[REVIEW] Innisfree Bija Trouble Facial Foam Cleanser

Hey guys!! I'm back with another skin care review and this time, it's from the popular Korean drugstore brand, Innisfree.

Description:
This refined, foamy lather thoroughly cleanses pores while preventing and relieving skin trouble. This cleanser contains natural ingredients, such as salicylic acid, to remove dead skin cells and treat skin problems.

This cleanser claims that it is suitable for oily, acne-prone skin, which I have. So let's give it a test!

Review

Quite frankly, I am very disappointed in this cleanser. For the first 2 days, it did clear my skin up a little bit (just a little bit), but right after 2 days of using this cleanser, my skin started breaking out a lot. I also want to add that I did not use any new skin care products besides the Innisfree Bija Cica Gel, which is also in the same line as the cleanser.

I had big pimples forming around my chin, temples, cheeks and forehead within 4 days. It didn't do anything else besides cleansing my skin. On top of that, my skin condition became worse.

I'm not exactly sure what caused my skin to react badly to this cleanser as it has received numerous positive feedback from many bloggers and vloggers online. I guess not all highly rated products work for everyone and this cleanser proves that. I was expecting so much from this product due to the positive reviews it had received, but unfortunately, it was a huge let-down.

However, my skin does feel very clean afterwards, but I have stopped using this cleanser after it made my skin breakout.

I will be giving this cleanser to my mom for her to test out if it breaks out on her as well and see if there are any results.

Overall

Honestly, I would not want to recommend this cleanser to anyone, but if you've tried it and it works well for you, go ahead. If you want to try this cleanser, do it at your own risk because it might not work for you, but it might also work for you. There are much better facial cleansers out there for oily, acne-prone skin that costs less than this. Better safe than sorry.

My Night Time Skin Care Routine (all products under $20USD!)

Hi guys! It's been such a long time since I last posted a blogpost (and I swear I say this every single time I post one). I truly apologise for the lack of commitment for this blog but I was really busy with my exams.

Anyway, I'm finally back with an updated night time skin care routine!!! All of these products cost less than $20USD so if you're a broke sister, this blogpost is just for you!
If you want to find out what products were in my previous night time skin care routine: click here.

My Skin Type: Normal to oily, acne-prone skin

FIRST STEP: REMOVING MAKEUP

Removing makeup residue is really important as the residue that is still on the face can cause pimples, acne and other forms of blemishes if the makeup is not removed completely. If I am wearing makeup on that day, I will definitely be using a cleansing balm, Banila Co. Clean It Zero (USD16.00) that has been raved by a lot of YouTubers and makeup gurus.

Right after removing my makeup from my whole face (including my neck), I use the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (BND8.00) to do my next step of double cleansing. To apply this product, I use the some Daiso cottons (which are amazing, by the way). This product is super effective in removing all the stubborn makeup residue that is still on the skin.

This product is really great in removing eye makeup as well as base makeup and it is an excellent dupe to the Bioderma Micellar Cleansing Water. However, I would not recommend anyone to use this remover to remove liquid lipsticks because it does not efficiently remove the stain.

SECOND STEP: CLEANSING

This is the second (or first for some people) and one of the most important skin care step of your life: cleansing. I use the COSRX Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser (BND15.00) to cleanse my skin as it contains an excellent ingredient 'Salicylic Acid' that helps reduce blemishes and promotes clearer skin. It cleanses and clears out all the impurities on your skin that have been collected during the day and evening.

THIRD STEP: EXFOLIATING

After cleansing my face, I would exfoliate my face, but only TWICE A WEEK. DO NOT exfoliate daily as it can cause inflammation, dehydration + dryness and will destroy your healthy skin cells. The safest number of times to exfoliate your face is twice or thrice a week.

I would use the Skin Food Black Sugar Mask Wash Off (BND14.00) to exfoliate and scrub my skin. It's a really effective exfoliator that leaves your skin super smooth and supple.

FOURTH STEP: CLAY MASKING

Since I have normal to oily skin with a ton of blackheads and pores (especially on my nose and cheeks), clay masking is very essential step for me. I use the Sarining Bhuana Pure Green Clay (BND12.00) to do clay masking. I do this twice a week. It leaves the skin feeling smooth and firm, but a bit dry. This product is only available in Bali Canggu. A dupe for this product is the popular Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (BND20.00). 

