without makeup, which is pretty amazing since my T-zone gets oily very easily. It does slightly brighten up my skin when applied, and it also doubles as a primer for me thanks to its satin finish. What's great about this is that it's <i>not drying</i> <i>at all</i>, despite of its sebum controlling ability, and doesn't accentuate any dry patches. I've tried plenty of oil-free sunscreens before (Shiseido, Lancôme, Benefit, etc.) but my skin didn't like any of those. This one though? It's the best I've ever tried. </div>
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As for my nighttime routine, the last step occasionally is a sheet mask. For awhile I was using sheet masks every night and my skin looked amazing, which tells me I really should go back to doing that. Sadly though I don't have time >__< However, whenever I can, which is usually 1-2 times a week, I use a sheet mask at night at the end of my routine. Pictured above are a few new ones I picked up at Japantown last weekend. I don't have one particular sheet mask that I like, but I do have a soft spot for Taiwanese sheet masks as well as Korean. A few I can name right now are My Beauty Diary, Maskingdom, Papa Recipe, and Freeset's donkey milk masks, but there are plenty more.</div>
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And that concludes my current skincare routine! It'll probably be awhile before I do an updated one, but I'll be posting updates on my Instagram (@gloriausdays) if there are any slight changes. I'm going to try to post more often on there, so if you like to see mini reviews, favorites, empties, and hauls, make sure to follow!</div>
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Also, please comment down below if you have any favorite skincare products, I'd love to hear about them! :D Let me know too if you'd like to see reviews for any products as well. I'll try my best to review them. Anyways, thank you for reading and I'll be back soon with a review!</div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-3269456401497187472016-08-02T16:04:00.000-07:002016-12-26T12:18:25.297-08:00Review | PONY Effect Essentials Stay Put Eye Sticks <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello everyone!</div>
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My apologies for the long hiatus- school and life in general took over my time the past few months, and I was at NYU the past two weeks for summer courses. However, I'm happy to say that I'm back with plenty of time for blogging (oh wait, college apps... but I have lots of time for now!). Also I'm so happy to be typing this sentence right now. And this one. AND this one.</div>
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Even though I took a break from blogging, I definitely didn't take a break from testing out new products, and have A LOT of things to review for you all. Starting off with these eyeshadow sticks from <b>PONY EFFECT</b>. For those of you who don't know, PONY EFFECT is a brand created by Korean makeup artist <b>Pony</b>, who also has her own <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT-_4GqC-yLY1xtTHhwY0hA">YouTube channel</a>. I love her and her tutorials, but I was never really interested in her own brand because I had my doubts about the quality. However, after trying her Essentials line that was released in March, I have been <i>obsessed</i>. Take this as a spoiler that the upcoming reviews on products from her brand will mostly be raves. <i>Mostly. </i>Now that you've been warned, let's begin!<br />
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<b>Product Info</b></div>
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포니이펙트 스테이 풋 아이스틱</div>
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<b>Name: </b>PONY EFFECT Stay Put Eyestick</div>
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<b>Price:</b> $15.00</div>
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<b>Size: </b>0.8g</div>
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<b>Description: </b>Swipe, blend, and go - effortlessly master natural to smoky eye makeup looks with Stay Put Eye Stick! Designed with a sliding gel formula, it glides on the skin like a dream, blends easily, and sets to be completely smudge-free.</div>
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Here is the box that the eyesticks come in. To be honest I feel like it's a waste of packaging because it's wide enough to fit two in one box. Even though it's not a big deal, it would've been more environmentally friendly if the manufacturers chose to use a slimmer box.</div>
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The Stay Put Eyesticks themselves are much slimmer than most eyeshadow sticks. Here I'm comparing it to the Clio Gelpresso Waterproof Shadow, which is visibly thicker than the Stay Put Eyesticks.</div>
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I find that there are both pros and cons to having a slimmer stick. The slimness does allow for a more precise application. However, that also means there's less product. Also, it may just be me, but I find that these are more fragile as well, something that I unfortunately discovered when I pressed down a little too hard while swatching the product. </div>
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Nevertheless, I do like how it's easier to line the undereyes with this since it's slimmer. I just wish there was more product in there to make up for the fact that it's not as thick as most eyeshadow sticks.</div>
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A definite pro when it comes to these stick shadows is that they're also pretty long lasting, with only a little bit of fading after 8 hours of wear. All of them are quite pigmented as well, as shown in the swatches below.</div>
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Starting from left to right:<br />
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<b>#Used To</b> is a shimmery brown that leans slightly bronze. I used this mainly on the outer corners of my eyes, or on some occasions I apply it onto an eyeliner brush and use it as an eyeliner instead. This method actually works surprisingly well, even better than a number of gel liners possibly due to its long lasting formula.<br />
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<b>#Cup of Joe</b> is a matte light brown that really does resemble the color of coffee mixed with cream. I love using this by itself on days where I'm going for a simple, natural look. I also like using this as a base since it's such a light, neutral color.<br />
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<b>#Vixen </b>is a gorgeous shimmery burgundy that would be perfect during the fall. I haven't found much use for this because I normally don't wear dark/bold colors, especially during the summer, but it is a very pretty color.<br />
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<b>#Untamed </b>is the only duochrome shade out of the bunch, I believe. It has a matte reddish brown base with blue glitter, and while it's definitely unique and pretty, it's not really suitable for daily wear. Here's a picture that shows the blue glitter better:<br />
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Moving on...<br />
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<b>#Overthinking </b>is one of my favorites because it's perfect for highlighting the undereyes, and also works well on the lid, whether it's for a touch of brightness at the center of the eyes, or as an all-over color. This shimmery gold isn't too yellow either, so it would look good on all skin tones.<br />
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<b>#Beam Me Up </b>is a really pretty ivory glitter, but I'm kind of conflicted on this shade because the formula could definitely be better. It just doesn't seem as creamy and smooth as the other shades, and the glitter could be a bit finer. The pigmentation seems to be lacking a little as well. However I was able to use it as an undereye highlighter by applying it with a small, dense eyeshadow brush, so I'm not too miffed by it.</div>
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What's amazing about these eyeshadow sticks is that they have <i>never creased on me</i>. Ever. My lids do get oily throughout the day sometimes, which usually causes creasing, but it never happened with these. I don't use eyeshadow primer, by the way, so that's pretty impressive. They have incredible staying power as well. In fact, when you apply them you have to be fast about blending them in because they set pretty quickly, and once they set they <b>do not budge</b>. That does make layering a little bit difficult, since sometimes I don't act fast enough at blending out the edges and then it just doesn't look good. Trust me, be quick and make sure to always blend these out (actually, that's a rule for everything when it comes to makeup).<br />
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Personally, I've always preferred using eyeshadow sticks as a base shadow to help keep any other shadows I layer on in place throughout the day. Or, I like to use them as a finishing touch to add a bit of sparkle to the center and corner of my eyes, and also to highlight underneath my eyes (you know, the aeygo-sal). In fact, eyeshadow sticks are great for that because of how precise and creamy they are, with pretty much zero fallout. I almost never use powder eyeshadows to highlight my undereyes now ever since I started using stick shadows.<br />
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Anyways I would recommend these eyeshadow sticks to anyone, even if you have oily lids, thanks to its amazing staying power and pigmentation. They are unfortunately a bit on the pricey side, and I do think there are other eyeshadow sticks with just as good of a formula and with a cheaper price point. However if the one thing you disliked about other eyeshadow sticks is how thick they were, then these PONY Effect ones might be right up your alley!<br />
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<b>Pros</b><br />
-Long staying power<br />
-Doesn't budge<br />
-No creasing<br />
-No fallout<br />
-Slimmer stick<br />
-Variety of shades<br />
-Smooth and creamy<br />
-Blendable<br />
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<b>Cons</b><br />
-A bit pricey for the amount of product you get<br />
-Wasteful packaging (the box)<br />
-Kind of fragile compared to other eyeshadow sticks<br />
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<b>Where to buy:</b><br />
<b><a href="https://us.memebox.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?cat=807&q=stay+put+eyestick">Memebox</a> </b>$15<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The product featured was sent to me for review purposes, however all thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and 100% honest.</span><br />
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Have you guys ever tried eyeshadow sticks before? What are your thoughts on them?<br />
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Thanks for reading, and I'll be back later this week with another review!</div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-71248546582123435022016-04-09T19:39:00.001-07:002016-12-26T12:25:27.289-08:00Unboxing | Beautibi Spring Fling Beauty Box<div style="text-align: center;">
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With spring comes many things- warmer weather, blooming flowers, and the most exciting one: new beauty products! And a new skincare routine, of course. Spring is the time for me to start slowly testing out products to see which ones will make the cut for my summer skincare routine, and which ones will not. It's also a time when my skin can get problematic due to stress and lack of sleep caused by finals, the SAT, grades and just.. no. I'm not going to talk about it now. I'll handle them as they come. Meh.</div>
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What were we talking about? Right, new products. </div>
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For those of you who follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gloriausdays/">Instagram</a>, you'll know that I bought the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDUeMRag0kI/?taken-by=gloriausdays">Beautibi Mask Party Pack</a>, which included a Femmue mask. Let's just say that I tried it and <i>really </i>liked it. So when Beautibi announced that their Spring Fling Beauty Box would include all four Femmue mask types, I knew I had to get it. Now you guys probably all know that I don't like floral scents, and honestly if I hadn't tried the Femmue mask previously I wouldn't have bought this box because spring = lots of floral scents. And that's just not my thing. But the Femmue mask (the one I tried was chamomile) had a lovely light fragrance that wasn't noticeably floral, so I thought why not and decided to just go for it. And I'm glad I did! </div>
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The Beautibi <a href="http://www.beautibi.com/collections/beauty-box/products/spring-fling-beauty-box">Spring Fling Beauty Box</a> is unfortunately sold out now, but it was sold for<b> $68</b> and had a <b>total value of $144</b>. Unlike many other companies, the total value wasn't inflated by much and was very close to the actual retail value of what each product would cost if you bought them in the country they're sold in. And if you factor in shipping from Korea to the US, the total value is possibly even higher than $144. I give Beautibi two big thumbs up for that! </div>
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This box included 5 items, 4 full-sized and 1 deluxe sample. However Beautibi also included a couple free masks, mini masks, and samples as well! And the usual handwritten note and confetti, of course. I think when it comes to packaging and customer service, Jen definitely knows what she's doing and does a great job at it. I was extremely impressed with the amount of detail and care that went into every package I've received from Beautibi, down to the stickers and deco tape. Every time it feels like I'm opening a present, not something that I just bought online. And who doesn't like presents? </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The samples + free masks were wrapped in red tissue paper and taped with a sticker.</span></td></tr>
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As someone who thinks that the presentation of a gift is just as important as the gift itself, Beautibi deserves an A+ and 5 shiny gold stars.<br />
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Here is the signature Beautibi box that everything was packed in. I absolutely love how sturdy and well-made the box is, and the design (blue and white- two of my favorite colors!). I'll definitely be repurposing this box for something else! The box was also quite heavy as well. I was surprised by its weight and almost dropped it when I tried to pick it up with one hand. Don't try it, just pick it up with two hands. Your wrist will thank you.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The information cards and aforementioned handwritten note. Click on the picture to enlarge. </span></td></tr>
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This box was kind of like an introduction to <b>FEMMUE</b>, a <i>"</i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>new luxury Korean cosmetic brand established in 2015 with a philosophy based on nature's strong vitality. Their vision is to create skincare product that contain natural and healthy botanical ingredients."</i> As someone with sensitive skin, I've found that my skin reacts best to products that are more natural with plant-based ingredients and not full of chemicals and preservatives, so I'm really excited to try this brand out!</span></div>
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Here are the products that were included in this box, 3 of which featured Femmue:</div>
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<b>1. FEMMUE Botanist Mask Collection (Full Size $20 | $5 ea.)</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Actual Retail Price: 16,000 KRW | 4,000 KRW ea.</span><br />
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The Botanist Mask Collection was a variety pack specially put together for the Spring Fling box, and contains two types of masks: one made out of <b>genuine vegetable bamboo</b> and the other made out of a <b>soft and thin microfiber</b>. Even though this includes 4 masks, Beautibi counted them as just one item, which is great because that just means more masks for me! ^^ I've tried the <b>Chamomile</b> mask (vegetable bamboo type) before, and my skin was hydrated and calmer afterwards. It's interesting because I normally <i>hate </i>thick masks, and these are definitely thick, but they're <b>so soft and comfortable</b> that I don't mind! I can't wait to try the other three types, which are <b>Lavender</b>, <b>Peony</b>, and <b>Elder</b>. </div>
