[Review] Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Intense SPF 50+/PA+++ – Is it worth it?

November 5, 2018November 21, 2018 KimLeave a comment

I’ve tried and reviewed quite a few cushion foundations in the past year or so and always still keen to try more. More lines are releasing more shades, which is really good to see, so they are more accessible for different skin tones.

I really liked Sulwhasoo’s Perfecting Cushion (reviewed here), so when people started talking about the Intense version, I was intrigued. It took me awhile to pick this up since it was very expensive and I was procrastinating for the most part.

I’ve used my first cushion (it comes with a refill) until the point where I’ve had to flip it over (if you’re an avid cushion user, you can relate I’m sure), so if you’re interested in hearing my thoughts on this cushion, please keep on reading 🙂

Claims

Source: https://us.sulwhasoo.com

An anti-aging cushion that helps your skin look firmer and younger with a healthy glow.

The precious Red Pine extract in Sulwhasoo’s Timetreasure line delivers powerful anti-aging benefits for firmer-looking skin.

This cushion features anti-oxidizing properties of plum blossom extract and help your skin look healthy and youthful.

Created with Sulwhasoo’s unique technology, Radiance Pearl Powder Complex helps provide your skin a bright and radiant glow.

As I’m in my mid thirties, anything with anti ageing and firming claims would peak my interest. I didn’t know the benefits of red pine at first, there’s a heap of information on their website on how it’s sourced and it’s anti-aging properties.

Red Pine, a symbol of longevity, is known to live a thousand years. Sulwhasoo discovered Red Pine’s anti-aging component De-aging Active (DAA), which is found in a minuscule amount deep inside Red Pine leaves.

I haven’t used any skincare from their Timetreasure line, because it’s crazy expensive, so it’s a great to see that Sulwhasoo have added their premium ingredients into this cushion. It makes buying it a little more justifiable.

Korean cushions are renowned to have a glowy finish and this is no different. It does make my skin look glowy and healthy, true to it’s claims.

Ingredients:

Source: https://us.sulwhasoo.com

WATER , CYCLOPENTASILOXANE , ZINC OXIDE (CI 77947) , TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891) , GLYCERIN , PHENYL TRIMETHICONE , ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE , BUTYLENE GLYCOL DICAPRYLATE/DICAPRATE , PEG-10 DIMETHICONE , CYCLOHEXASILOXANE , NIACINAMIDE , TREHALOSE , LAURYL PEG-9 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE , RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL , BUTYLENE GLYCOL , ACRYLATES/ETHYLHEXYL ACRYLATE/DIMETHICONE METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER , PROPANEDIOL , GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT , TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE , METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER , ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE , NELUMBO NUCIFERA FLOWER EXTRACT , REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT EXTRACT , PAEONIA ALBIFLORA ROOT EXTRACT , POLYGONATUM OFFICINALE RHIZOME/ROOT EXTRACT , LILIUM CANDIDUM BULB EXTRACT , SODIUM CHLORIDE , STEARIC ACID , TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE , DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE , HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL , POLYSORBATE 80 , HONEY , HYDROGENATED LECITHIN , BEESWAX , ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN , ADENOSINE , METHOXY PEG-114/POLYEPSILON CAPROLACTONE , COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX , PINUS SYLVESTRIS LEAF EXTRACT , PRUNUS MUME FLOWER EXTRACT , MICA (CI 77019) , TIN OXIDE , PHENOXYETHANOL , IRON OXIDES (CI 77492) , IRON OXIDES (CI 77491) , IRON OXIDES (CI 77499) , FRAGRANCE.

There is a slight scent, smells a bit “foundationy”, but it’s not strong and not the least bit offensive. The smell dissipates once it’s applied anyway.

Packaging:

The sponge cushion is housed in a typical cushion case but the packaging is what differentiates, making it pretty special. The gold edging and the shell-like cover with dark brown hues, gives it a premium feel. The base of the case is matte black. It feels sturdy and expensive.

Shade:

#25 Deep Beige (matches me perfectly). This shade leans yellow/warm so perfect for my skin tone.

Color range:

7 colours, up to #33.

Seven shades designed to give you a more natural and healthy-looking skin tone, with both pink undertones for a youthful glow or yellow undertones to help neutralize dullness.

Lasting power:

Around 8hrs with powder. If you have dry skin, you probably won’t need to powder.

Coverage:

Light to medium, buildable. I always use an airpuff for application.

Cost:

$110 AUD (with refill) from yesstyle.com *

Final thoughts:

Rating: 4/5 (really liked it!)

As mentioned, the finish of this cushion is glowy, the coverage is buildable to a solid medium and I really like that it (like most korean cushions) is infused with skincare, specifically in the anti ageing category.

If you have any imperfections that you want to cover, you will need to use concealer and powder over those spots as well, just like with any other medium coverage foundation. Speaking of powdering, with my combo skin, I generally just powder the t-zone. I haven’t worn this in the Aussie summer yet so not sure how well it would last in sweltering temps but it lasted well during autumn and winter for me.

So did this live up to my expectations and should you rush out and buy it? It’s a really good cushion and I really like it for all the reasons I’ve mentioned. Even though it does come with a refill, it is still quite expensive and this is where I don’t know if it’s really worth it. I already have a comprehensive skin care routine so having skin care in makeup is a nice plus but it isn’t a must for me. This would be very comparable to the YSL Fusion Ink Cushion Foundation (reviewed here) in terms of finish, price and wear time. But the YSL cushion is even more expensive because you don’t even get a refill. I would buy this again over the YSL.

I would say, that if you are a fan of cushion foundations, and you want to try a Sulwhasoo cushion and you like a glowy finish to your base, I would say that you wouldn’t be disappointed with this one. The Perfecting cushion has more of a satin finish and has slightly better coverage and is a bit cheaper so it’s just a matter of preference.

Have you tried this cushion yet? Let me know if you have any questions, more than happy to help 🙂

Please note: links in this post marked with an * are affiliate links. They provide me with a small commission, if you should choose to use them for a purchase, without any extra cost to you 🙂

[Review] COSRX – Clear Fit Blemish Cushion and Clear Fit Spot Concealer

October 1, 2018October 1, 2018 Kim3 Comments

It’s been awhile since I’ve reviewed a cushion foundation. I use them interchangeably between my liquid foundations and bb creams, just depends on what I feel like using on the day. Cushions are really convenient but they aren’t always the best value quantity wise.

COSRX released their Clear Fit range last year and since I really like their skincare, I have been keen to try some of their makeup. Like their skincare, their makeup is also affordable. So when they recently released a darker shade in their cushion, I was extra motivated to get it. I purchased the Blemish Cushion in #27 and the Spot Concealer in #23. I know that this isn’t the first makeup products that they have released but I was most interested in these products for reasons which I will get into later. The aesthetics and packaging is also appealing, modern, sleek and practical. The cushion has a black matte soft touch plastic cover and the concealer is housed in a plastic squeezy tube.

If you’re interested in these products and my opinion on them, please keep on reading.

COSRX Clear Fit Blemish Cushion – SPF47 PA++

Claims: Source: yesstyle.com

Using proven blemish-fighting ingredients like tea tree oil and Centella asiatica, the COSRX Blemish Cover Cushion helps treat acne-prone skin while providing buildable light to medium coverage to help even complexion and hide spots.

