be the skin Botanical Nutrition Power Toner & Serum

12:15:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

When someone says they've been using a product for five years and it can transform Sahara-dry-skin, it must be that amazing and needs to be tested immediately. Reviews and Alicia Yoon herself all rave about be the skin's Botanical Nutrition Power line for soothing dry skin. It seemed perfect for the constant flakes I have which only gets worse as the weather becomes cooler and drier. After using the toner and serum in both hot/humid and cold/dry weather, I unexpectedly prefer one (product and weather) over the other.






Peach & Lily's description:

Toner
A royal-jelly infused toner with all-natural ingredients that balance the skin's pH levels and hydrates the skin while helping to improve skin's firmness. Delivers moisture into the skin and gently preps for serums and lotions.

Appropriate for all skin types. Ideal for dry skin.

Serum
This serum draws on botanical herbs that have been used for thousands of years in Asian history to hydrate and help with signs of aging skin. This best-selling serum helps impart moisture and radiance to dry, dull skin.

Ideal for dry skin.

Directions
Toner
Cleanse face thoroughly then pat dry. Place a dime size amount of toner either (1) in the palm of your hand and pat onto face or (2) on a cotton pad or ball and swipe over skin. Follow up with the remaining steps of skincare routine.

Serum
Cleanse and tone face. Apply 1-2 pumps of serum all over face or concentrate to dryer areas. Gently pat product into the skin with fingertips. Follow with Botanical Nutrition Power Cream for best results.

Ingredients
Toner
WATER, LAURUS NOBILIS LEAF EXTRACT, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, POLYGLYCERYL-10 EICOSANEDIOATE/TETRADECANEDIOATE, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-4, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, ARGININE, PIPER METHYSTICUM LEAF/ROOT/STEM EXTRACT, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) LEAF EXTRACT, ARTEMISIA UMBELLIFORMIS EXTRACT, BUDDLEJA DAVIDII EXTRACT, THYMUS VULGARIS (THYME) FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT, HONEY EXTRACT, ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT, ARNICA MONTANA FLOWER EXTRACT, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) FRUIT EXTRACT, HEDERA HELIX (IVY) EXTRACT, SAMBUCUS NIGRA FLOWER EXTRACT, MALVA SYLVESTRIS (MALLOW) FLOWER EXTRACT, PARIETARIA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ILLICIUM VERUM (ANISE) FRUIT EXTRACT, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, FRAGRANCE

Serum
WATER, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIMETHICONE, SQUALANE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL DICAPRYLATE/DICAPRATE, LAURUS NOBILIS LEAF EXTRACT, GLYCERYL ACRYLATE/ACRYLIC ACID COPOLYMER, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, DISODIUM ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE, ALGIN, CARICA PAPAYA (PAPAYA) FRUIT EXTRACT, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, PAEONIA SUFFRUTICOSA ROOT EXTRACT, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, SORBITAN STEARATE, SUCROSE COCOATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ARNICA MONTANA FLOWER EXTRACT, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) FRUIT EXTRACT, HEDERA HELIX (IVY) EXTRACT, SAMBUCUS NIGRA FLOWER EXTRACT, MALVA SYLVESTRIS (MALLOW) FLOWER EXTRACT, PARIETARIA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT, PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT, PERILLA OCYMOIDES SEED EXTRACT, HONEY EXTRACT, ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT, ARTEMISIA UMBELLIFORMIS EXTRACT, BUDDLEJA DAVIDII EXTRACT, THYMUS VULGARIS (THYME) FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT, SODIUM ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, ISOHEXADECANE, POLYSORBATE 80, ARGININE, CARBOMER, XANTHAN GUM, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, FRAGRANCE

Toner 150 ml

be the skin (Korean retail): ₩37,000
Peach & Lily: USD $29.00

Serum 50 ml

be the skin (Korean retail): ₩40,000
Peach & Lily: USD $39.00

Packaging

Both toner and serum come in orange-tinted glass bottles; the former has a screw-on cap while the latter has a pump. The expiration dates are clearly printed on the bottom of both bottles and each come with a seal/pump lock.

