REVIEW: innisfree skinny microcara

~AG~

innisfree skinny microcara costs S$14.78. The reason I bought this mascara is because of the unique brush head. Most mascara on the market have a brush head with visible bristles, but innisfree skinny microcara does not have any bristles. I was curious on how this innisfree skinny microcara would work. Since I have short and sparse lashes, I tend to go for mascara that has volumizing and thickening effects. The brush is tiny and is great for those with short lashes. The 2.55 mm diameter micro brush coats even your shortest lashes. It is easy to use, as you press the mascara to the roots of your lashes and apply it in a zigzag pattern.This mascara comes in a waterproof and non-waterproof option. I thought I had bought the waterproof formula, but it does not say that on the packaging. Note to self: Double check your beauty products before paying for it. I was afraid that this innisfree skinny microcara would cause racoon eyes on me. Read on to find out if this innisfree mascara is smudge proof.

Most waterproof mascaras smudge to my under eye area, but this innisfree skinny microcara did not smudge at all. It stayed on well in Singapore's hot and humid weather. The brush is flexible and you use it to reach the roots of your lashes.  Even when you apply two or three coats of this mascara, your lashes will not clump. With that being said, this innisfree skinny microcara does not give much definition to the lashes. It is like wearing no mascara at all. For those looking for a mascara to thicken and lengthen your upper lashes, this is not the mascara for you. This is for those that want a no-makeup look - which is what the Korean beauty industry tries to achieve. innisfree skinny microcara can work well for defining the lower lashes. Overall, I would not repurchase this innisfree skinny microcara because I need a mascara that will help define my short and sparse lashes. 

Picture Credits: Innisfree World

REVIEW: innisfree Eco Eyebrow Kit

Compact packaging with a tiny brush

 A lighter reddish brown shade and a darker grey-brown shade

~AG~
Bought this innisfree Eco Eyebrow Kit last year when I was in Seoul. Heard good reviews about this affordable eyebrow powder from the online community. Being a big fan of the innisfree brand, this Eco Eyebrow Kit was added into my shopping basket without any hesitation. This dual-color powder kit comes with a stiff eyebrow brush. It retails for S$16.50 on innisfreeworld.com, though I cannot remember how much it retails for in Korea. 

Thick and stiff brush does not work well

Today's confession: I am a noob (beginner) on eyebrow makeup. Despite experimenting with brow mascaras, eyebrow pencils and eyebrow powders, my eyebrow makeup skills are not that competent. Based on my experience, eyebrow powder is the easiest eyebrow product to apply with. Eyebrow pencils - I find the most difficult to work it. Since eyebrow pencils require more precise strokes and a more skilled hand. It is easy to overdraw brows when using eyebrow pencils since it goes on stronger. Brow mascaras work great to keep the brows in place, though they do not give much definition to the brows. You cannot shape your eyebrows using brow mascaras. Eyebrow powders are natural enough for everyday use. Brow powders give a nice definition without looking too overdone. The main reason why brow powder is my No.1 choice for eyebrow products is because of the ease of use. Brow powder works as a crayon that you use to fill in the spare areas of the eyebrows. 

On the left without brow powder,  on the right with brows filled in

The pigments of innisfree's brow powders work great for those with dark brown to black hair. Since there are two shades of the brow powders, you can mix and match to create your own color. The powders are finely milled, and blends in easily with my brows. Though, the staying power of the brow powders are not fantastic, it does not lasts all day. The lasting power is about 4-5 hours. The in-kit brush is horrible. It is too densely packed and thick, which results in too much powder on the brush. For those that want a highly defined eyebrows, this innisfree Eco Eyebrow Kit might not work for you, as the powders are soft and natural. This Eco Eyebrow Kit might not work on special occasions where you will be photographed.

Q&A: innisfree no-sebum mineral pact

innisfree no-sebum mineral pact is a replacement for oil control paper that leaves the skin soft and matte. Its double sebum-control system controls the secretion of sebum to keep the skin soft and fresh all day long. Jeju minerals and mint control skin oil and moisture to keep skin healthy.