Ingredients: Source: yesstyle.com

Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Leaf Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Yellow Iron Oxide (CI 77492), Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Red Iron Oxide (CI 77491), Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Black Iron Oxide (CI 77499), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Adenosine, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Leaf Extract, Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, Madecassoside

Centella Asiatica the second ingredient which is great to see and tea tree oil is towards the bottom of the list.

COSRX Clear Fit Blemish Cushion - SPF47 PA++ — COSRX Clear Fit Blemish Cushion – SPF47 PA++, Mochi like cushion.

Shade: #27 Deep Beige (matches me well, I’m an NC30-35. It is just a hair too dark for me in winter but should be perfect in summer).
Color range: #21, #23 and #27
Lasting power: 9-10hrs
My thoughts: I like using cushion foundations because they are usually infused with great skin care ingredients. I still use skincare beforehand but I feel like having additional good for you ingredients is a nice bonus. This cushion has soothing ingredients like centella asiatica, tea tree oil, adenosine and madecassoside so it didn’t feel like I was making any breakouts worst by applying this on top.

My favourite thing about this cushion is the coverage. I wasn’t expecting much because cushions usually offer light to medium coverage at the most but this one blew my mind. I would actually describe this as being medium to high and I only use on layer to achieve good coverage. I feel like I don’t even need concealer for my acne scars when I use this if I add another light layer on troubled areas. The application is also easy. The mochi like cushion distributes the right amount easily onto the puff. The puff that it comes with is also above average, it’s a bit thicker and softer and feels bouncier when applying. I’ve also used other air puffs with this cushion and it works just fine. This foundation is comfortable on the skin and lasts from morning until night for me. The finish is satin matte and I don’t personally feel like I get oilier than usual when I wear it even though there aren’t any claims on it being sebum controlling. All in all, it’s so good, I love it!

Cost: $35 AUD from eBay. Doesn’t include a refill.

COSRX Clear Fit Spot Concealer SPF30 PA++

Claims: Source: yesstyle.com

This concealer provides medium coverage to camouflage blemishes, spots and uneven skin tone while also providing relief to troubled skin via its Centella asiatica, niacinamide, adenosine and tea tree oil ingredients. Creamy yet buildable texture lasts for hours without caking while SPF 30 provides ample sun protection.

Ingredients: Source: ohlolly.com

Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Mica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), 1,2-Hexanediol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Methicone, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Adenosine, Squalane, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, Madecassoside

This concealer contains the same soothing ingredients as the cushion, Centella Asiatica, Tea tree oil, Adenosine and Madecassoside.

Shade: #23 Natural Beige
Color range: #21 and #23
Lasting power: Around 3 hours
My thoughts: I tried this concealer a few times and each time I didn’t like it. Maybe it was because it was too light for me that it didn’t conceal properly. It really did not cover much but it’s described as offering medium coverage. Tried using it under my eyes to hide some darkness and it made me look like an old lady, which is something nobody wants! It made my undereyes and eyelids (tried to use it as an eye primer too) and it made them look crusty and wrinkly, and I can assure you that this isn’t normal for me. Each time I did this (because I couldn’t give up on it), I had to save my makeup by frantically pressing it in with a damp beauty sponge. Maybe this would work better for lighter skin tones, who actually use #23 as their cushion shade but it really did not work for me. It’s a shame because having those lovely soothing ingredients in a concealer was what drew my attention in the first place. It also didn’t last long, I felt like it slid away from the blemish or scar pretty quickly. Will not be repurchasing this.

Cost: $8.20 USD from ibuybeauti.com.

Swatches

Concealer is swatched (a bit too heavily) on the left. Cushion foundation is on the right. You can see that there is a fair colour difference between the two.

Final thoughts

If you have been curious to try any of these products, I would highly recommend the cushion over the concealer. I hope they expand their shade range because it’s soo good!

Have you tried any makeup from COSRX? Let me know your recommendations 🙂

Skincare I’ve used up (September 2018)

September 30, 2018September 30, 2018 KimLeave a comment

I haven’t written an empties post since March…uh yeah this year has really flown! When I noticed that my pile of empties was becoming increasingly more difficult to store, I thought it was about time I posted so I could get rid of them.

I’m going to be breezing through (well I’ll try my best to) each of them, otherwise this will be very long. I’ve reviewed some of it in the past and will add a link to the review where applicable. Most of these products are minis, which I think is an affordable and smart way to try out new skincare, especially if getting samples beforehand isn’t possible.

All products were purchased by me (except for the last one which was in a members rewards box). There are no affiliate links in this post.

Simplistic Skincare – Essence wonder

Reviewed here.

Cost: $49 AUD, purchased from liliacandberries.com

My thoughts since the review remain unchanged. I didn’t think it did much for my skin, even after using it up, I didn’t miss it or notice any differences in my skin. It is hydrating and absorbs very quickly. Nice packaging but won’t warrant a repurchase.

Goodal – Mild Protect Essence Sun SPF50+/PA+++

Cost: $9.81 USD, purchased from ibbi

After hearing the ladies at Glow Recipe rave about this sunscreen, specifically about it’s gel texture, I knew I had to try it. It’s a chemical sunscreen which is what I usually go for because I can’t stand dry and difficult to blend physical sunscreens. I’m sure there are more elegant formulas out there now but I just haven’t found one I’ve liked yet.

The gel consistency makes it easy to rub into the skin which I liked. There were two things that I didn’t like as much with this sun gel and the first thing is that alcohol is the 7th ingredient in the list (cosdna). I noticed this after I bought it, rookie mistake I know! I do know that alcohol is common in sunscreens since it helps make the texture more spreadable but I would still like to avoid it when I can. It wasn’t drying and didn’t smell like alcohol so that was a plus. The second thing was that it left my face dewy…borderline greasy. This could be a great thing for drier skin types but on my combo skin, I did not need the extra grease in my t-zone. Might be a better one for winter. Because of these two reasons, I won’t be repurchasing.

Fresh – Soy Face Cleanser (mini size)

Reviewed here

Cost: $20 AUD, 50ml, purchased from Sephora

As a second cleanser, it was a good one. Like I said in the review, it doesn’t leave my face stripped. It instead, left it feeling bouncy, hydrated and soft. Would repurchase. Keen to try more products from Fresh 🙂

MAC – Prep and Prime Fix +

Cost: $36 AUD, 100ml, purchased from Myer

This is a classic product which I will always keep repurchasing. I use it after makeup to set my face and to add a natural looking glow to my skin. It also helps melt powder into the skin, to mesh with the other elements. It doesn’t work like a setting spray (like urban decay’s all nighter) so don’t expect it to prolong the wear of your makeup. I just love the way it makes my skin look which is a good enough reason in my books. The mister on the bottle is glorious too, very fine. Good for use all year around but especially in summer because it also feels refreshing 🙂

Belif – The True Tincture Cleansing Stick (Chamomile)

Cost: I can’t access the order details but I think it was around $20-30 AUD purchased from eBay.

