REVIEW: DOLLY WINK CREAM EYE SHADOW 01 GOLD

I rarely wear eye shadows and when I do, I tend to go for sheer silver or gold shades. Dolly Wink eyeshadows seem to receive a lot of love, so I decide to try the Cream Eye Shadow in 01 Gold.

Price: HK$92

My opinion: It's a very sheer and natural-looking gold color which can be worn both day and night. Due to its creamy texture, I find that the best way to apply it is using the finger. It is non-irritating and long-lasting. Once I put it on, it'll stay there until I remove it (It can be removed quite easily, too!). Since it's very sheer, it can hardly be seen in photos, except for close-ups. However, the deal breaker is that it creases so badly on my eyelids, even though I put powder on beforehand. This is how it looks like on my lids:

Pros:

- Pretty and natural color

- Can be used both day and night

- Long-lasting

- Non-irritating

- Easy to remove

Cons:

- Hard to see in photos

- Crease on eyelids 

Repurchase?: No. I wanna try a powder eyeshadow next.

REVIEW: HADA LABO AHA+BHA EXFOLIATING FACE WASH

I really had bad luck with cleansers last year. I went through a series of super harsh cleansers, starting with Tonymoly Clean Dew Tea Tree Seed Foam Cleanser and Tonymoly Clean Dew Olive Seed Foam Cleanser, following up with It's Skin Skin Healthening 5 Cereals Cleansing Foam and It's Skin Skin Moistening 5 Flowers Cleansing Foam. I was determined to find a gentle yet effective cleanser, and after doing some research, I settled on Hada Labo AHA + BHA Exfoliating Face Wash.

(Click on images to see description, directions and ingredients)

Price: SGD$12.90

My opinion: Despite all the research I'd done, I was a little bit nervous at first because, come on, how could a self-claimed exfoliating face wash be gentle? Well, I couldn't be more wrong. I used it for the first time when my skin was damaged because of Tonymoly Pore Cleansing Brush and it didn't dry out my skin or irritate it in any ways! Instead, my skin felt smooth and looked brighter! It was gentle enough to be used twice a day. I didn't see any exfoliating effects, even though it contained alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It did, however, helped my acnes heal faster, possibly thanks to the salicylic acid (aka BHA - beta hydroxy acid) in it. One tube lasted 3 months with daily usage, which was quite good considering the price. If you decide to use this cleanser, make sure to use a sunscreen when you go out because the exfoliating ingredients (AHA and BHA) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. I used Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super+ Beblesh Balm as my sun protection and it worked well enough.

Pros:

- Affordable

- Free of fragrances, alcohol, mineral oil, colorant and SLS

- Gentle

- Help heal acnes

Cons:

- Contain paraben

- Make skin more sensitive to the sun

Repurchase?: Yes but not immediately because I think I like Shiseido Perfect Whip Foam more.

REVIEW: TONYMOLY CHANGING U MAGIC MASK SHEET BOX

Last year, I went through a sheet mask-crazed phase, so when Tonymoly released the Changing U Magic Mask Sheet Box, I grabbed one up instantly :)

(Source: tonymolyvn.com.vn)

DESCRIPTION: Steps that can transform an average-looking woman into an attractive lady. Transform to the smooth skin that shines brightly through far distance.

DIRECTIONS: Tear open and apply to face. Leave on for 20-30 minutes and then remove.

VOLUME: 18ml per sheet.

PRICE: 223,000 VND (about US$10.48)

REVIEW: This cute pink box contains 7 masks which cater different skin needs. I love the designs and colors of each one and I think this could be a great gifts for friends who love pampering themselves. They fit my face perfectly and don't irritate my skin in any ways. They all give me the same results: my face is brighter, smoother and more moisturized after using them, but the effects only last for 2 hours. Now I'll go into detailed reviews for each one of them.

- Black Pearl Mask: Brightening mask sheet with black pearl

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Pearl Extract, Paeonia Suttrulicosa Root Extract, Chlorela Vulgaris Extract, Sea Cucumber Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rosa Canina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
• My opinion: True to its name, this one is the most brightening mask out of the bunch. However, it pales in comparison with Tonymoly Natural Pulp Essence Sheet Mask Pearl, possibly because the latter contains more essence (21ml). Having said that, I think Black Pearl Mask is probably my favorite in this box.

