This post is a bit late but better late than never! :]
I think I did a pretty good job controlling myself in the later part of 2011, compared to the earlier half. No? In the past, I've bought this amount of products in one-two months alone heh :X
Let's see if I can control myself better in 2012. Must try to use my stash!!
Onward with my haulage ~~
*Picture heavy!!*

Maybelline Fit Me line haul


Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 210 Sandy Beige and 220 Natural Beige

Swatches of Maybelline Fit Me Foundations
L to R: 210 Sandy Beige, 220 Natural Beige
I have since returned shade 220 because it seemed a bit too dark for me. Even 210 doesn't exactly fit my skin tone but I have many BB Creams that are too light for me so I justified keeping one so I could mix products.


Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder in 220 Natural Beige


La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment
I got this after a few bloggers recommended it, especially because of Lil Lady's Life. I've tried a few acne treatments before and they all stung or made my face very feel dry/tight wherever I placed it. Also, I never saw a lot of results from those. However, this one didn't have any of those problems! Maybe it's because it doesn't contain salicylic acid like the other acne treatments I've tried. This isn't a miracle product for me (yet) because it does take some time for the product to do its job. But I can't ask for too much from a product :P I just wish it wasn't so expensive for one tube.


Maybelline Lasting Drama Eye Studio Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black
After trying a few pencil & liquid liners and not having much luck with either, I decided to venture into gel liners. I've only used this a handful of times. It felt strange applying liner with a brush. Probably need to practice more heh...I don't quite remember if this also smudged on me or not. Will try to report back on it later on!


Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm in Sheer Peach Tint and Sheer Pink Tint
Again, I got these after reading reviews on it. I'm always looking for lip balms, tinted lip products that are sheer. This seemed to fit my criteria. I used these a few times (but not when my lips were very dry so I cannot say how well it hydrates). For someone like me who doesn't wear much lip product & is self-conscious whenever I do wear colored lip products, I think these do a good job of providing just a little color. A small step to get myself more comfortable with wearing lipstick/gloss xD


Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Temptress & Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Peach Petal

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Temptress
I got these when CVS had their Extrabucks deal on Revlon lip products a while ago. This was probably the first time that I actually went to CVS trying to get products for Extrabucks. It wasn't a pleasant experience though. I went in thinking all the lipstick/gloss shades were a part of the deal but in reality only a few were. It wasn't marked or anything and the only way was to check the price (which I didn't do). I ended up buying I think one of the two at full price and realized I didn't get the Extrabucks...so I returned and bought someone that was a part of the deal and repurchased my return =.=Ahh...incident #1 of me spending more money that I probably should have. A great example of my impulse buying.
Anyone want to share their money saving tips with me? hehe :P

Target Sample Bag #2


Target samples
When Nouveau Cheap posted about the Target sample bag a while back I rushed to fill the form out. It was very hectic. I didn't even think I would receive anything because the site didn't say my form went through.
The makeup bag's design is very...interesting...heh. Definitely not something I would purchase, not my cup of tea xD But I shouldn't complain too much since it was free. This bag, if I remember correctly, is actually a little bigger than the last one (blue, purple, and white one).

My first Sephora online purchase during the Friends and Family sale



I was so surprised to see all the paper that was in the box!
I think they probably could have just used a smaller box :P


Clarisonic Replacement Brush Heads 2pk - Sensitive
Best friend and I split this particular item. I've mentioned before that we got our Mia's at the same time, so we needed replacements around the same time. The brush heads are pretty expensive so I waited for some kind of sale before I bought a replacement.


Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF40+
After using up my Shiseido sunscreen and trying a Japanese milk sunscreen for a while, I really wanted to purchase a new sun protection product. I've been eyeing this particular one for a long time because of its size and since it is a natural sunscreen (my personal preference). I've been using it more lately during my break and I'm not sure if it's the Genie in the Bottle serum...my moisturizer...or this SPF, but my skin feels very soft lately! Makes me want to try the Argan Oil as well hehe Maybe in the future...

The samples that I picked. I haven't tried them yet though.
Has anyone used/tried these products before? If so...how are they?