~MG~

Q: How much did you buy innisfree no-sebum mineral pact for?

A: Bought this powder pact at innisfree Singapore for S$17.

Q: Why did you decide to try this innisfree no-sebum mineral pact?
A: This is one of innisfree's best-sellers. There are plenty of good reviews about innisfree no-sebum mineral pact online. 

Q: How long have you been using this powder? 

A: Mine lasts me for more than 2 years. I used it 2 or 3 times a week to set my face makeup or to reduce the shine on my face. 

Q: What do you like about this product

A: The affordability of this setting powder is the highlight about this product. It costs under S$20, which is such a bargain. The packaging is compact and durable, making it very handy to travel with. The oil control of this powder is medium; and I would not say it has great lasting power. My skin did not have any allergic reaction to this innisfree powder. This mineral pact  also did not cause my acne-prone skin to breakout. 


Q: What do you want to improve about this product?

A: As it is a setting powder, there is no coverage. You need to blend it well as it is a white powder, if not you will look blotchy. Your face can look cakey if you apply too much powder.

Q: Would you recommend this powder to your friends? 
A: Would not repurchase because I prefer powder that is more finely milled. This innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder is not as fine.

Pictures courtesy of innisfreeworld.com

REVIEW: Innisfree Canola Honey Hydro Gel Mask

~AG~
Innisfree Canola Honey Hydro Gel Mask retails for KRW 2,000 (S$2.30). This hydro gel mask is pricier than the good-old sheet mask. The gel mask texture is that of a jelly (Jello). The moist gel adheres tightly to the skin, delivering active ingredients to the skin without leaving any stickiness, and keeps your skin hydrated and smooth until the next morning. A temperature-sensitive, water-soluble hydro gel. This patented gel sheet closely covers skin and effectively delivers active ingredients to your skin while breaking down. Nourishing and moisturizing benefits from canola honey
Firstly, this Innisfree Canola Honey Hydro Gel Mask does not fit well onto my face. It does not stick well and seems to slide off. I had to resort to snipping off the top of the gel mask into 4 distinct pieces. Read all about it below.

ORIGINAL GEL MASK

1. The mask comes with two separate parts. One for the top of the face: forehead, nose and upper cheeks area. Another for the bottom of the face: upper lip, lower cheeks area and chin.

2. The gel mask comes was too close to my under eye areas. It irritated my eyes!

3. Plus, the gel mask did not adequately cover my forehead.

GEL MASK AFTER SOME MINOR ADJUSTMENTS

1. Cut the top mask into 4 sections - forehead, nose, left and right cheeks. 

2. The newly modified gel mask fit better onto my face. It was not too close to my undereye areas, and could sufficiently cover my high forehead. Plus, the gel mask did not cover my eyebrows which are prone to breakouts. 

The worst thing about this gel mask is that it seems to slide off my face. It does NOT stick on well! I was expecting a gel mask to have better adhesion properties. Also, there was not much moisturizing properties. The hydrating properties of a regular sheet mask is much more evidenced than innisfree Hydro Gel Mask. This Canola Honey Hydro Gel Mask was a disappointment! I would not repurchase it! It is more pricey than regular sheet mask, but its effect was mediocre. Laneige Water Bank Essence has better hydrating properties than this Hydro Gel Mask. 

High-End vs. Drugstore (Roadshows) Makeup Products

Worth the Splurge:
1) Foundation - I almost always buy high-end foundation. The biggest factor is the process of selecting a color match. A saleslady at the counter can greatly assist in the color selection. For drugstore brands such as Revlon or L'Oreal, you often have to play the guessing game to select a color match. Plus, the lighting at the drugstore is often not suitable for selecting a color match for foundation. The only drugstore foundation brand that I adore is Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation. But in Singapore, they sell it at BHG counter, so I had the helpful assistance of a saleslady. 
2) Concealer - There is a huge difference between high-end concealers and drugstore concealers. High-end concealers provide more coverage, and yet goes on smoothly. As with drugstore foundations, you often have to guess your color match because there are no testers available. Even if there is a tester, the lighting at drugstore is not adequate to accurately determine a color match. Drugstore concealers that have high coverage tends to be cakey too. 

