Jello Beans: Sneak Peek

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Sneak Peek: Kbeauty Anti Hair Loss Hair Tonics | Some by Mi, Tosowoong, Innisfree, Nature Republic

Friday, December 2, 2022

Sneak Peek: MAC Lipsticks in Lady Danger, Snob, Devoted to Chili, More the Mehr-ier

Sneak Peek: MAC Lipsticks in Lady Danger, Snob, Devoted to Chili, More the Mehr-ier - "The ultimate destination for lip colour. Find the finish you want in an extensive array of all the shades, forms and benefits you crave. Offering more than 100 shades of professional quality cosmetics for All Ages, All Races, and All Genders."

MAC Lipsticks in Lady Danger, Snob, Devoted to Chili, More the Mehr-ier

Hi all and TGIF. I'm sharing some MAC lipsticks that I have accumulated in the past months. I have two mini lipsticks in the shades Lady Danger and Snob. I also have two Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolor in Devoted to Chili and More the Mehr-ier.

MAC Satin Lipstick in Snob

MAC Satin Lipstick in Snob - "A creamy lipstick formula with a soft cushiony feel, medium-to-full buildable coverage, and a satin finish." Snob is described as a "light neutral pink." The color reminds me of Please Me, though this might be lighter and maybe would wash me out.

MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger

MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger - "A creamy rich lipstick formula with high color payoff in a no-shine matte finish." Lady Danger is described as a "vivid bright coral-red." This shade has been on my to-buy list for quite some time now because a lot of people that I follow on social media recommend this. Somehow, I can't get myself to buy full-sized because I avoid orange-reds like the plague. I'll be testing out the shade and hope for the best.

MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolor in Devoted to Chili and More the Mehr-ier - "A liquid lip color with a whipped, mousse-like texture that delivers soft-focus moisture-matte, comfortable color with ten hours of hydration."

MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolor in Devoted to Chili

Devoted to Chili is described as "warm brick red." I have this shade in the bullet lipstick form (see here: Devoted to Chili) and liked it well enough to purchase the liquid lip color. The color looks to be more terracotta and perfect for an autumnal look.

MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolor in More the Mehr-ier

More the Mehr-ier is described as a "mid-tone mauve pink." The pinky shade adds color to the face without it looking too pink or too nude. I think that mauves can flatter most skin tones and this is a safe lip color for almost everybody.

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Sneak Peek: Korean Sunscreen | Beauty of Joseon, Missha, CosRx

Sneak Peek: Korean Sunscreen | Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk, and CosRx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream.

Korean Sunscreens (L-R): CosRx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream, Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk, and Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics

By now, we are all aware of how important it is to wear sun protection daily, even when it doesn't look sunny or you're only inside the house. The sun's rays are everywhere and can still affect your skin wherever you go, even indoors.

Sunscreens are a must if you want to prevent sun damage and keep your skin healthy. Wearing SPF regularly will help prevent dark spots, skin discoloration, fine lines, and skin cancer. I find that K-beauty offers a great range of sunscreen options that are quite affordable. Price is an important factor for me because for sunscreen to be effective, you have to apply it generously and regularly. Here are currently three K-beauty sunscreens in my daily rotation:

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++)

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++)

"Fitted with broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ to fend off UVA and UVB rays, this organic Beauty of Joseon sunscreen comes in a lightweight and quick-absorbent texture that doesn’t leave a white cast. Additional ingredients of rice extract and grain-derived probiotics help keep skin supple and hydrated. Formulated without oxybenzone, octinoxate, and animal-derived ingredients, the Relief Sun is suitable for sensitive skin."

This sunscreen is a recent discovery as I try out more products from Beauty of Joseon. Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics has been a viral sensation and for good reason. This organic sunscreen feels lightweight yet nourishing. It absorbs readily and doesn't feel greasy. It also has a soothing effect which is great for sensitive skin. Also, this doesn't separate or pile underneath makeup and doesn't leave a white cast. More importantly, it is affordable enough for me to not feel guilty about using this every day.

Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++

Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++

"Protect skin against the harmful effects of UV rays with this broad-spectrum sun milk. Packed with nourishing ingredients like apricot, lotus, chrysanthemum, and thanaka tree extracts, the SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen moisturizes and soothes skin without leaving a sticky feeling. Apply to face and body at the last step of skincare."

Missha's All-Around Safe Block sunscreens come in various types. This essence variant has the most lightweight formula of the three, it feels almost like a gel. This sunscreen is non-sticky and feels refreshing and cooling. Additionally, the flower extracts are readily absorbed and moisturize and nourish the skin. This sunscreen is perfect for those with oily-combination skin and is also priced reasonably.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

"Sun cream protects skin against UVA and UVB rays with SPF 50+ PA+++ from a combination of chemical and physical sunscreens. Enriched with 55000ppm of aloe vera leaf extract to soothe moisturize and nourish the skin. The fast-absorbing texture doesn't leave a white cast or greasy finish and won't stain clothing. Clinically proven to be hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. Can be used on the face and body."