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You can now purchase the <b>entire collection</b> <a href="http://www.beautibi.com/products/femmue-botanist-mask-collection">HERE</a>.</div>
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<b>2. FEMMUE Global Youth Spring Water (Full Size $45) </b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Actual Retail Price: 42,000 KRW</span></div>
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This Global Youth Water (just another fancy term for toner), is meant to brighten and even out the skin tone by providing moisture and nourishment with its three main ingredients: damask rose, fig, and hyaluronic acid (one of my favorite hydrating ingredients!). I'm excited to give this a try since hyaluronic acid toners worked well for me in the past. I probably won't use this for awhile though, since I have two other toners I need to use first.</div>
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<b>3. FEMMUE Global Youth Spring Intense Lotion (Full Size $49)</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Actual Retail Price: 46,000 KRW</span></div>
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I'm not sure how I feel about this yet because lotions tend to make my skin oilier, at least the one's I've tried before. However, this Global Youth Spring Lotion from Femmue claims to help balance oil and retain moisture. If that's actually the case, then I might end up liking it. I'll have to see how this works out on my skin. Also the word "intense" scares me a little since my skin is on the oily side. I'll either try this in the summer or fall, depending on how my skin reacts to a Primera lotion I picked up for the summer.</div>
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I'm not going to lie, I was a tad worried about the other two Femmue skincare products included in this box, especially after seeing that they include rose, a scent that can be on both ends of the spectrum for me. It turns out that I was worrying for nothing, because both of them smell absolutely <i>divine</i>. If you've smelled the <b>Mamonde Rose Water Line </b>before, this one is similar to it, but <b>less heavy </b>and<b> a bit sweeter</b> in my opinion.</div>
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<b>4. AYU.Co Creamy Coconut Ultra Rich Lip Treatment (Full Size $18)</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Actual Retail Price: $18</span></div>
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A solid balm, the<b> AYU.Co Ultra Rich Lip Treatment</b> is formulated using the<b> finest organic plant-based ingredients</b>! This actually contains quite a bit of product, and a little goes a long way, so I can see this lasting me for a whole year since I don't use lip balms on a daily basis. There were two options (rose and coconut) and I'm super glad that I received this in coconut! So far I'm really liking this, because even though it's made out of coconut oil, it doesn't have an oily feeling. It also doesn't leave my lips sticky, something that many lip balms tend to do. I was surprised to find out that this is actually a <b>California-based brand</b>, but happy as well to try a brand created in the state I live in.</div>
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You can purchase the AYU.Co Ultra Rich Lip Treatment in <b>Creamy Coconut </b><a href="http://www.beautibi.com/collections/ayu-co/products/ayu-co-creamy-coconut-ultra-rich-lip-treatment">HERE</a> and in <b>Beautiful Rose</b> <a href="http://www.beautibi.com/collections/ayu-co/products/ayu-co-beautiful-rose-ultra-rich-lip-treatment">HERE</a></div>
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<b>5. THANK YOU FARMER Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence (Deluxe Sample $12)</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Actual Retail Price: 13,000 KRW</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0wdvqhLZJnqhdLCWxoYn93JCCYYs_S0cecfWsamKWJ4mXw3TWCLAGcUdkEXKphBDZOtBDyk4jMjzA0F0CgGjwusbVhqthVkJKDkaZ5_8zLaEqFU2TK4ATHAp8MkKfYb4c9u8q73wMxMQ/s1600/DSC_0534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0wdvqhLZJnqhdLCWxoYn93JCCYYs_S0cecfWsamKWJ4mXw3TWCLAGcUdkEXKphBDZOtBDyk4jMjzA0F0CgGjwusbVhqthVkJKDkaZ5_8zLaEqFU2TK4ATHAp8MkKfYb4c9u8q73wMxMQ/s1600/DSC_0534.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>THANK YOU FARMER</b> is a new Korean brand that Beautibi has added to their shop. This Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence is a "<i>pink shimmer sun essence that enhances the clear radiance and glow of skin as the clarity of a spring that shines under the sun</i>" (description taken from <a href="http://tyf.co.kr/en/product/sun.html#sun_project_shimmer_sun_essence">Thank You Farmer</a>).</div>
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........ I'm sorry, that was cheesy.</div>
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But! I am excited to give this a try since I'm always on the lookout for a nice sunscreen. Although this only has<b> SPF30+</b>, it does have <b>full UVA protection (PA+++)</b>. I feel like this would be great with mix with foundation to brighten up your skin and give it a glow.</div>
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You can purchase the deluxe sample size <a href="http://www.beautibi.com/collections/thankyou-farmer/products/thankyou-farmer-sun-project-shimmer-sun-essence-deluxe">HERE</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5ZllkOggWb16kAHz1kBtmvCJemlQFta_cPZ6IU7wlm385MtMiIfP6dv0GMd30O6LG1dAOkd7pukPZ2FRwdtzQWs6DkmojDWPfqbXnXriIIg-GVmlBQjZ8Tp5WYkzfx99jDTVcMbEI3ts/s1600/DSC_0526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5ZllkOggWb16kAHz1kBtmvCJemlQFta_cPZ6IU7wlm385MtMiIfP6dv0GMd30O6LG1dAOkd7pukPZ2FRwdtzQWs6DkmojDWPfqbXnXriIIg-GVmlBQjZ8Tp5WYkzfx99jDTVcMbEI3ts/s1600/DSC_0526.jpg" /></a></div>
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Beautibi also included a egg with a little surprise inside! From what I've seen, different people got different types of coupons. I received a discount for <b>$10 off my next purchase</b>, which I know for sure I'll be using later this month.<br />
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<b>Final thoughts?</b><br />
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I was super impressed with the Spring Fling Beauty Box. Jen did a great job choosing the products- there isn't a single product in here that I wouldn't consider trying! Even though it is on the pricier side, I definitely think the box was worth every penny. The additional freebies and coupon code was a really nice surprise too. I hate to compare this to Memebox (at least, back when Memebox shipped from Korea), but I think Jen does a better job of introducing new brands and products to us that are not only high quality but also exciting to try. Without a doubt this won't be my last beauty box from Beautibi, and I'll for sure consider purchasing their future boxes as well!<br />
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What do you guys think of this box? Are you interested in any of the products featured? Thank you all for reading and I hope you have a wonderful day! ^^</div>
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Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-12181929021520894952016-04-07T01:12:00.000-07:002017-02-05T18:49:44.819-08:00Review | Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibg8u115jwDOqdLPlnuNb0hjsbpIZZhmD_74rn2wfJKLbN2tMfbPd6ykzyYTGNM4j9ve-dE5rYP134eD-F9YF9DbHrbtYbCjgz4ml1MgWnMhnonIZBYlddbGQJKGFUk2Laz3RPWDNyEPf_/s1600/Joseon+Cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibg8u115jwDOqdLPlnuNb0hjsbpIZZhmD_74rn2wfJKLbN2tMfbPd6ykzyYTGNM4j9ve-dE5rYP134eD-F9YF9DbHrbtYbCjgz4ml1MgWnMhnonIZBYlddbGQJKGFUk2Laz3RPWDNyEPf_/s1600/Joseon+Cream.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hi there! It feels like it's been forever since I last blogged, and I apologize for my irregular schedule. Lately it's been getting more difficult to keep up with blogging because of school and work, but hopefully I can figure out a better schedule soon!</div>
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Today's review is on a product that's been highly raved about by many people- the Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream, aka Joseon Beauty Cream. I wasn't too interested in the cream when I first heard of it, because I always associated hanbang as something more for people in their mid-20's and up, but eventually the positive reviews got to me. Luckily Memebox somehow read my mind back then and sent me this for review, so a huge thank you to the Memebox fam!</div>
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I've sat down in attempt to write this review probably at least 5 times but couldn't put my opinions into words, hence why this review took so long to come to life. Or more like my opinion kept changing. But it's finally been finalized! (after 2+ months of testing... my skin needs to be more decisive lol It's kind of a problem).<br />
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Anyways, enough rambling and let's get on with the review!<br />
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<b>Product Info</b><br />
조선미녀 크림<br />
<b>Name: </b>Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream<br />
<b>Price: </b>39,000 KRW<br />
<b>Size: </b>50ml<br />
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<b>Description: </b>A multifunctional skincare cream that embraces natural oriental beauty by giving you fair, soft and youthful skin. Infused with premium natural ingredients including Korean ginseng and orchid extract, this cream is rich in high quality nutrients beneficial to the skin’s improvement. It provides proper moisture to keep the skin beautifully glowy all throughout the day while also balancing melanin production to enhance complexion. This also serves as an excellent anti-aging cream as it effectively firms and improves elasticity of the skin to diminish appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(taken from <a href="https://us.memebox.com/dynasty-cream">Memebox.com</a>)</span><br />
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Normally here for ingredients I'd give some basic information on the ingredients of this cream. However, instead of me giving you just the basics and skimming the surface of everything, I highly recommend that all of you go read <a href="http://www.snowwhiteandtheasianpear.com/2015/04/review-beauty-of-joseon-dynasty-cream.html">Snow White and the Asian Pear's</a> breakdown of the ingredients list! (read the review as well if you haven't, it'll give you insight into what this cream is like for someone with dry skin, as opposed to my dehydrated oily skin).<br />
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Here is the box that the cream came in:<br />
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The cream is packaged in a frosted glass jar and plastic silver lid. The words (Joseon Beauty) are printed on as if they were painted on with a brush and black ink. The calligraphic style fits perfectly with the time era this cream is named after (Joseon), since it looks old and traditional, but also elegant! Honestly this cream sounds and looks like it's fit for a queen, or in this case, an empress.<br />
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I was a little bummed out that the manufacturer decided to stop adding the paper cover on top of lid, especially since the paper made the jar look so much prettier, but oh well.<br />
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The jar may look small, but don't be fooled by its size. A little goes a <i>looong </i>way. Seriously. After using this continuously for a month, it seemed like the amount hadn't decreased at all:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYnJ4Zeja3MrNwGYpVNSOnpsw5RkL272VWX3dgJKPnZoVI8c34ErTJD9c5oEgP6W3YRBvTercRwb-LG5yynhaJGhH3BiB-754QrmaEBFj7Sp5CoJ71rdeUI701dxquWgNfXF2ysuliBLA/s1600/DSC_0192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYnJ4Zeja3MrNwGYpVNSOnpsw5RkL272VWX3dgJKPnZoVI8c34ErTJD9c5oEgP6W3YRBvTercRwb-LG5yynhaJGhH3BiB-754QrmaEBFj7Sp5CoJ71rdeUI701dxquWgNfXF2ysuliBLA/s1600/DSC_0192.jpg" /></a></div>
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Okay maybe by like a few millimeters.<br />
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It looks like it's a third empty, but trust me, that's just what it looks like when you open it! Unlike most creams, the Joseon Beauty Cream isn't filled to the top. To be honest the first time I opened this cream I thought it had been used before or something because there was so much empty space at the top, but it turns out that that's normal. I actually like how the cream isn't filled all the way to the top because that prevents the cream from getting onto the edges of the jar when you place back the sanitary lid, which is a pet peeve of mine.<br />
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This actually came with a spatula, but unfortunately I lost it before I could take any pictures of it. If you're curious what it looks like though, I'm sure you can find pictures of it from other bloggers' reviews!<br />
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The scent of this cream isn't anything special, but it's nice! Unlike the heavy floral scent I was expecting, it has a <b>light, fresh, and sweet floral scent</b> that smells <i>exactly </i>like the <a href="http://www.gloriausdays.com/2015/01/primary-raw-doyou-soy-milk-facial-cream.html">Primary Raw DoYou Soy Milk Cream</a>, I kid you not. Unless my memory's failing me... nah. I'm pretty sure this is the same scent, or at least very similar. The scent lingers a little bit after application, but because it's not offensive at all, I don't mind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwhKAoeymBcre4MnEHX851ap77ECx4NPsiiW1FP1gox5D8sV5Nyp5RN0Jvw50lPiwys5E-Ig_Sm3HNeHOHdZ_iy14fwYhwCNBJTbc-BpjXG17exdkj3PfL8xrbFDge9iklEbux8d6-PfS/s1600/DSC_0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwhKAoeymBcre4MnEHX851ap77ECx4NPsiiW1FP1gox5D8sV5Nyp5RN0Jvw50lPiwys5E-Ig_Sm3HNeHOHdZ_iy14fwYhwCNBJTbc-BpjXG17exdkj3PfL8xrbFDge9iklEbux8d6-PfS/s1600/DSC_0213.jpg" /></a></div>
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The cream has a <b>slightly translucent white color </b>with a stretchy kind of texture. It's not thick but not lightweight either, almost a mix between a gel cream and a rich cream? All I can say for sure though is that it's incredibly moisturizing in a non-heavy way. The finish is a little similar to a watery oil, and not sticky at all. After it's absorbed into your skin your face will feel <b>SO soft and silky</b>. Just make sure to apply only a thin layer though if you have anything but dry skin.<br />
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For me, a <b>pea sized amount</b> (about half of what is pictured above) is more than enough since anything more would be too much for my skin type. Lately my skin has been leaning more oily/normal, so I've been applying less and less of this cream, Back when the weather was colder, I applied this both day and night a bit more liberally and it helped get rid of the dry patches I would get around my nose. It also helped solve the tightness I'd feel sometimes when weather was really cold and windy, which happens when my skin is dry and dehydrated. However now that the weather is getting warmer (it was 90 degrees Fahrenheit today. NINETY. And it's only just the beginning of April!), I've been using this only at night using just the bare minimum.<br />
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I recommend warming up the cream in between your hands first by rubbing them together, and then pressing the palm of your hands onto your face to apply the cream. This helps it absorb much faster and apply more evenly, and also allows me to apply a very thin layer- just enough to give me a bit of moisture but not too much that it feels like it's just sitting on my skin, which happens to be the case sometimes if I apply a little too much. If you do apply this directly on the face with your fingers, the cream <b>spreads very easily</b>.<br />