FIFTH STEP: DIY TURMERIC MASKING

This is an extra step that no one really needs to do, but if you get frequent pimples, acne and blemishes, this step will probably help you. As I have acne-prone skin, a simple DIY Turmeric Mask recipe I found online will save your skin. Turmeric helps to reduce the size of pimples, acne and blemishes.

I will do a blogpost on how I achieve my turmeric mask that is effective for acne-prone skin type.

SIXTH STEP: TONING

Toning your skin is a pretty important step that many would neglect because they believe that the toner 'does not do anything for your skin', but in fact, it balances the pH level of your skin and helps with double cleansing.

I use the Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner (BND14.20) to tone my skin and perform double cleansing. It does it's job decently but it's definitely not the best toner I've ever used. It's still pretty decent though. I would not recommend this product for those who have dry skin as it contains alcohol (that tends to dry up the skin). 

SEVENTH STEP: APPLY SERUMS / ESSENCES

Sometimes when I get lazy to exfoliate with this Skin Food product, I would use the The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% (BND18.00). It is a very strong exfoliator that helps remove dead skin cells and smoothens out your skin.

I would usually fan my face to let the product absorb into my skin faster. The next serum that I apply right after the lactic acid is The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (BND15.00), which helps to reduce pimples, acne and blemishes.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (BND16.00) is the next product I apply right after the salicylic acid. This product helps to reduce pore size and blackheads.

EIGHTH STEP: APPLYING EYE CREAM

A lot of people also neglect this step because they think "it's also NOT important to apply eye cream", but really our under-eyes are probably one of the driest part of our face. The skin around your eyes is the most fragile, more prone to dryness and quicker to show age and fatigue (like wrinkles). DO NOT NEGLECT THIS IMPORTANT STEP. If you are 16 and over, please apply eye cream religiously. 

It's important to find an eye cream that is ultra-moisturizing that also helps with anti-aging. I use the Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Eye Cream ($20USD) because it has green tea extracts which has anti-oxidant properties and it has a moisturizing and consistent formula.

NINTH STEP: MOISTURIZING

One of the most crucial steps in skin care is to MOISTURIZE your skin. If you have dry skin, use heavier and richer creams/moisturizers. If you have oily skin, use a lighter cream. Simple as that. Since I have normal to oily skin, I would use a lighter moisturizer so my skin will not produce too much sebum throughout the night.

I would take a pea-sized amount of the Nature Republic Aqua Super Max Moisture Water Cream (BND15.00) first and then add on some of the Alive:Lab Centella Dressing Powder (USD10.00) that helps to fight acne and inflammation of the skin. Then, I mix them up together and apply it on my trouble areas (mostly on my pimples).

FINAL STEP: APPLY ACNE PATCHES / BLEMISH CREAM

I would alternate my NexCare Acne Patch (BND5.00) and The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (USD12.90) when it comes to the last step of my skin care routine.

I would use the acne patches if my pimples are on a flat surface (cheeks, forehead and chin). If my pimples are not on a flat surface (nose, eye area), I would apply the blemish cream.

EXTRA STEP: LIP BALM

It's important to moisturize your lips even if you have smooth and supple lips. The Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly (BND4.00) is a very multi-functional product that does more than 2 functions! I usually use this as a lip balm, while applying it with a small spatula.

That is all for my Night Time Skin Care Routine on a BUDGET!!! I hope you guys enjoyed this blogpost and hope to see you all soon in the next blogpost!

[REVIEW] Nature Republic Aqua Super Aqua Max Moisture Watery Cream

Hi everyone! I'm back with another skin care review and this time, it's a Nature Republic moisturizer!

Nature Republic is known for their popular Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel and a couple of their snail skin care line.

This product has been out in the market for quite a while, but I picked this up recently because I love trying out different skin care products to see which skin care product suits my skin the best.

Description:
It is a high-performance hydrating cream which infuses extract moisture and refreshment back to skin with an energizing complex of deep sea minerals from maritime plants while extract of chlorella, seaweed, plankton, and water-soluble collagen and hyaluronic acid helps to strengthen skin's ability to defend itself against external aggressors and dehydration.

Price range: $12USD-$17USD (depending on which website you're buying it from)
Size: 80ml

Review

I actually enjoyed using this product a lot, surprisingly. I have not heard a lot of reviews of Nature Republic products as there are so many K-Beauty brands out there, overshadowing Nature Republic and some other older K-Beauty brands.

