I stopped masking once I cleared out my aging stash of sheet masks last year. Perhaps I had used up so many of them in such a short period of time that I had a slight aversion to it? Maybe as they gained popularity so did the prices and variety...which only meant I can easily get overwhelmed and just abort the purchase altogether.
Modeling masks are fun though. They are different, far more interactive. Most are also expensive for a single use product. When I see a sale on any of them, you bet I would use it as an excuse to sneak some into my shopping cart. That is exactly how the MD'S PICK Peel-off Modeling Masks in Lux Gold Nutrient Treatment and Aqua H.C. Moist Collagen wound up in my hands. Urban Outfitters had them on sale for USD $4.99 (orig. USD $9). Still pricey but since it's only 2...
Never have I ever...loved products so much whilst being annoyed at the same time. Then again, if the word "products" is taken out that pretty much sums up all relationships, in general, doesn't it? I am glad I was patient enough to stick with both the make p:rem UV defense me. Blue ray sun gel & sun fluid until the very end. My degree of affection towards either changed a lot depending on the season, weather, and most importantly skin condition. This is a concept that logically makes sense but still a surprise to me as I had never used a single product across so many seasons before to experience firsthand.
Glow Recipe's description:
Make P:rem's Blue Ray line counteracts the damage caused by hot Infrared waves and radiation by cooling down the skin surface by multiple degrees while still providing superior UVA and UVB protection.
The milky and watery texture of the sun gel lets you say goodbye to greasy, pore-clogging sunscreens and white casts by drying clear for all skin tones. It's formulated with hydrating Chia seed extracts, calming Centella extract, and brightening Niacinamide in addition to SPF 50+ PA++++ to protect from sun damage. This mattifying sun gel works perfectly under makeup and can be used as a perfecting primer. Ideal for all skin types, especially combo and oily skin.
The milky texture of the Sun Fluid glides across skin, spreading evenly and disappearing within seconds. Formulated with hydrating Chia seed extracts and calming Centella extract, the Sun Fluid refreshes and soothes overheated skin to protect from sun damage. Ideal for all skin types, especially combo and oily facial and body skin.
Free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl & Laureth Sulfates, Synthetic dyes.
Directions
Apply right after the final steps of your skincare routine to face, to prime and protect skin before makeup. Apply liberally all over face/body 20 minutes before sun exposure.
Ingredients
Gel
WATER, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE (OCTINOXATE), HOMOSALATE, ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE (OCTISALATE), DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE (UNIVUL A PLUS), PROPANEDIOL, NIACINAMIDE, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, SALVIA HISPANICA SEED EXTRACT, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, FRAGRANCE, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES, SACCHARIDE HYDROLYSATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, TROMETHAMINE, PULLULAN, ADENOSINE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BETULA ALBA JUICE, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE, SODIUM PALMITOYL PROLINE, RUBUS ARCTICUS CALLUS EXTRACT, ANHYDROXYLITOL, XYLITOL, NYMPHAEA ALBA FLOWER EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, CHAMAECYPARIS OBTUSA LEAF EXTRACT, GLUCOSE, POLYGLYCERYL-10 OLEATE, ALCOHOL, LECITHIN, SODIUM DILAURAMIDOGLUTAMIDE LYSINE, THERMUS THERMOPHILLUS FERMENT, PHYTOSTEROLS, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, LYSOLECITHIN, SODIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE, ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM EXTRACT, SODIUM HYALURONATE, LEUCONOSTOC/RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, DISODIUM EDTA, CITRIC ACID, FRAGRANCE
Fluid
