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MIZON | AMPOULE | TO TRY OR NOT TO TRY?

Every morning staring into the mirror, you’ll notice things like wrinkles you never seen before – that’s the sign to invest in something strong, something like an ampoule. Ampoule is stronger than your average serum, especially if it’s Korean skincare products.

After doing some digging online, Mizon was the one product surfacing as the top of the search.

Knowing that my skin is aging, this got me thinking and concerned that my normal skincare routine just wasn’t going to cut it. Originally, my normal routine was just water & moisturizer. That was fine when I was younger, when my skin still had more collagen and elasticity.

Now ampoule is now incorporated into my regime. Trying 3 of the 5 Mizon Ampoule products, outlined below is what I rank my favorite starting at the top:

MIZON | Snail Repair Intensive

Being the 3rd and last product I’ve tried from this brand, it by far delivered the best result. It tackled not only the wrinkles and my fine lines, but gave my skin a glow that the other 2 products didn’t provide. During the initial application, given the thick concentration, you can already feel the ampoule being supplied directly into your skin allowing for a quick absorption. VERDICT:  A bit goes a long way delivering high, impact nutrition to your skin. To my surprise, the substance was much more thicker, although it was clear, feeling as though the effects are working already with a droplet.  

MIZON | Collagen 100

Having chosen Mizon as my 1st ampoule brand ever, the next step was choosing which ampoule to try first -- decisions, decisions, decisions. Thus, expectations were high when I decided to buy the Collagen 100. The 1st of anything will leave an impression, and this product did not fail  in delivering promising results when it comes to moisturizing and wrinkles. Though the concentration feel like a slightly weaker version of the Snail Repair.  VERDICT: Similar to Snail Repair, it nourished the skin sending direct nutrition to the skin aiding in wrinkle repair -- the substance however was not as thick. This would be good for those in their earlier age.

MIZON | Peptide 500

As my 2nd choice, I was not as satisfy with this ampoule as I was with my 1st and 3rd choice. The product was much more liquidity than I would like and applying this was quick a lot of work if you’re running on a schedule. The feeling of trying to get your skin to take in the ampoule before it tries to run off your face is a job in itself. VERDICT: The brand notes the Peptide 500 promotes skin protein growth. As I haven’t hit the age where I need growth promotion yet, it most likely wasn’t the product for me (yet). For those who lack collagen and elastin production, this may just be the ampoule for you.

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Lately, I haven’t been getting the sleep I needed and not been able to fall asleep was part of the contribution. After recently receiving a sample of the ZzzQuil from Influenster in a liquid cap form (see box image to the left), I had thought this might’ve been the turning point to fixing my sleep -- maybe even for the night -- especially since it’s a quick dissolving cap.

Boy was I wrong! Took this bad boy and prayed for the best, but instead -- it kept me up for 2 hours. You think rolling around and doing a simple exercise paired with this product will knock you immediately. My sleepless nights continued even after trying ZzzQuil. Maybe it’s the dosage that just isn’t right for me, or maybe it just doesn’t work. Either ways, I did not fall asleep easily, sleep soundly, or wake up refreshed.

If Vicks is going to advertise this product, convey the truth -- not what might be true. Check out and learn more about the product that did not work on me, but may work for you here:

http://vicks.com/en-us/shop-products/zzzquil-sleep-aid/zzzquil-liquicaps

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Dying your hair with even a maximum of 1 time a year is extremely damaging. It strips your hair of its moisture allowing for more knots and split ends. 

Having always used Pantene conditioners as my go to option since it’s heavily advertised and it’s name is known across many platforms -- the thought is if it’s advertising, its guarantee to provide what it claims to offer. This very thought has narrowed and limited my options of trying other brands.

Why? Well, other brands won’t be able to exceed the current brand’s offering and why waste extra money trying other brands if you’re currently satisfied with the present gains.

After attending the first-ever 2015 Generation Beauty NYC convention, hosted by Michelle Phan and many other beauty stylist, I received a conditioner from Marc Anthony Cosmestic -- Deep Repair Aloe Vera Jasmine Conditioning Treatment -- enlightening me that there is something out there that’s better.

A full head of natural black hair has not seen sunlight in a very long time. To keep up with either trends, beauty, and much more, our hairs are put into very difficult situations. 

Using this new conditioner for the first time has shown significant hair improvements -- a shine that I’ve never seen with Pantene and a soft silkiness that’s incomparable. But there is more, the fragrance from this conditioner is impeccable -- a nice jasmine smell. Not too strong or light, but enough to leave a lasting impression.

Now, this is great and all, but where to purchase? Great this is that ULTA is selling this for $1.79/packet, original $2.99/packet.

Check out the product, click here.

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USA TakeOver (TKO)

It’s probably not hard to figure out, but Korean skincare is slowly taking over the USA market. First, Urban Outfitters was the target, followed by Sephora - 2 of USA’s biggest stores across the country globally.

Now, let’s add Forever21 to the list! Yes, Forever21! Club Clio worked with Forever21 to add Peripera products to their website beauty list!

