Abib's HeartLeaf Spot Pad Review

Abib Heartleaf Spot Pads

(I accidentally pressed the "add Google links" and couldn't undo it... so now I'm left with a whole post full of Google links 😭 apologies for the messy-looking post! 🙇)

The Korean brand Abib isn’t new to me — I’ve used their sheet masks before and liked them. They didn’t exactly wow me… but this product definitely did.

I found these Heartleaf Spot Pads at Costco and picked them up without much expectation. I’ve heard of them, I’ve used heartleaf products before, and I just wanted something moisturizing. But these pads didn’t just meet expectations — they completely surpassed them.

Within one to two uses, they healed my broken skin and calmed irritation. Within three to four days, my skin barrier was fully restored. I wasn’t expecting that level of recovery at all.

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🍃 Why Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) Is So Popular in Korean Skincare

details

• Soothes irritation + redness: Heartleaf is known for calming sensitive, inflamed skin — perfect for breakouts or reaction-prone skin.

• Strengthens the skin barrier: It reduces excess oil, balances the skin, and helps repair weakened areas.

No wonder this product works so well on compromised skin.

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🧖‍♀️Benefits of Spot Pads in Skincare

drenched in serum :)

• Boost absorption: They cleanse remaining residue so the rest of your skincare sinks in better.

• Targeted care: You can leave them on areas that need extra hydration, calming, or barrier repair.

These pads do both extremely well.

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First Impressions

It quickly became one of my favourite products!

• The cotton pads are thicker and smaller than expected

• The scent is interesting — not good, not bad… a mix of acidic + leafy

• They said use "tweezers" but no tweezers were provided

• There is a harsh and a fine side, the harsh side is too harsh for me, but the fine side is perfect for mild exfoliating (no issues on sensitive skin)

• My skin drank the essence instantly

• Slight sting on broken or compromised skin

• Heals broken skin and barrier issues surprisingly fast

• Thoroughly cleanses without irritation

• Removes stubborn oil + debris my cleanser can’t get

• Skin felt soft, smooth, and refreshed the next morning

On day one, the pads stung slightly on damaged skin, but they also healed it almost instantly. That’s when I knew this was something special.

Before going further: This product healed my skin barrier. And very few products can make me say that with confidence.

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My Experience

gunk: grease, oil, dirt and debris from my face 😱 

This product didn't just hydrate — it changed my skin.
Even after cleansing, these pads always manage to remove leftover oil, dirt, or debris. My skin ends up perfectly prepped to absorb whatever comes next. After two months of consistent use, my skin feels noticeably stronger, smoother, and healthier. That soft, silky feeling didn’t exist two months ago.
My skin had been irritated and sensitive (I’m pretty sure environmental buildup wasn’t helping), but now? It feels resilient. Balanced. Calm. Hydrated from within.
Honestly… this has become a product I can’t imagine not having anymore.

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⭐ Final Thoughts

The Abib Heartleaf Spot Pads have officially earned a permanent spot in my routine. What started as an impulse Costco buy turned into one of the most effective skin-repairing products I’ve tried in years. If your skin barrier is struggling, your skin is easily irritated, or you just want a product that cleanses and heals at the same time — this is absolutely worth trying.
I didn’t expect to love it this much, but here we are. This is a keeper. 💚

Score: 9.9/10 (that's high!)
Website: https://en.abib.com/products/calming-touch

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)

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

AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream Some by Mi review

I have been eyeing this cream for some time... it has AHA, BHA and PHA.

AHA which stands for alpha hydroxy acid focuses on removing layers of dead skin cells on the surface level and stimulates collagen and humectant properties

BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid penetrates deeper under the surface of the skin to degunk debris from the pores. It is good for acne-prone skin, anti-inflammatory, and also stimulates collagen production.

PHA stands for Poly hydroxy Acid removes layers of dead skin cells on the surface and helps the skin absorb products better. 