This product felt quite light on my skin, but my skin still felt moisturized and soft after using this product a couple times. It's not a heavy duty, rich moisturizer so if you have dry skin, you might feel as if this moisturizer might be too light for you, but this product is more targeted towards normal to oily skin.

Moreover, I love the consistency as it has a gel to creamy texture. It absorbs well into the skin, leaving the skin with a 'glow-from-within' kinda of finish. It also has a slight floral scent, but it's quite subtle and I don't think it will irritate your skin (unless you are sensitive to scents in your products). The product says 'watery', but it is not at all watery, which is very odd.

It didn't break me out, so that's definitely a good sign, because my skin is sensitive to some particular ingredients from certain skin care products. Another pro is that this moisturizer is affordable and this retails for less than BND$15 (US$12)!

In addition, my skin felt super soft and supple after using this product as well! However, if you have dry skin, this product might be too light for you. Layer this product if you do have dry to combination skin. Just a heads up. Those who have normal to oily skin will have no problem using this product. Also, if you are allergic to scents, your skin might get irritated after using this because it does have a slight scent to it. The scent is not strong at all, but you can definitely tell that there's a light scent.

(after applying the cream)

Also, it comes with a tub, so it's not the most convenient type of packaging, because it involves dipping your finger in the product to get the product. Plus, it's heavy, so this product is not really travel-friendly and light.

Overall, this product performed pretty well, especially for its price point. Nature Republic do have great moisturizers and gel products so I understand why this product performed well in the first place.

Overall

However, it isn't a 'life-changing' product and it's definitely not the best moisturizer in the K-Beauty world. There are definitely more products you can find that perform much better and leaves your skin super moisturized and supple compared to this product. I would say though that this product did its job and did not disappoint. But if you're looking into a more affordable option and you just want a good and safe moisturizer, this could be a good choice.

Ratings

[REVIEW+SWATCHES] ColourPop Give It To Me Straight Palette

Hi everyone! It's been 2 months since I last blogged and I'm finally back!

ColourPop launched this palette on the 26th January 2018, along with the InNudeEndo Highlight Palette, which I did not purchase because I was not really fond of the shades and colours.

This palette is the first palette that ColourPop launched that has the names of the eyeshadows below the actual eyeshadows. Before, the names of the eyeshadows were only listed at the back of the palette, but this time, the names are present in both front and back of the palette.

Description:
The Give It To Me Straight Palette by ColourPop is full of warm coppers and rich, romantic mauves. This palette includes 7 buttery mattes and 5 intense metallics that can be used wet or dry.

Price range: $16USD
Size: 12 x 0.85g

This palette includes:

• mattes:

- matter of fact: matte pale pink
- bs: matte orangey brown
- frank: matte warm brown
- downright: matte soft pinky beige
- truth hurts: matte peachy beige
- tmi: matte dusty burgundy
- actually...: matte deepened chocolate brown

• metallics:

- up front: metallic pale gold with a silvery sheen

- straight up: metallic warm gold

- candid: metallic bright copper

- forthright: neutral metallic rose
- be blunt: metallic rich raspberry

Swatches

Review

I am very happy and glad to say this, but I am very impressed with this palette. I heard and have read many wonderful things about ColourPop's eyeshadow formulas from beauty gurus to friends. I am excited to say that they're all right about that.

First of all, all the eyeshadows were really pigmented! Even the matte shades were absolutely pigmented! Secondly, the formula of the eyeshadows were super buttery and smooth. The eyeshadows were super soft and creamy as well. All the eyeshadows were also really easy to blend, which is always a plus.

Moreover, the colour scheme on this palette is absolutely stunning. The colours fit so well together and you can definitely create numerous looks with these eyeshadows. This palette is perfect. Why? Because it has transition shades, shades for the crease, inner-corner highlight shade, brow bone shade and several shades of metallics and mattes. This palette comes with warm-toned oranges and browns, mauves, plums and pinks. 

(I created a simple halo golden, orangey-look.)

Furthermore, the eyeshadows did not fade or crease too much throughout the day, which I'm very impressed with because some of my other eyeshadows have the tendency to do that. As long as an eyelid primer or concealer is applied onto the lid before applying these eyeshadows, it'll last for a very long time and will not crease badly.

