[Monthly Project] #10 June 2017 Empties

Monthly Project (June 2017)

#10 June 2017 Empties

Hello peeps! Welcome back to another empties product review. It sure had me took me a long time to upload this.. Anyways (heh) ^^.

① ISKIN's Balancing Toner

(click here for full product review)

Strength(s) : Mild and gentle on the skin, leaves the skin clean and fresh.
Weakness(es) : High end pricing but moderate packaging quality.
Final rating : 2.5 / 5
Repurchase? Honestly, I won't repurchase if using my own money. Since I got it as my "staff benefit", I would say it is one of the recommended items among the series.

② The Face Shop's FACE it Primer Moisture Fitting

Strength(s) : Provide moisture fitting makeup base/primer.
Weakness(es) : Moderate product, lack of "wow" factor.
Final rating : 1.5 / 5
Repurchase? Nope, anyway I believ this product has been discontinued.

③ Innisfree's No-Sebum Mineral Powder

Strength(s) : Mattify and set makeup nicely, provide oil-cut smooth makeup effect, price affordable.
Weakness(es) : Using the puff given might get powder patches, try use makeup brush instead. ☺
Final rating : 5 / 5
Repurchase? Yes, provided it is still on the shelf!

④ Nature Republic's Micro Slim Brow Pencil 03 Soft Brown

(click here for full product review)

Strength(s) : Super slim pencil which enable to draw strokes that mimics natural eyebrow.
Weakness(es) : Packaging is too small like I could finished the product within a month (nawwww).
Final rating : 4 / 5
Repurchase? Yes.

⑤ Innisfree's Always New Auto Liner 03 낙엽이 쌓여가는길 (above)

Strength(s) : Creamy formula, excellent color payoff, "always new" design by turning the cap itself to sharpen the pencil is brilliant!
Weakness(es) : The cap is hard to close tight (in fact I broke the pencil inside for a few times because of that zzz).
Final rating : 3.5 / 5
Repurchase? Yes.

⑥ Tony Moly's Make HD Hair Color Cream (Orange Brown / 8OR) (first trial)

Comment : The color payoff right after first hair wash was pretty impressive (cause I love orange hair color!). However, the color starts to fade away in the next 2 days, leaving a natural brown-tone hair color (hmm).
Repurchase? Nope. Just for a try. ☺

⑦ Holika Holika's Black Snail Repair Cream (sample)

Comment : Super rich moisturizing cream (that's all I remember heh).
Purchase full size? Personally not really fancy about snail cream, so nope.

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Wow, that's a quick one. What do you think?

Don't be shy and be sure to leave a comment below ^_^

'Til the next time. Cheers!

[Monthly Project] #9 Simple 1-2-3 Routine: Evening Skincare Routine 🌇

Monthly Project (June 2017)

#9 Simple 1-2-3 Routine: Evening Skincare Routine

Good evening peeps! Ready for bed? Uh-uh, not just yet.

A continuation of what we left in previous #MonthlyProject, this time round we are going to get into the evening skincare routine (whoo-hoo!)

Question: What is the biggest difference between morning & evening skincare routine?

In my opinion, the sun protection factor (SPF) would be the biggest difference between these two routines. Obviously you wouldn't need SPF in the night time, right? :D

Without further delay, let's reveal my simple 1-2-3 evening skincare routine!

① Tone > ② Eye care > ③ Moisturize

This is just a simple demonstration on my evening skincare routine, so I will not include removing makeup and cleansing process (yes, it is important as well). Tonight I would rather skip that part and share with you starting from the toning step.

Step ①, tone your skin.

The reason is the same as what we had mentioned in last month. One, to remove dirt or any other stubborn residue after cleansing. Two, to prepare your skin to better absorb products you gonna apply later on.

In the morning, I'm using Son & Park's Beauty Water as toner. Meanwhile, I'm using ISKIN's Balancing Toner in the evening. Reason being Son & Park's Beauty Water is best advised to use before makeup for it to last longer. On the other hand, I wish to balance out skin's pH in the evening after a long day wearing makeup and other products; that's why I choose ISKIN's Balancing Toner. But I do change the products from time to time based on preference :)

Same again, take some of the product with a cotton pad and swipe it all over your face. (sorrey I've lost the picture file T_T)

(check out my full product review here)

Step ②, apply eye cream/anti-aging essence.

This might sounds different from other skincare routine you've heard before. Everyone knows eye care products are relatively pricy. I wish to get the best out of the product.

