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

Zojirushi NS-LHC05 rice cooker review

Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-LHC05

I never thought much about rice; it has always been just a simple side dish. But after trying the Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-LHC05, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer. 

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This model, priced at $210 CAD ($180 USD), is a noticeable jump from your standard rice cookers that run around $130. But after just one use, I realized it was worth every penny. I’m so glad I made the investment.

For those who, like me, always thought “rice is rice,” here’s what changed my mind:

Subtly Sweet Flavour: The rice has a natural sweetness I never knew rice could have. It’s not sugary, but there’s a gentle, rice-derived sweetness that makes even plain white rice incredibly satisfying.

Perfectly Distinct Grains: Unlike other cookers that steam and mush the rice together, this one cooks each grain to perfection. You can feel and taste every individual piece—nothing is clumped or overly sticky.

Chewy, Mochi-Mochi Texture: The rice has the ideal “mochi mochi” texture—chewy, soft, and fluffy, yet firm enough to hold its structure. It feels both comforting and gourmet.

Consistent Results: Each batch turns out just right, as long as you follow the instructions closely. The rice-to-water ratio is key, and getting it right makes all the difference in texture and flavour.

The Experience: I used to think of rice as just a filler, but now it’s the centrepiece of my meal. Sometimes, I even eat it plain to savour the taste and texture. This rice cooker didn’t just upgrade my cooking—it changed how I experience rice altogether.

Downsides: The cooking time is a bit long—about 59 minutes for one cup of rice. However, the quick-cook setting still delivers a great result. It's also important to follow the manual’s instructions carefully, especially with the rice-to-water ratio. Small changes can make a big difference.

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Other Features:

Aside from the standout performance, there are a few other features of the Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker that make it incredibly convenient:

• Microcomputerized Fuzzy Logic Technology: This smart technology allows the rice cooker to make minor adjustments to temperature and cooking time based on the type of rice and conditions. It takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures consistently excellent results—even if your measurements aren’t perfect.

• Easy-to-Clean Components: Most of the parts of this rice cooker can be removed for a thorough cleaning, which is a huge plus for maintenance and hygiene.

• Retractable Electric Cord: The retractable power cord is a fantastic space-saving feature, making storage much easier when the cooker is not in use.

• Rice Spatula Nooks: Conveniently placed nooks on both sides of the cooker provide a spot for storing your rice spatula, keeping it within easy reach while maintaining a tidy kitchen.

• Clock Works Unplugged: Even when unplugged, the clock continues to run, so you don’t have to reset it every time you store the rice cooker. It’s a small but thoughtful feature that adds to the overall ease of use.

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Final Verdict:

This rice cooker has completely transformed my view of rice. It’s no longer just a side dish but the highlight of every meal. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the investment, the answer is a resounding yes. Whether you’re a rice lover or just want to elevate your everyday meals, this Zojirushi rice cooker is a purchase you won’t regret.

Score: 9.8/10
Website: https://shop.zojirushi.com/products/nslhc?srsltid=AfmBOoovV9eTikQbqlscyxMnFhzrPF3921SQSzrdrtZy7axqa8GymzMX

Verilux Happy Light Touch short review

One of my besties at work recommended I try out one of these light therapy lamps after I told her about my dreaded Winter Blues as the winter season approaches. She read about them and said that not only do they enhance and uplift your mood, but they also brighten your skin (naturally).

After hearing about the research and being desperate to not have to endure another sad and depressing winter, I bought it to try.

Before I continue the review, I want to emphasize how easy it is to turn on this lamp. It is like turning on an iPad: just press a small flat button in the upper right corner, and it turns on. Ever since having this lamp, I usually use it as my light source instead of my night lamp because it is easy to turn on and off. Despite how bright it is, I still prefer it over my lamp. 

I keep this beside my bed, so I can easily access it. (For the benefits and as a source of light)

off with 

This lamp is incredibly BRIGHT! The moment I turn it on, all I see is light, and it is powerful enough to illuminate my entire room. It offers two light settings: daylight and warm light. I personally prefer the daylight setting because it’s noticeably brighter. Additionally, there are three brightness levels, and I always set it to the brightest for maximum effect.

The buttons are conveniently located at the front of the lamp, making them easily accessible. A gentle touch is all it takes to switch between settings, which I find both practical and user-friendly.

on in an unlit room

It’s still "early" winter, and the winter blues haven’t officially kicked in yet (they usually settle in after Christmas and New Year), but I’ve already noticed my body craving light on darker, gloomier days.

Tilting Angle:

My only complaint is that the angle of the lamp cannot be adjusted, which limits flexibility in positioning. Other than that, I haven’t come across any other drawbacks.

size against my iPad Mini 5 (please excuse the mess in the background #postChristmasmess)

UPDATE:
Today was a gloomy, and snowy day, perfect for giving the lamp a proper test. And let me tell you... I LOVE IT! It works! I followed the instructions, positioning it at a 10 o’clock angle towards my face for 20 minutes. That’s all it took to lift my mood and brighten my day.

I am so glad I made this small investment—it has already proven incredibly rewarding. Not only does it help brighten my space on gloomy days, but it also uplifts my mood and keeps me feeling more energized. It’s a simple yet effective way to combat the winter blues, and I can already feel the positive impact it’s having on my overall well-being. I can confidently say this was a purchase worth making, and I look forward to continuing to reap its benefits throughout the darker winter months.

Score: 9.810
Website: https://verilux.com/products/new-happylight-touch?srsltid=AfmBOooP6YibqQHBGVpXCBvpeoEPGiE73fqEhcTvtfnHFYa8yfyQbPWa

Candle Warmer/Candle Lamp review

Candle warmer

After much consideration and research, I finally invested in a Candle Warmer/Candle Lamp, and I’m really enjoying it! I’m especially thankful that I found one I like during this season of great sales—because who doesn’t love a good deal? 😄

Here’s my take on the pros and cons:

Pros:

• No soot: Unlike traditional candle burning, the warmer eliminates black soot buildup, keeping the air and candle jars clean.
• No smoke or soot from extinguishing the candle ensures a cleaner and more pleasant experience.
• Enhanced fragrance: The warmer melts the candle evenly, releasing a stronger and more consistent aroma throughout the room.
• Quiet: It’s completely quiet—there are no crackling wicks or background noise, making it perfect for peaceful relaxation.
• Timer feature: This prevents over-melting your candle and helps conserve its lifespan. (mine's come with 2hour, 4hours and 8hour settings)
• Control over melting speed: With adjustable light intensity, you can control how fast or slow you want the candle to melt. (mine's has 3 settings)
• Safe and fire-free: No flames mean no worries about fire hazards! You can enjoy the ambiance of your candle without the risks of working with an open flame.
• Heats evenly—unlike candles that rely on properly placed wicks, warmers melt the wax evenly. Say goodbye to candle tunnelling!

Cons:

• No "burnt candle" scent: If you love the slightly smoky scent that comes from burning candles, this might feel like a missing piece.
• No sound: While the quiet operation is a pro for some, others may miss the ambient crackling sound of a candle wick burning.
• Requires a container to hold the wax—standalone candles can drip wax onto the base without one.
• Not ideal for every candle type: Some candles with a lower concentration of fragrance oils might not release much scent when melted on a warmer. This could lead to a less aromatic payoff.
• Requires a power source: Unlike traditional candles, which can be placed anywhere, a candle warmer needs to be plugged in, limiting where it can be used.
• Limited ambiance: While it’s great for releasing fragrance, a candle warmer lacks the warm, flickering glow of a lit candle that creates a cozy atmosphere.

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Candle warmers don't burn the wick, I used a pre burned candle here

What to Look for in a Candle Warmer/Lamp

After extensive research, I realized that not all candle warmers are created equal. There are several types out there, and selecting the right one can be a bit overwhelming. Based on my experience, here are the key features I think are worth considering:

1. Timer Feature:
   Look for a lamp with a built-in timer to prevent over-melting your candle. It ensures you don’t waste wax and allows you to safely “set it and forget it.”

2. Adjustable Height:
   This is especially useful to accommodate candles of varying sizes—whether it’s a large jar candle or a smaller one.

3. Sturdy Base:
   Stability is key! A sturdy base will prevent your candle from toppling over and causing potential accidents. Candle Warmers will liquify your wax, so it is extremely important to have one that is stable, solid and well-built.

4. Adjustable Light Intensity:
   Having control over the strength of the light allows you to customize how much of the candle you want to melt, giving you the ability to stretch the candle's lifespan and adjust the fragrance release.

5. High-Quality Materials:
   Opt for a warmer made from glass, wood, or metal. These materials are safer as they don’t overheat or pose fire risks like some plastic components might.

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Investing in a Candle Warmer/Candle Lamp has genuinely been a game-changer for how I enjoy my candles. While there are a couple of small trade-offs, the benefits far outweigh them, especially if you value cleaner air, stronger scents, and a more controlled way to enjoy your candles.

