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.
While something can look and feel like water when it comes to skincare that liquid can be far from being so simple. ATOCLASSIC's Real Tonic Soothing Moist Mist boasts no water—just plant extracts and moisturizing components. ATOCLASSIC is based on traditional Korean medicine (hanbang) and therefore strongly believes in curing and treating with herbal remedies. This particular concoction is supposed to help hydrate and ease irritated skin which water alone has trouble delivering on an immediate and superficial level.
Peach & Lily's description:
This refreshing mist features Whangryun, or "golden thread", which is an effective anti-inflammatory used in Korean "hanbang" practice as a fever reducer. This mist is great for whenever your skin feels flushed and hot or irritated and dried out.
Ideal for sensitive skin types.
Appropriate for all skin types.
Directions
Use as needed whenever skin is feeling flushed or dry.
Another option is to use this as a spray toner during your morning and evening skincare routines.
Ingredients
COPTIS CHINENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, GARDENIA JASMINOIDES EXTRACT, PHELLODENDRON AMURENSE BARK EXTRACT, WATER, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERETH-26, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PANTHENOL, ALLANTOIN, CANANGA ODORATA OIL
Mist 150 ml / 5.07 fl oz
ATOCLASSIC (Korean retail): ₩19,000
Peach & Lily: USD $19.00
Packaging
Clear mist bottle with a short spray nozzle. New bottles come fully shrink-wrapped in plastic. I love being able to see through the bottle but would prefer a different spray nozzle. Even though it gives a fine mist, the shorter than normal nozzle means it bursts out at a shorter distance resulting in a smaller mist coverage and therefore requiring more sprays to fully cover my face.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The liquid is colorless and orderless. It feels just like water—no tackiness, no residue. Skin doesn't become dewy or matte, just softer and more hydrated.
How I Apply
In-between skincare steps // Especially between cleansing and toning because I tend to wait a while before toner and my skin gets tight and dry during that time.
Through the day over makeup // Rehydrates my skin when I wear drier finish foundations.
On my dry chapped hands // Helps relieve tightness I get during the cold weather without the residue like with lotion.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I still think it is difficult to tell whether specific extracts and mixes of extracts do my skin any good. As long as it doesn't make my condition any worst off, my feelings toward it will remain positive.
The Real Tonic Soothing Moist Mist, as a whole, works great at providing instantaneous hydration. It does help relieve tightness I may feel but to ensure the dryness doesn't persist a moisturizer is necessary to seal in the hydration. I have to be careful to not overspray because anything that runs into my eyes does cause slight irritations. This is a more common issue than one may think solely because of the way the spray nozzle is designed. Otherwise, my skin doesn't react negatively to the mist.
Sensitive skin and ingredient conscious would probably love this spray as it is free of fragrance, parabens, and essential oils. There is a generous amount of product for the price (150ml for under USD $20). Plus, there isn't a huge disparity between its Korean retail and American retail pricing. I would repurchase when considering only the formulation and pricing, however, there are so many other mists available to try and the spraying mechanism isn't my favorite.
To say I am impressed by a drugstore brand's attempt at an effective color correcting product is an understatement. Most that I remembered about and envisioned an affordable corrector to be was proven wrong by the Maybelline Master Camo Color Correcting Pen in 10 Green. Pale and pasty this was not. Color concentrated and spreadable this is. Whilst there are cons to be found, Master Camo pen did exceed my expectations.
Maybelline's description:
Facestudio® Master Camo™ Color Correcting Pens deliver pure-pigment color to help fix a range of skin tone concerns. This color correcting pen features a precise blender tip for effortless application and blending.
Green // Cancels out redness and is created for all skin tones.
Directions
Step 1. Upon first use, twist the bottom of the pen 10-15 times or until the product is visible on the sponge.
Step 2. Next, apply by tapping the cushioned tip applicator onto the target area and gently blend.
Step 3. Finish with concealer or foundation on top.
Ingredients
AQUA / WATER / EAU, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE, ISODODECANE, GLYCERIN, PEG-9 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, NYLON-12, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE
Maybelline (USA retail): USD $9.99
Packaging
Twist-up pen with a curved furry sponge. This delivery method isn't the most hygienic as the sponge tip isn't detachable and therefore uncleanable.
The tube is completely opaque, which makes it difficult to tell how much of the corrector is inside. New products come in shrink-wrapped plastic that only secures the top cap of the pen—people can still twist and pre-load corrector onto the sponge with it still looking unopened.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Kind of a pastel green but also muted in a way. It is pastel in the sense that the base is clearly white; however, unlike other green correctors I have used before, this one has far more green pigment. The product itself is a creamy liquid. It sets quickly and leaves a powdery, matte finish (leaning towards a drying finish). There isn't any scent.
How I Apply
I currently like to dab a tiny amount (not even a full twist) over red spots/areas, lightly spread it with the sponge-tip, and pat overtop via cushion puff until the edges are softened. Above photo is pre-blending with a puff.
I used to twist 2-3 times to expose a lot of product before proceeding to swipe my entire cheek area (where the redness is abundant) but found that the Master Camo pen would set too fast and leave my face very patchy and cakey looking.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Compared to the Clio corrector I last reviewed, the Maybelline Master Camo pen is better in terms of coloration. The green is strong enough to actually counter redness without just being brightening/whitening. My face does become a shade brighter but it also evened out. Do keep in mind, the pen doesn't correct everything perfectly.