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Memebox recommends using this cream in <b>three different ways</b>: as a <b>sleeping pack</b>, <b>makeup base</b>, or <b>massage cream</b>. I've tried it as a sleeping pack, which it works fairly well as, and as a makeup base... which I have mixed feelings about. When I used it in the day time as a makeup base, my skin looked <i>flawless</i><b> </b>at first. However, because my skin does get oily easily, it looked like a oily mess after just a few hours since the cream was too moisturizing. I think for people with dry skin, this would be a wonderful base to apply underneath any foundation, BB cream, cushion, etc. But sadly, it doesn't work for anyone whose skin gets oily easily.<br />
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I didn't try using this as a massage cream since I don't really do facial massages, so no comment on that option.<br />
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Now onto the <b>effects</b> of this cream. Like I mentioned earlier, this helped relieve my skin of any tightness and the flaky skin around my nose that the cold weather had caused. In addition, I feel like it also helped <b>brighten </b>my skin a bit and give it a slight glow. When I used this as a sleeping pack and washed my face the next morning, my skin was<b> incredibly soft and smooth</b> like a baby's butt. In other words, this definitely did its job as a <b>F/W cream</b> for me, so thumbs up! I probably won't be using this once summer hits, however, because by then my face rejects anything that is even slightly on the more emollient side (in order words, every skincare product must be light and watery). But I will definitely consider repurchasing this cream in the future, especially since it didn't break me out while moisturizing and slightly brightening my skin, which is exactly what I look for in a simple cream. I can't comment on its anti-aging properties since I've yet to reach the age where wrinkles and the elasticity of my skin is a concern, but even for just a basic moisturizing cream to give your skin that moist and healthy appearance with a slight glow, this is a <i>really good choice</i>. I hardly ever recommend products to friends because everyone's skin is different, but with this cream I actually told my friend, who has normal/dry skin, to get it (and she did! I'll maybe update this review once she's tried it). I think people with dry skin could probably use this year-round, and for everyone else this would be a great daily winter cream and a summer night cream (or even just as an occasional sleeping pack!).<br />
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<b>Pros</b><br />
-Beautiful packaging<br />
-Small and sturdy, not bulky<br />
-Comes with a spatula<br />
-Light scent<br />
-Easy to spread<br />
-Brightens skin<br />
-Moisturizing<br />
-Didn't break me out<br />
-Got rid of my dry patches<br />
-Non-sticky finish<br />
-Makes my skin soft and silky to the touch<br />
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<b>Cons</b><br />
-If too much is applied then it just feels like the cream isn't absorbing all the way<br />
-Can be too moisturizing at times<br />
-Glass packaging, could possibly break<br />
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<b>Where to buy:</b><br />
You can get the Joseon Beauty Dynasty Cream at <b>Memebox</b> <a href="https://us.memebox.com/dynasty-cream">HERE</a> for<b> <span style="color: red;">$22</span></b>.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The product featured was sent to me for review purposes by <a href="https://us.memebox.com/?referrer=Direct">Memebox</a>. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and 100% honest.</span><br />
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I highly recommend checking out the Memebox app, since awhile back they had an app-only deal where this cream was around $15, which was such a steal! I wasn't told to mention the app by the way guys, just doing it because they truly do have some amazing deals sometimes (like right now the Banila Co Clean It Zero is only $12... I'm definitely picking one up).<br />
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That's all for today and I'll be back later this afternoon (it's already 1 AM here lol) with an unboxing of a spring-themed beauty box! Thanks for reading~ </div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-14763074877153097522016-03-01T23:42:00.002-08:002017-02-05T18:56:22.224-08:00Review | Skinfood Black Sugar Perfect First Serum<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hello everyone!</div>
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My apologies for this late review, I know my resolution this year is to be a better blogger and post at least once a week, but... that didn't really happen last week, heh. Before when I only had to balance blogging and school it was a lot easier, but now I have to factor in my part-time job (and I usually work 8 hours everyday on weekends!). So please bear me while I readjust my schedule so that way I can start posting regularly again ^^<br />
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Today's review probably comes as no surprise to all of you since I mentioned it previously in my Products I'm Currently Testing post- the Skinfood Black Sugar Perfect First Serum. You might be wondering...</div>
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<b>What's the deal with first essences/serums? </b></div>
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If you're a skincare junkie, you've probably well aware of the much raved about SK-II First Treatment Essence, and K-beauty fans, you probably also know about its supposed dupe, the Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence. These products, just like the one featured today, are supposed to be used as the first step after cleansing, before you apply anything else. A lot of times, they're meant to hydrate, brighten, soften, and improve the elasticity of your skin. In addition, many of them claim to have anti-aging properties.</div>
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Here's the thing though.<br />
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I've been disappointed by first essences multiple times, including some very popular ones such as Missha's and IOPE's. I remember thinking the first time I used one that they didn't seem that different from a hydrating toner, and honestly that's all they've been for me. But I haven't given up (yet), and decided to give Skinfood's a try, especially since it was super cheap at that time. I purchased mine in Seoul while it was on sale for about $16, and it came in this set that included 5 sheet masks as well:<br />
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For $16, the deal was too good to pass up. <i>Right??</i><br />
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If you're curious as to how this serum fared, and if it finally changed my mind about first essences, then keep reading!<br />
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<b>Product Info</b><br />
스킨푸드 블랙슈가 퍼펙트 첫세럼<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Name: </b>Skinfood Black Sugar Perfect First Serum</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Price: </b>24,000 KRW</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Size: </b>120ml </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Description: </b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.1; text-align: left;">Achieve a smoother, clearer complexion with a combination of moisture rich black sugar and Cheongju, a traditional Korean wine.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.1; text-align: left;"><b>Ingredients: </b></span></span>Water, Black Sugar Extract (12,000mg), Alcohol, Glycerin,
Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Witch Hazel
Extract, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Sarcodon Aspratus Extract, Papaya Fruit
Extract, Orange Fruit Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract, Apple Fruit Extract,
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Lactobacillus/Aspergillus/Prunus Mume Fruit Ferment
Filtrate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Arginine, Ethylhexylglycerin,
Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Cellulose Gum, Sodium
Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Caramel, Parfum<br />
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At first glance, this serum is full of fruit and plant extracts, which are mainly beneficial for your skin. Here are some ingredients that stand out to me:<br />
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<b>Black Sugar Extract-</b> Of course I have to mention the main ingredient of this serum, which is black sugar. If any of you are familiar with Skinfood's bestselling Black Sugar Mask Wash Off, then you probably know that black sugar is good for exfoliating your skin and getting rid of those dull and dead skin cells to reveal brighter, softer skin.<br />
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<b>Niacinamide- </b>I was happy to see this ingredient in the list since it's well-known for its brightening functions! Niacinamide is useful for getting rid of those annoying scars and evening out your skin tone, as well as giving your skin that healthy glow.<br />
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<b>Papaya Fruit Extract- </b>Papaya contains an enzyme called <i>papain </i>that is useful for fading scars and sun damage. This makes papaya fruit extract a great exfoliator, since it is able to gently remove dead skin cells.<br />
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<b>Salicylic Acid- </b>I was a little surprised to see this ingredient in the list, but since it's so far down I doubt there is a significant amount to have any noticeable effect on your skin. Salicylic acid is commonly used in anti-acne products since it can be used to treat blemishes and prevent any pimples, and is also an excellent exfoliant. I personally haven't really found topical salicylic acid to be effective at treating acne, other than one salicylic acid foam cleanser by Cosrx. I normally break out from using salicylic acid products because of my reactive skin, but luckily this product didn't break me out.<br />
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According to <a href="http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_2e1c223613.html">CosDNA</a>, this product contains 1 low potential acne trigger, and several ingredients that scored a yellow flag in terms of safety. There is one ingredient (salicylic acid) that scored a red flag in terms of safety as well.<br />
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The bottle comes packaged in carton-shaped cardboard box. There's something old-fashioned about the design on the box, but it fits very well with the apothecary-like theme of this product.<br />
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The product also comes with a box of 70 special cotton pads!<br />
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Even though they don't look that different from regular cotton pads, there is something different about them.<br />
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There are two sides to these cotton pads- a cleaning side and an absorbent side. The absorbent side is just smooth and not any different from regular cotton pads, but the cleaning side is textured, which helps gently exfoliate your skin as you're applying the serum. I think people with extremely sensitive skin might find the textured side a bit too rough, but it was alright for me. I actually quite liked how it felt on my skin!<br />
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Moving on to the product itself!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeLMv_zUHvWQUVAllwXGpMmjS216dW5hULVDnXWp3pCGe-NUxgYTmM9O6knnFQEb-StepnPpGVp7Jq3hFXezUrzP-QJk0uJ7lw20AKm4OYSOAE9_vxozHHzQoCZgvikuKqMZlIS9Zg6Kx/s1600/bottle_24794117363_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeLMv_zUHvWQUVAllwXGpMmjS216dW5hULVDnXWp3pCGe-NUxgYTmM9O6knnFQEb-StepnPpGVp7Jq3hFXezUrzP-QJk0uJ7lw20AKm4OYSOAE9_vxozHHzQoCZgvikuKqMZlIS9Zg6Kx/s1600/bottle_24794117363_o.jpg" /></a></div>
The serum is housed in a thick glass bottle that reminds me of something you'd see in an apothecary shop, or a bottle of whiskey. My friend, when she first saw this product, actually thought that it was alcohol! To which she gave me this look until I clarified that it's only a skincare product, but I can definitely see the resemblance. Update: I showed another friend a picture of the bottle, and she told me that it looks like A.1. Steak Sauce. I don't know how I missed that, but I can see why, haha.<br />
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The picture above might not show it, but the bottle color is this beautiful ombre that goes from dark caramel to dark brown.<br />
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Since it is made of glass, I probably wouldn't recommend taking this with you for travel. However it is rather sturdy, so it can definitely take a short fall onto your floor. I may or may not speak from experience.<br />
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The one thing I don't quite like about the bottle is that the opening is a bit larger than I would've liked, so when you shake it the product tends to get all over the inside of the cap. And then, possibly due to the black sugar extract, the serum inside the cap and around the edges of the opening jellifies. You can just remove it, but it's a little bit annoying to see happen.<br />
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The scent is <i style="font-weight: bold;">amazing</i>! Seriously, if you're a fan of sweet scents then you would love the smell of this serum. It smells like sugar but also with a hint of alcohol, which might sound kind of strange, but trust me, it smells good. I wonder if the caramel ingredient could've possibly added to the scent too. Although the scent is noticeable, it's not heavy nor lasting, and fades away upon application. Honestly, if they made a candle that smells like this, I'd buy it.<br />
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To apply, I just shake a few drops onto the textured side of the cotton pad and wipe it on my skin. I then flip it over to the smooth side to pad the serum in. The serum has a very faint, barely noticeable golden tinge to it due to the caramel added in the formula. I personally don't like pouring the serum into my hands and patting it in just because I feel like it's too much for my combination skin and takes longer to absorb, as it is quite moisturizing. Also, I actually do like using the textured side of the cotton pad, since it does feel like it's slightly exfoliating.<br />
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When it comes to viscosity, I'd say that it's slightly thicker than water. It's also more slippery, and has a sticky finish that disappears once you apply your next skincare product. I'm not a big fan of the sticky finish, but luckily it doesn't last. I would say that it absorbs moderately fast. If you apply this with your hands, it's very easy to spread as well. Since it is quite moisturizing, a little goes a long way. I've used this for over a month now and I've only gone through about a quarter of the bottle, even with the use of a cotton pad. If you do choose to apply this with your hands, it'll probably last even longer.<br />
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<b>So how did this perform?</b><br />
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<i>Meh</i>. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad product by any means, but it's nothing special either, at least for me. While I do think it did exfoliate my skin a little and made it soft and smooth, I didn't notice any significant changes on my skin in terms of dry patches, acne scars, and pores. My skin did look a bit brighter, but just barely. No wow factor at all. I can't say anything about its anti-aging claims, since I'm only 17, but so many products claim to be anti-aging that I usually dismiss them.<br />
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I would not recommend this for oily skin unless you're using this at night, and only during the winter. Now that the weather is getting warmer, I find it to be a little bit too moisturizing during the day for my combination, so in order to use this I have to cut down on my skincare routine so that way my skin wouldn't get oily too quickly during the day. However, it worked really well during the winter at just giving my skin that extra boost of moisture I needed to keep it from feeling dehydrated! I think people with dry skin would really appreciate the extra boost of moisture this provides as well.<br />
