Review: Mizon Black Snail All In One Cream

This is my second Mizon product after the Snail Recovery Gel Cream.

The Mizon Black Snail All In One Cream contains 90% Black Snail mucus filtrate for healthy skin and 20 plant extracts for additional nutrients. It also contains Niacinamide to help with brightening.

The jar feels very sturdy. From photos online, I thought it was made of plastic, but upon receiving I felt better knowing that it wasn't. I'm not so sure what it's made of, but it's heavy. It looks like it's ceramic or glass with a demi-matte coating.

The product itself is a light, gooey cream. Although a bit sticky at first, once absorbed by the skin it doesn't feel heavy at all.

I find that if I use this consecutively, I would develop some sort of breakout. So what I do now is use it only for two or three nights on small areas, like a spot treatment. I like to apply this on areas where it needs healing, such as a freshly popped pimples, hyperpigmentation, and dry patches.

I'd like to try the original Snail Repair All In One Cream next, as it has fewer ingredients. Hopefully that one I can use all over my face and not break me out.

Review: Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream

It was because of my impulsiveness that I got to own the Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream, and boy, am I glad for having done that impulse buy! It's rare that I thank myself for those moments.

This is my first Mizon product, but I have been hearing about its reputation in the Korean skincare world for quite some time now.

I did not have much expectations about this gel cream, like I said, it was an impulse buy.

Containing 74% of snail mucin, it's supposedly great for skin repair, hence the name 'Recovery Gel Cream'.

It's also alcohol-free!

Cute packaging, nothing too fancy or princess-y. I like that the nozzle came with a seal when I first got it.

The texture is that of a gel. Not a cross between a gel and a cream. It's gel.

It blends in smoothly and absorbs well into the skin.

I use this day and night. It's perfect for mornings because it feels light yet it moisturizes well, and doesn't make my naturally oily skin any oilier (unlike the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturing Gel). On nighttime, it's still better to use a heavier moisturizing cream along with it.

I haven't noticed any of its skin transforming abilities, probably because I am so fixated on trying out new products and on the lookout for their effects instead.

Regardless of whether the benefits are apparent or not, it's still a wonderful moisturizer with bomb ingredients. Overall, I love this gel. I'm already on my second tube.

Missha The First Treatment Essence Review

Aren't we all excited when we have a new skincare product to try, even more when that product is highly raved and very much talked about in the beauty world? That, and the fact that it's my very first essence-type skincare product, shoots my excitement for the Missha First Treatment Essence up the stratosphere.

Once I got my Missha FTE, which was included in my Althea Box, I immediately used it later that night.

The packaging is so, so luxurious. Those silver and grey markings, that shiny cap, and. that frosted glassss. This is probably the most elegant-looking, out of the many similar essences in the market. Even more than The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, I dare say. It's hard not to keep staring at, standing tall and proud on my bedside table. (It is begging to be displayed).

The product itself is very watery, colorless, and has a faint smell. Most people describe the smell to be slightly of yeast, but I will disagree. I say, it smells like Cheetos. Nothing to worry, it's not that strong. You won't smell that cheese puff snackon your face.

Once applied and pat on, it absorbs quickly into the skin. You can proceed to your next step as usual.

On to the claims and promises, here's what Missha has to say:

The very FIRST step to your skin care regimen.

Back to the Basics, a Stepping Stone to a Healthier and New Skin.
Contains 80% Fermented Yeast Concentrate, which absorbs into skin instantly to energize your skin. Also contains Niacinamide, a Vitamin B3 component, to improve skin elasticity, enhance skin barrier function, and revive skin tone and texture. DN-Aid, made from Cassia-Alata Extract, provides vitality to aging skin, protects DNA from aging caused by UV rays, and promotes restoration of damaged DNA.

THE FIRST TREATMENT ESSENCE improves fine lines and skin tone. The miracle water hydrates, restores, rejuvenates, and gives you a glowing complexion. 

Now comes the sad, sad part.

After using it for two nights, one morning I just woke up with red, burning, itching and blistered skin. It was an allergic reaction. It was the first time I experienced something like that. I do have sensitive skin, but usually when my skin doesn't agree with a product I put on my face, I would breakout in cystic pimples, tiny bumps, or nodules. But rashes and flakey skin-- never. Until I tried the Missha FTE.

One more painful thing that adds to my anguish, is during those two nights and a day that I had applied the essence, I actually saw slight improvement on my hyperpigmentation. Yessss! Noooo! So I tried to convince myself that it wasn't Missha that had caused the reaction: how could something that seems so good and promising, actually be so bad? I continued using it, but only on the areas where I had pigmentation, and where I formed acne due to the reaction. Of course, the reaction never stopped, while I kept seeing improvement on the marks and healing of pimples... bittersweet. After two weeks of using it on and off, it was clear that FTE was causing my skin to react badly. So I finally, totally stopped using it.

Well, I'm back hunting for the essence that will be compatible and have good effects on my skin.

