okay, i admit i haven't finished my review about the etude house mascara, because it's hard to captured and the mascara is wet so i clumped it a couple of times. i never tried the third stage, so i don't know if i'll be able to do the review. (plus, recently i read about how to use curling mascara the right way, so i hope i can try it first before writing any review). anyway, actually i wanted to buy the maybelline lash sensational one, but the stock is sold out at my usual online shop, so i decided to buy the l'oreal telescopic mascara one. this one is pretty popular, many bloggers like it. so, i hope i will like it too.

this is the description on the packaging: l'oreal presents telescopic carbon black mascara, for lashes with dramatic-looking length and intensity. the patented precision brush visibly lengthens lashes up to 60% and exclusive carbon black pigments provide two times the intensity. it's ophthalmologist and allergy tested, removes easily with soap and water, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, fragrance-free.

okay, before i go on with the review, i have to admit, i was reckless when i purchased this mascara. i didn't search long enough to find out that there are several types of this mascara out there. unfortunately, the one that i bought was not the one that's been receiving the hype. the one that's popular is the original one, while mine is the carbon black version. there are other versions, but i forgot what they are. so, be careful and do extensive search everyone before buying anything.

the packaging: it comes in a cardboard and plastic packaging, like toothbrush packaging.

the product: the mascara itself is slim and long, so it's easy to bring it in your purse without occupying much space. the wand is also unique. i've tried various mascaras, but mostly they have big wand or curling wand, synthetic mostly, with big brushes. but this one is thin and long, with short bristles. i can even bend the wand if i'm not using it carefully. like it is really fragile. honestly, i don't like it since i feel it's unstable. and wiggly.. but on the positive side, since this one is not waterproof, it's easy to clean, even with warm water will do.

the result: the mascara is not waterproof, so it's considerably more wet than my usual mascara. it doesn't dry out as quick as i want it to be, so i have to be careful before putting another coat, or it will clump. plus, it has short bristle but straight wand, so i can't reach my outer lashes or inner lashes that's shorter than my other lash part. i also try to use it on my lower lashes, but it doesn't work as well. as for the lengthening promise, i'm considered myself having a pretty long lashes for asian, so it doesn't show much on the picture, but it did help to lengthen it. unfortunately, since most asian have straight lashes, it has nothing to do with the curling, so, i have to use curler. now, since i'm a mom of two toddlers, using curler is sometimes a waste of time, so i like my mascara to curl and lengthen at the same time without curler. that's why i don't quite like this one.

you might conclude that i will not buy this one again. probably if i can get my hand on the original one (which is probably a zero chance since it's sold out everywhere), i might try it, but not this version. let's say that i'm more a big brush/curling wand fan.

the mascara packaging

left: the mascara right: the wand

top: without mascara bottom: with mascara (notice that my lash is slightly longer so it's more visible)

notice that it's only slightly longer on the middle part, but the outer and inner lash can't be reached

left and right: still straight lashes, only slightly longer

i like my previous nature republic watery cream, but i'm intrigued to find another moisturizer. although i try mizon which was my second best when i tried all those samples, but somehow i don't like it after trying the full size and i can't wait to finish it. but then i read about this emulsion from ryan (@ryanraroar) and i think since we have similar skin type, i might as well tried it. unfortunately, i can't find any samples so i have no other option than to purchase the full size straight.

this is the description from thefaceshop.ca: the smim radiance collagen line contains double-fermented collagen. the additional fermentation process breaks down the collagen into smaller particles, making it easier to absorb to significantly improve elasticity and provide deep hydration. this emulsion contains double-fermented collagen that moisturizes and boosts radiance, while anti-aging ingredients make skin firm and elastic for a perfectly healthy complexion.
and this is the description on the outer box: twice-fermented collagen is derived from SMIM's unique dual fermentation process that extracts active substances from natural ingredients. the finely broken-down collagen from the fermentation process enhances radiance and elasticity as it permeates deeper into the skin. a phyto-radiance complex brightens skin by awakening radiance from deep within. twice-fermented collagen increases elasticity from deep within. phyto-radiance complex is a radiance-boosting plant-based ingredient derived from mullein, a mediterranean flower, and tomato. it boosts radiance by absorbing and reflecting sunlight to give skin a healthy glow.

pic from testerkorea

the packaging: there's an outer box with both korean and english text. unfortunately, the english text and description is limited on the bottle. the bottle itself is same as pictured above. it's a glass bottle with a silver cap which you can pull to reveal the pump. the pump is made of plastic and it dispensed just a small amount of the product. the bottle is frosted in pinkish hue. and if i point it into sunlight, i can see the remaining emulsion left in the bottle.

the scent: if you're worried about the "twice-fermented" that's been repeated all over the description will give some weird scent, then let me assure you, no smelly scent here. no fermentation scent at all. in fact, i think it smells fresh.. not like the marine scent, but fresh.. i can't describe it, but once you sniff it, i hope you'll understand. it's very subtle, so unless you sniff really hard, you probably won't smell it. and once it's applied, the scent will dissipate.

the product: i've only used another emulsion, the skinfood premium tomato one. and the texture is similar. it's runnier than cream, and very watery. the consistency is somewhat between a thick serum and a light cream. it's easily absorbed onto my skin and leave glowy trait behind. but after a while, it vanishes. it needs two pumps for my whole face.

the result: i've used this emulsion religiously for the past month, and i must say, this one is a winner. i can say i've found the perfect substitution for my nature republic watery cream. first, i have combination oily skin and live in hot humid country, so finding a good moisturizer that leave my skin moisturized but not super greasy is hard. even gel cream can't achieve that (say that to mizon one). so, the oil control from this emulsion is great. i can feel my skin moisturized but it won't make my skin greasy. the mizon one, it will make my skin greasy since it can't moisturized my skin well. and if i apply too much, it will make my skin shiny too. my foundation and other makeup apply well after using this emulsion. and it doesn't break my skin out. usually fermented product will give you purging stage, but this one isn't. i don't experience any purging at all.

so, i have to agree with ryan by saying this one is a great emulsion. perfect for oily/combination skin living in tropical country. but again, i'm 30's, so my skin condition might differ with my youth skin, so probably if you're younger than me, you might want to try a sample before committing to full size since for me, it's quite pricey. but the emulsion is 130 ml, so it's pretty big.. and judging by the rate i'm using this emulsion, it's a win since i bet this might last a long time and i use this emulsion twice a day. but i don't think this one is suitable for dry skin or late-aging skin since it's quite light. but again, try it yourself since everyone is different.

the outer box

the outer box

the bottle

left: the pump right: the product on my hand and then the glowy skin after applying it

if you're following launching new from korean brands, then you'll probably know that many brands come up with special edition a lot. either line edition or kakao or other characters. they are very cute.. i think it's first started with apieu with their doraemon line.. and then others come follow. so, since i wanted to buy another cushion (my innisfree one is finished awhile ago), i requested a special edition cushion for my birthday gift. and my sisters are giving me this missha one.

the outer box

inside there's the cushion, a refill and an extra cushion (not pictured here)

the cushion

the separator and the seal on the cushion, far left: the extra cushion puff

the cushion right: swatch on hand (top natural light, bottom with flash)

after blending it (left: natural light, right: flash)