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Mini Review: Beautibi’s Classic Mini Set

In addition to buying the Classic Mini Set, I also purchased a full size of the Simplistic Wonder Essence and Ladykin Affinitic Whitening Gel Moisturizer (Travel size).

The Mini Set includes:

HYGEE One Step Facial Essence Sample Kit: 2 vials each of the Fresh and Balance. 

Mini 107 Vinegar Soap

Simplistic Wonder Essence (2 samples)

107 Snow Mask Sheet

I wish I had unboxing photos because each item was wrapped in this gorgeous jade blue tissue paper, but I was too impatient and ripped open all the packaging. :)

If you notice in the photo, however, I was sent 3 Fresh and 1 Balance vial(s). I contacted Beautibi via Facebook Messenger and they sent me another kit very swiftly. Excellent service! Will repurchase from the company in the future.

Also, I took a long time before posting this because I wanted to test the essences out for a long time. 

So, now to the review. As a note, I have sensitive, acne-prone, combination skin. I am trying to avoid things with coconut oil derived ingredients because I know my skin has reacted horribly to it. 

107 Snow Mask Sheet

Ingredients: 

Water,Glycerin,Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, PEG/PPG17/ 6 Copolymer, Panthenol, Snail Secreation Filtrate, Propolis Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Pearl Extract, BetaGlucan, Thuja Orientalis Extract, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PEG60 Hydrogenated Caster Oil, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Propanediol, 1,2Hexanediol,Caprylyl Glycol, Tromethamine, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance

Though Capryly Glycol is on the list of ingredients, it’s lower on the list, so the concentration won’t bother me, I think. I usually don’t have issues with sheet masks, but it doesn’t hurt to check. 

It fit well on my face. Very thin cotton that was translucent. There was not a particular fragrance. Felt nice and cool on my face. Overall, though, I didn’t really notice any immediate effects of increased moisture or brightness. It just felt like a generic sheet mask. 

Rating: ★★★☆☆   I would’t buy it, but I would use it. 

Mini 107 Vinegar Soap

Ingredients:

Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid , Triethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, Sugar, Sorbitol, Alcohol,NAOH, Tetrasodium EDTA, BHT, Sodium Sulfite, Vinegar(Gamun’s Hyo 5years), Coconut Oil, Oriental Herb Complex (Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Saururus Chinensis Extract, Angelica root Extract, Green Tea Extract, Artemisia capillaris Extract, Sophora Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Dandelion Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Glycyrrhiza Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Opuntia FicusIndica Extract, Nettle Extract, Fragrance

Sigh. I absolutely have no idea why I tried this considering the list of ingredients: MYRISTIC ACID, LAURIC ACID, COCONUT OIL. All the things I should look at and think, maybe I should just use this as hand soap. Buuut, I went ahead and did it. 

It smells like...those bags of sea glass that you can get at Michael’s. Fresh, pungent, clean smell. I used a foaming net to lather it up and create a foam to wash my face.

Sigh. It felt nice during the cleansing portion. Afterwards, my skin felt irritated and stripped. Very dry, and my face immediately started forming little bumps/what looks like closed comedones. Nope nope nope. 

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆   Would not repurchase. I will use as hand soap. :(  

Simplistic Wonder Essence

Ingredients:

Amaranthus Hypochondriacus Seed Extract, Butylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 1,2Hexanediol, Glutathione, Pinus Radiata Bark Extract, BetaGlucan, Allantoin, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Soy Isoflavones, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA

I like this list. Bifida Ferment, Niacinamide, Beta-Glucan, Centella Asiatica, Soy, Licorice..no coconut!

Can I also just say I LOVE the full size bottle. It really piques my minimalist aesthetic feels. It’s just *beautiful*. 

As for the actual product, it is an amber color with a light herbal scent. It is definitely more watery than some moisturizing toners (like Klairs) I have used. So, use as toner or essence..? I’ve kind of used it as both. I can’t say that it’s a miraculous product, but it’s not bad. It’s nice to have to change things up, and add another thin layer of moisture. 

