Biodance Bio-Collagen - Real Deep Mask review

I Finally Tried the Viral Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask!

I know I’m super late to the game, but I finally got my hands on the super viral Korean facial mask—and I just had to share my thoughts.

In case you need a refresher, this is the mask that went viral for turning transparent the longer you wear it. You’re supposed to keep it on for 3–4 hours—or even overnight! Unlike most sheet masks that go viral for their ingredients, this one took off because of its unique experience.

But beyond the novelty, I was curious: does it actually do anything? Here’s my experience.

🧖‍♀️ What It Claims to Do

The Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is a hydrogel mask packed with serious skincare benefits:

• Ultra-Low Molecular Collagen for deep firming and enhanced elasticity
• Oligo-Hyaluronic Acid for long-lasting hydration that penetrates deeper than regular hyaluronic acid
• Probiotics (Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate) to reduce fine lines and strengthen the skin barrier
• Niacinamide to brighten and refine texture
• Fragrance-Free & Hypoallergenic – perfect for sensitive skin

You can use it two ways:

• Overnight – apply it at the end of your routine and sleep with it on (only if you can sleep on your back!)
• Daytime – apply after toner or serum and wear for 3–4 hours until the mask turns transparent

Pro tip: Repurpose the cut-out pieces from the eyes and mouth—apply them to your neck or under-eye area for bonus hydration!

after 2.5 hours

I tried to smile but couldn't... the mask got really tight. You can also see how bits of it were stretched so much that they ripped a bit.

💭 My First Impressions

• It ripped almost immediately when I was taking it out of the packaging—so handle with care!
• Unscented, which I appreciate
• It stings a bit on broken skin, but that sensation fades quickly—and those areas actually felt more hydrated after
• You can literally see where your skin is dehydrated: those areas turn transparent first (for me, it was around my nose and mouth)
• Despite some reviews, I didn’t find it uncomfortable—I actually fell asleep during the first 2 hours of wearing it!
• Don’t use your phone while wearing this—it can slide around with movement or blinking, and if your phone slips… well, it’s not a fun wake-up call
• Strengthening Skin: One thing I noticed that really surprised me was how strong and resilient my skin felt after just one use — it felt like my skin barrier had been reinforced, especially in areas that normally feel a bit raw or fragile.

other info

🛏 Best Way to Use It

To keep the mask in place, lie flat on your back—especially for the first two hours. I tried sitting and standing, and the mask kept slipping. Sleeping on your side is also a no-go unless you want it to shift or fall off completely.

Some people see transparent blotches within the first hour, but for me, they didn’t appear until about 1 hour and 45 minutes in.

after 3 hours

🤔 Final Thoughts

This mask was definitely more than just a gimmick. It gave me:

• Deep hydration
• A visible look at my dehydrated areas
• Firmer, smoother-feeling skin afterward
• Improves and strengthens the skin barrier
• Skin feels good after using

But I did have a couple of frustrations:

❌ Cons:

• Tears very easily, both during application and while wearing
• Can really only be used while lying down (preferably flat on your back)

That being said, one of my biggest frustrations with facial masks like these is how short their product life cycles are. Just when I get attached to a formula and start incorporating it into my routine, it gets discontinued. It’s not because the product isn’t good—often, it’s because companies quickly move on to the next trend or formula, especially in the fast-paced K-beauty world. I’ve never fully understood why this happens, but it makes it hard to stick with what works.

All in all, I can see why this mask went viral—and while it’s not perfect, I’d consider using it again (with very gentle hands!). Would I sleep in it regularly? Probably not, unless I’m totally exhausted and planning to stay in one position all night 😅

What the discarded mask looks like... soft plastic material

🌙 Post-Mask Results & Final Thoughts

While the effects weren’t as dramatic as some influencers hyped them up to be, I still genuinely enjoyed using this mask. What stood out to me was how much stronger and more resilient my skin felt after one use — as if my barrier had gotten a little boost. After removing it, my skin felt noticeably hydrated, smooth, and calm—especially in sensitive or dry patches. The glow wasn’t just temporary either; the results lasted well into the next day, which pleasantly surprised me.

That said, this is definitely on the luxury side of sheet masks. At around $100 for 24 masks, it’s significantly pricier than many drugstore options that go for $1–2 each. But if you’re looking for a unique masking experience with visible hydration and skin-calming benefits—and don’t mind lying completely still—this might be worth trying.

