[Monthly Project] #14 Moisturizer and Serum : A simple guide.

Monthly Project (January 2018)

#14 Moisturizer and Serum : A simple guide.

Hello peeps! Here we are on the last day of January 2018. Welcome back to another chapter of Monthly Project after two months hiatus.

Perhaps you been through this, "Tell me dear, what are the differences between moisturizer and serum?" This question has been frequently asked among my circles. I wasn't definitely sure about the answer, that's why it leads me to read more and understand better.


What you can expect from this chapter:

• Basic understanding on moisturizer and serum (texture, function and how-to);
• Sneak-peak on my current choices of moisturizer and serum.

Shall we begin? :D

First thing first, what is a moisturizer?

A moisturizer is a moisture-trapping products either fall into the category of an "occlusive (1)" or an "emollient (2)". (refer here)

(1) Occlusive : A type of moisturizer which sits on top of the skin and hard to be absorbed into the skin. The effect is visible and instant, but it may lead to clogged pores. I.e.: Vaseline.

(2) Emollient : A type of moisturizer which can be absorbed into the skin and cement gaps created when the links between dead skin cells are broken.

You see, instead of providing moisture to the skin, moisturizer is a product that traps moisture and locks it in our skin. To quote Reviews.com, in fact moisturizer is a misnomer (wrong terminology).

Did you know? Water is the only substance that hydrates skin. That's why you must drink more water!!!

However, merely by drinking more water is not sufficient to keep you skin supple all day long, because by nature, it evaporates. The process is also known as Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL).

Here on Reviews.com, they provide a simple illustration to explain on TEWL and the basic function of a moisturizer.

Okay now I understand what is a moisturizer, so how about serum? Are they the same?

When you heard people describing to you the functions of a serum, it sounds pretty similar to a moisturizer. However when they insisted these two products aren't the same thing, you are confused. 

In fact, they are not lying to you. Moisturizer and serum can be differentiated by purpose, weight (molecules) and texture.

Besides retaining skin moisture, serums often contain potent and active ingredients which are designated to address a variety of skincare issues. For instance, anti-aging, skin brightening, acne prevention, pore minimizing and the list goes on.

In terms of molecules' weight and size, serums have smaller molecules compared to moisturizers, whereby they are able to penetrate the skin deeper and treat skin issues more effectively. Probably that's the reason why serums tend to be more expensive than other skin care products.

Perhaps a much more direct way to differentiate serums from moisturizers will be their texture. Moisturizers tend to be thicker and heavier of the two products. Serums generally have slippery texture and lightweight in application.

How to choose, moisturizer or serum?

Don't crack your head so hard in answering this question. Use both! In fact, it is advisable to apply a layer of moisturizer over serum to seal it into the skin. (Why?) Although serums can penetrate into the skin deeper compared to common moisturizers, they do not serve as a protective shield on top of the skin like moisturizers do, as the song plays "two is better than one~".

There are tons and tons of products in the market, but picking the right ones for your skin, be it moisturizer or serum in this chapter, is rather personal.

For instance, if you are concern with hyperpigmentation, choose a serum that contains Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) for brightening and apply on targeted areas.

A good tip is to understand your skin type and skin condition before purchasing any product.

Sneak-peak on my current choices of moisturizer and serum

Finally. Below are the products I am using currently in relation to this topic. Spot anything familiar to you?


① B.liv's Shrink and Tighten [larges pores reducing serum] 30ml

Function(s) : Pore minimizing and collagen boosting.
Remark(s) : The texture is almost like water, yet on the oily side. Warm sensation is observed once applied on skin. Notable pore shrinking effect after applying for 2 to 3 weeks.


② ISKIN's Vitamin C Serum 5% 30ml

Function(s) : Brightening and anti-aging.
Remark(s) : The texture is slightly thicker than B.liv's serum, still on the watery side. Notable brightening effect (especially freckles and pigmentation) after applying for 2 to 3 weeks.


③ Nature Republic's Ginseng Royal Silk Watery Cream 60g

Function(s) : Moisturizing, whitening and wrinkle improvement.
Remark(s) : The texture is thick and rich (thou it might not seemed to be from photo). Instant moisturizing effect once applied on skin. My all-time favourite watery cream. ❤

④ ALIVE:LAB's Multi Ice Cream 100ml

Function(s) : Moisturizing and whitening.
Remark(s) : The texture is firm and rich. Instant and long lasting moisturizing effect being observed.


⑤ Hatomugi's Skin Conditioning Gel 180g

Function(s) : Moisturizing.
Remark(s) : Just by looking, the texture is almost like ALIVE:LAB's Multi Ice Cream. In fact, it is lightweight than the previous. When apply it on the skin, it melts instantly, like watery cream. Instant and long lasting moisturizing effect being observed.


That's all for now. If you would like to read more posts like this, do leave a comment below and share with me your thoughts. Let's learn together! :D

'Til the next time. Cheers!