This was another purchase inspired by Renee (Gothamista). She compared this to the Su:m37 Rose Cleansing stick which I loved but can’t seem to find anymore. Anyway, this stick was nice, it had little bits of chamomile petals in it so it also gently exfoliated the skin while cleansing. I didn’t really feel it to tell you the truth. It did have a subtle natural smell and it was a nice sensory experience to use it. It also didn’t strip my skin but it wasn’t the most hydrating cleanser I’ve ever used either. I felt like if I didn’t apply toner right away, my skin would feel a bit tight. A stick last a really long time, mine expired before I could finish it. I think I had it for awhile before use and didn’t pay attention to the date.

I probably won’t repurchase this. I prefer the Su:m37 Rose cleansing stick and Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Cleansing Stick (Green Tea) over this one.

Amore Pacific – The essential creme fluid (mini size)

Cost: $25 USD, travel size purchased from eBay.

After hearing Liah Yoo and Jude (Fiddy Snails) rave about this moisturiser, I too also needed it. Especially when I heard that it contained 150 handpicked baby green tea leaves from AP’s own tea garden and that it’s a rich moisturiser disguised as a lightweight creme. Now Amore Pacific is impossible to get here in Australia. Managed to find a travel size on eBay which I probably overpaid for but oh well. I’m actually glad I only got the travel size because the full size is around $100 USD. I liked the texture, it was light and silky. My skin did feel moisturised but not that comfortable. I think it was the scent that bothered me, it smelt quite strongly of flowers I think, not a natural smell. Wish it smelt like green tea instead. For that reason I will not be repurchasing. Overall it didn’t feel unique enough for me to want to get past the scent. The good news is that Mecca, applicable to AU and NZ (I think), will be stocking AP products soon so it will at last be easily attainable!

Drunk Elephant – Beste Jelly Cleanser (mini size)

Cost: Came in a “Hit it off Duo” with the Lala retro whipped cream – $29 from Mecca

I wasn’t a fan of the Lala Retro but I did enjoy this cleanser. It is hydrating, leaves my skin feeling similar to the Fresh Soy cleanser, which is soft and bouncy. There is no scent and I like how the texture is jelly like, so it doesn’t get messy.

I would repurchase, but lo and behold, my husband overheard about how much I liked it and gifted me with the full sized product for my birthday, yay!

Drunk Elephant – Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil (mini size)

Reviewed here

Cost: Came in a “Night Brights Duo” with the TLC Framboose Glycolic Night Serum, $40 AUD, from Mecca

I’ve already repurchased another Night Brights Duo before I finished it. I almost bought the full size but since I’m between a few oils, I thought I’d just buy it later because it’s quite expensive. I love this oil, it’s lightweight, easily absorbable, feels nourishing as well as moisturising. I like to apply it at night after my actives or retinoid. I don’t feel like to I need to apply moisturiser either. There’s just something about it sensory wise, it feels very comforting.

Acwell – Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner (mini size)

Cost: $9.50 USD for two mini sizes from eBay

Charlotte from Soko Glam sold me on this when she curated it into their store. It all sounded pretty good, low ph, licorice and peony for brightening and green tea. Honey skin also sounded pretty damn good too and her skin is flawless! I actually really liked this toner, it felt gentle and my skin felt balanced and calm after using it. I don’t know if it alone gave me honey skin, which I still don’t have anyway. I still have another bottle left but it’s something that I liked enough to repurchase.

Too Faced – Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray (mini size)

Cost: Free with my beauty loop box from Mecca (member rewards thing)

I’ve wanted to try this for awhile because I’m obsessed with anything coconut and this has coconut water in it. Too Faced says you can use it three ways, as a primer/setting spray/refresher, but I used it only as a setting spray (because it was so tiny). It’s more of a hydrating setting spray than something that would cement your look to last all day. I feel like it gives the same effect as MAC Fix + and now that they also have a coconut version (which I’m currently using), I haven’t made up my mind as to which I prefer. I can’t remember if this Too Faced one smelt like coconuts but I remember it being pleasant enough. Because of its teeny tiny size, I only got to use it twice or thrice so it’s hard to remember exactly. I’ll most likely purchase the full size once my current setting sprays are used up.

Ok if you’ve made it this far, you’ve done well! Phew that was a looong post, a lot of words. Let me know if you’ve used any of these products mentioned and if you have any questions, please post them below. Until next time 🙂

[Review] The Saem – Cover Perfection Tip Concealer SPF28 PA++

August 19, 2018August 19, 2018 Kim2 Comments

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect concealer for a long time. I’ve tried so many different types, from different finishes, different colours and tones to different coverages. I use concealer for two purposes, to cover under eye darkness and to conceal blemishes, especially PIH (Post inflammatory hyper pigmentation) left behind by acne, as well as sun spots.

I’m happy to use two different types to maximum effectiveness for each purpose. I fell hard for Bare Minerals Serum Concealer early on, for under eye brightening, would highly recommend. I also really needed a high coverage concealer to cover my dark acne scars. Many concealers have failed this requirement for me. Till now.

The Saem’s cover perfection tip concealer has over 1500 positive reviews on yesstyle.com and is generally always on sale. It is available in 5 shades, which is pretty good, especially for a Korean brand. It also has SPF28 PA++ which is also rare to see in concealers.

If you haven’t already guessed, I really like this concealer! Please keep on reading if you would like to know exactly what makes it the ONE for me 🙂

Product claims

from yesstyle.com

Cover spots and blemishes on skin with this Cover Perfection Tip Concealer. The lightweight formula adheres lightly but perfectly for a flawless look. Infused with oxygen complex and glacier water to keep skin moisturized, and reflective powder to give skin that natural, healthy glow. SPF 28 PA++ sun protection.

The Saem - Cover Perfection Tip Concealer — The Saem – Cover Perfection Tip Concealer

Cost

$6 for 6.5g (usually on sale so you can get it for less) from yesstyle.com *.

Ingredients

from yesstyle.com

Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Talc, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, PVP, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Black Oxide of Iron, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Red Oxide of Iron, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Dimethicone, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Glycogen, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Mannitol, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Yeast Extract, Fragrance, Aloe Vera Barbadensis Extract, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Methylparaben, Hydrated Ferric Oxide, Citric Acid, Yellow Oxide of Iron, Ethanol, Glycerol, Sodium Benzoate, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Glycerin, Butylparaben, Yellow Iron oxide, Ferric Oxide, Butyl Paraben, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Ultramarines, Faex, Ectoin

This list of ingredients represents all options or variants of this product. Actual ingredients in a given product option may vary from this list. Ingredients subject to change at manufacturer’s discretion. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, please refer to product packaging.

Packaging

The concealer has a doe foot applicator which common with many liquid concealers in a tube. The doe foot makes it easy to apply but the wand gets messy very quickly. A lot of product comes out which oozes out after you close the cap so I need to wipe around it each time. I keep my concealers in a tray and it seems like a lot of the ones with this type of packaging has this leakage problem.

The Saem - Cover Perfection Tip Concealer - Doe foot applicator, you can see the wand gets a bit messy. — Doe foot applicator, you can see that the wand gets pretty messy.

Consistency

It isn’t runny and it isn’t thick, I would best describe it as creamy. Whether you apply it directly onto your face or on your hand, you won’t need to worry about making a mess.

The Saem - Cover Perfection Tip Concealer - I have two shades. Left is the Contour shade (matches my complexion) and on the right is #02 Rich Beige. — I have two shades. Left is the Contour shade (matches my complexion) and on the right is #02 Rich Beige.