Olay Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid
I realized I have been purchasing a lot of products that Lil Lady's Life recommends xD The strange thing is most have worked pretty well for me too. I bought this when I was running low on my Hada Labo Arbutin Milky Lotion. I've recently started to use this exclusively to see how it faired. Although I don't like the immediate feel (tight) after some time when my skin fully absorbs it, my face is very soft and doesn't feel as dry. The best part is it isn't too expensive!

Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF42 PA+++ in No.27 Honey Beige
I think this is a new shade, correct me if I'm wrong. I actually got this for 'free' during their labor day (?) promotion. The reason for 'free' is because I had to pay for shipping which was around $9-10. I had some trouble with this order because I didn't receive any confirmation from Missha. I thought I was just unlucky and it wouldn't come! But to my surprise, it arrived. No.27 is more yellow/golden undertone than 23. It also doesn't have much gray either, which is always good. However, it is a bit dark for me so I use it to mix with my lighter BB Creams. I never formally compared this shade with the other darker BB Creams I own but I think it is similar to the Hadalabo BB Moist Emulsion SPF50+ PA+++ in Natural Ochre or Nanoce BB Moist Cream...I'll try to post swatches soon!!

Sephora Haul
Sephora Pro Foundatio Airbrush #55
This purchase came about because of the Beauty Insider's gift card I received (through e-mail) a couple of months ago. I just couldn't pass it up =X I went into the store with one list and walked out with a bag of different products! How often does this happen to everyone else?

Clinique Chubby Stick in Woppin' Watermelon
I wasn't expecting to find this at Sephora but after I spotted it I couldn't resist. I have a soft spot for sheer lip products :X I can't comment too much on its lip balm properties because I haven't used it enough or consistently to see the effects. I probably wouldn't purchase more until I use most of this one or if I have another gift card from Sephora.

Jack Black Lip Balm SPF25 in Black Tea & Black Berry
My lip balm collection just keeps growing! I decided I should probably take care of my lips with SPF products since I do so with my face already. Picking a flavor was a little overwhelming. I wanted to have all of them but I realized it was a bit much, therefore I only got one (for now xD). I must say it works well and the flavor isn't bad. The plus is it doesn't have any mint in it! However, I did notice that the sunscreen ingredient it used was Octinoxate, which if I remember correctly is a chemical sunscreen that could cause some sort of bad effect (but don't quote me on that...I should do more research on this!).

Sephora Glass Nail File



The American Apparel warehouse sale came to New York in mid-December. I went twice the first week it opened. I didn't pick up many pieces because the prices of the prettier items were still out of my preferred price range. I ended up purchasing only two hoodies, two pairs of leggings, and a tank, & of course these three polishes. Many of the polishes available weren't very well mixed. These were considered the few good ones. You could see in Factory Grey and Peacock that there are two colors in them.

I purchased this at a nail supply store. I've been searching for a spatula-like product. I don't know the real purpose for this item but it works well as a spatula so I have no complaints :P

OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
At the nail supply store, I also purchase this base coat. I was actually looking for a top coat but hastily said "What is a good base coat?" instead *smacks head* I didn't realize it until I came home that night. *sigh* Well I'm set for a base coat for the next year or two! hehe
Any recommendations for a top coat? Besides Seche Vite and Essie Good to Go?

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser
Yet another purchase made after reading Lil Lady's Life's blog! I was running out of my Hada Labo cleansers and wanted one that had some acne fighting ingredients in it. I must say this cleanser is drying! But the smell is nice, just like grapefruit. I don't know how I feel about this product yet...must use it longer to see how it does for my acne.
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 =.=
First...Happy Holidays!! ^___^
My family doesn't celebrate much but this year we put up our fake tree again heh A little holiday spirit going on...xD
Second...I'm so sorry I was MIA for sooo long. School got the best of me. I was moving to a new house. Everything was just so stressful. Now that I'm settled into a new place and it's winter break, hopefully, I'll be able to post regularly again.
Third...Thank you to everyone who stayed with me and all the new followers!! I lost some and gained some during this time period...it was a little upsetting but I definitely understand so no worries! :] Like I said, I'm aiming to post more so everyone won't be too disappointed in me.
I hope everyone had a great time today celebrating whichever holiday you observe! Or just had a great day for those who don't celebrate at all like me :P



