Saturday, April 28, 2012

[TONYMOLY] Red Appletox Honey Cream

I always look for face cream which are moisturizing and either good for sensitive or oily/ troubled skin. Last time I got the Red Appletox Honey Cream from [TONYMOLY]. I used a few samples of this cream before and finally got the full size as well. 
This cream is good for people with troubled skin which tend to be dry or sensitive sometimes.

Description: Sticky texture relaxes the muscle membrane to give elasticity.
The container of this face cream looks like a red apple which reminds me a lot of products from [baviphat]. It's a round container made of plastic with a twist-off lid. It contains 80ml!
Under the lid is a second white cover to protect the cream. A small spatula is also included which makes it more hygienic to take the product out.
The consistency of the Red Appletox Honey Cream is kinda jelly-like, a bit sticky and has a yellowish color. It smells super yummy like fresh apples!
I use this cream in the evening as a night cream. I spread it over my face and pat until it got absorbed. It moisturizes well and my skin is less oily than with other face creams.
The main ingredients are the following ones:
Manuka Honey Extract (from New Zealand): Immunity and anti-bacterial effect.
Royal Jelly Extract: Cooling down skin trouble, good for sensitive skin.
Propolis: Antioxide Effect.
Black Honey: Rich minerals and amino-acid. Moisturized and nourish skin effects keep your skin elastic and moist.
Apple Acid Ingredients: Smoothing skin.
 How to use: Spread enough amount on your face, tap slightly until it gets absorbed completely.

Price (each): around 12,- €/ US$16  
Bought at: eBay (cosmetic.love)    
 
What I love:  
It moisturizes and makes my skin less oily. The scent is very nice, too.
 
What I don’t like: 
There is nothing I don't like!
 
Will I buy this again? I think I would!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

[SKINFOOD] Fresh Apple Smooth Pore Cream

[SKINFOOD] recently released two new skin care lines: the Steam Milk line for dry skin and the Fresh Apple line which is designed for oily skin with enlarged pores. Since both new lines seem very interesting I purchased some things. The only one I received a few days ago is the Fresh Apple Smooth Pore Cream. Waiting for the other products to arrive soon as well!
The Fresh Apple products shall control sebum, smoothing and moisturizing the skin and reducing the pores size.

The following products are available:
- Sparkling Pore Toner
- Sparkling Pore Emulsion
- Sparkling Pore Serum
- Sparkling Pore Cream
- Smooth Pore Cream
- Mild Pore Peeling Gel
- Deep Clear Pore Mask
- Sparkling Pore Toner (for Men)
- Sparkling Pore Emulsion (for Men)

Beside the Smooth Pore Cream I also ordered the Sparkling Pore Cream and Mild Pore Peeling Gel plus, some samples of the Toner, Emulsion and Serum.

Description: A smooth pore cream that contains apple extract and sparkling water to tighten enlarged pores while controlling excessive sebum and oiliness.
The Smooth Pore Cream comes in a small light green tube and contains 30ml only. On the front is a 'sparkling green apple' print while on the back is just the description in Korean. The twist-off lid looks like metal and got an apple print as well.
The main ingredients in this product line are Apple Extract, Malic Acid and Carbonated Water to control excess sebum, shrink pores and balance the skin.
The consistency is similar to a lotion but not as runny. It has just a white color and a fresh scent which reminds me rather of cucumber than apple.
Because of the small size (30ml) I don't know if I should apply the cream to my whole face or just to areas with enlarged pores (nose, cheeks). Furthermore, the Smooth Pore Cream is for me more like a face primer than a face cream. It makes my skin more sleek, matte and large pores smaller but it doesn't feel very moisturizing. For that I ordered the Sparkling Pore Cream which seems to be a face cream!
My skin still gets oily, therefore I'm not 100% satisfied with it. I hope the other ones will be better!

How to use: After last step, spread the cream over your face and let it soak into your pores.

Price (each): around 12,- €/ US$16 
Bought at: eBay (gooditem2012)    

What I love:  
My skin feels more sleek and pores are a bit smaller (not all, though).

What I don’t like: 
It is more like a primer and not moisturizing enough to use as face cream. 
The oil control could be better as well! 

Will I buy this again? No, not this cream! Will see how the other products work.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

[ETUDE HOUSE] PRINCESS 3D MASK *GINSENG & LYCHEE*

I mentioned already that I'm not a very big fan of sheet masks because they never fit to my face shape. That doesn't mean that I never use them, though. Some month ago I received two (2) sheet masks which I really like because they are a bit different to the normal ones. I'm talking about the PRINCESS 3D MASK from [ETUDE HOUSE] which I will review now.

