There was a time when I always had a bottle of facial mist in my skincare routine. I think I stopped using them because the ones I tried didn't seem to do much or had a texture I didn't enjoy. Most of the mists I used just felt like glorified, fragranced, and expensive water.
That was then and this is now. I am starting fresh on this mist discovery journey and hoping the new products I try will change my mind towards the skincare category. Lumene's Sisu [Urban Antidotes] Defend & Replenish Antioxidant Mist made some good impressions already as the first contender.
Lumene's description:
Shield your complexion in the polluted urban environment. Infused with Pure Arctic Spring Water, mineral-rich Nordic Birch Sap and Antioxidant Vitamin B3, this ultra-fine mist helps to protect and hydrate to defend and maintain your skin’s appearance of natural luminosity.
Directions
The final step in your skincare regimen, spray all over the face, neck and décolleté to shield skin from the urban environment.
Ingredients
AQUA (WATER), PROPANEDIOL, RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS (CLOUDBERRY) FRUIT WATER, BETULA ALBA (BIRCH) JUICE, NIACINAMIDE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-4, PHENOXYETHANOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ABIES PICEA (SPRUCE) EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE)
Mist 100 ml / 3.4 fl oz
Lumene (USA retail): USD $24.99
CVS: USD $24.99
Packaging
Opaque white mist bottle—pretty standard and nothing to really write home about. The mist the nozzle lets out is fairly fine as long as I commit to the full pump. If I only do a half-press, I get a bunch of water droplets instead of a micronized mist.
Kudos to Lumene for having each box wrapped nicely in a plastic sheet. It provides so much reassurance to know if any individual product has been tested since Lumene is typically found in CVS here in the States (for those unfamiliar people love to open and swatch things at drugstores here as we don't get designated testers).
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The liquid is colorless. It feels just like water and isn't vicious or sticky in any way. My skin isn't dewy after the mist is fully absorbed either; just looks like skin. There is a sweet fruity fresh scent straight out of the bottle. But that evaporates after a bit.
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 am going to refrain from commenting in-depth on the mist's ingredients because I think I spray far too little, on a day-to-day basis, to really benefit from them. That being said, I was surprised to find the ingredients list short and in addition to some trendy components like birch juice and niacinamide. The mist is formulated without parabens yet still has fragrance.
Otherwise, if I am to be completely honest, there isn't much to mist reviews. It either worked or didn't work and, equally as important, didn't irritate my skin or did. As long as I am on the better end of the receiving stick, things like texture and price are the only things that really set the products apart.
There isn't anything negative for me to say about the Lumene Sisu Mist. My skin instantly feels softer and less tight; it looks less dry and flakey as well. I don't show any bad reactions to the formulation either. I love how lightweight and watery the product is. Even though it doesn't leave me glowy and dewy, it also doesn't disrupt makeup while giving me a more hydrated look. This product seems it would fit well with all skin types.
I am not sure if it is worth the full retail price. USD $25 isn't terribly expensive but still a hefty penny for a mist. Sure it has "Arctic Spring water" and cloudberries but it could all just be for easier marketing. I haven't tried enough mists lately in any price range to compare Sisu Mist's overall value versus effectiveness. But since the Lumene brand is easily accessible via CVS, I won't hold its price against it; especially as CVS offers a ton of coupons and ExtraBucks for those with their rewards card.
A part of me wants to believe there is a more affordable option out there that will give me similar results. Until I find that perfect bottle of mist, I may consider repurchasing another Lumene Sisu Mist whenever CVS has a good sale and/or offers me irresistible coupons.
I am a super low-maintenance person when it comes to body care; give me some body wash and a pouf, I'm set! But I have recognized that while I may be clean from the day's dirt and oil, that method of cleaning was no match for dead skin or ashy patches. Even when I tried those exfoliating towels the elbow grease required to effectively scrub myself soft was, honestly, tiring and made my skin feel raw.
When I came across Wishtrend's infomercial/YouTube video for their Jungle Botanics Natural Body Glow Nutshell Scrub, I was intrigued. The promise of soft and glowy skin via a gentle AND foaming scrub fit what I thought I was looking for. While I acknowledge that the video could have been edited to best feature their product, it seemed believable enough.
Wishtrend's Description:
The “Natural Body Glow Nutshell Scrub” is a body scrub that contains finely ground walnut shell granules and various natural oils from the jungle. The round-cut granules do not irritate your skin, but gently exfoliates and purifies, leaving your skin healthy, smooth, and glowing.
Round-cut Nutshell Granules
At first glance, the nutshell granules look like ordinary grains of sand. When you take a closer look, you will see the porous surface of the granules. This aids the removal of dead skin cells and other skin impurities by attracting them, making this body scrub ideal of sensitive skin. Walnut shell granules are made from 100% walnut shells, which are biodegradable, thus lowering our ecological footprint.
Energetic Jungle 10-Oils
Cacao seed butter, which ensured the skin health of Amazonian tribes for many centuries, combined with ten different natural oils extracted from various Amazonian plants intensely moisturize your skin. This special combination of natural oils will leave your skin feeling moisturized and smelling seductively sweet.