You can see the blue beads in there.
There are also small white particles that the picture doesn't show clearly.
Product Description (pamphlet found in box):
-Extracts of water lily, orris and witch hazel effectively eliminate make-up remainders, harmful factors of environmental pollution and wastes in skin pores and purify skin.
-Triclosan and willow bark extracts, which are effective against skin trouble, make clear skin and control skin pore troubles.
-Breakable white scrubbers smoothly eliminate wastes in skin pores. The vitamin E in the blue capsules is absorbed into the skin and makes skin silky and healthy.
Ingredients:
Cannot find them.
Directions:
From pamphlet: Wet a 3cm in diameter amount with a little water, lather with finger-tips and gently massage, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Foam from lathering by hand.
Packaging:
The cleanser comes in a squeeze tube and has 180ml of product. I love that it transparent so I can see how much product is left inside. It got difficult to get the product out as there was less inside, especially since the consistency of the cleanser is pretty thick. But after I cut the tube open, I found there was less product left in there than I thought. I didn’t get to use every little bit up because my mom thought it was garbage since it was cut up =X
Price:
Gmarket; Amore stores
180ml for less than USD$20 (if I remember correctly..I bought this a long time ago). I’m sure it’ll be less or more expensive depending on where you buy it. But that is similar to the price tag that I paid for mine.
**It seems that Laneige doesn’t carry this specific one anymore. According to their website, they have another pore cleanser called Pore Deep Clearing Foam. The package seems to be the same but I’m not sure if the product itself is as well.**
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I was able to use this cleanser on and off for about a year or so. At some points during the year, I would use this only in the mornings or only at night. Other times I would use it both. So even though it is a bit pricey, the amount I needed and got out of the product was worth it.
However, product wise…I’m not sure I can’t say it was the best there is (for me at least). This was one of those cleansers that made my skin feel squeaky clean afterward. This could be a good and bad thing. The good, my skin did feel overall pretty smooth but not unclogged (if that makes sense). The bad, of course, is that it strips the skin of everything. I can’t say that it cleared my skin or pores like it claims to because I still had a lot of acne and blocked pores when I used this. But it definitely didn’t break me out either because I’ve had good skin while using this cleanser as well. After I used this cleanser, if I don’t moisturize etc right away, my skin does feel a bit tight and depending on the time of year a bit dry as well.
The product has blue beads in them, that I didn’t know until I read the pamphlet after using much of the product that it has vitamin E inside. I thought they were for exfoliating properties, so in the beginning, I would dot the product around my face, then wet my hands and massage the foam around my face. I do not recommend this because I think my skin felt drier when I did this. After I started to foam the product before cleanser it felt less tight/dry but not completely gone. After I started to use a foaming net, the tightness/dryness decreased again. At least it encourages me to use my foaming net more. This cleanser also foams very well, especially with a foaming net. And the foam isn’t wimpy/floppy foam, it is very dense. Even after you massage it around your face, it doesn’t really disintegrate into a flat foam (I hope that makes sense..heh).




Foam from lathering by foaming net.

Foam from lathering by foaming net after my brother played around with it.
The foam still looks pretty dense/stiff & hasn't flattened yet.