In order to do so, I would first apply eye cream/anti-aging essence before any skincare product, so that my skin can absorb it goodness to the fullest.

I'm using Natural Republic's Whitening & Wrinkle Improvement Ginseng Royal Silk Essence. It is not an eye cream by nature, but I find the essence is a good substitute for an eye care product. Alternatively, I also use ISKIN's Nourishing Eye Gel.

Take an appropriate amount and apply it around your eyes. Most importantly, massage until it fully absorbed!

(check out my full product review here)

Step ③, apply moisturizer.

It's a long day, and it's time to nourish your skin and allow it to recover during night time. Any moisturizer should be fine, depends on your skin type. If you have oily and sensitive skin, make sure you choose moisturizer don't burden your skin which will irritates it to secrete more oil on the face.

Mine is combination skin type. My cheeks and neck is quite dry, hence usually I will load up moisturizer on these areas.

I'm using It's Skin's Power 10 Formula VC Effector with Vitamin C derivatives.

It's a serum type of moisturizer. Easily to be absorbed by skin. For me, I would apply a layer on my whole face. Then wait for 1~2 minutes, apply another layer on certain spots which still appears dry.

This might not be the best moisturizer, but I enjoy using it because of it's light texture and calming fruity scent.

(check out my full product review here)

**Bonus step, apply sleeping mask or mask pack or watery cream.

This is absolutely optional. Personally, I would apply another layer of watery cream or sleeping mask to seal everything applied earlier underneath. The layering theory.

I'm using Nature Republic's Whitening & Wrinkle Improvement Ginseng Royal Silk Watery Cream. If you had been following my blog post, you can tell that I've shown many love to this product. Rich in moisturizing yet wouldn't cause a burden to my skin.

All I need is just take a small amount and apply a thin layer on my face. Then wait and watch it melts on your face, and absorbed.

Ta-da! We've come to an end on the simple 1-2-3 evening skincare routine. (Basically it's just endless moisturizing and moisturizing...hahaha)

Bear in mind, this is just a demonstration of my own evening skincare routine. Don't need to follow exactly (heh). Be creative and observant. Try to understand what does your skin really needs. Repair and moisturizing? Whitening? Acne trouble and clearing? Pore minimizing? Anti-aging??

Identify and tackle your skin problem on a priority basis.

And of course, most importantly, beauty sleeeeeep! XD

Any thoughts? Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know.

Good night, peeps! ^_^

[Review] NH Detoxlim - Colla Plus Advance (Trial + First Impression)

Hello everyone! :)

A bit of a change. I'm gonna share with you a different kind of product review. It's something you can drink for your skin, instead of applying on your body.

Probably you have came across this brand before in Malaysia. It is widely available at Watson, a drugstore chain.

NH Detoxlim's Colla Plus Advance (50 ml x 6 bottles)

Surprisingly, thou this product is alleged manufactured by Japanese company (under the licence of Ikoda Bio Co. Ltd. Tokyo), this brand is actually originated from Malaysia (under Herbalceutical (M) Sdn. Bhd.).

Why I ended up purchasing this collagen drink?

Frankly speaking, I wasn't targeting on it at first. So happened I noticed there is a PWP event at Watson where this trial package is selling at half price, which is RM28.20, provided you purchase above RM30 and/or purchase any Watson's merchandise.

I thought RM4.70 per bottle of collagen drink is rather cheap. Both my colleague and I we went back and do a some research about it. Then we decided on the next day to give it a try (why not?).

Okay so why drink collagen drink?

My concern is, what I'm applying to my skin is just on the surface. What about the inner skin? It sounds really fancy to beautify your skin from inside out - inner shine. And how good if it really delivers what it claims?

This is my first time consuming collagen drink. I was a little bit anxious about the taste when I looked at the ingredient list.

To my surprise, it isn't that bad after all. Not sure for you, but to me, it tastes more like mango than passion fruit (heh). Well, maybe the last bit in a gulp would taste like fish oil, just have a sip of water and the unpleasant taste will fade off in a sec.

The recommended dosage for the first 6 days is to consume a bottle daily on an empty stomach or before bedtime.

What I did for the next 6 days was to consume a bottle every morning before breakfast.

What do I observe after the 6-day course?

If you ask whether do I observe significant skin improvement? Not actually, well what do you expect within just 6 days?

Well, I do observed that my skin is smoother and softer after the trial course. (Can I say for sure it's because of this collagen drink?) No, I can't say for sure as I was trying out some other skincare products at the moment.

