metamorph-me

actually, i don't have that very dry lips, but somehow, my lips chapped when i applied some of my lipstick, especially if the lipstick wasn't that moisturizing. i could see lines on my lips after applying my lipstick. and i don't know why, but there seems to be dead skin build up on my inner bottom lips, which is annoying. i thought it's because i use lip butter/lip balm very often, but i read somewhere that they aren't the culprit, so i guess probably i should try exfoliating my lips. and i read somewhere that many people love elf lip exfoliator. it's cheap and it does what it says, sooo.. when i purchased my bio oil, fortunately the online shop has the lip exfoliator as well, so i decided to give it a go.

this is the description from their official website:

gently exfoliate lips to remove dry, chapped skin with our lip exfoliator. a sweet sugar and smoothing sensation, infused with vitamin e, shea butter, avocado, grape and jojoba oils to nourish and protect. this lip exfoliator treats and smoothes lips for a conditioned and revitalized feel.

how to: apply to clean, damp lips and massage in a circular motion to exfoliate. use a moistened cotton pad with water to gently wipe away scrub. follow with a lip balm or gloss to condition.

now.. let's move on to the product..

the packaging: it looks like lipstick, so it's easy to use. but be careful with the cap though. it's made from tin or sort of tin, and the edge is quite sharp.. i even use it to slightly chop the top surface to make it easier to use.

the smell: it doesn't have distinct smell, but probably just a hint of sugary smell.

the product: it's in a bullet just like lipstick. you just twist the bottom to use it just like lipstick. i use it like the instruction. at first, the surface is very smooth, so i can't get any scrub onto my lips. second time using it i rub it quite hard and bleed my lips. and then i read in some blog that they chopped the top surface a bit to get the product on their lips, and i did that. and i guess it works! the third time i managed to get the scrub on my lips and massage it well. and i do feel my lips smooth and no dead skin build up. but i still can't use it properly on my inner lips edge.

the result: it did what it said. great deal.

overall, this is a successful budget buy. if you're looking for a cheap lip exfoliator but making it yourself is not an option, probably you should grab this one. more over, elf often holds sales.. and this one is in their best sellers, so you might grab it only with $1.5! very cheap but delivering satisfying result.

left: the packaging box
top right: looks like lipstick from the outside
bottom right: the exfoliator bullet

i know i've been raving a lot about innisfree soybean energy essence, and i still love it and i will try the light version to see the difference, but since many people adore missha as the dupe of sk-ii, i might as well get my hand on the samples and try it myself. fyi, i've tried the missha time revolution new science activator ampoule and i like it, so i have no idea whether i'll love or hate the essence.

the description from misshaus.com: the very first step to your skin care regimen. contains 80% fermented yeast concentrate, which absorbs into skin instantly to energize your skin. also contains niaciamide, a vitamin b3 component, to improve skin elasticity, enhance skin barrier function, and revive skin tone and texture. DN-aid, made from cassia-alata extract, provides vitality to aging skin, protects DNA from aging caused by uv rays, and promotes restoration of damaged DNA>

the first treatment essence improves fine lines and skin tone. the miracle water hydrates, restores, rejuvenates, and gives you a glowing complexion.

the packaging: the full size product really looks alike sk-ii, in clear glass bottle with minimal decoration. the sample also has the picture of the bottle in front of it. each sample only contains about 1 ml of product, and it can be used twice (for me).

the smell: just like innisfree, i don't smell anything. no fermented scent at all.

the product: it's clear as water, and the consistency is like water too. that's why i can't capture it without having it spilled all over. oh, and what the bloggers said about the stickiness, that's true. between innisfree and missha, the innisfree one is more sticky than missha's, so if you don't like the stickiness of innisfree, you might want to try the missha one.

the result: i've only used the sample for 10 days, and all i can say is that it doesn't cause me any purging just like innisfree, and it doesn't give me breakouts, so it's another good signs. some bloggers tested this one for more than a month, and that gives them something else. probably if you want to test korean products, you might have to try for more than a month before seeing some difference. but i can say that missha didn't give me the "glow" like innisfree.

will i purchase the full size bottle? since the price is higher than innisfree, and missha doesn't have the smaller size bottle, i don't think so. i will recommend this one though if you're having very oily skin and don't like the stickiness of innisfree soybean energy essence. once again, the result may vary on different person, soooo.. remember to try the samples first if you're sensitive, never tried fermented stuff, and on tight budget. though some bloggers prefer missha since they hold sales more frequently than innisfree.

