REVIEW: Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch

~AG~

Finally done with Petitfee Gold EGF Eye Patch and decided to get more eye patch. One tub of 60 patches lasted me 8 months. This time decided to try the Petifee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch instead. It costs S$13.67 (S$9.83) from iHerb. The Black Pearl & Gold Eye Patch is cheaper than the Gold EGF Eye Patch (S$30). That is less than half the price. Similarly, it also comes with 60 eye patches.

Made with black pearl and gold powder, this eye mask is full of amino acids to help regeneration and purification of the skin. Infused with grapefruit, green tea, mugwort, tangerine and cucumber extracts to hydrate the eye area and reduce puffiness. It supposedly brighten dark under eye area. 

So what I like to do with these eye patches is to store it in the fridge. The hydrogel eye patches feel refreshing when it is cooled. After cleansing and applying toner, I leave on the eye patches for 30 minutes. I usually put them on at night before bed. These eye patches are soaked with essence to nourish the skin.

Somehow I prefer the Petitfee Gold EGF Eye Patch. It seems to work better to hydrate and refresh the eyes area. Though my dark circles are not reduced by using either of the eye patch. Overall, would not repurchase Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch.

NEW BUY: Son & Park Beauty Water

~AG~

My big brother went to South Korea recently and he offered to help me buy some beauty products. The first on my list was Son & Park Beauty Water. This is award-winning Beauty Water by Son & Park can be used as a cleansing water or a toner. Seen this product a few years back at Olive Young but did not purchase it then because my skin was ultra sensitive then.

The Beauty Water contains willow bark and papaya extract to help exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing brighter skin tone and smoother texture. Lavender water, rose water, and orange fruit extract impart a subtle hydration so your skin can be prepped to absorb the next skin care steps, while adding in a bit of moisture.

Beauty Water can be used in the morning to create the perfect canvas for makeup application, midday as a refresher, and night after cleansing to whisk away remaining impurities. For normal, oily, dry, and combination skin types. Beauty Water has a pH of 4.5, effectively resetting the skin's natural pH after cleansing. Soko Glam is selling it for US$30 (S$41)

REVIEW: The FaceShop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam

~AG~

So after going several bottles of  Avène Gentle Cleansing Foam, my skin has decided to try a different cleanser. Since my skin has been on the drier side lately, a cream cleanser would be a good alternative. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam is a gentle cleansing foam that is enriched with rice water. Due to its creamy texture, it cleanses the skin without irritation. Bought it from Style Korea when they were having an offer for US$8 (S$11). This is a more affordable cleanser compared to Avene Gentle Cleansing Foam. It comes a squeeze packaging with 150 ml of product. Since I only use facial cleanser at night, this product will lasts me a while. 

The Rice Water Bright line contains rice water that is enriched with Vitamin A, B, E, ceramide and minerals that brighten and nourish the skin. After using it for over a month, The FaceShop Rice Water Cleansing Foam did not cause any breakouts or irritation to my ultra sensitive skin. The texture of this FaceShop Cleansing Foam is a whipped cream. The Cleansing Foam has a nice scent that reminds me of baby soap. The natural ingredients in the cleanser remove impurities while leaving the skin soft.

The FaceShop Rice Water Cleansing Foam comes in a plastic squeeze packaging that is durable enough for traveling. I have dropped the plastic packaging from a height of above 1 meter, and the cleanser is still okay. Though, I would prefer if this product comes in a small version so that it would be lighter to travel with instead of carrying 150 ml of product, which adds up to the baggage weight.

I would definitely repurchase The FaceShop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam. It is an affordable cleanser that gently removes impurities without causing the skin to feel dry. Since it is a cleansing foam, it lathers well and feels comfortable on the skin. You only need a pea-sized amount of this Rice Water Cleansing Foam to thoroughly cleanse the whole face. Overall, I would recommend The FaceShop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam to those with normal-dry skin types.

REVIEW: Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Brightening

 

The set of Perfecting Cushion

 ~AG~

Bought this Sulwhasoo Perfection Cushion Brightening last year when I was in Seoul, Korea. It retails for KRW 65,000 (S$78) there. The set comes with 1 x Cushion Brightening and 1 x Cushion Refill. This Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion has a brightening effect. It contains magnolia extract and Pearlescent Complex to give radiance to the skin. The cushion evens and brightens the skin for 12 hours. Sulwahsoon Perfecting Cushion Brightening contains Licorice Purifying Water that hydrates the skin and helps promote a translucent look. This cushion has a special oil-capture system to control excess oil and gives the skin a nice satin finish. 