Positives:
-Foams really well (especially if you can use the nets)
-Cleanses well and gives a squeaky clean feeling
-Depending on how moisturized my skin is, sometimes it is dried out (visible dry patches) after using this.
-Lasts for a really long time (I’ve used mine mostly in the mornings but had a period of time where I used it day and night … one tube lasted for a little over a year)
-Doesn't break me out
Negatives:
-Not locally available
-Can be expensive if purchased outside of Korea
-I always feel tightness about 5-7 minutes after washing my face. But when I use a foaming net my face isn't as dry and tight after I wash my face with the cleanser.
-Not as deep pore cleansing as I thought/hoped it would be. But it isn’t a bad cleanser.
Repurchase?:
No. I’ve found another cleanser that I like more (but not quite HG). Also, I think this has been discontinued anyway.
Rating:
3.5/5
Recommend?:
No. It was a good product. Just didn’t wow me enough to recommend. And again, I think it’s discontinued. For the price, there might be less expensive products that might work better.
Disclaimer: I purchased this product with my own money. I am not affiliated with the company or any other sites mentioned above. These are just my opinions so please research more about a product before buying it. I'm just trying to share the experiences I get from using a certain product. I'm not endorsing it or anything. If anything this is for my own memory of what I liked and what I didn't like. Also...my skin is my skin...your skin is your skin, please don't blame me if the product doesn't work for you. Appropriate credits mentioned wherever I copied and pasted from the brand's website.
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Is the new wordy/extensive opinions addition okay? Or should I go back to only the short Pros/Cons lists?
It feels great to have internet back!
Sorry I haven't been updating as regularly as everyone hoped I would. I will try to do better in the future!
I'm still trying to get use to my new college life/schedule (it's very different...*sigh)
And there probably won't be as many hauls in the near future because of college expenses and such..
But this will probably mean more review posts and other randomness in my life to come (if anyone is interested haha).
I can't believe within (was it a week?) I've experienced things in NYC that I thought I'd never be able to say I've experienced..ever
The minor earthquake and Hurricane Irene.
Thankfully no one I know was effected (anyone on blogger?).
Hope everyone has a great Friday and weekend!!
Good luck to anyone else who started school ^___^

Product Description (from website):
- Powerful formula eliminates impurities that slow down cell metabolism, accelerating cellular respiration that accelerates the repair of tired skin
- Crithmum Maritumum, a marine botanical, supplies oxygen-rich nourishment to refresh tired, dull complexions
- Scientifically formulated with marine-sourced nutrients to minimize the look of fine lines and stimulate healthy cell growth
Ingredients (from website):
Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Chloride, PEG-18/18 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phenoxyethanol, Laminaria Cloustoni Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Methylparaben, Hydrolyzed Ulva Lactuca Extract, Sea Salt (Maris Sal), Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Linalool, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Phospholipids, Propylene Glycol, Ulva Lactuca Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Fruit/Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Retinyl Palmitate
Directions:
From website & jar: After cleansing, massage into face and neck.
What I did: Similar to the Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment, I like to get the product and dab it around my face. Then I would pat it in and let sink it into my skin by itself.
Packaging:
Comes in a square jar. However, the product is only contained in a small portion of the square jar itself so it wastes a lot of extra packaging. It has 1.7fl oz or 50mL of product. Like what I’ve said about other jarred products, it doesn’t bother me that it’s in a jar so much because of germs but more because I don’t like getting products under my nails. But nothing Q-tips doesn’t solve. =P
Price:
H2O+ website or store
1.7 fl oz / 50 mL for USD$36
Prositives:
-Absorbs quickly (I like to pat it in)
-Feels light
-Helped me through the harsh winter winds and allergy season
-Didn't break me out
-Lasted me quite some time (a few months using it nightly). Unlike the Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment, this Night Oasis Oxygenating Rejuvenator was of a thicker consistency..similar to cream but more gel like...if that makes sense. So I didn’t grab as much product as I did with thinner consistency gel moisturizers.
Negatives:
-Can be difficult to get for some. There aren’t too many store locations.
-On the pricey side.
-Like other H2O+ products, the scent needs a bit getting used to. Smells very sea-watery.
-Leaves a bit of a residue on my hands after applying (But I find with a lot of other products so I’m probably just being too picky =X Nothing tissues or water can’t take care of). But on the face, once this sinks it I couldn’t even tell I had anything on my face.
-It is called night oasis so I assume it’s for night use only. This didn't bother me much since I bought it in a gift set and there was another moisturizer I could use for mornings. But for those tight on money and such and want a moisturizer for morning and night I’m not sure if this is alright to use in the morning.
-Has silicones and parabens
-Has salt and sea salt in it o_O;; This might not be too good for dry skin? I’m not sure if there’s enough salt in here to dry skin out though…It didn’t for me so just a heads-up for others.
Note:
I’m not sure how well the minimizing fine lines part work because I don't those yet (I hope..)
Also, I didn’t particularly pay much attention to the anti-dullness and tiredness properties it claims because I was more interested in its moisturizing abilities =X So I can’t vouch for those specific claims!
Repurchase?:
Maybe. It is only a night time product so unless I don’t find anything better this coming winter and my skin is in desperate need I will go to this since I know it worked for me before.
Rating:
4/5
Recommend?:
Maybe. I did like this product. However, I wasn’t really aware of the salt that it contained. I think it might be a problem for some skin types but I’m not too sure. It worked pretty well for me but everyone’s skin is different. Unless you Google more about salt in skincare (I haven’t heard much about it yet..) before you make the purchase it might be safer to stay away from it just in case since it isn’t a particularly low-priced product.
Disclaimer: I purchased this product with my own money. I am not affiliated with the company or any other sites mentioned above. These are just my opinions so please research more about a product before buying it. I'm just trying to share the experiences I get from using certain product. I'm not endorsing it or anything. If anything this is for my own memory of what I liked and what I didn't like. Also...my skin is my skin...your skin is your skin, please don't blame me if the product doesn't work for you. Appropriate credits mentioned wherever I copied and pasted from the brand's website.
Sorry for the late post! =X
This may be the smallest haul (if it even is considered a haul heh...) yet..probably ever to appear on my blog. I didn't go out much last month so I didn't end up buying much of anything all month. Even this purchase was placed in June, it just happened to arrive in July. I must say I'm very proud of myself for not spending a lot last month. Hopefully, this will last a while! Must shop my stash for a few months hehe xD
When best friend noticed that Sasa FINALLY stocked up on the essential hair masks in June, we hurriedly asked our friend who was also ordering from Sasa (coincidentally) to add our lemmings on. I've been wanting to try these out for so long but no other store (in-store or online) seemed to stock these except for Sasa...
It finally came after I think a couple weeks..much slower since the order didn't rack up enough for expedited delivery like last time :P
L to R:Essential Ultra Honey & Shea Butter Rich Premier Hair Mask and Essential Ultra Honey & Shea Butter Nuance Airy Hair mask
I've only tried the nuance airy version a couple of times and I'm really liking it so far. It's a bit messy and I am not used to hair masks (my first ones!) but I can handle it.
Has anyone tried either or both? Which one do you like better? I still haven't figured out what the difference really is between the two..hehe