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Sadly, in the end, this performed just like a very hydrating toner, think Hado Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion but even more moisturizing. If you're looking for a product that will provide your skin some additional moisture, then I would recommend giving this a try. Or you could even use this as a replacement for your toner, which is what I'm doing right now. Other than that though, I just don't see anything special about it that makes me want to repurchase it. My opinion on first essences remains the same (sadly).<br />
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<i>However, </i>I know that Skinfood reformulated this serum awhile back and created a "Light" version as well, so my version, the original one, may differ quite a bit from the reformulated ones! Who knows, haha. Has anyone tried the two versions before? Let me know if you have and if there are any noticeable differences!<br />
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<b>Pros</b><br />
-Aesthetically pleasing packaging<br />
-Smells really good<br />
-Includes cotton pads<br />
-A little goes a long way<br />
-Easy to apply<br />
-Moisturizing<br />
-Exfoliates a little<br />
-Skin feels soft after use<br />
-Didn't break me out<br />
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<b>Cons</b><br />
<b>-</b>Glass bottle (not travel friendly)<br />
-Doesn't help with dry patches<br />
-Barely brightens skin<br />
-Doesn't help with impurities/pores<br />
-Sticky finish<br />
-Too moisturizing for oily skin<br />
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<b>Where to buy:</b><br />
Since Skinfood reformulated this product, the version reviewed here is no longer available. However you can purchase the new versions at these shops:<br />
<a href="http://jolse.com/product/search.html?view_type=&supplier_code=&category_no=&search_type=product_name&keyword=skinfood+black+sugar+first+serum&product_price1=&product_price2=&order_by=&x=0&y=0">Jolse</a> $23.78 (free shipping)<br />
<a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/search?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=black+sugar+first+serum&submit_search=Search">W2Beauty</a> $28.78 (free shipping, use code<b><span style="color: red;"> 04308009</span></b> at registration to receive a free $5 voucher)<br />
<a href="http://www.testerkorea.com/category/serum?OrderBy=0&PageSize=20&Keyword=black+sugar">Testerkorea</a> ~$17.04<br />
<a href="http://www.roseroseshop.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=black%20sugar%20perfect%20first%20serum">RoseRoseShop</a> $16.55<br />
<a href="http://ibuybeauti.com/?s=perfect+first+serum&post_type=product">iBuyBeauti</a> $24.91 (free shipping on orders $50+)<br />
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Have you tried first essences before? Would you like to give this serum a try? Let me know in the comments below!<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It's almost midnight as I write this, so I honestly don't know what I'm saying at the moment lol There are probably quite a few mistakes in this post, so I'll go over this tomorrow and fix everything...</span><br />
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Also, I just finished Cheese in the Trap. Fellow CITT fans, what did you guys think of the ending? I feel like I expected more from it... like more closure? Honestly I'm not sure whether or not I liked it. On the other hand, Running Man was really funny this week so it kind of made up for the drama's lackluster ending~<br />
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Thank you all for reading and I'll see you guys in my next post :)<br />
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Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-8292334051793647202016-02-15T22:29:00.000-08:002017-02-05T18:54:43.807-08:00Review | A'Pieu Rub in Gelato Mask (Pistachio)<div style="text-align: center;">
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It seems like I'm always on the search of a good pore care product, despite the fact that I've been disappointed by many. What can I say, small, clear pores are everyone's skincare goals, right? I've tried a few products that did an effective job at temporarily tightening my pores, but have yet to find one that does the job at getting out all the gunk, sebaceous filaments, and whatnot out of them.</div>
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I was gifted this <b>A'Pieu Rub in Gelato Mask</b> in <b>Pistachio</b> when I met up with Alice last summer in Seoul. To be honest, until Alice took me into an A'Pieu store with her, I never went into one because the brand never quite interested me before. I probably walked past the store more than ten times, I just didn't walk in. Thinking back on it now, I wish I did spend more time testing out their products in the store, cause they're pretty cheap and have decent quality. Kind of like Etude House, actually.</div>
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I'm getting off topic now, so back to this mask! I had my doubts, because I've tried their <b>Essential Source Snail Vital Cream </b>(<a href="http://www.gloriausdays.com/2014/02/review-apieu-essential-source-snail.html">review here</a>) before and was really disappointed. I'm the kind of person who tends to not trust a brand's skincare anymore if it breaks me out (which the cream did), so I was scared that this mask would break me out too since I've yet to have a positive experience with clay masks. Luckily it didn't, and I've used this for about a month now, so here are my thoughts on this mask~<br />
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<b>Product Info</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">어퓨 럽 인 젤라또 마스크 (피스타치오)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Name: </b>A'Pieu Rub in Gelato Mask (Pistachio)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Price: </b>5,800 KRW</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Size: </b>100 ml</span></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b> Purified Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Adzuki Bean Powder, Ethanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Titanium Dioxide, Bentonite, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Pistachio Extract, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Mica, Montmorillonite, Sweet Almond Shell Powder, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, PEG-100 Stearate, Menthol, Xanthan Gum, Betaine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Chromium Oxide Green, Yellow Iron Oxide, Black Iron Oxide, Fragrance</div>
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Here are some ingredient highlights and lowlights in this product:</div>
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<b>Adzuki Bean Powder</b>- Also known as red bean powder, this ingredient is commonly used as a gentle exfoliator. It's supposedly effective at removing dead skin, unclogging pores, and promoting circulation.</div>
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<b>Ethanol</b>- If you have sensitive skin, this might be an ingredient that you want to avoid. Although some alcohols aren't bad, ethanol evaporates quickly and can dry out skin because of that, thus irritating sensitive skin. Of course, all skin types should avoid irritating ingredients, even if it doesn't have an immediate, visible effect on your skin. The fact that this is listed as the fifth ingredient is concerning, although luckily I didn't break out from using this product.</div>
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<b>Cetearyl Alcohol</b>- This is a fatty alcohol that is well known for its moisturizing properties, and a great ingredient in creams for people with dry skin. However, even though it's usually non-irritating, that isn't always the case. If you know that cetearyl alcohol irritates your skin, then steer clear of this mask.</div>
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<b>Pistachio Extract</b>- Pistachios are high in Beta Carotene, which has antioxidant properties and is a precursor for Vitamin A. In addition to helping you maintain healthy skin, beta carotene also supposedly helps with hyperpigmentation.</div>
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<b>"Green Clay"</b>- This isn't listed in the ingredients list, but according to A'Pieu this is a mixture of <b>Bentonite</b>, <b>Kaolin</b>, and etc. Huh... not sure what the etc. could be. However, A'Pieu claims that this green clay is effective at pore cleansing, pore minimizing, and sebum control. Seeing as to how bentonite and kaolin are both clay-type ingredients, and bentonite is effective at removing impurities in pores while kaolin works at absorbing sebum and cleansing pores, green clay is probably a good thing.</div>
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According to <a href="http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_b2a0221898.html">CosDNA</a>, this product contains several ingredients that are low potential skin irritants and acne-causers, and some that have a yellow flag in terms of safety. In other words, extremely sensitive, dry skin should not use this product. And if you know that any of the ingredients listed above irritate your skin or causes it to break out, then avoid this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sbMYQaIMswaknr-vfCVh2WbmVQMogorX2sDJkV4Z3ysPd3yFtyxzosHjGtw66Lt5N6jk7ayth2_h6mKS3d1EZ30pchR4CFVtohpdTRoDYIp9-QAcwBjtLbQNg9ZW7Vu5eIrL8rPtoSWF/s1600/DSC_8067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sbMYQaIMswaknr-vfCVh2WbmVQMogorX2sDJkV4Z3ysPd3yFtyxzosHjGtw66Lt5N6jk7ayth2_h6mKS3d1EZ30pchR4CFVtohpdTRoDYIp9-QAcwBjtLbQNg9ZW7Vu5eIrL8rPtoSWF/s1600/DSC_8067.jpg" /></a></div>
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The packaging for this mask is really adorable! There's a sticker in the shape of a spoon with the warning "DO NOT EAT!" printed on it as a warning to those who mistaken the mask as a tub of gelato. My dad actually did think this was gelato because of its name and packaging, haha. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPbyp-eO8VFSMHITP-p922ZcoPfKSt7xKEGnxBVeGdZJrHYF3le_poKCmaJ2sGll7J-VtYwSKuTH3zz5vnxWd5eVsmdF3tfBfOl8C-GBT-sdQWOViuAXCq5_RQV4VUlyXi17LDE2M-xze/s1600/DSC_8106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPbyp-eO8VFSMHITP-p922ZcoPfKSt7xKEGnxBVeGdZJrHYF3le_poKCmaJ2sGll7J-VtYwSKuTH3zz5vnxWd5eVsmdF3tfBfOl8C-GBT-sdQWOViuAXCq5_RQV4VUlyXi17LDE2M-xze/s1600/DSC_8106.jpg" /></a></div>
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How adorable is that? The barcode is in the shape of an ice cream cone! The tub is made out of plastic with a screw on lid, so it's pretty sturdy and safe to travel with. It's not bulky either, which is a plus. The mint blue lid, colorful text, and waffle cone details on the front of the tub gives this product a fun and cheerful vibe. And skincare should be fun!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPRLVAGswLGw6v1CurNtDYVB4lpmcrur71kVkMdsz_lulq2TRN_820vpeH_JBQhdXinqq-XFZudJbxyqQAnZCk8r78KF7F9QfWbVz5ChOnx3egK26kqupAMeJnMljODStayspECugeIde/s1600/DSC_8075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPRLVAGswLGw6v1CurNtDYVB4lpmcrur71kVkMdsz_lulq2TRN_820vpeH_JBQhdXinqq-XFZudJbxyqQAnZCk8r78KF7F9QfWbVz5ChOnx3egK26kqupAMeJnMljODStayspECugeIde/s1600/DSC_8075.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's how the mask looks in the tub! The little bits of black you see are the adzuki beans. They may look hard and harsh, but they're actually semi-soft and very gentle.<br />
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The scent of this product is... hard to explain. I really don't like it. I was expecting this to smell really good because of its name, but the scent is nothing that you'd expect gelato to smell like. It's kind of unpleasant, and has a sweet minty undertone that would normally be okay but it isn't because the main scent is just so weird. Feeling like a failure of a blogger right now because I just can't describe it, haha... sorry guys. >__< Luckily the scent isn't very strong, but it's noticeable, and you'll definitely smell it until you wash it off. It becomes less noticeable as time passes, but even once it's dried it's still there. I've kind of gotten used to it now since I've used it so many times, but it still doesn't smell that great.<br />
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This mask is really easy to spread and apply. It's soft and dries quickly, probably because of the ethanol that's in it. You're supposed to leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash it off with warm water while massaging your skin so that way the adzuki beans can do their job at exfoliating your skin. When you apply it there's an immediate cooling sensation thanks to the menthol ingredient (aka mint), almost like as if you just applied ice cream to your face. It's actually a little strong, and the first time I used it it was borderline unpleasant because it was super cold in my house at that time. I imagine that this would be very refreshing to use during the hot, summer season, but in the winter, especially if you live in a place that snows, you probably wouldn't want to use it. This cooling sensation lasts the entire time you use it.<br />
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So how effective was this mask at clearing up my pores?<br />
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Not so great. I haven't really been taking care of my skin lately because I've been busy, so please excuse the poor condition of my pores! For its price, this mask wasn't that bad. It was actually pretty good at drawing out some sebaceous filaments (the little white dots you see in the after picture), but for deep cleansing this isn't it. What I actually like about this is that it's a great at gently removing dead skin cells. The adzuki beans are perfect for sensitive skin like mine which breaks out from using more abrasive exfoliators such as sugar, so I did enjoy using it to exfoliate my skin. However I can get an actual exfoliator for doing that, and not a clay mask that's meant for pore cleansing.</div>
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My pores don't look noticeably tighter after use, and this does nothing for me in terms of sebum control. The good news is that it didn't break me out. I might keep using this just as an exfoliator, since I currently don't have a physical exfoliator at the moment and I do like how gentle and effective it is at removing dead skin cells. But if you're looking for a good pore care mask, I suggest you look somewhere else. I'm not disappointed by this since I didn't have any expectations, but I will not be repurchasing this. I wouldn't recommend this either to anyone with dry, sensitive skin. If you have normal or oily skin and want something that would work as a daily pore care treatment and daily exfoliator, you might like this. But for me, when it comes to pore care masks, I expect something that is effective at unclogging my pores, clearing them out, and tightening them, and this just doesn't do any of that. </div>
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<b>Pros</b></div>
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-Cheap</div>
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-Cute packaging</div>
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-Lightweight and sturdy, safe for travel</div>
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-Easy to apply and wash off</div>
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-Gentle, effective exfoliator</div>
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-Didn't break me out</div>
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-Draws out some sebaceous filaments</div>
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<b>Cons</b></div>
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-Doesn't meet most of its claims</div>
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-No sebum control</div>
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-Doesn't clear out pores</div>
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-Doesn't tighten pores</div>
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-Contains irritating ingredients</div>
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-Smells weird</div>
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<b>Where to buy:</b></div>
