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What to do if you have over exfoliated your skin recently.

What to do if you have over exfoliated your skin recently.

The Vampire Facial from The Ordinary has taken over TikTok, IG, and YouTube. For many it’s a great option for Exfoliation. In this post, we’ll breakdown how over-exfoliation can actually leave you with bigger problems than what you expected. Here’s what you need to know. Have you ever seen someone with ultra-shiny almost too glowy skin? It can be a sign that they’ve over-exfoliated their skin.…

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Dewy Skin on Long Haul Flights? Yes Please.

Dewy Skin on Long Haul Flights? Yes Please.

During one of my long haul flights to Seoul pre-pandemic I had a couple of hours in Dubai. During this transit stay, I was approached and (no lie) questioned for my skin. Honestly, being approached while walking around isn’t something that happens on basis in Norway. When I was younger and living in Beijing, China, there was an occasional ‘hi can I take a pic with you and my kids?’ situation…

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Should you really opt in for non-comedogenic skincare?

Should you really opt in for non-comedogenic skincare?

A is for Acne. For a lot of people breakouts can feel like a never-ending battle. For myself, it was one of the reasons why I couldn’t continue working with this blog and post about the amazing products I tried out. With stress and hormonal changes comes acne, and acne and pimples.. well. Stress. It was almost like just breathing air would trigger a new outbreak, and in this battle I tried to…

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Ingredients you shouldn't mix with retinoids.

Ingredients you shouldn’t mix with retinoids.

Maybe you like to mix and match when you’re making a cocktail on a friday evening. In this post we’ll break down the different skincare ingredients you shouldn’t mix with retinoids. With everything trending on IG, TikTok & YouTube its not hard to fall for the promise of baby soft skin. During these days most of us tend to spend more time on our routine than usual, but if you’re new to this and…

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I Threw Away a Bunch of K-Beauty Products - Here Is Why, Part II

I Threw Away a Bunch of K-Beauty Products – Here Is Why, Part II

As Sigrun recently posted a post about products that she threw away, I thought that it would be a good time for me to do the same. As I’m packing up my stuff for Seoul, I’ve been cleaning and behold – part II of things that have ended up in the trash! Banila Co – Water+ Water Dear Hydration Toner

This is actually a toner that I had super high hopes for since I have dehydrated skin. As much…

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Beauty Trend: The Jade Roller

Beauty Trend: The Jade Roller

You have probably seen the jade roller on social media during the last year as its a big beauty trend at the moment. However, it’s not something new. Rumor has it that the rollers are said to have been invented during the Qing Dynasty in ancient China.

In Chinese culture, jade has held a special place for centuries. There are jade rollers in museums dating back centuries, and if you visit museums…

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I threw away a bunch of half-used kbeauty products - here's why.

I threw away a bunch of half-used kbeauty products – here’s why.

When you’ve been trying and testing your way to better skin for the better part of 3 years, you accumulate a lot of products you either won’t finish or that are way past their expiration date.

This is my trash bag of products I won’t continue using:

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner This toner has been sitting in the back of my cupboard for over a year. It’s actually half way used…

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We rarely do to reviews in one, but when two products are from the same brand and series – why not? Before Christmas, I tried out two products from the Etude House Honey Cera series.

As our favorite eye cream suddenly ended up being discontinued, we had to find a replacement option for the COSRX Honey Ceramide Eye Cream. While Sigrun tried a product from Mamonde, I ordered the priming eye serum from Etude House. I actually came across this eye serum while using my emulsion from the same brand and concept. With my super dry skin, I’m always looking for a solution to make it less dry.

Yet again, there’s not that much information about the products online. Some brands are really good at marketing materials and descriptions, and others not. Honestly, it’s not even a brand thing – some lines get pushed out really good – others don’t. So this wasn’t exactly easy. What I do find online about the products are the following:

“A nourishing and firming emulsion that provides rich nutrition and strengthen the skin’s oil-moisture balance. Dispense a certain amount onto the palm of the hands during the first step of skincare and massage gently from inner to outer areas of the face.”

&&

“A priming eye serum that enhances dark circles under the eyes with its whitening function for a smooth and brightened eye area. After the last step of skincare, use the applicator to gently apply a certain amount onto eye area and massage around the eye area, softly patting to finish up.”