Scent

It smells a bit florally if you really sniff it but it’s not strong or bad at all.

How to use

I use the shade named #Contour Beige for spot concealment and #02 Rich Beige for brightening my under eyes. #Contour Beige, when blended in, matches my skintone (NC30-NC35) very well.

I used to dot the tip directly onto my blemishes. Then I either used my fingertip or a small flat brush to blend it in. I found this technique to look too heavy because I’ll end up using more product than I needed. So I kind of put this concealer aside and forgot about it.

Now, I have a technique which works way better. I apply a small amount onto to the back of my hand. Then using a small flat concealer brush, I take a bit of the concealer the tip of the brush and pat it onto the spot I need concealing. I gradually do this until I am satisfied with the coverage, then, still using the tip of the brush, I soften the edges around the blemish so it looks seamless.

This is the flat concealer brush that I use to spot conceal. Don’t know what brand it is but there’s a tonne of brushes which look like this out there.

For highlighting, I use #02 Rich Beige. I dot it using the wand underneath my eyes, a dot in the centre of my forehead just above my brows and on my cupids bow. I then use a damp blender sponge, I use the small ones from Real Techniques, and gently pat it in.

To ensure maximum wear I always set both methods with powder.

Coverage

I would classify this as a full coverage concealer. This concealer can be used with a light hand to highlight or a heavier hand to conceal. I have tried western brand concealers which claim to be full coverage and they barely cover any of my dark scars. I’ve even attempted colour correct then concealing with these and they all fell short. This, however, is hydrating and provides excellent coverage without any cakiness. This concealer is also long wearing and doesn’t seperate on the skin.

Final thoughts

Rating: 5/5 (love it, holy grail status!)

There are so many pros to this concealer. It’s affordable, has SPF, hydrating, light, long wearing and best of all, it conceals extremely well. The only cons are how messy it gets with the wands and the fact that they need to have more shades so everyone can enjoy this incredible product!

Since this concealer serves both of my requirements very well, I won’t be repurchasing the Bare Minerals Serum Concealer. It costs $30AUD and while I like it, this Saem concealer can do the same job at a fraction of the cost. A little bit goes a long way so even though it may seem like you don’t get much, it does last if you use it sparingly (which is the most effective method for me anyway).

I can’t recommend this concealer enough. I can definitely see why this is such a popular product and would highly, highly recommend it!

Keen to try more products from this popular Korean brand. They source their natural ingredients from around the world. They have a tonne of makeup and skincare in their lines. If you have any recommendations, please let me know 🙂

Please note: links in this post marked with an * are affiliate links. They provide me with a small commission, if you should choose to use them for a purchase, without any extra cost to you 🙂

My favourite face oils

July 29, 2018July 29, 2018 Kim3 Comments

Face oils are a new discovery for me and I have Renee (Gothamista) to thank for my new found love with them. She loves applying oils in her routine and I can definitely resonate with her.

It’s been pretty cold here in Sydney since it’s winter so my skin has been drinking up basically anything I have been putting on my face.

I’ve decided that applying oils is my favourite step in my routine and it’s due to some fantastic discoveries which I will be sharing today. I normally apply it after my serum step and before a moisturiser, in the PM. If you’re interested in finding out what they are, please keep on reading.

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

This oil is one of Renee’s (Gothamista) favourites and I bought it pretty much because of her. I’m slowly trying out Drunk Elephant’s range and buying minis makes it more affordable since the line isn’t cheap. The Nightbright Duo (also includes T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum), which is still available, from mecca seemed like a good starting point.

Claims:

from drunkelephant.com

Like rehab for your skin, this wonder-working, luxury facial oil, high in critical antioxidants tocopherol (vitamin E), tochotrienol, phenolic compounds and flavinoids, and rich in omegas 6 and 9, helps to moisturize, rejuvenate and nourish skin while restoring a youthful glow. Straight from the “pip” of the marula fruit, our Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is untouched by any chemical or fragrance, natural or synthetic and remains in its purest form.

Ingredients:

Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil

Why I love it:

Cold pressed is a technique where the oils are obtained by pressing fruit and seeds, which retains its nutrition and efficacy. I love the fact that it is cold pressed and how lovely and pure this oil is. It feels nourishing, moisturising and comforting, like a warm blanket to my face. It doesn’t literally make it feel warm or anything, it just feels pleasant. It does give me an overall glow and best of all it is the most fast absorbing of all the oils I will be talking about. For some reason I thought it might feel heavy and not absorb on my combo skin since it has “luxury” in its name, but it’s quite the opposite. It still takes a minute to absorb but leaves no residue. Light enough to use during the day for people with drier skin. There is no scent.

The packaging is in a pump since I have the mini size and I generally use two pumps into my palm, rub my both my palms together and press it into my face. I use this technique with all the oils, only the amount of oil used varies.

I’ve been using retinol and AHA serums (interchangeably) at night so applying this over the top and sometimes with no moisturiser, really agrees with my skin.

Price:

I purchased this in a Nightbright duo which also has the T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum for $40 AUD from mecca.com.au. Both are 8ml. I recently re-purchased this duo because I love both products so much and adore the practical pump packaging. The full size packaging has the standard pipet applicator.

The oil by itself is available in two sizes:
$58 AUD 15ml and $105 for 30ml from mecca.com.au and from the brand’s website drunkelephant.com.

Urang Whitening Blue Oil Serum

I’m going to sound like a broken record but this is yet another oil which Renee recommended. Man this woman’s influence on me is sending me and I’m sure all of her subscribers, broke! As usual, as soon as she had mentioned it the second time, I was trying to find it online. Only ohlolly.com stocked it. Being in Australia, we’re disadvantaged in terms of accessibility of products which are only sold in the US.

Their official and only stockists, ohlolly.com has an absurd shipping fee which I refused to pay and this oil from Urang is already quite expensive. I scoured ebay and found a seller which also sold the mini sized versions so I pounced and here we are.

Claims:

from ohlolly.com

A masterfully blended, all natural face oil serum that brightens, heals and protects skin. Wonderfully lightweight and hydrating, Brightening Blue Oil Serum quickly absorbs into skin to energize and transform dull skin into a radiant complexion.

Ingredients:

Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Tocopherol, (-)-alpha-bisabolol, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil (*Organic ingredient)

Why I love it:

There are only four ingredients in this product, all of which claim to hydrate, even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and hyper pigmentation. The latter always catches my eye because I have PIH from pimples as well as sun spots, both of which I am forever trying to find magical serums for. I also love anything with green tea and it’s the first ingredient. Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E and alpha-bisabolol is from the bark of the candeia tree in Brazil. I’ve read that bisabolol is also an active derived from the German Chamomile.

Urang Whitening Blue Oil Serum – slight tinge of blue and is runny.

I have used quite a bit of this product already and I do feel like it brightens my skin. My whole PM routine is about brightening anyway so it fitted right in. It’s also hard to tell if this has really helped because I use other brightening products too. My skin does feel plump and healthy after use and I simply enjoy using it which are enough reasons for me. It’s a very pretty oil, I love its beautiful blue colour which is naturally from the chamomilla recutita flower. There is a slight scent but it’s very soothing and light. There are no artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances in this oil which I appreciate. Also important to note is that when Korean products are advertised as “whitening” they mean brightening. There is no “tone-up” effect to this product, thankfully since I despise those kind of products. They’ve actually now renamed it to be “brightening” now probably to avoid any confusion.