Judging from the packaging choices alone, the brand gives off a very luxe feel. It isn't great for anyone on the go but it looks brilliant on a vanity. The toner's bottle design fits the texture of the product well; vicious liquid won't easily run out and offers a degree of control. I would have preferred if the serum came in something different though; while the tube inside is thankfully curved and completely reaches the bottom I still had to forcefully shake and tap the remnant serums into that specific corner in order to use everything up.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

Toner is a vicious liquid straight out of the bottle. It gets more watery as body heat is introduced. There is no tackiness or residue left behind and soaks into the skin easily. No matter if swiped across skin with cotton or directly pat into the skin, the toner leaves a matte finish and skin is immediately softer. This has a strong herb and witch hazel scent which can be overpowering if applying multiple layers of the toner.

Serum is a thicker liquid that leans gel-like. It also holds its shape well until body heat is added into the mix, at which point it spreads like butter. There is an initial silicone slippery feel and dewiness to it but both go away as the serum is absorbed into the skin. Compared to the toner, the scent of the serum is more faint and refreshing.

How I Apply

I prefer to put a few drops of the toner onto a cotton round an wipe my face after cleansing. I have tried to use it for "7-skin" but would rather use an even more hydrating toner for that instead.

With the serum, I usually use two pumps worth of product and spread it over my face. Thrice if I am feeling generous and have pumped just once for the entire face when stingy. Any amount is sufficient since it spreads well, it is dependent on how dry my skin feels at that moment.

Thoughts & Recommendations

While both work, I definitely like the Botanical Nutrition Power Toner over the Serum. They are more lightweight and less occlusive than I originally imagined them to be. Many dry skin type people do love this line though (according to the Peach & Lily's reviews); for me, neither help my most dry areas and flakey skin. There is some relief but not the long lasting kind. It does provide great moisture for the normal/oily areas, especially when the weather is more humid.

Size is the biggest reason I like the Toner (150 ml) more than the Serum (50 ml). I know serums are supposed to be more concentrated and deeply moisturizing, however, this Serum isn't for me. I can use 2-3 pumps and focus it on my flakes but still be parched a few hours later. When I use 2-3 pumps twice a day, I go through the bottle way too quickly (close to empty within a month or so). The toner lasts many many more months when used only to wipe my skin after cleansing.

Versatility is another factor as to why I enjoy the Toner. I could, again, use it to wipe my face. No matter how well I clean and exfoliate my face beforehand, the cotton will always wipe something up and become yellow-hued. It can be applied in multiple layers to hydrate. I have dabbed toner over makeup on my flakes to instantaneously relieve patches, even if temporary. I have tried with the Serum as well but it has a more vicious texture which can actually (re)move makeup if not careful.

Repurchasing isn't on my mind right now. If it was, I would only reconsider for the Toner; it costs less, lasts longer, and has more uses. I think the yellow be the skin line works best for oily/normal/combination skin and in humid weather but I seem to in the minority. Thankfully, neither broke my skin out. Those sensitive to fragrance may want to skip this.

JUNGSAEMMOOL Clean Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm

12:10:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

Of the cleansing balms I have tried, heck even of all the cleansing oils, the JUNGSAEMMOOL Clean Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm is the most expensive for the amount it has. I took a risk in ordering it when it was a fresh release, only a few months old. No reviews. No research. Blindly following my budding trust for JSM Beauty. Luckily this balm did not disturb that trust and, in fact, reassured me of the quality in her products. The important question becomes: is it worth the price tag and overseas order?



JUNGSAEMMOOL's description:

Deep cleansing with 71% of natural vegetable oil
Natural olive oil provides a mild and moist deep cleansing effect.

Powerful cleansing effect with fine cleansing particle!
Transparent Gelatinization System (TGS) which makes excess natural oil transparent and stabilized is applied to fine cleansing particles. The particle melts softly on the skin and allows powerful cleansing effect.

Make up & pore deep cleansing
Wild a mild formula oil balm, dissolve dead skin cells and express a healthy-looking complexion.

Return to pure skin
Moringa seed extracts, patented with superior detergency, recover skin to pure and clean natural tone.

Mild formula
Completed skin irritation test. Mineral oil-free. 7 parabens-free (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, butylparaben, isobutlparaben, p-hydroxybenzoic acid).

Directions
With a provided spatula, take an appropriate amount and apply on the face. Massage gently to remove makeup and rinse well with lukewarm water - secondary cleansing is not necessary.

*This products melts fast with body temperature. Depending on the temperature, plant-derived oil may form water droplets on the surface. Such phenomena does not affect the quality of the product, and it is safe to use.