So, to summarize it. Both products are supposed to provide a lot of moisture! As the name says, it contains honey and ceramides. Now, this has been ranted about multiple times. Ceramides are the lipids (fats) that hold the skin together and honey is a natural humectant that helps to bind moisture to the skin. Due to its antibacterial properties, it works towards acne free skin.

But, first things first. Let me tell you about the emulsion. I purchased this at that point where nothing would help my skin and while it was at its driest. I’ve always been skeptical about what an emulsion actually can do for one when there are so many other things in use and what it actually does. Emulsions are lighter versions of moisturizes. Most times, they are water-based, something that makes them thinner and lighter. They tend to absorb into the skin much faster, and they don’t tend to sit on top of the skin. Emulsions are used in between serums and creams, preferably before the final moisturizer. I do find it a bit strange that Etude House suggests that it should be used as the first step of the skincare routine, we all know that the first step is cleansing, am I right?

The emulsion has a light yellow tint before applying

After massaging it onto the skin, it has no color

I can’t say anything negative about the emulsion from the honey cera series. It’s been doing such a great thing for my skin and I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through the winter without it. One pump goes a long way, it doesn’t go sticky or peel off due to the previously applied layers. There’s not that much negative to say about it. It might have been better if I could find more information about it online, to be honest. I don’t know why I bought it, but I do think it was since ceramides always do my skin so well!

The eye serum… This was such a disappointment compared to the emulsion. Etude House claims that this will enhance dark circles, whiten, brighten and nourish the delicate under eye area. Well, it doesn’t do magic. Actually, it did nothing for me. Okay, so it might have provided a little moisture and one thing else. As seen from the pictures above and below, it has this shiny, metal applicator that is supercooling, trust me – it’s a sensational feeling, when in contact with skin!

But that’s it. One of my first Korean eye creams were also from Etude House, and last time, the disappointment was the same. During the winter, the skin under my eye has been so dry, its been flaking and red (trust me, it didn’t look good). I guess that this might have been too weak since it did nothing for me at that time, but I’ve used it both before and after my eye issue and yet, nothing. Even though it says primer, I guess I had super high hopes for it due to the emulsion.

The application goes on really easy, squeeze out a little bit, dab it onto the desired eye area with the applicator, and then use your fingers as the last step. While writing this post, I actually ended up taking a break from it to do my skincare routine with this so that I could check it out once more before the final verdict. So here it goes; (Ps. I didn’t apply any other skincare product under my eye before and after taking these pictures). If you zoom in, you can see the dry area on the left picture, however in the right picture – it’s less visible.

Before applying the eye primer

After applying the eye eprimer

As you can see, nothing changed. Not whiter, not less soar and red. Just a little hint of cooling effects only lasting for a few minutes. So it might provide a little bit of hydration right there. But as for the next morning, well… Didn’t exactly notice any difference, just my good’old dry skin. And yes, I forgot to brush through my eyebrows, and I didn’t notice the eyelash on my cheek but whatever! At least u can see what my issue is!

  To sum things up, if you are looking for an emulsion, I definitely recommend the Etude House Honey Cera Emulsion.  However, the ‘eye serum’ – stay away from it. It didn’t do anything for me so that is my honest opinion.

Ingredients – Emulsion: 

Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, C14-22 Alcohols, Honey Extract, Ceramide 3, Royal Jelly, Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Adenosine, Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Tromethamine, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Disodium Edta, Fragrance, Yellow 5 (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 (Ci 15985)

  Ingredients – Eye Serum: 

Water, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Honey Extract, Ceramide 3, Royal Jelly, Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Adenosine, Glyceryl Stearate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Stearic Acid, Silica, Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl- 3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polysilicone-11, Peg-100 Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Alcohol, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance

Etude House ☀ Honey Cera Emulsion and Priming Eye Serum Review We rarely do to reviews in one, but when two products are from the same brand and series - why not?

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During the summer months, the Korean fashion and beauty content creator Hanbyul came out with a COSRX collaboration. And of course, I had to try them out!

As mentioned the Hydrogel Very Simple Pack is a collaboration with the Korean IT-girl Hanbyul. A product with hydrogel masks that offer instant relief to overheated and inflamed skin. While having the similarities to sheet masks, the hydrogel rounds are soaked in an essence containing Centella Asiatica, my favorite skin ingredient, super moisturizing ceramide, and hydrating hyaluronic acid.

