Review: Missha Geum Sul First Essence Booster

I bought this from my last trip in Korea after getting a sample of it. It was quite an impulse purchase as I didn't plan on buying this at all unlike the other products i got there. 
I was attracted to the texture of it as well it's herby smell and it seems like a premium line from Missha. Plus it was a good deal 2 full size bottles including full size day creams, travelling size of boosters and eye creams for the the price of 1. Seriously Korea, you are killing me.
I took the plunge resulting to 35kg luggage *though there were other products included, most of these essence and booster are in glass bottle. So you can imagine* Fast forward now I have finish 1 bottle of the booster and eye creams and i give away the day cream as I am not interested.

Bits of Missha claims (from MISSHA US website)

The highly-concentrated oriental Booster is for the very first step in your skincare regimen as it awakens your skin. It helps control oil-moisture balance, soothes to improve skin texture, nourishes, vitalizes, and purifies. Also provides wrinkle repairing and whitening benefits.
Made with wild ginseng, deer antlers and Reishi mushroom fermented and extracted based on gold. Contains Ginseng Water to nourish and moisturize dehydrated skin. Also contains Ginseng from Geumsan, Korea, which is famous for the best quality of ginseng around the world.

Sounds promising right! 

Ingredients:
Phellinus Linteus Mycelium Extract/Ginseng Root Ferment Extract Filtrate, Glycerin, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Ethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Arbutin, Propanediol, Betaine, Ginseng Water, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Acorus Gramineus Root/Stem Extract, Ipomoea Hederacea Seed Extract, Codonopsis Tangshen Root Extract, Pinellia Ternata Root Extract, Eucommia Ulmoides Leaf Extract, Daemonorops Draco Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-yuen Seed Extract, Ardisia Crispa Extract, Acanthopanax Sessiliflorum Bark Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Flour Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Velvet Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract, Honey Extract, Bacillus/Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Seed/Artemisia Annua Extract/Phaseolus Angularis Seed/Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed/Wheat Bran/Xanthium Strumarium Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate, Asparagus Cochinchinensis Root Extract, Cynanchum Wifordi Root Extract, Lycium Chinense Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Mineral Salts, Gold/CI 77480, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Carbomer, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Glyceryth-26, Sucrose Distearate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ethyl Dimethyl Silane, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Dimethicone, PEG-2M, Cellulose Gum, Arginine, Adenosine, Benzophenone-5, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Fragrance


I have to admit this is one of the longest ingredient list i encountered on a product I used... it does scare me a little. I do like that Ginseng is the first on list, and we got Sodium Hyaluronic and Arbutin up in the list as well. Lots of root extract which really give that oriental medicinal vibe or smell... although they do have Fragrance last in the list. Given the many extract I still wonder how much are really in it, especially when there is glycerin 2nd in the ingredient.

Personal Experience:
Colour, Texture and Packaging:
It is a water gel texture in light amber with gold specks infused through. It  does make me feel lush. Given the price, which was quite expensive, more so than the more popular Time Revolution line, it has to feel great.
The bottle is nice enough to display on vanity but the cap looks a bit tacky to me, lol. But the pump works great and it is an actual glass bottle, so quite heavy to travel with.

However, while this does feel good and I like the light water gel consistency... after a while I started to hate those gold specks. Since my skin is quite textured... I noticed some of the gold specks settle in my acne scars... I don't think the gold really does anything...
I heard about all these 24k gold facials etc... but in this case it does nothing... or maybe it just not obvious.
At first I use to wear this before serum, after acid tone/ mist... I think it works well in combination with my brightening serum... but on it's own it really does not do much other than hydrating and softening. But I guess in Missha defense it does what it supposed to do? Prep skin for the products to be absorbed better. I can't help  but started thinking it's basically a mix of ginseng extract and glycerin... which not to bad but not worth the price.

I don't want to say this product is bad, but I kinda felt slight tingling and irritating whenever I wear this, it might be the gold or the actual liquid itself. Overall it making me less excited to use especially when I have other better essence. But I just kept using so I can get rid of it. On the bright side it does not cause any bad reaction to my skin or flare up my acne.
Now I change to use after serum instead just before moisturizer which felt bit better. 
Another reason I change to after serum is because of the long list of ingredient and its texture. While it is quite watery,  the consistency is almost as thick as my current serums and my serums have shorter ingredient list so to be safe and wanting to get most pf my serum I believe it might be better to be worn after serum.

I even put on after moisturizer just so that I can finish it asap. But I think it's good under foundation especially the matte finish one. It gives an extra moist glow.

Neverthelesss it is still quite a dissapointment as a skincare product. Although I do notice a couple UK beauty blogger use it, so I am actually waiting for their review.

Overall I give it a 2/5.
Even if it is available to buy online in the UK, I will not repurchase.

Review: Nuxe Micellar Cleansing Water

So finally micellar water is getting the attention they deserve! A few years ago we only have heard about Bioderma Micellar and nothing else, but then the micellar storm hit the UK ... everybody use them now!

I thought I share a review one of the micellar water I used.






