WATER, CYCLOMETHICONE, ZINC OXIDE, PROPANEDIOL, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, SALVIA HISPANICA SEED EXTRACT, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT, HYDROGEN DIMETHICONE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE, STEARIC ACID, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES, SACCHARIDE HYDROLYSATE PULLULAN, CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA (BERGAMOT) FRUIT OIL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, OCTYLDODECANOL, SALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE) OIL, BETULA ALBA JUICE, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, ECHIUM PLANTAGINEUM SEED OIL, XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE, SODIUM PALMITOYL PROLINE, RUBUS ARCTICUS CALLUS EXTRACT, ANHYDROXYLITOL, XYLITOL, NYMPHAEA ALBA FLOWER EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM FLOWER/LEAF/VINE EXTRACT, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES, GLUCOSE, TOCOPHEROL, SODIUM HYALURONATE
Gel 75 ml / 2.53 fl oz
make p:rem (Korean retail): ₩22,000
Glow Recipe: USD $32.00
Fluid 200 ml / 6.76 fl oz
make p:rem (Korean retail): ₩28,000
Glow Recipe: USD $38.00
Packaging
Sun gel comes in a pump bottle with a press-on cap. Sun fluid comes in a bottle with a pointed spout and twist-on cap. The expiration date is clearly printed on the bottom of both, along with what I am assuming a batch number. The bottles are opaque white yet a tiny bit translucent when held against a bright light to reveal the amount of content remaining inside. Having a designated spot to write when I started using the product is a nice touch all brands should consider implementing.
I think the packaging type chosen fits the formulation of each respective sunscreen well. I could see the gel being difficult to squeeze out, hence the best fit would be the pump. Having a super runny product in a pump bottle is usually asking for a mess, hence the need for a more secure twist-on cap.
Getting all the product out of the pump bottle as is may be difficult but is something a sharp knife can easily solve. The only mishap I had packaging-wise was with the sun fluid bottle when brand new. The bottle built up a lot of pressure inside and the product would uncontrollably spew outwards after it is uncapped. This issue, of course, went away as I used the sunscreen.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Sun gel is a "chemical" sunscreen that is pastel yellow in color and easy to spread. It looks, feels, and applies like a lightweight lotion. The lotion consistency changes into a watery one as it is spread onto the skin. It leaves no white cast but does give a strong dewy finish no matter the wait time. For those looking for something long-wearing and water-resistant, please look elsewhere. There isn't any tackiness but if worn alone and there is contact it will be rubbed away and impart some residue. It has a floral perfumey quality but isn't noticeable after a while.
Sun fluid is a "physical" sunscreen that is bright white, has a milky texture, and is lightweight as well. When applied in small amounts, it spreads onto the skin nicely and is lotion-like with a minimal white cast. When applied in larger (more effective amounts), it causes a "tone-up" effect on light to medium skin and a flat-out white cast on darker complexions. The sunscreen dries to a matte finish when given sufficient time to set. It also does not budge until washed away (cleansing oil/balms are most effective, even regular facial cleansers and hand soaps experience difficulty against sun fluid). This has a strong citrus scent but also dissipates.
How I Apply
To be clear, I am not advertising this as the "correct" amount to apply for sufficient SPF 50 protection.
I use about 4-6 pumps of the sun gel on my entire face and neck. One pump for my forehead, one pump each for either side of my cheeks, one pump for my nose and chin (central facial region), and one to two pumps for my neck depending on what shirt I wear that day. This amount feels liberal enough without turning me into a shiny mess. I steer clear of my entire eye region (from eyebrows to under the eyes) when using the sun gel. My preferred method of application for the gel is to directly squirt the sunscreen onto my face and then gently smooth it out. I never vigorously rub the product in as I feel that would ultimately remove a lot of the product.
I use 4 finger lengths worth of sun fluid. One finger's worth for my forehead, one finger's worth for each cheek, one finger for the nose and chin, and the remaining for my neck (sometimes more also depending on what kind of shirt I wear). I feel like I could be applying more but at this level, my face is already lightened by at least a shade and uncomfortably matte. I apply the sun fluid on any exposed skin, including the eye area and eyelid space. My preferred method to apply the fluid is to dab and pat the product all over my skin until an even layer is formed.