If you’re a candle lover like me, I highly recommend exploring your options and finding one that works for you! You just might fall in love with the experience too. 😊

Score: 10/10
Website: Amazon has the best selection available.

COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser review

I never paid much attention to the ingredients in facial cleansers, as long as they effectively clean the skin without harmful components, I was content.

My confusion peaked when I decided to try the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser. I couldn't fathom why snail mucin was necessary in a cleanser, especially one that remains on my face for less than a minute, primarily designed to cleanse the skin.

Initially dismissing it as a gimmick, my perception shifted after the first use. COSRX successfully convinced me of the importance of incorporating moisturization ingredients into the cleansing process.

Enriched with Snail Mucin, this cleanser not only eliminates impurities from the skin but also provides nourishment and moisture.

directions and info

Directions:

1. Gently massage the cleanser on wet skin. 
2. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water.

Caution:

For external use only. Do not get into the eyes.

Google Translated the Korean text

impressions:

• it is a bit slimy (similar to the all-in-one cream)
• it cleans my face but my skin feels so moist and clean!
• my skin is so soft and smooth!
• I love this!

So... this snail mucin gel cleanser is amazing. It is hard to go back to other regular facial cleansers (unless I am looking for deep cleaning).

My skin is gently cleaned, and it is moisturized. (this small container lasted me 2 weeks). I will definitely be purchasing the full size.

score: 10/10
website: https://www.cosrx.com/collections/snail-mucin/products/advanced-snail-mucin-gel-cleanser

Kirkland's Cinnamon Danish Rolls short review

Cinnamon Danish Rolls

It has been a while since I saw a YouTube video raving about Kirkland's Cinnamon Danish Rolls (found at Costco). After eagerly waiting for them to arrive at my local Costco, I was finally able to get my hands on them!

Appearance:

When I first saw them, I must admit, I was a bit skeptical. The rolls didn't look as appetizing as I had imagined—they appeared slightly dry and looked unappetizing. Nevertheless, I decided to give them a try.

The pictures you see here don't do these cinnamon rolls any justice... they look small and regular-sized in the pictures... but in reality, they are bigger than the size of my palm. 

Taste:

The Cream Cheese (or frosting or icing) is quite sweet, so I found it best to heat them up before enjoying them. Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference. Heating the rolls not only melts the cream cheese/frosting/icing, allowing it to coat the cinnamon rolls better but it also reduces the concentrated sugary taste, but it also makes the outer shell crispy and gives it a creamy, buttery, and aromatic flavourful interior.

Impressions:

• must be heated (in an oven... or if you don't have one, in a microwave)
• Cream Cheese/frosting/icing is very sweet (make sure it is melted before you eat it)
• (after you warm it in an oven) the outside is super crispy and the inside is very creamy
• it has the exact amount of cinnamon sugar inside

To truly savour these rolls, I highly recommend heating them, either in an oven or a microwave. This way, the cream cheese/frosting/icing is melted. Once warmed, you'll experience a delightful contrast between the super crispy exterior and the creamy interior. The cinnamon sugar is perfectly balanced, creating a delightful taste.

Cinnamon Danish Rolls

Comparison:

I hate to make comparisons, but these cinnamon rolls actually taste better than the ones I've had at Tokyo's Starbucks, which is renowned for its cinnamon rolls in Asia. Firstly, these rolls are larger than the ones offered at Starbucks. Secondly, they possess a stronger cinnamon sugar taste. And lastly, they have a wonderful texture with a crispy exterior and a warm, creamy interior, unlike Starbucks' cinnamon rolls which maintain the same texture throughout.

Verdict:

If it's not already obvious, I absolutely LOVE these cinnamon rolls! My family devoured them in just two days, which is a record considering their generous size. Even my dad, who isn't usually a fan of cinnamon, couldn't resist finishing them.

However, it's important to note that each roll contains 410 calories, which is something to consider. Despite the calorie count, if you're a fan of cinnamon rolls, I highly, highly recommend giving these a try. They strike the perfect balance with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar, and the Danish pastry provides a delightful crispy exterior and a luxuriously creamy interior.

score: 9.9/10 (deducted 0.1 for the high calorie count)

website: no website available

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream review

This is one of Kiehl's best sellers and I can see why. I am currently on my fifth jar and it is one of my favourite products. It is one of my holy grails.

There was a time I used a wrong product and my skin stung and was reacting badly. The moment I applied this facial cream, my skin immediately calmed and the stinging was gone. That is how good this product is.

This isn't only for those emergencies in need of lifesaver moments, it serves as an amazing product for daily use.

I use it on a daily basis and it has improved the condition of my skin significantly.

Product details

Price: $76 CAD for 125ml

key ingredients: Glacial Glycoprotein and Squalane

Glacial Glycoprotein

This ingredient is notable for its ability to thrive in extreme climates as it is derived from sea glaciers.  It is known to deeply hydrate, protect, and help prevent water loss from the skin. This diminishes signs of aging and retains the skin's firmness. 

Squalane

Squalane is a highly refined moisturizing oil derived from olives known for its exceptional affinity to skin. This helps restore essential lipids in the skin and protect against moisture loss.

impressions:

• very hydrating
• very "creamy"
• no scent
• works as an immediate relief as well as a long term care product
• fixed my skin barrier issues
• suitable for super-sensitive skin
• protects and restores skin barrier

cream's consistency

I am extremely impressed with this facial cream. it was love at first use and I haven't bothered to go look for other moisturizers (the only one I am interested in is the overnight mask version of this product which I plan to try and review a bit later). 

For daily use, it only takes an hour or so for my skin to reveal and recognize how good this product is. The first time I used this product, it felt as though I had previously soaked my skin in water and the layer "underneath the surface of my skin" felt very hydrated and moisturized. When I touch my skin, I could feel a bit of a watery protection layer cushioning and protecting the skin underneath my skin.

I am not a fan of slabbing creamy textured products on my dehydrated skin but every time I do, this product does not disappoint.

It has fixed my problematic skin barrier issues and has made it stronger and less susceptible to harsh dry and cold weather and climate. 

Score: 10/10

Website: https://www.kiehls.ca/en/skincare/view-all-skincare/ultra-facial-cream/622.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsCgBhDEARIsAE7RYh1kCP1B8X1kBK5Az4170a7dHBJe-Z6xc8MsNGnuxvAucoDNy6JQrxcaAo6ZEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#start=4&cgid=face-moisturizers

Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil review

I have been using this face oil for over 4 years and I feel confident enough to give a review. This is my absolute favourite facial oil! It only takes 2-3 drops (depending on the season, summer or winter) at bedtime to make my skin feel plump the next day.

It is possibly one of the very few oils that my skin likes and gladly absorbs.

Price:

It costs $60 USD (¥7000 JPY) for 60ml of the product (but it is worth every penny).

One bottle lasts 9 months - 14 months.

What it does

It deeply moisturizes your skin and provides hydration to dry skin.

• Addresses signs of moisture loss 

• Addresses signs of uneven skin tone

Scent and Feel

This oil feels thicker than other oils and has a very light organic essential oil aroma.

Description

It is a luxurious treatment oil that deeply nourishes and balances your skin while protecting it from moisture loss. 

For those who might not know, Jurlique is an Australian cosmetics manufacturer that specializes in organic natural botanical-based skincare and cosmetics.

Like most of their products, this face oil uses ingredients that are farm grown.

Some of the main oils contained in this oil are:

Rose Hip Oil, Safflower, Macadamia and Avocado Oils. These are chosen to provide intense nourishment to the skin. 

List of ingredients

Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Macadamia ternifolia Seed Oil, Rosa canina Fruit Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) Butter, Oenothera biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Glycine soja (Soybean) Oil, Chamomilla recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Calendula officinalis Flower Extract, Althaea officinalis Root Extract, Rosa gallica Flower Extract, Bellis perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract, Echinacea purpurea Root Extract, Viola odorata Flower/Leaf Extract, Viola tricolor Extract, Symphytum officinale Root Extract, Daucus carota sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Tocopherol, Retinyl Palmitate, Beta-Carotene, Fragrance (Parfum), Arachis hypogaea (Peanut) Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Eugenol, Isoeugenol, Citral, Benzyl Benzoate, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Farnesol

How to use

This oil is flexible and can be used by itself (2-3 drops) or mixed (2 drops) with a moisturizer to enhance its hydration effects. 

This should be the last step of your skincare routine.

using the oil by itself

1. Dispense 2-3 drops onto fingertips

2. Gently press onto the face, neck and décolletage until absorbed. 

Since this oil is very saturated, you only need to use this once per day. You can choose to use it in the morning or at night. I prefer nighttime as it gives my skin enough time to absorb the product and it protects my skin from the dry air at night. 

with a moisturizer

1. mix a few drops with your moisturizer 

2. apply to the face as you normally apply your moisturizer. 

