So my penchant for Kbeauty has always come hand-in-hand with Korean cuisine. I'm always on the lookout for food and restaurants that I haven't tried. I wanted to try one of the many Korean restaurants/cafes in Ortigas and I decided on Sopoong Food House. I wanted something cold that day (we went there during the heat wave here in the PH around March or April) so cold desserts were the goal.
If you're like me, you're probably more familiar with the term "Lactobacillus/Lactobacilli" in terms of oral consumption like with drinks such as Yakult. You know, the good bacteria that's good for digestion and aids in absorbing nutrients. Probiotics such as these have bacteria strains that help our immune system as well as counter and soothe skin conditions like rosacea (me), dryness (me) and other skin related concerns especially when applied topically.
5 Types of Lactobacillus fermented from plant and grain based agents work together to allow skin's natural rejuvenation at its prime. It is adapted to each type of skin problem by caring sensitivity with building its own defenses. - Proud Mary
This skincare line by Korean brand Proud Mary with a tagline of Beauty Lies Within Simplicity, talk the talk by addressing sensitive skin concerns with its Lacto-Fresh Ctrl A line from cleansing to moisturizing. The plant-derived ingredients its made from, target cell renewal/growth so it helps heal the skin and helps strengthen it so it can build up its own defenses.
Natural Whipping Cleanser | 50g | 150g Full Size - Plant derived agent minimizes skin irritants and small molecule lactobacillus hydrates skin while delicately cleansing makeup and skin impurities.
Ingredients: Water, Palmitic Acid, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Myristic Acid, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Californicum Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Rosmarinus Officialis (Rosemary) Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Polygonum Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) Seed Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Extract, 1, 2- Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, PEG-150, Polyquaternium-7, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Polycrylate, Fragrance
The painted white glass bottles feel very luxe as befitting of its Php 3,999 price tag. The whole set is pricey yes, but it's pretty understandable considering that the brand name is hailed for using sophisticated technology and incorporating high concentration of natural extracts in its products.
Pure Calming Toner | 120ml - Sub-acid toner helps regulate pH balance and calms irritants effectively with small molecule lactobacillus and botanical active agents.
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Polyglutamic Acid, Glycerine, Sodium Hyaluronic, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Califoricum Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Rosemary Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavender Extract, Betaine, Trehalose, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Buckwheat Seed Extract, Soybean Seed Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Anise Fruit Extract, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Arginine, Fragrance
I apply this milky-white toner by squirting some on my hand and patting it on my face than using a cotton and wiping it on. Why? When you have sensitive skin and/or acne prone skin putting friction by rubbing or wiping can agitate it and make it worse. I've done the patting technique (that I've seen in K-Beauty shows lol) for about a year or two already and my face is significantly less red when I do it this way.
I do succumb to wiping with a cotton sometimes when my eyes are too tired and I'm too lazy to wash my face. (Update : I'm out of my toner!)
Skin Relief Essence | 50ml - Botanical lactobacillus helps regulate excessive sebum production and a variety of soothing agents alleviate irritation and stress.
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer (Hydrogen Dimethicone), C12-14 Pareth-7, Betaine, Glycerin, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Propolis Extract, Thujopsis Dolabrata BRANCH Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Panthenol, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Califoricum Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rosmarinus Officialis (Rosemary) Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Polygonum Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) Seed Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Extract, Pyridoxine, Arginine, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Sodium Polyacrylate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trideceth-6, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance
This essence is a gel-cream-like consistency that gets absorbed by the skin easily. All of these have a very light floral/apothecary scent to it, which I find very soothing. It's light enough to use during the day even for people with oily skin.
Perfect Cure Cream | 50ml - 5 types of botanical lactobacillus and soothing agents help reinforce cell density and protect skin from irritants. Soothes and moisturizes all day long.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycereth-26, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Betaine, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Propolis Extract, Thujopsis Dolabrata Branch Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylic Triglyceride, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Lactobacillus Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Califoricum Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Rosemary Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavender Extract, Buckwheat Seed Extract, Soybean Seed Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Extract, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sodium Acrylate, Trideceth-6, PEG/PPG-18-18 Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance
This cure cream, feels like a primer but doesn't feel like I have a mask on, as with most "silicone-y" primers I've tried.
I actually like this whole line. I think everything delivers on the moisturizing factor, but unless I have a cellular tracking machine or whatever, I wouldn't really know the difference with other brands I've tried.