You can get the 3D MASK in 5 types:
- GINSENG (Korea's Joseon Dynasty Royal Secret Beauty Tip)
- HONEY & MILK (Egypt's Cleopatra Secret Beauty Tip)
- RED WINE (France's Marie Antionette Secret Beauty Tip)
- CHERRY BLOSSOM (Japanese Royal Family Secret Beauty Tip)
- LYCHEE (China's Poppy Secret Beauty Tip)

Since each mask cost overseas around US$5 I just bought GINSENG and LYCHEE for now!

Description: Mask sheet made from stretch material with a unique "three-dimensional" design that covers the entire face and neck. Essence formulated with natural ingredients for Princess inspired beauty treatment.
I tried out the GINSENG mask only and will use LYCHEE soon as well!
Each pack contains just 1 sheet with 35g and is kept in different colors. Furthermore, there is always a print of the 'princess', a building of the country and of the main ingredient on it. 
I got the masks of the Chinese and Korean princess!
The description is in Korean and English on the back. Some ingredients are Bambusa Vulgaris Water, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Alcohol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Robinia Pseudacacia Flower Extract, Panthenol, Macadamia Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Lecithin and Parfum.
The sheet is very soft and the 3D design fits to my face shape much better than the usual ones. You apply it on your face, as well as on your neck!
The mask has a lot of fluid inside which you massage in your skin at the end. 
My skin feels refreshed and moisturized afterwards.
GINSENG is nice fragranced! I don't think it's a ginseng scent but I'm not sure about that coz I seldom smell on ginseng.
How to use: After cleansing and toning, adhere mask to facial surface. Fit to contours of face and leave on for 20~30 minutes. Remove mask and massage remaining solution into skin with hands.
Recommended interval for mask application is every 2~3 days for maximum efficacy.

Price (each): around 3,60,- €/ US$4.70 
Bought at: eBay (rubyruby76)    

What I love:  
The 3D design and my skin feels moisturized afterwards!

What I don’t like: 
It's a bit pricey for just 1 sheet. 

Will I buy this again? Yes, I would! Wanna try out the other ones, too.

Monday, April 23, 2012

[eos - evolution of smooth] Sphere Lip Balms *Honeysuckle Honeydew, Sweet Mint & Tangerine (Medicated)*

My favorite lip balms aren't from Asia but from the USA: The eos (evolution of smooth) - Sphere Lip Balms. I just love these natural lip balms and got three (3) flavours: Honeysuckle Honeydew, Sweet Mint & Tangerine (Medicated).
I purchased them in Hong Kong/ Taiwan but they're made in USA!

The sphere lip balms are available in the following flavours:
- Honeysuckle Honeydew
- Summer Fruits
- Sweet Mint
- Strawberry Sorbet
- Passion Fruit
- Lemon Drop
- Tangerine (Medicated)

Description: To keep your lips looking and feeling healthy. We created this 95% organic, 100% natural lip balm that's petrolatum & paraben free, just like you.
Each lip balm is housed in a rounded, egg-like container with a twist-off lid and contains 7g!
Every flavour got another color! I got Honeysuckle Honeydew (green), Sweet Mint (blue) and Medicated Tangerine (orange).
Some details I found online:
In a smooth sphere for easy application that precisely glides on lips, this lip balm has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. This lip balm contains Vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil to keep your lips kissably smooth. 

  • Petrolatum & paraben free
  • Gluten free
  • Phthalate free
  • Not tested on animals  
  • The lip balms contain Phenol 0,5% (antibacterial) plus, Coconut Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Beeswax, Jojoba Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Ginger Root Extract, Acai Fruit Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Pepermint Oil, Honeydew Melon Seed Extract and/ or Honeysuckle Flower Extract.
     Tangerine (Medicated)
     Honeysuckle Honeydew
    Sweet Mint

    The lip balms have a off white/ yellowish color but go on completely clear. They are very smooth and glide easily on my lips. I like the round shape a lot!!
    The scents are so-so... My favorite atm is Honeysuckle Honeydew. It has a slight honeydew (melon) scent and tastes very sweet/ sugary.
    Sweet Mint got that minty scent and a cooling effect. 
    The Tangerine one doesn't have a very strong scent. I expected something more fruity or citrus-like but I barely can smell tangerine out of it. Maybe because it's medicated?!
    How to use: Apply to lips as often as needed!

    Price (each): around 4,- €/ US$5
    Bought at: eBay (birdbirdking & alphabeautyuk)    

    What I love:  
    Just love them!!

    What I don’t like: 
    The scents are not always the best but I still like the balms.

    Will I buy this again? Yes, will but Summer Fruits, Strawberry Sorbet or Passion Fruit as well.

    Sunday, April 22, 2012

    [THE FACE SHOP] Home Aesthetic Purifying Egg White Pack (peel off)

    Different korean cosmetic brands released skin care products with egg white which shall reduce pores size. I got some things as well, like those egg white soaps and egg face masks. I don't eat eggs but I like to use products containing it! I noticed that Asian countries got more sheet masks than mud or peel off masks and so I was happy when I found the Home Aesthetic Purifying Egg White Pack (peel off) from [THE FACE SHOP].
    This peel off mask is recommended for all skin types, especially combination/ oily skin!

