Dr. G Brightening Mild Peeling Gel Review

A vital part in caring for your skin is exfoliation. I am a firm believer in exfoliation because it helps rid the skin of unwanted dead skin cells. Exfoliation also helps to accelerate cell turnover. We shed skin, it's a natural bodily function and process but as we age, this process begins to slow down. Dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin can cause a myriad of skin related issues such as acne, dullness and dehydration. Due to my sensitive skin, I must be very careful in how I exfoliate my skin because some products that exfoliate can cause irritation and increase skin's sensitivity. 

Dr. G is a very popular brand in Korea and although I had heard great things about the brand especially when it comes to sensitive skin and acne prone skin, I had never tried any of their products. Founded by respected Korean dermatologist Dr. Gun Y. Ahn who suffered facial burns as a child, the brand uses scientific training, state-of-the-art technology and high quality ingredients to create products for sensitive and troubled skin. The G stands for Gowoonsesang which means"Beautiful World" and Dr. G is the world's second largest medical skin care group in Korean with over 15 clinics. 

I decided to try one of the most loved and celebrated exfoliators in Korean (and in Asia for that matter), the Dr. G Brightening Peeling Gel in Mild. I got this product from BBCosmetic, a online retailer that ships worldwide. 

Purpletale's Once Upon a Neck Cream Review

For the past few months, I have been testing the Once Upon a Neck Cream from the brand Purpletale and wanted to share my review. I received this product courtesy of the lovely Young-Ji Park, the founder and creator of Purpletale. For those of you new to the brand, Purpletale is a popular Korean beauty brand that creates simple and easy to use products that are rich with ingredients to make you look and feel beautiful. I have reviewed their Ode to Hydration Cream here if you'd like to read that review too. When I was first approached by the company I immediately fell in love with the simplistic packaging and the beautiful, purple glass containers. I also love the Purpletale philosophy on skincare which is all about using products that contain results driven ingredients. 

Leaders Mask Review

A huge portion of my daily skin care is incorporating sheet masks into my routine. Sheet masks are the very first Asian beauty product that I had ever used, but I quickly fell in love using masks because they offer so much in skin care benefits. My very first mask was the My Beauty Diary Black Pearl, a Taiwanese brand and then i tried a Japanese brand mask from Kracie. When used regularly, sheet masks keep my skin supple and hydrated and my skin care products just work better.

Today I want to review a few masks from Leaders, a popular Korean beauty brand that I have been using for over 10 years. My skin is combination to normal, sensitive and acne-prone this time of year so my reviews on the following sheet masks are based on my skin type and condition.

Beauteque Monthly - Mask Maven October Collection

Yesterday I received my final Beauteque Monthly/Mask Maven mask subscription. Beauteque was offering a great discount code for their Mask Maven monthly subscription a year ago so I thought why not! I signed up to receive one year which roughly cost about $150, making each month about $12.50. Not a bad deal! Overall I have been happy with the service and the collection of masks that are in each month's pack so I am kind of sad that this is my final pack.

This month's theme is "After Party Masquerade", helping to revive, relieve and nourish the skin. I am very happy with the 9 masks, especially the Nohj which has quickly turned into one of my favorite mask brands because of the quality and effectiveness of their sheet masks.

Guerisson 9 Complex Cream Review

I attended a Portland meet up at the end of February here and had the pleasure of connecting with Pretty and Cute, a local Asian beauty shop here in Portland Oregon. I have known the owner for many years now and she reached out to offer a product in exchange for my honest review. After surfing the Pretty and Cute website, I decided to try the Claire's Guerisson 9 Complex Cream because of the positive reviews I had read, especially from those with combination and sensitive skin like mine. 

To start, my skin type during autumn is normal to dry. My skin can also be quite sensitive and temperamental. I am usually very acne prone however, with the incorporation of Curology, my skin has been less breakout prone. My review will reflect how this cream works for my personal skin type and condition and as always, your results may vary.

I do want to point out that this cream does contain horse oil, a very controversial ingredient in skin care products. As a pescatarian, I do find the idea of horse oil, a byproduct of horse meat (a big industry in Asia) disturbing. However, the scientist in me wanted to test this cream in the name of beauty. After using this, I will not be using any more products containing horse oil. I just want to say this ingredient is just not for me but I do not pass judgement on those who use this ingredient in their skin care products. 