The corrector adheres to the skin better when matte, which also means it is more difficult to blend out. It sets incredibly fast on drier skin types and loves to cling to dry patches. If not careful, caking of the product could be a common issue.
When applied on a dewier face, the green blends out more easily but the color concentration is diluted. Yet Master Camo pen still does a better job at color correcting than other pale greens in this scenario.
Regardless of a matte or dewy base, the color corrector does separate and cake around my nose and mouth/chin area as the day goes on (especially so when I'm oilier and/or dry and tight).
I think this green pen is pretty good for something that costs ~USD $10. It probably still isn't something I would rush out to buy when it runs out just because my skin is in a constant state of flakiness and the product doesn't fair well against it. When my skin is better exfoliated and just having a better day in general, I enjoy the overall effect the additional step in my routine gives.
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.
The goal is still to hoard less and purchase only when necessary. June seems to have been a success of sorts. One item is going to be a replacement for something I am running low on and the other is not a need in my collection but inexpensive enough to not warrant too much scrutiny, I hope.
My current eyebrow pencil is still months away from its end; I just like having a replacement on hand before that time comes. I can always work with eyeshadows had I not bought a backup but nothing beats the speediness and ease of a pencil. I chose to go with the Innisfree Brow Master Pencil in #1 Gray because it was double-ended, included an eyebrow powder, and color seems to match my natural black hair well. I also wanted to give something more affordable (at USD $11) a try as the last few I had were all higher-end brow pencils (USD $20+).
The Ordinary's 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is 100% unnecessary to me right this moment as I had bought the Olivarrier Fluid Oil Squalane just 3 months prior—which is still unopened. However, I was already at Deciem's storefront in Soho to pick up something for my brother and was curious how their much cheaper option of squalane (USD $7.90) would fair against the pricier option (USD $42). It is such a huge cost difference, how could I not pick it up?
This is a progress report to be proud of! Never would I have thought my picks would empty so quickly especially when I have so many blush and eyeshadow options. When excluding my tendencies to over-swirl and -scoop products, I attribute the success to using more combinations of blush (cream + powder) and using multipurpose eyeshadow colors (highlight, contour, & eyeliner).
As with past Project Make a Dents the results for certain items didn't look so drastic until I compared the before and after shots side-by-side. I am hoping there will be just as much progress in the latter half of 2018. I may never see the pan in the powder blushes and eyeshadows but making an even larger dent would suffice.
VDL MULE Ultimate Cover Palette A03
The unexpected and most drastic update award would most likely go to this VDL palette. I never thought I would be able to pan out so much of the two cream blushes yet here I am. I am about halfway finished with the cream foundation. Scooping out the product first rather than dipping a brush directly into the cream helped a lot.
Kate Lasting High Coverage Powder Foundation OC-C
Pressed powders almost never get completely used up. By the time I expose enough of the middle pan, any brush swirling increases the chances of the outer ring of powder crumbling into unusable pieces. It is just not worth the effort to re-crush the powder in order to continue usage.
I am glad I could finally let this powder foundation go. It wasn't a terrible product but wasn't the most favorite part of my makeup routine.
Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Powder
Quite possibly the most satisfying comparison photo. I genuinely thought I hadn't used much of the loose powder. I guess I remembered beginning with less than I thought? Using the product as an overall face setting powder instead of just on the under eyes area seems to have helped get through this quicker.
MAC Cosmetics Mineralized Skinfinish in Pink Power
Considering how large this baked powder is, I am proud of how flat the dome has gotten. It still seems like there is a long ways to go before all the rings are fully visible. At this point, I have given up on using the remainder of the highlighter/blush shades.
Milani Minerals Blushes in Sweet Rose and Luminous & MAC Cosmetics My Highland Honey
Out of the 3 powder blushes I picked for the year, I have consistently used the bottom two thus far. Sweet Rose was great during the winter months when I seemed to gravitate towards dustier/cooler shades. My Highland Honey is currently in my makeup mix simply because of how bright and sunny it looks. I intend to swap in Luminous in a few months time.
VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot in 502 Triple Burgundy and 101 Triple Pink
I have to confess, I didn't reach for these at all during the colder months of 2018. Buying the JUNGSAEMMOOL and Maybelline lipsticks kept my interests preoccupied for a while. I have only recently started to use the Triple Burgundy shade VDL Tint Bar but progress has been made. These are two products I cannot wait to complete; not that they're not good nor I don't like the gradient look but I think I have outgrown the finish these give.
Urban Decay Naked Palette
The dents in these eyeshadow pans are so encouraging. I think some greed has grown within me to see at least one of these shades hit pan. Luckily I found it easy using some colors in large amounts (Virgin, Sin, and Half Baked) as they are great for facial highlight. There was a phase during these last 6 months where I mixed Naked and Buck together as a nose contour.
While I used Milani's Sweet Rose blush, I loved pairing it with Sidecar, Toasted and Hustle. As I am using MAC My Highland Honey, I tend to reach for Naked, Bucked, and Darkhorse or Half Baked, Smog, and Darkhouse in those combinations. I am not sure what to pick when I switch over to Milani's Luminous blush nor if I'll ever use Creep and Gunmetal. Next challenge perhaps?