Ciao!

My Althea Box

Hi everyone! It's been such a long, long, long time since I last made a post, I've been really busy with wifehood and motherhood! Anyway, I'll just quickly share with you guys my Althea Philippines purchase (this is my second one). Let's take a look, shall we.

The box is a pink, customized Althea box which is super cute, and the inside comes with paper and bubble wraps. A+ for packaging!

My second Althea Box contains: the Missha First Treatment Essence, Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, Skinfood Black Sugar Mask, Innisfree Super Volcanic Mousse Mask and Banila Co. It Radiant CC Cream. I will try to do reviews of these as soon as I can.

I ordered on May 8, in time for Mother's Day, heehee. They also had a promo then for Mother's Day where you'll get 300 rebates points if you spend 3k and above on your purchase. (I spent PHP 4,064 less 10% voucher code, so a total of PHP 3,658. The 300 points were credited last June 1, which is valid for 30 days.) My package arrived on May 18, ten days after ordering. Althea ships items directly from Korea, and for an international shipping, 10 days actually isn't that bad. My main gripe is that the courier, CJ PH, holds the package in their warehouse for 7 days (and above) before delivery! I have nothing against keeping it for a day or two, but seriously, a week? Although I live in the northern part of the country, that shouldn't matter, right? 

Anyway, as of this writing, my third Althea Box is already on its way. Hehehe. I've been sooo into Korean skincare lately! Hopefully, that one I can post as soon as it arrives. Ciao!

Quick Review: Etude House Pearl Aura Brightening Essence

Etude House says:

The brightening and revitalizing essence makes skin look transparent and radiant. ·This is a brightening essence that contains Tahiti black pearl extract based fine aurora particles that enhance the skin’s natural transparent glow, brightening up dull areas for the effect of just awakened, fresh skin. ·With sufficient moisture and skin-friendly properties, This essence absorbs quickly without the use of cotton pads, hugging the skin with its smooth texture for a healthy looking glow.

First off, the formula is translucent-pearly white (has micro shimmers) that is easily absorbed by the skin. It has a strong floral scent which I honestly am not a fan of. I dislike strong fragrances on my skin care products, especially with my acne-prone skin!

After using for a few weeks, I must say that it did brighten my skin. It also moisturizes my skin quite well despite of how light it is. However, it did not give me the glow I was expecting, and worse, it was breaking me out. As I am already suffering from [even more] pimples and marks because of my pregnancy, I couldn't take any mooore acne problems - so I had to get rid of it.

You might still want to give this a try, but for those of you who have sensitive and acne-prone skin like mine, I'll just remind you to be extra cautious. Anyways, this is available for PHP 898 at any Etude House branch here in the Philippines, I got mine from their Glorietta store. Thanks for reading. Ciao!

My Top 3 Lip Balms!

These are currently my favorite lip balms.

EOS - Moisturizes my lips pretty well, and the packaging is just so adorable! It's 100% natural, 95% organic. Plus there's a lot of tasty flavors to choose from -- my personal favorites are Sweet Mint and Honeysuckle Honeydew.

FAB Ultra Repair Lip Therapy - This lip treatment repairs and nourishes my often dry, chapped lips. It comes in a unique form which I love, and is Petroleum-free.

Maybelline Baby Lips - Feels light and non-sticky, yet moisturizes my lips well and makes them supple. The added SPF 20 is also perfect when heading out, to be layered with lipstick.

Barenaturals Natural Pink Lip & Nipple Solid Gel ~ Review

I ordered my Natural Pink Solid Gel online from Lazada for PHP 198.

According to Barenaturals:

Various factors may cause your lips to darken: excessive intake of tea or coffee, excessive exposure to sun, smoking, skin dryness, heavy or chemical-laden lipstick, aging, hormonal changes, pregnancy, menstrual problems can all speed up the accumulation of dark pigments and change the colour of your lips and nipples from a natural pinkish to a dull, brownish colour. Barenaturals Pink Lip & Nipple Solid Gel counteracts these problems by doing through the following features:

Restores alluring sheer pink lips – lightens dull, discoloured lips & restores natural lip colour with continuous use.
Prevents further darkening caused by low-quality, traditional lipsticks.
Made from the most natural ingredients and extracts available to restore the pink glow of lips and nipple.
Rich in antioxidants C and E to protect your lips.
Lightens Darkened Lips and Nipples - naturally safe
Reveals softer, more kissable lips
SPF 15 protects from further sun damage

Directions:
Use several times a day for faster result. Results can be seen for as early as 7 days

This is a transparent solid gel that promises to restore the lips and nipples' pinkish color. I like that it's transparent, I find that unique. And the texture isn't waxy or sticky, it feels light on the lips, and leaves a minty sensation. It also moisturizes quite well.

Sadly, I didn't see any effects after using it several times a day for 7 days, and even after finishing the whole tube.