This is the Cushion that my makeup artist, Shaun Lee, used on my face for the wedding day. He mentioned that Sulwhasoo Cushion Brightening is great because it would not clog the pores. This Cushion has light to medium coverage. For those that prefer more coverage, you can try Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion EX. iShop Changi is selling it for S$72.20. The duty free at the airport is a great place to buy cosmetics at competitive prices. 

The great thing about this Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion is that it comes in 7 shades to match varying Asian skin tones. The saleslady at the counter matched my skin tone to Shade 21 Medium Pink. For reference, I am Urban Decay Shade 3.0 and Bourjois Vanille 52.  I was afraid that this Sulwhasoo Cushion might cause a white or grey cast on my skin, as my previous experience with  banila co. and The FaceShop Cushion has been unfortunate. Fortunately, this shade matches well to my warm medium skin tone.This Sulwhasoo Cushion is great on days when I need something to brighten up my complexion. On days when I do not have enough sleep, I like to apply this on my face to give a nice radiance to my dull complexion. The texture of the Cushion is very light and does not feel like anything on the skin. I would still apply a concealer for my under eyes area and blemishes when necessary. It has a decent staying power and does not melt off in Singapore's humid weather.On normal days, primer is not required to have the Cushion stay on all day. Though for days when I will be outdoor, I would apply primer as a precaution.

Typical packaging of a Cushion

For special occasions, I would not use this Sulwhasoo Cushion as a foundation because I prefer more coverage. Even though my wedding makeup artist did use Sulwhasoo Cushion as my base makeup (as he is truly a makeup extraordinaire), his magic hands made my makeup stayed on all day. Overall, this Cushion is good to have in your beauty arsenal when you need a quick touch-up. This product is available in 7 shades to match different Asian skin tones. With that being said, one cushion will lasts for a long time, as the puff dispense minimal product. Highly recommend this Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Brightening for those who wants a natural radiant glow.

REVIEW: Petitfee Gold EGF Eye Patch

 ~AG~

Bought this Petitfee Gold EGF Eye Patch from StyleKorean.com. It costs USD 23.36 (S$30) for these hydrogel eye patches. A tub contains 60 eye patches and comes with a tiny spatula. You are supposed to finish using them within two months of opening it. The reason why I bought this eye patch is because of my severe dark circles and eye puffiness. Hopefully these hydrogel patches will help to relieve puffiness and my panda eyes.

As the name says it, Petitfee Gold EGF Eye Patch contains 24K GOLD, how luxurious! It also contains ginseng, bird's nest, collagen, aloe vera and rose flower water. These beneficial ingredients are supposed to make your eyes area moisturised and glowing. EGF which stands for Epidermal Growth Factors, is a naturally occurring protein in human beings. EGF works in skin repairing and stimulating cell growth. I have learnt about EGF during my days as a Biology student in University. Previously, I have used a sheet mask that contained EGF and had a positive experience. 

To make these eye patches more refreshing, I store them in the fridge. The cool eye patches feel nice when my eyes are tired. The one thing that I do not like about these eye patches is that it tends to slide down after I put it on. The hydrogel does not stick well and seems to be too slippery. Once the serum is soaked by the skin, the hydrogel patch will stick better.

 

Trying to reduce my panda eyes

After using these hydrogel patches for more than 5 times, I can say that there is no significant improvement to my under eyes area.  My dark circles are still there. I tend to use it at night after facial cleansing and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. The cooled eye patches refreshes the under eye area and help with puffiness. The skin around the eyes feel soothed after use. Though, its effectiveness on dark circles is still questionable. 

Overall, I would not repurchase Petitfee Gold EGF Eye Patch as it takes a long while to go through 60 eye patches. This tub of Petite Gold Eye Patch will lasts about 7-8 months if you use it once a week. Each set of eye patch costs S$1 which is affordable for such an ingredient-rich hydrogel. However, I prefer eye mask or eye patch that comes in single use packaging as it will minimise wastage. We girls often get bored of our skincare products, and like to try new things. So I can predict only using half of these eye patches. 