It wasn’t exactly easy finding sufficient information about this product online. When it comes to the marketing of this product, I didn’t see them at all on their ‘international’ site. However, it is launched on their Korean site and from the looks of it, the product is quite popular! I actually came across it while scrolling on Instagram, and I had to get my hands on it. So I started going mad on eBay looking for a legit seller, and after a few hours, done and on their way.  These masks actually got a pretty good result in the RX awards, actually the 2018 winner of the beauty review hosted by unpa. So, I ended up translating most of the info on the site so that I actually could figure out the hype!

But let’s move on!

Claiming to be an ‘instant’ skin care product, meant to be used whenever and where ever needed it can be looked like as an addition to the toner or the sheet mask. It is aiming to be quick moisture before work, makeup, a date (for those who are lucky enough) or on a flight. It’s ‘pack’ with Ceramides and Cica aims to work towards soothing and moisturizing properties while saving the skin when it has been exposed to ‘hot air’ in cases like working out or blow drying your hair. I don’t think that the concept is that you should work out with these on, but more that you should apply them straight after a work out to soothe your skin. We all know that our sweat might be salty and dry out our skin afterward so this might do me some good. As I tend to work out three to four days a week, I often look like a red tomato afterward with skin that feels slightly drier.

So, the product itself, it’s a see-through, moisturizing hydrogel sheet that almost looks too good to be visible. Size-wise it has the size of 7 centimeters in diameter, so they aren’t super big, but not super small either. To be honest, its a perfect fit for a cheek, making it even easier to use on-the-go! The fact that it has the same shape as their other pads, do make it easy to use. COSRX are suggesting that this could be the end of a complex skin care routine, also it could change the whole nighttime routine by only using a ‘pack’ and then go to bed. When it comes to me and my skincare routine, I’m a lazy girl. So I do like products that can cut the time for me on those late nights when I don’t want to put in the effort.

When it comes to the packaging and first impressions, the first thing that caught my eye while scrolling online was the silver, holographic elements on the packaging. The product comes in the same size tub as other COSRX pads. Instead of being white, it’s turquoise with a white lid. There are some cute details on the lid, some sort of pattern made out of lines that are shiny.  The packaging is easy to open, and my first impression was that the product has a soft, subtle scent, quite fresh and pleasant. Thus, this does mean that the product contains some fragrances that some users might react on. It’s not pure perfume, but essential oils. So if you do tend to react, check out the ingredient list before buying the product (they are also listed at the end of this post).

The patches, masks or ‘packs’ don’t fall off when using them. The first time I used them I was kinda stressed about if they would stay on or not. They didn’t fall off while eating, drinking or just basic stuff one do when not doing that much. This does make them a good choice for a quick pick me up. I tried them on before doing my skincare routine and applying my makeup in the morning the other day and it did do me good! I felt like they really moisturized my skin in a short amount of time while prepping it for the next steps.  They’re quite easy to use, just take out the number of masks you would like to use with the supplied tweezer, place them onto the desired areas and remove them after 10 – 30 minutes. Just remember to pat in the extra essence!

  A trick could be to cut the pad in two and use it as an under eye mask. I did do this once, but it didn’t feel as comfortable as regular hydrogel masks for the delicate under eye area. It comes with 60 pieces in a package, that makes 200grams of product. This is the first hydrogel product that I have come across that isn’t purposely for the eye area. I’ve seen 2-in-1 options for cheeks and eyes, but I’ve never tried them. On second thought, I do have hydrogel lip masks from MediHeal! But they aren’t for the ‘whole face’ like these ones. Focusing on the amount again, if you use 3 pieces each time, one on each cheek, and one you cut in half so that you can place it on your forehead and chin. This goes down to 20 uses in one package? Depending on how one uses them and how many used. Pricewise it is in the same range as a sheet mask if you use 3 of them each time, so you could just go in and use sheet masks instead.

The mask does cool down quite well when they are used. I tried to see if I could fit on the whole mask on my forehead, and it does go okay, but I’d rather cut in in two pieces and spread it horizontally /or just one for the forehead and one for the chin rather than having a circle in the middle, close to my hairline. I can honestly state that this is more of a cheek product when it comes to its usage areas and my needs. It is a bit hard to figure out how much essence there it is in the package, it’s not easy to see so one might think that it’s almost empty. As mentioned it comes with a practical tweezer in plastic. If it was up to me, I would make it with better quality, thus more similar to what Neogen provide with their similar products. Some Neogen pads come with a tray and a tiny hole for storing the tweezer in it. This does make it so much more practical and hygienic rather than just having it laying around.

