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

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in A Little Tamed  - "Matte, totally reinvented. Delivering a blur of soft-focus colour, this weightless moisture-matte lipstick was developed to replicate a backstage technique: blending out edges of matte lipstick for a hazy effect. Its groundbreaking formula contains moisture-coated powder pigments that condition and hydrate lips. The result is the zero-shine look of a matte lipstick with the cushiony, lightweight feel of a balm. Fall for this soft-touch, misty matte kiss of colour." Net Wt. 3g, 0.1 US oz | $24.00 via www.maccosmetics.com

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in A Little Tamed

Hello everyone. I hop you all had a meaningful weekend. Let's start this midweek with the last of my MAC Powder Kiss lipstick, this time in the shade A Little Tamed.

Features:
- Medium pink with blue undertones
- Soft-focus matte finish
- Provides immediate and all-day hydration
- Blurs lines and smooths lips
- Comfortable formula
- Lightweight feel

Swatch: MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in A Little Tamed

A Little Tamed is described as a "mid-tone pink with yellow undertones." This lipstick is a bright medium coral pink with a slightly warm undertone and a powdery finish. Although it looks like a medium-dark pink on the tube, it leans more coral on me, due to my yellow undertones. The colors looks flattering and brightens up my complexion. This shade would be great for summer though it certainly can be an everyday pink lipstick if blotted out. I would imagine this color to be suitable for those with light to medium skin tones.

A Little Tamed delivered a good amount of pigment in a single layer. Because this is a Powder Kiss lipstick and a lighter color, don't expect opaque coverage in one swipe. The color is buildable but not to full coverage, more so with this shade. This lipstick did not build up well compared to the other shades that I have. I noticed some settling along my lip lines as well as some piling.

On my lips: MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in A Little Tamed

This lipstick applied applied smoothly and glided across my lips easily. Its blendable and velvety formula distributed pigment somewhat evenly though as I have mentioned, the more I tried to build up color, this applied a little less evenly.

A Little Tamed has a non-drying formula and feels very lightweight. It's comfortable to wear, soft and emollient, and feels non-sticky. Wear time is average with up to four hours of wear. The pigment doesn't bleed or feather but will smudge if rubbed. The color settled into my lip lines and faded somewhat unevenly over time. Due to the balmy formula, this lipstick feels slightly moisturizing but isn't transfer-proof.

FOTD: MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in A Little Tamed

Overall, I love MAC Powder Kiss' soft-focus finish as it makes my lips look supple and healthy and doesn't emphasize lip lines and imperfections. I also appreciate the lightweight formula as it feel very comfortable and I almost don't feel that I am wearing lipstick.

Pros:
- Bright pinky coral shade
- Soft-focus effect
- Emollient, smooth texture
- Lightweight and comfortable wear
- Non-drying formula
- Blendable color

Cons:
- May settle on lip lines
- Not long-wearing

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in A Little Tamed

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Sultriness  - "Matte, totally reinvented. Delivering a blur of soft-focus colour, this weightless moisture-matte lipstick was developed to replicate a backstage technique: blending out edges of matte lipstick for a hazy effect. Its groundbreaking formula contains moisture-coated powder pigments that condition and hydrate lips. The result is the zero-shine look of a matte lipstick with the cushiony, lightweight feel of a balm. Fall for this soft-touch, misty matte kiss of colour." Net Wt. 3g, 0.1 US oz | $24.00 via www.maccosmetics.com

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Sultriness

Hi again everyone, I hope you all have enjoyed your weekend. Let's continue with the MAC Powder Kiss lipstick reviews with today's shade: Sultriness.

Features:
- Baby pink shade with blue undertones
- Soft-focus matte finish
- Provides immediate and all-day hydration
- Comfortable formula
- Blurs lines and smooths lips
- Lightweight, buildable coverage

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Sultriness

Sultriness is described as a "baby blue pink." It is a light-medium pink with a slightly warm undertone and a powdery semi-matte finish. This shade reminds me of MAC Please Me as it applies as what I would imagine a pink would be against my yellow-toned complexion. This pinky shade would suit those with light to medium complexion best.

On my lips: MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Sultriness

This lipstick delivered a good amount of pigment in a single layer. Because this is a Powder Kiss lipstick and a lighter color, don't expect opaque coverage in one swipe. The color is buildable but not to full coverage.

Sultriness applied smoothly and glided across my lips easily. Its blendable and velvety formula distributed pigment almost evenly though it may have a tendency to settle into lines and can emphasize dry patches if your lips are not moisturized.