Urang stands for (Ultimate Radiant + Natural Glow) and the creator Jina Lee is an holistic aromatherapist and wanted to create a brand which would have natural, organic products and for them to safe for the whole family, since she is a mother herself. I haven’t come across any Korean brands with this type of notion and it’s really great that Urang has. The brand is also vegan and cruelty free. Urang sounds like the Korean version of RMS Beauty! I am definitely keen to buy the full size version (the packaging is so beautiful!) and try other products in her line. If only they were more accessible internationally!!

Price:

I bough the travel size 15ml from ebay *, $28.12 USD.

Available from ohlolly.com:
$35 USD for 15ml and $59 USD for 30ml.

Blossom Jeju 100% Pure Camellia Dry Oil

Claims:

from blossomjeju.com

This legendary, 100 percent pure Camellia Oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids to deeply hydrate and nourish skin.

Grown organically in Jeju island in Korea, the multitasking formula contains astonishing healing, conditioning, and antiaging properties to create a youthful-looking complexion.

Ingredients:

Camellia Seed Oil

Why I love it:

I first tried the Camellia Soombi Essence Oil from this brand which I really loved. It was another one recommended by Renee. Since that oil is expensive I decided to try this version which is marketed as being a dry oil. I think it’s actually better than the Soombi because there is no fragrance and is also half the price. It is fast absorbing and can be used during the AM. I only use two drops if I layer makeup over the top. Otherwise at night, I can use three drops.

Camellia seed oil is known to be light but hydrating and full of antioxidants. All products in the Blossum Jeju line are sourced from Jeju island, which is also known as Korea’s “Hawaii”. It’s common for many k-beauty brands to source ingredients from this island. Definitely an island I would want to visit if I ever visited South Korea.

Price:

$36 AUD, 20ml from ebay

Whamisa Organic Flowers Face Oil

When I was first discovering k-beauty, I read and watched lots of Glow Recipe articles and videos. Sarah and Christine really know their stuff and one of the major brands that they curate is Whamisa. They are well known for fermenting ingredients in their formulations so of course I had to try for myself. This product has fermented flower filtrates as well as a nice blend of oils. I bought a few products from ebay since Glow Recipe’s shipping is pricey to Australia. This oil is probably my favourite product that I have tried so far from the brand. Whamisa also now has an Aussie website so products are much easier to attain, yay! 🙂

I’ve seen this oil in different packaging too, a frosted clear bottle instead of the brown bottle which I have. Not sure which is newer but I’m fairly certain the products are the same.

Claims

from whamisa.co.uk

Organic argan and camellia seed oil star in this miracle blend of natural and organic oils which also includes olive fruit, jojoba seed, carrot seed, evening primrose and flower ferment filtrates. Improves skin’s immunity, elasticity and protects from environmental damage. Creates a natural barrier locking in nutrients and hydration.

Ingredients

from whamisa.co.uk

*Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, *Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, *Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, *Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, *Lactobacillus/Chrysanthemum Sinense Flower Ferment Filtrate, *Lactobacillus/Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Ferment Filtrate, *Lactobacillus/Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Rhizome/Root Ferment Filtrate, ***Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, ***Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, ***Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Anibae Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, d-Limonene, Linalol

Why I love it:

This oil has significantly more ingredients than the other three oils. And because of this, the fragrance is also more apparent. It isn’t offensive or synthetic, it smells natural. It does disappear once you apply it to your skin so it doesn’t bother me. Companies adding artificial fragrances bother me. There’s a great mix of organic oils in the ingredients list, Argan and Camellia Seed both at the top, it’s a good way to get a cocktail of them in the one go.

This is probably the least absorbing of the four, on my skin anyway. I generally use this in the PM and only use one or two drops because it is a heavier formula. For my combo skin, I am at the risk of looking greasy if I use anymore than this. With the right amount, my skin feels moisturised and I don’t even need a moisturiser when I use this.

Price:

$25.99 USD, 30ml from ebay *

Have you tried any of these oils? If so let me know your thoughts 🙂 If you have any recommendations for me, I would love to hear about them 🙂

[Review] Tony Moly – Cheektone Single Cream Blusher – #Mood Rose & #Pinky Coral

July 2, 2018July 3, 2018 KimLeave a comment

I’ve always had a soft spot for blush. It is the one makeup product (in my opinion) that can turn you from looking half asleep and zombie-like to fresh, healthy and awake. Just a bit of colour on the cheeks can make a world of difference to how you look and feel.

I’ve always used powder blush because it’s quick and I’m lazy. Since watching (way too) many Lisa Eldridge videos I have been recently dabbling in cream and liquid blushes. She’s an MUA, Creative Director of Lancome AND still finds time to posts educational makeup videos on Youtube. She’s all about natural makeup looks and letting natural beauty shine through over caking and masking the face. So she knows her stuff. When she said that cream and liquid blush looks more natural because it looks one with the skin, I knew I needed to grab some! I do have a few from different brands but today I will talking about the Cheektone cream blushes from Tony Moly. I picked up two colours, Pinky Coral and Mood Rose.

If you are interested in knowing more about this product and what I thought of it, please keep on reading 🙂

Cost

$6.60 each, purchased from yesstyle.com*

What is it?

It’s a cream blush which is long lasting and can also be used as cream shadow or lip colour.

Tony Moly - Cheektone Single Blusher — Tony Moly – Cheektone Single Blusher #Pinky Coral

Packaging

Tony Moly are known for their cute packaging. The packaging is what actually caught my eye with this product. It’s actually more modern and clean looking than cute, with its almost Pantone type of vibe. The case is made of plastic.

How to use

I have only used this on my cheeks but it sounds like a multitasker, just like the RMS Lip2Cheek products (reviewed here), where it can also be used on the eyes and lips.

I’ve experimented with a couple of ways to apply this and I’ve found that using a small duo fibre brush is the best way. I dab my brush into the pan a couple of times then I dab it onto my cheeks, just to where I normally apply powder blush. The more you work the product into the skin, the more blended and natural looking it will be. Build up the level of intensity until it is right for you. I’ve found that cream blush takes a bit more time to apply than powder since you can’t just slap it on but it’s worth the effort.

Performance

The product claims to be long lasting and I would agree. I have dry cheeks so I don’t set my cheeks, just spritz it with Fix + usually. This also helps to further melt the blush into my skin so it looks like one. It lasts on my skin for around 8 hours.

Even when I was doing swatches for this post, I found that it was still visible on my wrist after using an oil cleanser. It never stains my cheeks after double cleansing so don’t worry about that! Just keep in mind that it would be more difficult to remove compared to powder blushes.

Consistency

The texture is creamy and emollient. I thought it would be harder because they don’t appear to be shiny like the Lip2Cheek. It’s easy to pick up the blush on a brush or fingers and is easy to spread around to blend onto the face.

Scent

There is a slight scent that smells like makeup. I know it’s a poor description but its not bad or anything, just that there is a scent.

Final thoughts

Rating: 4/5 (really liked it!)

I really like the aesthetics of the packaging and best of all the product itself is great and performs well. I like both colours but if I had to pick, Mood Rose would be my recommendation. Both colours are creamy, easy to apply, doesn’t have an obnoxious smell and gives great payoff. I’ve tried a couple of korean powder blushes and they seemed to lack in the payoff department so I’m pleasantly surprised that these are so pigmented.

They are affordable and comparable to western cream blushes from brands such as Stila and Bobbi Brown. If you’ve been curious about trying cream blushes, I would highly recommend you to give these a go.

Please note: links in this post marked with an * are affiliate links. They provide me with a small commission, if you should choose to use them for a purchase, without any extra cost to you 🙂

What’s that smell?! Skincare and makeup which smell bad (to me)

June 11, 2018June 11, 2018 Kim2 Comments

During my journey of trying new products, I have come to know what I like and what I don’t like in products. One of the things I despise is if a product has an overpowering and unpleasant scent, whether it be by added fragrance or naturally derived. I wouldn’t say that I’m super sensitive to scents but if something smells bad, I’m not going to keep using it, regardless of how effective it is.

The following products I have ceased to use because of this. Just because I don’t like the smell of these things, doesn’t mean that the product is awful. If you like any of the products I am listing, please don’t take it personally as in the end it’s all just skincare and makeup! I also won’t be going into too much detail about the product since I don’t like them. Ok let’s go!

I’m Pro Ampoule Pad – Wish Formula

What is it?

It’s a cotton pad soaked in ampoule containing ascorbic acid as well as other antioxidants which help with brightening. The texture of the pad is supposed to provide a gentle exfoliation as well.

Ingredients – (cosdna analysis)

It smells like…

Soy sauce. I mean I love eating soy sauce but I don’t want it in my pores. I don’t know if I got a bad batch or what. After some quick googling, it looks like some people have experienced a funky smell as well but they haven’t described it to be specifically like soy sauce. I don’t understand the expiry since it’s in Korean and both dates have passed already. If it is indeed expired, I am thoroughly annoyed since this is from an actual k-beauty store. I really didn’t pay any attention to how it performed since I couldn’t get past the smell. My husband has also used it and the smell lingered even after he had applied moisturiser.

Price: $4.90 AUD each from boniik.com

Pop Blush – The Face Shop

What is it?

A powder blush which I bought in the shade Neutral Pop.

It smells like…

Chemicals. Straight up chemicals which doesn’t dissipate after application. It isn’t very pigmented and feels dusty when I apply it to my cheeks. A big dud on performance and smell. Cute packaging though, the flower imprint and packaging is similar to Clinique’s Cheek Pop blushes.

Price: $8.99 AUD from eBay *

Ultra Moisturising Sun Cream – Kicho

What is it?

A chemical and physical sunscreen which contains lots of plant extracts in a moisturising formula.

Ingredients – (cosdna analysis)

It smells like…

Apples and something else in a brand I will be be speaking about next. The scent has been described as “delicate” and “fresh” but I don’t find it to be either. Fragrance is the third last ingredient but it might have been in the top three because I found it to be strong. The sunscreen itself applied nicely. It was moisturising and sunk in quite well. But you could still smell it after application. I also didn’t like this sunscreen because it made my face itch a bit whenever I sweated. It gets pretty humid in Sydney so it’s normal for me to sweat and I didn’t enjoy feeling further discomfort ,and I knew it was from this because I tested it a few times just to be sure.

Price: $42 AUD from lilacandberries.com

Huxley essence and oil trio – Secret of the Sahara Light and More, Essence like oil and Essence grab water

What is it?

Serums, each with their own characteristics. The Light and More is an oil, Essence like oil is a thick essence and the Essence Grab water is a hydrating serum.

Ingredients: cosdna analysis below

Light and More
Essence like oil
Essence Grab Water

It smells like…

The scent of Huxley products has been described as a “fresh rose bush” but I have never smelt a rose bush quite like this one. The star ingredient in their products is the prickly pear which is a cactus. I have no idea what this smells like. The scent is very strong and perfumed, gives me a headache. The products I have in the trial sizes were duds in performance. The dropper is useless, doesn’t dispense the serums properly. My skin doesn’t feel any different after application. But my opinion around this is probably masked by the smell. I actually didn’t even bother using the oil. I also just noticed that alcohol is pretty high on the list for all three products. Alcohol in an oil is a bit odd.

Huxley is atheistically pleasing, there is no denying that but that’s where it ends for me. Pretty glad that I bought these mini sizes as a taster, I would’ve been pretty annoyed if I was stuck with a full sized bottle of any of these.

Price: $35 AUD from nudieglow.com (they have updated the pack since with a fourth serum)

Black Soybean Milk Pudding Sleeping Pack – Botanic Farm

What is it?

A sleeping pack which contains fermented black soybeans as well as milk protein and cacao extract. This pack is supposed to help brighten, hydrate and help with signs of ageing.

Ingredients – from sokoglam.com

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrolyzed collagen, Lactobacillus/ soybean Ferment Extract, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Monascus Extract, Milk Protein, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Glycerin, Urea, PEG-240/ HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/ Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethiconol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Aminomethyl propanol, Sodium Polyacrylate, PVM/ma copolymer, Maltodextrin, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol

It smells like…

It has been described as smelling like chocolates, delicious enough to eat…well I beg to differ. It smells like a biscuit or something, but not in a good way. It’s hard to describe it, all I know is that I don’t like it. It’s not as unpleasant as some of the other things I’ve spoken about but still not great. The product itself actually stings my face upon application and makes my face feel like it’s suffocating. The stinging does subside but by this time, I’m already stressed and my face is left smelling like a weird biscuit. Stressing out before bed is not something I enjoy doing. I have used and currently use acids in my routine and none of these have compared to the stinging and distress I experienced with this sleeping pack.

Price: $30 AUD from eBay *

Amazonian butter lipstick – Tarte

What is it?

A hydrating lipstick in a creamy formula. It contains amazonian butters.

It smells like…

Mint. Very minty and I hate minty lip products. It contains heaps of ingredients, one of which is peppermint oil. I bought the shade Park Ave Princess and it’s way too light for my lips. The packaging is pretty and I like the idea of it but the smell is a big no no. I can’t even tell you how it performs since I’ve only tried it twice and have removed it momentarily each time. I’ve tried other lipsticks from Tarte including their Color splash hydrating type and I really love that one!

Price: $24 AUD from tartecosmetics.com

Hi fi shine ultra cushion lipgloss – Urban Decay

What is it?

A comfortable lipgloss which is supposed to plump and hydrate the lips.

It smells like…

Mint. Here we go again. Peppermint oil strikes again. I received this mini size in a Mecca Beauty Loop box and while I like the colour, I hate the smell. It makes my lips tingle, I guess that’s when the plumping effect is happening. But I can’t stand the minty smell. Can’t get past it and don’t particularly want bigger lips anyway. I’m all about comfort and this does not feel comfortable at all. It’s probably a big reason why I haven’t found a favourite lip gloss yet.