Would I repurchase? Yes — despite the price, the results were worth it for me. My skin felt moisturized, soothed, and noticeably smoother. The calming and hydrating effects lasted well into the next day, and my skin genuinely looked healthier.

In fact, I find myself craving to use this mask again and again because of how good my skin feels afterward. It’s become something I look forward to in my routine — though I try to limit myself, or I might just end up using it daily!

score: 9.5/10
website: https://biodance.com/products/biodance-bio-collagen-real-deep-mask

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream review

product variations

Every now and then, we come across products that are so good, you know they will be part of your routine forever. This is definitely one of those products. Since I have sensitive skin, I wanted to make sure that my skin liked this product before committing to the full size. 

This product is formulated with 92% Snail Secretion filtrate (mucin), and this cream claims to help your skin naturally and create an appealing glow of healthy skin. 

ingredients, directions, caution

Ingredients: Snail Secretion Filtrate, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Arginine, Dimethicone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stearic Acid, Allantoin, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol, Adenosine

I didn't see any red flags in their ingredients (and my super sensitive skin did not have any issues or bad reactions to this cream).

Directions: Apply to face at least twice daily or as needed to soothe dry, uncomfortable skin. 

Caution: 1. For external use only. 2. Do not use on damaged or broken skin. 3. Stop using and ask a doctor if a rash occurs. 4. When using this product, keep out of eyes. 5. Keep out of reach of children. 6. If the product is swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. 

Translated Korean text to English

I checked using Google Translate to see if there was additional information that was not in the English text.

They mentioned Efficacy: helps improve skin wrinkles.

Usage: Take an appropriate amount of this product and apply it evenly to the skin.

I scanned the Korean text on Google translate

Most of the info was identical to the English.

except for the directions, The Korean text gave more directions to put the product on your hands before rubbing lightly on your skin and patting the remaining contents for absorption.

The English directions were to use twice a day or as needed to soothe dry, uncomfortable skin. 

slimy and stickiness of the cream

Since this is an all-in-one cream, you won't need to use it along with other products. This one is enough (at least, that is how I felt when I used it).

impression:

• the cap/lid is metal, but the container is plastic
• extremely sticky
• smooth on skin
• skin takes a few seconds before it fully absorbs the product
• makes skin feel so soft and smooth

In the beginning, I really hated the stickiness of this cream. It is called a cream but it has a gel texture (which I like) but the stickiness needs getting used to. It also left a thin residue layer on top of my skin. This cream did not irritate my skin or eyes at all. It is gentle yet effective.

It took 2-3 days before I started seeing the efficacy of this product.

Eventually, I got to really like this cream because it made my skin feel so soft and smooth. It got rid of all the dry patches and crustiness. I can look past the stickiness 😅.

gel-like texture

This cream is viral for a reason, and it is viral for all the right reasons. It works very well, it corrected my winter dehydrated skin and even improved the condition of my skin. If you haven't already, please give this product a try and don't let the stickiness prevent you from overlooking its benefits :).

Score: 9.8/10
Website: https://www.cosrx.com/collections/snail-mucin/products/advanced-snail-92-all-in-one-cream

Nature Republic Snail Solution Mask Sheet review

(I saw this review sitting at the back of my drafts folder and forgot to publish it... this was written 5 years ago, 2016)

I picked up this mask at Nature Republic's store in Hong Kong a while back. I bought them because I heard lots of good things about snail solutions so I decided to give these a try. These were sold in sets of 10 and were wrapped up in a thin resealable bag, but the masks are individually packaged. I think these were around $58 HKD (which is approximately $8 USD for 10 sheet masks) which makes them on a more affordable side.

Each mask contains 20g (which is probably why it is more affordable because masks are usually 28g -30g)

net. wt. 0.71 oz.

This sheet mask contains 2000 ppm of snail mucus filtrated from a clean area, providing excellent moisture and adhesion. 

The brand's motto is Sheet Mask conveyed by the life of nature.

Details of mask:

SNAIL SOLUTION MASK SHEET (NN6202)

Brand: Nature Republic

Made in Korea

It is an ultra-moisturizing sheet mask with snail secretion filtrate. 

It focuses on moisturizing and nourishing the skin.