Directions
1. Squeeze moderate amount of product onto wet skin and massage in circular motion. Rinse thoroughly with water.
2. Recommended use: 2-3 times a week
Ingredients
WATER, JUGLANS REGIA (WALNUT) SHELL POWDER, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, GLYCERIN, TEA-LAURYL SULFATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL LAURATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, FRAGRANCE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, OLEYL ALCOHOL, SODIUM CHLORIDE, COCAMIDE DEA, TRIETHANOLAMINE, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, CARBOMER, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, ZEA MAYS (CORN) STARCH, SUCROSE, MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE, MANNITOL, THEOBROMA CACAO (COCOA) SEED BUTTER, PENTACLETHRA MACROLOBA SEED OIL, GARCINIA INDICA SEED BUTTER, BERTHOLLETIA EXCELSA SEED OIL, ASTROCARYUM MURUMURU SEED BUTTER, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, MICA, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ORIGANUM VULGARE LEAF EXTRACT, OCIMUM BASILICUM (BASIL) EXTRACT, MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF EXTRACT, MALPIGHIA EMARGINATA (ACEROLA) FRUIT EXTRACT, GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS (WINTERGREEN) LEAF EXTRACT, EUTERPE OLERACEA FRUIT EXTRACT, EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF EXTRACT, CROCUS SATIVUS FLOWER EXTRACT, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) FRUIT EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA (BITTER ORANGE) FLOWER EXTRACT, ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL, PRUNUS PERSICA (PEACH) KERNEL OIL, PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL, MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL, HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES OIL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, GOSSYPIUM HERBACEUM (COTTON) SEED OIL, EUTERPE OLERACEA FRUIT OIL, CAMELLIA JAPONICA SEED OIL, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, PSEUDOZYMA EPICOLA/SOYBEAN FLOUR/ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL FERMENT FILTRATE, TIN OXIDE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM BENZOATE, CI 77491
Scrub 250 ml / 8.4 fl oz
Wishtrend (250ml): USD $23.90
*They often have sales and deals.
Amazon - Sold by Wishtrend: ranges from USD $18-25 (price varies)
Packaging
The scrub comes in a standard squeeze tube with a flip-top cap. The opening is sealed with foil to ensure freshness. The tube itself is opaque and therefore cannot see through to precisely know how much product remains.
Since the bottle tapers down toward the cap, if left sitting in the shower, water will tend to collect inside overtime. If left for too long, obviously, mildew will form.
Color, Texture, & Scent
Caramel colored scrub that feels, looks, and smells like a sugar scrub, but it is not one. The ingredients list does not show to have any sweet sugar particles; it only has walnut shell, a lot of oils, and plant/fruit extracts. The scent does linger well after washing but isn't overpower.
The scrub spreads easily and walnut shell powder is incredibly fine; Wishtrend says the walnut shell granules are round-cut and ideal for sensitive skin. When rubbed with no water it can feel very sandy. When rubbed with water it creates a light bubbly lather.
How I Apply
Direct application // Work in sections. Squeeze the scrub directly onto skin. Gently rub with wet hands to help activate the foaming agents. Nutshell bits like to congregate together more.
With body pouf // Apply like I do if scrubbing with bare hands. Just instead of my hands, I work the nutshell scrub with a wet pouf instead. Disperses and dilutes the particles a lot.
With pumice stone or paddle // Squeeze the nutshell scrub onto the pumice and scrub away at the heels.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Since this is the first body scrub I have tried, I don't have much to compare the experience to. There are some aspects of the product that I have come to like and others I didn't.
I appreciate that the scrub is packed full of the walnut shell particles. It isn't just a tiny amount which is then padded with cleansing agents. However, this also means that actually scrubbing it around on every inch of my body typically leave my hands feeling sore and tingly. (Not abrasive or scratchy by any means but discomfort nonetheless.) Using some kind of buffer like a towel or pouf helps; yet at the same time disperses the granules too much, rendering the scrub less effective.
For those looking to cut SLS out of their lives, the Jungle Botanics scrub is not for them. I don't mind it because I like it when my cleansers and body washes bubble and foam. The lather made it easier to spread and rub the scrub around. As with using a towel or pouf to buff the particles, once the product starts to foam up that also becomes a barrier of sorts.
Applying lotion on my body is also a habit I have yet to form. Even still, my skin never feels dry or tight after using the nutshell scrub. Instead my legs and arms feel noticeably softer. I emphasize feel because it definitely doesn't look softer or glowy—I suspect my legs are too dry for that. It doesn't seem to do much for my ashy patches either even with semi-consistent use.
The soft feeling doesn't last very long, maybe a day or two at max? This seems to make sense since Wishtrend recommends using the scrub 2-3 times a week (which in reality is about every other day or every two days). I cannot comment on how long one tube would last since I took fairly long breaks while using the tube of scrub. But I can say it takes quite a bit of product to cover the entire body.
Softer feeling skin isn't enough to make this scrub a staple product for me. Had it worked wonders for my scaly ashiness, my opinions may be completely different. Had the effects lasted longer, I might reconsider. If anyone's skin isn't as extreme as mine, I don't think Jungle Botanic's Natural Body Glow Nutshell Scrub is a bad product. It is also fairly affordable and easily accessible via the manufacture's Amazon.