REVIEW: I'm From Volcanic Clay Mask

~MG~

Bought I'm From Volcanic Clay Mask last August from Wishtrend. It costs S$34 for 110 grams of product. For clay mask, I like it to be in a jar packaging. Since I can see the whole product and I can scoop it all up so no product will go to waste. I bought a spatula to scoop out the product because I do not want to dip my finger into the jar. This product has pinkish brown colour with the typical clay scent.

 

Previously,I had used the innisfree Super Volcanic clay mask for a few years but I was getting annoyed with its texture. The innisfree clay would get harden in time, even though I used the mousse form that was in an aerosol can. So when I saw that I'm From Volcanic Clay won the 2016 best awards on Wishtrend,  I knew I had to get it. I bought it in hope to help absorb my sebum and to purify my large pores.

REVIEW: Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish

~MG~
Black sugar scrub is known to help remove dead skin cells and blackheads, exfoliate and moisturize dry skin, which sums up my skin type. I have oily skin with blackheads but I do get dry flaky skin on my face (due to the acne cream prescribed by my dermatologist). I wanted tor try the popular Skinfood sugar scrub but after reading and watching the good reviews of the Klairs'. Reviews said that Klair's Black Sugar Facial Polish is more gentle than Skinfood Black Sugar Mask. 

Bought it from Wishtrend for US$23 (S$31). This product won the 2015 best award on Wishtrend. It is alcohol-free and silicone-free which is great for sensitive skin. It has a sugar scent which I dislike because I do not prefer sweet selling scent especially for bodycare products.

Even though the name of this product has the word ‘polish’ in it which may sounds scary but it is actually very gentle, hence the name. The sugar bits is more fine than the skinfood black sugar scrub so it is more gentle on the skin. To use this product, cleanse your face and dry it. Then you will need to mix 2-3 drops of water onto an adequate amount of the product before scrubbing with a circular motion onto your face. You will continue scrubbing it until the sugar bits melts away. Then you will wash it off with water and continue with your skincare routine.

REVIEW: COS-RX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

 Picture credits: Soko Glam

~MG~

Bought COS-RX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser in Aland during my previous trip to Seoul last April. I heard so much rave about this cleanser online that I just had to get it. It retails for 8,500 Korean Won, which is approximately S$10. This gentle cleanser has a low PH formula, a PH value of 5, that would not strip your skin of its natural oils. It contain purifying botanical ingredients to gently cleanse the skin. 

This cleanser has a rather strong tea tree oil scent which reminded me of like the tea tree oil cleanser that I have used back in Secondary School. Users like it for its gentle BHA ingredient but I just did not see the exfoliating effect on my skin. I thought it would help to deep clean my pores and remove all the gunk, but I was sorely disappointed. 

The gel cleanser comes in a squeeze packaging with a cap. However, I have some issues with the packaging. The gel consistency of the cleanser is too liquid-y, thus it tends to squeeze out too much product. The consistency and packaging of the gel cleanser is problematic for a frequent traveler like me. Whenever I bring this cleanser on my trip, it leaks too much of the product. I brought this gel cleanser on three trips, on my last trip about half of the product leaked out of the packaging. I was so frustrated with that. 
  
I use COS-RX Morning Gel Cleanser twice a day, morning and night. It lathers too well, a first for me. The cleanser becomes too foamy. Sometimes when I wash my face, I can blow out huge bubble from my nose because the foam gets into my nose. Overrated, it is an average cleanser. I don’t understand the hype. Even though it contains 150 ml of product, it can only lasts me for a short 2 months because of the excessive leakage/spillage.  

I would not buy it again even though it is affordable because the packaging causes the product to be very wasteful. If you do want to try this product, I would recommend you to just leave it in your bathroom at home and not take it in the plane. But if you insist, for the safety of your wallet, fill it up inside a small travel bottle instead… save money and save space!