Read more:

Facial Serum vs. Facial Moisturizer — What's the Difference? by LiveAbout

The Differences Between Moisturizers & Serums by Skin Obsession

The Best Face Moisturizer (Day and Night Cream) by Reviews.com

The 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine by Soko Glam

[Review] Elastine - Bio-Therapy Conditioner

Hello everyone! :)

This time round I am going to share with you a hair product that will make people to look at you twice. c;

I've bought Elastine's product for the second time now, and it didn't fail to impress in every purchase.

Elastine's Bio-Therapy Conditioner | 600 ml

Elastine is in fact a household hair care brand name in South Korea under LG Household & Healthcare Ltd.

"Elastine treats your hair like skin"

One of the reasons why people choose Elastine over other brands is because of its unique scent. To mention, its Perfume Love Me Shampoo/ Conditioner are always the top seller and the most beloved products of all.

And yes, you can expect its signature unforgettable scent in this Bio-Therapy series too!

Front                                                           Back

This conditioner contains of royal jelly, propolis, marin collagen, Quinoa extract, Moringa oil and phyto-keratin as the main ingredients.

Well, basically the whole product description on the packaging itself are in Korean. (heh)

According to customer evaluations, the Bio-Therapy series has gained 100% satisfaction whereby customer do find improvement on hair tangling, easier hair arrangement, softer and smoother hair.

As one of their customers, I do agree with the above results.

Nevertheless, I am going to demonstrate to you here with my newly-bought Sia-inspired wig. (^0^)

As you can see (below), the hair is dry and tangled, makes it difficult to arrange.





Give it a full pump of Bio-Therapy Conditioner.

And apply it from roots to ends.





At this stage, I do noticed that the wig is much easier to arrange with a comb.

Then rinse with water.





I left it overnight for it to dry. And ta-da!!!

The wig is more manageable now as you can see from the photo! Too bad I couldn't show you the whole process with my own hair (as I don't know how to :x).

As I started to keep my long hair, it began to be my struggles to keep my hair in shape and manageable. Ever since I started to use Elastine's products, it changed the game! For my case, I can feel my hair became softer and smoother. The effect can lasts for a good 1-2 days. The reason I said so is because usually I will wash my hair once in 2 days. Anyway, the effect might differs from individuals.

This product is available on Hermo.

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Rating: 5/5

Recommend: Absolutely recommended! Just give it a try ;)

Repurchase: Yes and I would love to try out other products from Elastine too!

For your reference.


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Is this product review helpful?

Leave a simple comment below because I long to hear from you. *^0^*

Cheers!^^

[Review] Papa Recipe - Bombee Honey Mask Pack

Hello everyone! :)

Great to have you here with me this Wednesday as we explore one of the best selling mask sheets in 2017!

Yes, it is none other than Papa Recipe's Bombee Honey Mask Pack.

Papa Recipe's Bombee Honey Mask Pack | 파파레서피 봄비 꿀단지 마스크팩 | 10 x 25g

Papa Recipe's Bombee Honey Mask Pack | 파파레서피 봄비 꿀단지 마스크팩 | 25g

This is for you who are thinking of whether to purchase this Bombee Honey Mask for a try. Scroll down to know this product better and the decision is yours. ;)

Currently, there are six (6) types of mask sheets which you can select from Papa Recipe: 

1. Bombee Honey Mask (the original - moisture and nutrient);
2. Bombee Black Honey Mask (pore tightening and skin elasticity);
3. Bombee Whitening Honey Mask (brightening);
4. Bombee Ginseng Red Honey Oil Mask (moisture and radiance);
5. Bombee Honey Butter Cream Mask (deep moisture); and
6. Bombee Rose Gold Honey Mask (moisture and brightening).

I only tried the original Honey Mask at the moment, so we will just focus on that here. For those who had tried out other mask sheets from Papa Recipe, please write to me and share with me your experience. Definitely wish to purchase all of them! c:

First of all, the reason why this sheet mask is so popular is because it provides intense moisture and nutrients. It is made with natural organic ingredients, for instance honey extract that help to boost our skin to a sweet new level.

Besides that, propolis extract, our best friend in skincare that helps soothing and hydrating, is also one of their main ingredient in making this amazing mask sheet.

As soon as I opened the sachet, an intense sweet honey scent is observed. You definitely won't missed. I must confess that I didn't like the scent (at all) at the very beginning. Unlike other mask sheets, the scent indeed made a strong statement of the product before I even tried it on my face (lol). But I get used to it eventually (heh) :')

It comes with a foil / protection film (as below) which makes it easier to unfold the mask sheets while it is heavily soaked in the essence.

The so-called "nude sheet" is made of organic pulp mask sheet. It is ultra-thin (breathable cotton), almost transparent and super adherence (face-wrapping) for excellent deliverance of the essence to the skin. Very comfortable to wear.

Leave it on for about 20-30 minutes.

Why it is so popular again? I guess we all know why. (Because it works!) I woke up the next morning feeling my skin firmer and less dull. Despite the strong scent of honey, I am good with this mask sheet.