Try and test out the products for free in-store first before purchase in New York at:

11W 14TH ST NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10011

Check-out Club Clio’s website: http://clubcliousa.com/

Check-out Forever 21′s website, here.

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Tired of using a foot scrubber that just doesn’t solve the problem? Still have foot calluses? 

If yes to both, then I recommend Tony Moly “Super Peeling Liquid”, a Korean brand, and I guarantee that you’ll have smoother feet in 1 - 2 weeks. When there is so many advertisements out there it’s hard to believe there is actually a product that works!

I tried it myself roughly 2 weeks before everyone started wearing sandals in New York, and I didn’t believe it -- the old skin on feet shed off and it was completely nasty -- but, I have baby smooth skin! My boyfriend and his mom tried it as well, and -- it works!

Sadly, Tony Moly products are not as abundant here in the States -- although a few of their products are sold in Sephora and Urban Outfitters --  since it’s still an International brand. However, if you’re in New York on vacation, definitely check out the physical stores at the following address:

Chinatown - Manhattan 234-238 Canal Street #112 New York, NY 10013

Koreatown - Manhattan 316 5th Ave #32 New York, NY 10001 

I highly recommend Chinatown’s Tony Moly in Manhattan, especially if you’re visit the Freedom Tower in Tribeca or doing shopping at SoHo. The Chinatown store is bigger than Koreatown’s location, and it close to many of the attractions in lower Manhattan.

In case purchase in-store is not possible, check out their website: http://tonymolyamerica.com/

**However, I don’t recommend doing this treatment during the summer if you’re looking to wear sandals all summer long.

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In the February 2015 issue of Allure, an article written by Katie Chang called “Face East” is shedding some light on South Korean skincare products on page 184. 

Korea first entered the US market when the BB cream phenomenon started conquering the world. Shortly after, the rest of the products started slowly trickling into US soil -- Innisfree, Tony Moly, The Face Shop, and many more.

Today’s skincare product will focus on the Teatree Relaxing Skin Renewal Mask, a Leaders Insolution product, which is dermatologist tested. It effects are to reduce skin trouble while allowing the skin to be in a state of relaxation.

After using the mask, it gave my skin a glow and hydrated my skin to the point that the radiance last up to 3 days. With the leftover serum, I had applied it on my arms and neck, and it felt like a newborn baby -- soft and glowing.

Leader Insolution Website: http://leaderscosmetics.com/EN/m31.php?div=7

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It may seem that trial size kits not worth it's price, however it's not necessary the case. The Etude House kit have lasted at least 3-weeks when a moderate amount is used consistently.

The essence was quick in delivering moist to the skin, and to activate the product on the skin -- pat gently on the areas of your face it was applied to. As for the cream, it delivers a thick coating keeping your face hydrated and moisturized until the end of day. It's great for dry season, like winter.

When I noticed that small wrinkles were starting to form on my forehead and my Clinque products weren't working, switching over to this trial kit was a risk -- but, it tighten and improved my sensitive, dry skin.

Krystal Jung -- a K-Pop Singer for the f(x) group -- is the face/spokemodel of Etude House, a brand emphasizing a magical princess story behind each and every product.

Etude House's cute little kit comes with the following in the sizes below:

Moistfull Super Collagen Ampoule Essence (0.84 fl.oz. / 25ml) 

Moistfull Super Collagen Cream (0.33 fl.oz. / 10ml)  

Moistfull Super Collagen CC Cream (0.17 oz. / 5g)  

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Having smooth, silky skin wasn't going to last forever and it didn't hit me until last year. I had always used Clinque (from Sephora) -- ranging from $38.50 and up -- with the expectation that it offers more than just 24 hours soothing hydration, especially with my dry skin. After using this product for a few years, I've noticed it does not have any benefits that carried over from the previous day of use. My skin would start to loose it hydration towards the end of the day, not until I started using Korean brands.

I always knew about Korean Skincare, but didn't know the brands as well as I knew American brands, which were heavily marketed. It was also tough to find a physical store location to avoid the international shipping cost, and/or speak to a brand representative to learn more about the product. 

This brings me to announce that Sephora has brought Korea's Tony Moly to its shelves, at affordable prices -- all under $15! The company was established in 2006 and sweep the Asian market off it's feet with it's reasonable prices! Now, it has entered the U.S. market with the goal of providing extensive product benefits without the pricey tags attached. Also, as a bonus, it comes in a cute design packaging.

Right now, there is a limited selection at Sephora with just Lip Balm, Moisturer Mist, and Eye Stick. If you're interested in given Korean brands a chance, these items would be a good start and it won't chew out your wallet!

Tony Moly Website: 

http://eng.etonymoly.com/html/brand_intro.php#brandIntroOverview

Sephora Tony Moly: 

http://www.sephora.com/search/search.jsp?keyword=Tony%20Moly

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This is real art! A vision brought to life with a stroke of a brush.

  Wow, 200 followers! Thanks for all the support so far :)

I’m painting again today so be sure to keep an eye put if you like this style of work ~.~

Something a little different this time around.

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Not only is Baruch ranked with the 2nd highest popular picked HS with nearly 6,500 applicants! #BaruchCollegeCampus High School also have TALENT!