A little goes a long way

As I mentioned earlier (which is also suggested by Jurlique) that this oil should only be used once a day. I got greedy when I first started, thinking the more I use it, the better, and used it twice a day. It ended up giving my skin too much moisture and hydration and I started developing weird bumps all over my face. Don't make the same mistake I made :)

And only use 2-3 drops max, your skin only needs that much. In the beginning, I used more drops than I should and my skin had a difficult time absorbing it. It ended up stressing my skin and my skin refused to absorb it. This oil is thicker than most facial oils, and 2-3 drops is more than enough to be partially absorbed and partially comfortably sit on the surface of your skin. 

Also, adding too many drops will melt the foundation and other products on your face. So only use max 3 drops!

Score: 9.5/10 

Website: https://jurlique.com/products/skin-balancing-face-oil

Paula's Choice Hydrating Treatment Mask review

 

I came across this "mask" while I was on their website to refill on more of their popular leave-on exfoliant. 

My skin has been quite dry lately and since I am very impressed with their exfoliate I decided to give this mask a try. I haven't heard of it prior and there seems to be no mention of this product from other skincare specialists. 

This is a hydrating treatment mask that contains Borage oil. According to stylist.co.uk, "Borage oil treats all kinds of skin inflammation including eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea. It is also good if your skin feels dry as it is calming, nourishing, and redness-erasing prowess. It's also useful in helping calm acne and it's lighter than many other oils so won't leave your face feeling greasy."

This mask claims to hydrate dry, flaky skin, fortifies the protective moisture barrier, and calms and soothes sensitive skin. It is listed under their "Skin Recovery". Paula's Choice also recommends it as a good hand hydrating mask (but I didn't/haven't feel/felt the benefits of it).

Directions 

Use on clean skin. Apply a generous layer all over the face and neck. Leave on overnight as your last step in your skincare routine. Use as often as needed.

I have been using this mask (sometimes I use it as a moisturizer and almost every night as a leave-on mask) for almost 4 months and I love it!

Impressions:

• affordable
• calming
• your skin needs to adjust to the texture
• it hydrates your dry skin!
• can be used as a moisturizer/eye cream
• long-lasting (effects last for hours)
• Use around 1 cm of product for the whole face
• very thick, leave-on mask but light-weight (skin absorbs every bit of product)
• no irritation
• softens skin, soothes skin
• non-greasy

When I first started using this mask, my skin felt uncomfortable with the thickness and consistency, it took around 2 weeks till my skin was able to adjust and became comfortable with the consistency and properly absorbed the product. 

I noticed it would dry out some smaller pimples and acne within 1-2 uses.  I use it as an overnight leave-on mask, and my skin feels very plump and hydrated the next day. There was a tiny wrinkle on my skin (prior to using this mask) and this mask took it out within 2-3 uses!

I have super sensitive skin and this mask/cream did not cause any issues. There was absolutely no irritation, but my skin had to adjust to the thickness of "learning how to absorb it properly". 

I am super happy I found this product and it is also one of Paula's Choice's more affordable products.

Score: 10/10
Website: https://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-recovery-hydrating-treatment-mask/280.html

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

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant review

Known as the holy grail for most skincare enthusiasts, and perhaps the product that got you to research and know about Paula's Choice, this Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, leave on skin exfoliant is one of the best skin care products you can get for your skin. 

I am no less, but also in the same boat. I have not heard of Paul's Choice till this product. It is listed as step three (There are five steps: 1. Cleanse, 2. Tone, 3. Exfoliate, 4. Treat, and 5. Moisturize) so this is step is placed after your toner and before your serum. 

 Impressions:

• no scent, but there is a very very light acidic smell
• leaves your T-zone (and any part of the oilier areas of your face) oily
• makes your skin very very soft (since it is an exfoliant)
• must use twice a day (to see and maintain results)
• causes your more sensitive skin (e.g. acne-prone, eczema, etc) with a slightly uncomfortable irritating tingly feeling
• consistency is slightly thicker than water, a bit similar to toners
• they recommended using this on the face and neck, but I didn't feel any significant changes to the skin on my neck after using it for 2 weeks...

I love this product! My skin loves it... and I saw visible results within days of using it. Please be aware that your more sensitive skin (acne areas, eczema, and thinner skin areas) will have a slightly irritating tingly feeling (but that should go away within a few minutes). Also, be aware that it will leave the oilier parts of your face (e.g. t-zone area) much oilier. The oiliness doesn't produce acne or anything concerning, it just looks very shiny.

