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

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

REVIEW: Laneige Sun Block Aqua+ SPF 35 PA++

~MG~

Bought this Laneige Sun Block Aqua+ Sun Block SPF 35 PA++ in Korea on May 2015 for about 25,000 KRW (approximately SGD 30). It took me about 6 months to finish using this Laneige sunscreen.
One important skincare tip that I follow which may sounds a bit weird coming from a girl with combination oily skin, I love moisturizing products! I place great importance in keeping my skin fully moisturized. Some people may find this extreme despite having oily skin, but I would use a moisturizing facial mist after cleansing my face and then continue with my skincare routine. For my day and night moisturizers, I would purposely find products with moisturizing properties as their main properties. 
This Laneige sunscreen has a not-so-lightweight cream texture with a pleasant scent. My face, especially my T-zone, would get super oily and sometimes even sticky when I use this sunscreen. It can be a major horror for those girls who have bangs! When using this product, I would find myself needing to tie my hair up or pin my bangs away from my face because I just cannot stand it sticking to my oily face. 
With that being said, this sunscreen would not be recommended for those living in hot, humid climate and for those with combination or oily skin. People living in dry and cool areas, and those with dry skin type who always appreciate more hydration for their faces, this product is for you! One last thing if I may add is that despite its very moisturizing properties, this sunscreen does not break me out. Thankfully!

Q&A: Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream EX

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream_EX

The durable & heavy packaging

50 ml of product

~MG~
1) How long have you used this product?
MG: I have been using this Laneige Gel Cream EX ever since September 2014. This is my fourth tub! One tub lasts me for about three months. 

2) How do I use it?
MG: I apply it after I spray a moisturizing face mist such as Nature Republic Bee Venom or The Face Shop Argan Oil Face Mist on my face, and after application of SK-II treatment essence. For daytime use, I use one pea-sized amount. For nighttime use, I use two pea-sized amount.

3) Where did you buy it?
MG: The first time, my sister bought it for me from South Korea. Subsequently, I bought it from Laneige stores and department stores in Singapore for around S$52. Found out that it was cheaper @ $44.70 to purchase Laneige's products in Changi Airport Shilla Duty Free than in the city. 

4) Would you recommend to me? 
MG: Of course, because it is good and it has Laneige's signature scent. It feels light yet moisturizing. Though it is not very moisturising since it is a gel cream. It works well for my acne-prone skin.

5) What would you change about this product?
MG: The only reason I stopped using Laneige Gel Cream EX is because of the tub packaging. I did not like dipping my fingers into the tub, as it is not so hygienic. The tiny scoop that comes with the cream is inconvenient to use for each application. Plus, the packaging of Laneige Gel Cream EX is so heavy, not good for traveling.

Q&A: Laneige White Plus Renew Original Essence

~MG~

Light plastic packaging 

Comes with a dropper applicator

Q: How much did you buy Laneige White Plus Renew Original Essence for?
A: When I bought the first bottle at Laneige's retail store, it cost me ~$78. The second bottle was purchased at Shilla Duty Free at Changi Airport for ~$58. It was a $20 price difference!

Q: Why did you decide to try this Laneige White Plus Renew Original Essence?
A: This is one of Laneige's global best-seller products. I have seen this essence win my beauty awards. I wanted a product that will help brighten my uneven skin tone, because I have quite a bit of acne scars  Korean beauty products are known for achieving clear, and fair complexion.

Q: What were your expectations of this essence?
A: My hope for this essence was to lighten my acne scars and brighten my complexion. 

Q: How long have you been using it? 
A: Started using the first bottle in February. One bottle lasts me about six months. Now I am on my second bottle. 

Q: Have you see any improvement from the continued used?
A: I think I have seen some improvement in my overall skin tone. My dark acne scars has lightened, though the difference is not very noticeable. 

Q: Does this essence work for acne or combination skin? 
A: Defnitely! It is lightweight and does not cause my skin to breakout. 

Q: Will you repurchase it?
A: Yes, it works fine for my skin. I especially like that the packaging is light, and is not made of glass. It is great for traveling! Unlike Kiehl's serum that has a glass packaging, and was too heavy to travel with. I will recommend this essence for those with uneven skin tone, and for those who want to improve their overall skin tone. The effect is gradual and not as noticeable, but it does help for acne scars. For those with more pigmented scars, I would recommend Laneige White Plus Renew Original Spot Ampoule for a stronger and targeted whitening effects. 

REVIEW: Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX

~AG~

 

My friend helped me buy Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX  from Shilla Duty Free at Changi Aiport. It costs S$42.99 for 60 ml of product. This essence should lasts me 5-6 months. Previously, I tried the older version of Laneige Water Bank Essence, and it worked well for my sensitive combination skin. REVIEW: Laneige Water Bank Essence (Previous Version) Since I was done with the dermatologist-purchased Derma-RX Hydrator, I decided to turn to a more affordable alternative. The Derma-RX Hydrator costs $70 for merely 30ml of product. Even though I do like the texture of Derma-RX Hydrator, I am sure Laneige Water Bank Essence can work just as well.

 

This Water Bank Essence_EX is the updated version of the Water Bank Essence. It comes in the same sturdy glass bottle, with a capped pump packaging. The scent of the Water Bank Essence_EX is similar to that of Water Bank Essence. I <3 the oceanic scent! It is very refreshing.