- Hyaluronic Acid Mask: Moisture mask sheet with hyaluronic acid

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hamamelis Virginia (witch hazel) Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Porutuiaca Oleracea Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rose Canina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
• My opinion: Even though it contains hyaluronic acid, it doesn't moisturize my skin any better than the other 6. It's also the stickiest among all the masks. 

 - Red Wine Mask: Firming mask sheet with red wine

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Wine Extract, Citrus Paradsi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Allantoin, Panthnol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rosa Canina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
• My opinion: This one does smell vaguely of wine, but it doesn't bother me. I don't see any firming effects, but then again, I don't have mature skin. It's just a regular moisturizing and brightening mask for me.

- Tea Tree Mask: Skin soothing mask sheet with tea tree

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Mentha Rotundfolia Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Allantonin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rosa Carina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glycryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparabel, Phenoxyethanol
• My opinion: This mask has a strong tea tree scent. Although it contains tea tree oil, it has no effects whatsoever on my acnes. There's nothing special about it really.

- Green Apple Mask: Pore mask sheet with green apple

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustlolium (Blueberry) Fruit extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rose Canina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
• My opinion: I generally love apple scent, but this mask smells like sweet apple candies, which doesn't appeal to me at all. It does have a pore tightening effect, but it goes away after 30 minutes.

- Royal Jelly Mask: Nutrition mask sheet with royal jelly

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustlolium (Blueberry) Fruit extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rose Canina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
• My opinion: This mask smells like honey and feels very sticky to the touch, possibly even more than the hyaluronic acid. I didn't actually use this because I gave it to my mom. She said that it itched her face a little bit but didn't actually irritate her skin. When she took it off, I could see that her skin looked brighter, smoother and felt more moisturized. There were no lifting or firming effects though.

- Bird Nest Mask: Skin purifying mask sheet with royal jelly

• Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Swiftlet Nest Extract, Paeonia Sulfruitcosa Fruit Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rose Canina Flower Oil, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Onsen-Sui, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
• My opinion: I can't see any special benefits after using this mask apart from the regular brightening and moisturizing effects. 

PROS: 

- Affordable

- Cute packaging

- Relaxing and fun to use

- Moisturizing and brightening

- Non-irritating

CONS:

- Temporary effects

- Contain paraben

REPURCHASE?: No. I rarely use sheet masks nowadays because their effects aren't long-lasting and I prefer to invest in serums that can give me long-term effects. Besides, I have loads of freebie masks as GWP.  

REVIEW: THE FACE SHOP ARSAINTE ECO-THERAPY CRYSTAL WATER SUPER GEL

As you may know from my previous posts, last summer my skin was severely dried out because of Tonymoly Pore Cleansing Brush. During that horrible time, I tried out various moisturizers in hopes of helping my skin recover, and The Face Shop Arsainte Eco-therapy Crystal Water Super Gel was one of them.

Description: Containing 1,000mg of Iceberg Water from Newfoundland, Canada and 1,000mg of Phyto-Hyaluronic acid water. 

• 7-free formula (free of paraben, benzophenone, artificial coloring, sulfate, mineral oil, animal-sourced ingredients, and thiethanolamine)
• Dermatologist-tested
• No animal ingredients
• Respect the environment

Directions: After using toner and emulsion, dispense an adequate amount and apply evenly to the skin in an outward direction. (For better cooling and soothing effect, recommend to keep it in the fridge)

Ingredients: water, SD alcohol 40-B, dimethicone, PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer, betane, trehalose, glycerin, dipropylene glycol, bis-PEG-18 methyl ether dimethyl slane, PEG-32, 12-hexanediol, sodium hyaluronate (10mg), panthenol, ammonium acryloldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, citrus paradisi (grapefruit) fruit extract, fragrance, benzyl benzoate, citronellol, geranol, limonene, linaldol, potassium hyrdoxide, xanthan gum, synthetic fluorphlogorite, titanium dioxide (CI 77891), xylitol, tin oxide (CI 77891) 

Size: 100ml

Price: 729,000 VND (about US$34.55), but I got a 10% discount on my birthday.

