Birchbox November Haul

Hi all!  It's been ages since I've updated anything. I recently signed up for a service called Birchbox. This service sends out samples of different products each month for me to try. The boxes are personalized for each individual person. Here's a list of things I got this time:

1.  Oscar Blandi Texture and Volume Spray 1 oz
2. John Varvatos Artisan Eau de Toilette .05 fl oz.
3. Fibre Lashxtend: Extreme black lenghtening mascara full size
4.  Shea Terra Organics Bananas and Baobabs whipped shea butter 1 oz.
5.  Color Club professional nail lacquer "Put a Pin in it" .25 oz
6. Twistband : Grey


I'll upload pictures and reviews on all the items next week.

Until then!

Naruko Narcissus Total Defense Night Repairing Dew and Moisturizer

Hey Guys,

Just a quick thought on the Narcissus Total Defense Night Repairing Dew and the Narcissus Moisturizing Night Repair.  I got a sample of both products from Sune and I do NOT like them.  First of all, the texture of the products were a little runny, especially the moisturizer.  Secondly, they smelled awful!  Maybe I'm used to the clean scents of the Laneige products or the slight scents of the ElishaCoy products but these two products smelled like medicine.  And then the worst thing about it was that 5 minutes after application, my face started burning!  Not a good thing for someone with highly sensitive skin.  I try to steer away from products that may not be good for sensitive skin but I thought I'd give these products a try since I liked the Raw Job's Morning Yogurt from Naruko.  However, after today, I will not be buying any Narcissus line products.

Until next time!

ElishaCoy White Balancing Skin Repair Toner

Hi All!

As I've been browsing the internet to research other products to try (just for kicks) I realized something. Not many people explain what the ingredients do in each product!  Since I have really sensitive skin I always read the ingredients list on any products that I buy.  Sometimes the ingredients are in another language so I'll have to try and find it translated online and sometimes manufacturers only list the scientific name of an ingredient and not the common name.  I've decided that from this point on, I will list the ingredients in a product as well as a little background information regarding it's purpose/use in the product.  Hopefully this helps anyone else out there who may be wondering "what in the world am I putting on my face?"

To start off, here's my review on a product that I've been using for the past few weeks, ElishaCoy White Balancing Skin Repair Toner.

Skin activation skin lotion of water type moisturzing skin easy to be dried.  As a whitening functional toner arranging old dead skin cell and helping whiteing care, it cleans dead skin cell and makes skin balance in order to maintain clear and clean skin.  This toner will provide dried skin with liveliness and moisturized feeling by the function of enhanced moisture holding capacity of skin itself supported by vegetable collagen property.

Lavender extracts of orangic farm product certified by ECOCERT will take care of skin trouble and tomato, callus extract, black bean extracts and phyto collagen will make elastic skin.  (Taken from mysune.com)

Size:  130 mL
Cost: $30.00 USD
Skin Type:
Ingredients: Arbutin, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Lanvandula Angustifolla flower/leaf/stem extract, Solanum Iycopersicum, Calllus Culture Extract, Black Bean Extract

Arbutin: Arbutin is found in a number of dried leaves.  It inhibits melanin formation and lightens dark spots caused by aging or blemishes.

Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice:  This is the sap from the Japanese White Birch tree.  It is used to help maintain the skin's moisture balance.

Lanvandula Angustifolla flower/leaf/stem extract: This is the scientific name for the common lavendar plant.  It's extract is a natural analgesic effective in treating dermatitis and oily-skin conditions.  It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory uses.

Solanum Iycopersicum Callus Culture Extract: This is a common tomato plant.  A callus culture is exactly what it sounds like.  Someone takes a sample of the skin the forms over a "wound" on a plant or in this case, the tomato.  The lycopene in tomatoes is supposed to prevent skin from aging by removing harmful oxygen accumulated in the body.

Black Bean Extract: used to repair damaged skin care.

REVIEW

The product comes in a slightly opaque glass container.  When you pour out the product, it literally pours out!  It's very watery and clear and has a fresh scent (probably from the lavender extract).  Using a cotton pad, I'll apply the product onto my face using an upward and outward sweeping motion.  My skin instantly feels moisturized after applying the product to my skin.  I can't say much about the other claims the marketing department for ElishaCoy says this product will do for my skin, but I can for sure say that this has NOT made me break out in pimples or a rash.  I love how it makes my skin feel after applying it.  My skin feels super clean and fresh but not dry.  Would I buy it again?  Sure!