When it comes to its effects and what it does for the skin I do notice that my skin is quite moisturized after use. It also stays cool and soothing, but I do notice that my whole face hasn’t been treated. So that’s a bummer. Honestly, I do feel like this is a ‘taste and comfort’ product. Yes, I love pads with essence and treatments. But I don’t think that I would repurchase this. I’d rather just buy regular sheet masks. I might purchase a similar product recently released from 3CE. But we’ll get back to that when I’m back from Korea. If COSRX would use this essence and formula as a sheet mask, similar to the ones from Dr. Jart they might be onto something.

I actually tried on the masks while blowdrying my hair, and they didn’t fall off! To be honest, they didn’t exactly turn the time it takes to dry my hair into a magical hour, but what I did notice was the fact that my face didn’t turn red and dry, so that’s a good thing. They didn’t move, fall or itch when in contact with heat, and afterward I couldn’t stop touching my face. To be honest, I do think that these pads are growing on me.

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Calcium Chloride, Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Bambusa Textilis Stem Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide Np

    COSRX ☀ Hydrogel Very Simple Pack Review During the summer months, the Korean fashion and beauty content creator Hanbyul came out with a COSRX collaboration.

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Have you ever tried a product with one special ingredient that makes you want to try out the same ingredient in every other skin product you use? Sigrun and I tried out the Cica trend, and well – we’re addicted.

It all started with the worst breakouts of our life. Both of us ended up with the worst acne ever, and in our research, we came across Cica (Centella Asiatica). I feel like we have talked about this so many times, but I guess its never enough.  This time, I’ve tried out the VT Cosmetics Cica Care Cica Sheet Masks!

The VT Cica Mask is developed with skin friendly, patented fabrics, supposed to adhere to the skin as a second layer. Due to the lightweight and thin fabric, the mask is supposed to be comfortable to use. Further on, the essences and ingredients can more effectively penetrate onto the skin. The products aim to be suitable for all skin types, especially for sensitive skin. Claiming to soothe redness while leaving the skin supple and plump, while providing moisture and revitalizing effects, this might be a good mask for those who actually have trouble with redness and dryness.

Containing ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, Chamomile, Fairy Fruit Extract, and Moroccan Argan Oil, this mask does really bring on the A-game when it comes to moisturizing and soothing ingredients. To be honest, I don’t know what ‘Fairy Fruit Extract’ is, to be honest. I tried to google it – and as a person majoring in technology, I would think that I would manage to figure it out. However, I got nothing. Except for some information from a seller on eBay, ‘Fairy Fruit Extract moistures and infuses the skin with moisture’. I mean, if something provides moisture, then it already infuses the skin with moisture? Why state the same thing twice?

As for the brand themselves, they call their cica complex for ‘CICA Centella Balm’. The main ingredient is still Centella Asiatica. Just think of it as the ‘Cicapair’ branding from Dr Jart+.  The CICA Centella Balm Complex actually contains 1,000 ppm of Cica, making it super potent. Honestly, these levels are high! With these amounts and levels, I can truly state that this mask can effectively repair and calm sensitive skin. As for the other ingredients, Chamomile soothes and calms the skin while Moroccan argan oil moisturizes the skin.

So, when it comes to my opinion: I do feel like this product is a lot more different than other sheet mask products I have tried out here. First, of, the packaging is more paper/foil-y, rather than the regular plastic pouch. I do guess that this is created with some amounts of plastic as well, but it’s not what you regularly get when you purchase sheet masks. Dr Jart+ actually have the same kind of packaging.  I quickly notice that the amount of essence in the pouch is extreme. Previously I felt like the Etude House and Mediheal essence levels were extreme, but this takes it to a whole another level, to be honest. Although I have applied essence to my neck,  chest, and arms while letting the sheet mask work its magic, there’s still some left behind in the pouch. (If you wanna see the insane amounts, take a look at the product page – it’s in Korean FYI). I really wanted to show you guys the insane amount by my self, but honestly, I don’t have the conscience to do it.  I just can’t force my self to squeeze the essence out and not use it.