My opinion: I love the packaging, especially the snow pattern on the lid ^^ I still keep the jar even though I've used it all up. The first time I used this, it absorbed quickly, leaving my skin feeling smooth and moisturized. However, the effects were gone as soon as I washed my face the next morning. Things started going downhill from there as this gel somehow made my skin dehydrated every single time I applied it! I stopped using it after a few days and waited until my skin recovered completely to try it again, and it still dried my skin out! I tried putting it in the fridge, but it only made the gel cooler and didn't improve the moisturizing property one bit. I also didn't notice any improvements in terms of skin tone and skin texture. It didn't clog my pores or break me out though. I finally gave up and used it as a body lotion. It worked quite well that way, but who wants to spend over US$30 for a body moisturizer? In my opinion, the reason why this gel is so drying even though it contains hyaluronic acid is that it has denatured alcohol as the 2nd ingredient. 

Pros:

- Beautiful packaging

- 7-free formula

- Absorb quickly 

- Non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic

- Cooling effect

Cons:

- Drying

- Zero skin improvement 

- Pricy

- Contain denatured alcohol

Repurchase?: Never again!

REVIEW: JUJU AQUAMOIST C WHITENING LOTION AND WHITENING ESSENCE

I've always been curious about Juju Aquamoist because of the positive reviews all over the Internet, so last summer, I decided to purchase Juju Aquamoist C Whitening Lotion and Juju Aquamoist C Whitening Essence.

(Source: juju.co.jp/eng)

Juju Aquamoist Whitening C Lotion: This product is a brightening toner, so you're supposed to pour it onto a cotton pad and wipe it all over your face. The alcohol smell is quite obvious, so if you have dry skin, this may not be for you. As for my oily combination skin, it doesn't dry out or irritate my skin. However, after using up a whole bottle, I can't see any brightening effects whatsoever, even in conjunction with Juju Aquamoist Whitening C Essence. It doesn't improve my skin in any ways and I'm quite disappointed with this toner. I think it has been reformulated but I'm no longer interested in trying out the new version.

(Source: yesstyle.com)

Juju Aquamoist Whitening C Essence: 

- Description (source: yesstyle.com): 

• Provides whitening effect and fresh hydration.
• It can soften stratum corneum and allow the whitening ingredient of ascorbyl glucoside to sink into skin quickly.
• It gives you plump and luminous skin and prevents dark spots and freckles caused by exposure to the sun.
• Continuous use will promote the restoration of skin, making dull skin to have a luster and become elastic again.
• Skin will be left luminous.

- My opinion: This essence is light and it absorbs quickly into my skin, leaving my face feel smooth and moisturized without clogging my pores or breaking me out. However, those with dry skin may have to follow up with a moisturizer. It doesn't brighten up my face or fade my acne scars. Despite its moisturizing property, it somehow makes my skin look ashen and lackluster. The biggest con is that it balls up under makeup! I literally have rubbery pieces all over my face! I think this product has been discontinued as I can't find it on Juju Aquamoist website. 

Pros:

- Lotion:

• Free of fragrance, artificial color, mineral oil, and animal origin ingredients
• Non-irritating

- Essence:

• Fragrance free
• Non-irritating
• Moisturize and smooth out skin

Cons:

- Lotion:

• May not be suitable for dry skin
• No brightening effects / skin improvement

- Essence:

• Make skin look dull
• May not be moisturizing enough for dry skin
• Ball up under makeup

Repurchase?: Sadly, no :(

REVIEW: KATE BB GEL CREAM + KATE MINERAL LOOSE FOUNDATION IN OC-C SET

I purchased this set way back in 2012 because it was so much cheaper than buying each product separately. The set cost 430,000VND (about US$20), while the BB Gel Cream alone cost 405,000VND (approximately US$19) and the Mineral Loose Foundation was 459,000VND (about US$21.5).