Rating:  ★★★☆☆  I would’t buy it, but I would use it.

HYGGEE Fresh(pH 6.80±0.50) One Step Facial Essence

For Excessive Oil and Dehydrated Skin (Oily/Combination/Sensitive)

Ingredients:

Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Methyl Trimethicone, Water, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate,1,2Hexanediol, Panthenol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Acrylates/C1030, Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Choleth24,Tromethamine, Polyacrylamide, Glyceryl Caprylate , Glyceryl Polyacrylate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polyglyceryl6 Behenate, Laureth 7, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butyl Avocadate, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Phospholipids, Ceramide 3, Cholesterol, Arginine, Propyl Gallate, Phytosterols, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol

I definitely checked off all everything on the list they provided to figure out which one suits your skin best.

I feel a little dry after cleansing my face. I use fresh and light cosmetics.  ✔ I become oily in the afternoon.  ✔ I’m concerned about big pores and whiteheads.  ✔ I use less basic cosmetics during hot weather.  ✔

It has the texture of a light gel, foggy/milky in color. Another great product for thin layer of moisture. However, it don’t think it really suits its “all-in-one” description. I think it’s best as a light moisturizer than anything. 

Rating:  ★★★☆☆  I would use it, and potentially buy again. 

HYGGEE Balance (pH 5.50±0.50) One Step Facial Essence

For Dry and Sensitive Skin lacking both moisture and oil (Dry/Aging/Sensitive)

Ingredients: 

Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalane, 1,2Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Seed Oil, Water, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Glyceryl Caprylate , Butylene Glycol,Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Phospholipids, Ceramide 3, Cholesterol, Arginine, Phytosterols, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol 

I feel dry right after cleansing my face.  ✘ I use rich moisturizing creams every day.  ✘ I drink coffee more than water.  ✔ I see fine wrinkles around my eyes.  ✘ I am exposed to a dry environment.  ✘

I tried this out anyway. The dual phase quality of this essence is aesthetically pleasing and I enjoy shaking it before use. Oily, yet light. Like a thin facial oil. It does have a more...synthetic scent, which I found more prominent in this one versus the Fresh version. But the texture of this as an oil reminds me more of an essence than the Fresh one. So, despite having sensitive/combo skin, I think my skin likes this a bit more.

Rating:  ★★★★☆  I would use it, and potentially buy again.

[waferer-blog]

New Purchases + 1st impressions

Indulging in some shopping therapyyyyy. 

Here are some of the things I bought:

1) Dr Marten Newton Boots in Black Temperley (non-skincare stuff haha!)

2) Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel

Wonderful! I love slathering a good layer for some gelatinous goodness. It really saved my skin after it felt really irritated for unknown reasons.

3) SRB Rice Bran Enzyme Powder Wash

I sampled this before, and the smell is very comforting; like warm rice krispies. I mainly bought for the exfoliation, foaming action without setting off my sensitive skin, and the brightening effect. So far, so good.

4) Stratia Liquid Gold

The ingredients look so good that I did a small patch test for one day, and then immediately slathered it all over my face at night time the same day. My face feels super moist and plump without too much oil (which I have been having issues with as of late). I want to touch my face after since it feels so soft!

5) Stratia Soft Touch AHA 10% Mandelic Acid Peel

I’ve been wanting to try Mandelic Acid, so when I added the Liquid Gold to my cart, I figured I would try this out too. Patched test once so far. No issues.

Love the packaging and labels!!! :)

5) Klairs BB Mochi Cream Cushion

EEEEEKKK! The cutest thing I have seen. The lady who ringed me up said that she knew I would purchase it. I like the original BB cream that comes in a tube , as it is very natural and matches with my skin tone. While I have always applied it with a cushion, having the formula in a cushion compact is nice for traveling and touch ups. I love it. 

[waferer-blog]

Skin Care Journey Update

No updates as of late because my skin was riding the struggle-bus: lots of closed comedones and uneven skin tone. I thought it was due to the fact that I may have introduced new products to quickly, so I reduced my routine down to a few staples I know do well for my skin. But no changes.