I try to keep my makeup simple. Instagram makeup isn't my thing. While I would love to look perfectly flawless, achieving that no-makeup, great-skin do is time-consuming and undeniably high-maintenance.
I don't typically care to do much extra for my base routine; a pat of cushion, a dab of power, and done. This was especially the case when I had pimples everywhere all the time. The bumps, flakes, and discoloration just don't look good with a ton of makeup on top. When the breakouts got to a minimum (knock of wood) the residual cheek redness and scar discoloration had me curious; are those color correctors worth the extra time spent?
Having tried some lower-end/affordable green correctors that were easily available at American drugstores—many years ago—I was weary. My memory of it is negative: pasty, dry, cakey, too pale, low-coverage, etc. Naturally, I turned to a cheaper alternative from the other side of the world (Korea).
Clio's Kill Cover Pro Artist Liquid Color Concealer seems to be popular amongst Korean YouTubers. It looks to work well with their flushed cheeks. It appears lightweight and highly spreadable, which are at the top of my checklist. The brand promises skin soothing and moisturizing properties too. The little tube of color couldn't sound any better!
Clio's Description:
Color-Correcting Shades for Flawless Coverage
Instantly conceal imperfections, leaving you with a beautifully even skin tone.
Customized Skin Tone Corrector
Designed to target specific skin concerns, color-correcting pigments combined with nourishing ingredients even out skin tone while giving skin a healthy glow.
Highly Adhesive & Long-Wearing Formula
The Flexible Film Formula seamlessly adheres to skin and provides buildable coverage for the look of a smooth surface which remains lightweight even after applying layers of makeup.
02 Green
For red, sensitive areas.
Active ingredients: eight herbs including ylang-ylang, chamomile, and hibiscus to soothe and moisturize skin.
Directions
1. Spread 02 Green over red cheeks and troublesome spots.
2. Finish by tapping with a puff for a seamless, natural finish.
Ingredients
02 Green
PURIFIED WATER, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE, DIPHENYLSILOXY PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, GLYCERIN, METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, CANANGA ODORATA (YLANG YLANG) FLOWER EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER WATER, HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA FLOWER EXTRACT, JASMINE FLOWER WATER, LAVENDER FLOWER WATER, MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) LEAF WATER, MENTHA ROTUNDIFOLIA (APPLE MINT) LEAF EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF WATER, JASMINUM OFFICINALE (JASMINE) FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT, NELUMBIUM SPECIOSUM (LOTUS) FLOWER EXTRACT, FREESIA REFRACTA FLOWER EXTRACT, IRIS SANGUINEA FLOWER EXTRACT, LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM (EDELWEISS) FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT, LILIUM CANDIDUM (MADONNA LILY) STEM EXTRACT, NARCISSUS PSEUDO (NARCISSUS) FLOWER EXTRACT, ROSE EXTRACT, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, PEG-8 DIMETHICONE, TRIBEHENIN, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, DIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, ACRYLATES/DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL ISOSTEARATE, DISODIUM EDTA, PHENOXYETHANOL, FRAGRANCE, CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS (CI 77288), YELLOW IRON OXIDE (CI 77492)
Corrector 6 g / 0.21 oz
Club Clio (Korean retail): ₩15,000
RoseRoseShop: ₩15,000
YesStyle: USD $16.90
Amazon: USD ~$12.00
Packaging
A slanted doe-foot applicator in a twist-to-open tube. The bottom portion that holds the corrector is frosted durable thick plastic or glass, hard to tell. While it is nearly impossible to see how much of the product is left in the tube because the product likes to adhere to the sides of the packaging, the angled tip makes it easier to scrape the sides.
A small detail, but something I like, is the small notch which stops anyone from over tightening the cap.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Very pale mint in color. The consistency isn't runny; liquid enough to spread easily yet still holds its shape wherever and however it is applied. Once blended the green is matte and barely noticeable. It does make my skin look brighter (or on darker skin tones even whiter)—which makes sense since Titanium Dioxide pigment, white, is the third ingredient whereas green and yellow are dead last. There is a faint floral scent but also unnoticeable when applied.
How I Apply
No matter the tool I choose to ultimately blend out the corrector, I prefer to evenly spread a thin layer of green over the entire central region of my face because it does lighten my skin-tone a bit. If I only apply it on my cheeks and chin my forehead usually looks too dark after applying foundation in comparison.
Patting and dabbing with any method is better than wiping or rubbing.
Fingers // The easiest method. My least favorite method. Blending can be uneven since fingers aren't perfectly flat.
Damp sponge // Requires the most work (have to wet and then wring dry the sponge). My most used method of late just because I've been applying foundation with a sponge as well. Blends evenly but also sheers out the coverage even more. Best for those going for a natural translucent makeup look.
Cushion puff // Takes little effort and is quick. My preferred method when trying to be as low-maintenance as I can. Blends well and gives thicker coverage but makes me look extra bright/pale.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I believe in the above photos I blended the Clio green corrector with a damp sponge.
When looking at a comparison of the corrector on my bare face, the color correction and brightening effects are obvious. As soon as I do a closeup side-by-side view (sans foundation), I start to question the correcting abilities. When I put a light-to-medium coverage foundation over top, the work the corrector does seem even more minimal. Corrector side is brighter but I want redness cancellation, not tone-up.