No freak breakouts or rosacea triggers. I do however have to put it out there that the whipping cleanser didn't agree with me all that much. I didn't full-on break-out but I did get a few bumps all over my face and this set was the only one I've changed in my routine.
Other than that I see that they use significantly greater ingredients compared to other commercial products which can get expensive even if they're "drugstore". It has a lot of plant extracts and I think these do and can make a difference overtime.
I feel confident recommending this line to other sensitive skinned / acne-prone people but as always be vigilant that what works for me might not work for you. So if you see ingredients at the top of the first few lines that you know for a fact don't agree with you, I'd skip on it.
You also have the option of getting the individuals. But if you want to try the whole line, you get more for your buck by getting this gift set. Get it here.
xx,
CJ
Further reading about probiotics: http://www.healthygutbugs.com/probiotics-best-anti-aging-elixir-for-your-skin/
PS. I've been using this set for about two to three months. I finished off the cream and the wash first, since they were smaller than the rest. Just recently emptied the toner too!
PPS. I received this gift from about face ph. Thanks guys! Check out all the other products I reviewed from their store by searching about face in the search bar.
ABOUT ABOUT FACE PH
It's a new online store / brand that sell from the obscure to the well-known products to beauty lovers especially the Korean beauty addicts in the Philippines. You can check out their products on their website or Zalora!
http://www.aboutface.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/AboutFacePH/
https://www.instagram.com/aboutface.ph/
Today we're highlighting my most used eyebrow pencil lately. This Korean product has been tried and tested and tried again within the past month or so and I think it's about time to introduce you guys.
This Skinny Eyebrow Pencil (in Lingering Mocha) is part of Glam21's One Shot!!! line same as the lip gloss + lip tint + lipstick + balm hybrid I reviewed here.
Glam21 one of Coswel Korea's brands, is a mid-range priced product (approximately) that rivals that of other high-end brands in Korea. One of their aims is to deliver amazing quality at a reasonable price-point.
0.028 oz / 0.8 g good for 12 months after opening.
Ingredients: Ceresin, Stearic Acid, Cyclopentasiloxane/Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Iron Oxide Black (CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Polyethylene, Mica (CI 77019), C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-2 Trilsostearate, Iron Oxide Red (CI 77491), Iron Oxide Yellow (CI 77492)
As you've read from my title, you might be asking is it really a dupe for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz? To be honest, I don't know...
But! Based on the video reviews and pictures I've seen all throughout the blogosphere and YouTube community it's extremely close and it's highly likely they have the same sized pencil "lead" one that is very skinny and tiny.
Compared to my Ellefar (Daiso) retractable brow pencil (top), it's about half the size in width (or is it diameter?) which I find pretty amazing since it hasn't broken or snapped — It's surprisingly solid and firm despite its looks.
FORMULA / APPLICATION
As I've mentioned, the texture of the pencil is more firm and solid than let's say, Nichido's famous (creamy) brow pencils or The Face Shop's Design my Brow (non-retractable). Because of that coupled with the size, it's easy to shape and be as precise as you can when creating natural looking strokes.
Look at that nasty brow hair that clung to the spoolie.
It's also a hard kind of wax texture that doesn't pull on my eyebrow hairs unlike those soft creamy-waxy ones that some people here generally like to keep "their brows in place". I also like the dense, firm and non-scratchy spoolie. I know that's weird because usually these are scratchy but I found that this works so well compared to others I've tried whether they're attached to a pencil or not.
FEATURES
- Smudge-free
- Long lastingWaterproof
- Easy to draw (use)
Long-lasting and Waterproof - CHECK. Yes this pencil lasts long on me. It doesn't smear when smudged even when I spritzed my face with water and even when I sweat (unless you really rub your skin hard which I doubt you want to do).
BUT it does smear when smudged with oil. I found that when I use my oil cleanser (Biore) it washes off pretty easily. So I have to warn you oily-skinned girls, wear a good primer and/or set your face with a good powder before or after using this OR just skip this altogether.
First image : No product. I'm also growing my brows out. #excuses
Second image : Just the pencil lightly filled in.
Third image : Glam21 + Pinkies Collection Black eyebrow pencil and Maybelline's Brow Drama Gel in Dark Brown.
