REVIEW : The Face Shop Essential Mask Sheet Hyaluronic Acid

 

 

~AG~ 

 

Last night, my skin was feeling tight and dry. The winter weather in China caused my skin to be drier than usual. In addition, the five hours flight back to Singapore took a toll on my face. My skin was in need of emergency rescue. I was looking over my sheet masks collection and saw this The Face Shop Essential Mask Sheet Hyaluronic Acid. Since my skin was feeling especially parched, I decided to try this mask since hyaluronic acid is known as a moisturizing ingredient.  

 

First thing I noticed when I took the sheet mask from its packaging is that it does not have a peel-off packaging for the mask, unlike My Beauty Diary Sheet Mask. Instead, you have to unfold the mask carefully. The Face Shop sheet mask is thicker compared to My Beauty Diary sheet masks. It does not tear off easily. Secondly, the mask was heavy with artificial fragrant scent. I did not enjoy the overwhelming fragrances. Thirdly, the mask did not fit my face is well. The lower part of the mask was too big for my face. See picture above. Fourthly, the residue left my skin feeling sticky. I did not like how it felt on my skin, and had to wipe it down with tissue. Do note that the sheet mask was generous with essence as essence kept dripping down while I had it on. 

 

Regarding whether it works for sensitive skin. The next morning after I had used it, no bumps or adverse reaction appeared on my skin. I cannot remember how much I had purchased it for. I bought it while in Korea. It probably costs US$2-3. 

 

Overall, I would not recommend The Face Shop Hyaluronic Acid Sheet Mask. I much prefer My Beauty Diary Q10 or Natto Sheet Mask for hydration as it fits my face much better and the residue essence is not as sticky.  

NEW BUY: Laneige Water Bank Mineral Face Mist

 

 

~AG~ 

My sister, MG, who is a huge fan of face mist was looking for an airport-friendly, plastic-packaging, face mist at Changi Airport Shilla Duty Free the other day. I mentioned to her that I have seen on Laneige Instagram account that they have a face mist that comes in a plastic packaging. So, we checked out the Laneige section at the Duty Free. Turns out, the Laneige Water Bank Mineral Skin Mist comes in a 120ml packaging, which is not airplane-friendly. It retails for S$32 which is expensive for a bottle of mineral water.

Anyway, I tried spraying some on my hand, and I loved the distinct fresh scent of the Water Bank range. My sister, MG, who swears by the benefit of face mist convinced me to buy it. She said that I should put it in the office, and spray it on when my skin feels dry from the extended air-conditioning.  

I will let you all know how well this face mist works for me, on whether it hydrates and refreshes my skin. Also, whether it works for my sensitive skin. Please check back for my review of Laneige Water Bank Mineral Face Mist. 

Korres Greek Yoghurt Moisturizing Face Cream

 

~AG~  

I was suprised to find this in my beauty stash. I thought I had given it away. Previously, I had tried the Korres Yogurt Instant Soothing Gel. It was decent at first but after subsequent uses, I found that it flakes for some reason. Anyway, I decided to try this Korres Greek Yoghurt Moisturizing Face Cream during my trip to Chengdu, China. Since Singapore does not have four seasons, I thought this face cream might be too heavy for its humid weather. Chengdu's winter weather is similar to that of California. It does not usually snow but the weather gets dry and windy. So, my skin gets dry and tight when I am in Chengdu. I hope this product keeps my skin hydrated; and that I will not have any adverse reaction to it. I will let you all know about how good or bad the Korres Greek Yoghurt Moisturizing Face Cream is after my trip. Stay tuned! 

NEW BUY: Benefit Cosmetics Perfect Hideaway

~AG~

I bought this in December when Sephora Singapore was having 15% discount for UOB cardmembers. This is a value set from Benefit Cosmetics, which retailed for S$42.90. My friend, Stephanie, told me that she liked Benefit Fake Up for concealing dark circles. So I decided to buy a value set to try it out. The reason why I bought the smaller version is because sometimes Benefit Cosmetics under eye concealer can be too creamy and might not work well for Singapore's humid weather.

 

Previously, MG had bought Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional primer and I have had the chance to try it out. It was a decent primer and did not caused my sensitive skin to breakout. POREfessional will be a great addition to my makeup kit. The only primer that I had in my makeup kit is Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance.  I only use Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance for special occasions. I do like it but it has an illuminating effect that can sometimes be too "shiny" for Singapore humid weather. Another primer that has a matte effect will be good to have especially for outdoor makeup looks in Singapore.

 

Please stay tuned for my review on Benefit Cosmetics Fake Up and POREfessional.

REVIEW: YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch

~AG~

This iconic YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch costs me USD $41. While browsing through the Macy's Beauty department, I decided to pick this up. It is expensive for such as small item but it is supposedly a miracle product. Previously, I have tried a similar product, the Dior Skin Flash. However, it was not a must-have item in my makeup collection. The reason I am trying this product is because sometimes I need a more brightening effect for my dark circles. The current concealer that I am using, Bobbi Brown concealer, provides coverage but does not illuminate the undereye area. Plus, its click pen/brush packaging makes it a convenient product to have for on-the-go.

A trick that the YSL sales assistant told me about click pen packaging. With a new click pen, it takes ages for the product to come out initially. However, instead of clicking the pen countless time and waiting patiently for the product to come out, she said a few gentle knock/tap to the side of the pen will allow the product to come out more quickly. When the YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch is being "resistant", I would tap the side of the pen a few times and soon the product will emerge.

This product provide little coverage for my severe dark circles. I only use it on days when I am in a hurry or when I don't feel like using much makeup. It is easy to use because you do not need a separate concealer brush to apply it.

Left under eye with YSL Touche Eclat. Right under without. It does brighten the eye area but does not fully conceal my severe dark circles.

One thing I learnt from using this product is that it is NOT a concealer. To get a brightening effect under the eye, first, conceal dark circles with a concealer and then layer it with Touche Éclat Radiant Touch, or vice versa. This create a soft and healthy effect.

You can also use YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch for highlighting your face. I tried doing this several times but I find that this shade does not work well. It is too light for highlighting the facial features.

In conclusion, YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch is a not must-have makeup item in my beauty book. It is not worth that money. I rather pay that amount for my favourite concealer, Cle de Peau Beaute concealer or Bobbi Brown Corrector & Concealer. Even though it is a highlighting product, it does not significantly help brighten my under eye areas. Also, I cannot use it to highlight my cheek bones or other areas, the shade is not illuminating enough. Overall, I would not re-purchase this product.