Monday, 19 May 2014

[REVIEW] Missha Super Aqua Marine Stem Cell Active Toner and Control Emulsion

Hi everyone!


Today I will be reviewing a toner and emulsion that I got from my friend!  Since she also went to Korea, she got me some samples and I am forever grateful T__T.

So, on with the review!

Just in case, this is a sample, not the full bottle.  I have no idea what the full bottle looks like but I'm sure you can google it.



I have no clue what it's supposed to do since there aren't really any instructions or anything so I tried searching it up. 

"pure and moisture-rich toner that boosts dry and dull skin. This gel type toner instantly moisturizes, energizes, and brightens the skin." 


 Ok, I got that from the official Missha website that also said a bunch of other stuff it did.  However, I didn't get that feeling AT ALL.

First, the toner is very strange.  It's not a liquid, but a clear jelly that took me a long time trying to get it out of the bottle.  Second, it didn't feel different from any other toner.  Also, my skin did not become energized or brightened.  It felt a little moisturized after putting on the emulsion but I have this patch of dry skin that I spread it over and it didn't do anything at all.

As for the smell, it smells really nice!  I don't know how to describe it, kinda flowery scent?  It's not very strong either.

As for the emulsion, the solution is not sticky at all, which is awesome because I hate that feeling when you have cream on your hands after applying it on your face.  Personally, I think emulsions are a bit too low-key for my skin, I need something more hydrating than a watered down cream.

Overall, I am pretty disappointed with this, especially since the bottle of toner is worth $20 CAD!!  That is the usual price of toners are in Canada but I wouldn't buy it since it doesn't feel effective and it's a bit too expensive.


Toner on the top, Emulsion at the bottom


I think I was a bit more satisfied with Skinfood's Toner and Emulsion.  I did a review here.


Check that out and thanks for reading!  Sorry if the review sounds a bit rushed, I am very busy right now but I really wanted to post something.  Anyway, thank you very much for reading!

As always,

Melissa 

Tuesday, 22 April 2014

[REVIEW] Skin Food Gold Caviar Collagen Cream

Hi everyone!


After getting a lot of these samples from buying products at Skin Food, I finally decided to do a short review on this!

Since the packaging only had a Korean description, I searched it up on the official site and got this:  A collagen-enriched cream with Russian caviar extract, pure gold particles, and collagen extract that fill up loose, deflated skin for a firmer, tighter complexion. (Cosmeceutical for wrinkle care)

Since I don't have wrinkles (yet), I decided to try it on my hands, part of my face, and near my eye.


Top left corner: awesome corner to get a small bit at a time! ^^  Easier to store too if you didn't use up all the product. 




The cream is white and a bit thick.  It feels like it's in between a moisturizing cream and emulsion.  It's also a bit sticky so it feels more like a night cream or moisturizer.  

The instructions are: After toner and serum application, dispense an ample amount into your palm.  Smooth on the face in gentle rolling motions.  

In the pictures below, I took a picture of my hand before and after the cream application.  



The after results look like my skin has been whitened and there's a slight shimmer to the cream.  Also, it looks more hydrated or has a "dewy" look.  It also makes my skin look less red and blotchy!

This is the before and after of the cream.  To be honest, I don't see much difference in the pictures.



Overall, this product does not give me a tightening feel.  It just feels like sticky moisturizing cream.  However, from the pictures shown above, I think it's nice because it gives my skin a whiter look.

I don't know how much this product was since it was a sample but in conclusion, I think I would buy the full bottle container if I had a chance.  I believe it's better to spend money on a cheap but nice cream than an expensive one that's really not worth the money.  

I hoped you enjoyed this review!

Any questions, please comment below :)

Thanks for reading,

Melissa

Buying Cosmetics In Korea? Here are some tips!

Hi everyone!

Recently, I went to Korea and I have noticed a few things that I want to share.

Usually, if cosmetic companies want to lure more customers into their store, they stand outside and give out free samples to get customers to go inside the store.

DON'T BE FOOLED!  They give out face masks that could be useful, but they also give out small cardboard boxes with the idol representing their company and/or their latest product on the box.  In most cases, the box will most likely contain cotton pads.

Personally, I don't need cotton pads but if you like them, go ahead!  I would rather get a face mask if they were giving out any..

Another thing to be aware is that cosmetic stores have horrible customer service.  They say "Welcome" as you come in (which is very nice) but afterwards, they just follow you around the store.  I understand that I look like I might steal something but sometimes, personal space is important to me.  If you know mandarin or look Chinese, chances are they will try to talk to you in mandarin.  I think it's best to speak English if you don't want to be bothered by people because they do not know a lot of English..

Never go into an empty store!!  If you do go in, they will follow you around, there's no question about it.  However, I did encounter a Skinfood where people just stood around the store and gave me a basket when I was holding something.  That was very polite of them and I appreciated the atmosphere :P.

Lastly, the more you buy the more samples you get!  Skinfood is especially generous with their samples while Etude House is not.  I spent around 10,000 won ($10 CAD) at Etude House and they didn't even give me anything!!


If you are planning to buy korean cosmetics in Korea, good luck and have fun!

Be shameless and ask for samples because you never know, you just might get some :)

Thanks for reading,

Melissa