Until I sat on the toilet to poop, and I didn’t have my phone, so I read the ingredients list for the COSRX Low pH Morning Gel Cleanser. Only to discover there is COCOMIDAPROPYL BETAINE IN IT. 

The accursed coconut oil derived ingredient! HOW DID I NOT SEE YOU BEFORE. 

I had used a sample of the cleanser before, so I thought it was doing great with my skin. ONLY FOR ME TO CONTINUE, BLISSFULLY IGNORANT OF WHAT IT WAS DOING. And of course, unconsciously refusing to believe that this low pH cleanser could be a problem. 

And yes, I know I have an allergy to coconut oil and related derived products, along with fatty alcohols/acids. Not only have I had bad reactions to products with said ingredients, I once stupidly slathered coconut oil all over my face when I was trying to find an oil cleanser and read about the health benefits of coconuts.

Woe is meeee.

So, my skin looks much clearer, cleaner, and moisturized, now that it is gone from my routine. Though finding a cleanser without any coconut is hard!

Here is my routine thus far-

AM:

Rinse with water

[Mario Badescu] Glycolic Acid Toner with [Muji] Layered Cotton Wipes

[Shara Shara] Aqua Bomb AIO

[Mizon] Snail Recovery Gel Cream

[Shiseido Senka] Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

PM:

[Garnier] SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

[LUSH] Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser

[LUSH] Mask of Magnaminty OR [Queen Helene] Mint Julep Clay Mask 

[LUSH] Eau Roma Toner OR [Klairs] Supple Preparation Facial Toner OR  [Mario Badescu] Glycolic Acid Toner

[Rohto] Melano CC Vitamin C Spot Treatment (Currently Testing) [COSRX] BHA Blackhead Power Liquid  [COSRX] AHA Whitehead Power Liquid [Secrety Key] Starting Treatment Essence 

[COSRX] Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

[Manyo Factory] Galactomyces Niacin Special Treatment Essence

[Klairs] Rich Moist Soothing Serum (Trying to finish off)

[Klairs] Rich Moist Soothing Cream (Trying to finish off)

[Naruko] Raw Job’s Tear Supercritical CO2 Pore Minimizing and Brightening Night Jelly

[Rosette] Ceramide Gel

Currently trying to find a new nighttime moisturizer (with no coconut as the Klairs one does have some in seemingly lower concentrations?) and a gentle cleanser since the Lush one has ground up almonds. I also stopped my Curology script, because I don’t think it was doing much for me. 

[waferer-blog]

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum EX samples!

After reading about the benefits of hanbang and how amazing this serums is, I decided to try it out. 

I bought some sample sachets from Jolse on Ebay. 10 packets for $7. I decanted them all into a separate container (one that once held Shark Sauce sample). And though I spilled a bit (noooo), I ended up with it all fitting perfectly. I will be patch testing soon. 

Samples! Wheeeee. [Note: There’s only 9 because I got ahead of myself.]

It fits!

Empty packets errywhereee.

Don’t mind the awful handwriting. But yay~

[waferer-blog]

Empties! Plus mini reviews.

I have collected a ton of empty bottles because I wanted to try and do this. Let’s go!

Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner

The first “moisturizing” toner I’ve used. Thicker than most toners. Has a gel-like consistency, almost like Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion. pH balancing and nice moisturizing effect. I recently repurchased a larger bottle.

IOPE Bio Essence

Technically, my 3rd bottle. Have not seen noticeable improvements. It’s refreshing, but not moisturizing, if that makes sense. Not impressed. Will not repurchase. Replaced it with Secret Key First Essence.

Acwell Licorice Toner

Another pH balancing toner, this was much thinner compared to the Klairs toner. I didn’t mind it, as in there was no breakouts and such. It smells like herbal flowers more than licorice (good!). Licorice is supposedly good for your face, but this was kind of meh. It also felt like it left a film on my face. Will not repurchase.

Klairs Rich Soothing Serum

The whole ampoule/serum/essence thing still kind of confuses me. This was sort of a no nonsense kind of serum--to the point with light moisture. I like the consistency, lack of fragrance, and the pump. I repurchased this.

