Review | THE FACE SHOP Natural Sun Eco No Shine Hydrating Sun Cream SPF40 PA+++

Ever since I started practicing 10-step Korean skincare routine over 6 years ago, I always apply sunscreen as the last step of my skincare routine in the mornings. I might skip some products like eye cream or emulsion for my shortcut routines with a combination of deep cleansing, toning and moisturising but sun protection is not something I am willing to ignore.

I would apply my favourite tone-up sunscreens with some translucent powder on top and head out to work on my super lazy days but on regular days when I apply foundations, I prefer to use hydrating sunscreens. I’d use either physical or chemical sunscreens in between my skincare products and makeup applications. This is simply because most of my foundations have low to no SPF, so even if you do not have a base makeup or primer, you can definitely use sunscreen prior your foundation application for UV protection.

After all these years of using and testing many sunscreens from South Korean brands, I would still always go back to this Natural Sun Eco No Shine Hydrating Sun Cream SPF40 PA+++ from THE FACE SHOP. It is simple and fuss-free to use but before I go in-depth about this product, let’s get to some basic information first.

Product Description:

Contains Sunflower Sprout Extract 5000 microgram – certified by ECO-CERT

• This versatile sun cream protects the skin from both UVA and UVB and works as a mattifying and pore smoothing primer.
• Formulated with extracts of sebum absorbing Cotton Seed and Chia Seed which is known to carry up to 10 times its weight in moisture, it hydrates and absorbs excess shine at the same time.

How to Use:

1. Apply an adequate amount on the face and neck at the final stage of skincare.
2. Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure (or makeup).

Capacity: 50ml

Ingredients list:


Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol Denat, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Tromethamine, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Propanediol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Dimethicone, Acrylates/ Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Trisodium EDTA, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Menthyl PCA, Plankton Extract, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Extract, Parfum/Fragrance.


Packaging:

  

The sunscreen comes in a box with similar design and in my favourite turquoise colour! There are ample product information printed at the sides of the box on more information about it and they are printed both in Korean and English!

 

As shown above, the product packaging comes with a simple screw cap with a small tube-end for easy product dispense and there’s simple product descriptions printed at the back of the tube although mostly in Korean.

The expiry date is printed at the top of the tube in YYYYMMDD (year-month-day) format.


Application:

 

As you can see in the above photo, the sunscreen comes in that slightly yellowish cream but once spread even on skin, there is only slight white cast visible on skin.

The texture is lightweight so it is easy to spread on skin whether you’re using fingers or air puff like me. I would say that the scent is quite overpowering to some people but not to worry as it doesn’t linger.


Thoughts:

This product’s highlighted function is for sebum control but still provide hydration and moisture to skin. This is very interesting to me as I believe normal to oily skin (like mine) still need ample moisture so skin can properly regulate the oil and hydration level so to not secrete excessive oil. I have to agree that this sunscreen does what it claims as my oily T-zone didn’t get oily by midday and the rest of my facial area feels nicely hydrated and smooth.

Furthermore, as sunscreen is the one product that I apply as the last step for my morning skincare routine, it provided enough hydration I needed so it will sit comfortably on my skin. Most other mattifying sunscreens tend to dehydrate my dryness-prone facial area and other moisturising sunscreens with thicker consistency felt heavy on my skin or worse, gave me breakouts!

Overall, I give this product 4.5/5. I’m absolutely loving this sunscreen from THE FACE SHOP! I bought my first tube of the product in a previous packaging a few years ago, then the brand switched to this new packaging and they even came out with a The Simpsons™ collection for this sunscreen along with several other ones from the Natural Sun Eco (sunscreen) line of the brand. The half-point deduction is because I kind of wish that this was SPF50+ but I guess that’s okay because I’m going to reapply it by midday anyway so all is good!

While some might say sunscreen acts as a protection from the sun, I’m going to say right here that sunscreen also protects your skin from other external stressors like pollution and makeup products that can potentially clog your pores. Also, it is very important to choose sunscreens that offer all of these things at the same time feels nice on skin so you won’t feel reluctant to reach out for it and reapply as much as you need throughout the day.


I guess that's all from me so I'll be seeing you guys on my next post. Annyeong~

Blogger Mail | AllYoung X Swissvita Acne Solution Cleansing Cream and Skin Balancing Toner

The past 6 months is like a pause button in between my 12th and 13th rounds of skincare as I was having episodes of food poisoning hence multiple allergic reactions therefore I had to gather set of products that I can utilise to reduce the inflammation for the first few weeks after having reactions and several more gentle, acne-fighting and skin texture-improving products that I continued on using throughout the whole period of skin recovering. Soothing, skin barrier-repairing, hydrating, moisturising, nourishing; these are the keywords that I have been focusing on and only after 6 months, I dare to say that my skin is finally back to its original condition to the point that I finally get to use my Clarisonic brush again.