 

Not worth the extra $$:
1) Mascaras - Since you have to replace them every 6 months, it would be very costly to purchase high-end mascaras such as Lancome, Dior and Chanel. Drugstore brands such as Maybelline and  CoverGirl produce good-performing mascaras that are easy on your pockets. Korean roadshow brands such as Etude House and innisfree have a good selection of mascaras as well. 
2) Lipstick - A girl needs an array of lip colors. I have a confession to make: I am a lip product junkie. I probably have more than 20 lipsticks, lip tints, lip crayons, lip glosses and lip balms. I do own some high-end lipsticks such as Chanel, NARS, Dior lipsticks. But I also own mid-priced products such as Benefit Benebalm. For affordable-priced products, my inclination is towards Korean roadshow brands such as Clio, VDL and innisfree. I especially <3 the VDL Expert Color Lip Cube Ex! 

So there you have it! Makeup products that I splurge on, and those that I save on. Tell me about yours!

REVIEW: Innisfree Glow Tint Stick #10

~AG~

A sleek stick design

Found this wonderful new product from Innisfree, Glow Tint Stick #10. When I tried the testers, the texture was so beautiful that I just had to get it! This Innisfree Tint Stick is very moisturizing and gives off a nice sheen. The shades available were all vibrant pinks or corals, which are great for brightening the face. Since it is a tinted lip product, it has a better staying power than regular lipstick. Even after drinking several cups of teas, the lip tint was still obvious. The lasting power is about 2-3 hours without eating. 

Packaging wise, this lip tint does not twist down, similar to VDL Expert Color Lip Cube EX. So you have to be careful to only twist a little at a time, if not your lip product will be squished. I don't know who came up with such packaging idea, but it is not a smart one! I definitely minus points for its thoughtless packaging. 

Apart from the packaging issue, I actually like Innisfree Glow Tint Stick. The Shade #10 would be described as a cool hot pink. When I swatched this shade on my wrist, it looked vert pretty. But when I actually applied it on my lips, the shade falls short of its glory. Even when I applied two layers of the lip tint, it is not as vibrant as I had hoped. It is probably because my natural lip color is a dusty rose shade. If you want to get the exact shade as seen on the tube, it is recommended that you apply concealer on your lips to mask your natural lip shade. 

Glow Tint Stick #10. A beautiful hot pink shade

 Swatches of Glow Tint Stick #10. 

The top swatch is one swipe, while the bottom swatch is two swipes

NEW BUY: Innisfree Face Designing Duo #2 (Evening Sunset)

Face Designing Duo #2 (Evening Sunset)

~AG~
While browsing through the blush section of an innisfree store in Seoul, Korea, I noticed this contouring powder. I forgot to take note of the price, but it is retailing for S$20 on innisfreeworld.com. There were only two shades available in store. Decided to go for shade #2 (evening sunset) because #1 (afternoon delight) was too light. 

A shading & highlighting duo that emphasizes the contours of the face with natural shading colors 
1. The face is fully dimensional and has a healthy shine 2. Adheres softly to the face without being powdery 3. Incorporates vivid colors in your makeup that lasts all day

Picture Credits: innisfreeworld.com

Cannot wait to try this shading product! Hope it works well to contour my face. Stay tuned for my review of Innisfree Face Designing Duo.

Q&A: innisfree Eco Safety Aqua Perfect Sun Gel SPF 50 PA+++

 With sunflower and pure Jeju green tea extract

 5-free: Free of mineral oil, animal ingredients, synthetic fragrance, tar color and talc

~MG~
Q: Why did you chose this sunscreen?
A: Because it has a high SPF (SPF 50 at least) and it is water-based. 