Would I purchase full size package? To be honest, I'm not looking into collagen drinks at the moment. Throughout this 6-day trial course, I was really excited every morning when I woke up and look forward to see skin improvement, and I enjoyed the whole process.

Even though I can't observe significant improvement fortnightly, but I believe these are good stuffs and good for our body if you consume for a long period.

So if you have some extra money to spare, I would recommend you to try out this short trial course (depends on the stock availability) then decide whether to purchase full size or not.

Rating: 4/5

Recommend: Yes.

Repurchase: Not at the moment.

For your reference. For further readings, click here.

Do lemme know your thoughts about this product review or share yours experience with me in the comment box below.

Treat yourself well and love yourself. Cheers!^^

***

Interested to read more about collagen drink? Click here to find out my experience on Meiji's Amino Collagen (Standard) 30-day course! ;)

[Review] It's Skin - Power 10 Formula VC Effector with Vitamin C derivatives

Hello everyone! :)

For you guys who missed my previous product view on It's Skin Power 10 Formula VB Effector, here's the link. ^^

Previously I mentioned about keep trying on other serums from It's Skin Power 10 Formula series. Here we are with another update on the series, none other than the VC Effector!

It's Skin's Power 10 Formula VC Effector with Vitamin C derivatives | 잇츠 스킨 파워10포뮬라 브이씨 이펙터 비타민 C 유도체 함유 | 30ml

I know, many might be familiar with this series because it has been in the market for quite some time. But isn't it the reason why they are still surviving in the market obvious? Continuous good reviews and price affordability (of course!.. well at least that's what I believe).

A quick overview of the full Formula 10 series.

Apparently, Power 10 VC Effector is the best seller among the rest in the series. It is always out-of-stock on Hermo, but luckily Althea has it for RM25.

As you can see/tell, Vitamin C always connects with whitening effect. According to the product description, briefly, this serum contains Vitamin C and Green Tea derivatives which (supposed to) suppress melanin production and stimulates collagen synthesis.

Benefits? Helps to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration, refines skin textures (smooth and soft texture) and reduces enlarged pores.

***

Question: We are always told that Vitamin C needs to be kept in low temperature and avoid sun exposure. Do we need to keep VC Effector inside the refrigerator??

Answer: The theory only applies when your Vitamin C serum contains L-Ascorbic Acid, which is the most effective form of Vitamin C. However, VC Effector uses Vitamin C derivatives that are much stabilized (not easy to get oxidized). Though you need not to place it inside the refrigerator, it is always recommended to place skincare product out of direct sun exposure for them to last longer.

***

As below, you can see the formula is quite watery, but not to the extend that it easily drips. The formula appears to be light opaque. It has this lemon and orange fruity scent. Very soothing.

Take an appropriate amount and gently pat onto your skin until it fully absorbed. For me, the serum quickly absorbed into my skin and gives that soft and moist texture which I'm very satisfied.

I'm at less than half a bottle by now. Frankly speaking, I didn't notice significant whitening effect (as I have rather fair complexion already). As for my freckles per say, sadly it didn't work miracle. :/

Despite the whitening effect, the reason that I would repurchase would be its instant deep moisturizing effect and price affordability. Since it is serum type, the skin tends to absorb better and quicker.

If you're thinking of trying out one of these, definitely recommend you to choose VC Effector among the rest. There is a reason why it is the best-seller. ;)

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Rating: 3.5/5

Recommend: Yes.

Repurchase: Most likely.

For your reference.

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Do lemme know your thoughts about this product review or share yours experience with me in the comment box below.

Cheers!^^

[Review] Bbia - Last Rouge Velvet 10 Romantically Brown (우아해)

Hello everyone! :)

After a long wait, I'm back with another lipstick review. I'm so excited to share with you this product. It is none other than one of my favourite brands - Bbia!

Bbia's Last Rouge Velvet 10 Romantically Brown | 삐아 라스트 루즈 10 우아해 | 3.5g

It is my second time purchasing lip products from Bbia on Gmarket. It is also by-far my favourite lip product brand. You have to try it then you will know ;)

I bought it for KRW7,700 (about RM30+ including postage fee).