Ingredients
OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, OCTYLDODECANOL, DEXTRIN PALMITATE, DIBUTYL ETHYLHEXANOYL GLUTAMIDE, DIBUTYL LAUROYL GLUTAMIDE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, ARGANIA SPINOSA (ARGAN) KERNEL OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF OIL, SILICA DIMETHYL SILYLATE, DEXTRIN PALMITATE/ETHYLHEXANOATE, WATER, MORINGA OLEIFERA SEED EXTRACT, MALTODEXTRIN, NELUMBO NUCIFERA (LOTUS FLOWER) SEED EXTRACT, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, FRAGRANCE

Balm 90 g / 3.17 oz

JSM Beauty (Korean retail): ₩42,000
JSM Beauty (USA retail): USD $46.26

Packaging

A hefty frosted glass jar with a plastic screw-on lid. Comes with a small spatula and has a seal/stopper. It comes in two layers of cardboard and paper boxing assumingly due to the weight. This isn't something to be traveling with but feels and looks luxurious on the countertop. I would have preferred if it had a flip-top lid instead but that is a rarity in the cleansing balm world.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

Clear and hard-type balm. If you can imagine transparent butter, this is what the JUNGSAEMMOOL balm would be. It has to be scraped out. It isn't immediately soft like the "sorbet" balms are, think Banila Co., Clinique, and heimish. Once body heat is introduced this cleansing balm becomes just like any other and spreads very easily.

I can't place my finger on but there is a scent. It sometimes reminds me of what the 100% facial oils and other times it seems citrusy (even though there is no citrus oil nor extract in there). It isn't overpowering for me and the smell doesn't linger. For those who are sensitive, do note that fragrance is an included ingredient.

How I Apply

1. Scoop an appropriate amount (varies depending on how much makeup I had put on my face).
2. Massage it gently all over. Focus on crevices and areas with a higher concentration of colors.
3. Sometimes wet my hands a little and emulsify the balm.
4. Continuously splash my face with water to fully rinse dissolved makeup and balm away.

Thoughts & Recommendations

I had no idea JUNGSAEMMOOL actually says a second cleanse isn't necessary after using this cleansing balm. I wouldn't have believed it until I actually gave it a try shortly after discovering the claim. Now I can see why—the balm rinses off easily with no residue, everything is removed, doesn't leave the skin feeling stripped, and I could sit for a long time without moisturizing before my skin gets parched. These are also reasons why I have come to like this balm so much. I never realized because I am in the habit of always doing a second cleanse therefore never giving the chance to see if it leaves a residue nor dries my face out.

*As with previous cleansing balms I have tried, they aren't very good at removing fresh waterproof pen eyeliner, deep colored lipsticks which stain, and lip tints. All the cleansing balms and oils seem to do just fine against makeup that has worn down and mixed with facial oils.

Finishing the jar too quickly because it had a lesser amount had always been my biggest concern. Despite there only being 90 ml of product, versus 100+ ml, this jar of cleansing balm still lasted a good few months. I guess I inadvertently scoop less product out due to its harder texture.

If the Clean Start Dtoxeed Oil Balm was easier to get a hold of, say Peach & Lily expanded her JUNGSAEMMOOL curation, I would seriously consider a repurchase. However, since it is only available via JSM Beauty website which has expensive shipping fees for orders under USD $150 it isn't something I can buy without doing a massive haul. I could see all skin types liking this. This gets the job done well but whether it is worth double the price is questionable. Splurging on a cleansing balm once in a while isn't too bad though.

innisfree Brow Master Pencil - Gray

12:08:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

We, consumers, like to believe that we pay more for a better quality product: well thought out, superior formulation, and sturdier packaging to name a few. Yet as the competition grows even the more affordable and smaller brands have gems hidden amongst the rough. We hope for something of similar quality minus the costs of the luxury brand name and frills.

That is precisely what I wanted the innisfree Brow Master Pencil to be. At half the cost of the previous eyebrow pencils I tried and loved, how wonderful would it be if it works and lasts just the same?



innisfree's description:

You multi-task, so should your brow make-up. Define, shape and volumize eyebrows with this unique 3-in-1 brow tool.

On one end, an angled tip pencil fills brows with a thin or thick stroke (up to you!)
In the center, a sponge-tip applicator loaded with brow powder creates fullness.
On the other end, a spooly brush styles and defines your brow look.