Ingredients:

I highlighted a few of the noteworthy ingredients

WATER, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENGLYCOL, SNAIL SECRETION FILTRATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, BETAIN, PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) EXTRACT, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA(WITCH HAZEL) EXTRACT, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) FRUIT EXTRACT, ALOE BARADENSIS LEAF JUICE, HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN, MYROTHAMNUS FLABELLIFOLIA CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-60HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, METHYLPARABEN, CARBOMER, XANTHAN GUM, ALLANTOIN, TRIETHANOLAMINE, DISODIUM EDTA, PHENOXYETHANOL, PARFUM

details

Directions

1. After applying toner, pull out the mask sheet from the package and unfold it. 

2. Apply the mask sheet onto the face from the lower (chin) part of the mask and upwards to the forehead. 3. Remove mask sheet after 10~15 minutes. 

4. Gently pat any remaining formula into the skin. 

Caution

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.

Discontinue use if signs of irritation or rashes appear. 

Keep out of reach of children. 

tried to smile but the mask was falling off

The harsh weather conditions have made my skin very sensitive, red, and extremely dry, so I'm hoping that by using more skincare products, I can nourish my skin back to being moist and healthy. Since I have 10 of these, and I have lots of free time, I decided to try using them for 10 days. I was told that it is better to use the same mask and not switch between different masks during a shorter period of time, so I am committing to using this mask for 10 days.

Here is what I did to get the results (spoiler: my skin felt pretty darn good after this)

1. apply The Body Shop's Seaweed Clarifying Toner
2. apply Nature Republic's Snail Solution Sheet Mask
3. leave on for 10-15 mins (I usually do 15 mins) 
4. pat the remaining solution into skin
5. apply Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (as a moisturizer)

Impressions:

• sensitivity on the skin the first few times of using it
• has a nice soft and calming smell (can't pinpoint it since it is very light)
• the solution has a watery consistency (too watery)
• the mask had a hard time keeping the solution on my face (it kept dripping)
• the mask is very thin and lightweight (and a bit flimsy)
• the mask did not fit my face well (the nose flap was too short and didn't cover my nose properly, it was loose and tight in areas that didn't allow the mask to fully cover the surface of my skin properly.)
• mask leaves skin feeling very sticky :(

Since I had so many of these masks, I kept one and let it dry out after I used it and discovered that the mask is made out of cotton-like material.

Log

I was a bit unlucky. My skin immediately reacted negatively on the first day. There weren't huge issues, but I felt a slight burning sensation and my skin was a bit irritated.

I decided to attempt the mask again on the second day, there was less sensitivity and less irritation.

On the third day, the third time seems to be the charm. My skin was getting used to the mask, I started noticing how my skin is starting to feel a bit smoother after I removed the mask, I realized that my skin had absorbed a lot of the solution (especially my forehead). 

Fast forward to the fifth day, and it has become a habit. I still struggle with keeping the solution from dripping down my face and neck but my skin has started to appreciate having this mask. My skin feels softer and smoother. There is still a bit of redness on my skin but it feels less "fragile" and more resilient towards dryness (especially when I stand next to air vents). My skin does not immediately need a moisturizer right after this mask treatment. This is an indication that my skin is more nourished.

On the eighth - tenth day, I started noticing my skin becoming plumper. My skin feels even "stronger" (it is especially noticeable when I am standing in front of heaters and my skin is not bothered by the heat and making it feel drier than it usually is). 

I loved the results from using sheet masks and will continue to do so to maintain and even further improve my skin's healthiness. 

Verdict

I'm quite happy with the results of using a mask a day for 10 days. However, I can't say I am in love with this sheet mask. While it has certainly nourished and given enough moisture to my skin, I feel that other sheet masks might be able to achieve these results on the 3rd mask. 

I am glad the irritation stopped at day one and the benefits started kicking in on day 3. But there are other sheet masks that will not cause as much irritation as this one. (Next time, I will try this 10-day mask challenge with a different mask and will share the results).

Score: 7.0/10

Website: https://www.naturerepublicofficial.com/ (the product is no longer on their website)

Comparison: Korean Facial Mists: InnisFree vs I Dew Care

After writing up my review for I Dew Care's Thirst Things First Revitalizing Vitamin C Mist Mask, I thought it would be a good idea to compare it with Innisfree's Olive Real Oil Mist. 