It looks to work okay on slightly pinkish patches of skin. In any spots where the red color concentration is higher, the corrector doesn't seem to work well. I would attribute this to the thin consistency and (lack of) green pigment.
I had been wary of the pastel green from the beginning. But found some saving grace in how blendable and lightweight the Clio Kill Cover concealer is formulated. With that said, I think that is precisely where the downfall is especially in a low-pigment corrector format. It blends into something overly sheer and all I am left with is a white cast that evens out my skin a teensy bit.
The corrector formulation doesn't settle into fine lines or pores. It isn't overly drying for something with a matte finish. But if there are any dry patches and flakes the product will like to latch onto those.
Before even considering the more expensive color correctors available, I'm glad I gave the Clio Kill Cover Liquid Color Concealer a shot. It was about a third, for some even half, the price of ones listed on Sephora. Even though this particular one didn't work miracles on me I now have a comparison on hand to help weed out what could be better formulation or to see if it is worth the money.
I won't recommend this particular color because the pigmentation is rather weak. The formulation is worth checking out, at the least, and Clio does offer an orange (peachy/salmon) color and skin tone variety concealers that from others' swatches look eons more pigmented.
My original plan was to get through at least the first couple month of the new year without a beauty purchase. But I ran out of my makeup remover. Then I discovered my local Target was clearing out their inventory. A couple of "browsing" trips later and a lighter wallet to boot...here I am with a haul post to share.
As I was nearing the end of my previous tub of heimish cleansing balm, I contemplated whether to just get 1 replacement in-store or buy multiple brands at once to stock up for the rest of the year. I like to save as much as the next person but I didn't want to hoard, y'know? After going through some price versus quantity comparisons, I decided to just go ahead and repurchase another heimish All Clean Balm in its newer flip-top packaging since I came across it in-person and at a reasonable price (USD $18 + Californian/SF sales tax). It will sound silly, but this is the kind of packaging I have been wishing and dreaming for companies to use with their cleansing balms. I cannot wait to see if it is actually as practical and effective as I thought it could be.
It has been at least 3+ years since I bought my last makeup brush. My collection isn't humongous but it is more than enough for my face. The more brushes I accumulated the lazier I got with deep cleaning them weekly. That is why I stuck to only a handful of the same brushes the past year or two in order to help develop a better habit (which has worked wonders if anyone is curious).
Now that I have incorporated the use of multiple eyeshadow colors into my daily routine, I found that I didn't have the right tools on hand. Many of the eye brushes I had were too large for my eye shape or did not function well. The only problem was my unwillingness to invest towards more brushes because everyone knows how expensive the better quality brushes and more size-variety brands can be. As soon as I chanced upon the Sonia Kashuk clearance at Target, I picked up one of almost every brush they had tagged. All were ~50% off original prices and under USD $10 per brush.
I picked up the Sonia Kashuk Tools:
- Tapered Powder Brush No.19
- Domed Multi-Purpose Brush No. 18
- Synthetic Foundation Brush No. 05
- Synthetic Concealer Brush No. 32
- Large Domed Eye Shadow Brush No. 20
- Precision Pencil Brush No. 31
- Synthetic Crease Shadow Brush No. 08
- Small Eye Shadow Brush No. 07
Truth be told I probably didn't need yet another foundation or concealer brush. The domed brush and crease brush might be too large for my eyelids still. But I just couldn't resist that price. At least now I have a better understanding of what shapes work for me if I ever decide to go for the luxurious ones.
It's been years since I last used any Shiseido products. Even though my mom isn't into beauty anything, I always associated the brand with a more mature audience since I grew up seeing it fill my aunt's vanity. Especially the thick and rich Benefiance line, which also has a grandma-esque aroma IMO.
Shiseido Pureness Mattifying Moisturizer Oil-Free was one of the first higher-end brands I tried as a teenager as per said aunt's recommendations. She thought it would suit my then skin type well since she very much trusted the brand with their anti-aging products. I might have accompanied it with the Pureness Balancing Softener Alcohol-Free but perhaps I didn't; I don't have any memories of it in particular, good or bad, and I think I know why after using it for the last month or so.
Shiseido's description:
Give your skin power over shine and imperfections.
Bring new radiance, softness, and balance to blemish-prone skin with this refreshing, alcohol-free softening lotion. Lightly rehydrates, leaving skin smooth and comfortable.
For all skin types.Dermatologist-tested.
Directions
Saturate a cotton pad and smooth over face after cleansing.
Ingredients
WATER(AQUA/EAU), DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, XYLITOL, PPG-13-DECYLTETRADECETH-24, PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLPARABEN, SODIUM CITRATE, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), SODIUM METAPHOSPHATE, CITRIC ACID, DIMORPHOLINOPYRIDAZINONE, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, LINALOOL, LIMONENE, MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE, PAEONIA ALBIFLORA ROOT EXTRACT, SAXIFRAGA SARMENTOSA EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT (ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF EXTRACT), TOCOPHEROL, CALCIUM CHLORIDE, GREEN 3 (CI 42053), HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) LEAF EXTRACT, YELLOW 5 (CI 19140), BENZOIC ACID
Toner 150 ml / 5 fl oz
Shiseido (USA retail): USD $24.50
Macy's & Sephora: USD $24.50
Packaging
Comes in a light blue bottle with a pump dispenser and an accompanying cap. A fresh bottle does come with a sliver of a security seal sticker to indicate if it's been opened or not. I have come to appreciate watery toners that come in pump bottles since it controls how much product I use and reduces the chance of creating a mess because of stray droplets.