BRAND CLAIMS:

PURIFYING MICELLAR WATER - GENTLY CLEANSES
For sensitive skin and all skin types.
This purifying micellar water with Rose Petals removes make-up from face, eyes and lips.
A 3-in-1 product, it cleanses, purifies and softens. Leaves skin clean, soft and comfortable.

Contains at least 97.4 % of natural origin ingredients
No parabens. Hypoallergenic fragrance specifically developed for sensitive skin.

INGREDIENTS: AQUA/WATER, ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER, GLYCERIN, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLOYL GLYCINE, CITRIC ACID, COCO-GLUCOSIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ALLANTOIN, CAPRYLYL/CAPRYL GLUCOSIDE, TETRASODIUM EDTA, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, LINALOOL [N2305/A].

I think the only ingredient that people going to have an issue with is the parfum. Though generally parfum does not irritates me. I like its short list of ingredients and I also like that it contains Rosa Damascena Flower water as the second ingredients, great for rose lovers!

Personal experience:
Packaging:
Good sturdy plastic bottle in pink... definitely suit being a rose theme range. Good cap and small opening so very little spillage.

Application:
Like a typical makeup remover, splash on cotton pad and swipe across face.
This remove all type of makeup including waterproof mascara. Not just it removes makeup well, it does not sting at all!!

You don't really don't need much to break up your makeup but if you want to really remove everything well that you skip second cleansing, you might need to use more like any other micellar water. 

I generally used micellar for heavy eye makeup or to correct makeup mistake.

Texture and colour:
Unlike typical micellar which look just like water, this actually like amber tinge water.

THE SMELLS!!!
I should have mention this first and foremost, it smell divine!!! Hint of rose but not off putting at all.
If you like rose smelling micellar this would be it.

Overall I give it a 4/5
I would consider repurchasing this but I just got a couple more micellar lotion at the moment.
This is really a lovely product though being NUXE  it is not too cheap.
Especially considering there's rise of micellar in highstreet/ drugstore.
This retail for £14.00 for 200mls.

Review: Ren Clarimatte Clarifying Toner

So after finishing my Clarins Exfoliating Toner, I am back on my Ren Clarimatte. I can't remember how many bottles of this I went through so I thought this definitely deserve a proper review.

Ren claims

Ingredient for those interested:

Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Alcohol Denat, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract, Linalool, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulfite.

At first I was quite confused with how they claim to contain Glycolic acid but it is not written in ingredients. For the record, I bought the first bottle when glycolic acid craze was still recent and I was desperate to get one.

So according to the website which is very informative

" Salicilin from Willow Bark gently exfoliates, purifies congested skin, reduces pore size, and is antibacterial

Glycolic Acid from Pineapple Extract, Lactic Acid from Passion Fruit, Citric Acid from Lemon Extract and Tartaric Acid from Grape Extract exfoliate, decongest and remove dead skin cells to renew skin surface"

So after a bit of googling I learnt about sources of glycolic acid other than sugar cane *the most common* which include pineapple and papaya. So Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) fruit extract is the glycolic acid, that make sense.

Is it because it is not synthetic glycolic acid, so they put in pineapple fruit extract instead in the list...

It claims "do not contain 'synthetic' AHA BHA" which to be honest I don't fully understand. They used the term 'bio-extract' but I would imagine other AHA BHA products would come from the similar sources but they still list the actual acids name. I don't know if it just REN marketing style, but I'm not too keen to pry into this and try to define what are synthetic AHA BHA...

While I was trying to figure out where the glycolic acid lies in the ingredient list, I also did a quick google on other ingredients which I don't know, which is not really a good idea...I don't recommend doing that.

It is like basically googling about paracetamol or ibuprofen and you definitely get the information about the side effects on liver,  all the gastric upset, hypersentivity and you could get scared about it for nothing. I've been taking them since childhood... as far as I know I am fine and dandy... 99%people taking this common meds are.

So things like Phenoxyethanol which is dub as an alternatives of parabens, while you can appreciate it's germicidal/antibacterial properties *a plus point for those with wounded skin ie. Scars, popped pimple, eczema etc...* you will get those warning of it may be a skin irritant and those paranoid articles which use the  word 'severe' too frequently. 

I don't deny that there might be someone out there with an allergy to any of the ingredients in any products, you just have to get to know your skin. You would not want to just blindly follow articles/bloggers.

Enough ranting! Sorry about that.

Personally I have no problem at all with this toner...none whatsoever.

It never gives me flares up and any active acnes seem heal/improve at least slightly faster. It is not really a miracle to be honest, but it definitely do not make things worse. 

This is definitely a mild acid toner, suitable for everyday use or good one to start off if you're new to acid toning.

Application:  So refreshing and moist and you don't need a lot! There is no sticky or oily feeling afterward and no dryness.. After months of using just Clarins then finally back to this wonderful stuff from Ren, my skin felt back into it's good momentum, I don't get that weird slippery feel like from Clarins. I felt comfortable and fresh and ready for the rest of the skincare routine. 

I applied with dampen *not soaked* cotton pad after cleansing day and night. On certain days when I I feel I need extra tingle I went for higher acid %.

So for those just starting to get into acid toning, I believe this is a good start.
Only GBP 13.00 for 150 ml and it will last longer than you expected.