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<a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/a-pieu-cleansing-mask/19258-a-pieu-rub-in-gelato-mask-pistachio-pore-care.html">W2Beauty</a> $12.52 (free shipping, use code<b><span style="color: red;"> 04308009</span></b> at registration to receive a free $5 voucher)</div>
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<a href="https://ibuybeauti.com/product/apieu-rub-in-gelato-mask-pstachio/">iBuyBeauti</a> $5.90 (free shipping on orders $50+)</div>
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<a href="http://www.roseroseshop.com/a-pieu-rub-in-gelato-100ml.html">RoseRoseShop</a> $4.00</div>
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<a href="http://testerkorea.com/Product/apieu-rub-in-gelato-pistachio-100ml">TesterKorea</a> $4.93</div>
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<a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=A%27pieu+rub+in+gelato+mask&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XA%27pieu+rub+in+gelato.TRS0&_nkw=A%27pieu+rub+in+gelato&_sacat=0">eBay</a> Various prices</div>
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Alas, my search for the best pore treatment mask continues. Do you guys have any favorite pore care products? If you do, let me know in the comments below! I'd love to hear about them! I'm thinking about trying Primera's clay mask next because they're one of my favorite skincare brands, but since I have other products from their pore care line I'll probably try those first to see how effective they are, and decide then.</div>
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Also, quick question, do any of you watch Cheese in the Trap? :D Marxie convinced me to watch it and I'm glad she did. I seriously ship Inho with Seol so badly... but then I also want Inho for myself haha. Anyways, thanks for reading :)</div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-58882865756816420632016-02-15T13:11:00.000-08:002016-11-24T16:00:44.776-08:00Skincare Products I'm Currently Testing<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128508733@N04/24597131139/in/dateposted-public/" title="Testing Feb 2016"><img alt="Testing Feb 2016" height="431" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1530/24597131139_ae7a160ea2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello everyone!</div>
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Today I thought I'd do a post on what skincare products I'm testing out at the moment, which will also give you guys a little preview on what reviews to expect from me in the coming month. Some of them were bought by me, some were press samples, and I'll be clear on which ones are because I want to be honest with everything for you guys. So, let's begin!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128508733@N04/24394333174/in/dateposted-public/" title="Testing Feb 2016"><img alt="Testing Feb 2016" height="450" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1689/24394333174_422006631c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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These <b><a href="https://queenodelia.com/">Queen Odelia</a></b> products, the<b> Facial Serum</b>, <b>Night Cream</b>, and <b>Hand Cream</b>, were sent to me for review purposes by BPLinks. If you guys are looking at this brand and thinking "Wait, what Korean brand is that?", well... it's not Korean. <b>Queen Odelia </b>is an <i>Israeli skincare brand</i> that focuses on using <i>Prickly Pear Seed Oil</i> and natural salts found in the desserts surrounding the Dead Sea. I'll give you guys more information on those ingredients and the products themselves later, but doesn't that just sound exotic? Or maybe it's just me, haha. So far I really like the textures of each product, but haven't used them enough to form an opinion yet.</div>
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I also have a coupon code for you, my readers! Until March 15th, use <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">gloriausdays </span>to receive 20% off your entire order and free shipping on orders $50+. You can check out Queen Odelia's website and their products <a href="https://queenodelia.com/">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128508733@N04/24998618406/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSC_8433"><img alt="DSC_8433" height="502" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1566/24998618406_cca3b308c5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I've heard so many raves on this <b>Banila Co. Miss Flower & Mr. Honey Cream</b>, so when I was in Seoul I knew I had to pick one up to try. Alice actually got this for me as a gift when we met up in Myeongdong (if you'd like to hear more about our meet up, you can read my post <a href="http://www.gloriausdays.com/2016/02/summer-in-seoul-2015-hangout-with-alice.html">here</a>). I've used this quite a few times, but not consistently. It's a great moisturizer, but so far I don't have any other thoughts. Oh, and this smells <i>amazing</i>. It's like real honey but even better. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128508733@N04/24394333824/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSC_8436"><img alt="DSC_8436" height="481" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1610/24394333824_b78460881a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This <b>Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream</b> was sent to me by Memebox for review purposes. I know this is a product that's pretty popular with K-beauty bloggers (especially those that are active on Reddit), although it hasn't reached any level of fame in Korea yet. From the two times I've tried this I could tell immediately that this is not a day cream for oily skin, but would work well as a sleeping pack or a heavier night cream. I still need to test this out since I've used it so few times, so I'll give you guys more details in the actual review!</div>
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I've used this for a few weeks now, so the review for this <b>Skinfood Black Sugar Perfect First Serum </b>should be up by the end of the month. It's a nice moisturizing first essence type of product, but I'm not sure if it's doing anything else. Or maybe it's because I haven't been using it with the cotton pads that were included with it... hm. We'll see.</div>
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And that concludes all the skincare that I'm testing out right now! I have a lot more unopened products too that I'm dying to try out, but for now this is it. I think I might have one too many night creams right now actually... heh. Anyone else have that problem where you have too many of one type of product? ^^;</div>
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Anyways, have you guys ever tried any of these products before? If yes, what are <i>your </i>thoughts on them? If not, are there any that you're interested in trying out? Let me know in the comments below!</div>
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I might actually be posting a review later today, or tomorrow since all the pictures are ready and I've used it for awhile. Going to keep my New Year's resolution of being a better blogger this year~ I hope everyone has a wonderful week and thanks for reading!</div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-16792223658502211632016-02-06T23:31:00.002-08:002016-02-06T23:46:07.058-08:00W2Beauty Haul | VDL, Primera, Etude House, and More!<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128508733@N04/24238289194/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSC_8293"><img alt="DSC_8293" height="396" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1501/24238289194_261c774d1e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My friends and I are always joking about shopping bans, and how unrealistic they are. Beauty junkies, you know what I mean right?? Whenever a brand comes out with a new collection, and something catches my eye, I'm always super tempted to give it a try. I'm proud to say that I was able to resist that temptation for 5 months, but now that the new year has come, I thought it was time to treat myself to a haul from one of my favorite K-beauty stores- <a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/?s=04308009">W2Beauty</a>. </div>
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This haul is a mix of products I've been wanting to try for months, products I'm running out on, and newly released products that caught my eye. I'm really excited to show you guys everything I got, so let's get started with this haul post! I'll be linking the product name and its price to the store, so just click on the link to be directed to the product's page.<br />
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First off...<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff7d6f; font-size: x-large;">Skincare</span></b><br />
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I had literally JUST ran out of my favorite <b>Pure Heal's Propolis 90 Ampoule </b>the morning the package arrived, so I was relieved that I wouldn't have to go a single day without a propolis ampoule in my routine. My friends know that I have a bit of an obsession with propolis, my all-time favorite when it comes to skincare ingredients, and I've gone through 3-4 bottles of the Pure Heal's one already, so I decided to switch it up a bit and try out the<a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/graymelin/19155-graymelin-propolis-80-energy-ampoule.html"> <b>Graymelin Propolis 80 Energy Ampoule </b>($26.99)</a> instead this time. I tried the highly raved<b> LJH Propolis Ampoule </b>before and was not impressed at all, so hopefully the Graymelin one isn't a disapointment! I tested it on my hand and really liked with the texture of it, perhaps it's a sign of more good things to come (I hope lol).</div>
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Next I picked up two products from one of my favorite skincare brands, <b>Primera</b>. Pictured here are the <a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/7980-primera-chamomile-cleansing-water.html"><b>Primera Chamomile Cleansing Water</b> ($27.07)</a>and <a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/skincare/7957-primera-pure-hydrating-gel-cream.html"><b>Primera Pure Hydrating Gel Cream</b> ($27.96)</a>. I have tried the Intense version of the Pure Hydrating Cream and really loved it, so I had to give the gel cream a try as well. Be on the look out for a review of the two creams in the future~</div>
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I've also been more interested in cleansing waters lately, and decided it was finally time to start testing them out. I was thinking of making a comparison post eventually of some popular Western cleansing waters and Korean cleansing waters, so let me know if you guys would be interested in something like that!</div>
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The last skincare product I got was the <a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/13560-seo-ri-tae-firming-sleeping-pack.html"><b>Hanyul Seo Ri Tae Firming Sleeping Pack</b> ($36.89)</a>. I know I am nowhere near the age of needing firming products <i>yet</i>, but that isn't the reason why I got this! I've been really missing sleeping packs lately, since the last time I owned one was almost a year ago. I was originally thinking of getting a brightening sleeping pack, and then I came across this. I know Hanyul's skincare is pretty popular and works fairly well, and this sleeping pack claims to have both anti-wrinkle and whitening properties, so I decided to give it a go in hopes that it'll help brighten up my dull skin.<br />
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Moving on to the next part of the haul!<br />
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<span style="color: #ff7d6f; font-size: x-large;"><b>Makeup</b></span><br />
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I got the <a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/etude-house-lips/20615-etude-house-my-brows-gel-tint-3-colors.html#/color_tone-3"><b>Etude House Tint My Brows Gel</b> ($11.84)</a> after <a href="http://aegyoprincess.blogspot.com/">Marxie</a> told me about it and I saw <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_yLIxy3oOI">Etude's video</a> on it. Actually, I bought it partly out of curiosity, and partly due to Marxie urging me to get it because she wanted me to test it out first (she thinks of me as her guinea pig I swear lol). I tried this one last night so I'll give it a few more tries before I write the review!<br />
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Next up is the <a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/16231-the-saem-cover-perfection-liquid-concealer-2-tones.html#/color_tone-2">T<b>he Saem Cover Perfection Liquid Concealer</b> ($9.23)</a>. I'm running out of my current Nars concealer, and since I tried the Perfection Tip version before and liked it, I thought I'd try the liquid version as well. I'm hoping that this'll be a good dupe for the MUFE Full Cover Concealer, which I swatched at Sephora and instantly fell in love with, but it was too expensive to buy. I couldn't justify that $34<br />
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I bought quite a few things from<b> VDL</b>! I've been using cushion foundations less lately and wanted to use liquid foundations again, so I got the <a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/vdl-makeup/17509-vdl-perfecting-last-foundation-4-tones.html#/color_tone-4"><b>VDL Perfecting Last Foundation </b>($34.21)</a> since I heard quite a few good things about it. I also picked up three items from their new Pantone 2016 collection- the <b>Expert Color Lip Cube Tranquility </b>in shades 1 and 2, and the <b>Liquid Foundation Brush</b>. I asked Alice to help get this for me as a special order, so those items are not available at W2Beauty, but maybe Alice will add them someday! I absolutely <i>love </i>the 2016 Pantone Colors of the Year, Rose Quart and Serenity, so when I saw that VDL released a collection featuring the two colors I <i>had </i>to get something from the collection. The bad thing is I'm really tempted to buy the rest of the collection now, so for those of you who follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gloriausdays/">Instagram</a> don't be surprised if you see a picture of the entire collection someday hehe.<br />
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Last but not least, I got the <a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/home/17155-too-cool-for-school-art-class-by-rodin.html">Too Cool For School Art Class by Rodin Contour Palette ($20.89)</a> because I've heard so many good things about this and I really regret not buying it when I was in Korea. I want to learn how to contour, and since this palette was so highly raved by Korean beauty Youtubers last year, I thought it'd be a good product for a contour newbie like me.<br />
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Finally, here are all the <b>samples and free gifts</b> I received with my order! Alice is always incredibly generous with the freebies she gives, and this order was no exception. This is one of the main reasons why I love shopping with W2Beauty, I mean, guys, JUST LOOK AT ALL THIS:<br />
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There were full size products...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The VDL moisturizer isn't actually a full size, but it was almost the same as the full-sized one so it might as well be!</td></tr>
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... deluxe and regular samples...<br />
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... and even a cute crossbody bag and hair tie!</div>
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While opening this package I felt like Christmas had come again, haha.<br />
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And that concludes my haul! Let me know if you guys are interested in any of the products above and would like to see reviews for them. I'll definitely prioritize those products' reviews!</div>
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If you're interested in placing an order at <a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/?s=04308009">W2Beauty</a>, first time customers can enter my<span style="font-family: inherit;"> code <b style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: red;">04308009</span></b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;"> at registration to receive a<b> $5 voucher</b> you can use on any order of $30 or more.</span></span></div>