BB Cream Reviews

Hi All,

Today I'm uploading some reviews that my sister wrote on two BB Creams she's recently tried. Warning: My sister is a much more prolific writer than I am.

Enjoy!

Product: Lioele Beyond Solution BB Cream

Review:

My first foray into BB creams was inauspicious- this cream looked nothing like any of the products I have ever used on my skin. You would not mistake it for foundation/tinted moisturizer/bronzer. It looked like cement in the palm of my hand. This was not a good way to start my new morning routine.

I doubted that this paste would match my skin tone, as I have relatively light, golden skin that tends to get a little bit brown in the summer. I was not wrong. In fact, even with my low expectations, the contrast between the color of the cream and my skin tone was startling. The first dab I applied was a pasty taupe shaded polka dot on my forehead. I figured out that I couldn’t dab and blend the cream over a large surface because of its low moisture level. Rather, I needed to lightly apply miniscule amounts over a smaller surface area before blending (similar to how one would apply concealer around the eye).  Even after I blended the product into my skin (and you really, really have to blend this one in), it sat like a chalky gray mask on my face.

I was ready to give up on BB creams on my very first foray. Resigned to having ashy skin for the rest of the day, I continued my morning ablutions. I happened to glance at the mirror on my way out of my apartment and I literally stopped dead in my tracks- the BB cream had somehow transformed my skin into a smooth and satiny surface. I looked like I just dusted a very light layer of powder on my face. There was no chalky residue or odd discoloration, only a diffuse glow. This cream had some staying power- by the end of the day, my skin still maintained the same satiny finish with none of the oily sheen that often plagues my face after a day with make up or tinted moisturizer. My skin also didn’t feel dry or flaky- in fact, it actually felt softer than normal.

Overall, this was a great product that clearly defines what BB cream is NOT- it is not something as simple as a moisturizer, or a powder, or a foundation. If you’re looking for something with a matte finish (no shine or shimmer), then this is the BB cream for you.

Product: Lioele Triple Solution BB Cream

Product Review: Although this product performed as well as the Lioele Beyond Solution BB Cream throughout the day, it seemed to me that this product was a little bit more difficult to apply and blend, and it seemed to sit pretty stubbornly in my pores even after a thorough face wash. 

Naruko Raw Job's Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Morning Yogurt Review

Hi Guys!

It's been one month since I bought the Naruko Raw Job's Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Morning Yogurt from Sune so I thought I'd write my review on it now.  Here's a little background on the product:

Naruko Raw Job's Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Morning Yogurt

An 8-in-1 All Super Star Moisturizer 

Moisturizes, prevents melanin formation, eliminates dark spots, whitens, brightens, anti-aging,  firms and vitalizes.

Size: 50ml

Cost:$24.00

Directions for use: 

1. After morning skin care routine, pump once or twice and spread yogurt evenly onto skin.  Massage thoroughly to help with absorption.

How to massage onto face:

1. After spreading yogurt onto face, use fingertips to gently press down onto skin and massage in an outward circular motion.

2.  After massage, rub hands together to create heat and press palms onto face for 2-5 minutes.

The product comes in a pump style bottle.  The product that comes out is white and fluffy/airy.  It doesn't run like a liquid at all, in fact, it holds it's shape very well.  My skin feels instantly moisturized when I put the product on.  It glides on super easy and has a very cooling effect.  Perfect for summer!  I don't really know about the "prevents melanin formation" since it's hard to prove a prevention but I do notice that my pimple scars lighten up quickly and my skin looks a lot brighter after I massage the product into my skin.  My skin does feel more firm immediately after using the product but 10 hours later, I notice that my skin is not as bright as it was right after using the product.  However, and I don't know if this was an intended thing or not, my pores look smaller after applying the product.  To me, that's a big deal.  I really feel like I don't need to use a pore minimizing product in the morning when I'm using this yogurt.  Considering the cost of the product and all the things that it does, I will definitely buy this again.  It's quite easy to use and I don't feel bad when I'm traveling and only carry this, my face wash and a BB Cream.  

*Reminder, what works for me may not work for you.  I have very sensitive skin and lots of allergies so I'm pretty picky with what products I use.

That's it for today!  

Sheet Masks

Hey Guys!

So today I thought I'd write a quick review on some sheet masks.  For those of you who have never used/heard about sheet masks, here's a little background.