Overall Rating - 4.9/5.0
(seriously, you can't go wrong with this. who cares the word 'clarimatte' does not make sense!)

Review: Eucerin Anti-Ageing Hyaluron Filler Night Cream

Today I am reviewing a night cream from the brand Eucerin.

Eucerin claims:

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream

Anti-wrinkle night cream with Hyaluronic Acid for all skin types 

An advanced formula night cream to target and plump up even the deepest wrinkles from within.The formula of Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream contains two different types of Hyaluronic Acid to target and treat all wrinkle types plus bio-activeGlycine-saponin, to actively increase the skin’s own Hyaluronic acid production. Concentrated Dexpanthenol supports the skin’s overnight regeneration process. Skin feels soft and well cared for.

EUCERIN HYALURON-FILLER

As skin ages, levels of naturally occurring Hyaluronic acid deplete causing surface lines and deeper wrinkles to form.
Each product in the clinically-tested Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler range contains a combination of high and low molecular Hyaluronic Acid as well as bio-active Glycine Saponin, a substance proven to increase the skin’s own Hyaluronic acid synthesis.
If lines and wrinkles are your primary aging concern, the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler range combines a potent wrinkle-plumping action with excellent skin tolerability.

INGREDIENTS:

Aqua, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter,Isopropyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides,Octyldodecanol, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol,Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone,Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Trisodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum

I gotta say, Eucerin provide one of the most useful website. They explain everything in detail and even include an ingredient dictionary. They also have this detailed list of what cream to use instead of the usual "Are you oily? Normal? or Dry?" :-

So now we don't have to be confused by the variety of product they offer.

This is a very rich night cream that is very suitable for very dry and dehydrated skin.
The reason I bought this in the past despite having oily acne prone skin was because I suddenly start experience dry flaky skin. This was before I use glycolic actively and was on daily BP gel.

The idea of hyaluronic acid for hydration was relatively new to me and I don't even know about the hype on Hyaluron that time.
So I just pick this up without looking into different brands. Unfortunately, looking at the ingredient, this is not the cream if you seeking for a hardcore 'Hyaluronic Acid' product.

Personal experience:

Colour: Off white cream

Texture: Rich and buttery and almost balm like.

I use this at night on top of my usual moisturizer whenever I feel it's not enough.
To be honest I was worry because this is way too creamy to suit my skin type but I admit I love this type of cream. So I always use sparingly to suit my oily skin.
The only issue I am starting to be cautious about now is the shea butter. The texture and smell the cream is definitely 'reeks' shea butter which is top in the ingredient list.
I usually tolerate quite well with shea butter but I think this might contain too much shea butter. And it does not help that I change my other cream with something that contain shea butter as well.

I never got break out from this. There was time I notice one two very tiny whitehead, which I presumed happen when I used too much. But it is not too bad... it is not a full blown pimple as usually by that evening after washing they literally vanish no bleed whatsoever.

After learning about the not so good thing about shea butter I want to be a bit more careful and I think I should avoid using this on the face.

Now having said that, this really felt good on skin, I cannot deny. It smooth out and hydrate all the dry patches and flakyness. 
Foundation just applied so smooth and give a good glow. I love using this when I applied makeup on my friends and when I experimenting with base makeup. 

I can't really comment about the plumping effect, if there is maybe it's not too significant... especially for me which has quite a 'puffy' face and I don't really have lines that too deep.

I still think this is a good product if you have no issue with shea butter and you don't mind the 'grease' look.
There is no problem wearing this even in the day and wear sunscreen on top. You can also use it selectively on areas with dry patches/flake like a skin balm.

Now this does belong a more 'mature' range in Eucerin, so it quite expensive for a drugstore cream... well I think generally Eucerin is quite on pricey side at Boots. So I would leave this cream as a last resort, because I think you might find cream with shea butter+ hyaluronic acid combination with cheaper price tag.

Price: GBP 26.00 for 50 ml

Overall rating : 3.7/5.0

And
 Happy Fasting to all Muslim whose welcoming the Ramadhan!

Review: Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

So today I am going to do a review on Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner.
If you're familiar with beauty community in the UK, this product is quite a sensation, as again highly recommended by skincare expert blogger Caroline Hirons.

Clarins claims: 

A fresh, fluid exfoliating lotion that brightens, smooths and softens skin. Regular exfoliation helps to strenghten the skin's resistance to wrinkles and maintain the balance between preventing a build-up of dead cells and encouraging cell renewal. 

Price: £25.00 for 125 ml

Ingredient:

Tamarind fruit acids: eliminates impurities and dead skin cells, boosts cellular renewal.White Nettle extract : tightens pores. 

That is literally what is written on website. You can check out here and here 

So this is known to contain both AHA and BHA; glycolic acid, tartaric acid and salicylic acid.

Personal experience: 

I use this during acid toner stage which usually right after cleansing.
It is an amber-tinge thin liquid/water-like. Smell nice, typical skincare smell.

This felt a bit 'off' on my skin, like this slippery feel I don't know how to describe...

It actually reminds me of how I felt using most drugstore pimple gel. This  may be due to either these two things or both concurrently; the salicylic acid or the alcohol.