Sometimes when I want full protection against UV rays, I will layer both sunscreens. NOT MIX, layer. I start with 4 pumps of the sun gel and apply 4 finger lengths of sun fluid overtop.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Skin cooling and blue ray defense are relatively new concepts. I am not sure if these products actually do lower the temperature of my skin, even slightly, nor protect against blue rays because how does an average person measure that? These aren't important properties I must have in a sunscreen but still nice to know these preventative measures exist. Otherwise, this is just another way for brands to differentiate themselves from the sea of goods.
Many opinions form after having used both sunscreens on and off for almost a year. Pros and cons are aplenty yet I have grown fond of both and am slightly sad that they're both running out.
I love the sun gel when my skin parched/flaky and the weather is dry. The gel leaves a glow like no other—perfect for those seeking the glass skin effect; no amount of matte foundation nor powder will completely erase the shine. That being said the sunscreen doesn't exactly glue down the existing flakes, just doesn't agitate it further. When used too heavy-handed or in a humid climate, I do look like a greaseball. Even though the formulation doesn't physically run it tends to migrate south throughout the day as it mixes with natural face oils; once it gets reaches my eyes I start to water uncontrollably. Makeup lasts surprisingly long despite its dewiness (that is as long as I don't touch my face).
I love the sun fluid when my skin is oily and the weather humid. The fluid, on the other hand, mattifies like no other—perfect for those who want the Western Instagram look; no amount of hydration underneath can withstand its drying powers. It catches onto all bumps, dents, and flakes. When applied onto my eyelids, it creases and collects in the folds which I have to wipe away. However, it never irritates my eyes and doesn't budge after application. Makeup holds on and looks good all day as long as the skin doesn't get overly oily or dry and tight, at that point, it starts to look extremely cakey. Some oilies will still peek through the sunscreen overtime and give a more natural finish.
With all things taken into consideration, layering both seemed to give the best of both worlds on an average basis. I don't want to look overly matte or overly dewy all the time. Using the gel and fluid together creates a soft matte look. I also get a more thorough UV protection overall without overdoing either. Well-exfoliated skin still sits best despite the layering—sun fluid is very unforgiving in that aspect.
make p:rem is very generous with the sizing of their sunscreens. 75ml and 200ml are more than typical (50ml) and the price is fairly reasonable, especially if bought at Korean retail. Glow Recipe's markup isn't terrible but does make the sun gel & sun fluid higher-end sunscreens in the US/international market. I have seriously considered a repurchase as these work great now that I have grown accustomed to it. Plus these two have lasted me a long time and the sun gel is chockful of skincare ingredients. However, knowing me that repurchasing time is not soon as I still hope to find similar products at an even more affordable price point.
Have I become brow-obsessed? Maybe not in the sense that my brows have to look perfect all the time but I have spent a lot more time and effort into the two small strips of hair above my eyes than ever before. Committing to the permanence of microblading isn't my cup of tea right now; I like having the choice of changing between a natural brow and well-defined one. I thought having an eyebrow product with just a pencil and spoolie would be sufficient but the JUNGSAEMMOOL Refining Color-bony Brow's extra powder & sponge tip has changed my standards for future brow pencil purchases.
JUNGSAEMMOOL's description:
Like an artist's pencil, it allows to express fine definition of eyebrow. This 3 in 1 multi brow item with hard type pencil on one side and smudging powder on the other side perfectly contours the eyebrow and also completes your hairline makeup.
Defined touch of hard formula
Hard formula of this retractable pencil shapes natural-looking eyebrow without smearing.
All-in-one pencil
Fill in the blank spot on eyebrow using the powder tip and shape the definition of brow edge using the pencil.
Eyebrow that matches with your eye pupil color
Find your perfect color and shade based on color of your hair and eyes.
Directions
Pencil
Use the angled-tip of the pencil, stroke and shape the brow as you like.
Powder
Using the powder-tip loaded inside the pencil, fill in the blank spot of the brow to give a natural shade.