I bought several tubes of this sunscreen from COSRX and for months, this has been my go-to daily sun protection. This one has the creamiest formula of the three so it can feel a bit heavy for those with oily skin. However, if you have drier and more sensitive skin then this one would be a great choice for you. The aloe extract provides hydration and soothes the skin. Currently, I am just using this one on my body as I find it to be too creamy on my face.

Korean Sunscreen | Beauty of Joseon, Missha, CosRx

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Sneak Peek: Axis-Y 6+1+1 Skincare Minis

Sneak Peek: Axis-Y - "Climate Inspired Skincare. We are clean, cruelty beauty, inspired by our community. At AXIS-Y we care about your skin. Our vision has always been to develop products that are effective and made with natural formulas that have proven results."

Hi there, hope you are all doing Ok. Today, I'm sharing some of the skincare minis I have bought recently. These are all from Axis-Y and their 6+1+1 line. There are a lot of things that I want to try out and buying full-size would be wasteful since I can't really finish them all. So, I have been getting minis instead before deciding to buy anything full-sized.

Axis-Y 6+1+1 line:
6 Nutrient-Rich, Natural Ingredients - We carefully select plant extracts that are healthy and deliver benefits for skin according to the type of climate
1 Functional, Goal-Oriented Agent - We use one functional ingredient to solve the targeted skin problem safely and effectively
1 Quality-Producing Skincare Technology - We incorporate expertise in manufacturing to quality deliver ingredients and results

Sunday Morning Refreshing Cleansing Foam

Axis-Y Sunday Morning Refreshing Cleansing Foam

"Our cleansing foam is set at pH 5.5 to cleanse the skin of dirt, excess oils, and other impurities deep in the pores without stripping the skin. With its special patent skincare technology, Aquaxyl, this cleansing foam keeps the skin moisturized and balanced. Our enhanced formula features the addition of even more moisturizing agents to guarantee a clean, yet fully moisturized feeling. We added double the amount of birch sap, as well as perilla leaf extract, rice bran, and heartleaf to leave your skin supple and dewy."

This one doesn't lather too much and seems to be too moisturizing for my skin. Personally, I want a cleanser that contains ingredients that can address oiliness. This foam cleanser maybe more suited for those with drier skin.

Quinoa One Step Balanced Gel Cleanser

Axis-Y Quinoa One Step Balanced Gel Cleanser

"A loving cleanser that clears makeup and pores in one step while delivering a gentle and hydrating wash at your skin’s natural pH. The combination of quinoa and healthy nutrients remove environmental toxins to reveal healthy, lively skin."

I like this gel cleanser better than the previous one. My skin feels clean and supple after wash. This cleanser also works as part of my double cleansing routine, right after using an oil-based cleanser.

Daily Purifying Treatment Toner

Axis-Y Daily Purifying Treatment Toner

"Our daily toner effectively clears out bacteria and pollution stuck deep in the pores to purify the skin and reduce irritation and acne. The new and improved formula now includes a higher amount of AHA and PHA for gentle chemical exfoliation as well as a higher amount of Centella Asiatica for an increased soothing effect."

I am forever in search of a great toner. I have a few favorites and this one may soon be one of them. This toner feels very lightweight and refreshing. It leaves my skin looking bright and fresh and feeling hydrated. I plan to purchase a full-size of this to see the long-term effect on my skin.

Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule

Axis-Y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule

"With the core ingredient of artichoke, this ampoule is specially formulated to repair and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and prevent skin irritation. The new and improved formula now features double the amount of Hawkweed extract for more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties for a brighter and smoother complexion."

This ampoule is also very promising and is in my repurchase list. The lightweight formula is absorbed well and doesn't leave any sticky trace. My skin felt smooth and supple after use. It also brightened up my complexion and made my skin look fresh and moisturized.

Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

"A 5% Niacinamide-based serum that corrects dark spots and improves uneven skin tone. With the help of plant-derived Squalane, this serum retains moisture to keep your skin glowing and healthy wherever you go."

This product has gone viral and is making some noise in the skincare world. I will say that this serum definitely deserves the hype. I like the lightweight almost-watery gel formula. It's absorbed well and doesn't feel sticky on the skin. It immediately brightened up my complexion and made my skin look less dull and more smooth. This serum provides enough moisture for my oily-combination skin but drier skin will need to add a creamier moisturizer after this.

Mugwort Pore Clarifying Wash Off Pack

Axis-Y Mugwort Pore Clarifying Wash Off Pack

"With a base of 61% Mugwort extract, this wash off pack clears the pores of impurities, soothes inflamed and irritated skin, and gently exfoliates dead skin to reveal a bright and healthy complexion."

If you are looking for a clarifying mask, then this one is worth considering. It does what it says: clears pores and soothes the skin. However, similar clay masks can also do the same so this is not a must-buy for me.