This cream claims to smoothly exfoliate and strengthen your skin barrier with tea tree leaf water, Centella Asiatica. It also has Madecassoside to protect sensitive skin and helps it stay healthy.

This cream contains Centella 700,000ppm

Instructions:

Take an appropriate amount and spread evenly onto the skin. 

Since there is a serum version, I assume this cream acts as a moisturizer.

 impressions:

• woody minty smell
• soothing for skin
• very lightweight
• effects are not long-lasting
• only provides a temporary relief
• you need a liberal amount (for 30 days, this is a lot of product!)

I was very excited when I first saw this cream however, after using it for 30 days, I didn't see any significant changes to my skin, it is good as a temporary relief from dryness but it didn't provide life-changing or amazing results.  It is a lightweight product and doesn't provide any protective barrier (like most moisturizers do). 

I liked how the woody mintiness of the cream calmed my skin (when it felt irritated, dry, sensitive) but I didn't like how it just seemed to stop at that. I didn't feel any major changes or improvements to my skin.

While it doesn't irritate my skin at all (despite all of the exfoliants) it didn't do a good job helping my skin improve.

unfortunately, this is not as good as most have said it is. 

Score: 5.5/10

Website: no website

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...)

Tonymoly Intense Care Galactomyces Lite Essence 96.5% review

packaging and product

Hello everyone!!!

How are you all enjoying the super nice summer weather? I sure am!! I know it has been quite a while since I have written a review on a skincare product... but here it is!

Made in South Korea

Volume: 120 ml

What it is: Serum/Essence

How to use

Dispense an appropriate amount onto a cotton ball, apply it to the skin, and gently pat to enhance absorption.

impressions:

• looks exactly like water
• my skin absorbed the product really well
• Improved my skin condition
• Hard to apply

Feature

1. The boosting essence revitalizes skin as it absorbs quickly into the skin.
2. Galactomyces ferment filtrate 96.5%
3. No added 10 substances. 4 kinds of effective ingredients.
4. A dermatological test on the safety of Galactomyces ferment filtrate has been completed.
5. This essential essence vitalizes and smoothes skin by helping to care its foundation.
6. The ingredient of 100% pure Galactomyces Fermented Filtrate obtained through.
7. lowtemperature fermentation processing makes rough, dull skin smooth and vitalized as it absorbs quickly into the skin.
8. This essential boosting essence works effectively on all skin types and makes skin healthier.

Pros:

• made skin very soft and smooth
• watery, easy to absorb
• no scent

Cons:

• made skin very sensitive (drench and protect your face with moisturizer and gel!)
• hard to apply

The instructions call for using a cotton pad to apply, I feel that is such a waste and not environmentally friendly, so I spread the substance on the palm of my hands and gently pat and rub on my face. This was effective enough... I felt my skin drinking up the essence.

Score: 8/10
Website:

The FaceShop Pomegranate and Collagen Face Lifting Essence review

K

product against container

I am in ASIA! Yes, I am avoiding the cold Canadian weather and am here... I couldn't help feeling sorry for those in Canada while I look at news stories and the highways are still lightly coated in snow. (I am evil).

Because of the lack of time management and disorganization skills I had, I was not able to pack everything... and guess what? I left my precious serums. But luckily, this means I get to try new ones. 

I went to colourmix and one of the sales associates recommended me to try this Pomegranate and Collagen Face Lifting Essence (keep in mind that most Asian skincare companies refer to their serums as essences).

This serum claims that it is:

An anti-aging skin care that increases the skins resilience through the interaction of pomegranate estrogen and marine collagen

And Effects: Brightening and firming skin

serum

Impressions

• Feels very thick
• A moisturizer?
• Light Pomegranate scent
• Feel the slight firming effect
• No brightening effect

There is a light lotion mixed with pomegranate smell that gives you a relaxing feeling... like you are at a spa when you inhale this serum

After using this serum for 4 days I started noticing the firming effect... it doesn't make your skin absolutely firm... but just enough for you to notice... and there is more "bounce" to your skin.