It’s not only the packaging that is different in this case, but the mask itself also isn’t created out of the ‘regular’ sheet mask fabric. It has more of a fabric feel to it, might remind me of medical gauze, (you know, the bandages you e.g., wrap around smaller wounds). It also comes with a protective plastic layer folded in between the mask. To be honest  I don’t get the full meaning of these. I do think that they are there so that the mask can be applied easier, but making any kinds of conclusion here is nonetheless weaker than an assumption. If you want my honest opinion, I do feel like this is a waste, but at the same time – the quality and fabric of the mask requires some form of protection and ‘help’ while storing it.

Still focusing on the sheet mask quality, unlike other masks, this won’t rip apart in case of pulling too hard when applying. It’s easy to place over the face, and won’t curl up if you don’t put in the extra effort. Scentwise I cant notice a strong scent, the product itself feels pretty clean. As it is a product line created for the sensitive skin, this is how it should be.

I can truly state that VT Cosmetic followed the Cica trend in this case and created a product line so close and near to the Dr Jart Tiger Grass Cicapair line that it’s actually a bit hard to pick a winner if it was the case. I do think that VT Cosmetics is mostly famous for their BTS collaborations, and their regular products aren’t that well known within the beauty industry. I kinda came across them before the BTS Collab on Instagram, and it wasn’t these sheet masks but the Cica Care Cushion that I’m currently trying to figure out. I’ll defo be hoarding these when I’m in Seoul!

  VT Cosmetics ♡ Cica Care Cica Mask Review Have you ever tried a product with one special ingredient that makes you want to try out the same ingredient in every other skin product you use?

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Dr Jart+ Review ♡ Ceramidin Oil Balm

Dr Jart+ Review ♡ Ceramidin Oil Balm

During last winter my skin broke out badly. I ended up with red, psoriasis kind of rashes all around my face and while don’t knowing how I could fix it I ended up searching for some wonder remedy. 

At this point, I hadn’t tried out any products from Dr Jart+. To me, Dr Jart+ always seemed like an expensive skincare brand that I would never use due to its high prices here. When I came across a…

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For a while now we have all been aware of the Cica trend within Korean Beauty. But what does happen when there is a new trend? Say hi to the era of pads. For a couple of months ago, Neogen released the Real Cica Pads, and I had to get my hands on them.

Those of you that have been struggling with acne or sensitive skin know that exfoliating sometimes might be the last thing you want to do. When Neogen released a new set of exfoliating toning pads, my inner Neogen lover screamed so badly. Why? Although I do exfoliate my skin I only use the Neogen Gauze pads (read a previous review about the Green Tea formula here) once a week. The main reason is the fact that I don’t want to over exfoliate my skin with hard ingredients since its already so sensitive. These pads come soaked (like really soaked!!) in Centella Asiatica essence, the current K-Beauty hero.

While writing this post I actually found out that I didn’t mention Cica in the ABC of Korean Skincare post, so I feel like I have to rant about it a bit here. Cica is not a recently discovered component, it’s been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for ages for such as treating wounds. Now, a loved child has many different names so when you see “Cica”, this basically stands for Centella Asiatica, Indian Pennyworth, Gotu Kola and Tiger Grass. The last one, in particular, occurred due to the fact that tigers in Asia rub their wounds against the Cica plant to help it regenerate. When it comes to the skincare benefits, they are numerous. No matter the issue you are facing with your skin, Cica will probably solve it in some kind of way. Thus, it’s properties to soothe and repair irritated and damaged skin, including treating ance and calming sensitive skin. The main reason for why Cica is such a gem throws it back to its chemical composition full of amino acids, beta-carotene, fatty acids, and Vitamin C, A, B1, and B2. Combined they can assist collagen production due to the fact that they are packed with antioxidant. So, if you’re looking to firm, repair, or soothe skin, or even combat breakouts, this ingredient can be helpful.

When it comes to my skin issues and Cica, I did start using Cica in the form of a serum a while ago. Maybe before the hype. However, I started using it for acne but then I quickly found out about its amazing properties for healing dry and sensitized skin. It also brightened my skin tone and calmed my uneven skin tone. The main reason for why it worked so well for me is the fact that it boosts the circulation and blood flow to the skin. But let’s get back to the actual product.