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Sultriness

The non-drying formula feels very lightweight that I almost don't feel that I am wearing lipstick. It feels soft and emollient and was non-sticky. Wear time is average with up to three hours of wear through a light meal and a drink. The pigment doesn't bleed or feather but will smudge if rubbed. The color fades evenly. Due to the balmy formula, this lipstick isn't transfer-proof but feels slightly moisturizing over time.

MAC's Powder Kiss formula is now a staple in my makeup bag and I am always on the lookout to get more shades. With this, I get the pigmentation that I like without it feeling heavy on the lips. It wears comfortably throughout the day and fades evenly. I also love the soft-focus finish so it doesn't emphasize lip lines and imperfections. It also makes my lips look supple and healthy.

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Sultriness

Pros:
- Good neutral everyday pink shade
- Soft-focus effect
- Emollient, smooth texture
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Non-drying formula
- Blendable and buildable color

Cons:
- May settle on lip lines
- Not long-wearing

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Sultriness

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Werk, Werk,Werk  - "Matte, totally reinvented. Delivering a blur of soft-focus colour, this weightless moisture-matte lipstick was developed to replicate a backstage technique: blending out edges of matte lipstick for a hazy effect. Its groundbreaking formula contains moisture-coated powder pigments that condition and hydrate lips. The result is the zero-shine look of a matte lipstick with the cushiony, lightweight feel of a balm. Fall for this soft-touch, misty matte kiss of colour." Net Wt. 3g, 0.1 US oz | $24.00 via www.maccosmetics.com

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Werk, Werk, Werk

Since their release a few years back, MAC's Powder Kiss line has now been a staple in my makeup kit. Today, I'm sharing my review of the shade Werk, Werk, Werk.

 Features:
- Classic cool red shade
- Soft-focus matte finish
- Provides immediate and long-term hydration
- Comfortable formula
- Blurs lines and smooths lips
- Lightweight

Swatch: MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Werk, Werk, Werk

Werk, Werk, Werk is described as a "cool red." It is a medium blue-based red with cool undertones and a powdery-matte finish. This shade applies a true cool red on me. I think this looks flattering on me and can brighten up my complexion. The soft-focus color helps it not look too bold or garish. Much like the classic MAC Ruby Woo (or Russian Red), I can see Werk, Werk, Werk to flatter almost all skin tones.

On my lips: MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Werk, Werk, Werk

Because this lipstick is in a Powder Kiss formula, you can expect to not get fully opaque coverage. However, the color is buildable and I can get good coverage with two-three swipes. Personally, this is what  I like about this lipstick and the powder kiss line in general - the soft-focus, blendable and buildable pigmentation. It is more versatile and can easily be blotted on as a stain, used as a gradient lip, or built up to full-color intensity. I even use them as a blush and eye shadow to achieve a monochromatic look.

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Werk, Werk, Werk

Werk, Werk, Werk applied smoothly and almost evenly. It glided on easily across my lips. The non-drying formula feels very lightweight and velvety that I almost don't feel that I am wearing lipstick. It feels very soft and balmy and emollient yet was non-sticky and doesn't come across as shiny.

Additionally, the color didn't settle on my lip lines nor emphasize any dry patches. This isn't transfer-proof due to the formula. Wear time is above average with up to five hours through a light meal and a drink. The pigment doesn't bleed or feather but will smudge if rubbed. The color fades evenly and leaves a nice pink stain on the lips.

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Werk, Werk, Werk

So far, I am impressed with MAC's Powder Kiss formula that I am always on the lookout to get more shades. With this, I get the pigmentation that I like without it feeling heavy on the lips. It wears comfortably throughout the day and fades beautifully. I also love the soft-focus finish so it doesn't emphasize lip lines and imperfections. It makes my lips look supple and healthy. MAC has once again delivered on all its promises with this lipstick and the Powder Kiss line.

Pros:
- Flattering classic blue-based red suitable on most skin tones
- Soft-focus effect
- Emollient, smooth texture
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Rich pigmentation
- Non-drying formula
- Blendable and buildable color
- Relatively long-wearing

Cons:
- None 

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Werk, Werk, Werk

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.

Sunnies Face Airblush in Disco - "A soft-focus sheer cheek tint with a silky matte finish. The ultra-fine pigments blend seamlessly onto your skin for a filtered flush. Comes in six buildable shades you can use on your cheeks, eyes, lips, nose—anywhere you want a little extra color."

