REVIEW: MAJOLICA MAJORCA LASH ENAMEL GLAMOUR VOLUME ON MASCARA

I don't usually wear much makeup, but mascara is like my must-have item. In my opinion, Japanese mascaras are more superior than other brands in terms of prices and quality. Majolica Majorca - a sub-brand of Shiseido Corp - is famous for their mascaras, and Lash Enamel Glamour Volume On Mascara is the first one I've ever tried from them.

My opinion: The packaging is adorable! I especially love the patterns on the gold lid :) However, I don't like the brush head. I can't use the shorter side because it makes my lashes clump up like crazy. I usually just use the longer side and it does a good job in keeping my curl. It neither lengthens nor volumizes my lashes though, and it does smudge a little bit throughout the day. It's quite waterproof but can be removed easily with Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover. It also doesn't irritate my eyes in any ways. 

Score: 7/10

Repurchase?: No, since it's just an OK mascara.

REVIEW: JUJU AQUAMOIST HYALURONIC ACID MOISTURE LOTION AND ESSENCE

Hyaluronic acid is my favorite moisturizing agent (you can read about its benefits here). I love Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Lotion but I can't use it on a daily basis as it can create bumps under my skin. I really want to find some hyaluronic acid-based products which can be used everyday, and since Juju Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid line receives a lot of glowing reviews, I decide to pick up the lotion and the essence.

• Juju Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Lotion:

- Description: Thick and rich lotion penetrates into the stratum corneum quickly. Rich moisture makes the skin plump and moist. It contains double amount of hyaluronic acid (Compared to JUJU AQUAMOIST collagen lotion and whitening lotion). Mild acidity/no fragrance/no artificial color/no mineral oil/oil free/no animal origin ingredient used.

- Ingredients: water, glycerin, alcohol, sodium hyaluronate, PEG-20 sorbitan isostearate, sodium citrate, carbomer, hydroxyethylcellulose, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben 

- My opinion: This lotion, or toner, is definitely not as hydrating as the Hada Labo one. However, it doesn't dry my skin out like some toners with alcohol do and provides a little bit of moisture to my face. Although it contains hyaluronic acid, it doesn't feel greasy or sticky on the skin at all and absorbs really nicely into the skin. During the first week, I really enjoyed using it, but by the second week, I changed my mind as I started having many clogged pores on my face! I knew it was this lotion because it was the only new thing in my skincare routine and the clogged pores gradually went away after I stopped using it. In order not to waste it, I poured some into a spray bottle to use as a mist, but since the texture was so thick, it just didn't work well that way and instead of a "fine mist", I just got huge water drops all over my face. Such a shame this didn't work out because I really like how it felt on my skin :(

- Score: 5/10

- Repurchase?: No.

• Juju Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Essence:

- Description (ratzillacosme.com): A Japanese beauty serum featuring hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin. The beauty serum contains 100% pure hyaluronic acid. Only a drop is needed to deeply hydrate skin.

- Ingredients: water, sodium hyaluronate, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben

- My opinion: This essence absorbs so quickly into my skin, leaving my face feeling smooth, plump and moisturized. It neither clog my pores nor break me out. Having said that, it's not really hydrating enough to be used alone (except in summer), so I often have to layer another cream on top. 

- Score: 8/10

- Repurchase?: Yes, probably.

REVIEW: TONYMOLY CATS WINK CLEAR PACT #02 CLEAR BEIGE

Due to my work, I have to get up very early in the morning, so I want my makeup to be as fast as possible. The one I reach for on a daily basis has to be Tonymoly Cats Wink Clear Pact in number 02 Clear Beige. (This product actually appeared in my 2013 Best Beauty Products List as well!)

Description: Endorsed by T-ara, The Tony Moly Cats Wink Clear Pact is a long-lasting powder compact formulated for cleaner, brighter and softer skin. Just one application helps minimize the appearance of pores and controls oil. Free of parabens, minerals, ethanol, tar and benzophenone.

Size: 11g

My opinion: I have to admit that the cute packaging is the main reason I bought this :P It comes in 2 shades: 01 Clear Skin and 02 Clear Beige. I choose 02 - the darker one and I think it matches my fair skin well. This is how it looks like on my face:

This powder has very sheer coverage, so it can't cover acnes/acne scars/dark circles. In the morning, since I'm often in a rush, I apply sunscreen, some concealer for my dark circles and this powder pact, and that's my skincare/base makeup for the day. This compact powder is ideal for my dehydrated skin in autumn/winter since it's quite moisturizing. It neither looks cakey nor powdery on my face. However, it doesn't work well in warm/hot weather as the oil-control property is really weak. Another thing I dislike about the product is the impractical packaging. Sure, it looks cute but I don't like the fact that there's no plastic lid to separate the puff and the powder. If I reapply throughout the day, the dirt and oil on my face can stick to the puff and then transfer to the powder, thus contaminating it. Having said that, I still like this because it saves me lots of time in the morning and doesn't irritate my skin in any ways. 