One thing I didn't really like about this serum... (and depending on your preference you might or might not like it) is that it felt like a moisturizer to me... my skin did not absorb it as well as other serums... and it took me a lot of time rubbing this essence into my face before it could fully absorb this thick product and I could move on to applying moisturizer.

I have tried just using this serum... as a serum/moisturizer but it simply does not fulfill what a moisturizer can do (SO REMEMBER TO APPLY MOISTURIZER AFTER!!!)

Score: 7.5/10
Website: http://international.thefaceshop.com/english/product/productView.jsp?ctgr=ctgr&search=ca&prdidx=7160&prdtype=198&pageno=2

please check out my personal blog and follow me around Tokyo :)

It' s Skin Snail moisture mask sheet review

It's SKIN

contains 22g per package

(this does not seem like a lot, but there was a lot of essence in the package)

It's Skin Snail Moisture Mask Sheet:

Snail slime filtrate consists of a main ingredient that is characterized by mucin called sticky snail snail Moisturizer mask sheet, the dullness of the skin care haejugo feeling of giving back the clear and clean skin of the original moist mask sheet. - source: It's Skin

Ingredients:
Snail Slime Filtered-Water, Rice Extract, Baobab Seed Extract.

Snail Secretion Filtrate: 1000ppm, EGF (this is quite high) 

Made in Korea

directions and info

Impressions

• Smells delicious
• Difficult to unfold mask
• Very hard to fit on facial features
• makes skin feels soft and smooth for days (as in 3 days)
• density is very thin and light

how mask looks out of the package

Directions

1. After washing, adjust skin with toner and apply mask

2. Take mask off after 25-30 mins

3. Let skin absorb excess by tapping softly to easily absorb remaining essence

mask does not fit well on features

Smell:

The fragrant of this mask is very appealing, I couldn't stop smelling my finger tips (after I removed the mask from my face). It smells like a floral/fruity combination... it's not overwhelming, it smells very light good.

Mask Fitting:

I was a bit disappointed that the mask did not have a backing, it made it so hard to take the mask out and fixing it on my face was frustrating. The mask did not fit well with my features too, so there was some frustration when applying this mask to my face.

Consistency:
I was really surprised with the consistency, since it was "snail slim" I expected the mask to be very gooey.... but to my surprise, it was very think and watery. There was also a lot of remaining essence in the package, so I washed out the mask after, and decided to save some essence for next time.

how I looked right after removing the mask "REFRESHING"

A clean, soft and smooth face makes me a very happy Stephanie ;)

score: 9.5/10
website (not exact product though): http://www.itsskin.com/eng/htm/02_product/product_07.asp?activem=2&actives=1 

Ottie Green Tea Emulsion review

200mL of Ottie Green Tea Emulsion

While I was in Bonjour, a sales associate recommended this product to me, it was not only affordable but it made my skin feel so soft.

Prior to being introduced to this product, I have never heard of the company "Ottie" Their website describes their brand name as

the compound word of French “Hauteur”, which means elegance, highclass, pride and arrogance, and English “Pretty”.

impressions:

• long lasting
• makes skin feels soft
• milky (as it is a Emulsion)
• no scent
• skin absorbs this product
• does not work in harsh N America climates

The websites promotes this product as:

Forming oil&water barrier on the surface of skin to protect from harmful circumstance/ water-oil balancing.


According to the website, there are several features of this product: 

Anti-inflammation, Astringent, Poreless, Calm, Soothing, Moiturizing, Balancing water and oil level of your skin.