Directions
1. Define: Fill in brow using pencil, using light, feathery strokes.
2. Volumize: Using brow powder applicator, lightly press sponge tip over brow to set pencil and add dimension.
3. Set: With brush, sweep color out and downward to shape the arch and elongate the tail.

Ingredients
Pencil
HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, HYDROGENATED COCO-GLYCERIDES, POLYETHYLENE, ZINC STEARATE, COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX, IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), HYDROGENATED COCONUT OIL, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), MICA (CI 77019), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), METHICONE

Powder
MICA (CI 77019), CERESIN, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, TALC, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, C12-15 ALKYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, SILICA, IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), POLYISOBUTENE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), METHICONE, DIMETHICONE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77491)

Pencil cartridge 0.12 g
Powder pan 0.4 g

innisfree (Korean retail): ₩10,000
innisfree (USA retail): USD $11.00

Packaging

A double-ended eyebrow product with a retractable pencil on one end, a spoolie on the other, and a shadow with a sponge-tip applicator in the middle. This pencil does not come with a sharpener and probably wouldn't work well with the pencil formulation anyway. The pencil isn't shaped in any special way, just ovular and blunt cut. The sponge-tip is squishy and bulbous, unlike the JUNGSAEMMOOL one that is more firm and shapely. If I were to choose, my preference lies with the latter sponge-tip as it seems to apply the powder in a more effortless, even, and a lighter layer of color.

I understand that cream and brown are the brand colors of innisfree. However, I wish they showed the pencil colors on the tube instead as the names are printed fairly small and written in Korean only (the English names are just on a stick-on label that is attached to the security plastic wrapping). It would make the shopping experience easier especially for non-Koreans.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

"Gray", the shade, is an ashy-gray with hints of brown. The powder swatches very similar to the JUNGSSAEMMOOL "Smoky bony" shade.

Both the powder and the pencil have matte finishes and unscented. I found no faults with the powder itself, just didn't particularly like the sponge-tip delivery. The pencil, on the other hand, was one of the driest pencil products I have ever experienced. The new pencil tip was hard and difficult to draw with. One swipe doesn't give a strong color; it does build up well after a few more swipes though.

How I Apply

Unscrew the middle part of the brow pencil to reveal the powder portion. I "color" in my brows with the sponge-tip applicator to fill in the empty spaces. Afterward, I take the pencil portion and outline the desired shape and finish it off by brushing out the hairs with the spoolie to feather the edges out.

Thoughts & Recommendations

I was not kidding when I said the JUNGSAEMMOOL eyebrow pencil set new standards. innisfree was one of the few brands, Korean and Western, to have one of a similar design (with pencil, powder, and spoolie all-in-one). Trying it out was a no-brainer since I would practically be guaranteed a shade match plus it's cheap.

Color-wise, "Gray" was a great match for my black hair. Formulation-wise, the pencil could be greatly improved upon. It snapped into pieces way too easily and the pigmentation with one swipe isn't very high. I lost a quarter of the pencil the first day I started using it and about half of the remainder of the product a month or so later. It also seemed like I was using up the pencil far quicker since I had to draw more strokes to build up the color.

*Disclaimer: the printed expiration date was the same month and year I bought the pencil in (June 2018). I am positive it says expiration and not manufacture date. I don't know how much of a factor that plays into how dried out the eyebrow pencil was. If so then the NYC store is kind of at fault for selling a product that was days away from expiring. The remainder of the fault was my own for not looking closely before purchase. Regardless, if the formulation becomes so brittle overtime it means this pencil cannot be stockpiled and hoarded for long.

The innisfree Brow Master Pencil is a nice low-end option, especially for those new to eyebrow products and are intimidated by ones that are too concentrated in color. I can see those who prefer stronger brows may find it too faint and natural. The blunt cut made it difficult to draw thin, hair-like strokes. It was fine outlining a general brow shape and tail. This isn't on my repurchase list anytime soon. If I do reconsider I will have to remember to double check the expiration before giving it a second chance.

August Haul

12:09:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

You would think a seasoned beauty sample sale shopper would have been more sensible. It isn't like I don't have a stash of unopened products at the ready. I do and some are actually from Peach & Lily's 2017 sample sale. If I had to place the blame on anything, my mindset going in this time around was 100% different. My goal was to try new brands and products Peach & Lily offered which I normally wouldn't solely because of the price tag. Great deals were scored, self-control was just a teeny bit lost.