Product Description (from website):
- Rapidly plumps and restores depleted skin, helping to distribute vital daily moisture
- Scientifically formulated oil free moisturizer with marine-sourced nutrients to minimize the look of fine lines and stimulate healthy cell growth
- Sea-derived essential minerals work synergistically with Sea Mineral Complex, scientifically advanced delivery system to ensure vital nutrients are rapidly absorbed at the cellular level
Ingredients (from website):
Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycereth-7, Glycosaminoglycans, Dimethicone, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Phospholipids, Panthenol, Fragrance (Parfum), Trisodium EDTA, Zinc PCA, Benzophenone-4, Linalool, Sea Salt (Maris Sal), Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Ulva Lactuca Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Methylchlorisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Algae Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Directions:
From website: After cleansing, massage gently into damp face and neck. For dryer skin, spread a thin layer over face, like a mask, and allow 5 minutes to absorb. Massage in excess.
From bottle: As a moisturizer: Apply to cleansed skin A.M./P.M.
As a mask: Spread a thin layer over face and neck. Allow to absorb 5 minutes. Massage in excess.
What I did: I lik to get the product and dab it around my face. Then I would pat it in and let sink it by itself.
Packaging:
Comes in a frosted plastic(?) jar. It has 1.7fl oz or 50mL of product. It doesn’t really bother me that it comes in a jar instead of a pump bottle or tube. I’ve read somewhere that there is probably a reason why the companies put it into jars or something similar. The only gripe I had was I wish they provided some kind of spatula or such. When the jar was fuller I was able to get it out with my fingers without getting anything under my nails but as I was getting towards the end that was inevitable and I had to start using Q-tips.
Price:
H2O+ website or store
1.7 fl oz / 50 mL for USD$34
Prositives:
-Light
-Moisturizes/hydrates (?) well. It helped my skin a lot through the winter and allergy season. I would usually have a lot of dry spots and such throughout the day but my skin was actually pretty normal when I used it.
-Has multiple uses as a moisturizer and as a mask (though I've never applied enough for it to be a mask).
-Can be used day and night.
-Didn't break me out.
-Doesn't make me any more oily than I already am.
Negatives:
-Can be difficult to get for some. There aren’t too many store locations.
-On the pricey side. But I’d say this is mid-ranged since there are a ton of other brands that are more expensive.
-Scent needs a bit getting used to. I think like with the other H2O+ products I've tried, they try to give it the sea water smell.
-Leaves a bit of a residue on my hands after applying (But I find with a lot of other products so I’m probably just being too picky =X Nothing tissues or water can’t take care of)
-I found that I used a lot more of this product at each application because of how light it is. But that's just how I am. With thicker products, I use less and with lighter, products I use more. But if you could control yourself better than I do, it'll probably last a lot longer than it did for me.
-Takes a little longer than other moisturizers to sink in (but then again I pat rather than massage it in)
-Has silicones and fragrance (for those who are sensitive/allergic)
Note:
I’m not sure how well the minimizing fine lines part work because I don't those yet (I hope..)
Repurchase?:
Yes but not right now. If I my skin doesn’t work well with whatever I am trying next winter or allergy season and I will probably buy this to use since I know it works. But as of right now I would like to continue to try new products and search for an HQ :]
Rating:
4/5
Recommend?:
Yes. It is a bit pricey but it does work well (for me at least). I just hope to find a product that does what this does and maybe a bit more natural and less –cones and fragrances and such. If such a product exists =P
Disclaimer: I purchased this product with my own money. I am not affiliated with the company or any other sites mentioned above. These are just my opinions so please research more about a product before buying it. I'm just trying to share the experiences I get from using a certain product. I'm not endorsing it or anything. If anything this is for my own memory of what I liked and what I didn't like. Also...my skin is my skin...your skin is your skin, please don't blame me if the product doesn't work for you. Appropriate credits mentioned wherever I copied and pasted from the brand's website.
As 2011 began and probably even in 2010 there were quite a few bloggers and youtubers that I followed who were talking about weight loss and working out and such. Some were giving their tid bits on how they kept fit while others were sharing how they were really trying to shed those pounds.
When summer came around I decided to try my best to not lose interest in working out and trying to lose the weight that I've accumulated over the years.
I must say it wasn't extremely successful nor a complete failure.
I did end up going to the gym more than usual but whatever I did..I never seemed to be able to get the same soreness I felt before. I was probably going too easy on myself and just making an excuse to work less since I made the effort to go to the gym. (terrible yes but saying and doing are so difference and the latter being very difficult..especially committing)
Once it came that time of the month, working out went out the window =.=
But while I was watching dramas (hehe..I'm a drama addict :X) I became motivated again. Specifically in three of them.
One where a girl lost a lot of weight through dieting and working out, jumping rope.
One where a stunt woman trained/worked out through also jumping rope. and
One where there was just a lot of action scenes in general.
They're strange influences. But I'm the type of person who gets inspired quite a lot by watching others :P
So in the last two days I've been trying to jump rope again. I didn't count exactly how many I did but I did quite a few sets of 100 or so jumps. It isn't much but I'm hoping I can build up and improve my stamina and such (I can't run on the treadmill for longer than 5mins hehe..>__>;;)
For the first time in a while my calves and legs actually felt a bit sore. It doesn't feel great but it's awesome to know that it is working..right?
With the nagging of my younger brother I also played the Wii (my lazy person's excuse for moving around :X). Maybe because I don't usually use my arms often but afterwards they were very very sore. Does this happen to anyone else? Could doing a few of those Wii Sports games everyday help me on my journey? Or is that hoping for too much out of a gaming system? Nevertheless..it did make me break out quite a sweat haha :D
With the rest of the month, as the title of this post says..
I'm going to try to commit towards these little exercises and with going to the gym.
I just hope I don't make more excuses too soon.
I'm not confident enough to share any numbers yet but believe me..they need working on :X
How does everyone else stay fit? Please do share.
Exercise wise, eating wise, I'm open for anything. ^__^