1) Green Tea Extract / Grapefruit,Sophora Root,Neem / Portulaca Oleacea : Anti-inflammation,
Allantoin / Hyaluronic acid / Aloe Vera : Soothing & Moisturizing

Vita. E : Nourishing

2) Clean, Clear, Light, Refreshing, non sticky3) For early skin ( woman&men), troubled skin from pimple, acne

Like using other emulsion/moisturizers, this product is no different, after applying serum, take a small amount and apply it all over your face. It takes really good care of your skin!

Verdict:
While I was in Hong Kong, this product did wonders for my skin, it prevented my skin from cracking and gave it enough moisture and it does exactly what it claims (in its features) however, taking it back to N. America, I was sad that it was less useful, I think the weather over here damages our skin too much and this emulsion simply is not enough...  I'm waiting for a stronger formula suited for N. Americans. (and those who live in harsher weather conditions)

score: 9/10
website: http://ottie.co.kr/product/green-tea-emulsion/

TonyMoly Floria Nutra-Energy Mask Sheet with Argan Oil review

TonyMoly Floria Nutra-Energy Sheet mask

Tony Moly Floria nutra-energy mask sheet with Argan Oil has always been appealing to me because I have heard so much about Tony Moly and Argan Oil has always fascinated me because I always hear people talking about its superb moisturizing properties.

Directions

directions:

1. Cleanse face
2. Apply mask
3. Leave on for 15-20 minutes

how the mask looks like (there is no backing) and it is thicker than most sheet mask

Impressions

• Smells medicated
• Stinging sensation
• hated the size of the mask
• essence absorbs into skin really well

The mask did not fit with my features at all, and I hated the medicated scent. I also found the mask to be too thick.

Pros

• my face felt slightly lifted after
• mask stays on face quite well
• drenched with essence

Cons

• Mask is thicker than other sheet masks
• Does not fit my facial features (took a lot of time adjusting)
• Stinging sensation
• No backing to help you fit the product on
• irritation occurred (my face had slight bumps after using this mask)

I don't think I will be buying these as they not work for me, I enjoyed the firm and lifted feeling but it was not evidently enough for me to consider using them again.

score: 5/10
website: http://www.etonymoly.com/goods/submain.asp?cate=139#cate%3D139%26Listsize%3D5%26PriceRange%3D0%2C98000%26page%3D3

Skinfood Watery Berry Serum review

the product and packaging

Skinfood is one of those brands where you hear so much about to the point that you love it and want it so much before you actually tried any of their products. Beauty Guru's from all over are rant over this brand so much...

This product contains berry extracts and Hyaluronic acid. These ingredients make and your skin retain moisture

Impressions:

• Very watery
• Smells like berry 
• very easy to absorb
• I hate the pump

back of container

A word of caution, if you are using this product for the first time you will need to pump it about 20 times before you can get any product out (the pump isn't broken, that's just how it was made).

The scent is extremely light, it is a soft hint of a mixture of berry auras put together.

photo credits: skinfood

Packaging:

This bottle is made out of glass (feels expensive :P). There was no box, it was coated in a hard plastic wrap.

Pump:

I think the problem is not the pump, but the way the bottle is shaped. I found it extremely difficult to squirt the product out without "almost" making a mess each time. The pump produces a lot of product so one pump is literally enough for your whole face (remember to not use too much serum on your skin... it can do more harm than good).

Texture:

The texture is very smooth and there are little white microbeads (which melt when you apply to your face). I emailed Skinfood about what those "beads" are but I wasn't able to get a reply from them. So till now, I do not know what they are...