	I Dew Care	Innisfree
Containers	Fatter, shorter	✓Slicker, thinner, taller, easy to grasp
Spray Quality	✓the spray works really well and the aim is on point. ✓the spray gives a satisfying amount of product depending on how long you press the dispenser ✓the spray also sprays vertically allowing produce to properly disperse over the face	the spray works well, but aiming needs a bit of a learning curve the spray only dispenses a set amount each time the spray only sprays in one small spot
Scent	very light lemon scent (barely there), doesn't leave any scent on the face	strong lemon, similar to essential oil, but disappears within a few seconds
Consistency	very lightweight feels lighter than water	thicker, closer to a serum
Effectiveness	leave skin with a plump and moist texture	hydrates skin
Price	$28 CAD	✓$16 CAD
Amount of Product	80ml	80ml

Both are very similar and does what it advertises. I was impressed with how I Dew Care instantly made my face feel so plump and moist. Innisfree's is also good as it hydrates the skin but the effects are not as long-lasting as I Dew Care's. 

Innisfree's is almost half the price of I Dew Care's for the same amount. 

Hope this comparison helps you decide on which product is suitable for your needs. 

I Dew Care Thirst Things First Revitalizing Vitamin C Mist Mask review

After having a great experience with face mists, specifically, Korean facial mists, I couldn't pass on this product! This mist retails for $29 (CAD)

Production Description: 

아이듀케어 써스트 띵스 퍼스트 I DEW CARE THIRST THINGS FIRST

Take skin from dull to dewy in just one spritz with this refreshing, bi-phase mist-mask featuring a water base formulated with Vitamin C-rich pomegranate extract and a moisturizing layer made with lemon peel oil.

DISTRIBUTED BY Memebox Corp. San Francisco, CA 94103

MADE IN KOREA

Benefits: 

• A Vitamin C brightening serum with a lightweight, jelly-like formula that gives skin a plumper look.
• Infused with nourishing Vitamin C to boost radiance, improve skin tone, and protect against environmental stressors. As well as Vitamin E and B5 conditions to help replenish moisture levels and relieve dryness. 
• Enriched with antioxidant-rich grapefruit extract to reduce visible signs of premature aging over time.

Ingredients:

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Seed Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Tocopherol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium PCA, Caprylyl Glycol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Tromethamine, Sodium Citrate, Cyanocobalamin, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Junos Peel Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Menadione, Biotin, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Thiamine HCl, Fragrance.

Directions:

Use throughout the day to take the complexion from dull to dewy

1. Shake the bottle to mix the oil and water into an emulsion. 

2. Close the eyes, then mist onto the face and neck daily.

As an alternative:

Use at night as a leave-on mask.

 impressions:

• has a very light lemony scent (but disappears in a matter of seconds)
• very refreshing (face felt plump)
• very light (no oily residue)
• spray dispenses product in a vertical line

I was a little disappointed that since it contains vitamin C, it is in a clear bottle (making the product vulnerable to sunlight and being spoiled) so I have saved its box and kept the bottle in the box right after I finish spraying my face with it.

I really like this spray, it makes my face feel very plump. I recommend applying a moisturizer afterward though. This spray paired with a moisturizer keeps your skin very happy and plump.... but without a moisturizer, I feel the moisture leaving my face within half an hour. A moisturizer will help lock the spray's goodness (e.g. vitamin C, oils, antioxidants, etc) into your skin allowing them to stay and penetrate not only the surface but also underneath.

This spray has definitely made my skin glow, dewy and plump... I highly recommend it!

Score: 9.2/10
Website: https://idewcare.com/products/thirst-things-first?_pos=6&_sid=fedbb6fa3&_ss=r

innisfree Olive Real Oil Mist review

I was introduced to this product by a Korean Skincare Youtuber called KRBoy. He mentioned this product during his skincare routine video. This is the first product I decided to try that was introduced by KRBoy and I liked it.

About this mist:

This is a facial mist that is enriched with extra virgin olive oil from Crete Island. 

According to Innisfree, this is a two-phase deep hydrating oil mist with Olive Power Activator (which contains vitamin E and tocopheryl acetate) which enables it to powerfully moisturize for dry skin and improve skin suppleness and create moisture.

The recommendation is to use this product whenever your skin feels dry and pat on your skin. It can be used before or after makeup.