There is one local saying in Bahasa Malaysia, "Belum try belum tau, sekali try hari-hari mau." In translation, "you haven't try you don't know, once you tried you want it everyday." (cute right? heh)

The packing is simple and classy. That's how I like it to be. Moreover, the lipstick casing is in rose gold, my favourite color! (luv it luv it~^_^)

The color I have here is No. 10 Romantically Brown (우아해). Once I was madly after bold red lipstick (like those Taylor Swift has). But now, I'm crazy with brown and nude color. More like MLBB (My Lips But Better). And here we are :D

Look how chic it is! (Goshhh I luv it so much!!)

Color-swatch time!! ^_^

Well, it doesn't look like any kind of brown (very much) from the picture. It's because of the lighting. The fact is, it is more like a medium latte brown(?)

Side note. Geez it feels like 50 shades of brown which is so difficult to verbally tell the difference from one to another... if only you can visualize what I'm trying to explain :/

Okay, let's try it on the lips! :D

I love the fact that the formula is creamy velvety as it claims. It just glides smoothly on the lips. The color transferred beautifully from the tube onto the lips.

However, I felt that this lipstick may gives the feeling of dry lips (not to the extend of cracked lips, for me). Plus, due to its creamy velvety formula, I felt this lip product isn't long lasting. It requires constant touch-up in order to have the color on point.

Considering all the points, I would still recommend this lip product, or even more Bbia to you. The color is on point, the texture is smooth, price is relatively affordable... A very good bargain for a starter. Very suitable for daily look ;)

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Rating: 4/5

Recommend: Yes, absolutely!

Repurchase: Yes, provided it doesn't discontinue.

For your reference.

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Do lemme know your thoughts about this product review or share yours experience with me in the comment box below.

Cheers!^^

[Review] Mirae - Vitamin B NMF Extreme Hydro Natural Soothing Factor EX8分钟极速舒缓面膜 【Eng / 华】

Hello everyone! :)
大家好！

Sheet mask is always a go-to Asian beauty product as it has a lot of benefits - i.e. convenience, spa relaxing sensation, extra hydration boost and so on!

面膜是亚洲人不可或缺的日常美容产品之一。让我们钟意的原因也不难猜。就是方便，SPA感享受，极速保湿功效等等。

But some might feel quite a hassle to put on the sheet mask and let it stay for about 15~20 minutes. Well then, if you're one of them who thinks it is a waste of time, here's a recommendation for you to try on. :)

或许有些人认为“面膜要敷个15到20分钟很麻烦”。假如你就是其中的一位，那今天这里有好介绍！

Mirae's Vitamin B NMF Extreme Hydro Natural Soothing Factor | MIRAE EX8分钟极速舒缓面膜

Recently I read a Chinese blog article about this 8-minute mask sheet pack. It seemed like it's gaining popularity lately. 8 minutes? Sounds too good to be true. It's like half of the masking time for most sheet mask. Coincidentally, Hermo online beauty shopping website was having store promo, and curiously I bought a box of 5 pcs to try them on.

不久前我在网上偶然读到有关于MIRAE 8分钟极速面膜系列，似乎很夯的模样。8分钟内就能达到20分钟的保湿功效，真的有那么好？这么巧当时本地网上购物网页Hermo正有促销活动，我即刻买了一盒5片来试试。

Apparently the blue one with the moisturizing effect is their best seller. However it was out-of-stock the time when I was browsing the website. Instead I purchased this, purple one, with soothing effect (as well as moisturizing. clearing and repairing).

看样子蓝色保湿那款是最畅销的。当时正缺货。所以我就买了紫色舒缓这款（其中也有保湿、净白、修护、补水和锁水共6个功效）。

It was RM35 per box of 5 pcs. You'll do the calculation ;)
一盒5片RM35来着。你算一算一片要多少钱？

What are the features of this sheet mask? 这款面膜和别的比较有什么过人之处？

This mask is made with the latest material and technology from South Korea, which is

(1) the advanced high functioning material NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor); and

(2) excellent elastic and fitting woven material;

that will enhance the penetration of essence in order to achieve the benefit of a 20-minute sheet mask in 8 minutes.

这面膜是由韩国最新科技和材料制作，主要有：
（1）新科技NMF天然保湿因子；和
（2）伸缩力高以及超服贴的压力丝面膜布；
相合起了能让精华液在短短的8分钟内被深层肌肤吸收，因而达至20分钟的功效。

Side fact: Mirae is from the same manufacturer of LOVEMORE and SEXYLOOK sheet masks.