UPDATE (4/1/2016)
The colour still works well on me with my dark hair. It's lighter yes, but the cool undertone of the brown makes for a very natural brow look. It's not dark like the rest of my hair, but recently I realized that whenever I use pencils with the same colour as my hair (Black/Dark Gray), I tend to look, nene-ish (teeny-bopper-ish). As I've said it's good at defining and I like it for shaping or making the outline for my brow since it is light it's not super harsh.
Apart from being brown and light, there's no worries about smudging or sliding off of my face all day. Keep in mind my skin type isn't oily, I only get oily on my t-zone normally and I don't have really oily lids.
It's also easy to use and looks natural, even if having lighter brows isn't the most natural for me.
It retails for PHP 949 at ABOUT FACE PH (formerly PURPLE TAGS PH). It comes in Fling Brown (lighter than this) and Stud Charcoal ( dark charcoal gray) the latter I think would suit me more.
xx,
CJ
PS. I personally prefer a more natural brow. I only do the #onfleek highly defined pageant brow if it's a super special occasion. And that's my reason for the "a little unkempt, but it works" brow work... And I call myself a beauty blogger. #shame #notreally
PPS. I wish Glam21 would offer refills in the future. I personally don't like having to buy a new one for 949 every two or so months.
ABOUT ABOUT FACE PH
It's a new online store / brand that sell from the obscure to the well-known products to beauty lovers especially the Korean beauty addicts in the Philippines. You can check out their products on their website or Zalora!
http://www.aboutface.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/AboutFacePH/
https://www.instagram.com/aboutface.ph/
The tulip brush or tulip sponge is not the newest thing in Korea but as you know the rest of the world is having a cosmetic crush on them at the moment so everything they've loved for eons ago we're only just getting a taste of recently.
To be honest this product was introduced around 2011 so not necessarily new but not as old as the snake and snail/venom-infused skincare they've been slathering on for years.
Like I've mentioned in the title, it's like a paddle (traditional foundation brush) + makeup sponge hybrid. And yes, it does look weird (-cute). I mean look at it.
HOW TO USE
The sponge itself is the typical latex sponge so if you're wondering about the texture it's nothing like the beauty blender but it's smooth and soft so you can rest easy. You can wet it or not it doesn't matter because it doesn't expand. It's used like any other latex sponge, so you smooth/spread it onto skin then afterwards you can bounce it to push the product more onto the skin and/or get rid of streak marks.
I didn't know I could pull out the sponge for cleaning so I kind of manhandled the first time I washed it - which explains the tear at the base :(. Cleaning is also easy. You just pop out the sponge from the plastic base handle and wash it just like any other sponge.
SELLING POINTS
Because of the shape and the "petals" it's easier to reach the sides of the nose, under the eyes and around the mouth.
CONCLUSION
It's a little odd at first but I get the idea behind it but I like my "beauty blenders" more. I do enjoy the petals, it does a great job of reaching the crevices of my face.
It's not bad at all, I'm just more used to the regular sponge blenders. I think makeup artists would find this particular sponge extremely useful though for their gigs because of the handle.
You can get this at AboutFacePh for Php 449 and Zalora.ph for Php 359 (ON SALE!).
What do you think of this sponge? Would you try it? I think it's better than the lollipop looking ones, you know with the long brush handles and sponge on top. With those you can't take out the sponge and I heard they don't last long.
xx,
CJ
PS. This came with the chok-chok lip tint glosses that I also received from Purpletags.ph. Thanks Trixie!
http://www.aboutface.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/AboutFacePH/
https://www.instagram.com/aboutface.ph
I have a new product to showcase for you guys today and it's the Glam 21 One Shot!!! (Chok)2 Lip Tint Gloss. That's Chok-Chok by the way, if you're wondering how to say the name.As most of you probably know Korean beauty in general aims for that really dewy almost wet/oily kind of complexion and that doesn't exclude the lips.
Glam 21 (a brand by Coswel Korea), I confess, is a brand I haven't heard of before despite being the avid K-beauty consumer that I am. Good thing Trixie of AboutFace.Ph (formerly Purple Tags PH ) contacted me for a collaboration aaaand poof that's how you make coco crunch.
From what I've seen from glam21's site it's a little more up there in price compared to let's say Etude or Holika Holika and I believe it's a direct competitor to another Korean brand —3CE (3 Concept Eyes) which is very well known in Asia already. They both kind of have the same sleek all-black packaging with just text going on. 3CE's more expensive though.