REVIEW: Château Labiotte Wine Lipstick Melting and Fitting

 

 Labiotte Wine Lipstick

 

Labiotte Wine Lipstick Fitting in Sauternes Red (RD04)

 Labiotte Wine Lipstick Melting in Noir Pink (PK 01)

~AG~ 

Happened to walk pass a Labiotte store when we were in Myeongdong, Seoul. I was unfamiliar with this brand but MG told me that this brand is popular for the Wine Lipstick and Lip Tint. So, we entered the shop to find out more about this brand.There are two types of Labiotte Wine Lipstick: Fitting and Melting. The Labiotte Wine Lipstick Fitting has a matte finish while the Melting leaves a sheen. I bought the Labiotte Wine Lipstick Fitting in Sauternes Red (RD04) and the Labiotte Wine Lip Stick Melting in Noir Pink (PK01). Bought products are reasonably priced lip product at KRW 16,000 (S$20).

Left: Noir Pink (PK 01), Right: Sauternes Red (RD04)

 

Left: The Melting Lipstick, Right: The Fitting Lipstick

The packaging resembles a wine bottle. What a cute packaging! On the top part of the packaging is a sponge tip applicator to define the applied lip colors. The cap of the sponge tip applicator tends to come off easily, which results in the sponge tip applicator being exposed. As a result, I had to tape the cap of the sponge tip applicator to ensure the cap does not fall off.  

Both Wine Lipsticks use the Smart Melting System to make the lips most beautiful at 28 degrees Celsius. Both the Fitting and Melting Lipsticks contains Chateau Margaux Wine Extract, which keeps the lips healthy. When I tried the Labiotte Wine Lipstick Melting, the texture was smooth and nice. The lipstick gently wraps the lips as wine ingredients reacts to the skin optimal temperature. The water grip emollient moisture coating film and stay-fitting polymers provides long-lasting color and moisture. The pigmentation of the lipstick was intense, and the lip color stays on well. The Labiotte Wine Lipstick Fitting has a creamy powder texture that gives off a velvet finish. Though it contains Wine Extract that is supposed to keep lips moisturized, Labiotte Wine Lipstick Fitting tends to accentuate dry lips. To prevent flaky lips, you would need to apply lip balm beforehand. For the Labiotte Wine Lipstick Melting, the texture did not accentuate my dry lips. 

Top: Lipstick Melting in Noir Pink, Bottom: Lipstick Fitting in Sauternes Red 

Overall, Labiotte Wine Lipstick is a good product that is highly pigmented and has a great texture. For those with drier lips, I would recommend the Labiotte Wine Lipstick Melting instead of Labiotte Wine Lipstick Fitting. For those that prefer a matte finish, Labiotte Wine Lipstick Fitting is recommended but remember to apply lip balm before applying the lipstick. Apart from the faulty packaging of the sponge tip applicator, this is a good lip product to carry on. It is long-lasting and stays on well, great for everyday wear.

REVIEW: Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream

~AG~

The award-winning Water Bank Essence has been my skincare moisturizer for over two years. However, prior to the wedding, my skin started feeling tight and dry even after application of Water Bank Essence. Decided to layer on another moisturizer with the Water Bank Essence for added hydration. Laneige Water Bank line was a safe choice for me as my sensitive skin does not have adverse effects to their products. The product that I bought was the Water Bank Gel Cream (S$52). One tub contains 50 ml of gel cream. 

This gel-type moisturiser infused with Winter Cypress Polysaccharide Extracts restores your skin cells and cools irritated skin. This product is one of Laneige’s Water Bank series, formulated with Hydro Ion Mineral Water, Quinoa extract, Olive Squalane and Tilansia Extract. It provides rich hydration for your skin throughout the day. Water Bank Gel Cream_Ex is a reliable product for sensitive skin or if you desire firmer and youthful skin.

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream claims to soothe skin redness caused by dry conditions, controls excess sebum, and to prevent clogged pores. This all sounds good for someone with sensitive and recently dehydrated skin that is prone to breakout. During a beauty roadshow, a test of my skin hydration level revealed it to be at 10% only. I was horrified to find out the results. The numerous hours spent in an air-conditioned office and sleeping the whole night with the AC has taken a toll on my skin. Previously, my skin type was combination skin with oily T-zones. But now my skin has changed to become a dry skin type. 

Been using the Gel Cream for over three weeks now. After facial cleansing and toner, I apply Water Bank Essence all over my face. Once my skin has fully absorbed the Water Bank Essence, a pea-sized amount of Laneige Gel Cream will be applied. Since my cheeks area tend to feel tight, I usually apply an extra layer of the Gel Cream on the dehydrated areas. 