Now being acne prone, I am familiar with salicylic acid way before it become the BHA toner craze like nowadays. I usually don't do well with salicylic acid acne products, hence why I use benzoyl peroxide for my acne and usually prefer glycolic for my exfoliation.

Fast forward to 3 years ago, I have used things like Origins Super Spot Remover and Effaclar Duo AI which contain salicylic acid and Ren Clarimatte contain salicin (willow bark) which salicylic acid derived from, which makes me think maybe certain salicylic acid is okay . That is how I end up trying this after learning how salicylic acid penetrates deeper for pores clearing, but I don't think this salicylic acid works for me. 

There is also an issue with the alcohol content in this, but as Caroline Hirons says it is counteract well by the glycerin. Well I personally don't felt like I was stripped dry by it. 

Hmmm can't really put a finger on this.

I do felt like I need to use more, as it dried so fast on cotton pad. I used REN Clarimatte daily before, compare to that, this felt slightly drier. Even the cotton pad used dried weirdly.

Actually, I was hoping this to be as strong as Pixi Glow Tonic, to be used a few times a week as the brand Clarins suggests, but it's milder than I expect.

Clarins 'How to apply':

Apply once or twice a week to a thoroughly clean face and neck with a cotton pad soaked in lotion. Avoid the eye contour area. Wait one minute before completing with your regular skin care routine.  

This is still good even for everyday use but I prefers REN Clarimatte Clarifying Toner. 

Overall rating: 3.5/5

(Still good but I would not repurchase)

Those felt Pixi Glow too harsh can try this Clarins toner. 

Those who couldn't agree with Clarins toner like I did could try Ren Clarimatte.

Note: I wore this twice everyday, day and evening. Towards the end I practically 'soaked' my cotton pad because I want to finish this faster to 'throw' it out (it's quite expensive). But I have never felt my skin becomes too dry or overexfoliated, and I do wear sunscreen everyday as usual, and thankfully there is no reaction. 

I am just saying don't be scared by it, but definitely don'follow my method. Lol. 

Review: High Potency Night-A-Mins™ Mineral-enriched oil-free renewal cream

Finally a beauty review. I finally finished this cream a few months ago and just finally got to type out the reviews. I am on a process to empty out my extra creams here and there, and try to limit stuff I really like. Now that I am quite serious about some korean skincare *I'll get to this in the future, pray for it* I felt I need to be more determined about what I like to achieve from my skincare. 

High Potency Night-A-Mins™ Mineral-enriched oil-free renewal cream

So High Potency Night-A-Mins™ Mineral-enriched oil-free renewal cream, such a mouthful name like most products nowadays is technically a night cream that claim to treat as well. This is the oil-free version, which I thought would be great as I can layer under my usual moisturizer. 

Origins claim: 

Put dullness to rest. Wake up radiant & refreshed. Now nature's famed night cream is newly fortified with a system of time-released resurfacers plus Vitamins C, E & H, minerals & moisture-rich replenishers. Helps the appearance of dullness. 98% of those who tested & used it regularly, agreed, skin was renewed and refreshed in the AM. Helps the slumber deprived wake up on the bright side of the bed. So why face dull skin. Sleep it off tonight.

This come out years ago, I think just before night cream resurfacers starting to become popular, you know those that claims 'Wake up to a more brighter, smooth complexion'. Being Asian with tan and acne scars, how can I not this ...

ingredients: 

water\aqua\eau; methyl trimethicone; butylene glycol; glycerin; jojoba esters; citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil*, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) flower oil*, cinnamomum cassia leaf oil*, ferula galbaniflua (galbanum) resin oil*, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) peel extract, vanilla planifolia fruit extract, valeriana officinalis rhizome/root extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) juice, linalool, limonene, citral; rubus idaeus (raspberry) leaf wax; foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seed extract; castanea sativa (chestnut) seed extract; rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract; coleus barbatus extract; triticum vulgare (wheat) germ extract; hordeum vulgare (barley) extract\extrait d'orge; panthenol; biotin; folic acid; pantethine; butyrospermum parkii (shea butter); simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) butter; cholesterol; salicylic acid; lecithin; dicaprylyl carbonate; aloe barbadensis leaf juice; dimethicone; tocopheryl acetate; trehalose; arginine; sodium pca; caprylyl glycol; linoleic acid; tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate; polysilicone-11; squalane; sodium hyaluronate; phospholipids; ethylhexylglycerin; tromethamine; hexylene glycol; ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer; carbomer; calcium carbonate; phenoxyethanol 

I am not gonna dabble too much about the ingredients, what I can simplify is I like that it claims to renews and resurface and brightens. It got vitamin C that suppose to do that with all bits of orange in it. Some may claim how Vit C is easily 'broken down' without a proper formulation,  hence questions how it still work? but hey ho... again not enough knowledge to share much, as I try to speak in laymen's term with positive consumer mindset. 

This also got salicylic acid to my surprise, but disappointingly quite down the ingredient list which mean that there isn't much? (assuming they list ingredient base on high concentration to low). But it is understandable since when this came out, the idea of daily AHA and  BHA is something very 'prescription'... you do that if you have issues and see dermatologist for it.