PACKAGING | HOW TO USE
The cardboard it came in is made from recycled materials as evidenced by the recycle logo on the cardboard box —awesome! Onto the tube itself and to the most interesting part.
It looks like a typical (pretty with the ombre effect going) sturdy lipstick tube at first glance but upon closer inspection there's a slanted sponge tip at the top with a hole in the middle instead of the usual cream stick. To get the product out you twist-up the bottom part of the tube, as you would a liquid pen concealer, until the liquid lip colour is pushed out onto the sponge-tip.
I think it's designed well. I've never seen a product like this before. Tints that I've used and seen from all other brands have the doe-foot wand type of packaging or the marker type but not this. I quite like the quirkiness of it. One point for Korean packaging.
APPLICATION | TEXTURE | PERFORMANCE
Whole In ONE!!!-
It provides long-lasting while keeping lips moisture and shine. Lips stay moist and protected. You can get 3 POINTS from the tint, lip stick, lip gloss AT ONCE!!! - Glam21 (Coswel Korea)
According to the description it's essentially a moisturizing liquid lipstick with a very glossy finish. And I agree. It's extremely pigmented (almost neon-like) economical (you only need a little) and lasts through eating. (still fades a little like other Korean tints I've used)
It's also non-drying and keeps my lips supple but I wouldn't say it can replace your standard hydrating lip balm.
It provides long-lasting while keeping lips moisture and shine. Lips stay moist and protected. You can get 3 POINTS from the tint, lip stick, lip gloss AT ONCE!!! - Glam21 (Coswel Korea)
According to the description it's essentially a moisturizing liquid lipstick with a very glossy finish. And I agree. It's extremely pigmented (almost neon-like) economical (you only need a little) and lasts through eating. (still fades a little like other Korean tints I've used)
It's also non-drying and keeps my lips supple but I wouldn't say it can replace your standard hydrating lip balm.
NOTE : As a rule of thumb it's better to exfoliate your lips regularly and always drink a lot of water before you apply any lip colour.
I don't like orange-based reds or plain orange on my lips because it makes my teeth SUPER yellow. I avoid it as much as possible so I use the Scarlet Orange strictly as a light tint.
The consistency is thicker than most lip tints. The latter would usually be watery and thin so I would really classify this as a liquid lipstick. It doesn't have any fragrance in the ingredients (so hurrah for those who don't like fragrance in their cosmetics). But it does smell like talc and wax which is part of the ingredient list. So if you're anticipating a sweet or candy-like scent (and taste) that other tints typically have you'll be surprised with this one. By no means is it bad smelling, strong or overwhelming , some people might just dislike baby powder-scented cosmetics.
I wear this as a tint and tap it on my lips rather than apply it full-on. I prefer the stained look if I'm using tints, but you can definitely increase pigmentation by gradually applying more. Don't glop on a thick layer on the onset because it remains emollient throughout the day and will probably just move around your face if you don't use a lip liner or lip coat. It's not sticky like a gloss though so don't worry.
CONCLUSION
If you're looking for a tint that's as pigmented as a lipstick, light and non-drying, check it out. Plus points for being cruelty-free too. One can argue that it's a little steeper than most affordable Korean tints for sure, but still within reason especially if the tech, packaging and ingredients behind it are high-end and high-quality.
Skip if you like sweet / floral-scented cosmetics or don't care much about cruelty-free products.
What do you think of the packaging and the shades? Isn't it nice that a lot more Korean brands are accessible to us now?
xx,
CJ
CJ
PS.I read that there are a tonne of other beauty brands in Korea that hasn't reached international exposure unlike Laneige, IOPE, Etude, Tony Moly and Missha to name a few.
PPS. Chok-chok is a term used when something (in reference to your or someone's skin or lips) looks dewy, shiny, plump and moist. Like really glowy, bouncy and healthy-looking.
ABOUT ABOUT FACE PH (OLD NAME PURPLE TAGS PH)
It's a new online store / brand that sell from the obscure to the well-known products to beauty lovers especially the Korean beauty addicts in the Philippines. You can check out their products on their website or Zalora!
http://www.aboutface.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/AboutFacePH/
https://www.instagram.com/aboutface.ph/