the sample sachets

left: my skin condition when i first use it, on nov 10th
right: after finishing all the samples, on nov 23rd

i have to admit, reading others blogger raving about the beauty products that they love sometimes affected me. and this is one of the example. i knew that sulwhasoo is one of the premium brand of korean skincare, so i was careful not to buy any sample of sulwhasoo products since i knew i wouldn't be able to buy the full size product. not that i can't afford it, but more like better find something cheaper if i could. but somehow, i had no other option in the sleeping mask category, so i decided to buy 2 sachets of this mask.

this is the description from neiman marcus:

replenish your skin as you rest with this penetrating overnight mask by sulwhasoo, formulated with korean medicinal herbs to reawaken skin's natural glow. walnut extract creates an essential moisture layer on the skin, promoting optimal absorption of nourishing ingredients, like purifying acute lobed angelica extract and antioxidant pomegranate extract, while you sleep. white mulberry extract minimizes redness and irritation as hyaluronic acid promotes long-term hydration, restoring and revitalizing skin overnight.

the packaging: the full size product is in a brownish tube. and the sample has the similar color to the real product tube color. so it makes it easier to choose which one to pick, but make sure to read the description on the bottom part of the sachet, no need to worry since it's in english.

the smell: all bloggers said that all sulwhasoo products has distinct scent, a little bit like herbal medicine. some said it smells like ginger, some said it's like medicinated cream. for me, it did smell like a little bit like medicine, but not too overpowering. it will dissipated after a while. and after using it for couple times, i get used to it.

the product: it's a ivory white cream. pretty thick, but not as thick as innisfree orchid night cream. but it's thicker than innisfree enriched cream. though it's thick, but it's absorbed pretty quickly. and it doesn't leave sticky feeling afterwards. the sample sachet is quite big, so one sachet can be used up to 7-8 times, since i only need few small dots every time i use it.

the result: it doesn't cause me breakouts, which is hooray, since laneige one sometimes gives me breakout. some said it gave them glowy skin in the morning. i don't know about glowing, but since it was overnight vitalizing, i have to agree it do give me the glow that give the impression that i slept for 8 hours. i've tried it once when i had difficulty in sleeping and usually lack of sleeping made me look dull, but using this mask made my skin look okay. i've been using this product for almost two weeks (i use it 2-3 times a week) and i like it. though it doesn't brighten my skin or do miraculous thing in instant, but somehow i'm hooked to this mask and now i have to save my money to buy the full product.

i will say that if you're looking for rich sleeping mask that give a little bit anti-aging treatment, then you should give this mask a try. i will say all types of skin can try this mask, but probably if you're sensitive to herbal scents, you might want to try the sample first.

left: the sample sachet. just make sure you read the product name at the bottom of the sachet
right: the product on my hand

this is another serum from it's skin power 10 lines, the vb effector. i know, there are a lot of serums and essences in this line, but i had my eyes on 4 of them, the co, vc, vb and po. i was sceptic about co and turned out it was okay but it didn't do any miracle on me. the vc was another okay, but it was a cheaper substitution for o.s.t. serum. there's no o.s.t. sample so i can't compare them both, but i guess vc wasn't close as substitute to o.s.t. and po, though a blogger recommend it, but i can't stand the smell so i have to give that one up. the last one on my list was vb. at first, i was intended to buy the full size straight, but then my sister ordered the wrong one for me and got the vc instead, so i decided to try the sample first.

this is the description from eyecandys.com: it's skin power 10 vb effector is a facial serum enriched with extracts of licorice to reduce redness caused by irritation. anti-aging and hydrating effects thanks to arbovitae & schisandra chinesis extracts. tackles dull complexion and promotes even skin tone. from the picture you can see that vb is an oil-free serum containing vitamin b6 to control sebum secretion and restore natural oil-moisture balance.

okay, so now onto the review..

the packaging: the sample sachet is shape like the full size product bottle, so it's easy to confirm that you get the right sample. for vb, the bottle color should be light green. the full size bottle will be a small glass bottle, containing 30 ml of serum, with dropper on top.

the smell: at first, i think it's similar to po, but more subtle. but lately, probably my nose has already been familiar with it, so i don't smell anything distinct.