Color, Texture, Finish & Scent
The watery liquid is blue-tinged and has a light/clean perfumy scent (that doesn't linger long). It doesn't leave any residue or tackiness.
How I Apply
I use 2 pumps of the toner on a cotton round and wipe my entire face and neck, mostly after my morning cleanse...sometimes also at night (but I usually prefer something with AHA or BHA in the PM).
Thoughts & Recommendations
In my younger years, this kind of softener a.k.a. toner would have been the type of product that made me question whether a toner is a necessary step in the routine. For one, it is pricey! It also doesn't seem like it does much other than wipe remaining dirt, if any, off my face.
While those two thoughts don't just change with age, I have just grown accustomed to the act of using a wipable toner...because I like to see that it does pick up stuff sometimes even after a double cleanse. Price-wise I think there are cheaper options available that does essentially the same thing, has a similar ingredients list (i.e. Thayer's Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free), yet still formulated without fluff things like fragrance and color.
I haven't used the Thayer's toners in a very long time so I can't attest to how it'll actually compare.
I didn't have any issues with it; no rashes, no breakouts, etc. Since I don't typically follow-up with my skincare products right after cleanser, my face does dry up between the cleansing and toner steps. In that regards, the softener did what I wanted—refresh and rehydrate my face while picking up any residual dirt and dust. The hydration effect isn't long-lasting but that is what the rest of my skincare routine is for. I could see it suitable for oily, combination, to normal skin types; those with drier skin would probably want something more nourishing.
If my aunt hadn't gifted me with a bottle of the toner, I would definitely not have dropped almost USD $25 on it for myself. The Shiseido's Pureness Balancing Softener is pleasant to use, just nothing spectacular in my books. Having it be alcohol-free and pH balanced is great but then there are things like fragrance and color in it which seem a little unnecessary. I am not sensitive to them but there are people who are. Unless you are someone very brand loyal to Shiseido, I would skip this toner. Maybe it's time for me to revisit Thayers again?
I have tried my fair share of cleansers; a majority of the cleansers I've gone through were cleansing foams in fact. Of the squeezable and lathering cleansing varieties I have gone through, I don't think I have ever come across one (at least in recent memory) that did not leave my face feeling immediately tight and parched after rinsing. Supposedly it is the sulfates doing (darn those foaming agents); supposedly pH in typical cleansers is too high for our skin (acid mantles need to be kept).
But who knows precisely what the definitive reason is right? I just know that when I hear someone say something doesn't leave their skin too dry or tight, especially when it is a skincare guru like Gothamist, and as I've heard for Pyunkang Yul's Cleansing Foam, I get curious. Learning that it's from a Korean traditional medicinal brand that focuses on minimal yet effective ingredients was just the perfect toppings on the cake.
Ohlolly's description:
A gentle but mighty cleansing foam made with ledebouriella seseloides extract that deliver highly effective cleansing with lots of delightful bubbles. The stretchy consistency of Pyunkang Cleansing Foam adheres to dirt and oil trapped in pores, and removes them leaving skin feeling clean and fresh without drying. For all skin types.
Directions
1. Squeeze a small amount onto hand and apply to dry skin
2. Use palms to stretch out the cleanser onto skin
3. Apply water to create a rich lather then rinse with lukewarm water
Ingredients
SAPOSHNIKOVIA DIVARICATA ROOT EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, MYRISTIC ACID, LAURIC ACID, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, STEARIC ACID, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, BEESWAX, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PEG-100 STEARATE, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, LAURAMIDE DEA, GLYCERYL STEARATE SE, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, FRAGRANCE
Cleansing foam 180ml / 60 Fl. oz.
Pyunkang Yul (Korean retail): ₩12,000
Ohlolly: USD $12.00
StyleKorean: USD $12.00
Amazon: USD $12.00
oo35mm: USD $12.99
Packaging
Previously, it came in a blue and white tube with a black cap. Currently, Pyunkang Yul sells this cleansing foam in an all white tube. From what I could find the formulation hasn't changed. With that being said any other comments I make about the packaging might be useless since I don't have the "renewal" version to look at and compare.
Even still I want to gush about how lovely the box was designed. It felt so luxurious and the textured cardboard material had some heft. I loved how the entire label took on the role of the security seal to give that extra reassurance the product had never been tampered with. I was not expecting the small details to be so well thought out for a cleanser that was relatively inexpensive.
Color, Texture, & Scent
The product itself is white in color and extremely lightweight. It isn't stiff and dry like typical foaming cleansers. There is a perfumy quality to it due to the added fragrance but isn't overpowering.
The weirdest thing about this cleanser is it's slimy, stretchiness. I guess the best way to describe it, as gross as it sounds, would be milky...snot consistency. It is easy to spread but trying to foam all of the product with just bare hands and water requires a little more effort since it likes to stick to skin. This is supposedly their marketing point though: high adhesion to impurities in order to clean out pores.