You need to shake the product before using it (this is a very important step, the mist didn't work too well the few times I forgot to).

impressions:

• smells like oranges (but doesn't linger)
• a few (3-5 pumps) is enough
• very light but works really well
• spray amount can be inconsistent
• spray direction shifts (despite the arrow)
• skin feels instantly moisturized
• works well with dehydrated skin
• not oily

I'm not sure whether there was a defect in mine's or whether it happens to every other one... but the spray dispenses an inconsistent amount of product each time. 

Aside from the defect, I love this mist. I love how it moisturizes my skin (both when it is dry and when it is dehydrated). It is extremely lightweight and does not give a weird oily finish. The light orange aroma evaporates as you pat the product into your skin.

Score: 9.5/10

Website: https://www.innisfree.com/sg/en/product/productView.do?prdSeq=10028

Etude House Tear Eye Liner #WH901 review

Hey Everyone, I sincerely apologize for the lack of reviews... I have been stressing over a lot of things lately (personal, work, etc). So I wasn't able to focus on writing reviews (I have a lot of drafts sitting in my drafts folder waiting to be written...). But at last... I finally completely a review! :D

product

The other day, I was shopping at Lumine in Shinjuku, and I came across Etude House (I love Korean Cosmetics). I decided to walk in and see what new products they have. I saw their Tear Eye Liner and was curious... the description said it was an eye liner for your tear and under eye water line. Because this product was so intriguing, I bought it.

photo credits: etudehouse.com

Since the best selling one seemed to be #WH901, I bought it! We have all been waiting for a product like this, some times, we try to put some light shimmery eye shadow at the bottom of our eyes to brighten them... BUT... the shimmery does not last so long. This is the perfect solution, it literally stays on as long as eye liner.

applicator

The applicator was very fine, it made it easy to apply! (in fact, much easier than regular eye liner). The applicator made precise strokes.

with product

You can instantly see results... I don't have to say much... :P It really brightens up the eyes and makes you look so much more awake. You can also see how my dark circles are less obvious.

without product

Before discovering this product, I would always use eye shadows to brighten up my eyes, but after using this product, I realized how the effect is so much better than a regular eye shadow. I highly recommend it!

how product looks...

All you need is one stroke.

impressions:

• very easy to apply
• makes eyes look so bright!
• love this product
• easy to remove with eye make up remover (even with the sparkles :D)

This is a special product and a very innovative one. Who knew that one thin stroke can make such a huge difference on our overall finished look! It was very easy to apply but I also found it annoying to get rid of the sparkles... but all that can e fixed with using an eye make up remover!

score: 9/10

website: http://etude.jp/eye/eye_liner/211030155.html

Laneige Perfect Renew Trial Kit review

Laneige Perfect Renew Trial Kit

To be honest, I haven't had much luck with Laneige product other than their sleeping pack. Their serum/essence have done nothing for me. But a few days ago, I came across their trial kit and decided to give their products just ONE more chance... because the brand is quite well known... it SHOULD be good... kind of right? what harm could a trial kit do?

product details and amounts contained

For this review, I will be focusing on the whole kit instead of individual products since it is hard to give a review after using them in such small amounts.

Sorry guys, I can't read Korean and wasn't able to find a friend who was able to translate it for me. (if you know what it says (other than the product names) please let me know!

Products:

1. Perfect Renew Cream 10ml x 1
2. Perfect Renew Emulsion 10ml x 1
3. Perfect Renew Skin Refiner 10ml x 1
4. Perfect Renew Essence 5ml x 1
5. Perfect Renew Night Treatment 5ml x 1

Pack Size - 5 pcs



Replete with rejuvenating Ceramide Repair Water, the complementary products work in sync to hydrate skin and deliver skin renewing peptide right where skin aging begins.

How to Use: 

Apply skin refiner > Emulsion > Essence and finally Cream. 

For night use Perfect Renew Night Treatment.

impressions

• long lasting (but I didn't use it religiously)
• perfect renew... excuse me... renew...
• did not improve skin condition

all the products and their containers

So, you gotta give them credit, despite the small amounts offered... this stuff lasts... it can last for up to 2 weeks... but I don't care...

... I am breaking up with Laneige... or more appropriately, I am blacklisting their products (other than the sleep pack. Their products SUCK! And I'm not just saying this... after using this kit my skin condition not only stayed the same, it worsened!