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Also, happy Lunar New Year to everyone who celebrates it! I hope you all have a wonderful time with your loved ones and eat lots of delicious food~ :) </div>
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Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-15985442582227471652016-02-03T20:35:00.001-08:002016-11-24T16:01:09.213-08:00Summer in Seoul 2015 | Hangout with Alice of W2Beauty <div style="text-align: center;">
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Hello everyone!</div>
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It's been raining almost every day in California lately, so I haven't been able to take any pictures for reviews. Instead, today I thought I'd talk about something else and do something that I've never done on this blog before- a travel post! Sort of. For those of you who don't know, I was in Seoul, South Korea for almost the entire summer of 2016. Long story short: I was there for Korea University's international (pre-college for me) summer program. I know I said I'd blog about it, but as you can see... that didn't happen, heh. ^^; If you guys would like to hear about what I did in Korea and what the program was like though, let me know in the comments below and I'll definitely set aside time to write posts about Seoul and the program! :D</div>
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Anyways, during my stay in Seoul, I was able to meet up with my <b>lovely unnie Alice</b>, aka Seohyun Bang, aka the woman behind <a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/?s=04308009">W2Beauty</a>. I first started talking with Alice when I started my blog, so about 2.5 years ago. At that time I emailed her to ask about her recommendations for a certain product, but over time we started talking more and more and became friends. So when I told her that I was going to Seoul to study, we agreed that we had to meet up. If you're reading this unnie, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to hang out with me! </div>
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Enough chitchat now, and let's get started with the actual post! I apologize beforehand for the lack of details and pictures- it's been half a year since I went to Seoul and I took along a crappy point-and-shoot camera instead of my DSLR.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Side note to self: never <i>ever</i> get lazy again and always bring a good camera even if it's heavy. =__= One of my biggest regrets tbh was not bringing my DSLR.</span></div>
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Alice and I decided to meet in Myeongdong, which is <i>the </i><b>shopping district </b>of Seoul when it comes to <b>Korean cosmetics</b>. It's literally every beauty blogger's dream place (and also our wallets' worst nightmare haha). I seriously spent so much money and time just wandering the streets of Myeongdong with friends and by myself. Since Alice and I met up during the early evening, we decided to have an early dinner. She took me to one of her favorite restaurants, which I don't remember the name to, but if you guys are interested I can ask Alice and let you all know! It was located on the outer edges of Myeongdong somewhere near the back away from the entrance. The restaurant was on the second floor of a building and it wasn't extremely visible. What I remember though was that that place had the best bulgogi I ever had. If you're a fan of bulgogi, then you definitely have to give this place a try!</div>
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While we were waiting for the meat to cook we attempted to take photos together. By attempted I mean we tried and semi-failed lol </div>
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Sooo yeah. Moving on. Here's a picture of the bulgogi (I can't find any other pictures of it >__<).<br />
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To be honest I wouldn't really recommend getting bulgogi in Korea if you're looking for Korean dishes you can't try anywhere else or dishes that just don't taste the same outside of Korea (like tteokbokki). However if you're going to get bulgogi anywhere then that's the place! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice looking through customers' orders near the end of our meal.</td></tr>
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After we ate Alice took me to one of her favorite stores in Myeongdong, which also happens to be one of mine too- the Primera flagship store! I don't have any photos of the inside of the store because I wasn't sure if the employees allow pictures, but it's really nice inside with even a sink for you to try out their cleansing products.<br />
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We also went to the IOPE flagship store, where the employees passed out miniature airpuffs for you to test out the cushions. The famous IOPE Air Cushions were everywhere in the store! Check out this giant IOPE Air Cushion and the wall of cushion cases behind it:<br />
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You could even dress up as Miss IOPE and take a picture wearing a tiara, sash, and other accessories. I didn't take any pictures though because the store was quite crowded ^^;<br />
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After we left the store Alice had to buy a few things for W2Beauty, so we went on a mini shopping trip for her customers! If you were interested in what goes on behind the scenes of W2Beauty, here's some pictures of Alice shopping. We went to Tony Moly, A'Pieu, Clio, and a couple of other stores as well! Can you recognize any of the brands below?<br />
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We also passed by the Laneige flagship store, located in the center of Myeongdong. Laneige had <i>just </i>released their <b>LANEIGE X PLAYNOMORE</b> collection back then.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128508733@N04/24510310590/in/dateposted-public/" title="20150805-P1040405"><img alt="20150805-P1040405" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1580/24510310590_5b904d26c4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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As we walked around Alice and I talked about W2Beauty, since she single handedly runs everything (although she does get help from her boyfriend for certain things). I always thought it was amazing of her to be able to handle hundreds of customer emails, shopping, and shipping orders all by herself. She told me about how she's received calls from customers at 3 in the morning before, which was a bit shocking to hear. Of course, she said, even if she was sleeping she still answers them since it's her job. When asked about why she doesn't hire someone to help her, she said that she prefers to keep the close relationship/contact she keeps with her customers, which I think is what makes W2Beauty different from other Korean beauty stores. I remember what made me interested in W2Beauty in the first place was the fact that the owner personally answered customer emails, and that the owner was really sweet. If any of you have contacted Alice before, you probably know what I mean! ^^<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A quick side note- Alice is soo pretty! Pictures don't do her justice, honestly. She reminds me of Bora from SISTAR! Also her skin is perfect. Praying that one day my skin will reach the level of perfection that I saw so many girls in Korea have lol</span><br />
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Alice also mentioned how her phone got stolen <i>twice</i> in Myeongdong already, which I was surprised to hear since pickpocketing didn't seem very common in Korea (as opposed to China). A reminder to everyone to always be careful of your personal belongings when in crowded areas, you never know what could happen!<br />
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We spent the rest of our time together chatting at the coffee shop and eventually parted ways on the subway at around 10 pm I think. I had a lot of fun, and it was so nice to finally meet a good friend after talking with them online for so long! Alice even got me a lot of gifts, and of course I gave her some too but she seriously spoiled me guys ;__;<br />
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Please check out <a href="http://w2beauty.com/en/?s=04308009">W2Beauty </a>and feel free to like/follow Alice on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/W2Beauty/?fref=ts">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alicew2beauty/">Instagram</a> for giveaways and other updates! First time customers can sign up using my code <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">04308009 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">to receive $5 off their first minimum order of $30. </span></span></div>
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If you guys would like to read more about Korea, leave me a comment down below and I'll get to work on those posts! Also, be on the lookout for a HUGE haul post that's coming soon :D Thank you for reading!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclaimer: I was not told nor paid to write about this at all, and simply wanted to share a snippet with all of you of what I did in Korea! :)</span></div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-21972333176710648562016-01-21T15:54:00.001-08:002016-01-21T22:23:42.264-08:00NYC | Visiting the Peach & Lily Store + What I Bought<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello everyone!</div>
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Today's post is going to differ a bit from the norm. Instead of the usual reviews, I'm going to be talking about my visit to the Peach & Lily store while I was in New York! </div>
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For those of you who don't know, <a href="http://peachandlily.com/">Peach & Lily</a> is a Korean beauty online store founded by Alicia Yoon. If you'd like to find out more about her story, click <a href="http://peachandlily.com/pages/story">here</a>. P&L is probably most well known for their rigorous curating process, where products are sold in their shop only if they're top notch quality (safe, effective, and everything else you'd want out of a beauty product). While I can't say for sure that everything is foolproof, their selection of skincare always looks <i>amazing </i>on their website, and I've been tempted many times to buy something from there. I just never did because their products are a bit pricey. lol</div>
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While I'm perfectly fine with purchasing products online without seeing and feeling them in real life, I definitely prefer testing out products beforehand if possible. Which was why I was SO excited when I heard that P&L was going to open their <b>first physical shop </b>in Flushing, NY a few months ago. I knew that I was going to be in the city during winter break, so I immediately put their store down as one of my MUST go places. </div>
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Before I start talking about the shop, please know that I was not asked to write about this at all by P&L. I am not affiliated with them in any way, so I'm writing this post out of my own will to share my experience at the store with you guys! </div>
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The Peach & Lily store is located in Macy's on the floor where all the other beauty brands are at. I think that was the first floor? Anyways, you have to walk towards the back of the store to find it, where it stands right next to the Kiehl's section. My first reaction upon seeing the shop was it's interior design is absolutely <i>gorgeous</i>. I mean, JUST LOOK AT IT:</div>
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Compared to the Kiehl's counter next to it (sorry Kiehl's), this place just glowed. Literally. It was like K-beauty paradise with its radiant display stands, gold accents, and marble adorned counters and walls. And then there were <b>the products</b>. But first let's talk about this thing here:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128508733@N04/24390466751/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSC_7529"><img alt="DSC_7529" height="458" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1476/24390466751_62d0bf138a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Any guesses as to what this is?<br />
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This was actually one of the main reasons I visited the store- to get my skin tested and analyzed. This skin analysis device scans your face to see your skin's condition in terms of moisture, pores, sun damage, and redness (it's been awhile since I went there, so I may or may not have missed something). I think it's great that they're offering a service like this to customers, since not everyone knows their skin type and what their trouble areas are. There was only one SA in the store and no customers, so luckily I was able to take pictures and ask questions without bothering other customers. By the way, shout out to Jalane for being so kind and helpful! She was the one who analyzed my skin and showed me around the store, and even put some products together for me to take pictures of when she found out that it was for my blog. Thank you so much Jalane!<br />
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Anyways, from the skin analysis, I was able to confirm what I knew about my skin (oily T-zone, a little bit of redness) and also found out some new information. <b>The good</b>: my pores aren't really a problem since they're not big, contrary to what I thought. And <b>the bad</b>: I have a few sun spots underneath the surface of my skin, probably due to years of refusing to wear sunscreen when I was younger (I really <i>really </i>regret that. Why was I so stubborn when I was little?). So now I'm even more religious about applying sunscreen everyday in hopes of preventing those sun spots from ever appearing.<br />
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Now, back to the store!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haha don't mind me ^^; Just taking a picture. </td></tr>
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The products are all displayed so beautifully. Honestly my pictures don't do them any justice. Rather then shops such as Sephora where products are grouped together by brand, products from each step of the skincare routine are displayed together, making it easy to create your own skincare routine. All the prices are the same as the online store I believe, but you do have to pay for a sales tax in-store. The extra price of being able to test out products in person, I suppose.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128508733@N04/24177302870/in/dateposted-public/" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_7526-2"><img alt="DSC_7526-2" height="446" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1678/24177302870_8270b458f5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the display cases at the entrance of the store.</td></tr>
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While most of the products found in the store are the same as the ones sold online, there are a few differences. Take for example these luxurious looking products from a brand called Lady&Skin, which is only sold in-store for now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128508733@N04/24390458031/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_7551"><img alt="DSC_7551" height="429" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1617/24390458031_dd80099df2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THAT PACKAGING THO.</td></tr>
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There are also some skincare set deals outside entrance of the store, such as these:<br />
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Have you ever wanted to test out a cleanser, exfoliator, or wash-off pack in store but couldn't because of the lack of washing area? I've definitely encountered that situation before, which is why another part of the store I really like is the sink area. </div>
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Honestly it's so well built and furnished it puts my own bathroom counter/sink area to shame.</div>