However, the shade 'Frank' caused a lot of fall-out, which can get very messy. When I tapped my brush after dipping into Frank, some of the fall-out sprinkled onto my rug, and it was a lot! I'm concerned that this eyeshadow will run out very quickly.

I'm grateful that the palette is made of a more glossy material, so the palette will not get messy and it is much easier to clean the palette compared to if it was made out of a more matte material.

Unfortunately, this palette does not have a mirror in it, which is a little inconvenient for most users, but it does not really bother me personally.

Overall

I highly, highly recommend this palette, especially those who love their warm tones, mauve-y and orange-y shades. Even if you're on a budget or not, you will love this. 

Ratings

[2] Summarized Skin Care Reviews (The Ordinary, Cosrx)

Hi guys! I'm back with another blogpost on this new series. If you haven't read the first blogpost, here's the link to it: [1] Summarized Skin Care Reviews [NEW SERIES!]

Anyway, this year I wanted to focus more on skin care products because I've decided to limit myself to only buy 5 makeup products in 2017. It's a really difficult challenge and I'm always tempted to buy new makeup products, but it's an effective method to save you a couple of bucks (or more).

This year was really the year of trying out new skin care products (for me) as I find that taking care of your skin is way more important than caking your face with layers and layers of makeup.

1. Cosrx Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser

What is it?
-A cleanser that exfoliates the skin, reduces acne breakouts and promotes clearer skin.

This cleanser strips all the oils and other residues on the skin. This effectively cleanses the skin gently and it does not leave the skin too 'squeaky clean'. It also helps exfoliate the skin and reduces blemishes and acne. I see instants result with this. It cleared my skin, made it smoother and it removes dead skin cells.

(58 words)

PS: Salicylic Acid is known for reducing acne and blemishes.

Ratings:


2. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

What is it?
-A beta hydroxyl acid that exfoliates the skin. This 2% treatment solution helps exfoliate the inside walls of pores to fight the appearance of blemishes and for better visible skin.

This product works right after a few uses! I noticed that the amount of my blemishes have lessened
and the size of my pimples have become smaller. I also get less pimples nowadays and my face has become less red with this product. However, it is very drying, so do layer up your moisturizer.

(54 words)

Ratings:


3. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

What is it?
-It is a vitamin that is indicated to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion.

I am impressed with this product as I noticed results right away after only using this for a couple of nights. I could see that the size of my pores have really decreased and the amount of blackheads have also reduced. My skin became much smoother and less oily. This product can also be drying so be sure to moisturize.

(60 words)

Ratings:

[1] Summarized Skin Care Reviews (The Ordinary, Cosrx, Neogen)

Hi guys! I'm back again. I apologize greatly for being in a hiatus because of school and personal issues.

This is a new series that I'm going to be doing for a long time (hopefully) and it's technically me reviewing new skin care products in only 60 words and under (per product). It'll be a summarized version of a full review, so technically: "Summarized Skin Care Reviews".

1. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%

What is it?
-A skin treatment serum that does mild exfoliation for the skin and reduces inflammation and sensitivity.

This product is amazing, because it gives instant results and is very effective. It automatically removes dead skin cells and reduces redness on the skin. My skin instantly feels smoother, brighter and less redder after using this product a few times. It reduces irritation as well. Best part about it is that it's affordable.

(54 words)

Ratings:


2. COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)

What is it?

-A moisturizer that helps to calm and treat sensitive, irritated and freshly exfoliated skin and quenches dry skin with zero greasy residue.

This moisturizer is excellent for all skin types as it does not leave any oily residue on the skin, moisturizes and hydrates the skin gently without causing any breakouts. It smells really fresh and the moisturizer is light but it moisturizes the skin instantly without feeling heavy on the skin. It also comes with a pump.

(56 words)

Rating:

3. Neogen Real Fresh Foam Green Tea Cleanser

What is it?

-A unique foam cleanser that helps brighten and hydrate the skin, removing impurities such as sweat and dirt from the skin and is perfect for all skin types including acne-prone and oily skin.

My skin felt really smooth and soft after using this for the first time and it really brightens and hydrates the skin as it said on the description. It's also very fresh and gentle on the skin and it properly cleanses the skin without my face feeling tight and dry. It also comes with a pump which is a bonus.

(60 words)

Ratings: