It's a new year! Happy 2015 everyone ^_^
As usual school got the best of me. But! I was also working on a side project thanks to one of my graphics professors. All-in-all I am glad I decided to agree to the opportunity and not be a scaredy-cat of all the if's, and's, & but's that could have happened.
Now is, well actually yesterday was, really the start of my last winter break of my undergraduate years. Cannot believe it is already here. I really wanted to go somewhere for a long holiday to make the most of this but don't think it'll work out (kinda late for anything but impromptu trips now).
Otherwise...I haven't set resolutions or goals for the year yet. I find that I forget most of them by the time the next week comes around anyways. (Honestly!) Better to come up with them and deal with it as things come up. Life and reality are so dynamic, I'm just going to resolve, for now, to be more open and to figure things out as they come.
I guess my first goal of the year would be to start tackling my much too massive stash of beauty goods. It's always hard for me to keep to the habit of using things but I find that I have it a bit easier with skincare items than makeup. I've seen "Project Make a Dent" on several blogs before and thought it'd be a nice way to give some attention to neglected goodies.
I'm not really sure what the official rules are or anything but these are just a few things that I honestly haven't touched in a while, have just had for way too long, or have too many of that type of product. As others who've done this project have said, I think it's much harder to focus on a set of products if these are the only things that can be used. With that in mind, I am going to keep these are my go-to items but still allow myself to "cheat" on these guys with other products or colors, etc.
L to R: Hada Labo BB Moist Emulsion SPF50+ PA+++ in Natural Ochre, Nanoce BB Moist Cream in No.2, Canmake Cover & Stretch Concealer UV in Shade 2, Benefit Highbeam
Oyy I can't even remember exactly when I bought all of these but I think it must have been before college. They don't have any strange smell or anything so hopefully I will be able to empty them.
(I have already rid my drawers of most of the older BB creams I hoarded way back when. Was bored one day and had a fun dumping spree but forgot to snap any pics. Really opened my eyes to how much stuff I wasted...)
Top going clockwise: MAC Cream Colour Base in Virgin Isle, Maquillage Face Creator, Esprique Precious, Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher in 5 Lovely Pink, mark Powder Buff Natural Skin Foundation in Powder Buff, Etude House Model Face Color in 2 Model Shade
Colored products and powdered items like these are so hard to complete! I can't remember the last time I finished a powdered product. Looking forward to see more pan bottoms.
mark Powder Buff Natural Skin Foundation in Powder Buff
Something that I don't really like or dislike. It's alright but can be a bit too matte for my liking. I tend to use a fluffy brush so I don't see much coverage effect and can't vouch for that aspect.
Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher in 5 Lovely Pink
These were so popular a few years back! I think Etude House still has these but with new colors and names. It isn't bad for the price but it is a bit difficult to pick up product (at least for this older version).
Etude House Model Face Color in 2 Model Shade
I really like that this is matte shading color. But it has a pretty strong flowery scent that takes some getting used to. I am not sure if this particular item is still sold by Etude House or not anymore because I received this as a giveaway prize a couple/few years back. If it is and you're a person who likes a more pigmented shading product this isn't what you're looking for. It'd say that it works but either for more subtle/natural look or with much effort and layering.
MAC Cream Colour Base in Virgin Isle
Please please excuse the nasty state of my blush. But surely this is the realty of cream blush pots: dust and brush hair collectors. (No it isn't my facial fuzz or eyebrow hairs.) I love how pigmented this blush is! Don't worry about looking like a clown because a little goes a long way. I prefer to use a denser brush and just dab it on my cheeks.
Maquillage Face Creator
I have been really loving this item lately. Don't remember if it was last January or some time before or after that, J from lilladylife passed this on to me to use. I don't have very many powder highlighters and am quite satisfied with these for now. Not too sparkly and chunky while doing it's job. If I can hit pan or finish, I'll think about those Hourglass Ambient highlighters that have been all the rave lately.
Esprique Precious eye palette
Another goodie that J gave. It is simple and natural enough that I think I'll be able to reach for regularly. If I can even make a dip in these I'll be quite happy.
L to R: Cinique Chubby Stick in Woppin Watermelon, Lioele Donut Glo-Stick in Milky Pink, Living Nature Lipstick in Sandstone
Oh...lip products and eye products are ultimately always the ones that are left in the dark for me. I can deal with bolder/brighter cheeks and can hide my neck if my face is too light but I am never confident enough to wear colored lip or eye looks. Maybe because these really scream "Makeup wearer!" yet I have a ton of lip balms, stains, and sticks that are unloved. These are just a few subtle colors that I would have a better chance of grabbing in the morning. They practically look untouched!