Pros:

- Free of paraben, minerals, tar, ethanol and benzophenone

- Affordable

- Moisturizing

- Natural-looking

- Cute packaging

- Non-irritating

Cons:

- Weak oil-control property

- Impractical packaging

Score: 8/10

Repurchase?: Yes :)

  

REVIEW: IT'S SKIN UV AWAY 3PLUS SUN BLOCK SPF50+ PA+++

As you may know from my previous blog posts, I've used a lot of It's Skin products. It's Skin UV Away 3Plus Sun Block SPF50+ PA+++ is the latest one I've tried and it's also my new favorite. Seriously, It's Skin rarely disappoints me when it comes to skincare.

Description:

Ingredients:

Price: 318,000 VND (I bought it during the 50% off sale)

My opinion: This sun block is as good as my HG product - It's Skin 2PM Sun Block, and it's cheaper! I really like this one because it's moisturizing, non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. I can put just this on without needing to apply any serum or moisturizer beforehand, so it saves lots of time for me in the morning! It leaves no white cast and acts as a great makeup base. When I'm in a rush, I use this, apply powder on top, and I'm ready to go. Since it's a sun block with SPF50+ PA+++, it not only protects my skin from UVA and UVB but also prevents my face from getting tanned. The only con is that it does feel a little bit sticky on the face, but it doesn't make my skin oil up quicker and the feeling goes away once I put some powder on. It doesn't control oil but I don't count this as a weakness because 1) I can easily blot my face with powder or oil remover film, and 2) Sunscreens with oil-control property often contain alcohol and end up drying my skin out. If you're looking for a moisturizing sun block with an affordable price, give this a go! But remember to double cleanse your face at the end of the day.

Pros:

- Alcohol-free, mineral oil-free and paraben free

- Moisturizing

- Non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic

- No white cast

- Great makeup base

- UVA and UVB protection

- Can keep skin from getting tanned

Cons:

- A little bit sticky

Score: 8/10

Repurchase?: Yes :)

REVIEW: BIFESTA CLEANSING SHEET (MOIST AND TIGHTENING)

Cleansing wipes are quite controversial: some people love them for their convenience while others hate them as they think wipes are too harsh for the skin. As for me, I only use them to remove my eye and lips makeup, not my base makeup, and I think they work fine that way. Today I'd like to talk about two types of Bifesta Cleansing Sheet: Moist and Tightening. These wipes are oil-free, colouring-free, and fragrance-free. 

• Bifesta Cleansing Sheet Moist (46 sheets per pack)

 - Ingredients: water, glycerin, alcohol, PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, PEG-400, glutamate, sodium citrate, tocopheryl acid, styrene/VP copolymer, butylene glycol, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary leaf extract), phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, sodium stearoyl acetate, disodium EDTA, citric glycerylamidoethyl methacrylate/stearyl methacrylate copolymer     

- My opinion: This cleansing sheet is for normal to dry skin. I just ADORE the packaging because it's all pink, which happens to be my favorite color >.< I also love the fact that it has a plastic lid instead of just a normal sticker to seal the product, as I think the former keeps the sheet moist for a longer period of time. This cleansing wipe is slightly wetter than Bifesta Cleansing Sheet Tightening, so I feel like it does a better job in removing my regular lipsticks, waterproof mascara (i.e. Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara Waterproof and Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Volume On Mascara) as well as my (occasional) eyeliner and eyeshadow. I often place it on each eye for about 1 minute and then take it off. I like it since it's gentle, non-drying and non-irritating. However, it can't remove mascara clumps and lip tints. 

• Bifesta Cleansing Sheet Tightening (46 sheets per pack):

- Ingredients: water, glycerin, alcohol, PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, glutamate, sodium citrate, tocopheryl acid, butylene glycol, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel), rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary leaf extract), phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, sodium stearoyl acetate, disodium EDTA, citric extract

- My opinion: I feel like this one is almost identical to the Moist Cleansing Sheet, except for the fact that the sheets are slightly drier than the Moist ones and the cleansing effect is a little bit weaker than the Moist. Although it's targeted for combination to oily skin, it's gentle, non-drying and non-irritating. It removes regular lipstick and Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara Waterproof quite well. However, as the mascara gets drier over time, it can only take off about 70%. It also fails in removing mascara clumps and lip tints.