This product is available Memebox, Hermo and Sasa.

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Rating: 4/5

Recommend: Definitely worth the try.

Repurchase: Maybe, but first I would love to try out other sheet masks from the brand.

For your reference.


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Is this product review helpful?

Leave a simple comment below because I long to hear from you. *^0^*

Cheers!^^

[Review] Innisfree - No-Sebum Mineral Powder

Hello everyone! :)

By this time, I believe most of you are familiar with this product. Yes, it has been labelled as the most cost-effective setting power in the K-Beauty industry. It is still one of the popular items on Innisfree's shelf.

Why am I writing this now?

This is my second purchase of Innisfree's No-Sebum Mineral Powder as I really enjoy using it. Hence, I am writing in hope to share my experience with those who are prompting to purchase this product; to share a little more about the product itself (from unboxing to application) and what to expect.

Let's get started! ;)

Innisfree's No-Sebum Mineral Powder | 이니스프리 노세범 미네랄 파우더 | 5 g

Back

What about Innisfree's No-Sebum Mineral Powder?

It contains Jeju natural mineral and mint ingredients which has sebum and sweat absorption power in help to create velvet-finished skin.

As it contains mint ingredient, you can expect noticeable fresh minty scent from the powder.

Check out the full ingredient list and ingredient analysis on Skincarisma.


See, some people might say, "I don't need this as I don't do makeup."

Well, No-Sebum Mineral Powder is not only for persons who do makeup as setting powder, but also those who doesn't.

What is the remedy for oily bangs when you are on-the-go?
How to get rid the oily and sticky feeling after applying sunscreen?
What is the alternative for oil bolting paper?

To answer the above questions, perhaps you could try out No-Sebum Mineral Powder instead.

Now its the unboxing time! :D

The product doesn't come in a box packaging. It comes in the pale green round-shaped container. Twist to open the cap. You should see an puff applicator sits inside the container.

You should see a protection film underneath the puff applicator.

Remove the protection film.

As you can see, the powder is white and fine.

For application, you can either use the default puff applicator or a brush.

Here I am using to Innisfree's powder brush to set my makeup. First, I will pour the powder on the lid (as above) and dip my powder brush into it. Shake off excessive powder to avoid applying too much on one spot.

Then lightly brush over on targeted areas. I usually will use it on my forehead, around the nose and cheeks.

The best part? This product is super affordable! It is about RM20 each. Sometimes you can get it at even cheaper price during promotions.

This product is available at Innisfree concept store, Hermo and Althea.

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Rating: 5/5

Recommend: It does what it does. Highly recommended for makeup beginners like me!

Repurchase: Would definitely consider, but not so soon. Gonna try out a similar product.

For your reference.


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Is this product review helpful?

Leave a simple comment below because I long to hear from you. *^0^*

Cheers!^^

[Review] PONY EFFECT - Effect Nail Lacquer #Money Power

Hello everyone! :)

Finally I'm back with a nail lacquer review!

I'm thrilled to be able to get hands on PONY EFFECT since I really enjoy watching veteran K-Beauty Youtuber Pony's makeup tutorials. Yes, she has launched a product line under MEMEBOX and they are pretty cool stuffs... Only thing is the price (omo).

Yeah, frankly speaking, because I ain't got much extra money to spend, I decided on getting this cool and furious green nail lacquer (just to show off a bit lol XD nahhh). Don't get me wrong, they are actually pretty cool in real.

PONY EFFECT's Effect Nail Lacquer # MONEY POWER | 포니이펙트 이펙트 네일 라커 #머니 파워 | 15ml / 0.5 fl. oz.

Not only its box packaging is in shining rose gold, but its cap too. Love it. The bottle itself is made of solid glass.

I'm quite surprise, in fact, 15ml is such a huge amount for nail lacquer. I never have anything like that before.

I really appreciate the little touch from Pony, such as the lightning sign on top of the cap and the side of the bottle.

View from top

And you can see the product details (Company name, manufacture country, lot number, expiry date and etc.) on the bottom.

Nothing special of its application brush. You can find this kind of flat brush in most nail lacquers.

As soon as I got the product, I painted my nails to celebrate Christmas. Yes, if you follow me on Instagram, you would saw me sharing it last month.

The nail lacquer texture might be a little too watery for now, but not a big deal, as it will eventually thickens.

This green shade, I would say, has quite a Christmas vibe in it. Personally, I am not a big fan of green, but interestingly this is kind of green that I would love to wear, in full solid color. It gives people an impression of bold and rich, or if not less, courageous.

To me, its packaging is really cute (looks pretty cool on the shelf too) and I didn't regret of purchasing it. But overall, I would say, it is a nail lacquer slightly above average.

So what do you think? To buy, yay or nay? :D

This product is now available on Hermo.

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Rating: 3/5

Recommend: Not really.

Repurchase: Nope since I wish to try out more varieties out there.

For your reference.


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Is this product review helpful?

Leave a simple comment below because I long to hear from you. *^0^*

Cheers!^^