the product: it's clear serum, very watery. i tried to capture it and it slides on my skin. hahaha..

the result: each sachet can be used up to 3-4 times (well, for me..) so i use the serum for almost 3 weeks in total. i forgot if i've mentioned it in previous post, but lately my skin condition is around normal scale rather than on oily scale.. so when i use the skinfood premium tomato whitening emulsion, i didn't experience any shine even after 4 hours, not even on my nose. and after i switched back to nature republic super aqua max combination watery cream, which is thicker and richer than the emulsion, my skin condition is still the same. probably thanks to this serum. i might warn you though, that i read on other blogs that this serum needs loooonnggg time to show the result. more than a month of usage to see the result, so if you wanted something more instant, you might want to skip this. oh, and i didn't experience any breakouts too..

overall, this is a good serum, better than peach sake. but since i'm pregnant now, probably i have to consider the hormone might screw the result. but i still recommend this serum for you with oily/combinatin skin. this is an affordable serum to try.

left: the sample sachet
right: the product on my hand (it's clear so you might not see it)

i thought i've used up all my etude sunscreen sample, but turned out when i was preparing for our family quick getaway, i found this sample among my samples pile. sooo.. since we're going to bali, it's a perfect opportunity to try this sunscreen. actually, when i got back, i was confused when i searched for this product.

this is the picture from sassygeo, and its design is similar to my sample.

but i also found other picture from the full size tube in sassygeo as well

sooo.. to be the truth, i have no idea, which is the right picture to describe the full size product.

okay. back to etude house sunscreen. apparently, it has a line designed especially for sunscreen. according to myfatpocket.com, there are 6 of them, the super aqua, the natural corrector, the must daily, the mom and kids, face & body sunspray and all proof. i've tried the water essence gel (which i think changed into super aqua) and must daily.

the product description from myfatpocket.com: this product offers triple protection (anti-UV + anti-melanin + anti-wrinkle). it not only prevents photo aging and dark spots, it also has skin whitening benefits and prevents the occurence of wrinkles. the sunblock is also sand, dye and stain proof. this not only prevents unsightly stains on swimming costumes or other swim wear, it also prevents sand from sticking to skin.

while this is the description from en.koreadepart.com: sun cream that hydrates and blocks uv rays. powder emulsion technology and porosity powder give a cooling sensation with non greasy formula. mangosteen peel and lotus extract block uv rays. provides a surge of moisture. spf 45 PA++.

okay.. now onto the sample review. since i only has one sachet, so i can't say anything about the anti-melanin and anti-wrinkle function.

the packaging: my sample sachet is designed exactly like the full size product picture from sassygeo. it's white with the picture in the middle.

the smell: i can't smell anything sharp so i guess it is really subtle. and it doesn't smell like typical sunscreen.

the product: it's a white cream, pretty thick, thicker than water essence gel and the must daily. and it's quite hard to spread around. i was worried that it might mess my makeup, but after waiting for a while, it's absorbed completely. though i think it's a little bit sticky for my taste.

the result: i've told you that my skin is being normal these days. usually my nose will shine after 3-4 hours, but lately it's matte almost 5-6 hours, even though it's hot and humid and i wear full makeup. soooo.. it's bali and bali is pretty hot and humid, not to mention i had to spend the morning indoor but without air conditioner since my son refuse to sit still inside the church, so i was sweating. but when we got back at the hotel, only my nose that became greasy, so i guess my skin's really in its prime condition. but i guess for you who has combination-oily type, this sunscreen might be too rich for you. about the sun protection, all i can say that it held its promise. i didn't experience sunburn at all, though i spent most of day at the beach playing around with my son, or at the pool, swimming. so i guess it must be really all proof, just like it's said.

overall, this is a good sunscreen for all around activities, especially outdoors, sports and swimming. but i will suggest something else if you want daily sunscreen since this might be too rich for some of you. though it doesn't cause breakouts for me, i guess it might give you breakouts if you became sweaty and all. and about the white cast, i think it caused white cast, but not as bad as my faceshop sunscreen.

top: the sample sachet
bottom: the sunscreen on my hand

i know.. i haven't written anything for almost half month, but since i don't have that long list of skincare products to try, i don't have anything to write for now. though i'm testing some products, but i haven't finished them yet, so i'd better wait until i finished them. meanwhile, i'll write something about my hair products, which i forgot to review.