Never in my life had I had pimples/acne problems... although I can't say that my skin was "perfect" I did not have your average person skin problems... BUT! after using this product for only 2 days, pimples started forming on my lower jaw area, acne started developing on my nose/mouth area, oil was present on my tzone (I had to use blotting paper to get rid of all that oil)... my face was a disaster! I don't understand why their products are so popular...

score: 0/10... sorry.... -10/10
website: (no website... but who cares.., you can see how mad I am...)

Lee' s Fried Chicken review

Lee's Fried Chicken Shop @ TST

I have heard countless recommendations to try Korean Fried Chicken... everyone claimed that Korean Fried Chicken is the best fried chicken there is... so when I walked by Lee's Fried Chicken store, I decided to give this place a try.

I thought it was super smart of them to put a tray of popcorn chicken on top of the coke... this makes it so much easier to eat... and saves space... especially when you are walking around. Props to the smart container design!

Impressions:

• very crispy
• relies heavily on sauce for flavour

The shopkeeper recommended us to use a secret recipe sweet and spicy sauce. He told us that if we didn't use it, there won't be much taste.

I miss the saltiness of fried chicken when I was eating this, I expected more seasoning as well. There was too much white meat making the meat very tasteless. You really need the Sweet and Spicy sauce to enhance the flavour. 

The store I went to wasn't their flagship store. It was the one located near Kimberly Street near "The One" in Tsim Sha Tsui. I will give you the address once I find it. 

Score: 7.8/10

Website: no website

Skin79 Lemon Brightening Mask review

Lemon Brightening Mask

I have finally accomplished my mission!! I have bought and used this Lemon Brightening Mask!! .I can finally say that I have used all 3 of Skin79's Home Self Spa Mask!!! (applause)... 

If you haven't read my reviews on the other masks of this collection, I will repeat: This product contains a box, a sanded glass container and a plastic spoon... one of the reasons I like the plastic spoon is that it makes using and storing this mask much more hygienic... without directly contact with the mask (which is moist read: perfect bacteria growth environment), you will be able to store your mask for a longer time with out it being contaminated. 

Made in Korea

Lemon juice is best known to brighten and whiten our skin... so it made lots of sense for Skin79 to make a Lemon Brightening Mask.

Description:

The mask is effective to such skin as needing management of brightness with Lemon Extract helping dark complexion radiant and bright. Moisturizing ingredients are lightly and softly absorbed in skin without irritation. The Hyaluronic Acid and Phyto Active Complex keeps your dry skin clear and healthy by supplying soothing and moisturizing effect.

Claims:

• Brightens
• Soothing
• Moisturizes
• Softening Skin

sorry for the blurriness... my camera refused to focus!!! >.<

Directions:

After washing take a proper amount and spread all over your face except eye & lip area. Wait 10 - 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. (Use it once or twice a week).

Impressions

• Smells like lemons... The artificial kind
• Dehydrates skin
• Thick
• Some brightening effects 
• test on small section of skin before 

Caution! If you have any wounds or your skin is breaking out or particularly sensitive... wait... DO NOT use it... you will regret as this mask will sting sensitive/broken skin.

pros:

• smells good (if you like artificial lemon flavour... but seriously, who doesn't?)
• effective - my skin felt slightly brightened and plumped
• attractive packaging
• reasonable price
• you don't need a lot to cover your whole face

cons:

• does not really dry up... 
• dehydrates skin
• can be quite messy
• a bit harder to wash off (compared to the rose and seaweed mask)

Do not expect huge results after using this mask... it will not instantly make your skin a few shades lighter... it will brighten it... make sure to apply a moisturizing serum and moisturizer after (your skin will feel dry)

check out my reviews on other Skin79 Masks by clicking here!

score: 7.5/10

website: no website

Ga Bin Korean Restaurant review

photo source: www.gtarestaurantguide.com

I have been recommended to go to this Korean Restaurant for ages and after years, I have finally had the chance to drop by. With growing Korean restaurant chains in Toronto, I find it more and more difficult to find authentic family style Korean restaurants around. It was packed when I gave this place a visit.

look at these side dishes!

I was really impressed with their side dishes... both quantity and quality wise. They tasted very authentic and homemade. There were 8 side dishes.