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It's great to see how Korean beauty is becoming more and more accessible in the U.S. The Peach & Lily store was very well designed aesthetically and I loved how everything was arranged. Although the area is small, there were a lot of things there. I was a bit disappointed to see that there weren't any makeup products being sold at the store, since I was hoping to test out a cushion that they carry in their online shop. Hopefully they'll add more products to their offline store in the future! While I was there a lot of products were sold out too, but I heard from Jalane that they already ordered more stock so the store should be well stocked right now since it's been a few weeks since I was there.<br />
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Now last but not least here's what I bought at the store:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128508733@N04/24232469060/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSC_8248"><img alt="DSC_8248" height="558" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1522/24232469060_43fb9d3782_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I got the <b>Aromatica Lavender Relaxing Toner</b> and the <b>Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum</b>. Honestly my main reason for getting the toner was because it smelled nice, not for its other benefits... haha. And I got the Mizon serum because I have heard so many <b>raves</b> about this product, especially from my friend Tiffany, who brought this serum to the spotlight in the first place in her post <a href="http://www.samplehime.com/2014/03/my-favorite-skincare-for-acne-prone.html">here</a>! I can't wait to test them out, although it won't be for awhile until I do. Let me know if you'd like to see a review on them!</div>
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So that concludes the post for today! Time to go back to start studying for the SAT (taking it this Saturday, wish me luck haha OTL). </div>
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<i>What do you guys think of the Peach and Lily store?</i> Thanks for reading and I'll see you guys in my next post!</div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-47525736621932382882016-01-17T18:38:00.001-08:002016-11-24T16:01:30.291-08:00Review | Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash + Detail Clean Pore Brush <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128508733@N04/24137042182/in/dateposted-public/" title="Tosowoong Cleansing Set"><img alt="Tosowoong Cleansing Set" height="429" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1551/24137042182_301f802ef7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As skincare has evolved over the years we've seen many types of cleansers come out. Regular foams, sticks, bars, gels, oils, balms, and so on. And then there's the powder cleanser.</div>
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Today's review is on the <b>Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash </b>and<b> Detail Clean Pore Brush</b>. You're probably thinking "What? A p<i>owder?!</i>" and I don't blame you, that's exactly what I thought when I first heard about powder cleansers. I didn't really believe that a powder could possibly cleanse your face. Thinking about it now though I suddenly realized that laundry detergents also come in a powder form, and <i>they </i>cleanse your clothes, so why not a powder wash for your skin?</div>
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Anyways, let's get started with the review! I'll go over the cleanser first, and then the brush, and then talk about how those two work together.</div>
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<b>Product Info</b></div>
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<b>Name: </b>Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash</div>
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<b>Price: </b>9900 KRW</div>
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<b>Size: </b>70g</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Description:</b> A </span>deep cleansing facial wash in powder form that effectively eliminates deep-seated dirt and impurities to give your skin a clearer complexion. This powder wash also helps aid skin troubles with its pH 5.5 content. It also keeps the skin well-moisturized to make the skin look more radiant and moist all throughout the day. Along with its pH 5.5 content also comes an abundant amount of Vitamin E to nourish the skin from within its deep layers. This will leave your skin feeling soft and fresh with a nice lustrous finish!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(taken from<a href="https://us.memebox.com/enzyme-powder-wash-cleanser?pdref=category"> Memebox</a>)</span></div>
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<b>Ingredients: </b>Corn Starch, Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Palmitate, Badger Oil, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Papain (140mg), Maltodextrin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Titanium Dioxide, Denatured Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Fragrance</div>
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At first glance the ingredient that caught my eye immediately was <b>Badger Oil</b>. Wait <i>what</i>? I tried to find more information about this ingredient and only found it in Korean, so the following information may be inaccurate since I'm still learning Korean and am far from fluent. Apparently badger oil is an effective treatment for burns. It is also a deep moisturizer and skin protective agent that can give your skin a "glossy" look. I'm not sure how beneficial it could be seeing as to how this is just a cleanser and it's a powder, but good thing to know I suppose?</div>
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In case you were wondering where the enzyme part of the name comes from, that's from the <b>Papain</b>. Papain is an enzyme that is found in papaya. It's effective at <b>renewing your skin</b> by loosening and sloughing away any dead skin on your face, which helps remove scars at a faster rate! Since it's also a light exfoliator, it helps <b>soften</b> your skin as well.</div>
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If you've noticed <b>Denatured Alcohol </b>on the list don't be alarmed- yet. I know we've all heard about how alcohol is horrible for your skin, and that's not incorrect. However, when combined with certain other ingredients and added in very<i> small </i>amounts, denatured alcohol is<i> perfectly fine </i>for your skin. Seeing as to how this is third to last on the list of ingredients, there was probably a harmless amount added to the product. It was mostly likely added for <b>anti-bacterial purposes</b>.</div>
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According to <a href="http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_3699218969.html">CosDNA</a>, this product contains 3 potential irritants and 1 potential acne trigger. </div>
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The Enzyme Powder Wash comes packaged in a matte, white plastic bottle with sky blue cap. The cap is easy to flip open and seems pretty secure. The bottle itself is fairly sturdy as well.<br />
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The powder is pure white and has visible granules. According to the directions you should use 1-2 grams of the product with each use. To be honest I'm not sure how much that is, so I usually use about 0.5 teaspoons. The wide opening on the cap makes it easy to dispense the powder, and I've never had a problem controlling the amount dispensed.<br />
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The scent is faint but noticeable. It has a detergent-like scent that smells stronger in the bottle, but once mixed into water and turned into a foam becomes fainter. I can smell it while I'm using it, but it doesn't bother me since I don't mind the smell of detergent.<br />
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When you're using this be careful with how much water you use! It's really easy to add a little too much, which results in a watery mess. The foam is very light, so don't expect the powder to lather up into a rich foam.<br />
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The directions state that you should mix the water and powder into a foam first, and then apply it to your face. I found that applying the powder directly to my wet face was too rough, and the foam was a little too gentle. Personally I prefer wetting my face, then partially mixing the water and powder together in my hands so that there are still some granules left, and then applying it to my face. The leftover granules result in a gentle, exfoliating feeling as I massage the foam across my face. However those with <i>extremely </i>sensitive skin should probably just follow the directions on the box.<br />
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There IS another option though, and that's using the Enzyme Powder Wash with the <b>Tosowoong Detail Clean Pore Brush</b>!<br />
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<b>Product Info</b><br />
토소웅 고급형 모공브러쉬<br />
<b>Name: </b>Tosowoong Detail Clean Pore Brush<br />
<b>Price: </b>27,800 KRW<br />
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<b>Description: </b>This high quality pore brush contains over three hundred thousand micro soft bristles that effectively remove deep-seated dirt to give the skin a much healthier and clearer complexion. These soft and fine bristles are dense and compact for a much effective, deep-pore cleansing process. This functional brush refines pores to improve its overall condition.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(taken from <a href="https://us.memebox.com/detail-clean-pore-brush?pdref=category">Memebox</a>)</span><br />
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The Detail Clean Pore Brush has a white plastic base that has a loop of rope tied at the end of it so that way it can be hanged up somewhere. Originally I thought that the tear drop shape of the "handle" was a bit weird, but once I started using it I found that it was really nice. The curve of the handle fits perfectly into my hand when I grab onto it to use, since its size is almost the same size as my palm.<br />
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This brush is the SOFTEST THING EVER. The bristles are thin and very densely packed, so you can ensure that the brush can reach your pores and cleanse out the surfaces. Rubbing the brush when it's dry across my skin feels like I'm rubbing my skin on a rabbit. Or a cat. It's just <i>that soft.</i><br />
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When I use the brush with the powder wash, I first wet the brush and then pour the powder wash onto the brush. I then rub the brush around my face in circles. I feel like the brush helps the powder wash foam up a little more than it does when I use my hands.<br />
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Let me start off by saying that the brush is very gentle. I find that it doesn't completely get rid of sebaceous filaments, but it does help with the overall appearance of my pores! After using the brush with the powder wash the pores on my nose look cleaner and clearer. Also any dry, flaky skin I had on my nose (which is really the only place I get flaky skin) is gone. If only it removed those pesky sebaceous filaments completely then it'd be perfect.<br />
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Overall:<br />
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The <b>Enzyme Powder Wash</b> isn't effective at cleansing my pores, and only offers some light exfoliation. If you're looking for a gentle, slightly exfoliating cleanser then definitely check it out! It doesn't strip my skin of any moisture at all and my skin always feels softer after using it. Anyone with sensitive skin would really appreciate this cleanser, although it's good for all skin types.<br />
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If you want something that can help you clean your pores, then the <b>Detail Clean Pore Brush </b>is worth a try in my opinion. I really like how it's easy to use, and effective at removing flaky skin and cleaning my pores. I don't know how it compares to other brush cleansers such as the Clarisonic, but for people who found the Clarisonic to be too rough might like this better since it's very gentle, even for sensitive skin. My only complaints are that it doesn't completely remove sebaceous filaments, and that it takes 2-3 days for the brush to completely dry due to its density.<br />
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<b>Where to buy:</b><br />
You can get both products at Memebox! The <b>Tosowoong Enzyme Pore Wash </b>is on sale for $9 <a href="https://us.memebox.com/enzyme-powder-wash-cleanser?pdref=category">here</a>, and the <b>Tosowoong Detail Clean Pore Brush </b>is on sale for <a href="https://us.memebox.com/detail-clean-pore-brush?pdref=category">here</a>.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The products featured were sent to me for review purposes by <a href="https://us.memebox.com/">Memebox</a>. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and 100% honest.</span><br />
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What do you guys think of a powder cleanser? Have you tried a cleansing brush before?<br />
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Thank you for reading and I'll see you guys in my next post!</div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-79141114215530507972016-01-13T23:16:00.004-08:002016-11-24T16:01:52.175-08:00Review | Miss Tutii Jan 2016 TutiiBag<div style="text-align: center;">
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It's interesting how far Korean beauty has gotten. I remember back when I first started blogging, there were about 6-7 Korean beauty shops. Two years later, there are now at least 10 shops, and a number of Asian beauty monthly subscription services you can pick from. Back then there were none. Kind of amazing how much has changed in just a little over two years isn't it? </div>
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Today I have here a new Asian beauty subscription service! <a href="https://misstutii.cratejoy.com/">Miss Tutii</a> was recently launched in the end of December, and they are a U.S. based service that ships internationally (and free U.S. shipping). Unlike most subscription services that offer only one monthly box option, Miss Tutii has <a href="https://misstutii.cratejoy.com/subscribe/">three options</a>:</div>
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These options include the TutiiBag (which I'm reviewing today), TutiiBox, and TutiiMask. The TutiiBag includes 4-5 deluxe samples or full sized products, while the TutiiBox includes 5-6 full sized products. For anyone who enjoys trying out new products monthly at a discounted price, both are great options. And for you mask addicts out there, the TutiiMask option will get you 6-8 masks for not just your face, but your eyes, lips, and body as well! In addition, when you pick your subscription service, you have to select your skin type (normal/dry/combo or oily/acne/combo), which helps Miss Tutii decide which products to include in your monthly delivery. This helps ensure that the products you receive are suitable for <i>your </i>skin type, which is a great customization in my opinion.</div>
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When it comes to subscription services however, there's always the question of whether or not it's worth it. Is the total value greater than what you paid for? Are the products any good, and will you actually use the products? These are the questions I'll be addressing today, to see if the TutiiBag is worth the $15 price tag. So let's get started with the review!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Note: All values mentioned in this review are based on the retail price of the product in its home country. These values don't factor in shipping or taxes, so it will differ from the price stated on the information card. </span></div>
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The TutiiBag for January came packaged in a lilac organza drawstring bag. I'm not sure whether or not this is the color that they'll be using for every month, or if they'll switch it up it a bit every month. I think this is a good way to package the samples since you can re-use the bag for future gifts!<br />
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Along with the bag, you also receive a card with all the information about the products included.<br />