Price categories were generally the same this year: Green $10, Yellow $15, Pink $25, Purple $30, and Red $40. Sheet masks and smaller nicknacks ranged from $2 to $5.

There was a shift in the categories of emphasis and things, in general, seemed pricier this year. Most products were grouped in the $15 and $25 sections, rather than $10 and $15 groups. The $10 tables had a good selection but it was mostly cleansers, "extras" like essences/small sized serums, and single-use rubber modeling masks. The focus was on the newer curated brands to Peach & Lily (Femmue, Eco Your Skin, JUNGSAEMMOOL, Ground Plan), whereas last year included a few sneak-peaks at future curations. I was surprised there weren't any mists or sunscreens in the mix this time around. What is even more surprising was the lack of Peach & Lily's own collection of products.



My loot from the $10 category:

JUNGSAEMMOOL Refining Color-bony Brow - Smoky Bony Orig. $21
Eco Your Skin Layering Essence Ringer Drip - Whitening Orig. $25
Eco Your Skin Layering Essence Ringer Drip - Oily Orig. $25
Eco Your Skin Booster Serum - Hyaluronic Acid Orig. $35
Eco Your Skin Booster Serum - Vitamin B5 Orig. $35
Eco Your Skin Booster Serum - Ceramide Orig. $35
Eco Your Skin Oil to Foam Cleanser Orig. $34

The eyebrow pencil was a pleasant surprise and only repurchase item in my entire order. I believe Smoky Bony was the only shade available at the sample sale, which works great for me and my black locks. At $10 a pop I was highly tempted to grab it all but I do want to try other eyebrow pencils in future.

The bags of essences and syringe-shaped serums were top on my mental list to get, if available. The delivery method and packaging are so unique. Their retail price tags are far too steep, however, for the amount of product in each bag/tube. This seemed like the best opportunity to give it a try.



My picks from the $15 category:

Femmue Extraordinary Beauty Cleansing Balm Orig. $42
Femmue Flower Infused Fine Peel Orig. $42
Femmue Flower Infused Fine Mask Orig. $40
Rose by Dr. Dream Rose Line Mild Natured Powder Cleanser Orig. $38
Aromatica Tea Tree Purifying Tonic Scalp Tonic Orig. $19
Aromatica Orange Cleansing Sherbet Orig. $35

Femmue was an unplanned grab. I vaguely remember seeing it on Peach & Lily's Instagram and just thought it was aesthetically pleasing but pricey. Once I actually got to read the product descriptions both the peel and mask seem like products I would enjoy at the moment (exfoliation and hydration).

One can never have too many cleansing balms and cleansers at home. I use tubs and bottles of those regularly and far too quickly.

The scalp tonic was an impulsive buy. I almost didn't realize it was on the table until Alicia Yoon, Peach & Lily's founder, said it was great for oily and itchy scalps. Hook, line, and sinker~ Now that I am home and can compare the price difference this was the worst "deal" of my purchase.



My choices from the $25 category:

JUNGSAEMMOOL Artist Eyeshadow Palette - Neutral and Tender Orig. $48
Eco Your Skin Moisture Wall Surge Complex Orig. $80

Continuing with impulsive decisions. I picked these two up after circling the entire sale area at least a couple times.

An eyeshadow palette from JUNGSAEMMOOL has always been on my wishlist yet I could never justify hoarding any more eyeshadows. My only rationale this time is how could I not at practically 50% off?

The "Moisture Wall Surge" was a last minute addition after I realized I hadn't picked up a moisturizer/cream. There were a ton of options but most seemed geared towards anti-aging and/or very dry skin. I also did not realize what a steal moisturizers were at the sale! Most retail for $50+ and were selling at 50-70% discount.



My gem from the $30 category:

Femmue Lumiere Vital C Orig. $88

My gem from the $40 category:

Eco Your Skin Meso Ampoule Orig. $130

Both of these are super impulsive yet complete steals of the whole experience. I skipped over the luxury area last year because all its, very limited, offerings were geared towards anti-aging (mostly Shangpree). Femmue and Eco Your Skin serums/ampoules caught my attention this year. Vitamin C has been on my list to try, more consistently, and the vitamin C derivative Lumiere uses seems like a good segue. The Meso Ampoule claims to have some kind of micro-needling technology to help stimulate skin rejuvenation which would hopefully help with acne scarring.