Ingredients
Smoky Bony - Pencil
HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, HYDROGENATED COCO-GLYCERIDES, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, ZINC STEARATE, STEARIC ACID, CARNAUBA WAX, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, TOCOPHEROL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MICA (CI 77019), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), IRON OXIDES (CI 77492)
Smoky Bony - Powder
TALC, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, DIPENTAERYTHRITYL HEXAHYDROXYSTEARATE/HEXASTEARATE/HEXAROSINATE, OCTYLDODECANOL, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, MAGNESIUM MYRISTATE, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MICA (CI 77019), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491)
Pencil cartridge 0.18 g
Powder pan 0.5 g
JSM Beauty (Korean retail): ₩18,000
JSM Beauty (USA retail): USD $19.83
Peach & Lily: USD $21.00
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. The pencil is an ingenious triangular shape which allows for thicker, blunt lines and thin, defined ones. Unlike the shu uemura brow: sword, the JUNGSAEMMOOL Color-bony Brow does not come with a sharpener. (This was not an issue for me since I never find myself sharpening eyebrow pencils anyway.)
There are a couple of things I think the packaging could be improved upon. The durability of the plastic is lacking when compared to other JUNGSAEMMOOL products—specifically the caps; one of the caps cracked not long after opening and is now loose. The other tweak would be to adhere the sticker label more securely or to just directly print the color name on the tube itself. Neither are big problems for me since I only own one of these pencils and I mainly use it at home. But I can see it being a bother for people who tend to carry makeup on the go or would own multiple of these in various colors.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Smoky bony is grayish black with tiny hints of warm brown. This seemed to fit black hair the best of all the colors JUNGSAEMMOOL offers (mostly different undertoned browns which would be better a match for those with dyed hair). I thought the cool-toned ashy brown of the shu uemura's seal brown was a great choice for me but I have come to prefer this "smoky bony" shade instead; seal brown looks too cool in comparison.
The pencil and powder have a matte finish and isn't scented. The pencil portion is a hard type pencil but draws on easily. A light stroke will give me a sufficiently pigmented line, whereas some pencils require a couple of harder-pressed strokes to show the same amount of color. The sponge-tip applicator picks up just the right amount of product and can easily give a light wash of shading or a darker coloring.
How I Apply
I 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. After screwing the pencil together, I take the pencil portion and outline the overall shape I would like. I finish it off by feathering the edges with the spoolie end.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I have already said how much I like the "smoky bony" color. I did not expect to like the shadow as much as I do. It seemed to be something extra I wouldn't reach for at all but a brow with both just looks more refined now. The shadow fills in empty spots far better than what I can draw in without over saturating my brows when using the pencil alone, yet the pencil is what creates the definition the shadow cannot give. A spoolie at this point is a must-have in all brow pencils. Big points go to the general ease-of-use of this product.
My brows don't budge unless I forcefully smudge them. Even when feathering with a spoolie the color doesn't get rubbed away. I find myself using less product overall. The pencil portion is diminishing faster than anticipated but has lasted me 8 months and still going with daily usage. It is impossible to tell how much of the powder is left without taking apart the entire contraption but it feels like it is neverending.
The price point isn't bad either—falling amongst mid-range brands like Benefit and Anastasia from Sephora. Color-bony Brow offers less product in the pencil compared to other brands (0.18g v 0.3-4g); however, it has more product altogether when combining the pencil and powder (0.68g). It is now much easier to get a hold of JUNGSAEMMOOL products as she offers international shipping AND sells via Peach & Lily. This brand does not offer refills like shu uemura does—how would the powder be switched out anyway?
I mentioned shu uemura too many times in this review, yet that is naturally to be expected when my previous favorite is dethroned. Like with the former HG, I would recommend Smoky Bony to those with naturally dark, especially black, locks and are on the lower-maintenance side who do not want to deal with many different brow products.