Pork Bone Soup $9.99

Pork Bone Soup

Impressions:

• perfectly seasoned
• meat was tasty
• loved the soup flavour

The pork bone soup was absolutely delicious. It was perfectly seasoned, not too hot or too mild... unlike other Korean Pork Bone Soups I have tried, the meat and the bones still had a strong meaty taste as opposed to the others I have tried where they tasted none other than meat and bones which have been used to make soup with.

I was really impressed with the serving size as well.

I highly recommend it!

Green Onion Seafood Pancake $8.99

Green Onion Seafood Pancake

First off... this pancake is smaller in size compared with Korean pancakes in other places (but it surely is cheaper... so I guess it is fair).

impressions:

• lots of green onion
• lots of squid
• some oyster
• a bit thinner than the other pancakes (from other places)

lots of squid and green onion

This pancake was very crispy and very well moist inside. I found the amount of green onion a bit overwhelming. I really impressed with the amount of squid and the occasional oyster bit. I found the pancake to be slightly thinner than other seafood pancakes I have tasted in the past... Other than that, a great Seafood Pancake!

Verdict/Conclusion:
I enjoyed this dining experience and will definitely be coming back often! I really enjoyed the side dishes they offered and I find the food to be quite tasty... service was not bad but I would have hoped it would be slightly easier to get their attention.

Score: 9/10
website: no website

Ginkgo Nut Yam Gruel Premium Review

Ginkgo Nut Yam Gruel

One of my favourite things is to look for new food items especially healthy food items. I came across this product while shopping at a local Korean grocery store.

contents in Korean

Impressions

• Very creamy
• Tastes strongly of yam with a hint of ginkgo nut
• a little difficult to fully mix the content
• there aren't a lot of ingredients

in English

I really like how filling this is... and since it is so natural, I feel so healthy after eating this. And because it is so filling, I do not need to eat other things... (good for losing weight!!)

nutrition information

I did some research regarding Ginkgo Nuts and Yams...

photo credits: crackinginkgonuts.wordpress.com

Ginkgo Nut Benefits:

• lower cholesterol levels
• prevent cardiovascular disease
• Protection Against Cancer (because of their high antioxidant content; Ginkgo nuts retain 60% of antioxidant content after cooking)
• Preservation of Brain Function (such as prevention of Alzheimer's disease)
• Ginkgo nuts improve blood flow to the brain (improving cognition and memory)

BUT, please keep in mind that there are also negative effects:

• excessive consumption can lead to food poisoning

photo credits: tag.120ask.com

Yam

Yam also known as: 

• 淮山
• Dioscorea opposita 
• nagaimo
• Chinese yam 
• Korean yam
• yamatoimo
• 大和芋 (やまといも)

Yam benefits

• a herbal treatment which targets both stomach and spleen; 
• helps both lung and kidney

Yams contain Allantoin which can acclerate the growth of healthy tissue and reduce healing time.

Yams are known to treat:

• poor appetite 
• chronic diarrhea 
• asthma
• diabetes 
• dry coughs 
• frequent urination

BUT, please keep in mind that there are also negative effects:

if consumed in large amounts, White yams can cause:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• an allergic reaction (such as rashes or asthma)

packet

We do not have to worry about the "negative" effects of overdozing since we aren't taking a lot (when we are consuming this product).

There is a lot in one packet, it might seem very little, but once you mix it, you can fill a 1 1/2 glass (12 oz).

powder form/before mixing

Ingredients:

• Ginkgonut5% 
• yam10%
• alpha rice powder50%
• lactobacillus5%
• corn starch
• glucose
• salt
• vegetable creamer

How to prepare

1. Pour cold or warm water into a cup or bowl (200 ~ 250 )
2. take appropriate amount of Yam gruel (4 ~ 5 spoons) stir well
3. You may add honey, sugar, or salt. *
4. You could pour milk or soy milk. *
5. You could eat Yam gruel products as snacks.

*I used water and it was tasty enough...

It was hard mixing this... I always found new "clumps" of powder... it was a very tedious task.

see the roughness of this gruel

This is a perfect filler/snack between meals (or it can replace your meal altogether).

glass full of goodness

As mentioned... I did find it a bit difficult to mix with water, you need to have a lot of patience..... see... there are still big chunks to powder....

I found this Gruel to be very tasty and healthy... I would buy this again.

score: 8/10
website: no website