Q: What are your thoughts on this product?
A: I do not like it because the texture is too thick. I prefer my sunscreen to be in a "watery" form. Even though innisfree eco safety aqua gel is water-based, it has a cream texture.

Q: Is there anything you like about this sunscreen?
A: insider eco safety aqua gel does provide sun protection but I would not want to use it again. 

Q: Does this sunscreen feel sticky?
A: It feels a little sticky. The sunscreen takes a while to be fully absorbed into my skin.

Q: Did this sunscreen break out your acne-combination skin? 
A: No, it did not cause me to pop up with new pimples. 

Q: Who might the sunscreen be more suitable for? 
A: It might work better for those that have dry skin or if you live in cold climate. This sunscreen is quite moisturising. Sometimes I skip my moisturiser, and just put on this sunscreen, and my skin feels  okay. 

Q: Any last comments?
A: This sunscreen is not worth to buy. I rather use Hada Labo Sunscreen, which has a better texture. 

S$20.31 for 50 ml worth of product

REVIEW: innisfree second skin mask anti-trouble

innisfree second skin mask anti-trouble

~AG~

This sheet mask was gifted to me by my Korean friend, a year ago. But now I finally have the opportunity to give try it. On the package, it says, 'This perfectly adhesive mask contains propolis which deeply penetrated into your skin to intensively ease and soothe red, troubled skin, creating a clear complexion."According to innisfree world, this sheet mask is made up of fermented soybean sheet. It also claims to cool down the skin by 5℃. The bio-cellulose sheet mask adheres well to the face. The propolis content is supposed to soothe skin troubles. Innisfree world is retailing it at SS7.21 per sheet mask. Check out innisfree official shopping site for more details: innisfree second skin mask anti-trouble

This sheet mask is different that regular sheet mask because it does not feel like paper. The serum is also rather gel-like instead of the usual liquid consistency. The feel of the sheet mask is thicker than that of My Beauty Diary Mask or The Face Shop Mask. Since this bio-cellulose mask is delicate, it is protected between two mesh sheets. You remove one side of the mesh sheets then apply the sheet mask on your face, before removing the top mesh sheet. If I had not read the instructions online, I would have applied the mesh sheet thinking it was the sheet mask. Haha! It would have been strange. 

My skin felt tingly when this sheet mask was on. The tingly sensation was quite obvious. I wanted to remove the sheet mask because of the tingly feeling. I thought it was because my skin was having an adverse reaction to the mask. Fortunately, after use, there were no visible bumps or redness on my face. Even the next morning, my skin did not have any allergic reaction it this sheet mask. 

The sheet mask does not fully cover my forehead

 

After I remove the sheet mask, I found that the serum does not penetrate easily into my skin. Even after massaging the serum in, it took a while for it to be fully absorbed. My skin does not feel as hydrated after the use of this mask. But I did notice that my skin felt cooler to touch. My T-zone was experiencing some pimples and this sheet mask did help calm it down. Even though my pimples did not disappear overnight, it became less red after application of the mask.

Overall, I would not recommend this innisfree second mask anti-trouble. I prefer a sheet mask that hydrates and softens my skin. This sheet mask might work well for when my skin is sun-burnt, as it is effective in cooling it down. But the high price tag will make me think twice before repurchasing it.

REVIEW: Innisfree Eco Science Eye Mask

~AG~

An anti-wrinkle eye mask with extract of Pure Jeju sea plants to encourage the regeneration of delicate skin around the skin.

Innisfree World , which is Innisfree's official online store, retails it for S$5.58 for a pack of eye mask.
Please click link for more details: Innisfree Online Store Eco Science Eye Mask

So what I usually do to my eye mask is to leave them in the fridge. The cooling effect makes the eye mask more refreshing. Coldness is known to constrict blood vessels, which reduces the flow of fluid into soft tissues, and thus reducing puffiness.

This eye mask claims to help reduce wrinkles by stimulating cells growth. But to tell you the truth, a mere eye mask cannot be a miracle wrinkle care. From what we know, wrinkle care is a long and tedious process. It consists of taking care of your skin from an early age.