Pros:

• make your skin feel so soft
• gives a glowy look
• your skin literally drinks up this serum in a second

Cons:

• hard to "pump" out product
• moisturizing effect does not last very long (approx. 5 hrs)

Score: 7.0

Official Website: http://eng.theskinfood.com/products/product.asp?prdNo=1554

PUREDERM Collagen Eye Zone Mask review

package

I have noticed my eyes getting puffier and my dark circles have become terrifying. I went on eBay and found these. These are from Korea, so I thought, why not give these a try. This is the first time I used PureDerm products. I forgot what the price was... it was definitely reasonable (there were 15 pairs).

impressions:

• Tight feeling
• sheet area was much bigger than expected
• Hard to peel out mask from other masks
• slight stinging feeling
• works

back of package with details

packaging:

I liked how they used "ziploc"so that it preserves the remaining eye masks. But I was not impressed with how hard it was to take each mask out... they were literally all stuck together. Since they were so thin, it took quite a lot of effort to take a piece out... I was worried I would contaminate the masks... don't want to put contaminated things near my eyes or on my face. :(

the eye mask was huge

pros:

• definitely works
• easy storage
• no scent
• nicely drenched in liquid, even after 30 minutes these pads are still quite moistened
• reasonable price

cons:

• why aren't the masks separated better?
• stinging/heavy/tight feeling
• falls off easily and adjusts itself (always need to readjust them)
• packaging needs to be more hygienic

results

Results:

So after applying for 25-30 minutes this is what happens. You can tell from the before and after images that there are differences. My eyes were less puffy and my dark circles were less dark. They didn't completely remove the puffiness and dark circles but there is definitely a difference.

score: 8.0/10
website: http://www.purederm.co.kr/product/detail.html?product_no=136&cate_no=24&display_group=

also... if you are interested, please check out my personal blog and follow me around Tokyo :)

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX review

AWESOME AWESOME MASK!!!!

how the product container looks

First, what are Packs, Packs is another name for "masks" they are exactly the same thing (You can "translate" it as Laneige Water Sleeping Mask to make it ). This is one of Laneige's best selling products and after using it, I can understand why it is best selling!

What this mask claims:

Light gel-type texture provides intensive hydration, vitality, and brightening effect while restoring skin with deep relaxation

impressions:

• amazing
• no scent (when it is dry)
• time saver
• gave me very soft hydrated skin
• does not brighten

photo credits: laneige.com

Where's the mask? This was my reaction 2 minutes after applying the mask to my face. It felt strange, the crystals seem to have disappeared on my face, and I can't feel it or smell it. I only know it is there because just moments ago, I was still spreading the product on my face.

When you wake up, you can feel that your face feels softer, once you wash it off, your face feels so smooth and soft. You can't help but touch your face because the results are amazing! I really loved this product!! One concern that I had was that it does not brighten my face as it claims. My complexion looked the same after using this product 1-2 a week for a month.

photo credits: laneige.com

pros:

• really hydrates skin
• disappears (dries up really well)
• love the scent when I applied it and love that there was no scent after it dries
• very hygienic as includes a really nice "spoon" to get the product

photo credits: laneige.com

cons:

• hard to tell whether you have washed it off or not (since it disappears and hides so well when dried, it doesn't "dehydrate" itself after
• no brightening effect noticed

photo credits: laneige.com

Mini Tester Available:

There is a 20g mini size available, the product is exactly the same thing, the only difference is there will not be any spatula/spoon included. It is good they have a smaller size, so you can test to see whether the product works for you before investing in their bigger size.

How to use this mask (accord to Laneige):
1. In the evening, follow the face relaxing massage after applying skin refiner and emulsion after face wash.
2. After taking appropriate amount(2.5cm in diameter recommended), mark on nose tip ,cheeks, forehead, and chin areas, and feel the scent for about 3 seconds. * Relax your body and mind through the Sleepscent™.
3. Gently spread over the face from inner part to outer part along the skin texture. 4. Go to sleep after absorption without rinsing off. (Wash face in the next morning)

* Use once or twice a week.
* Apply more than recommended amount when your skin is particularly dry.
* Open the cap and breathe in the scent of Water Sleeping Pac_EX about 5 seconds before use when you feel a heavy stress.
* Apply to neck area for neck care.

score: 9/10
website: http://www.laneige.com.sg/product/detail.jsp?prdtCd=214157002

Sulwhasoo Snowise EX Whitening Serum Review

A brightening serum that rejuvenates skin exhausted from the heat for bright complexion.