COSRX Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence

I really wanted to like this. Since the IOPE Bio Essence was meh, and I didn’t want to shell out money to try SK-II, I bought this since it has a higher concentration of galactomyces. I normally like gel consistencies but for this one I was not a big fan, perhaps because I didn’t notice any changes. Will not repurchase. Continuing my search for the right fermented skincare.

Dear by Enprani Tone Up Booskin

I bought this because I was looking for another toner. Recommended by Gothamista on Youtube. It’s like a pepto-bismol color that separates into two layers when it sits. OK fragrance, thin consistency. Not impressed. Just ended up using it to use it. Will not repurchase.

Natural Juju Moisture Aloe Toner

I didn’t mind this one. I refrigerated it and was nice to use for a refreshing cool sensation. No scent; perhaps it help with soothing. Might repurchase? Not sure.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion

The Ulta I bought this at did not have the Glycolic Acid Toner, WHICH I LOVED. I decided to try this because why not. It was okay. Will not repurchase this.

Klairs Black Sugar Facial Polish Scrub

As a teen, I used St. Ives Apricot Scrub, so I thought it would be great to use something more gentle. It left my skin very shiny. I didn’t really love it because I’d rather have a tube. No noticeable benefit either. Will not repurchase.

Laneige Firming Sleeping Pack

The bouncy texture is so interesting! It’s like jello! You take out a scoop and it like reforms its perfect form. Problem was that it would slide of the spatula and you could lose some. It felt really moisturizing and made my skin glow the following morning. Repurchase in the future.

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX

Ehhh. It was moisturizing. I like the gel consistency. But having used the Firming Sleeping Pack, this wasn’t that impressive. But, I would still repurchase. It did its job decently.

Asahi R&D Suhada Shizuki Pack Gel All-in-one

A Hoiy Grail! If I only it were easier to get my hands on. This saved my skin during the harsh winter time, and improved my skin texture. Moisturizing. Gelatinous. Just perfect.

[waferer-blog]

1 month (ish) Curology Update

Not much in visible results. :(

The persistent acne on my chin hasn’t gone away either, plus my nose is clogged with sebaceous filaments..

EDIT: 

Here’s a better image for side-by-side comparison. The little label covers up my chin in the before photo, so you can’t see the fact that it is more inflamed in the after photo.

I messaged my provider and she said she can see progress (really..?) and she’s updating my script. Wheeeeee.

[waferer-blog]

Mapo Tofu, Improvised?

I am not one of those bloggers who take gorgeous photos detailing every step of the cooking process. I like cooking, but it’s work. More work by taking photos equals delay until food can be eaten. However, I still thought it would be interesting to document my food experiment, if you can all it that. 

I have a friend who makes a bomb ass mapo tofu, with spices that burn your nose and throat, making you sneeze, gag, and cry once the flame hits it. The fume hood cannot handle the beast.

However, I do not have fancy cooking skills, nor a wok, or these fancy spices. So, I looked at a basic recipe online, and improvised with what I had in my fridge + scallions and tofu I bought at the store. Also, my goal was to make it quickly, not too spicy or too salty or oily (yeesh all the tasties), but still flavorful.

I used this recipe as a template. The ingredients are:

2 tbsp neutral oil (grapeseed, vegetable) 1/4 lbs ground chicken 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 thumb size ginger, finely chopped 1 jalapeno, finely chopped 1 lb silken tofu (16 oz or 1 block) 1 tbsp sake 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp light soy sauce 8 tbsp chicken broth 1 tsp tobanjan (Korean chili paste) 4 tbsp water 8 scallions stalks, chopped 1 tsp sesame oil 1/2 tbsp potato starch mixed with 1 tbsp water salt and pepper to taste

And shit. I do not have a lot of these. I just ran out of normal soy sauce, let alone who has light soy sauce?! No jalapeños (my babies), ground chicken, tobanjan (which I’m pretty damn sure is not Korean), or sake. Sooo, here are my changes:

2 tbsp vegetable oil 1/4 lbs ground chicken 1 turkey burger 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 thumb size ginger, finely chopped A squirt of ginger paste in a tube 1 jalapeno, finely chopped 1 lb silken tofu (16 oz or 1 block) 1 block of firm tofu 1 tbsp sake mirin 2 3 tbsp soy sauce yuzu ponzu sauce 2 1 tbsp light soy sauce oyster sauce 8 tbsp chicken broth 1 tsp tobanjan (Korean chili paste) 1/2 tbsp of Sriracha 4 tbsp water 8 6 scallions stalks, chopped 1 tsp sesame oil 1/2 tbsp potato corn starch mixed with 1 tbsp water salt and pepper to taste 

Oh, and brown rice. ‘Cause you know, I’m trying to be healthy. :)

Yes, I manage to have friggin’ YUZU PONZU but not normal soy sauce. I’m fancy, yo. AND YES. I PUT TWO PHOTOS TOGETHER IN PHOTOSHOP BECAUSE I FORGOT THAT MY PHONE CAN DO PANORAMA SHOTS. HUSH. Just enjoy the janky quality.

Rough procedure as follows:

Smash two large cloves of garlic. Mince.

Mix the mirin, ponzu, oyster sauce, sriracha, and chicken broth in separate bowl. Spill some while mixing. 

Heat oil on medium in stupid metal pan that heats up too fast

Toss garlic in. Enjoy the smell of fried garlic.

Squeeze ginger paste in. Be horrified as hot oil splashes everywhere because the ginger paste has god damn water in it.

Hide in fear and/or frantically try to reduce heat and stir aromatics without burning yourself. Much.

Throw in slightly thawed turkey burger. Flip impatiently, hoping it thaws faster. Stab at it with no luck. Toss garlic and shit over it. Wait like you’re supposed to.

Break down burger in a ground up consistently. Takes about 2-3 minutes.

Oh, frantically drain firm tofu and cut into small pieces while this is going on (mainly during the hot oil and ginger stage).

Toss in tofu, carefully stirring so you not destroy the tasty morsels of cubed soy bean. Cook for about 1-2 minutes

Pour in sauce mixture. Note how surprisingly tasty it smells.

Let it boil for 2-3 minutes. In the mean time, awkwardly chop 6 scallion stalks at the same time, and mix the cornstarch with water.

Toss a large chunk, but not all the scallions into the pan because 6 whole stalks is too much.

Mix through and then add starch slurry. Watch the sauce thicken it up miraculously, 2 minutes(?)

Eat the tofu, telling yourself you tasting whether it needs salt or pepper. It doesn’t, but keep eating anyway.

Pour over rice, that has been scooped into separate tupperware at some other convenient point in time. 

Not bad approximately 10 minutes of work. Tastes more Korean than Chinese. HAHAHA. 

I’m going to have a tasty lunch tomorrow. :9

[waferer-blog]

MONSTORY Green Mon Fresh Mask First Impressions

I purchased this mask in my most recent haul/repurchases.

Right off the bat, I have to say I love the packaging. The monster character is so cute, I could imagine him being one of those Ugly dolls. It also reminds me of the tubs from Lush.

This wash off mask is made with honey, redbean powder, and mugwort, which is supposedly antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. There’s also “fermented filtered water of fermented mugwort yeast”. 

Wishtrend’s cute infographic indicates that it’s recommended for

Stress-induced breakouts

Redness

Lack of moisture

For removing dead skin and dullness

Claims to brighten and clears up skin. 

Ingredients:

Artemisia Princeps Extract,Glycerine, Bentonite, Phaseolus Angularis Seed Powder, Kaolin, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Powder, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Honey, Betaine, Saccharomyces/Artemisia Princeps Leaf Ferment, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, GlycerylCaprylate, 1,2-Hexanediol

Upon opening the top, you see this cute little monster-

 “Please make sure to refrigerate this natural pack. After opening, use within a month.”

1 month is very different from the 90 days proclaimed on the item’s web description. Oh well, I proceeded to write the date and open up the top.