Laneige Gel Cream has a nice gel texture that feels lightweight on the skin. Even though I layer the Water Bank Essence and Gel Cream on my skin, it does not feel sticky or greasy at all. My sensitive skin did not have any allergic reaction after using the Gel Cream. * thumbs up* I would recommend the Water Bank Essence and Gel Cream combination for those with dry skin. For those with oily or normal skin type, you can just apply the Water Bank Essence or Gel Cream, as I have previously. Another tip: If you are traveling soon or have a friend traveling soon, please ask them to help you buy your Laneige products from the Duty Free at Changi Airport. It costs only $44.70 at Duty Free, giving up a total savings of $7.30

NEW BUY: COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch & Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask

~AG~

COSRX was introduced to be by Youtuber, Joan Kim. She talked about how much she loved COSRX products for the treatment of acne-prone skin. So decided to purchase some of their products while I was in Korea last month. Bought these COSRX products from an A-Land store at Myeongdong, Korea. Since I am currently using Derma-RX products, my skincare purchase was kept at a minimum. The product that I wanted to try out the most was the Acne Pimple Master Patch. 

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch 
KRW 3,500 (S$4.50)
This acne patch is one of Wishtrend's 2016 Best Awards winner. One sheet contains 24 patches in three different sizes: 7mm, 10mm and 12mm. This hydrocolloid patch prevents existing acne from further infection by external pollutants. This thin acne patch helps to deflate whiteheads and pimples, by absorbing acne secretion. 

Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
KRW 15,000 (S$18.50)
This sleeping mask contains more than 65% rice extract to help brighten, nourish and and hydrate skin while you sleep. This product can be used as a wash-off mask, cream or overnight mask. I am a fan of sleeping mask because it is convenient to use for busy days. Sometimes your skin requires an extra TLC, and a mask is what your skin needs. 

NEW BUY: Leaders Insolution Sheet Mask

~AG~

Sheet mask is one of my must-buy items while in Korea. Sheet mask is great when your skin need a boost of hydration or when your skin is irritated. There are affordable and super easy to use. I have not tried Leaders Insolution sheet mask, but MG mentioned that they are popular as well. Bought 3 boxes of Leaders Insolution Skin Mask for KRW 51,300. There was a 'Buy 2-get-1 deal" at the duty free store. Each box contains 10 sheet masks, so each mask comes to be KRW 1,710 (S$2.10). The sheet masks I purchased were:
of my must-buy items while in Korea. Sheet mask is great when your skin need a boost of hydration or when your skin is irritated. There are affordable and super easy to use. I have not tried Leaders Insolution sheet mask, but MG mentioned that they are popular as well. Bought 3 boxes of Leaders Insolution Skin Mask for KRW 51,300. There was a 'Buy 2-get-1 deal" at the duty free store. Each box contains 10 sheet masks, so each mask comes to be KRW 1,710 (S$2.10). The sheet masks I purchased were: 

Aquaringer Skin Clinic Mask 
- This is the best-selling mask from Leaders Insolution, according to the helpful saleslady. With enriching nutrients and alpine glacier water, it restores moisture and maintains healthy hydration level.

AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask
- This sheet mask soothes irritated skin and helps reduce redness. It is suitable for those with acne-prone skin. 

Collagen Lifting Skin Renewal Mask
- Helps to improve skin elasticity and moisture level. Collagen boosts vitality for tired skin. Other Collagen Sheet Masks have shown good results on my skin, so I cannot wait to try this Leaders Insolution Collagen Lifting Skin Renewal Mask.

Cannot wait to try these sheet masks. I wish I had more than one face to put them on. Hahaha.. Stay tuned for my review of Leaders Insolution Skin Mask. Have a good day!

Beauty Haul: Korean Lip Products

 Lip products haul from South Korea

 They all fit in my tiny hand

 ~AG~
So during my time in Korea a few weeks ago, I did not go too crazy with the buying of cosmetics. My focus this time was on lip products. Korean beauty industry are known for creating innovative beauty products. I am big fan of Korean lip products because they are pigmented and are suitable for Asian skin tones. Not to mention, they are also more affordable compared to high-end brands such as Chanel, Giorgio Armani and Lancome. 