With a super concentrated formula, these pads will provide a stronger skin barrier and a more even complexion. Containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides as well, the pads are a great supplement for skin hydration, and they are also free from potential irritants like artificial fragrance, mineral oil, and parabens. Since they also have a low pH of 5.8(3), they are gentle enough for daily use! Unlike other exfoliating pads that do have a rough side and a smooth side, they have the same sheer pattern on both sides. When using them, it doesn’t feel like you are exfoliating your skin at all. The pads are made out of superfine fibres that are saturated in essence. As they claim to exfoliate, soothe, hydrate, strengthen and of course heal you actually get a multipurpose product when buying these pads.  And honestly, guys, don’t let me get started on the extreme amount of essence that is in the container! I mean wow, if you have used any other pads you are probably aware of that most pads come soaked with an ok amount of essence in the container, but these are actually bathing in a freaking pool of essence!

So, how are they supposed to be used? After cleansing, take one pad and lightly swipe it across your face, avoiding the sensitive area around your eyes. When done exfoliating, tap in the remaining essence and then just follow up with the rest of your skincare regimen.  These pads were made for only being used once a day. I think the main reason for this is the fact that they are super potent, so once is enough.  Actually, I do feel like the description is a bit vague, so how do I use them? After my nighttime cleansing routine, I first use my toners to stabilize the pH levels while removing the fragments of makeup or sunscreen that haven’t been removed and moisturize the skin. Then, when I’m done with toning, I take one pad and gently exfoliate my face, then I tap in the essence and continue with my routine. Idk why it’s so important to use these for me at night time, but one of the main reasons might be the fact that I use the COSRX Moisture Up Pad (read about them here) during my morning routine.

The claims are true to the main function of Cica, and even though its hard to say something negative about them. It might be regarding the packaging. It doesn’t have anything to do with the way it looks, thus it comes in a plastic container with a pretty pick design. I do like the container of the other Neogen Exfoliating pads more, thus I do feel like this is a bit cheap looking compared to them. However, my biggest issue is the fact that the container is leak proof! I think it was the first time I used them, and after closing the lid (super tight so they wouldn’t dry up) I had left them on my vanity table and in some kind of way they had ended up falling on the side and idk like 60% of the essences in the container had run out. Honestly, it was all over the place and even on the floor! But oh em gee, there is yet to be an extreme amount of essence left in the container!

Overall, they don’t have a particular smell, it’s more natural and subtle. The pads do feel very light on the skin and they are quite sheer compared to the COSRX and other Neogen pads. As a person with skin that easily can break out and react, these pads haven’t treated me bad at all.  They do feel a bit cooling when applied, and they are super soothing as well. If you are looking for a new product that doesn’t make your wallet cry, but still is effective, these should totally be put in your shopping cart. Ps. they are pretty cheap too if you’re not on a strict KB-budget!

    Neogen Dermalogy ♡ Real Cica Pads Review For a while now we have all been aware of the Cica trend within Korean Beauty. But what does happen when there is a new trend?

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Most of our subscribers and regular readers are probably well aware of the fact that I have super dehydrated and dry skin. Sometimes I feel like this is all I rant about, and in this exhausting mission of solving this issue I ended up trying out the A’Pieu Madecassoside cream.

An all-in-one moisturizer with hydrating properties. Formulated with 40% Centella Asiatica leaf water (or tiger grass/cica) and 0.1% Madecassoside, it aims to soothe irritated skin and help repair the damage caused by different factors. Although the levels of Madecassoside are low, it is super potent. The moisturizing cream also contains Niacinamide that brightens the skin, a well-known ingredient in Korean skincare and beauty. There are a few other major providers added as well, Hazel Extract and Panthenol working towards hydration, Adenosine and Lactic Acid to smooth and plump skin. To summarize this, it might be the perfect nourishing treatment for my damaged and tired skin.

I don’t know what to say regarding my past experience with A’Pieu. I haven’t ranted about it here yet, but a while ago I tried a cushion from the same brand. At the start, amazing. After a while – breakouts breakouts breakouts! The consequences were so crucial that I had to swap out and test my whole routine again. When ordering my second product from them I didn’t have the highest hopes and the decision was made due to its price, so cheap I had to try it out. From what I’ve read online, A’Pieu mostly makes dupes of other high-end products so I kinda felt like this is their attempt to make cica line close to what Dr Jart+ is famous for. And hold on a game changer – it’s Missha’s little sister.