This works great as a light, moisturizing lip balm with all-natural ingredients, but it doesn't work as a lip & nipple pinker. If a product cannot live up to its claims then it just ain't worth it. And for PHP 198.00, it's kinda expensive.

Review Roundup: Barenaturals Natural Pink Lip & Nipple Solid Gel

Pros:
moisturizing
non-sticky
lightweight

Cons:
did not lighten nor restore my lips' pinkish state

Overall:

2/5

Would I repurchase? No
Would I recommend? No

Mini Haul: Etude House ~

So I went on a little trip to Etude House Glorietta and came home with these:

Pearl Aura Brightening Essence - PHP 898

Pure Water Baobab Moist Cream - PHP 798

Moistfull Collagen Sleeping Pack - PHP 578

Freebies!

Moistfull Collagen Emulsion

Moistfull Super Collagen Ampoule Essence

Pearl Aura Brightening Essence Lotion

Pure Water Baobab 3-Step Care

I Need You Pearl Mask - PHP 58

I Need You Korean Ginseng Mask - PHP 58

Full reviews once I've tried them out! Ciao!

My last package has finally arrived!

Thank you, Beauty Bay! Or perhaps, thank you Philippine post office? For finally sending out my package!!! I must admit, out of all the packages I've ordered (I was on an online shopping spree last December) this one stressed me out the MOST. Well, aside from one of my Strawberrynet packages where I had to pay customs almost Php 2000! Gah. Anyway, it's here!

I ordered this from Beautybay.com on December 1, 2013 and got an sms from my local post office just this January 10, 2014. (IT TOOK A YEAR. lololol.) How ironic, when this was actually the order where I availed of their Premier service. Overall, I had four consecutive orders from the site, this was my 2nd and it actually came in last, that's why I was so nervous about this one.

I got four items: RMK liquid foundation, Urban Decay complexion spray, Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Demolition and Stila complexion brush.

Oh, and a freebie! Beautybay gave me their Blending sponge. Hmm, so it was probably THEIR fault why my package was delayed, that's why they're giving me this bribe. lol.

And you're welcome.

Beauche ~ Review

Hi everyone! I just got my Beauche kit the other day, January 8, and I'm going to give a brief recap of my experience these past 2 days.

So I got a Beauche set from their business center, which costs php750. The set includes: a beauty soap, skin toner, clarifying solution, exfoliating cream, rejuvenating cream and age eraser cream that should last for a month. They also provided a small paper that had instructions, precautions, etc. on it. I got this on an afternoon and used it later that night.

Before Beauche

Instructions:

Night time:
1. Clean the face, neck and arms with Skin Toner using facial cotton.
2. Wash face, neck and arms with Beauche bar soap.
3. Apply Clarifying Solution with an upward motion using facial cotton.
4. Put ample amount of Exfoliating cream. Do not rinse.
5. After 15 minutes, spread over substantial amount of Rejuvenating Cream in circular motion. Do not rinse. Let it stay overnight.

I was on Benzoyl Peroxide before using Beauche. And trying this one immediately after the other was really a risk. My face became uber sensitive after BP as a matter of fact, that afternoon my skin was super red and burning. (Wanna see photos? Okay, but don't say ew ha.)

I got even more scared to give Beauche a try, but what the heck, for the sake of my face clearing up I should be willing to try anything. Sooo. I was already peeling from the BP, thus I expected earlier peeling stage than the others who claimed theirs started after 3 days to 1 week. True enough, the next morning, I was peeling even more than last night. I noticed that some of my pimple marks became raised, and kinda active? lol, but yeah. Then I proceeded with the morning routine.

Day time:
1. Rub face, neck and arms with ice to close the skin pores and lift the dead skin.
2. Wash face, neck and arms with Beauche bar soap to eliminate the night creams.
3. Apply ample amount of Age Eraser Cream to moisturize the skin and protect it from harmful UV rays.

The products...
The skin toner has a really strong smell. It reminds me of my cough syrup when I was a kid.
What stings me most is the bar soap. I wash it off after 10 seconds. I pat dry my face after.
Prior to application of the creams, I found that staying in front of the AC helps with the burning sensations.
The exfoliating cream is pure white and has a mousse-like texture. (Activating baker mode...) It's like an unbaked meringue. Ehehe.
The rejuvenating cream has a light green tint while the age eraser an old rose sort of pink, both have the same texture as the exfoliating cream's.

I'm done with my second session of both night and day time routine. And my face is now peeling like crazyyy! (Balat-ahas, kadiri!) It looked the same when I peeled for the first time because of BP. (Pics ulit? Eto mas kadiri talaga. Haha.)

And the neeeeck!

Update:

After finishing about 3 sets of the Beauche kit, my skin really became smooth & glowing, evened out plus lightened, and firmer! I got compliments around me.

The downside? Once I stopped, I noticed that my pores became larger and completely obvious! They looked hideous! It also didn't erase my pink or red acne marks.

I don't think I'll be buying the whole set again. I do, however, love the Age Eraser cream and that-- I will be repurchasing again and again.