Another one that I would like to highlight is that this got shea butter in it despite being an oil free version. That is not right, if this is a normal version I don't mind. I personally don't react crazily to shea butter if it's quite down the list and if I use it sparingly, but usually acne-prone skin would like to avoid this. 

Personal Experience

Texture:    Gel-cream, light.
Colour:      Whitish-clear
Smell:         Quite fruity, not that citrusy, surprisingly despite all bits of orange in it.
Price:           £35.00 for 50ml (amber plastic tub with white cap, no spatula)

I usually wear this a few times a week at nights especially when I have acne flares and some acnes popped, so this could help skin recovery. I layer this after serum stage (as if this is my 2nd serum stage) and layer my moisturizer on top (with/without Benzoyl Peroxide in between).

I don't think this is moisturizing enough unless you are normal to oily without any dehydration which I don't think a lot of us are. Given the age of urbanization plus pollution and general increased stress, people are normally dehydrated, *lol at my generalization*.

This cream is not bad, but it is not groundbreaking. Despite claiming to 'resurface' the skin, I have not seen any significant result. ie. scrubbing/exfoliating give me better results. 

Those might be interested to try (given no allergies to the ingredients)
- Oily skin who wants a night cream with benefits but NOT into elaborate skincare regimen.
Best for those who want to keep it simple. I say this because I think this cream could pill on your skin when layered with lots of products. 

This does not cause me breakouts (true acne) though I notice 1-2 very small whitehead, which is not really a big deal to me personally, since I do get that whenever I wear too much product then layered with other product. It was fine if I control the amount.

So overall score: 2.8/5 (for the price, I don't think I can score it at least 3)

Current Skincare 'the 10 steps Basic Routine'... updates.

Thought I give a bit of update. It's back in uni... and I finally get up to update my blog again. To be honest, many things happen the past few months, both unexpectedly good and then the unexpectedly bad... although to be honest, I am not so sure if the the good thing can last which means I should be putting in more effort to keep it up. The bad news was that I lost someone, it happened too fast and unexpected. The worst was I wasn't there at the time. I guess that is what death is, we never know... never a second late or early, it will come when it's time. Generally I am okay now, I always agree on the idea that human pass death of another and eventually moved on *after proper bereavement*, although I always believe it's still a human tragedy to move on and eventually forget, it's sad. I even caught myself a few times and I know all I can do is pray. Now enough with the sad story and continue on the actual topic.

So I went to Seoul again last summer and from my last visit you know how I go on about how big South Korea beauty industry is and how there's a butt-load of products that actually worked great and at a very affordable price. So as I trying and adding some stuff into my skincare, I thought I update about my skincare a bit. Now logically, if I am trying on new products obviously there will be a variety of things I use from time to time. *I think a lot of people are like this, not just beauty blogger or editor* 

Now don't get me started on those who thinks it's a waste to buy a lot of skincare product, I know you got a point because we each have only one face but if you're into skincare why not? Some people invest in their outfit with designer label bags and shoes and even gadgets... I like how one of my favourite blogger Caroline Hirons encourage us to have a 'skincare wardrobe' and seriously, reading her blog and seeing her on Youtube just open your eyes about beauty etc. Seriously check her out.
So my skincare 'routine' pretty much follow a principle I learn here and there, although mostly inspired by her, Dr. Schultz and maybe some K-beauty, hehe. I will try to focus on laying out my BASIC skincare routine without commenting too much, I save that for other posts in the future. I also include links to the product so you can check it out.

Phase 1: Cleanse (Step 1 only at night and step 2)
Morning cleanser: only with gentle, non-foaming, gel cleanser.
I use:
Step 2: Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Gel Cleanser .

Night cleanser: Double cleanse with oil cleanser preferably to remove makeup and sunblock and then follow by a clarifying gel cleanser.
I use:
Step 1 :MAC Cleanse off Oil Tranquil
Step 2: Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Cleanser

There is also time I use micellar cleansing water. Sometime I use that instead of the oil, sometimes I use in combination. No real rules to be honest, but it is also handy if I make makeup mistake or when I play around with makeup. NUXE Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Petals


Phase 2 :'Tone' (Step 3 and 4)
This is getting tricky as this is the time I start to rotate between products. Generally I use two type of toner, a sort of exfoliating toner with glycolic acid and followed by a balancing/hydrating toner or essence which I look for those typically pack with antioxidant and good stuff that claim to 'rejuvenate' or 'repair'. lols

Step 3. First Toner - Exfoliating toner or 'acid' tone like how Caroline says it:
REN Clarimatte Clarifying Toner. I use this most of the time as it is very gentle.
Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner. If not REN I would use this but usually at night or in facial. This is slightly more stinging.

Step 4 Second 'Toner' - Since I just bought some new essences from Seoul and particularly those 'first essence' or fermented essence. I am trying those out one by one with a period of 5-7 days just because I think my skin kind of wreak havoc a bit in the summer with travel stress, summer weather careless skincare and the random use of samples I got, gosh Seoul is so generous with samples. I think it was too much for my skin. So to reduce the risk of more damage, I am trying products by changing one at a time while my skin calm down.Thank goodness I don't think it's the actual product causing damage. So I have not decided on one I would used more often for my BASIC skincare. lol.
Before this I use Aesop Parsley Seed Antioxidant Facial Toner and then mid July while travelling I use Caudalie Beauty Elixir.