The gel mask placed under the eyes. You can see my dark circles. 

The gel mask fits nicely under the eyes

Anyway, more about the product. A pack comes with 2 eye patches. The eye patches are made of gel, which is a  much stronger material than the usual sheet mask. The packaging says to leave the eye mask for 20 minutes before removing it. I usually leave my mask on for longer than the recommended time, for as long as 30-40 minutes. It will be such a waste to remove the eye mask when it is still soaked with essence (all the good stuff). Though, I have to say that this gel mask is not as generous with their essence as other sheet mask such as My Beauty Diary Dark Circles Intensive Care Eye Mask. The skin around the eye area feels refreshed and hydrated after using the eye mask. I cannot say much about the eye mask's claim to reduce wrinkles since it was only a one-time use.
Overall, I will not repurchase this eye mask.

REVIEW: Innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm Smooth Care

innisfree canola honey lip balm - smooth care

The lip balm is surprisingly a green color

 

~AG~

Bought this lip balm during my trip to Korea. I am a big fan of Innisfree's products and decided to try their lip balm. This Canola Honey Lip Balm cost me KRW 6,000 (S$7). It is a much more affordable option compared to Fresh Lip Treatment or Dior Lip Glow.

 

Hydrating your lips is an important beauty habit to cultivate. Flaky lips are a big no-no. It makes you look unkempt. Plus, lipsticks goes on better with well moisturized lips. In Singapore's humid climate, you might not find the need to apply lip balm frequently. Unlike drier climate such as in the States or Europe.  With that being said, I still find my lips get dry if I do not apply lip balm, as I spend my days in an air-conditioned office. At my best, I apply lip balm twice a day. At my worst, I forget to apply them at all. On the other hand, my sister, MG, religiously apply lip balm. She always remind me to apply lip balm whenever we are travelling together. She is like the lip balm police. Haha!

 

According to innisfree website, Canola honey lip balm, is "a silky lip balm that helps create a moisture layer. It contains Jeju canola honey extract and canola seed oil. Deep moisture from the honey helps keep your lips silky and fresh all day, soothing any chapped areas. Shea butter and murumuru butter instantly provides moisture to dry lips."

To combat my forgetfulness, I leave a lip balm on my work desk for easy access. It gives me no excuse to forget to hydrate my lips. Innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm - Smooth Care is not as hydrating as Fresh Lip Treatment or Rosebud Salve. The texture of the lip balm is rather hard, and does not go on easily. My lips does not feel well moisturized after application. The packaging of this lip balm is not sturdy; I feel that it will break to pieces if I were to drop it. Overall, I will not repurchase this lip balm.

 

 

Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder Tips

The many uses of Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder

This affordable powder can be used not only for your face, but also on your hair and even on your nails. What a great tip!

 

~MG~

Credit: Innisfree

Korean Beauty Products Haul - Lip Products

~AG~

Since I bought tons of beauty products during my trip to Korea, I will separating my haul into different posts. This post focuses on lip products - lip balm, lip tint, lip crayon, and lip stick. 

VDL Expert Lip Color Cube Ex (KRW 24,000 = S$30)
The triangle-shaped lipstick. Great texture and very pigmented. The packaging allows for precise application of lipstick. 

VDL Festival Lipstick Glow Balm (KRW 18,000 = S$22)

This product is a collaboration with Kakao. The packaging is in Kakao's signature yellow color. The lip balm is embossed with Kakao character, Apeach. How cuuuuuteee is it? The lip balm itself reminds me of Dior Glow, because of the light pink shade. 

Clio Gelpresso Melting Lipstick (KRW 18,000 = S$22)

A creamy lipstick from Clio. The one that I chose was Somewhat (1) which is a pink-nude shade. A great everyday pink lipstick. It has a rather flat tip, which reminds me of my Cle de Peau Beaute concealer's shape. 