How I Apply
I prefer to use this as a second cleanse. I generously pre-lather the cleansing foam with either a foaming net or the foam maker cup contraptions—both create airy whipped bubbles with just a small about of water and product. Afterwards, I proceed to massage the foam all over my face and neck until the bubbles deflate by half and then rinse off with water.
This goes against the OHLOLLY's recommended instructions (apply onto dry skin, then lather and rinse) but I use less product per cleanse this way while reducing the possibility of over tugging and pulling my skin.
Thoughts & Recommendations
As per usual, the cleanser has a bunch of skin beneficial claims. Cleaner pores, clean feeling, non-drying. For me, as long as I don't break out from using the product and it isn't overly drying I am a happy customer. I can keep my pores clear via other methods.
Gothamista tested the pH level herself and found that the cleanser is around pH 7. The ideal for skincare is said to be pH 5.5 (slightly acidic).
While I have had clearer pores lately, I cannot confidently say this cleanser is the sole reason why. I am certain though that this is one of the first cleansing foams I have used that makes me feel refreshed and clean without having that squeaky clean feel. Wiping my face afterward with toner and cotton pad produces minimal residual dirt.
Now I cannot say I do not ever experience tightness or dryness with this cleanser. If I do, I would be lying. Heck, there isn't one cleanser out there that won't do that because the act of cleansing is to remove dirt, impurities, and oils which means if moisture isn't replenished right away the skin will, therefore, be tight and dry. With Pyunkang Yul's Cleansing Foam though, I have found that I can sit around just a little longer before following up with my skincare routine. The waiting period differs when the weather is drier and more humid of course.
I am very satisfied with this cleanser. It does what it needs to do and mostly what it promises. I like that the ingredients list is kept to a minimum without much compromise elsewhere. The tube of product is huge when considering how much is needed for each use. I have been using my tube for almost 4 months nightly and have a fair bit of it left. To top it all off, it is inexpensive at USD $12. For anyone looking for something that is sulfate-free, give it a try. As for whether I will repurchase, I am considering it—with the new trend of low pH cleansers on the rise, I would like to test my luck with other brands to find a cleanser that can elongate that drying out timeframe even more. If I don't find anything better I will gladly pick up another tube as a backup.
JUNGSAEMMOOL's High Color Lipstick in High Matt seemed too good to be true on paper: high color, matte shades that aren't drying. If it truly lives up to its claims where has this magical formulation been all this time? Why didn't anyone come up with it sooner?
A lippie junkie I am not. In fact, I almost have an aversion to lip products. I prefer my lips to be naked and free. The feeling of having something slippery on my lips is just too uncomfortable when I am conscious and aware. The marks it leaves on bottles and cups also irk my inner neat-freak tendencies.
Lip tints and stains were a nice compromise though—residue-free and long-lasting color, brilliant! It's just the formulas typically dry unforgivingly fast and colors too sheer.
When the matte look gained traction, I was intrigued—promises of non-sticky formulas that are far more blendable called my name. The dryness factor that inevitably comes with matte things held me back for sure. Constantly flaky lips don't really pair well with dry colors now does it?
JUNGSAEMMOOL's Description:
High-pigmented and high-stain lipstick that defines the perfect color with single-stroke as if done by an artist.
High Chroma Color
Expresses vivid and refined color without being dusky by mixing minimum base material to increase color purity.
Cashmere Formula
Used the new cashmere formula that creates perfectly blendable and silky texture.
New Matt Texture
The new type of matte lipstick that stays on matte-finish comfortably without drying out made by a thin and even spreading process.
Directions
Evenly apply proper amount on lips.
Ingredients
Burgundy
VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER, DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, DIMETHICONE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, BEESWAX, POLYETHYLENE, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, OZOKERITE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, ASTROCARYUM MURUMURU SEED BUTTER, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE), PARAFFIN WAX, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL, +/-CI 15850, CI 15850:1, CI 45410, CI 17200, CI 45380, CI 19140, CI 15985, CI 47005, CI 42090, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDE BLACK (CI 77499), IRON OXIDE RED (CI 77491), MICA (CI 77019)
Lipstick tube 4.7 g
JSM Beauty (Korean retail): ₩27,000
JSM Beauty (USA retail): USD $29.74
Peach & Lily: USD $29.00
Packaging
Lipsticks in this line come in a twist up bullet "tubing". The outer plastic is boxy but the lipstick itself is a slender circular shape. The tip isn't shaped in any unique way, just flat and barely angled. I found it difficult to achieve nice define edges when directly applying; a small tipped brush would be the way to go. I don't know about you but my lips aren't that flat. I guess I could have tried to create the lines with the edge of the lipstick but I prefer to keep those clean cut.
I very much appreciate the thought that went into all the packaging. The box makes use of all its small real estate while maintaining negative space. The safety seal is the actual functional labels instead of separate plastic wrap or some arbitrary sticker. The cap is mostly clear so I could spot the shade no matter if I stand the tube up or lay it down flat. I could also tell what color it is even if placed label side up as the name, albeit in Korean only, is printed rather large in comparison to the other information on the label. Even the color of the label is practically a near perfect match of the color of the lipstick, which can be surprisingly rare to find.