Mmmm. Green muck.

It smells like fresh dirt mixed with bitter greens. Very chunky. I grabbed a decent amount and spread it across my face like PB and J. 

Frightening.

It’s nice and refreshing. Not too messy since it’s pretty thick, so it won’t slide off. However, I put on a decent layer, thin, but decent, and left it on for more than 10 minutes. It doesn’t dry completely, but it dries enough that washing it off was a bit difficult. I did not want to scrub my face, mainly because it was like a dried paste and wouldn’t budge (otherwise I would have used it to exfoliate). So, I used the spatula to scrape it off and toss the gunk in some water. It was like I was shaving my face. Haha.

Once removed, I used my Hada Labo Gokyujun Lotion to bring back some moisture. There was a momentary stinging/tingling sensation, which made me a bit paranoid. I saw the skin of my cheeks sort of bubbling up with some pimples, but that’s a reaction I see I lot after using some masks. Not sure why.

Rating: 4/5. Overall, no bad reactions, which is good!

I was hoping it would help with a stubborn mountain range of pimples on chin and along my jawline.

Before. Don’t mind me and my dental hygiene.

After

It didn’t do much on the reducing skin troubles front. But it was a nice mask. I’ve been looking into using powders/flours to make DIY face packs, so I think this is a step towards that direction. I will be using it again to see if multiple uses have a benefit. 

[waferer-blog]

Mini Haul!

A bunch of the stuff I ordered has arrived!

But before that, I just wanted to include my current skincare routine for reference. I’m trying to use up what products I have before I use the things I know I like and will continue to repurchase. 

So, routine is as follows (for now):

AM

Wash face with water

Toner: ACWELL Licorice Toner / Dear by Enprani Toneup Booskin

Lotion/Essence/Ampoule: Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion

Moisturizer: Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream / I’m from Vitamin Tree Gel

Sunscreen: (?)

Makeup: Tonymoly BCDation BB/CC Cushion Pact SPF 50+PA+++

PM

Makeup removal: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Cleanser: Holika Holika Soda Pore Cleansing Foam and/or IOPE Enzyme Powder Wash

Toner: ACWELL Licorice Toner / Dear by Enprani Toneup Booskin

*INSERT FACE MASK, OR OTHER THINGS*

Lotion/Essence/Ampoule: Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion

Treatment: Curology (4% Azealic Acid, 1% Clindamycin, 4% Niacinamide)

Facial Oil (sometimes): Rosehip Oil

Moisturizer: Laneige Sleeping Mask and/or Rosette Ceramide Gel

WishTrend Haul

Left to Right:

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Monstory Green Mon Wash Off Mask

Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner

Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum

Except for the Wash Off Mask, I have used all of these products before! I will review the Wash Off Mask soon.

Samples!

Amazon Haul: For DIY Skincare

Plastic Transfer Pipets

Plastic Cups with Tops (the ones you use to make jello shots)

Plastic Spatulas

A set of 4 different sized beakers

A scale accurate to .01 with calibration weight. 

I was elated when I saw the plastic beakers. Bringing the lab into my kitchen, buwhahaha!

Amazon Haul: Sunscreen

Shiseido Senka Anti-Aging Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

I did a patch test and no issues!

[waferer-blog]

Minimalist Skincare

I haven’t posted anything in ages! I just wanted to document my skincare experiment somewhere so I can track my progress.

After having dealt with several major breakouts and spending shit tons of money on stuff, I decided to go with a very minimalist routine. I threw out expired items, sold stuff I don’t use, and trying to pawn off some other things through reddit. 

Trying to narrow down two major concerns: skin treatment and sunscreen.

Skin Treatment:

I’ve been prescribed doxycyclin, tretinoin, and high dose benzoyl peroxide. This plus the combination of birth control has really helped tone down my pubescent acne. Now I am dealing with the occasional breakout and improving the texture of my skin. So, rather than fiddle around with acids, I decided to enroll in Curology. 

These are the photos I sent to the derm.

Gross. 