Make sure you use this product twice a day to see results... there were days where I only used it once and my skin did not see as good results (as in, my skin wasn't as smooth as it would have been if I had used it twice a day).

Also, since you are exfoliating your skin, it will definitely be more sensitive to the sun, so if you are using this in the daytime, make sure to follow up with a moisturizer and some sunscreen.

score: 9.5/10
website: https://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-perfecting-2pct-bha-liquid-exfoliant/201.html

Kiehl's Skin Rescuer review

If you are ever looking for a product which fixes your skin after 2 uses (fix=rescue from dryness, redness, itchiness, etc) then this is my highly recommended product! I always end up using this product (every single winter) after failed attempts with other products. It has not failed me so far.

I have been using this product for 2+ years already, and it has saved my skin in two countries, Japan and Canada. 

Product Description:

All Skin Types, including Sensitive Skin A lightweight, daily moisturizer for stressed skin.

Infused with Rosa Gallica Botanical Extract, Mannose and Chamomile, our ultra-light hydrator helps reduce visible signs of stress while delivering all-day hydration for a fresh, radiant and even skin tone. Instantly comfort skin with our daily moisturizer for stressed skin.

Helps diminish visible signs of stressed skin including skin redness and fatigue Instantly comforts skin and helps repair skin’s barrier, leaving it less susceptible to the effects of daily stressors Delivers all-day hydration for well-balanced, healthy-looking skin For stressed and sensitive skin

List of Ingredients:

Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Propanediol, Undecane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter/Shea Butter, Tridecane, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-20 Stearate, Mannose, Lauroyl Lysine, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ammon ium Polyacryldimethyltauramide/ Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Tocopherol, P-Anisic Acid, Ectoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Xanthan Gum, Ceteareth-25, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Rosa Gallica Extract/Rosa Gallica Flower Extract, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Ceramide NP, Behenic Acid, Cholesterol, Ceramide NS, Chamomilla Recutita Extract/ Matricaria Flower Extract, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide EOS, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide

(The bolded tests are the key ingredients that differentiated this product from others)

1. Mannose is a sugar sourced from wood pump or Birch and Maple trees which help fortify and protect skin making it less susceptible to daily stress
2. Rosa Gallica Botanical Extract helps minimize skin's visible response to stress
3. Chamomile soothes and comforts the skin

impressions:

• definitely on the pricier side, but it is worth it
• no artificial scents
• very thick (my ever first break-in to product consists 47-50 pumps before I see product)
• two-three pumps is all it takes to cover the whole face
• works well with sensitive skin (no irritations so far)
• lightweight, in a sense your skin absorbs every bit of the product so you don't feel it
• it works well alone (no need for additional products, e.g. serums, oils, moisturizers, toners, etc)
• you don't have to use it every day
• results are long lasting
• does not irritate eyes

Verdict:

As stated, this is my all-time favourite product, It does such a good job, you can apply it with or without other products so it is a great product to travel with. It is a thick cream but at the same time, lightweight since your skin will absorb all the product, there is also no weird or overwhelming scent. 

score: 9.9/10

website: https://www.kiehls.ca/en/skin-concerns/lifting-and-firming/skin-rescuer/1327.html

Anna Sui nail polish review

These are NOT Anna Sui nail polishes

Over the years I have accumulated over 400 bottles of nail polish (no pictures... since they are scattered around... and some are in Japan and some in Toronto)

I always thought OPI was a trustworthy brand but after a terrible experience with their Top Coat I concluded that not all OPI products are good.

Anna Sui 709 - Made in Japan

However, not to be pessimistic. There is one go to brand I would always go back to... Anna Sui. I have started using Anna Sui nail polishes since university (back in 2008) and never had a single complaint.

Pros

• no nail polish smell (has a nice subtle floral scent - the Anna Sui signature floral scent)
• thin layer yet very pigmented
• long lasting on nails (I can go on for about 2-3 weeks before I find a chip)
• affordable (compared to other similar brands)
• fast drying (takes less than 10 minutes for the first coat to dry)
• one coat is usually enough
• ever swipe puts on an appropriate amount of glitter and sparkles

Cons

• lack of colour choice
• extremely hard to remove from nails

one layer

you can see how watery the consistency is which makes it so easy to apply. The brush is very standard but it does a nice job picking up the glitters and polish and spreading it evenly on your nails.

score: 9.8/10

website: https://annasui.com/collections/nails

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