(Source: ebay.com)

Description (source: http://www.kate-global.net/en/all_products/face.html)

(Click on images to see description)

Ingredients (source: ratzillacosme.com):

- BB Gel Cream: 

- Mineral Loose Foundation:

(Click on images to see ingredients)

My Opinion: After purchasing the set, I checked the expiration dates on checkcosmetic.net and found out that these products were produced in 2010, which meant I had less than one year to finish them up! No wonder they were significantly cheaper!

- BB Gel Cream: When my skin was super oily, I didn't need to apply any moisturizers prior to this BB cream. However, I had to apply a moisturizer beforehand if my skin was a little bit dry, otherwise it'd accentuate my dry patches. The shade OC-C was a little bit too bright and yellow for me (I find that Korean BB creams often have pink/beige undertones while Japanese ones are more yellow-based.) It also felt sticky on my face, but this could be solved by applying the Mineral Loose Foundation on top. My T-zone started getting oily after 1.5 hours without powder and 2 hours with powder. It had light coverage, and I had to use a separate concealer for my dark circles. It didn't clog my pores or break me out despite its moisturizing effect. I didn't use any sunscreens underneath but it did a good job protecting my skin from the sun. It's also free of alcohol, mineral oil, fragrance and paraben.

- Mineral Loose Foundation: Despite its name, this powder was way too sheer to act like a foundation (except for people with perfect/good skin). In terms of application, I prefer a powder brush to the included puff as the latter could make my face look cakey. The shade OC-C was too yellow for me. When used on top of the BB Gel Cream, it only kept my face matte for 2 hours in winter. It also ran out too quickly: it lasted for 3 months. Having said that, this powder did have some good points. It didn't clog my pores, break me out or dry out my skin. Together with the BB Gel Cream, it protected my skin against the sun. It didn't contain any paraben, mineral oil, alcohol and fragrance.

This is how the BB Gel Cream and the Mineral Loose Foundation look on my face:

Pros:

- BB Gel Cream:

• Moisturizing
• Non-irritating
• Protect skin against the sun
• Free of paraben, alcohol, fragrance and mineral oil

- Mineral Loose Powder:

• Non-drying
• Non-irritating
• Protect skin against the sun
• Free of paraben, alcohol, fragrance and mineral oil

Cons:

- BB Gel Cream:

• Not moisturizing enough for dry skin
• Unsuitable shade
• Sticky
• Weak oil control ability
• Light coverage

- Mineral Loose Powder:

• Sheer coverage
• Unsuitable shade
• Weak oil control property
• Run out quickly

Repurchase?: No. I prefer something with better oil-control property like Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super+ Beblesh Balm and Skin79 Sun Protect Beblesh Pact SPF30 PA++.

REVIEW: THE BODY SHOP GRAPESEED GLOSSING SERUM

I have to admit that I don't use too many products for  my hair. I often shampoo, apply The Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum and that's it! This is the first hair serum I've tried and I love it so much that it actually appears in my 2013 list of Best Beauty Products.

Description (thebodyshop.co.uk): This serum smoothes hair and gives it natural-looking shine. A little goes a long way. 

- Smoothes
- Adds gloss
- Easily washed out

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane (Skin-Conditioning Agent/Emollient), Dimethiconol (Skin/Hair Conditioning Agent), Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil (Skin Conditioner), Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Hair & Skin Conditioning Agent), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Parfum (Fragrance), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Citral (Fragrance Ingredient), Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Fragrance) 

How to use (source: thebodyshop.co.uk): Using fingertips, apply a small amount through towel-dried or dry hair and style as usual.

Size: 75ml

Price: 330,000 VND (about US$15.51)

My opinion: The reason why I love this product is because it does exactly what it claims to do: my hair is always smoother, silkier, shinier and less frizzy after using it. The effects last for a whole day, which is quite impressive. It has a pleasant grape scent which disappears within minutes. It can be washed out pretty easily by a regular shampoo. One bottle can last for a very long time since I only need one or two pumps each time. I've had this for about 10 months and it's still going strong. However, if you're looking for a product that actually strengthens your hair, skip this because it only does what it promises without any extra benefits. 

Repurchase?: Yes but not immediately because I really want to try Essential Hair Serums.