Price: Free – Part of beauty box (Mecca member benefits)

Final thoughts

As mentioned at the start, if you enjoy any of these products and don’t mind their scents, then that’s awesome. I enjoy other stuff from the brands I mentioned (except for the Face Shop and Botanic Farm since it’s the first product I’ve tried from the brand), so I’m not dismissing the brand at all, just these particular products 😦 They didn’t work for me and I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone.

Please note: links in this post marked with an * are affiliate links. They provide me with a small commission, if you should choose to use them for a purchase, without any extra cost to you 🙂

The tale of two mascaras: Dejavu Fiberwig Ultra Long Mascara & Isehan Kiss Me Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara

May 26, 2018May 26, 2018 Kim2 Comments

This is the first product I have tried from either brand. Dejavu and Isehan Kiss Me are both Japanese brands. After hearing Gothamista rave about the Fiberwig mascara in a video last year, I knew I had to try it. I stumbled across the Heroine Make mascara while reading some blog posts. The brand has loads of different types of mascaras in their range, I bought a couple and this Long and Curl mascara was one of them.

I’m very particular about mascara and there certain things I look for whenever I try them out. For reference I have combo skin, oily t-zone with dry cheeks so I especially need for it to NOT smudge or migrate. I also have straight and short asian lashes which need a lot of help.

If you’re interested in my experience with both these products, please keep on reading.

Please note: links in this post marked with an * are affiliate links. They provide me with a small commission, if you should choose to use them for a purchase, without any extra cost to you 🙂

Dejavu Fiberwig Ultra Long Mascara

Price:

$20.95 AUD from cosmeticsnow.com.au

Claims:

from cosmeticsnow.com.au

A newly improved intensely lengthening mascara.

Developed with Eyelash Film Technology that coats individual lashes in a smooth film.

Features a smudge-free clump-free formula that incredibly lengthens lashes.

Boasts an ultra-long brush that reaches at the roots of lashes for thorough application.

Extends lashes to a long natural & separated “false lash” finish.

Keeps any sebum & sweat away from lashes for a clean perfect result.

Can be easily removed by lukewarm water with no damage to lashes.

My criteria:

I got very excited when I read the claims. It promises a lot and who doesn’t want super long lashes without having to actually wear falsies (which I hate).

Below are qualities which I usually look for in mascara and how this mascara stacks up to them:

Smudge-proof – Yes
Lengthening – Yes
Volumising – No
Curling- No
Waterproof – Yes
Flaking – No

Would I recommend?

No, I wouldn’t recommend this mascara 😦 It was quite dry when I opened it which is uncommon for a brand new mascara. It had some wetness to it but not all that much. The brush was a bit large so it wasn’t the easiest to coat my little lashes. I didn’t see any significant lengthening, even after two coats. I always curl my lashes beforehand so while it did lift my lashes and did lengthen them a bit, it wasn’t enough for me. I know that it didn’t promise to provide any volume but that’s what I look for as well. I bought it in black and for some reason, it didn’t seem very pigmented.

Overall it was an ordinary mascara, nothing special about it. If you are looking for something that will give you subtle lengthening which is smudge-proof and waterproof, maybe you will like this.

Isehan Kiss Me Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara

Price:

$14.40 from ebay.com *

Claims:

from yesstyle.com

Waterproof mascara coats eyelashes thoroughly for a volumizing effect that truly mesmerizes.

Curl lasts all day and does not smudge. Use lash curler before applying, and apply an extra coat for maximum effect.

My criteria:

The claims boast significant volumizing, curling as well as lasting all day. No mention of lengthening although it’s called “Long and Curl”. Below is how it fared against my requirements:

Smudge-proof – Yes
Lengthening – Yes
Volumising – Yes
Waterproof – Yes
Flaking – No

Would I recommend?

Yes I highly recommend this mascara 😀

The result is quite amazing. It does it all, provides volume, curl and really lengthens my lashes. Best of all, it last all day without smudging or flaking. I get a wide eyed look after just one application. It’s also easy to remove with an oil cleanser even though it claims to be super waterproof. It’s also affordable which is a great bonus. I bought it in black and the colour really translated onto my lashes which I really liked. I look forward to trying out the other one I bought, which was the Curl and Volume version.

If you’re looking for all these qualities in a mascara, I would recommend trying this out. Definitely one which I will be repurchasing in the future.

If you have any mascara recommendations, please let me know in the comments.

[Review] Wishtrend – Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum

May 14, 2018June 30, 2018 Kim1 Comment

I use Vitamin C for two main purposes, to lighten post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (PIH) and Post Inflammatory Erythema (PIE), in layman’s terms are sunspots/freckles and dark acne scarring. Ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid, in its pure form is generally a great antioxidant for this purpose since its a major skin brightener.

I used Wishtrend’s Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum for about 4 months and I’m ready to share my thoughts on it.

About Wishtrend

Wishtrend is a online k-beauty store who are under the same Wish Company umbrella as Klairs. They sell products under their own brand as well as curate other well known k-beauty brands such as Mizon, Skinmiso and more.

Cost

$26.35 AUD, purchased from Wishtrend’s eBay Store *

Ingredients (from wishtrend.com)

Hippophae Rhamnoides Water (70%), Ascorbic Acid (21.5%), Sodium Lactate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol

Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum – ingredients list and instructions

The short ingredient list was appealing and is what captured my attention. A past Vitamin C serum I had used also sold by Wishtrend, the TIAM My Signature C-Source, had a much larger ingredient list which freaked out my skin and gave me cystic acne 😮

Claims

The product seems to have undergone a reformulation though I can’t compare it to the original since I never used it.

With an upgraded formula with more of the effects but less the ingredients,
the Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum has been transformed to have even greater hydration and absorption without the stickiness. It conditions and restores balance to replenish and retain moisture in the skin with the optimal 21.5% of pure vitamin C.

Packaging

The serum is housed in a dark glass bottle with a red label. You get 30 ml of product and a dropper as the applicator. It seems like this type of packaging is common amongst Vitamin C serums. I guess its more cost effective than using (innovative) packaging like Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Day Serum. With this type of packaging, its easy to let air into the product, and since ascorbic acid is naturally unstable and can easily oxidise, you need to make sure you keep this serum in the fridge (instructed on the box) and seal it up as soon as you’re done.

How to use

Since I keep the serum in my fridge I need to remember to walk over there and grab it. This was a pain and something I never got used to doing. I have a full time job and not a lot of time to get ready in the morning (because I prefer to sleep) so having to go grab it was always a nuisance.

There are some in instructions in English on the back on how to use but this is how I use it. After cleansing and drying my face, I would dispense two or three drops into the palm of my hand. I would then frantically close the bottle to prevent air from entering the bottle. Then using my index finger, I would start to spot treat areas where I have pigmentation spots caused either from the sun or acne.

Once I’ve spot treated the affected areas, I would rub my palms together and pat the leftover product onto the rest of my face. This stuff absorbs fast so you need to work quickly. I would then promptly return the serum and its box to the fridge in fear of oxidation. I would then continue with the rest of my routine. There is an area of debate whether niacinamide and vitamin c would lose efficacy if used in the same routine, so I just tend to not use essence (mine contains niacinamide) in the mornings when I’m using vitamin c, just as a precautionary.