For the following 2015 year these goodies will sit out near my getting-ready-area for easy access. Let's see what results I can get by this time in 2016! I am not sure if I will update monthly or quarterly yet but an update will come.
Is anyone else embarking on a similar plan? What are your other goals (if you have any now)?
Hada Labo Tamagohada AHA+BHA Face Wash
Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Gently exfoliates skin to remove impurities, dirt & oil trapped within pores
✻ Polishes away dullness & refines skin's texture for visibly clear, smooth & radiant skin
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant
*This product is recommended to be used with a sunscreen product.
Places to purchase:Sasa
Imomoko
Adambeauty
Try your local Asian beauty store.
Packaging:
Very standard cleanser package. Nothing much to complain about. It has the same problem that most tube cleansers have, getting all the product out. I'm probably going to have to cut it in have to finish all of it :P
Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day. Squeeze sufficient amount onto your palm. Lather with water and massage onto face, using gentle circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
✻ When I first started to use this cleanser, I only used it at night. Then every once in a while I'd use it both day and night. I always put sunscreen on anyways so I didn't notice any sensitivity...but then again the damage is probably on the microscopic level so I can't see it (yet). I found that using this with a foaming net was the best. It creates a very nice dense foam that makes it easier to massage around my face. When I foam it with my hands the foam is rather flat (but this is the same for most manual/hand foaming cleansers). I didn't know that Hada Labo recommends a specific way to massage my face...if you're interested click HERE (image is a screenshot from the Hada Labo SG website).
Positives:
-Makes my skin feel very soft and smooth
-Doesn't make my skin feel tight or dry...definitely a first!
-Retail price isn't very expensive
-It seems to help control my acne but doesn't stop the acne from forming altogether. Ever since I've used this my cheeks and forehead have had a significantly less amount of acne whereas my nose and chin area still have the occasional breakouts. If I don't pick at it and such...they tend to go away quickly (without using any other acne treating products)
Negatives:
-Hard to get outside of asia..particularly this specific cleanser. I've seen a lot of the Hyaluronic Acid Cleansers (regular and light versions) and sometimes even the self-foaming version of the Tamagohada Cleanser, but this particular one rarely pops up in the beauty stores in NYC
-Prices can be marked up in stores outside of Asia (Close to double)
-I didn't see too much change with my pores...that was a little disappointing.
Repurchase?
Yes! But not right now...Have a lot of cleansers to finish. I'd definitely want to get a backup of this though if I have the chance to.
Recommend?
Yes
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Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash
Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Hydrates as it cleanses. Helps restore and preserve skin's natural moisture, leaving it silky smooth
✻ Gently cleanses leaving skin comfortably hydrated and refreshed
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant
Places to Purchase:
Sasa
imomoko
Adambeauty
Try your local Asian beauty store
Packaging:
It is made out of a rubbery kind of plastic. Very bendable so it's much easier to squeeze the last bits out compared to the Tamagohada tube.
Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day. Squeeze sufficient amount onto your palm. Lather with water and massage onto face. Using gentle circular motion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
✻ I typically use the same amount as shown in the photo, give or take a bit. I foam it with the face nets and massage the foam around before I rinse it off with water.
Positives:
-Cleanses well, but is a gentle cleanser so it got a while for me to get use it.
-Did not dry my skin out or make it tight!
-Isn't expensive
Negatives:
-Although it is a 'hydrating' cleanser, I don't think it stays in long enough for my skin to benefit from those properties...at most it just doesn't make my face dried out after using it.
Repurchase?
Maybe. If I'm in need of a gentler cleanser yes. But I'm still looking for an HG cleanser that'll also help with my acne.
Recommend?
To those who want something not as harsh. But between this and the Tamagohada one, I'd choose the latter.
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Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleansing Oil
Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ For heavy makeup & waterproof mascara
✻ Formulated with high purity Olive Oil to deep clean and gently remove dirt, excessive oil and stubborn makeup instantly
✻ High cleansing ability even for waterproof mascara
✻ Gentle to your delicate eye area and eyelashes
✻ Enhanced with Super Hyaluronic Acid to intensely hydrate and maintain
✻ It is water-soluble, does not leave an unpleasant greasy feeling
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant
Places to Purchase:
Adambeauty
Try your local Asian beauty store
Directions:
✻ (Website) Keep your hands and face dry. Pump sufficient cleansing oil onto your palm and gently massage onto your face and eye area. Wet face to emulsify the cleansing oil. Rinse thoroughly with water.