    From the Home Aesthetic line are also available:
    - Smooth Seaweed Pack (pore tightening & minimizing excess sebum)
    - Fresh Cucumber Pack (revitalizing & deep moisturizing)
    - Firming Honey Pack (hydrating, soothing & firming)
    - Hydrating Milk Pack (hydrating, softening & brightening)
    - Clarifying Potato Pack (clarifying)

    Description: Century-proven home remedy skincare tips are now made into easy convenient packs. Skip the troubles of preparing and enjoy even better result.  
    Purifying Pores! Deep cleansing peel-off mask eliminates impurities and accumulated oil from the pores promoting a cell renewal.
    The Purifying Egg White Pack comes in a 120ml tube which is milky white translucent. The sticker on the front has a pic of an egg (egg yolk & egg white) on it. The whole description is written in korean only.
    The tube got a white flip-top lid!
    I found the following informations online:
    Peel-off face pack transforms into a pliant, rubbery mask that hugs every curve and angle of your face to unclog pores and lift away skin-dulling dead skin cells to reveal vibrant and brighter looking skin.
    The ingredients are all written in korean and I hardly can read it. But there is 1% Egg White Extract inside!
    The sticky gel-like consistency has a whitish color and a strong scent. I can't describe the scent - it smells kinda chemical/ alcohol-like and I noticed a similar scent on other peel off masks before.
    It's not too easy to get the product out of the tube coz of the small hole plus, the sticky texture makes it hard to spread over my face. The peel off mask dries up fast and can be removed without problems!
    After peeling off the mask my pores are looking smaller and my face is smoother and more matte. These effects are just temporarily, though! 
    How to use: After cleansing and toning, apply the pack all over your face avoiding eye and mouth area. Wait 10~15 minutes, or until it completely dried up, then peel it off from upperside to downside. 

    Price: around 10,- €/ US$13
    Bought at: eBay (hsckoreanimports)    

    What I love:  
    It makes my pores smaller and my face smoother and less oily!

    What I don’t like: 
    The strong scent and it's a bit hard to apply on the face coz of the small hole and its stickiness.

    Will I buy this again? No!! I try out other masks!

    Thursday, April 19, 2012

    [TONYMOLY] Dear Me Petite Cotton BB Cream *Cotton Beige*

    I noticed recently, that I just got two (2) more BB Creams to review. I didn't get any new ones at the moment and I'm not sure if I will buy one in the near future. Probably I will use up the ones I got first!
    Anyway, a BB Cream I didn't review yet is [TONYMOLY]'s Dear Me Petite Cotton BB Cream. I think it's a popular BB Cream, even though it's just available in one shade: #1 Cotton Beige.
    The one I got is the older version - the new one comes in a long and slim tube!

    From the Dear Me line are also available:
    - Petite Cotton Pact
    - Petite Blusher
    - Balancing skin (oily skin)
    - Balancing lotion (oily skin)
    - Waterful skin (dry skin)
    - Waterful lotion (dry skin)
    - Waterful cream (dry skin)

    Description: Makes your skin baby-soft as it adheres lightly to your skin and gives your skin a flawless finish. It delivers appropriate makeup coverage to your skin without leaving an oily residue behind. SPF30 PA++
    The old version comes in a white tube which is smaller than the new version but still contains 30g as well. It has a blue twist-off lid and a clear packaging around the tube.
    The decsription is written in English and Korean!
    Some ingredients of the Petite Cotton BB Cream are Water, Zinc Oxide, Bees Wax, Silica, Talc, Portulaca Oleracea (Purslane) Extract, Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) Bark/ Leaf/ Twig Extract, Euphorbia Supina Stem Extract, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Rumex Acetosella Extract, Typha Angustifolia Spike Extract, Cotton Extract, Milk Protein Extract and Centella Asiatica Extract.
    Consistency-wise, it is neither too thick nor too watery. The color is a light to medium beige and the same as the Cutie Beauty BB Cream #1 Tomboy Chris. The coverage is average and this BB Cream gives my skin a smooth and slight glossy finish but doesn't look oily.
    The scent is nice, too! It is a soft scent, kinda flowery.
    Dear Me Petite Cotton BB Cream is a nice product, good for sensitive and trouble skin but I find that the color is a bit too dark for my skin tone. Unfortunately, the oil control is not very good as well.
    Please notice, that the products I review might work/ look different on your skin!  

    Price: around 9,- €/ US$12 
    Bought at: eBay (BELLOGIRL)    

    What I love:  
    The smooth & glossy finish plus, the soft scent.

    What I don’t like: 
    For my oily skin the oil control is not good enough! 

    Will I buy this again? No, I will look for another one!