The one thing that is missing though is an officially printed ingredients list...even if it has to be in Korean. The photo above shows an English ingredient list on the box, but that is one printed and placed on by Peach & Lily (I am guessing done Stateside) to comply with USA's cosmetic selling standards.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Describing a color that is named burgundy is difficult. Burgundy is burgundy! The best I can do is give some associating terms to help make it more relatable. Blood, ox-blood red, wine, deep red, vampy, etc. I think all of those trendy beauty/fashion keywords are fitting. It is a very textbook sample of what "burgundy" would be. Very dark red that leans somewhat magenta-blue. When applied sheer, it gives a cherry-stained (innocent?) effect; when applied in a thicker manner, it changes to a much edgier vibe.
The lipstick isn't too creamy. Just emollient enough to glide over lips and apply well without too much tugging and pulling. It is also creamy enough to be able to blend just by slightly running over it...which, of course, translates to it wiping away and transferring incredibly easily. Somehow though the lipstick does "stain" a little and I am usually left with a nice cherry-, wine-stained color after.
While it doesn't dry my lips out, the formula also isn't super moisturizing either. My lips don't have to be slathered in lip balm beforehand but it looks better on softened lips. Product doesn't settle into the fine lip wrinkles; it does catch onto dry patches, flakes, and deeper lines/cuts. I found dabbing the product on via the tube OR lightly brushing it on with a lip brush helps avoid streaking and irritating any dry skin.
I didn't think cashmere could be a good description for a lipstick finish but now it seems to fit the High Color Lipstick well in the sense that a fresh application of the lipstick looks matte yet still somehow soft. I guess it helps that it doesn't make my lips look desert dry or crackly. I can freely move them every which way and it never feels constricted.
Added fragrance isn't on the ingredients list I found on the JSM Beauty Korea website. There isn't any noticeable scent either when taking a whiff of the lipstick by itself. Just neutral.
How I Apply
Gradient // Lightly dab the lipstick on the inner portions of my lips in multiple light layers depending on what color intensity I feel. Use a brush, finger, or cotton swab to feather out the outer edges to blend with my lip color.
Full color // Either directly swipe the lipstick all across my lips and then fix any streaks and patches with a brush OR slowly build up to the full color intensity with multiple layers via brush.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I honestly didn't think I would like the High Matt Burgundy lipstick as much as I do now. I love how versatile the pigmentation is with just one tube of color. The above photo was taken the same day with the same base and eye makeup. I appreciate how it isn't overly drying just for the sake of achieving the matte look. Even though some might find it too smudgy, I enjoyed the fact that the lipstick is easy to blend, even if it means it can easily smear and wipe off, without feeling like it is tacky or slippery.
JUNGSAEMMOOL doesn't offer a bajillion lipstick shades: 7 in each the High Matt and High Glow variety and 6 in the High Master grouping. A handful are more daring (violets, deep purples, mints), a few are for color mixing/concealing (white, black, brown, and beige), and everything else offered are incredible wearable and/or classic shades (nudes, pinks, and reds).
Pricing-wise these seem to be on par with higher-end brands (over USD $20 but under $50). While the packaging itself doesn't state how many grams of product it has, visually it looks to be similar to your typical bullet of rouge. It was quite the splurge for me considering how little lip product I wear on the daily, even with the Peach & Lily holiday discount. But I may have had a change of heart since, solely because of how many checkmarks it ticked off on my lipstick preference wish list.
It would save a lot of time, effort, and money to continue stick to this line of product. I may consider purchasing another shade in the High Matt range—specifically Nude, Ginger Brown, and/or Real Red. Thinking of repurchasing Burgundy isn't even an option considering how long this current tube may last me. When that day comes and the stars align (i.e. I am still in love with the deep dark reds and JUNGSAEMMOOL still makes this item) then yes I would buy the High Color Lipstick in a heartbeat.
Technically my second beauty goal, but one I could actually start on day one of 2018. Project Make a Dent has helped clear out a good sized amount of my aging makeup collection over the last few years. The one part I missed most was seeing the progression shots since I never made it official in 2017. Even though I know very well that I pan out powders, the actual comparison shots give me so much more motivation. Hence my dedication to letting everyone know this year: I HAVE MY 2018 PICKS!!
*I am still going to be using newer makeup that I have. But since PMAD is about rediscovering and making a dent in older products, I won't include those in this series.
Okay...I am embarrassed to admit how long some of these guys have been in my collection for. The oldest is from 2009 and the newest 2014, everything else sometime in between. Get at me. Tell me what a fool I am and how nasty it is. I deserve it! The best thing about having kept up with all these haul posts is the access to a digital, easily-searchable purchase diary.
My only defense is the older items are all powders and I have occasionally sprayed them with alcohol over all these years. With the "newer" cream products, they've only been recently opened within the last year or two. None have an off-smell nor any visibly different formulation changes. I have tried all the items recently and have been reaction-free as well.
VDL MULE Ultimate Cover Palette A03
One of the later purchases and even later opens in the stash of oldies. I remember purchasing this at a VDL shop in Edae towards the end of my study abroad time in Seoul way back in the summer of 2014. I believe there were two shades then; A03 was the darker of the two.