I'm planning to discuss more on the sensitive skin products that I've been using so do stay tuned for that but for now, I'm going to talk about these two products that were sent to me by allyoung Malaysia that I've incorporated into my skincare routine for the past month or so; I'd say these helped me in restoring the oil-water balance especially on my T-zone area and I no longer have breakouts at the same spots at the side of my nose area but before we jump right into the products, let me just talk a little bit on this Taiwan's aesthetic skincare, Swissvita.

• Swissvita, widely recognized as an aesthetic skincare brand to treat Asian skin concerns utilizing only top notch quality ingredients. Through collaboration with skilled talents from France, Swissvita products were all Swiss-formulated, using signature ingredients such as AC11 and B12 extracts from plants and herbs in the Amazonian forest, these ingredients are widely sought after by international cosmetic manufacturer for the amazing benefits.
• With the great objectives and beliefs to eliminate plasticizers that can cause breast cancer, Swissvita products are packaged using aluminum tube that not only ensures product quality by retaining the active ingredients but also prevent oxidation.
• The brand's 4 main principles:
• Product Quality Assurance
• MIT independent research and development
• 100% authentic
• Adhered to ISO and SGS standards
• The brand's efficacy through high dose of patented active ingredients and being the only authorized manufacturer of AC-11 Aesthetic skincare products.

Swissvita Acne Solution Soothing Cleanser

Simplified Product Description:

• Facial cleanser dedicated for pimpled skin type.
• Purifying ability which can compete with the auto cleansing brushes.
• Deep cleansing the pores; washes away impurities and daily grime.
• Preventing blemishes and pimples from forming by balancing sebum secretion.
• Removing dead skin cells, blackheads and whiteheads for a brighter look.
• Reducing the appearances of pores.

Product claims:

• High performance acne-fighting cleanser
• 100% Alcohol-Free
• Medical-grade product
• Suitable for everyday usage
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
• Fragrance Free, Alcohol Free, Paraben Free, Non-Drying, Non-Irritating

Ingredients list:

Aqua, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Propanediol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, o-Cymen-5-ol (Isopropyl methylphenol), Saccharide Isomerate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pyridoxine HCL, Maltodextrin, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Silica, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Viola Tricolor Extract, Arginine.

Go to CosDNA for ingredients analysis here.

Highlighted ingredients:

• Caviar Lime Extract – Gentle removal of dead skin cells
• Organic Willow Herb Extract - Inhibit overproduction of sebum, minimizes pores, skin calming
• O-Cymen-5-Ol – Anti-Acne and Anti-Oxidation
• Arginine – Moisturizing and Skin Repairing

How to Use:

Dispense appropriate amount of product onto hands, add water and work into lather. Massage gently onto wet face, focus on the T-zone if necessary. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Use it daily; morning and night.

Application:

 

This product is creamy, less foamy compared to regular cleanser and can be easily rinsed off without causing any redness or irritation. Squeeze out 1cm size of cleanser onto palm (or at the back of your hand like me), lather with water until you get a foamy consistency. Massage gently onto wet face and gently cleanse for 30 seconds. Wash it off with water thoroughly. 

I've been using this cleanser regularly; alternating with my other gentle cleansers in the morning and I do love how less bubbly the foam is as it doesn't dry out my skin even after massaging my skin thoroughly for 30 seconds as per recommendation. My skin also feeling nice and smooth afterwards.

Swissvita Acne Solution Skin Balancing Toner

Simplified Product Description:

• Double-layer balancing toner; contains oil-absorbing powders,
• Purify clogged pores, accelerate dead skin cell removal, enhance skin regeneration
• Reduce and prevent blemishes
• Improve uneven skin tone while preventing pigment build-up
• Regulate rough and uneven skin texture
• Tighten enlarged pores

Product claims:

• High performance clear toner
• 100% Alcohol-Free
• Suitable for everyday usage
• Fast and gentle skin renewal
• Fragrance Free, Alcohol Free, Paraben Free, Non-Drying, Non-Irritating

Ingredients list:

Aqua, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Zinc Oxide, Zinc Lactate, Bis-PEG-15 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Exract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Chlorphenesin, Saccharide Isomerate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Viola Tricolor Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Triethanolamine, o-Cymen-5-ol (Isopropyl methylphenol), Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.

Go to CosDNA for ingredients analysis here.

Highlighted ingredients:

• Caviar Lime Extract – Gentle removal of dead skin cells
• Organic Willow Herb Extract - Inhibit overproduction of sebum, minimizes pores, skin calming
• Zinc Lactate – Regulate skin’s oil-water balance, increase moisture reserve in skin
• Isopropyl Methylphenol Antimicrobial Agent – Stop comedonal acne
• Perfect Ratio Flower Acids – Mild skin regeneration, reduce enlarged pores, improve skin radiance
• Zinc Oxide – Tighten pores, moisturize skin
• Penitential – Reserves water for long-lasting hydration
• Olive Leaf Extract – Alleviate skin irritation, minimize the appearance of blemishes, prevent pigment build-up

How to Use:

Shake the bottle well to mix the double layer; toner with the powder that's sitting at the bottom  of the bottle then apply to cleansed face. 

Application:

 

Pour an appropriate amount on cotton pad or palm, gently pat it on your face until fully absorbed. Use it daily; morning and night.

This toner has lightweight consistency and I've been using this toner as first step after cleansing  step in my morning skincare routine and it does help to inhibit sebum overproduction and prevent blemishes at the same spot at both side of my nose area. It doesn't really has a scent to it; maybe a faint tea tree oil scent but I hardly noticed it. Although some of you might consider on using this toner alone for your whole facial area, I still find this toner a bit lacking in terms of moisture so I usually apply this toner just on my T-zone area and opting for more moisturising toner for my drier U-zone area.

Packaging:

 

As you can see, the box is simply designed; I'd take it as the brand intends to focus more on the product itself, them being their ultimate acne solution skincare products. Do note that these products are to be used within 6 months after opening.

There's English product descriptions at the back and side of the boxes which are nice considering the brand is originating from Taiwan.

 

The Expiry dates are at the bottom of the box and on the bottle and aluminium  tube itself which is something I'd appreciate as I no longer hoard products packaging.

Although I don't really like the opening of the aluminium tube of the facial cleanser that much; looks like toothpaste IMHO but I'm gonna look past it as the consistency of the cleanser is creamy so it's still easy to dispense it.

The cap for the toner is considered nice as the product doesn't spill or anything. The hole isn't too big either so it's easy to control the amount of the toner itself.

Thoughts:

I have got to say that it's been a long time since I have any product with lots of astringent in it as for the past 2 years, I'm all about hydrating, moisturising products as part of my anti-aging skincare routine but with the allergic reactions I was having that made my skin went crazy with dryness which resulted in super oily T-zone, rough flaky texture and some redness, I'm glad that I got to try these gentle, non-drying (as I would expect from lots of acne-related skincare products) and blemish-preventing products from Swissvita.

As of end of this month of November, I'm fully back to my normal to oily skin condition; now focusing more on reducing dark spots and pigmentation caused but above all, I'm indulging myself more in moisturising products as I'm about to venture in exfoliating acid toner. 

Thank you so much to allyoung Malaysia and Swissvita Malaysia for sending these products to me at such a perfect timing!

I guess that's all from me. Do let me know your thoughts on these products and tell my your go-to products if you have acne-prone, sensitive skin by leaving comments down below and  I'll see you guys on my next post, annyeong~

||| SHOP THIS POST |||

 

Swissvita Acne Solution Cleansing Cream and Skin Balancing Toner. 

Click the image above to purchase.

||| Official Links |||

Facebook:

• allyoung Malaysia | https://www.facebook.com/allyoungmalaysia/
• Swissvita Malaysia | https://www.facebook.com/swissvitamalaysia

Instagram:

• allyoung Malaysia | https://www.instagram.com/allyoung_my
• Swissvita Malaysia | https://www.instagram.com/swissvitamy/

Disclaimer: Links provided are non-affiliated and solely for your convenience. The products were sent to me for review purposes and all opinions here are based on my personal use of the products.

Review | Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway SPF50+ PA++++

A month ago, I've received another Althea Angel blogger mail and this time I've received an opportunity to personally tried and tested their recently launched product for their in-house brand; a new addition to their Althea Exclusives, Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway SPF50+ PA++++. Indeed, it's a new sister to my current favourite finishing powder which is the Petal Velvet Powder that are available in 3 different variants as of this year. 

You guys already know that I'm huge on sun protection and sunscreen is the last step for my morning skincare routine; the most important step for skin protection against the sun UV rays. I would say that no matter how much you invest your time and effort to do your skincare through mornings and nights, all those treatments will go down the drain if you do not add suitable sunscreen product to your AM routine and equally important to the first application in the morning (assuming you're like me who always go out to work on weekdays and outdoor activities on weekends) is the reapplication of sunscreen throughout the day.

As someone who have normal to oily (T-zone) skin with dehydrated U-zone area, I'm always looking for sunscreen that hydrates and gives me slightly matte finish. I won't mind slight white cast for that toned-up look as long as my overall complexion won't appear ghostly i.e. overly white for medium skin tone. As for the formula, I'm into sunscreens that contain chemical filters these days (notable ingredients oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate) but I've been using physical sunscreens up to last year (notable ingredients being zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) so I don't mind using either or better, hybrid of the two group of ingredients.

Now, let's go into some details on this product first.

Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway SPF50+ PA++++

Product Description:

• Lightweight texture with powerful UV protection
• A non-chemical UV filter (builds up sunscreen filter on the surface of the skin and scatters UV light) formula with a light, fluid texture to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Velvety finish, hydrating formula
• Controls excessive sebum on the skin with a micro powder system while hyaluronic acid ensures the skin is kept hydrated throughout the day.
• Micro powder barrier™ 
• Micro particles absorb sebum and excess oil from the skin to give a light, velvety finish.
• As you apply the Sunaway, hyaluronic acid replenishes moisture and deeply hydrates the skin.
• Hydrating, fresh formula
• Controls excess sebum on the skin with a micro powder system throughout the day
• Advanced non-chemical UV filter
• Applies evenly and smoothly onto the skin without leaving a white cast behind due to an advanced non-chemical UV filter with a more transparent formula.
• Damask Rose
• Contains Damask Rose extracts to moisturise and smoothen the skin.
• Damask rose has a natural nanomolecular composition that is rich in vitamins to penetrate deep into the skin, soothing sensitives and strengthening it for a radiant glow.

Dermatologist tested.

Ingredients:

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Disiloxane, Propanediol, Titanium Dioxide, Dicaprylyl Ether, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sorbitan Caprylate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol

Contains mineral ingredients; titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that work by sitting on top of the skin to deflect and scatter UV rays away from the skin.


Now, let's talk about the packaging!

The sunscreen came within the cute pink box that is in similar design to their Althea box  used for delivery. There's Korean product description printed at the back of the box so if you still need further information in English, I have provide the link at the end of this post for your convenient.

 

There's product batch and expiry date printed at the smaller side of the box and again at the bottom of the bottle itself. The format is YYYYMMDD. 

As you can see above, the sunscreen came in a small bottle in opaque white with pink screw cap. There's simple product description at the back as well. Do note that you'll be needing to shake the bottle well before usage especially when left unused for awhile.

Like most sunscreen bottles, this one too comes with a small opening to easily dispense the product to avoid excessive amount.

APPLICATION

   

Upon first application, the consistency is indeed lightweight, feels fresh on skin and doesn't leave much white cast on me. The scent is rosy and nice; not overpowering or linger at all. This sunscreen does last quite well throughout all morning on its own and even when used under base makeup e.g. foundation, the finishing isn't affected at all and they work nice and even. Although I've only used this sunscreen like few times under Fenty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation and its primer sister but they work well together.

I usually go for tone-up sunscreens for first sunscreen application in the morning but I do use this sunscreen on top of tone-up creams or another Althea Exclusive;  Althea Fixer Cream for no-makeup makeup look for almost everyday during the past month. Whenever I feel like my skin needs hydration boost, I'd incorporate simple hydrating or moisturising sheet mask in my skincare routine but of course, if you're someone who consider yourself as beginner in skincare or just want to go for #skincarediet instead of doing a typical 10-step Korean skincare routine, you can try these Althea Exclusives that include from cleansers to moisturisers to fit your daily skin needs.

If you're wondering how to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day, it's pretty simple! Just dab your face with blotting paper for excess oil or facial tissues for sweat, then to just freshen up your skin, spray your face with hydrating facial mist evenly then after a few minutes, you can just apply the sunscreen on your facial area using clean fingers or air puffs by tapping motions for even application. I have also been pairing the sunscreen with its powder sisters most of the time for that smooth, velvety finish that last all day long. 

I know it's fun to use different products from different brands most of the time but I've got to say that I do enjoy using Althea Exclusives together and I definitely think it's because they're designed to complement each other. I'm a huge fan of continuity not only in design but also in my skincare products. Oh, I can't wait to share with you guys about the latest launch from the brand; an exfoliator that transforms from a clay to a whipped cream lather. Definitely something I've never tried before.

Overall, I would say that this sunscreen is a great product that works well with my skin. It goes without saying that sunscreen is crucial no matter where you are, here in Malaysia or Brisbane, Australia. Speaking of which, commercial modelling agencies in Brisbane are looking for the next big thing; not burnt noses! If you're on a drier side but still would love to have slightly matte finish then you could use medium to light moisturiser underneath this sunscreen as that's what I do for my dehydrated U-zone area. I know, combination skin is so complicated especially after I hit the big 3-0 this year. Not only I need to cater my oily T-zone but also those flaky areas around lower cheeks to my jawline. I just found an intense cream for these area so I'll update you guys on that later.

You can purchase the sunscreen at individual price of RM43 or in a set of this sunscreen and any of the Powder sister with 10% discount (no code necessary) at only RM53.10 (Retail Price at RM59). If you're new to Althea and planning to purchase more than RM150, use my link (click here!) for 20% discount off your first purchase!

So I guess that's all from me! If you have already tried this sunscreen, do let me know what you think or if you haven't, tell me your favourite sunscreen that you'd like me to try next by leaving comments down below.

Until next post, annyeong~

|||   SHOP THE POST   |||

Althea Petal Velvet Set RM53.10 (Malaysia only)

||| Official links |||

Website | http://my.althea.kr/

Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/altheamalaysia

Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/altheakorea

Disclaimer: Links provided are non-affiliated. The products were sent to me for review purposes and all opinions here are based on my personal use of the products.

Makeup Stash | Face Powders

Of course, the first thing I learned about makeup are face powders. I used to wear compact powders back in school and university days but ever since I'm into K-Beauty skincare and makeup, I was introduced to translucent powders that goes on all types of skin; they’re universal i.e. fit literally any skin tone if they’re fine enough.

While some are my absolute HG (asterisked) and repurchased more times than I can remember, some are just not powerful enough for my oily T-zone. Still, they’re worth the try.

• LANEIGE Brush Pact in No. 1 Natural Finish.
• LANEIGE Brush Pact in No. 2 Pore Blur.
• Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder.*
• Innisfree No Sebum Blur Powder.*
• Innisfree No Sebum Blur Pact.
• Etude House Zero Sebum Drying Powder.
• Son&Park Flawless Pore Pact.
• EGLIPS Pore Blind Powder.
• Althea Petal Velvet Powder.*

Whether it's compact or loose powders, I always opted for powder brush for application and touch-ups as I don't really like the puffs that come with most powders and none of the powders that I own is a two-way powder (wet application for foundation-like finish) so the puffs are usually there in order to avoid the powder spilling out of the case.

I’ve won my first Althea Petal Velvet Powder from @pinkmidorilove giveaway and bought myself another as it’s almost finish. I’m hooked with it and probably gonna give the recently launched Warm Beige a try.

I guess that's all from me. Until next post, annyeong~

Makeup Stash | Primers

It's April already and it's a new category for my posts under Beauty Routine ; makeup items that I currently use in my daily and occasional makeup routine. Posts under this tag are mainly talking about number of products that I use at certain point of my makeup routine so for today's post, I'll be giving out my thoughts on makeup primers.

When it comes to face primers, I've only been focusing on getting my pores' appearances at my nose area being reduced and less oily T-zone. I'm taking care of my dehydrated cheek area with proper hydration so my choice of primers are:

• Benefit POREfessional Face Primer. I have nothing to say as you guys definitely are familiar with this primer especially if you have similar concerns as I am; huge pores and oily T-zone so this primer actually helps in preparing the 'canvas' for makeup application by blurring the pores and smoothing the lines, giving sebum-control at my T-zone. My base makeup stays intact on top of this primer and all I have to do is to set it properly with setting powder.
• LANEIGE Lumi Block Primer. This evens out my skin, gives sebum control, mattifies and overall soft-looking finish which is perfect for my cushion foundations. It's light and gives cool sensation as well and I sometimes used this on top of cushion foundation for touch-ups.
• FENTY BEAUTY Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Primer. I've only tried this at the store when I bought this and fell in love with its texture instantly. I'll let you guys know more details when I actually tried this under a foundation soon.

The three above are actually unopened primers and below are my the ones I'm currently using in my actual routine. Guess it's no surprise to see the first two are repurchases for me and the other primer that I recently tested is that Innisfree No Sebum Blur Primer that works similarly as Benefit's but I'm going to say that this is at 75% capacity of that of Benefit's to me i.e. works similarly but less. I won't be repurchasing this.

If you're new to makeup, I just have to say that when it comes to investing in makeup collection, base makeup products are those you should be splurging on because there are so many formulations, shades, undertones, etc out there and I did spent money on looking for a good foundations but at some point, I also realised that I need a good primer as well to ensure your look for the day stays on nice and smooth.

I guess that's all for today's post! I'll see you guys on the next one. Until then, annyeong~

Skincare Diary | Morning Routine

This was my morning routine today and the past several weeks. I've mentioned previously that I always go for brightening or sebum-controlling skincare line for my morning routines but this line from Innisfree called Whitening Pore does both and I’m loving it. The toner contains some sort of powder that helps with controlling sebum and the squeezed fresh tangerine peel juice contained in the whole skincare line is for fresh and brighter skin tone. Oh, I forgot to include the cleanser in the above photo. Sorry!

I have started using Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum since September I think and I’m almost halfway through the bottle. I usually use it in the morning for extra boost of moisture.

As I mentioned before, the Innisfree Daily UV Protection No Sebum SPF35 PA+++ needs proper moisturiser to be layered underneath or you won’t be able to spread it even. Indeed, it’s meant for oily skin (my T-zone is) but even with my dry cheeks, I still want a matte finish with my sunscreen. I guess I need to find a hydrating sunscreen for my skin very soon. 

I guess that's all for today's skincare diary. I hope you enjoy your days onward.

Review | Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder

I honestly didn't know that there are many types of makeup powders not until 2 years ago when I started doing makeup by myself. I talked about the sebum controlling beauty items that I'm using currently in my previous post and I featured this No Sebum Mineral Powder from Innisfree as one of them. 

I'm pretty sure if you're an avid Korean makeup user, you definitely know about this sebum-controlling HD powder or if you prefer, translucent powder. 

Review | THE FACE SHOP Chia Seed Sebum Control Moisture Cream

Now that I've reviewed my current cleanser and toner, today I'll be sharing with you guys about my current moisturiser, Chia Seed Sebum Control Moisture Cream also from TheFaceshop. 

This product is part of my current morning skincare routine that focusing on sebum-controlling properties as I want to prolong my makeup but still want to have balanced moisture level in my skin.

Review | THE FACE SHOP Chia Seed Fresh Cleansing Foam

Of course, it's summer right now but here in Malaysia it's always hot and humid so for most of the time during the day, I will go to at least one item in my skincare routine that has sebum-controlling properties but as I'm taking a break from my usual brightening skincare lines  - Laneige White Plus Renew, I'm on this simple 3-step sebum-controlling skincare line from one of my favourite K-beauty brand of all time, TheFaceShop. 

Beauty Talk | Wash-Off Masks

Last night, I posted the above photo on my Instagram and I thought, why not make a post about it? :) So, if you're wondering, no... that's not all of my scrub and wash-off mask stash. Most of them either in packs or capsules that I placed in the fridge (I really love putting on cool cucumber or bamboo masks) but these are the ones that don't require me to keep them cool. 

If you didn't know, my skin is Normal to Combination so I require some clay mask to keep my sebum control at balance, mask to remove occasional blackheads, and scrub which is my favourite kind of wash-off mask.

Review | Etude House Zero Sebum All Day Matte Gel

One of the first things I wanted to dip my hands into when I tried to get into a little bit more into makeup is learning more about primers. There are few different features when it comes to primers and bases but the way I see it, primers are more into perfecting the condition of the skin; talk about sebum-controlling or hydrating primers whereas the bases are more into the appearances of the skin or canvas for your makeup; the tone, imperfections and etc. 

One of the products that I've tried in that primer category is this product from Etude House, the Zero Sebum All Day Matte Gel. 

I was looking for a primer with basic function like sebum-controlling or at least balancing the water-oil level in my skin so as I was going through Korean beauty shops here in Kota Kinabalu, I've found this for a start.

Review: TheFaceShop Natural Sun Eco Sebum Control Moisture Sun SPF40PA+++

Annyeong~ my lovelies! Ah~ it's getting hotter and hotter these days and I just can't get enough of drinking water even at night. Which is why I want to share with you guys about a sunscreen that I've been loving these days.

Can you guess which one?