i know i love my previous loreal liss smooth mask, but it was expensive and i'm looking for a good substitute but cheaper. i found myself attracted to syoss when i went to the supermarket, and i grabbed their moisture mask, though they have repair line for damaged hair. i don't know why, but at that moment, my hair was in considerably good condition, so i just pick the dry hair option.

at first, it gave my similar result to my loreal. and then i started to not use it regularly, and then i swam regularly again. so my hair was exposed to chemicals more than it's used to be. and it became really hot and humid these days, and i noticed my hair started to have split ends. uughhh.. i know, using the mask right now won't help, but i'm hoping using it regularly again will help a little to lessen the dryness of my hair.

let's talk about the hair mask..

the packaging: it was in a big pot just like the loreal, but this one has thinner wall, so probably it contained more products than loreal.

the smell: it smell nice, but really subtle.

the product and result: it's a white cream, pretty thick. after slathering it to my hair, i can feel that it smoothed my hair quicker than loreal. but in terms of moisturizing, i felt like this one wasn't moisturizing enough. after rinsing it, i can feel that it has no effect on my hair condition. just make it smoother, but not moisturize it. kinda disappointing since it was targeted for dry hair.

sooo.. it is obvious that i won't repurchase this mask and will try nature republic one. i never tried korean hair product, so i'm hoping jumping to buy full size product won't disappoint me.

top left: the front of the tub
top right and bottom left: the back of the tub
bottom right: the hair mask

i guess i've tried most of the things i needed for my skincare routine.. and i've experienced with makeup palettes before so i've decided not to buy any palette aside from eyeshadow palettes. sooo.. here's my new wish list. some of them i've already purchased in full size.

for skincare:

essence: innisfree soybean energy essence (will try the light version, but i guess it won't be much difference than this one)

toner: will decide after trying etude house wonder pore freshner 10 in 1 (not the 7 in 1), and if i don't like it, i will purchase the faceshop 9 in 1 toner.

serum: for day i'll use its skin power 10 vb effector or skinfood peach sake pore serum, depends on which one i can get my hands on. for night, i haven't decided yet.. but so far the winner is missha night repair new science activator ampoule, but it's pricey...

moisturizer: for day i use nature republic super aqua max combination watery cream or skinfood premium tomato whitening emulsion, depends on which one i can get. and for night, so far i'll still use my olay total effects anti ageing night cream.

sunscreen: etude house sunprise water essence gel.

for additional:

wash off mask: skinfood black sugar strawberry scrub mask off and innisfree volcanic clay mask (probably i'll try the soft one, but the super volcanic one is okay)

sleeping pack: haven't decided yet.. so far laneige has failed me. and sulwashoo is wayyy tooo pricey...

for makeup, my wish list keeps changing, especially in the lipstick department. i don't know if it's because of those pregnancy hormones that make me crazy about them lately.. but i do a color freak, so deciding which color to buy is a very difficult task.

foundation: since i'm toward bb cream nowadays, probably i'll look for something smaller in size, probably the innisfree one.. but i'm not sure yet.

bb cream: i'm eyeing on holika holika petit bb or skin79 hot pink but in smaller size.

bb cushion: innisfree long wear cushion #13

powder: innisfree no sebum mineral powder or the famous skinfood buckwheat or the peach sake loose powder. or probably just save my money and buy elf translucent mattifying powder.

blush on: nyx powder blush in pinched (done!), mauve (almost done!) and apricot. though i still want to try rimmel but i can't find online shop here that sells them.

mascara: right now i'm purchasing the etude house 3 step lash perm volumecara and curling. if i don't like that, i'll go back to my loreal or max factor.

eyeliner: right now i'm purchasing nyx two timer eyeliner, but i'm eyeing on the infamous clio waterproof pen eyeliner. though i'm considering the etude house drawing show brush liner too.

eyeshadow: coastal scents revealed palette (done!)

lipstick: i'm still thinking.. will i buy the nyx butter lipstick, or wet n wild one? or etude house dear my wish lips talk.. hmmm.. i don't know... really.. and there are nyx butter lipglosses too.. arrrghh.. it's so hard to decide.. any suggestion?

okay.. for now those are my wish list. probably it will change.. and you will read about it later if i decided to change my mind.

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