And guess what arrived in the mail this week:

Prescription: 4% Azealic acid, 1% Clindamycin, 4% Niacinamide, once everyday at night time. 

I’ve used it once so far, and no problems. Since I’ve used BHA, AHA, Vitamin C, and all the other goodies, I don’t think I will have any problems. Whether I will see an improvement...? We’ll see.

I am also delving in DIY Skincare. Using my lab background, I figured it would be so bad. But starting up a lab without grant funding in your own home? HAHA. Not so easy. 

Picked up a few things.

Once I get enough monies, I’ll be following a recipe for Shark Sauce (google it).

Sunscreen:

So I discovered the new sunscreen, Lookatme Jelly whatever, did not actually provide the protection it supposedly advertised.

I hate you. 

This was the one sunscreen, that after my debacle with Biore Watery Essence, that was decent on my skin. *sob*

I picked up La Roche Posay’s Oil Free Anthelios 50 because I needed something to protect my skin when I started the Curology script. It feels nice and matte. Very tacky though, so it’s difficult to rub in.

Butt, I don’t think my skin likes it. After desperately slathering it on my face (after a single patch test), my skin broke out in little whiteheads.

Ignore the ugly mug. Focus on my pimples. :I

About to order the Shiseido Senka Aging UV Sunscreen and the Innisfree Eco Safety Perfect Sunblock. Let’s see how this goes!

[waferer-blog]

Annie's Way Arbutin+Hyaluronic Acid Brightening Jelly Mask Product Review

So, I wanted to do something different and do a review of this product. I heard about this through Bubzbeauty on her vlog channel, Bubzvlogz. 

My first impressions:

God this thing is huge

What do I do; the instructions aren't in English

So goopy!

Ahhhh, it's getting in my nose.

SO COLD.

It is quite a huge tub. But I have heard that it doesn't last long as you need quite a bit on your face to get a good layer. I would suggest using the spatula to get the product out so that the stock is hygienic (i.e., don't use your fingers to scoop it out). I made the mistake of trying to use my fingers to spread the product out on my face, but I ended up with a lot of product on my hands rather than my face. （Ｔ∇Ｔ）

I sat around for 30 minutes working on some things to let it sit and dry. It definitely does not dry out like some other masks do considering it is a gel mask and you're putting a thick layer on your skin. This made me think it would be easier to wash off. But it leaves a thick film that you need to wipe off with a clean towel, and then wash leftover product with warm water.

Before  

After

The product did make my face a lot less red and more smooth. I attribute the redness going away with the cool temperature of the product more so than any specific ingredient. But the hyaluronic acid did help smooth out the texture of skin. The mask didn't do anything significant to my blackheads or pimples, which disappointed me. But overall, I think it's a nice treatment to do to supplement your skin care routine. And dang. Your skin will feel soft and clean. ٩(･ิᴗ･ิ๑)۶

If you have any questions about this review and/or the product, please let me know! 

Aren't I so pretty? :|

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Chibi doodle of me. Drawing some button like things for future website?

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I wanted to update my blog with the other recipes I've tried, yet haven't taken pictures of or noted.

Some things I have made:

Vanilla macarons with nutella ganache

Banh mi with pepperjack cheese and salami

Soondoobu

Cookies and Creme, and Birthday Cake Truffles (using cream cheese)

Things with Kale, Quinoa, and Pearled Coucous

Hope to make more new things in the upcoming new year. Along with many other important things. :)

Cheers!

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About to watch the Backstreet Boys for the first time live (also Colbie Caillat, Plain White T's, and American Authors).

My inner fan girl is going ballistic.

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What do you call that feeling where your friends, who you were fairly close with, are younger than you so you leave them when you graduate, and end up sort of drifting from you but staying close to each other, while you feel left out, unimportant, and are losing the connection you once had?

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I'M A HIGH FLYIN' PUG!!

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Healthy (sort of) Ramen bowl!

Vermicelli noodles with slices of beef and soft boiled egg. Topped with green onion, nori, sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Broth is dashi with onions, garlic, shitake mushrooms, and bok choy.

Bon appetit!