Mamonde Highlight Lip Tint Glow in Mangosteen (#16) costs KRW 11,000 (S$14). This product was made popular by Korean actress, Park Shin Hye. This glossy lip tint has a nice texture. Mangosteen (#16) is a darker lip color than what I usually go for. 

3CE Red Recipe Lip Color #212 costs KRW 17,900 (S$22). This red lipstick by 3CE has a hydrating texture that feels comfortable on the lips. It is difficult to find a suitable red lipstick. This 3CE Lip Color is pigmented and has a blue undertones. 

Labiotte Wine Lipstick retails for KRW 16,000 (S$20). I am unfamiliar with this brand, Labiotte. MG told me that Labiotte is famous for their Wine Lipstick and Lip Tint. The cute packaging resembles a wine bottle is irresistible. This melting-type lipstick is an innovative beauty product - it reacts to the lips at optimal temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. The texture is smooth and hydrating as well. I bought two shades: Noir Pink (PK01) and Sauternes Red (RD04).

 

Labiotte Petal Affair Firming Lip Color Volume Fit in Selfie Coral retails for KRW 16,000 (S$20). This lip product contains rose oil extracts and pseudoalteromonas ferment extract, which is high in amino acids, to care for the fine lines of the lips. 

Stay tuned for my review of these lip products. I cannot wait to try them all!

NEW BUY: Dear, Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Charcoal Soap

~AG~

While in South Korea recently, MG wanted to stop by ALAND stores to buy some COSRX and Klairs skincare products. We spent some time at ALAND Myeongdong store to find some current popular products in the Korean beauty world. 

Dear, Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Charcoal Soap retails for KRW 10,500 (SGD $13.50). This is a heavy price tag for a bar soap that weighs 100 grams. Klairs Charcoal Soap claims to purify pores without over-drying skin. Charcoal eliminates dead skin cells and organic Moroccan Ghassoul (mineral clay) eliminates sebum. Black sugar exfoliates to give a brighter and clearer skin. It also contains hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, cocoa seed butter and grapeseed oil. Essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus are also found in Klairs Charcoal Soap. This natural soap does not contain fragrances, preservatives, artificial foaming agents and emulsifiers. 

My plan is to use Dear, Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Charcoal Soap for my back area. Since I am constantly plagued by back acne, using a targeted cleanser for that area will be a good idea. My hope is for Klairs Charcoal Soap to help prevent back acne from appearing. *fingers crossed*

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: VDL Metal Cushion Foundation in A205

~AG~

VDL Metal Cushion Foundation has been in my beauty chest for over a year. It is about time that I try it out. The reason I bought VDL Metal Cushion Foundation is because of the unique functional packaging. Unlike the usual CC Cushion packaging, VDL Metal Cushion Foundation has a metal plate to deliver the foundation. Moreover, the foundation shade tested in-store matched my medium skin tone well (for reference I am NC 30-35 and Urban Decay 3.0). Most Korean face makeup tend to be for the fairer skin tones, and it is difficult to find a match for my warm skin tone. VDL Metal Cushion Foundation has a surprisingly lightweight texture. I do not like when foundation or BB creams feel heavy on the skin. My ideal foundation is one that does not feel like I have any makeup on.

So what can I say about VDL Metal Cushion Foundation?
VDL Metal Cushion Foundation has a low coverage. It works great for those with good skin and do not need much coverage. For myself, I still need to apply concealer to disguise my dark circles and blemishes. The shade A205 (Vanilla Beige) matched my medium skin tone well. For shade reference, I am Bourjois Shade 52 (Vanille), MAC NC 30, Bobbi Brown Beige (3), Chanel Beige (10) and Urban Decay Shade 3.0. VDL Metal Cushion Foundation comes in 4 shades: M101, A201, A203 and A205.

Unlike Korean BB Creams, VDL Metal Cushion Foundation did not leave a white or grey cast. The foundation blends well with the skin, and does not feel heavy on the skin. VDL claims this metal cushion foundation will deliver 24-hours of bright and clear skin. It claims to provide a glowing radiance through hydro-rich prune water.

VDL Metal Cushion Foundation is pricey at KRW 27,800 (S$34). This VDL Cushion Foundation is good in that it is lightweight and the packaging makes it more hygienic. But other than that, I would not repurchase this Cushion Foundation as there are other Cushion Foundation on the market that I want to try.