Skin food Black Sugar Cleansing Oil Review

Today I want to review the Skinfood Black Sugar Cleansng Oil. It seems like I may be the last person in the kbeauty world to try this particular product and I do realize that the web is saturated with reviews. However, each person's skin is different and as with all things beauty related, your results may vary. I have a very unique perspective on product not only because I am a medical estheciain but also because I have a very finicky skin type.

To start, my skin type during this time of the year is normal to dry.  My skin can also be quite sensitive and temperamental. I am usually very acne prone however, with the incorporation of Curology, my skin has been less breakout prone. Because I do use a retinoid, my skin is more inclined to be dehydrated and have occasional redness. My review will reflect how this cleansing oil works for my personal skin type and condition.

In the world of k-beauty, cleansing oils are used in the evening to remove makeup and sunscreen and are called first cleansers. If this sounds confusing it is ok, you are not alone. A skin care philosophy that I have stood by for almost two decades is double cleansing....here is why! First, in order to cleanse the skin, you need to remove the layers of makeup first. It would be like treating a cut with antibiotic ointment before cleaning the cut itself. The same is true for the skin. You need to remove all of the makeup before you can actually get to the skin to cleanse it properly. For those of you who do not wear makeup everyday, I feel you still need an oil based cleanser to remove sunscreen (yes, you should be wearing sunscreen every single day). Most high protection sunscreen I have found need an oil cleanse to fully remove them properly.

The Claim:

This cleansing oil is said to contain organic black sugar, refined rice wine and botanicals to gently remove makeup plus hydrate and nourish the skin at the same time. 

Packaging:
The cleansing oil comes in a 6.8oz or 200ml sturdy plastic bootle with a pump top. 

Patch Testing:

Every product I use goes through a very detailed patch testing period. I always patch test and I recommend patch testing to everyone. This is how I introduce new skin care products to my easily irritated skin. Patch testing can look different for everyone but for me, I test products in stages. However, cleansing products are difficult to patch test. For this particular product, I patch test an few areas on my face, using the cleaning oil just in a few places in the morning when I have no makeup on. I let it sit on my face for a few minutes to see if any reaction occurs. If all goes well, I begin to use the product on my entire face and neck as my first cleansers.

Texture and Formula:
This cleansing oil is just how I like cleansing oils to be, a little on the thick side. The reason behind my crazy pet peeve is lighter, more runny cleansing oils dip and easily spill/fall through your fingers.  This oil glides on the skin, dissolving makeup with little effort. After you massage this into the skin, it emulsifies very well, turning into a milky cleanser that washes away.

Ingredients:

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Peg-10 Isostearate, Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Water, FragranceDimethicone, Black Sugar Extract, Sodium Pca, Betaine, Threonine, Sorbitol, Proline, Lysine, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Alanine, Butylene Glycol, Cholesterol, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Serine, Glycine, Alcohol Denat., Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Hydrogenated Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Ceramide Np, Sarcodon Aspratus Extract, Sucrose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium Edta

Results:
As stated above, I love that this cleansing oil is on the thicker side and that is dissolves makeup with ease. I like how it emulsifies into a milky texture but I find that after rinsing with water, my skin feels like it is left with a layer of film. This also has a very strong lemon scent that even after I have cleansed, the fragrance lingers. I have used the Black Sugar Scrub Mask which has the same scent but the scrub/mask dissipates unlike the cleansing oil. I happen to like the fresh lemony scent however, when I am lying in bed at night I do not want to smell like pledge wood cleaner. Eventually I find that the scent gives me a slight headache. For some odd reason the cleansing oil's scent lingers on my skin most likely due to the fact that at the moment, most of my skin care (toner, essence, serum, FTE, moisturizers etc) is fragrance free or has very little scent. If I use the Cosrx Low PH Cleanser (I would highly recommend btw) following this cleansing oil, the lemon scent doesn't seem to linger as much. 

Overall:

Although there is a lot to like about this cleansing oil, it is not for me. I love the formula but I just can't get past the lingering lemon scent. There are other cleansing oils out there that give me the same and better results without the fragrance. My favorite cleansing oil to date is the illi hanbang, anti-aging cleansing oil found here. Thank you so much for reading my review and for supporting my blog. 



Stay Beautiful ❤️

Naruko Haul

So, last week I broke my "no buy until Black Friday" and had a moment of pure weakness. I just could not resist the temptation that is Naruko. If you have been with me since the beginning aka my Youtube days, you will know that I have purchased, used and have loved Naruko skincare products in the past. I have slowly found my way back to Naruko thanks to some very gracious friends sending me decants/samples. So, one thing led to another (as it usually does) and boom, there I was browsing the Naruko website and adding items to my cart.

Here is the picture I posted on Instagram of my haul however, I did not post the free products that I received for spending over a certain amount. Naruko was very generous with the extras! Most companies will give you sample packets and some may even add in a sheet mask. Granted I spend way over $100USD but I received three sheet masks and two full size products.

It's Skin Dear My Muse Velvet Powder SPF 15 Review

With the autumn season finally among us, I decided to take some time the past few days going through my makeup items.  One of my go-to makeup items during the warmer months are powders, preferably loose powder. In the summer or warmer months, I tend to set my foundations or cushions with a light dusting of powder, focusing on my t-zone to control shine. In the summer, my skin type tends to be combination, especially in my t-zone so having a lightweight powder is ideal. At the beginning of summer, QDepot reached out and offered to send me an item for review purposes. Since I knew I would need a powder for the warmer days here in Portland, I picked out the Its Skin Dear My Muse Velvet Powder with SPF 15 #1 to test out.  As many of you know if you read my blog or follow me on Instagram, I tend to gravitate toward powders that offer sunscreen protection. Although I never rely on the sun protection of powders on their own, they do help to offer further protection against the sun's damaging rays. I also love using SPF powders for a midday sunscreen touch up. 

Jungle Botanics Review

Today I wanted to review a shampoo and treatment set that I received from Wishtrend. Jungle Botanics is a new brand for Wishtrend and I was very excited to have the opportunity to test out this shampoo and treatment. Jungle Botanics philosophy is to combine advanced scientific technology with ingredients from nature. The brand mission is to "replenish natural energy and return balance to your hair by using revitalizing elements found in nature".  I have been testing this hair duo for about 6 weeks and want to share my thoughts with you all.

Tosowoong Vitalizing Perfect Cover Essence Cushion Review

Today I want to review a cushion that I have been testing out for a few months. This is the newly released Tosowoong Vitalizing Perfect Cover Essence Cushion SPF 50 PA+++ in #21. I received this from the lovely Amy at Cupidrop.com in exchange for my honest review. I have posted this cushion on my Instagram here, here and here but I wanted to give my readers and followers a more in-depth review. 

((CLOSED)) I'm From Honey Mask Giveaway

I am very excited to announce a collaborative giveaway with Wishtrend! You can win a full size jar of the award winning I'm From Honey Mask, a wonderful mask for all skin types. Cosmopolitan Magazine called this mask one of "6 Korean Beauty Products That Will Change Your Beauty Routine Forever!" I am so happy to have this chance to give back to my amazing followers and readers!

Detail:
This is an international giveaway!
This giveaway will end September 12 at midnight PST.
This giveaway is hosted by pdxbeautiful.com and Wishtrend.com.
I am not responsible for any adverse reactions to skincare items.
If you are under the age of 18 years old, please get you parent/guardian permission. I will need your contact information to ship out the prize.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Thank you all so much for your support :)


Stay Beautiful❤️

Beauteque Monthly (AKA Mask Maven) August Collection

I received my August Beauteque Monthly/Mask Maven yesterday after returning from a very relaxing vacation. I noticed because of last months fiasco, this month they added an extra "mystery" mask to this month's collection. This month's theme is "Post Race Cooldown"Beauty Games which falls in line with this summer Olympic Games. 

Here are the masks that were included:

Full List:
Yadah Honey Moisturizing
Yadah Cactus Soothing
Beauty Friends Vitamin Essence
Beauty Friends Coenzyme Q10
Saference Skin RX Moisture
Missha Real Solution Tercel Sheet Mask in Ceramide
Dr. Jart Vital Hydra Solution
It's Skin Cream Mask in Glow
The Yeon Jeju Hallabong Energy Peeling Gel "mystery mask"


I am happy with the masks in this month's collection as they focus on hydration, soothing and repairing the skin. These are definitely the types of masks I generally like to use because of my sensitive skin. As always, flavors/styles will vary this month so I am excited to see what other's received. Thanks again for reading and for your support.


Stay Beautiful ❤️

Skin18 Mask Review #1

*PR sample - Please see disclaimer 

I wanted to review some sheet masks that I received from Skin18.com.  Skin18 is an online retailer that focus on offering the best skincare products that help you to look your best. Skin18's philosophy is skincare instead of makeup. Although I do like makeup, I believe that skincare should always come first. I was contacted to see if I wanted to review some sheet masks and without hesitation, I accepted the offer as you all know I love my sheet masks. I was pleasantly surprised when the package arrived and I found sheet masks from brands I had never heard of before. I did post all of these reviews on my Instagram page. Please follow me if you don't already because I am most active on Instagram than here on my blog (although I am trying to be better at keeping this blog active).

First up is the Soc 3D Beauty Serum Face Mask in Snail:
This was my first 3D masks and although the fit was a bit off, I actually enjoyed this mask. After about 30 minutes, I took this off to find my skin less red and more calm. My skin was very hydrated and plump. A few blemishes were less red, irritated and puffy. There was also left over essence for a facial massage. The essence itself was a thin, clear and watery texture without being sticky but the sheet mask itself was a little too thick. Notable ingredients include snail secretion filtrate, collagen, aloe, folic acid, hyaluronate, peptide and ginseng. I would definitely repurchase this mask and want to try more flavors from this particular line.

Maricle Marine Pure Collagen White CC Cream SPF 50 Review

Almost a month ago, MiniB Beauty reached out to ask if I would be interested in testing out a CC Cream from the brand Maricle because it would be a great color match for my super pale skin tone. After researching the brand Maricle I agreed to test out the product in exchange for my honest opinion. I have been testing out the Marine Pure Collagen White CC Cream SPF 50 PA+++ in almost three weeks and wanted to share my thoughts.

July Mask Maven

It's that time of month again....that time when I receive my Mask Maven mask subscription from Beauteque. I posted the above picture on my Instagram but wanted to post here too. in case you don't use Insta. This month's collections includes the following:

Esfolio Banana Essence Mask Sheet
Esfolio Aloe Essence  Mask Sheet
Missha Pure Source Cell Sheet in Green Tea
The Face Shop MasCream Sheet
Scinic My Juicy Bottle Mask Soothing Ampoule Juice
Scinic Intensive Dual Mask Soothing Solution
Tsaio Chamomile Licorice, Green Tea and Sweet Orange


This collection is just ok and I am not too overly impressed with the selection. This month's collection was also just thrown into a bubble mailer and sent. The masks were not in their usual purple mess bag and there was no information card included. Not a great customer service moment. I have already sent an email so I will see what Beautuque.


Stay Beautiful ❤️

Dud Review 1: Mizon Good Night White Sleeping Mask

I absolute love the idea of doing dud review blog posts, sharing products that just didn't work for my skin. I have decided to adopt this post topic for my blog and of course Instagram. I will also mention dud products during my monthly reviews on my Youtube channel. I honestly believe in the saying "YMMV" (your milage may vary),  an acronym often used to highlight the fact that not every product will work for your skin type and concerns. There are many people out there that will purchase a particular product just because a well know blogger or YouTuber gave a glowing review. I have been guilty myself of doing the exact same thing...buying a product based on a review only to find out that it doesn't work for my skin. So here is my first dud post!

The Mizon Goodnight White Sleeping Mask is a favorite on the Reddit Asian Beauty Sub here so after seeing so many people speak highly of it, I decided to give it a try.

PurpleTale Ode to Hydration Facial Cream Review

I have been testing out a facial cream from the new Korean beauty brand Purpletale and I wanted to share my thoughts with you all.  Purpletale and their pampering skin care philosophy is "to create simple and easy to use products, using only wholesome, enriching ingredients that make you look and feel beautiful".  I love the simplistic design of their packaging and of course I love the purple containers. Purple is my favorite color. When the founder and owner Young-Ji reached out a few months ago, I jumped at the chance to try out this product. Purpletale is becoming more popular in Korea and I wanted to see what all the buzz was about. Purpletale is based in South Korea and ships to the US.

May Spring Repasse 6 Energy Super Whitening Cream Review

Today I want to review the Repasse 6 Energy Super Whitening Cream by May Springs that I recently won in a giveaway. Since my recent battle with acne has subsided and my skin is finally back to normal, I have been trying to test as many whitening products as possible to help fade some post acne scars. As you can imagine, I was pretty stoked to test out this cream and see if it lives up to its claims.