<href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8009" www.flickr.com=""><img alt="DSC_8009" height="443" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1707/24284085161_e5caf3d462_z.jpg" width="640" /> </href></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128508733@N04/24258340942/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_8011"><img alt="DSC_8011" height="439" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1657/24258340942_56b04fdd6f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">There was a printing error this time and the hand cream info was cut off from the card, but that's okay! Mistakes like this happen, and I'm glad that Miss Tutii didn't print another set since that would've been a waste of paper.</span></td></tr>
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<href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8009" www.flickr.com="">In this bag, there were 6 products- 4 deluxe samples and 2 full sized products.<br /><href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8011" www.flickr.com=""> <href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8026" www.flickr.com=""><img alt="DSC_8026" height="684" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1507/24258339732_a537febe73_o.jpg" width="640" />
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<href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8009" www.flickr.com=""><href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8011" www.flickr.com=""><href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8026" www.flickr.com=""><br /></href></href></href>
<href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8009" www.flickr.com=""><href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8011" www.flickr.com=""><href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8026" www.flickr.com="">The first product was the <b>Tony Moly Aqua Aura Waterful Mist</b>, which is a deluxe sample.</href></href></href></div>
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<href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8052" www.flickr.com=""><img alt="DSC_8052" height="423" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1504/23739741693_b67ebc774c_z.jpg" width="640" /></href></div>
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<href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8052" www.flickr.com="">To be honest this is more like a full sized product, since the difference between the sample and the full size is only<b> 20 ml</b>. The deluxe sample contains 65 ml, which is actually more product than most travel size mists. </href></div>
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<href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8052" www.flickr.com="">The size of the bottle is perfect for carrying around in your bag, and hydrating mists like these are good for all skin types! I've used this a few times already and I really like the fine spray it has, although the scent is a bit more perfume-y than I would've liked. Overall though it's a good inclusion to the bag, and something that I'm willing to try and use.</href></div>
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<b>Value:</b> ~$5.36 </div>
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Next up is another deluxe sample from <b>Laneige</b>, the <b>Original Essence White Plus Renew</b> which is one of their best-selling products.<br />
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I've actually used this product before and found that it works, but its brightening effects disappear after you stop using it. However if I hadn't tried this before, I would've definitely been excited about this sample!<br />
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<b>Value: </b>~$10.30<br />
<href https:="" photos="" title="DSC_8037" www.flickr.com=""><img alt="DSC_8037" height="434" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1675/23998777589_36abf333cb_z.jpg" width="640" /> </href><br />
<href https:="" photos="" title="DSC_8037" www.flickr.com="">The next product is also another deluxe sample, and it's the Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack! Isn't the packaging adorable? Judging from the size of the sample, it's enough for you to use once. I haven't tried this yet, but I definitely plan to! In fact, I think I'll give it a try tonight.</href><br />
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<href https:="" photos="" title="DSC_8037" www.flickr.com=""><b>Value: </b>~20</href><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16.5455px; text-align: left;">¢</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16.5455px; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<href https:="" in="" photos="" photostream="" title="DSC_8044" www.flickr.com="">The last deluxe sample in the bag is the <b>Skinfood Royal Honey Essential Eye Cream</b>.</href></div>
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I don't know if it's just me, but eye creams take <i>forever</i> to use up, so when I saw that a deluxe eye cream sample was included in this bag I was really happy! If you guys know me, I'm a huge fan of honey/propolis products. I have yet to try a honey eye cream, but I'm really excited to give this one a try.<br />
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<b>Value:</b> unknown</div>
<href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_8019" www.flickr.com=""><img alt="DSC_8019" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1455/24074243830_14d26bd840_z.jpg" width="640" /></href><br />
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Now we're moving on to the full-sized products! First up is the <b>la glace épurant White Mask</b>, which is a whitening/brightening sheet mask (the name printed on the card is Collagen Sheet Mask). I've never heard of this company before, but it seems like they are a skincare brand based in Hong Kong. I like hyaluronic acid and collagen, and I like brightening products, so I'm guessing that I'll like this mask. Plus who doesn't want extra sheet masks?<br />
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<b>Value: </b>$3 (according to the info card)<br />
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Lastly, the second (and final) full-sized product is the <b>Secret Key Berry Milk Hand Cream</b>.<br />
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Unlike usual hand creams, this hand cream from Secret Key is made using donkey milk. Whether or not it's better than regular milk I can't confirm, but this is hand cream is quite moisturizing and absorbs very quickly! Also, I was surprised that it had a cooling effect when I applied it, which I imagine will be very refreshing during the summer.<br />
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<b>Value: </b>~$2.48<br />
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<b>Total value of bag: </b>~$21.34 (not including eye cream)<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This product was sent to me for review purposes by <a href="https://misstutii.cratejoy.com/">Miss Tutii</a>. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and 100% honest.</span><br />
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Overall, I think the Miss Tutii TutiiBag is perfect for people who are just getting into Korean beauty, or even skincare in general! All of the products included are ones that anyone can use. I'm very reluctant to get subscription services because most of the time they include products that I'm unwilling to use, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that there wasn't a single item in this bag that I wouldn't try. Plus, deluxe samples are <i>really </i>nice for when you're traveling. For their very first TutiiBag, I would say that it's a total success! I'm excited to see what Miss Tutii brings for their future bags and boxes, and hope that more and more brands are introduced with each month!<br />
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You can subscribe to one of Miss Tutii's subscription services by clicking <a href="https://misstutii.cratejoy.com/subscribe/">here</a>. The starting prices for the TutiiBag, TutiiBox, and TutiiMask are $15, $25, and $12. The prices decrease by $1 if you choose the 6-month subscription, and $2 if you choose the 12-month subscription.<br />
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Be sure to use my code <b style="color: red;">GLORIAUSDAYS </b>when checking out to receive <b>20% </b>off your purchase! This discount is good until 1/15, in which after that the discount will be <b>10% </b>off.<br />
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What do you guys think of Miss Tutii? Will you be trying out one of their services?</div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8394791320190751498.post-21763218084813687642016-01-12T23:02:00.001-08:002016-11-24T16:02:14.483-08:00Review | Benton Honest TT Mist<href dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" photos="" title="DSC_7907" www.flickr.com=""><img alt="DSC_7907" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1485/24240259882_ca4e052c98_z.jpg" /></href><br />
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Hello everyone, happy New Year!</div>
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I hope 2016 started off on a good day for you. I went on a cross-country road trip with my dad during winter break, and now that I've been back a week and school has started (sadly) it's time to get back to work.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">What I would give for break to last for a whole month... haha.</span></div>
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Today's review is on a relatively new product from Benton, the Honest TT Mist. This product is part of Benton's Honest skincare line, which so far consists of only a cleansing foam and this mist. According to Benton, products in their Honest line use honest, natural ingredients. The name is a bit strange (I mean, they can't really lie about the ingredients...) but if it works then hey who cares, right? So without further ado, let's get started with the review!<br />
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<b>Product Information</b><br />
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<b>Name:</b> Benton Honest TT Mist<br />
<b>Price:</b> 8,500원<br />
<b>Size:</b> 40ml<br />
<b>Description:</b> This mist contains Hyaluronic acid and various beauty ingredients to help improve your rough and damaged skin from stress and pollution with moisturizing and cooling effect.<br />
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Ingredients: Tea Tree Leaf Water (80%), Sodium Hyaluronate (7%), Tea Tree Extract (5%), Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadenisis Leaf Extract, Beta-Glucan, Poly Glutamic Acid, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Psidium Guajava Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Lichen Extract<br />
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Just from looking at the ingredients list you can see that hardly any fillers (unnecessary ingredients that have no positive effects on your skin, and are sometimes even harmful) were used to make this mist. Instead of using regular water, tea tree leaf water was used. Also a majority of the ingredients list is composed of plant extracts, which provide antioxidants, moisture, and a bunch of other benefits for your skin.<br />
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According to<a href="http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_e4bd218548.html"> CosDNA</a>, the only possible acne trigger is Butylene Glycol with low score of 1. I've personally never had any problems with this ingredient, which is commonly seen in skincare products, so I'd say that you shouldn't be concerned with it at all.</div>
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Here is where I would usually post pictures of the box but unfortunately I don't have <i>any</i> pictures of the box because my mom threw it away by accident. <i>Sigh</i>. But I can tell you that the box is very simple and consists of black text on a matte, white background. From what I remember there was a mix of both Korean and English on there, so people who don't understand Korean can still read the information about the mist.<br />
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I think the thing that makes this mist stand out from any other mists is its packaging. Unlike most facial mists, the Honest TT Mist is packaged in a plastic tube instead of a bottle. This makes it easy to slip into any bag since it's very slim, so you won't have to deal with awkward bulges if you have a thin bag. The tube packaging also makes the mist very travel friendly, even more so than a spray bottle. I've always been reluctant to take mists out with me if I'm using a small bag because even travel size bottles can be bulky in that case. If all mists were packaged in a slim tube like this one I'd probably be using mists a lot more often to be honest. So thumbs up to Benton for thinking of using a spray tube!<br />
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When it comes to facial mists, I prefer the mist to be <i>very</i> <i>fine</i>, which this is not. If you spray the mist too close to your face it's almost like a blast of water sometimes. As long as you maintain a 12-inch (30 cm) distance though, you'll be able to avoid spraying too much on one spot of your face.<br />
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I apologize if the mist on my hand isn't very noticeable. As you can see, the spray isn't that fine and leaves visible droplets of the mist on your skin until absorbed. I always tend to overspray a little because of the nozzle, but luckily the mist absorbs quickly.<br />
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After using this mist for awhile, I can definitely say that it's refreshing and moisturizing. Possibly due to the tea tree water and extract, the mist also kind of has a soothing effect. What I like about this mist is that it's not sticky and doesn't have a scent, which makes it ideal for anyone sensitive to scents. It hasn't irritated my skin either.<br />
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My only complaint is the nozzle. If Benton made this in the tube packaging with a super fine spray, then this would be the perfect hydrating mist in my opinion to use for any occasion. However because of the not-so-fine spray, I don't really use this that much when I'm wearing makeup since I always feel like the mist might mess it up. I usually use this mist right after I've removed my makeup for the day and before I exercise, since my skin usually feels dry after using my current oil cleanser.<br />
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Another thing to note is that Benton claims that this mist is suitable for pore care, which I assume is pore tightening, but I haven't seen any positive changes to my pores since I started using this.<br />
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Overall I'd say this is a pretty good mist purely for hydrating purposes. It's suitable for all skin types, it's travel friendly, and it refreshes, moisturizes, and soothes your skin. Now if only the nozzle didn't blast me in the face with too much mist sometimes, then it'd be perfect. Just don't expect any other benefits from this mist like radiant skin, or makeup setting, because it doesn't do that.<br />
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<b>Pros</b><br />
-Suitable for all skin types<br />
-Inexpensive<br />
-Tube packaging, travel friendly<br />
-Soothing and refreshing<br />
-Moisturizing<br />
-Scent free<br />
-Absorbs quickly<br />
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<b>Cons</b><br />
-Spray nozzle isn't fine enough<br />
-Doesn't provide pore care unlike it claims to<br />
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<b>Where to buy:</b><br />
You can get the Benton Honest TT Mist at <a href="http://www.roseroseshop.com/benton-honest-tt-mist-40ml.html">RoseRoseShop</a> for $5.76.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This product was provided to me for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and 100% honest. </span><br />
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Do you guys have any favorite mists at the moment?<br />
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I don't really make New Year's resolutions, but this year I swear I'm going to be a better blogger with more consistent posts. I'll try. So here's to my first review of the year and hopefully more to come! Thank you all for reading and I'll be back soon with another post~!</div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15567443345703451190noreply@blogger.com0