你知道吗？Mirae是由LOVEMORE和SEXYLOOK同一个厂商生产制造的。

Despite both the origin and the brand name would easily caused us to relate to South Korea, this in fact is "made in Taiwan" product, registered under a Taiwanese company. That's why you would noticed the description is all written in Chinese.

纵使科技技术和品牌的名字都会让人认为它是韩国产品，实际上它是台湾产品哦。因此，你会发现面膜包装上都是印着华文的产品介绍。

Fun fact: Even their brand ambassador, Clara Lee, is a South Korean actress, which played a part in the confusion.

你知道吗？Mirae的形象代言人是韩国女演员Clara Lee。这更让人摸不透到底是韩国产品，还是台湾产品了。

- Main ingredient （主成分）: Golden Algae, NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor), Squalane (plant extracts), Nano Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Moist 24, Natural Moisture Locking Factors, Aloe Extract, Vitamins B5.

It comes with an extra cover layer/plastic foil which you’re supposed to peel off after you're done adjusting the mask (both layers together) onto your face. Bear in mind, it is indeed an useful tip. If you stripped the plastic foil before placing the mask onto your face, it is much more hassle to adjust the sheet mask since it is SUPER thin! Almost half the thickness of the average Korean roadshops sheet masks.

撕开包装去除面膜后，你会发现压力丝面膜布舔着一层珍珠膜。将珍珠膜朝外，压力丝面膜布朝内，敷于五官对应的位置，撕下珍珠膜并调整位置，使其完整服帖于肌肤上。千万别撕了珍珠膜后再敷在脸上。因为压力丝面膜布实在实在是太薄了（比市面上的面膜薄一半！）。撕了珍珠膜再敷会很难调整、不顺手。

The size of the mask was just alright for me (I have a big face >_<). Anyway, since the sheet mask is so thin, you can customize it by stretching or overlapping the sheet mask to fit your face. And because it's super thin, it literally adheres once it touches the face! Perfectly fitting.

面膜的大小正合我的大脸（呵呵）。脸小的也不必担心。正因为压力丝面膜布很薄，你可以随脸部大小戳开或叠折的方式来调整面膜大小。压力丝面膜布实在很薄，敷在脸上的那一瞬间就完全服帖了！

Since it claimed to has no mineral oil, no alcohol nor fragrance, the essence itself has almost no scent at all. Despite the texture was watery, it wasn't too watery until the essence drip all the way down the neck while I was applying the mask. To my surprise, the remaining essence inside the bag is about 2~3 tbsp! What I usually do is to collect the leftover essence inside a clean travel bottle, and apply it in my daily skincare routine. Well, not a big problem.

产品介绍有说道，此产品无矿物油，无酒精，无香精；因此精华液嗅起来也几乎没有什么味道。精华液是较稀，却不会因此在敷面膜的时候精华液流到颈项上。面膜取出来后，包装里的精华液约有2~3大匙。一般上这种情况我都会那个干净的旅游用空瓶子把精华液装起来，来日做日常肌肤保养是可以用上。

I really enjoyed the super thin feature of this sheet mask. It somewhat feels like my skin still can breath underneath the sheet. Very comfortable to wear. What I observed immediately after applying this sheet mask is that my skin appeared to be softer and well moisturized. The moisturizing effect even lasts to the next morning. the 8 minute mask is good for hydration and a quick skin pick-me-up.

我实在很中意这款超薄面膜（虽然有一点贵）。敷着面膜也可以感觉到肌肤在呼吸。很舒服。取下面膜后，我可以感觉到肌肤比较嫩又水润。深层保湿和舒缓的这感觉甚至可以持续到隔天早上，洗脸的时候脸滑滑冷冷的。

Well the results may differ from people to people. My younger sister tried for the first time and yet she didn't feel much of a difference on the next morning. At the same time, surprisingly my dad became a big fan of this super thin and deep moisturizing sheet mask ever since his first use.

当然使用后的感想会因人而异。我大妹第一次用后并没有感觉出什么特别功效。反而我爸第一次用后成了大粉丝，嚷嚷着几时再有面膜敷。

I'll leave it up to you ;)
就交由大家去判断吧。

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Rating: 4.5/5, a quick skin pick-me-up item for intensive hydration boost.

Recommend: Highly recommended for normal and sensitive/dry skin.

Repurchase: Yes, I would like to try out the Aqua effect (blue one).

For your reference.

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Do lemme know your thoughts about this product review or share yours experience with me in the comment box below.

大家可以在一下留言交换感想哦~

Cheers!^^