I originally wanted to buy a bunch of items from the MULE brand at the JUNG SAEM MOOL Inspiration salon/shop in Gangnam. I loved her skin-like transparent makeup style. I even went as far as to track down the building in the midst of alleyways and side streets yet couldn't bring myself to go inside. I thought I looked too shabby and would be out-of-place.
Then I found out that VDL and MULE had some sort of collab happening. While the products weren't 100% the same as the MULE ones, it was close enough to give me a taste of what it had to offer without all the intimidation of a high-end salon. I ended up blindly buying the Ultimate Cover Palette with just my confidence in Jung Saem Mool because VDL was a completely new brand to me.
Even though I bought this mid-2014, I hadn't actually opened and touched the creams until early-2017. There were just too many foundations and cushions already opened over the last few years; I couldn't bear to have bacteria fester and needing to toss it with it barely used.
The finish and coloring of the foundation aren't my favorite; it leans very matte, powdery, and not yellow enough for me—catching onto all my flakes and textural issues. I prefer to mix some of the foundation with Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer for a more liquid like application. On its own, the foundation offers medium coverage (varying with the application method used). When I mix it with the Nymph Aura Volumer, I get a much lighter coverage.
I haven't gotten around to using the pink blush shade. But the coral shade is pretty.
Kate Lasting High Coverage Powder Foundation OC-C
Bestie C helped me get this way back in 2012 when she visited family in Hong Kong. I think I opened this in 2016 after I finished the Maybelline Fit Me powder halfway into the 2016 edition of Project Make a Dent. I ended up using it a lot the rest of that year. Somewhere along the way in 2017, I moved onto translucent setting powder and have even gone setting powder free for some time now.
While I love having one less step in my morning routine, I would really like to get through the end of this powder foundation because it has been in my stash for far too long. I don't hate it but I also don't love it. I can't comment on the coverage since I never use it like a foundation, only with a big fluffy brush and with a light hand. The finish is very matte though which I have grown to avoid.
Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Powder
Now the "Oldest product in this stash" award goes to this loose powder: 2009! I can't believe it myself. Yet it is true; search "Skinfood" and "powder" in my search bar and you'll see it in a post dated then. I long threw out the accompanying cream concealer. I'm not that crazy.~ Since this was a powder I gave it a free pass and kind of forgot about it all these years. Again, I tried this on many occasions in December and hadn't seen any reactions. So in it goes to the pile to be used up.
I like how lightweight the powder is without caking up over time. I swear I have seen my eyeliner hold up better when I powder the enire eyes area versus when I don't, especially my very outer corners where anything tends to smudge the easiest.
MAC Cosmetics Mineralized Skinfinish in Pink Power
The continuation item from last year. I just really want to see this pan out, especially since this was a 2011 purchase and I'm pretty sure I had my fingers and brushes all over it since then.
The bronzer shade isn't my favorite, a little too orange on me if applied wrong. I enjoyed the highlighting shimmers while it lasted. Both looked natural enough and sheen-like without any obnoxiously large glitter particles. It got way too difficult to get the product though as I reached closer to the pan, I need the smallest brush and had to pay careful attention to not pick up any bronzer.
Milani Minerals Blushes in Sweet Rose and Luminous & MAC Cosmetics My Highland Honey
This may be the pitfall of PMAD No. 4. The last time I had too many options in one category of product I ended up ignoring most of them, ahem lipsticks in PMAD No. 1 and 2. My reasoning behind this year's picks is to try and dedicate a different season for each: Sweet Rose in the colder months, Luminous and My Highland Honey in the warmer ones. I've had the Milani blushes since 2012 and MAC since 2010. Time has been long overdue to give these some attention.
I have way too many blushes that are kind of similar in color and are way old in my collection. If I don't incorporate multiple blushes in a Project Make a Dent I may be using the blush I have for 10 more years at the rate I finish them.
Color payoff for all is pretty good. Milani ones are more pigmented than this particular MAC blush but it is a bolder shade so I don't mind.
VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot in 502 Triple Burgundy and 101 Triple Pink
Another purchase I made during my first trip to Korea in 2014. I may not have known about VDL then but I sure came back with a bunch of their stuff. I love the idea of these triple color, gradient-ready lip products. Before Maybelline came out with their version which looked exactly like the VDL ones.
Pink and Burgundy stood out the most to me of the shades VDL offered. Both apply sheer but are easily buildable. They apply like a lip balm in that it has a sheen and a tad sticky but isn't the most moisturizing product out there; they definitely aren't drying though. I may keep it in my bags and/or coat pockets for touch ups since I would also like to incorporate newer lipsticks into my makeup routine on a more regular basis.
Urban Decay Naked Palette
I remember the hype over the original Naked palette like it was yesterday. Everyone all over YouTube and Blogger lost their minds a little with how great a color selection and pigmentation it was. I remember getting and using the palette for my high school prom look in 2011, just don't ask me what I actually used. After then I probably reached for this a couple dozen times over all these years? Otherwise, it's sole purpose was to look pretty in my stash.
But that time has passed! I shall give it the love it deserves. I mean I did spend all that money on it...