✻ I use 1 pump when I'm wearing light makeup (powder & blush) and 2 for anything heavier. It is more than enough with 2 pumps to easily massage around my face.
Positives:
-This cleanser lasted the longest before it finally ended up making my face tight & dry after using it. I remember I was so excited in the beginning because it didn't dry me out. Then somewhere along the line I think my skin got used to it...*sigh
-It removes makeup well. I don't know how it fairs against waterproof makeup since I don't wear that.
-Isn't hard to rinse off & doesn't leave an oily film.
-Inexpensive
-Doesn't contain any added color, fragrance, or mineral oil!
Negatives:
-Difficult to get, but more and more online shops carry this now.
-It leaves my eyes a bit cloudy after using it.
Repurchase?
Probably not. There are still many cleansing oils out there that I haven't tried yet. If my skin didn't get used to it, the chances of me repurchasing this would have been a lot higher...However! If I really have tried many cleansing oils and my skin suffers the same fate for all, I'd probably come back to this one just because it doesn't have any excess additives.
Recommend?
Maybe. I think this tight & dry problems I'm having with cleansing products is just my skin...nothing seems to really work. Other than that point, this cleansing oil wasn't too bad. Worth a try if you have the opportunity to try it.
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Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion
Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Instantly hydrates skin and helps preserve its optimum
✻ Replenishes and locks-in moisture for complete hydration. Skin feels significantly soft and supple
✻ Helps improve dry and dehydrated skin, leaving it silky smooth
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant
Places to purchase:
Sasa
Imomoko
Try your local Asian beauty store.
There are also refill packages available! However, I've only seen those available on imomoko.
Packaging:For the type of product and way we're supposed to apply it, the package is great! You can easily pour the product out drop by drop. Have lots of control!
Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day after cleansing face. Apply on palms and gently pat onto skin until thoroughly absorbed.
✻ When I first got it, I didn't know how to read the instructions. I tried to use 1 drop because of the "1 drops locks the ocean" advertisement/marketing. I felt that it wasn't enough for me, so I upped it to about 3-5 drops depending on how I felt. Most of the time I use about 5 drops (especially in the colder months). I'd rub my hands together to spread the product out and then pat my face. A lot of people said it was sticky and I totally agree, but I found that if I spend just a little more time patting the product in the sticky feeling goes away.
Positives:
-One bottle lasted me a LONG time, I don't remember exactly but I think it was well over 6 months.
-It has multiple uses (toner, maybe a lotion for those with very oily skin but don't take my word for it hehe, mask...using the layered cotton pads or the compressed masks)
-Keeps my face very moist and hydrated. My cheeks have the bouncy feeling whenever I use it. I think this, along with the H2O+ products I used last winter, really helped save me during the cold and allergy seasons.
-Isn't too expensive, if you can get it at the retail place. However, I've seen stores in NYC sell this for up to $22 dollars! =.=
-No extra nonsense (alcohol, color, etc.)
Cons:
-Difficult to get outside of Asia. Now that it's become so popular this isn't too much of a problem (at least in the Asian heavy neighborhoods here in NYC) The bigger problem is the ridiculous price increase.
-It isn't difficult for me to find, but for people living in not Asian heavy communities...it'll be more difficult. Online shopping is your best friend! :P
-Leaves hands a bit sticky because you have to pat it onto the skin, nothing a little tissue or hand washing can't fix. But as mentioned before if you pat a little longer it isn't too big of a problem.
Repurchase?
Yes. But right not now since I've recently bought a new toner and have a set of hyaluronic acid serums I can use. Also as weird as this may sound, I've missed using a toner that I can wipe :X
Recommend?
Yes!
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Hada Labo Shirojun Arbutin Whitening Lotion
Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Contains Arbutin to fight dark spots. Smooths & clarifies to optimize skin's radiance & translucency
✻ Vitamin C helps skin recover from accumulated sun damage while reducing the appearance of dark spots to give clearer, fairer skin
✻ Contains Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate intensely, keeping skin soft & supple
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant
Places to purchase:
Imomoko
Try your local Asian beauty store
There are also refill packages available! However, I've only seen those available on imomoko.