Phase 3: Treatment and Phase 4: Moisturize (Step 5, 6,7, maybe 8 and then 9- *lol, I know right, quite ridiculous*)
Before anything I go for eyecare and lipcare first.
Step 5. Eyecare and lipcare
Just a good eye cream or treatment that fight ageing sign, preferably both darkness and lines.
MISSHA Misa Geum Sul Vitalizing Eye Cream (link lead to a US site but I got it when I was in Seoul. From the UK, online supplier is only option I think) and lipcare that keep my lips moisturize.
Eau Thermale Avene Lip Cream with Cold Cream


This is getting more complicated, even at times, I find myself baffled not sure of what to put on. I should have include the second toner in this actually because it is as complicated.
So this is where I always use the principle of LIGHT TO HEAVY in terms of texture. And after second 'toner', only stick to maximum 3 product, and plus 1, if I am using acne treatment such as Benzoyl Peroxide gel.

Step 6 and 7: Usually it's 2 serum, one for brightening and one for anti-ageing or antioxidant.

Step 8. Then acne treatment if I use one like Benzoyl Peroxide gel

Step 9. Finally follow by 1 good moisturizer, again pack with antioxidants and things that claim 'repair, rejuvenate, anti-ageing'. 

But currently I use:-
Step 6. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum.(This probably a compulsory for me everday, twice, day and night)
Step 7. Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-enriched oil-free renewal cream (I just want to finish this).
No Step 8, I'm not using any acne treatment at the moment.
Step 9. Grown Alchemist Hydra-repair Day Cream: Camellia and Geranium Blossom (the main moisturizer I used now, but I actually started using this when I travel to Seoul which was mid July. Together with the 2nd toner, it was quite a bad idea because that was the time my skin went wreak and I could not confirm 100% if it is good)

Seeing how much I repeat antioxidants and repair, you kind of getting the gist of what I am looking for in skincare. And sometimes usually at night or in facial (masks) I would change up the 2nd serum with oil or different cream like I do currently. Since I started trying 'first essence', it can be a bit complicated on which goes first so that is why it's good to use "LIGHT TO HEAVY" or thin to thick texture as rule of thumb. For example 'watery like toner to flowy fluid like some essence or serum to emulsion to oil and lastly thick cream.


Phase 5: Protect from the Sun (Step 10 only for the DAY)
I am one of those asian that hate the sun and always wear sunblock everyday, but just on my face, to be honest. Maybe because I wear hijab and covered up, that is an advantage. In the day I apply SPF 30 on my face and it must be a PA+++ *asian thing*. Even recently I just upgraded my lipbalm from SPF15 to SPF30 just to be consistent.
Step 10. Laura Mercier Foudation Primer Protect SPF30 PA+++ Wear this like sunblock with a sunblock amount, even if they advice you don't need much. You may not need much for priming before foundation but I need 2-3 peas size to cover my face from the sun.
Nivea SUN Protect Lip SPF30  In this case don't wear too thick, if you don't want white cast.


Miscellaneous  
In term of skin type, I am usually a bit more oily than most people and prone to acne but not as bad as 2 years ago. I still use creams and oils but not everyday and less than the amount recommended as it will be too heavy. Since I layer a number of products, I am careful of the amount and how I put on. I always put on little at my tips of my fingers, spread on both hands (just the fingers) and carefully smooth on. Not rub.

I don't do crazy extensive facial massage because it irritate my skin to breakout even though I know how good it could be. But when I smooth on facial oil, I do press on lightly and use this Facial Massager tool from The Bodyshop which is good enough because it still stimulate, but does not irritate my skin.

So that's pretty much the an outline of basic skincare routine and I will talk a bit more on each and do a post for at home facial etc.

Review: NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pad

It has been a while... as usual.. but yeah, since last summer things happen. I had to resit a paper, 'again' *the horror* in the summer and since it's like a deal-breaker for me, I pretty much just focused on study and staying calm and positive. Whenever I thought about doing a Blog Post I always felt a smack in my head asking me to revise for exam instead. So yeah... Thank God, things work out, I proceed to next level in my study but unfortunately this year is so much different, more demanding with classes and expected self-directed learning, so I kind of struggling at this moment. However, I always believe that "fanajplease" is one of my 'self-care' method so it never crossed my mind yet to stop doing this.

Since I started following Dr. Schultz on DermTV at Youtube, I have learned the benefits of Glycolic acid as the gold standard exfoliator. But since I have not much knowledge on what brands out there are based on glycolic product, I was quite lost and it doesn't help that Dr Schultz don't really promote any brand of skincare, but it was cool. So I just went to Debenhams because that time I only purchase skincare from there, *Origins* and I just search for 'glycolic'.
There was'nt many products and this was one of it and it was the cheapest I believe. Retail at GBP 12.95

NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pad

At first, I'm not really into exfoliating pad, just because I think I'll finish it faster like how I felt when I use facial wipes. Nonetheless, because I really wanted to get my hands on actual glycolic exfoliation I just thought what the heck! anyway it's not that expensive anyway.

For its price I think it's a good deal because despite the small size and thin pad you get, using one for the whole face is more than enough. The active ingredients in it: 2.8% Glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid and blue daisy. So this really got a good combination of mild exfoliation from the glycolic, hydration from the hyaluronic and soothing from the blue daisy. 
Using it for the first time I don't have any bad reaction and no irritation, it smells and feels so fresh and it just the perfect thing to have on skin after a long day. This remind of another point, I was told that this can be worn once daily... and I think it should be fine as long as you don't pile on other exfoliating stuff with it. I personally wear this twice or thrice weekly and sometimes followed with Benzoyl Peroxide as according to Dr. Schultz, this is like a gold standard combination to combat acne. And let me tell you, it work! I feel my facial skin rejuvenates and de-congested and the spots and acne just heal waaaayyyy faster than usual. Definite obvious improvement in smoothness even after 1st use, more so after a few use. As I usually follow with a mask after exfoliator, I don't do the same for this, since for me mask can be exfoliating as well and this pad is just good enough. I did send question to Dr Schultz and I was told that I don't need hydrating mask after glycolic treatment. Just follow with your serum and moisturizer. I love using this especially when I just don't need to bother to do the whole 'spa' like treatment with scrubs, mask, etc...  Very convenient!

Currently I am discovering more glycolic-base product since supposedly patent expiry, glycolic stuffs become more readily available than before. But again, from a consumer point of view, be careful of the current market as companies know women are into glycolic these days, they just slap on 'glycolic' on just about anything... Now foundation containing 'glycolic' wouldn't sound right, right?

Overall rating: 4.0 / 5.0 (especially because of the price and how wet the pad is)

Review: The Bodyshop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask ~ another dissapointment...

I never seem to learn my lesson ... again Bodyshop's mask dissapoint me.... this time with their Vitamin E  Sink-In Moisture Mask.  The Vitamin E range from The Bodyshop caters almost all group age and suits most skin types. Even among my friends this range has its popularity. I had to blame myself for finding reason to spend money through this... *erghhhh endless regrets*.

At first, looking into the reviews it sounds convincing, some even use this a face cream.... *which I would never ever recommend... it's not even a sleeping mask.

THE BODYSHOP Vitamin E Sink-in Mask - GBP 12.00

So where do I even begin???
From The Bodyshop 
"Sink some antioxidant Vitamin E into your skin. Bring skin back to optimum moisture level with this intensely hydrating mask."

There some degree of truth there... in terms that it does make my face hydrated.
I wear this mask after exfoliating and I remove it after a while with a wet/damp towel....
what I hate about it is the after feeling...
I always feel there still some residue on my face... and I don't want to keep on wiping my face with the towel as this is not good for skin, especially since I just exfoliated. So I hate that... it's uncomfortable.

The texture is like 'lumpy' cream... kind of like yogurt or milk that gone bad. It was alright, light and does not feel weirdly greasy or oily... despite that, I still feel like it left residues... hmmmm

Then when I pay more attention I realize it does stings when you wear it... I'm not sure if this is my skin or is it the product itself, but I don't have this same sensation from my other mask.
In the end, just like the previous mask I used this as body product... sometimes I use it like a mask, and sometimes like a body butter.... this doesn't change my impression towards this product.

I just want to pray that I would not fall prey to The Bodyshop mask anymore!

Overall: 1.0 /5.0

Empties #2

Finally finish my examination, seriously hope it's going to be ok....Since I've had hard time last year, checking exam's result is the most nerve-racking thing to do.... *and I have to do it ... errgggg ~~*

Oh well, since I finally got out from the cycle of intense revision and exams... it's finally summer break and I definitely doing my blog justice this holiday.

I'm just going with a post on Empties or finished product and those related...

I've been putting these in an empty Eason bag and can't wait to throw it after I post this up. 

I meant to post this earlier but just to find the time to take pictures of empty bottles... lol.. then again actually it doesn't take that much time. So here is it.

Empties #2

Origins A Perfect World Cleanser, Nivea Firming Body Lotion, Avene Thermal Spring Water, Origins A Perfect World treatment lotion

Origins A Perfect World Anti-oxidant Cleanser

This would be a new convert since I've been using Neutrogena gel cleanser for a very long time and my first premium face cleanser *quite expensive*. I thought I pick this up to add on to my Origins A Perfect skincare regimen and my I couldn't find the Neutrogena Cleanser I want. My housemate has used the Origins Checks and Balances and she seems to like it, so I'm convinced it's a good cleanser. So yes, it is actually a decent cleanser that lather up into a white foam. However I was influenced by a few beauty blogger/vlogger ( Chelsea and Caroline) about how foaming cleanser is not so good for your skin (quite drying) and soon a fter that I started to feel that the cleanser make me feel dry, hahaa! Although I would said it's not so drying compare to other foaming cleanser, so after finishing this I would again venture to  good gel cleanser, not going to repurchase this.

Nivea Firming Body Lotion

Okay, I'm not big on body lotion even  body care in general. I know's important but there aren't a lot going on compare to my face. But then I always believe it's important to have a decent body lotion. So I got this just because it's cheap *not thaattt cheap* and Nivea is good brand and I have used them before. This lotion is okay, nothing really interesting and has that typical Nivea smell *if you use Nivea, you would know* of body lotion *chemical milky kind of refreshing smell*. It has Q10, very common in firming & anti-ageing stuff. But overall I'm not so crazy to want to repurchase this and there's a lot of free body lotion I have to get through first.

Avene Thermal Spring Water

This is one of those things you feel unnecessary that you just chuck it away a drawer but then at crucial times it just become handy to have. This is the only facial spray I had tried and like I say just now, it's unnecessary but it's convenient to have *that's why I bought the small bottle*. I use this if I have to freshen up which is very rare and.... *krik krik* Then if I'm too lazy or late that I would not spend a mere 30 seconds to apply my regular toner with cotton pad, I just spray this ... voila! Oh and sometimes I would use this instead of my toner if I was doing any exfoliating/mask treatment just because I thought I would lessen the skincare ingredient on my face, you know when you feel you would overload my face with many treatment at once, and this literally don't have much ingredient *I think it's only spring water*. Other than that it's cheap and I definitely will repurchase it, this time in bigger bottle.

Origins A Perfect World Treatment Lotion

This would be my regular toner and I don't think I have any plan to stray away from this. From all the toners I tried this is the best I've tried, it's moisturizing, smell's good and it makes my cream went on better. I believe my skin works better with my Origins serum and cream since I started use this, more obvious changes. But I just had to say it, it's quite expensive *standard for a premium skincare*, but I'm willing to spend an extra money on this. Well, I know there's more expensive toner out there.

Clinique High Impact Mascara, Collection 2000 Longer Lash, 17 Clear Definition

Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black

I just love this mascara and this is just a sample tube. I thought I don't want to include samples in this post but this was happen to be there and I have to admit it's a generous sample tube. I did a first impression post on this *which I usually do for free sample* and do check it out. Not going to bable a lot on this since it might be just repeating stuff so do check out the post.

Collection 2000 Longer Lash in Black

Another tube of mascara and this is so far lame compare to the Clinique High Impact. But good news is, it's cheap as dirt. It was less than five or four quids I think. The only reason I bought this is because I want to have extra mascara if I'm doing makeup on other people and I had purchase the disposables mascara wands. wooooooo *makeup artist wannabe! LOL* So it's says waterproof and longer lash, I thought, oh what could go wrong and just got it. I was not impressed at all, and it was dried and almost solidified and when I put it on, it was still okay and decent but it does leave like black 'crumbs' *bare me with my explanation* on my lower lid. Messy. Not sure if it's just my bad luck getting dried one or what but I definitely not going to repurchase it.

17 Clear Definition

So another venture into trying something cheaper, clear mascara/browgel. Previously, I used the Bodyshop because I couldn't find any clear mascara/brow gel in the pharmacies back in Malaysia and premium makeup was quite expensive for me. Looking through the reviews online a lot says that it's overpriced for what it is and I started to agree thus I try this. Again, another failure! Cheap as dirt. It was so watery and don't think it really tame my brows, I might as well just use water.

Silkygirl Long-Wearing Lipliner in Nude, MAC Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapidblack, Nivea Lip Care Repair & Protect

Silkygirl Long-Wearing Lipliner in Nude
This was the first lipliner I tried and I really enjoyed using it. It's just a pink nude which just brightens my lip a bit. Quite creamy... but still drying. In the old days when I just started using makeup, this was fine and I enjoy the matte look that it gives me. Since I'm into high end stuff now and I have a lot lipliners and I have more demand of what I'm looking for in a lip product, I'm not going to repurchase this.


MAC Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapidblack
I got this as part the Packed to Go 3 Black Eyeliner, genuinely for the price which save you more than just buying it separately. First of all this is my first felt tip eyeliner and I'm not really into it because I just afraid it dry easily. Fromm what I read on the internet, most people didn't like it, not bold and as pigmented as it expected to be,which I agree. Although from the use of this I do acknowledge the ease of using a felt tip, that after I got rid of this and goes back to my gel liner, I had some difficulty since I'm so used to the felt tip. Despite the lack of of pigment, I still feel does last well  and set well as well. I definitely not gonna get this one anymore, if I'm thinking of getting a felt tip probably I will try another brand. Although I want to finish my gel liner first. *I'm not really an avid black liner wearer to be honest, but maybe I will do more this summer*

Nivea Lip Care Repair & Protect
This has been my go to lipbalm, it just simple standard lipbalm, nothing too fancy. Although I believe this one is more superior to other Nivea lip balm or even most lip balm I ever tried. It got SPF and repair feature which is really my kind of lipbalm. Since I started using Elizabeth Arden Hour Cream I had changed this into my day lipbalm. The only thing was that I prefer it's in a pot instead of a tube, because I like to use my finger to dab lipbalm instead of just put it on straight *when I'm on a go*. This is mostly because I don't want to ruin my lipstick and I' just lazy to redo my lips, especially when I'm wearing bold lipstick.