~~Something to note which is quite important is that ascorbic acid can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Especially in such a large dose as this one.~~ If you are using this during the day, you HAVE to wear sunscreen. Its a non negotiable. This is also the case when using any type of acid which chemically exfoliates the skin. Update: Acids increases sensitivity because you are basically shedding skin. Vitamin C actually boosts the effectiveness of your sunscreen so it’s still important to wear it.

Consistency

Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum - ingredients list and instructions — Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum – watery consistency

It is runny with no viscosity which I see as good and bad. Good because it’s easily absorbable and bad because it can get tricky with application (the whole trying to screw the cap back with one hand thing). The good outweighs the bad in this case. True to the claims, it does not leave any sticky residue.

In its freshest form and by keeping in the fridge, the colour should remain clear. If this changes to anything else, it means the serum has oxidised and is no longer effective. As mentioned, I had mine for 4 months and it still maintained its translucency.

Scent

Smells very slightly of chemicals which dissipates on contact with the skin.

The TIAM My Signature C-Source, smelt like oranges which I didn’t mind either, the product just didn’t work for me. I’ve also used the Klairs Freshly Juiced, and while the name sounds like something that would smell pleasant, it smelt like iron which was unpleasant. The Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum also smelt like this (why?!).

Final thoughts

Rating: 3/5 (it's ok but will not repurchase)

I was afraid that this serum would break me out like the Tiam one did but luckily it didn’t. It also didn’t cause any irritation.

In terms of effectiveness, I didn’t see any significant changes over the 4 months I used it. I applied it every other morning because it had such a high percentage of ascorbic acid. I liked its elegant consistency because it felt like nothing once applied and also appreciated that it had little to no scent. Perhaps my overall skin did appear brighter but I needed more than that, especially at 21.5%. With humectants such as sodium hyaluronate and panthenol within the ingredients list I would’ve expected to also feel some hydration but I didn’t.

Not seeing any significant lightening of my spots wasn’t the main issue I had with it, and its probably not all this serum’s fault. As I mentioned, using vitamin c during the day can cause sensitivity to the sun. I ALWAYS wear sunscreen but I felt like with such a high dose of ascorbic acid, one application of sunscreen in the morning just wasn’t enough. I work in an office and only pop out a couple of times before the sun goes down. I know these are lame reasons but I just don’t reapply sunscreen. I felt like I was getting more sensitive to the sun (we are closer to the ozone hole here in oz) and I’m pretty certain that this vitamin c serum is what was causing it. I saw a couple more sun spots appear and my PIE and PIH just weren’t getting any lighter even though I adequately slather sunscreen on my face. Don’t get me wrong, when I do get regular sun exposure I do reapply, but on work days when I have a face full of makeup, I just don’t.

I guess I could still use it at night but I already have serums which like to use and have proven to be more effective (for different purposes). I have also read that using vitamin c serums during the day can also have other benefits like helping fight free radicals and protection against environmental pollutants.

I think that this has been my final experiment with vitamin c serums for awhile. The fact that it’s also so (so!) high maintenance deters me from using it. Keeping it in the fridge and limiting its exposure to air is a pain because I’m simply lazy. They usually have a life span of 3 months (less if you don’t refrigerate) anyway so having to repurchase would also get expensive and annoying. Again if I did see results I could possibly continue to overlook the inconveniences and repurchase but the cons really outweighed the pros.

I’m perfectly ok to use skincare where ascorbic acid (or its derivates) isn’t the main ingredient like in moisturisers and serums/ampoules so I’m not dissing it completely. I’ve just concluded that my skin is too sensitive for it when it’s in its purest form which is sad 😦

Have you tried any vitamin c serums and how did they work out for you? Would love to hear about your experiences in the comments 🙂

Please note: links in this post marked with an * are affiliate links. They provide me with a small commission, if you should choose to use them for a purchase, without any extra cost to you 🙂

[Review] Essence Wonder by Simplistic Skin Care

May 6, 2018May 6, 2018 Kim1 Comment

I have been using this essence for about 6 months now and since I’m fast approaching its end, its probably a good opportunity to share my thoughts on it.

This is the first product I’ve tried from Simplistic Skin Care. I was browsing around lilacandberries.com, a k-beauty online store based in Sydney. I couldn’t find much information about Simplistic but from what I can gather from the website, they are a company which focusses on using natural ingredients (vegan) and without harmful substances in their products. They only make products which they feel can be used in the daily lives of people, so no gimmicky products here.

Please keep on reading if you are interested in hearing more about this essence.

Cost

$49 AUD, purchased from liliacandberries.com

Ingredients (from lilacandberries.com)

Amaranthus Hypochondriacus Seed Extract, Butylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glutathione, Pinus Radiata Bark Extract, Beta-Glucan, Allantoin, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Soy Isoflavones, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA

Claims

This essence claims to:

– speeds up wound healing, soothes and calms skin
– locking in natural moisture and helps repair your moisture barrier\
– helps to moisturize and exfoliate old skin cells by penetrating to the deepest layers of your skin
– maintains your skin’s water balance which makes your skin appear healthy, moist, radiant and supple.
– evens out your skin’s texture
– soothes and anti inflammations
– improves skin’s elasticity
– reduces pigmentation and scars
– promotes collagen for a more radiant and flawless complexion
– soothes and calms your skin’s redness

Packaging

This is what attracted me to the product. The flask like yet medicinal look of it with the wooden cap was unique. Normally essences are commonly housed in cylindrical shaped glass bottles. I thought this would be frosted glass but its actually sturdy plastic. The cap is faux wood and gives it a natural effect. The label is minimal and modern, reflecting what the company stands for. I’m actually glad it’s plastic because it can be knocked about in a suitcase. I took it with me on holidays over Christmas and it was fuss free.

How to use

On the back there are three illustrated steps in korean which I can’t understand. However, the illustrations are pretty self explanatory and if you are an experienced essence user, then it’s the same principles.

I always use it the same way as I would use any essence. I would pour two or three drops into my palm, rub my hands together and gently pat my face for absorption. Sometimes I would follow with another layer but generally it would only be one because I have a few more steps to do in my routine. You could use a cotton pad if you were in a hurry but I wouldn’t recommend it since you waste some of the product.

Consistency

Its consistency is runny. It has an intended amber tinge to it which doesn’t translate once applied. Because it’s so runny I would recommend only using a few drops (2-3) at a time and layering if you want to add more.

Scent

Zero fragrance so great for sensitive skin.

Final thoughts

Rating: 3/5 (it's ok but will not repurchase)

As mentioned at the start of this post, I’m almost at the end of the bottle and I’m not sad about it. Which is a bit of shame since there are some really nice ingredients in this product.

I like the packaging and the fact that it’s fragrance free and didn’t break me out. However I didn’t really see much of an effect on my skin over time. 6 months is fair amount of time to test something too and I did use this twice a day consistently. The claims seem quite extensive which is what sparked my curiosity in the first place. If anything, I did feel that my face felt and looked slightly more hydrated but that’s about it. I didn’t see any real brightening of dark spots or my skin texture being more even etc.

The first essence I used is the cult favourite Missha FTE (intensive moist) and with that one I could see immediate brightening and skin evening results. If I were to choose which one to repurchase, it would be the Missha one. They are also similarly priced and are both 150ml.

Have you tried anything from this line? Let me know what you think 🙂 Also if you have any essence recommendations for me, please let me know in the comments.