Packaging:
Again, the package is great! There is so much control and you can get it drop by drop. I was a bit OCD and always counted how many drops I used :X
Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day after cleansing face. Apply on palms and gently pat onto skin until thoroughly absorbed.
✻ I tried this after using the Hyaluronic Acid version for a while so I knew better & how much to use, ~5 drops. The texture and feel are very similar to the Hyaluronic Acid Toner. The only differences are 1) this whitening toner felt a bit liquidy in consistency 2) it was not as sticky as the Hyaluronic Acid Toner. But if I don't pat enough, it'll still leave a stickiness on my hands. So if anyone gets this...make sure you pat pat pat!!
Positives:
-Hydrates my skin well. But definitely not as much as the Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion does.
-I've only used this together with the Milky Lotion so I can't say how it will fair when used alone. But the set does make my skin look and bit brighter than usual. It helps a with my acne scarring, but not all.
-This could probably be used for a mask as well (I haven't tried it though).
-No unnecessary ingredients add!
-Lasts a long time
Negatives:
-Is not hydrating enough for the winter time. Especially when I rub my nose a lot and it's all cracked...
Repurchase?
No. It was great while it lasted. But nothing really special makes me want to buy it again.
Recommend?
Maybe. Try to look for the mini set! I've seen those around youtube and blogger a few times. Good way to try it without the big commitment of the full bottle :P
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Hada Labo Shirojun Arbutin Whitening Milky Lotion
Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Contains Arbutin to fight dark spots & re-balance skin tone for visibly fair & radiant skin
✻ Enhanced with Vitamin C for a more uniform skin tone & reawakens the appearance of dull skin caused by UV rays
✻ Preserves skin's natural moisture. Smoothes & clarifies to optimize skin's translucency
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant
Places to purchase:
Imomoko
Try your local Asian beauty store
There are also refill packages available! However, I've only seen those available on imomoko.
Packaging:
The bottle is the similar to the toner, but this one is a bit shorter and contains a little less product. I didn't particularly like or hate it. It's just ok. The product flows out of the bottle pretty well since the lotion is pretty liquidy. However, sometimes it creates this weird crust at the top of the cap when the product dries there. Bugged me a lot :X But that could just be me hehe When I got to the very last bit, it became difficult to get the product out, especially with the cap on. I have to stand with the bottle upside-down for quite a while before the product drip out.
Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day after applying Whitening Lotion. Apply on palms and gently pat onto skin until thoroughly absorbed.
✻ I applied this in a similar way to how I applied the toners. It is harder to control how much of this lotion comes out of the bottle because the opening is much bigger and the consistency of this is a bit runnier. I just eyeball a quarter-size amount onto my hand, rub my hands together, and pat it onto my face until my skin absorbs it all.
Positives:
-Very light. Didn't break me out or clog my pores.
-Similar to the lotion. My skin felt brighter when I used it but nothing dramatic. My acne scarring did seem to go down.
-This was enough moisture for my skin in the summer.
Negatives:
-The size is a little smaller than the lotion which I felt was strange.
-Difficult to get all the product out when you get towards the last few uses.
-Once the cooler winter came and my nose became cracked and dry from rubbing it too much, this just wasn't enough.
The whitening line just didn't wow me.
Repurchase?
Nope.
Recommend?
Maybe. Again, try to look for the mini set! This would probably be better for those who don't live in dry places or when the weather isn't as dry.
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Now with all that said, I love Hada Labo as a brand. Especially because they don't add the bad stuff in. Always good to steer away from those as much as we can. Also, there are some pretty good products...granted I have tried all of them (but will, hence "partially fulfilled craze").
Disclaimer: I am not associated with the brand or any of the websites that I've shared. These are just how the products worked for me and my opinions. If you tried it any the product had bad effects on you, I'm sorry! But everyone's skin is different...to each their own! >__<;;
So many other bloggers shared their amazing finished products lists for the last couple of days. It reminded me of all the empties that I had in comparison...haha. My collection is very modest, embarrassingly to say. For the last 6 months, I was only able to complete 10 products. Many that I have currently are on the verge of being finished as I type this, but I tend to leave them hanging because I think I'll get to reviewing it soon so I'll need to revisit the product...My bad procrastinating habit got the best of me. *sigh*
What I was able to finish:
1. Garnier Fructis Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream
I got this, I believe, shortly after it came out and many people started to review the product. I thought it was okay while it lasted. It was nothing to run and scream about. It made my skin nice and soft after I applied it, but didn't do much for my flakiness during the winter months that I used it. Also, if I remember correctly, it contained alcohol (?) of some sort which made the product dry down ("soak in") quickly but I'm pretty sure it's not good in the long run...I will not repurchase this because I like something better :] and this was just an average product for me.