Sunnies Face Airblush in Disco

Hello everyone. For today, I have another blush from Sunnies Face. This shade is also part of the sneak peek of several products I bought from the brand. 

Features:

- Creamy matte formula 

- Blends seamlessly onto the skin

- Easily buildable and blendable

- Creates a filtered flush

Sunnies Face Airblush in Disco

Disco is described as a "poppy red" and looks vibrant in the pan. I always gravitate towards bright blushes as it helps liven up my face and complexion. This one looks perfect as a statement blush and makes the cheeks pop. I see this as a great vibrant summer shade but of course, you can wear any blush you want all year round.

Swatch: Sunnies Face Airblush in Disco

As with Moon, this cream blush also has a light and creamy consistency. You get great pigmentation with a single layer despite the airy formula. You can also build up the color if you want a stronger flush but this shade is vibrant so I would use less.

 

The creamy formula of this blush also makes blending easy but compared to Moon, I feel that this has less slip with a tendency to apply patchy if you don't put in the extra effort to blend. This bright shade is also less forgiving so be wary of applying too much to avoid the "clown" look.

On cheeks: Sunnies Face Airblush in Disco

This blush feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin. It applied somewhat smoothly, and the color can be patchy and uneven if you don't blend well. Longevity is average, with up to four hours of wear before fading. 

 

Disco is a flattering vibrant shade that brightens up the face and is suitable for most complexions. This color would be perfect for summer but can also be toned down for a more appropriate everyday look.

Sunnies Face Airblush in Disco on Cheeks

Pros:

- Flattering and vibrant shade

- Buildable color

- Comfortable and lightweight formula

- Creamy texture

- Affordable

Cons:

- Tendency to apply patchily

- Average-wearing

Sunnies Face Airblush in Moon - "A soft-focus sheer cheek tint with a silky matte finish. The ultra-fine pigments blend seamlessly onto your skin for a filtered flush.  Comes in six buildable shades you can use on your cheeks, eyes, lips, nose—anywhere you want a little extra color."

Sunnies Face Airblush in Moon

Hi everyone. It has been a while. Blogging took a back seat for several months as I was dealing with personal issues. But I miss doing these reviews so I'm easing up to hopefully regular updates.

Today, I have a blush from Sunnies Face in the shade Moon. I had a sneak peek of several products I bought from the brand, and this blush is a part of that.

 

Features:

- Creamy matte formula 

- Blends seamlessly onto the skin

- Easily buildable and blendable

- Creates a filtered flush

Sunnies Face Airblush in Moon

Moon is described as a "toasty rose" and looks like a muted terracotta red. It looks dark in the pan but applies somewhat sheer so it is not as intimidating as it seems. The shade is very wearable and can be flattering across most skin tones. I think this color would be perfect for achieving an understated flush of red without it looking over the top.

Swatch: Sunnies Face Airblush in Moon

This cream blush has a light and creamy consistency. You get decent pigment with a single layer despite the airy formula. You can also build up the color with more layers if you want a stronger flush. I much prefer this buildable pigmentation as it gives me control over how much color I want on my cheeks. You can use three or four dots on your cheeks and pat on the product using your (clean) fingers.

Additionally, the creamy formula also makes blending easy and in turn, beginner-friendly. You would rarely apply too much and you can avoid looking like a clown (unless that is what you are aiming for). *_*

On cheeks: Sunnies Face Airblush in Moon

This blush feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin. The consistency allows me to blend out the blush properly. It applied smoothly and the color went on evenly and non-patchy. Longevity is short to average with up to two hours of wear before fading. 

 

Moon looks natural on and the color is perfect to use for a drunk blush look. That look definitely looks pretty on most people though I don't think I am suited for it because I feel like it just looks too strong for my features.

Sunnies Face Airblush in Moon on cheeks

Pros:

- Flattering and wearable shade

- Buildable color

- Comfortable and lightweight formula

- Smooth and even application

- Non-patchy

- Affordable

Cons:

- Sheer pigment

- Not long-wearing

Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Toner - "A multi-purpose toner formulated with Calendula flower water that remove all traces of makeup and remnants while smoothing out skin texture. The 90% calendula extract toner is perfect on removing unnecessary dead skin cells and other wastes. This hydrating toner contains Niacinamide to minimize enlarged pores, even out skin tone, and reduce fine lines. " Net Vol. 150 ml | Php ~600 | Shop (Affiliate): https://ys.style/JsRVRNfP0jb