• Pros:

- Oil-free, colouring-free and fragrance-free

- Cute and practical packaging

- Affordable

- Gentle, non-drying and non-irritating

• Cons: 

- Can't take off mascara clumps and lip tints

- Contain alcohol and paraben

• Score:

- Moist: 7/10

- Tightening: 6/10

• Repurchase?: No, I much prefer Biore Cleansing Oil - In Cotton Wipes, which is cheaper BTW, over these.

QUICK REVIEW: PHILOSOPHY PURITY MADE SIMPLE 3-IN-1 CLEANSER FOR FACE AND EYES

Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser for Face and Eyes has to be one of the most controversial products out there. Some absolutely sweat by it while others stay away from it because of the nasty ingredients like paraben. Due to the mixed reviews, I was never really interested in buying it. However, I had a chance to test it out when I stayed over at my cousin's. Since I brought no cleanser with me, I had to use it to remove my makeup and cleanse my face. I've only used it twice, so I can't attest to the long-term effects of this product, but I'll tell you my first impression of it.

(Source: philosophy.com)

Description (source: philosophy.com): Our award-winning daily facial skin cleanser is formulated to gently cleanse, tone and melt away all face and eye makeup in one simple step, while lightly hydrating the skin.

• Deep cleans pores and eliminates makeup buildup
• natural oil extracts help condition skin
• fragrance-free formula

How to use (source: philosophy.com): Gently massage a "size of a 20 pence coin" amount onto a lightly damp face, and massage for 30-60 seconds. Rinse and pat dry. Use morning and evening. Follow with appropriate treatment and moisturizer.

Size: 30ml (but it's also available in bigger sizes)

Ingredients (source: philosophy.com): water (aqua), sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium trideceth sulfate, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, coco-glucoside, cocos nucifera (coconut) alcohol, peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) wood oil, geranium maculatum oil, guaiac (guaiacum officinale) extract, cymbopogon martini oil, rosa damascena extract, amyris balsamifera bark oil, santalum album (sandalwood) oil, salvia officinalis (sage) oil, cinnamomum cassia leaf oil, anthemis nobilis flower oil, daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil, piper nigrum (pepper) seed extract, polysorbate 20, glycerin, carbomer, triethanolamine, methylparaben, propylparaben, citric acid, imidazolidinyl urea, yellow 5 (ci 19140).

My opinion: First of all, I hated the scent (although Philosophy claims that it's fragrance-free). The cleanser itself was quite decent. It hardly foamed up at all and only a pea-sized amount was needed. I used it to double cleanse, and while it did a good job removing my base makeup (I only applied BB cream and compact powder BTW), it only managed to take off about 60% of my Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Volume On. On the bright side, it didn't sting my eyes or dry my skin out, and felt really gentle on my skin. I also used it the next morning to cleanse my face and it worked quite well to remove the excess oil and the mascara remnants from the night before without irritating my skin one bit. Many people dislike this cleanser because of its ingredients, but I and my cousin never had any problems using it. I actually quite like this cleanser, not enough to guarantee a purchase though because it's quite pricy and I much prefer my Korean and Japanese cleansers.

Pros:

- Remove makeup and cleanse skin well

- Gentle to skin and eyes

- Non-irritating

- Non-drying

Cons:

- Horrible scent

- Fail in removing waterproof mascara

- Contain paraben

Score: 7/10

Purchase?: No

REVIEW: KATE ROUGE HG LIPSTICK IN OR-10

Kate is one of my favorite point makeup brands. Their Cheek Color S in PK-1 and Designing Eyebrow N in EX-5 actually made it into my 2013 Best Beauty Products List. Rouge HG Lipstick in OR-10 is the first Kate lipstick I've ever tried, and possibly the last as well (for the Rouge HG line at least).  

The packaging is very sleek and chic, and the lipstick itself swatches beautifully on my hand. On my lips, however, it hardly shows up at all! If you like that "my lips but better" look, then this one may be for you, but I personally don't think I look good at all. This is how it looks like on my bare face:

What bugs me the most is the staying power. It lasts for 1 hour max on me with no drinking and eating! Having said that, it's moisturizing, glossy and a little bit shimmery (since it contains glitters) so if you like the natural look and don't mind reapplying your lipstick every hour, then by all means go for this one. As for me, I won't repurchase this.