Banila Co. Floral Seoul Lip Crayon (KRW 14,000 = S$17)

The cheerful packaging of this lip crayon is what initially attracted me to this product. The brightly-colored flower print makes it a great product for collection. It is so pretty! This product has a rounded tip which is different than typically lip crayon. The one I chose is Boston Pink (ND02) which is dusty rose shade. Another great shade for everyday. It is very natural and not too much for the office. 

Innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm - Deep Moisture (KRW 6,000 = S$8)

* not individually pictured*
One of Innisfree's bestsellers. The very hydrating lip balm with canola seed oil & canola honey extract. It also contain mango seed butter that moisturises lips. 

Innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm - Smooth Care(KRW 6,000 = S$8)

*not pictured pictured*
Another of Innisfree's bestsellers. In addition to canola seed oil and canola honey extract, it also contains shea butter & murumuru butter to protect the lips. 

Peripera Rouge Pang (KRW 10,000 = S$14) 

This product is a pigmented lipstick that have texture similar to lip balm, and strong pigmentation of a lip tint. It is very smooth and glides on very easily. I was attracted to the beautiful red shade. The shade pictured is Party Party (RD 03); the name is very appropriate. A red lips is a confidence booster on days when you need it, like when you have a big meeting or on special occasions. 

REVIEW: innisfree apple juicy lip & eye remover

 

~AG~
Innisfree apple juicy lip & eye remover is a dual-phase remover. It has a oil-based consistency and a water-based consistency. Like most waterproof makeup remover, you have to shake it well before use. I tend to use only one cotton pad to removed my daily eye makeup. With this makeup remover, I find that it is not as oily compared to L'Oreal or Lancôme waterproof makeup removers.

However when I use waterproof eyeliners, I tend to use two cotton pads to thoroughly remove the makeup. What I also found is that if you leave the soaked cotton pad on the eyelids area to absorb the makeup remover, the waterproof eyeliner comes off more easily. So instead of continually wiping the eye area, this is a more gentle method of makeup removal. Overall, innisfree apple juicy remover has a good waterproof makeup removing properties. 

One more thing that I have to point out about this makeup remover is that it is suitable for sensitive skin. I have ultra sensitive skin, and some eye makeup removers have caused my skin to sting. With this Innisfree apple juicy remover, I have had no problems with that. I have been using it for over two months.

Since I bought this in Korea while they were having a 1-for-1 deal, I found this purchase very worth it. I know for sure that it costs less than USD $10 per bottle. It might have cost around USD $5-6 because I remember it being a good buy. Overall, I will recommend this makeup remover to those looking for an affordable and yet effective one. Plus, I especially like the fresh Apple scent.

Innisfree green tea balancing skin care set

~AG~

Innisfree green tea balancing skin care set is enriched with squeezed green tea and green complex from the pure Jeju island to deliver abundant moisture and nourishment deep into your skin. On the box it states, the skin care set is for normal and combination skin. The set includes:

• full-size green tea balancing skin (200mL)
• full-size green tea balancing lotion (160mL)
• travel-size green tea balancing cream (10mL)
• travel-size green tea balancing skin (15mL)
• travel-size green tea balancing lotion (15mL)

innisfree apple juicy lip & eye remover

~AG~

Enriched with apple extract, this line offers softness and healthy radiance to your skin like a freshly washed apple. This lip & eye remover rapidly and effectively removes long-wearing point makeup.

Amount: 100 ml 

Directions: Shake well to activate the formula and pour adequate amount onto cotton pad and then place over eye or lip area to dissolve and remove makeup. 

During my trip to Korea, I bought this eye makeup remover. I have seen several Youtube gurus mention this makeup remover. This has a dual-phase consistency. The top is an oil-based solution and the bottom is an aqueous solution. You have to shake it well before using it like Maybelline, L'oreal and Lancome waterproof makeup remover. It so happens that innisfree was having a promotion. 1-for-1 for this apple juicy lip & eye remover when I was there. I cannot remember exactly the price but I am pretty sure it was less than USD $10 per bottle. I cannot wait to try it out after my Lancome makeup remover is done. I will let you readers know how it is.