 

This Water Bank Essence_EX has become a part of my skincare regimen. Even though it is an essence, I use it as an everyday moisturizer. I use it day and night, a single pump is all I need to moisturize my face. My sensitive skin has not had an adverse reaction to this moisturizer. It did not cause any new breakouts on my face. This moisturizer is great for humid climate. The gel texture is rather lightweight, and is absorbed swiftly into the skin. The best part is that it does not leave a tacky feeling on the face. I really do appreciate this moisturizer. It is a GREAT addition to my skincare regimen. The only thing that I will change about the product is the glass packaging. On several occasions, I have almost dropped this moisturizer from a great height. It caused my heart to skip a beat. Imagine the glass bottle shattering to pieces. How 'sayang'! Though, I have to point out that the glass packaging is rather thick and might not break, but I rather not take the risk. Overall, I will recommend this product to anyone who wants a moisturizer that is lightweight and does not feel sticky. This is a trusty product to have as part of your skincare regimen.

 

REVIEW: Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX

~AG~

This Laneige Sleeping Mask has been on my beauty rack for quite a while now. But it has not been put to good use. My sister, MG, is a big fan of this product. She would use it a few times a week. However, I am not that interested in its moisturizing properties. 

One of my friends also mentioned on how good this sleeping pack is. This sleeping pack is meant to be used overnight thus the name sleeping pack. You apply it as the last step of your night skincare routine. It supposedly seals off all the night serum & moisturizers.

                            

Last week, after I came back from China, my skin became flaky and dry. I decided to put this Laneige Sleeping Mask to the test. Will it help restore a healthy moisture level to my skin? And will it reduce my skin flakiness? 

NEW BUY: Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream_EX, White Plus Renew Original Essence & Water Bank Mineral Skin Mist

What I actually bought

Look at the freebies!

~MG~

What meant to be a short stop to Laneige turned out to be abit more. I (really) was just planning to buy a new tub of the 'Water Bank Gel Cream_EX' since mine was almost empty. 

A few days before stepping inside the Laneige boutique store, I had been researching for a brightening serum which I want it to help with my acne scars. Just a little FYI, whenever I have acne, it will ALWAYS leave me with some beautiful scars. I read pretty good reviews about the Laneige's 'White Plus Renew Original Essence ', which is one of the brand's 3 global best sellers! I just had to get it because I can feel it calling for me! Laneige calls the product an essence but its really the same as serum.

Just when I was about to pay for the 2 items, the oh-so-thoughtful saleslady shared to me that by spending $150, I would be able to receive the cute blue beauty pouch with the 4 generous samples. The samples consisted of 2 global best sellers, 'Water Sleeping Pack_EX' and 'Water Bank Water essence_EX'; and the 'Time Freeze Intensive Cream' and 'Time Freeze Eye Serum'.

So... I decided to get the mini 'Water Bank Mineral Mist' which is perfect for travelling because its mini and its plastic. AG just bought the full size of the mist in Shilla Duty Free Shop at Changi Airport, and I tried spritzing it and it's pretty good!

Anyway, I can't wait to try out the essence! I think I might just start using it tonight! 
I will be back to write the reviews of the products that I purchased! 

p.s.: For those who are planning to buy Laneige's products, may I suggest to just shop in their boutique stores and not at their booths in the department stores because from my experiences, the salesladies in their boutiques are far more helpful and generous in giving out the lovely samples!

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. 

REVIEW: Laneige Water Bank Essence

~AG~

I bought this over a year ago in Singapore Changi Airport duty free. However, Laneige has come up with a newer version of the Water Bank Essence. They have re-pacakaged it as well. Anyway, this is my outdated review of this popular product from Laneige. 

The thing that stood out the most regarding this essence is the fresh oceanic scent. It smells wonderful and refreshing. It comes in a pump packaging which makes it convenient for application. The older packaging comes in a glass bottle which is hazardous for travelling. So, I usually the Ren moisturiser when I am travelling. 

Normally, it takes one pump to moisturise my whole face. On occasions when I find that my skin is drier, I use two pumps of the essence. What I love about this essence is that it absorbs quickly and does not feel sticky after application. The essence has a gel moisturiser texture which is rather lightweight. Laneige Water Bank Essence is perfect for this hot and humid weather. 

With my horrible experience with Korean skincare, I was afraid that my ultra sensitive skin was going to have an adverse reaction to Laneige Water Bank Essence. Thankfully, after more than two months of using it, my skin has not had any bumps or red patches. It also does not cause my skin to breakout, and does not clog my pores. Double Yay!!

Since this is a review of the older version of the Laneige Water Bank Essence, which you cannot find in the market anymore. I will have to review the newer version of the Water Bank Essence. I hope the newer version is just as good or even better than the older Water Bank Essence. Please stay tuned! I am  about halfway done with this bottle. 

Youtube Guru Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control Review

~AG~

I should have bought Laneige BB Cushion when I was in Korea.

PURCHASED: Laneige Sleeping Mask

~AG~

Just recently bought Laneige Sleeping Mask. Been wanting to try this product since my friend recommended it. There are also many good reviews on it. Keep you all posted.