Sheet masks are cotton or paper sheets cut out in a one-size-fits all face shape.  They all have holes for your mouth and eyes with flaps cut out in the nose area so that the sheet fits around the shape of your nose.  Some also have flaps in the eye area (instead of just holes) to cover your CLOSED eyes.  They're soaked in an essence and wrapped individually for one time use.  You can buy different masks based on your skin needs.

I generally buy masks that target dull, undernourished skin or masks that help brighten the skin.  I'll usually use them 2-3 times a week unless I feel like my skin needs some oomph.  Today, I'm going to review the ElishaCoy Caviar and Gold Sheet Mask.

This essence-type, eco-friendly pulp mask sheet contains premium nutrients such as caviar extract and pure gold to recover the skin's natural resilience. (from packaging)

Price: approx. $2/mask

Contents: One sheet, 23 g

I will definitely continue to use this product.

I got this sheet mask, along with a bunch of other ones, at Sune.  First of all, the packaging isn't as adorable as others (for example My Beauty Diary) and the package itself is bigger than My Beauty Diary's masks.  However, the masks are about the same size.  This mask is made out of cotton, which is a total plus for me.  The paper sheet masks are so hard to unfold (Park View Angel has torn a few already) and not as soft as the cotton masks.  This particular mask has eye holes, no flaps, so I was able to watch TV while wearing the mask.  It's scent is very fresh, light and soothing, perfect for nighttime!  After about 10 minutes, I took off the mask and gently patted the remaining essence into my skin.  My pores looked so much smaller and my face looked brighter right away.  Whether or not this will last is something that we will have to wait to find out but for now, I'm liking this mask and am glad I bought a bunch of them.  All in all, a good buy.

That's it for tonight.  I'm still getting the images together for the make-up tutorial I did with Park View Angel.  Look forward to that soon!

Before and After Pictures

Hi there!

So today I went back to Sune and Jenn, the funny lady that she is, said I need to post pictures of myself after using the products.  Or even just swatches of the BB Creams.  Now, since I am writing this at 10:15 PM, I"m not going to do swatches of BB Creams.  However, I did take some photos of my cheek before and after my skin care regime.

Before

This picture was taken right after I washed and dried my face.  Notice the redness in my cheeks and the slight pigmentation from previous break outs (a wonderful reminder of why I should be very careful with what I use on my face).  I don't have huge pores but they are noticeable, especially to my hawk-like eyes.  

Products used:

1. Laneige Sensitive Gel Cleanser

2. Elisha Coy White Balancing Skin Repair Toner 

3. Laneige Sensitive Essence 

4. Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream

5. Naruko Taiwan Magnolia Brightening and Firming Serum

6. Naruko Magnolia Brightening and Firming Night Eye Gelly

*tonight is the first night I've used the Elisha Coy toner so after a few weeks I will write a review on it*

 After

I pulled my hair back with a terry cloth head band so that I don't have to deal with my hair getting all over my face.  You can still see some of the pigmentation on my face but there's less redness on my cheeks.  Also, the pores look significantly smaller.

Now, obviously I have waaaay more than a simple 3 step (cleanse, tone, moisturize) routine and slightly more than a 5 step routine (double cleanse, massage/facial mask, moisturizing toner, essence/emulsion, moisturizer) and I do it for a reason.  I have extremely fickle skin.  ANY little thing can make me breakout, including forgetting to change my pillow cases after a few days.  I should note that I try not to sleep on the same side of a pillow case more than once a night before changing/washing it.  I also have very dark circles under my eyes and unfortunately this is hereditary for me.  I get about 9 hours of sleep a night so that the circles don't get darker but I use an eye cream every night and day to ward off any premature wrinkling in that area.

Some nights I'll use a mask/sleeping pack/exfoliator but I really base it on what I feel my skin needs at that particular time.  It's been very dry in San Francisco these past few days so I started using my face cream instead of my emulsion as a moisturizer.

I obviously don't have perfect skin but I like to take care of it.  It's a very relaxing ritual that helps me wind down from a long day at work.  I would never take this long on my skin if it wasn't something that I enjoyed.  I usually like to put on some music or listen to one of my favorite TV shows while I'm doing this.  My advice is, if it feels like a chore to you don't do it.

That's it for now!  Look forward to "Before and After Pictures: the AM edition."

Cheers!