2. H2O+ Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment
I've reviewed it already. Click to see review!
3. H2O+ Night Oasis Oxygenating Rejuvenator
Same as No.2 :]
4. H2O+ Face Oasis Cleansing Water
Click click click! ^^
5. Lush Sweet Lips Lip Scrub
This was my first lip scrub and it wasn't a very pleasant experience. It smelled and tasted nice...since it was basically just sugar and some oils, I assume, put together. But it didn't really do anything in the exfoliating department. I would rub and rub until my fingers were sore and the chapped skin on my lips just wouldn't come off. I had better luck rubbing my lips with my fingers =X Also...maybe it was just this particular version...but the product had a lot of stages. First, the texture felt nice and fine. As I finished the topmost layer it started to I guess dry out and become rather chunky and difficult to use. When I dumped that layer out it became the slightly emollient texture it originally was. I think for the price, I could have just used sugar I had around my house and it may have worked as well...However, I am considering trying the Bon Bon lip scrub just out of curiosity heh =]
6. Crabtree & Evelyn Citron, Honey, & Coriander Skin Quenching Body Lotion (mini-size)
I found a few of these lotions hanging around and decided to give it a try as a hand lotion. And I LOVE how it soaks in without leaving a film of any sort!! This rarely happens for me with lotions (I wonder why...). The only negative is it's not a one time use and bye bye dryness sort of product. I have to keep remembering to reapply to keep my hands nice and soft. However, layering doesn't seem to leave a film either so it's alright (for me)! Also...Crabtree & Evelyn is on the expensive side so I am a little more hesitant on buying the full sized. I probably will though despite that fact. Right now I'm just deciding on whether or not to try a different version since I have some more of the Citron ones at home. Any recommendations?
7. Genie in a Bottle Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Serum
I finally got around to start using this serum when the Fall season kicked in. Although the weather was oddly warm for the past couple of months, my skin still suffered (in addition to using an anti-spot treatment again). I went through one of the four bottles that came in the set and I can say that I like it. It helps keep my face moisturized, but it isn't deep moisturizing. Because after I wash my face and such it would be dry again =.= But whenever I put it on, my skin feels very soft and supple. But just for the fact that it has a low price for 4 30ml bottles of serum, I would consider repurchasing. My one complaint is after I opened the second bottle, I actually had to pour the product into the empty bottle because the dropper wouldn't fit into the new container. If I was rash and threw the empty bottle away I wouldn't have any way to keep the new one closed.
8. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick
This was one lip product that I really liked. If I remember correctly, I kept my lips very soft and moisturized without drying it out. Due to the size of the swivel stick, I found it hard to finish completely because the product wouldn't completely swivel back down and I had to forcibly close the cap to prevent it from drying. It created quite a mess. I do not know if it's because mine was faulty or not but that was the only unpleasant part of this product. There may be a smaller lip balm version of the product but I'm not too sure if it's still around. I may repurchase this if I come across it (it was difficult to find!) but not soon since I have a gazillion other lip balms to finish up.
9. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream for Face SPF55 PA+++
Sunscreen takes forever for me to complete. I was very glad I finished this one! Not because it was bad but because I was tired of it and wanted to try something new =X I really think this product worked because while I was using this my face stayed pretty light throughout the summer and my doctor kept saying I was Vitamin D deficient. The only thing really bad about this product was the white cast it could leave behind if not blended well. After I apply this my face does look rather white...but that could also be because I tend to apply it heavy-handed. I may go back to this product. Depending on if I come across something I like better or not.
10. Hada Labo Tamagohada Daily Face Wash
A cleanser that I really liked! I was very sad when it got to its end...I've had many good skin days with this product. Although it didn't give me the hard-boiled egg skin that I was hoping for haha It also doesn't completely stop me from breaking out but my skin felt very clean and fresh whenever I used it. The main winning point was it did not dry my skin out. This is also rare when I use cleansers =.= I just wish it was easier to get and the price isn't so jacked up. *sigh*
11. Laneige Pore Trouble Cleanser
Click!!! :D
It isn't shown in the picture because I cut it open to get the last bits of it...but my mom thought it was garbage after a couple of days =.=