Coming back to the product itself I’ve read that a lot of its user’s do feel like it has a medical scent, and I totally disagree. This product is totally scentless, something that makes it great for those who are a bit more sensitive than others. There’s a lot of complaints regarding the packaging, but A’Pieu has actually changed the materials used for packing this moisturizer. Previously it came in a more metal-y kinda packaging, similar to ointments bought at the pharmacy. They have also started to seal the product, so if you previously have read reviews complaining about the fact that the product is unsealed and comes with a lot of spillage around the cap, if you’re lucky and get the newer options, this won’t be the case!

It has a light to medium, emollient like consistency that is a bit runny. The moisturizer is easy to spread without having to put in some extra effort and this is due to the consistency of the product – something I love.  When its applied onto the skin, the hydrating and moisturizing effects are considerably there. It doesn’t take that much time to soak in, but in those cases when overapplied, it can be a bit sticky. The great thing is that it does go white or peel off if too much product is applied to the skin. If there is something I am going to complain about it might be the fact that the product is a bit runny with a water-like consistency. It’s not as thick as a lot of other moisturizing products, something that is good. But when the container is full and the product is new, a little push might end up with a lot of product. Also, if stored standing up, it just flows out like a river when you open up the cap. So, I do recommend that you keep it stored laying flat and just tilt the container a bit when its new.

Makeup wise, I’ve realized that I can’t use my emulsion when using this product on a day-time basis before applying makeup. The main reason is that the product offers so much hydration and moisture to the skin that over applying it with other product might make your makeup crease a lot quicker and easily slip off. It did take me a while to figure out how to actually use this product, and as I’m reaching for the ends of my container I’m ready for a new product. This isn’t because I didn’t like it, I really did. But its mostly because I need my moisturizer to work well with other products I use on a daily basis.

As you can see in the pictures below, when the product comes out of the container it does look a bit white, but this isn’t a concern due to the fact that it doesn’t leave a white cast/residue on the skin. When massaged or tapped onto its skin, I do admit that it is a bit shiny, but this goes away quickly. In those cases when you get a little too much product, just rub it onto other dry areas. This moisturizer has saved my dry winter legs!

To sum it up, this is a great product if you are looking for something super affordable with excellent moisturizing effects. I think its a good thing that it took me almost six months to use up, and the reason for this is the fact that I was able to dry it during summer/autumn and the cold winter here. Due to the hydrating effects, you don’t to over apply it, something that actually makes it last longer. It didn’t make me break out, and I do feel like it has stabilized the redness that occurs from time to time. BTW, the reason why it lasted for so long is also the fact that I ordered the big size product since it was so cheap!

        A’Pieu ♡ Madecassoside Cream Review Most of our subscribers and regular readers are probably well aware of the fact that I have super dehydrated and dry skin.

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Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer Review

Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer Review

Finding the perfect primer isn’t easy.  Especially when it’s a must for it to work well with both cushion products and regular, more western-ish foundations. As a girl who started using makeup a long time ago I’ve been through my fair share of primers, and honestly, a lot of them have ended up right in the trash where they belong. At one time, I probably had a favourite primer, but things ended…

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SPF is the most important step to any skin care regime. It protects your skin against premature aging, and against developing skin cancer due to sun exposure. Not only should you apply a generous amount of sunscreen in the mornings, but you should also apply SPF regularly during the day. But how to do this easy over makeup?

Enter MAXCLINIC – Catrin Natural 100 Sunkill RX. It is a powder with SPF 46 with a built in puff for easy application! I do not always like to top off my spf-protection with my cushion, I get greasy and feel I pile on too much product. This is why I really prefer this powder. It mattes down my make-up and keeps my skin protected from the elements.

  The packaging is made of sturdy plastic and it is easy to toss into your purse and use regularly as you go about your day. It even has a built in mirror on the lid, that you can use when you apply the powder. The powder fly out off the puff pretty heavily, so be careful to not beat your face with it – especially if you’re wearing dark clothes. You will end up looking like a dandruff disaster. Other than that, this is a great product that I always bring with me. I have one in my purse at all times, and one at home for backup – I am that attached to it. SPF is very important to me since I exfoliate weekly with an strong acid peel.

  I’ve tested this powder in direct sun exposure (afternoon sun in the middle of summer) when I was wearing make-up. I was careful to re-apply it often. I did not notice any redness or sun burn after that evening out in the sun. It really works! I usually like to apply this right before lunch time (if we’re going outside to get lunch at work), or right before I head home in the afternoon to stay protected on my 40 minute commute. The product lasts a long while as well. I’ve had my first one for almost six months now, and it still has quite a bit of product left. I highly recommend this product for the days you wear make-up and need to top off your SPF protection during the day!