Lately I discovered my freckles getting more and more prominent due to exposure to the sun... they were obvious to the point that they would appear in my pictures... I have heard of Sulwhasoo's Whitening Serum, (and I was finishing off my serum) so I decided to give it a try.

In 2 weeks time, I have already noticed a difference, I have felt my freckles disappearing (freckles caused by skin; I am naturally freckled, those freckles did not disappear, instead, they became a lighter shade) and the skin on my face was much "brighter"

Impressions:

• smells like citrus fruits (lightly scented)
• absorbs very quickly
• you will need a good moisturizing mask to avoid dehydrated skin
• works and definitely "brightened" "whitened my freckles (cause by sun "damage")

A brightening serum formulated with traditional Korean herbs rejuvenates skin exhausted from the heat improving its healthy glow and bright complexion.

Product Description (from Sulwhasoo website)

• Snowise Tri-White ComplexTM helps to enhance circulation and resilience reduced by heat for a clearly bright complexion.
• Absorbs refreshingly without stickiness and supplies energy and moisture to your skin for revitalized and transparent skin.

Sulwhasoo claims that the serum does not "bleach" your skin, instead, it puts nutrients in your skin, stimulating the cells and allowing them to give off a natural glow. Pigmented skin like freckles are a few shades lighter.

a little goes a long way... a bottle can last for 5-6 months... all you need is 1-1.5 pump each time.

Keep in mind, that serums are used to provide nutrients, and this serum targets brightening your skin and blemishes, if you have dry skin please remember to use masks and moisturizers to avoid having dry dehydrated skin.

score: 9.5/10
website: http://www.sulwhasoo.com/product/detail.jsp?prdtCd=213028002


also... if you are interested, please check out my personal blog and follow me around Tokyo :)

Laneige Water Bank Essence Review

photo credits: Laneige website

Laneige Water Bank Essence's slogan:
Long lasting hydration essence that provides clear and moist skin

Suitable for:  all skin types

What Laneige says: 

photo credits: Laneige website

text: "Twice stronger 24-hour moisturization keeps skin from dryness and dullness and ample moisture from Natural Moisturizing Factors smoothes and energizes rough skin. Mineral Water in Water Bank regenerates the skin and fills inside the skin with ample moisture."

(take note that Essence is the same as Serum, you can review my article about Softeners, Essences and Emulsions are)

Laneige has a good reputation of carrying amazing skin products, however, this Essence (or Serum) is definitely not one of my favourites. I found the essence to be extremely mediocre and average. I was really excited during the first 2 days of using this product as it really indeed helped my skin's condition: it made it more pump and felt slightly hydrated, though it didn't last for 24 hours, only 2-3 hours.

I seriously do not know what went wrong after because after those 2 days, it no longer helped my skin condition... sometimes (during summer) it maintained the condition but it did not hydrate nor moisten it.

photo credits: Laneige website

impressions:

• really nice packaging (glass)
• product (the essence) is very average
• easily absorbed by skin
• did not fulfill claims
• smells really nice (really refreshing but not too strong, scent goes away after a minute of applying product (probably "Ocean" scent)
• seems to "work" better during Summer

photo credits: Laneige website

Directions (provided by Laneige):
1. After using the emulsion, release about a hazelnut-sized amount.
2. Gently spread from the center of the face towards the contours.
3. Cover the entire face with both hands to enhance penetration.


The serum did not help my skin on harsh cold, dry climates at all. Since I was left with so much product, I use this on days I feel my skin is "ok" (meaning, it does not have a need to moisturize), I feel it would "maintain" that fine skin for a few hours... but if I really need to moisturize, I would definitely choose another serum/essence.

score: 6.5/10
website: http://www.laneige.com.sg/product/detail.jsp?prdtCd=214150001