AG's September Faves

Source: Club Clio

Clio Waterproof Brush Eyeliner Killer Brown
This long-lasting eyeliner has a fine tip that is so easy to use. This eyeliner does not smudge at all! Plus, this Clio Eyeliner is affordable at under S$25. Click link for my in-depth review of Clio Brush Eyeliner Kill Brown

Source: Mediheal

Mediheal Collage Impact Essential Mask
My skin became dry and flakey after my trip to China. Tried applying the Crème Simon Sleeping Mask but it was not hydrating enough. This Mediheal sheet mask truly helped to replenish moisture back into the skin. The effect of Mediheal Collagen Mask could be felt the next morning. My skin did not feel tight, and flakiness was greatly reduced. This is a great mask to have in your beauty arsenal! Click link for my full review of Mediheal Collagen Mask

Source: Neutrogena UK

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Nourishing Lip Care with Nordic Berry
Bought this Neutrogena Lip Care when I was in Seoul, and after using it, I <3 it! The Nordic Berry scent is wonderful! This Neutrogena Lip Care works well to hydrate dry lips. It is not sticky nor does it leave a residue. The staying power is decent at 1-2 hours with eating and drinking.

Source: VDL Cosmetics

VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot in Triple Red
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot! If this product were to be discontinued, I would buy many backups of it. It has great staying power! The colors are so pretty, and it is pretty hydrating for a lip tint. I do not have to put on lip balm before applying VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot. Click link for MG's review of VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot

REVIEW: Laneige Brightening Sparkling Water Foam Cleanser

 

Laneige Brightening Sparking Water Foam Cleanser exclusive to Target

~MG~
This rich, whipped foam cleanser is infused with purifying Sparkling Water sourced from the South of France. Its ultra - light formula, enriched with minerals and nutrients, hydrates and enhances skin turnover to reveal a more luminous complexion. Five Multi - fruit AHAs, extracted from bilberries, sugar maple, sugar cane, lemons and oranges, gently exfoliate for smoother, brighter skin. An invigorating cleansing experience for truly radiant skin. Brightens, detoxifies and exfoliates for clearer, smoother skin.
http://intl.target.com/p/laneige-150-ml-foam-basic-cleansing-facial-cleanser/-/A-16643906

Bought this Laneige Brightening Sparkling Water Foam Cleanser during my last trip to the States. I was so excited to see Laneige products being sold in Target. This Laneige Foam Cleanser usually retails for US$23, but I bought it when it was on sale. Laneige products are typically quite good. But this is the WORST Laneige product that I have tried. 150 ml. Apply to dry face, use a ping-pong ball-sized amount of foam. There was no tingling sensation when washing my face with the foam cleanser. This cleanser would not be suitable for in-shower use. Since I usually wash my face in the shower, this foam cleanser was an inconvenient addition to my routine. The texture of the foam was unusual. It was a dense foam, and was rather patchy. The foam come out looking like a scrub. Compared to Biore Whip Cleanser, Laneige Brightening Sparkling Water Foam Cleanser texture is sub-par. My skin feels squeaky clean and quite tight after washing. This Foam Cleanser might be too drying for those with dry or normal skin types. The packaging is not travel friendly as it is bulky and comes in an aerosol can. This is my least liked Laneige product. Would NOT recommend this Laneige Brightening Sparking Water Foam Cleanser to anyone.

NEW BUY: Laneige Lucky X Chouette Serum Drop Tint & Multi-Color

Laneige Lucky Chouette 

 Multi-Color and Serum Drop Tint

 The cute owl characters: Bella Chouette & Vely Chouette

~AG~
This Laneige X Lucky Chouette collection is all over the social media. The owl characters are just adorable. Bought Laneige Serum Drop Tint in Urban Coral (S$36). This is a lip tint contains berry mix complex that is rich with antioxidants to keep lips smooth. It also contains serum oil to keep lips moisturized. This cute packaging was too difficult to resists. Laneige x Lucky Chouette Multi-Color (S$45) is a 4-in-1 face color. You can be used as eyeshadows and highlighters. Laneige x Lucky Chouette Multi-Color looks too pretty to be used. What an irony! To buy a makeup and for it to not be used. I am sure you girls out there can agree with me on that.

 It comes with a eyeshadow brush

 

Shy Vely Chouette