The MAXCLINIC – Catrin Natural 100 Sunkill RX SPF46 PA+++ retails roughly at around 15 USD. Prices may vary depending on the retailer and offers. Not a bad price for a product that lasts if you ask me!

MAXCLINIC – Catrin Natural 100 Sunkill RX SPF46 PA+++ | SPF Powder Review SPF is the most important step to any skin care regime. It protects your skin against premature aging, and against developing skin cancer due to sun exposure.

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Claiming to be an intensive moisture sleeping mask that makes the skin look clear, bright and revitalized in the morning – you guys know I had to try this out. Enriched with Laneige’s Sleep-Tox complex, this is supposed to be a good night’s sleep.

Most of us have heard of the regular water sleeping mask (that I haven’t tried), so this product shouldn’t be new to anyone right now. This is a highly raved about skin care product that recently made its way into the SNS(or just social media) of American influencers.

A year ago(yes, this is yet another late review) Laneige launched the Water Sleeping Mask Lavender edition. A limited release lavender scented version of their best selling Water Sleeping Mask. I purchased this at a time where I couldn’t get any sleep, not only thanks to Netflix but also because my mind was blowing up. As I was suffering from hormonal acne my skin would tend to have insanely dry patches. I needed a quick fix that would in somewhat way calm down my mind as well. So I got into lavender, everything lavender. Most important, the product could not make me break out more.

The Sleeping Mask is made out of multiple patented Laneige ingredients (or Technologies as they call them), so let’s look at these: Moisture-Wrap™ Technology – Keeps skin moisturized while sleep moreover boosts the penetration of active substances into the skin. To break it down, the texture is based on ion mineral water and Sleep-tox™ substances that make sure that the skin keeps breathing even though it does create a protecting moisturizing film. This film just helps the skin absorb the active substances densely during sleep!

Sleep-Tox™ Technology – This works hard while you are dreaming, making sure you wake up with purified and revitalized skin. Containing ingredients such as Evening Primrose Root Extract and Hunza Apricot Extract it soothes tired skin while purifying it during sleep with optimized technology.

Sleepscent ™ – A refreshing, soft floral fragrance developed exclusively by Laneige. Produced by blending plant-delivered fragranced, it provides a pleasant refreshing effect to the tired skin before you fall asleep. Its said that the soothing qualities of Lavender could enhance the quality of our sleep and strengthen the dermis ability to regenerate.

What can I say? The results where amazing. Let’s start with the smell! It’s super subtle but yet there and it does put me in a real cam, pre-sleep state. When it comes to the texture of the Sleeping Mask, the first impression is thick and creamy, but it is a hydrating gel. It does feel a bit sticky when applying, but that quickly goes after absorption. Afterward, the skin feels amazingly moisturized, hydrated and there are less dry patches each morning. Honestly, I can’t put words on it. The mask is supercooling on the skin, and at the time my skin was honestly at its worst, I would use it as the last step of my skincare routine, over my regular moisturizer! So with this product you can actually choose, do I want super moisture or do I want super super moisture? Sometimes I would even use it during the daytime. Yes, this is a super versatile product!

Now, this product – keep it in the fridge if you are going for that super cooling effect. That’s what I used to do. It’s not a must, but its a recommendation. I’ve heard that the original Water Sleeping Mask is a lot more potent when it comes to moisture, so I am definitely going to try it out when I’m done with my other nighttime masks, I might even go back to using it as a regular product – but we’ll see!

For the final thoughts, I do suggest it if you are looking for something super lightweight that won’t make the skin greasy/oily, and it won’t cause breakouts. It’s super good, not that cheap but not that expensive either. It does last a long time and the smell. The smell!

  Laneige Review ♡ Water Sleeping Mask Lavender Claiming to be an intensive moisture sleeping mask that makes the skin look clear, bright and revitalized in the morning - you guys know I had to try this out.

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Missha Review ♡ Dual Blending Cushion Shadow

Missha Review ♡ Dual Blending Cushion Shadow

I’ve been wanting to do this review for a while now, and I wanted to have all of the colors for this review, however, I’m still missing one. But we’ll take a look at the missing color another time. If you already didn’t know, Koreans love cushion products, and so do I. This is the first Korean makeup product I ever tried and I ended up with almost all of them. I’m talking about the Missha Dual…