metamorph-me

hi all.. you might've known already that i've struggled with my hair for a while. i blame it on myself though.. for not being diligent in taking care of my hair. i straightened and colored my hair, and i've been taking care at the beginning, but then as time passed by and the visit to the pool came often again, i started to neglect my hair care and the effect showed. i had split ends and my hair ends were dry. and i've tried to salvage it but i failed. i had to chopped a few inch and then started to find another hair mask to treat my hair.

i've read in another blog about this hair mask. i've no idea about korean hair care, so i believed this blogger instantly and bought the full version of this hair mask. after all, if this one failed, i can always try to buy the usual hair mask, like loreal, kerastase and such. but since they are pricey, i'll try this mask first.

it contains argan oil that supposed to be moisturizing

the description from en.koreadepart.com:

ingredients: organic argan oil, rosehip oil, evening primrose oil

nutritional care pack that offers intensive care to damaged hair by blow dry, perm, and hair dying. argan oil, rosehip oil, and evening primrose oil offer moisture and nutrition to skin. creates healthy and sleek hair.

the packaging: it's packaged in a tub, just like any other hair mask.

the smell: it smells good.. i always love hair products that smells nice. it makes my hair smells nice too..

the product: it's a white pinkish cream, pretty thick, just like any other hair mask. it spreads easily onto my hair.

the result: once it's applied, it makes my hair more sleek, but as the moisturizing part, it takes time. i use this hair mask once a week, and it took me almost a month to notice that my dry ends started to behave. somehow in the first month i can still see some of the split ends that didn't get chopped off on my first cut, but lately i didn't notice any split ends anymore. but please be advised that i use this hair mask in combination with l'oreal extraordinary oil as well.

sooo.. i'm happy that my decision paid off. it's a good hair mask with a cut of prize from the usual salon's hair mask. if i can keep buying this hair mask, i'll keep buying this hair mask. for you who's in search of hair mask for your dry hair and didn't want to spend fortune, i suggest you try this hair mask. i have no complaints about this hair mask. hopefully it will keep my hair healthy for the time being.. since i'll probably won't have so much time taking care of my hair with the new baby's coming soon...

top left: the top of the tub (korean word for mask is pack)
top right: the mask inside the tub
bottom left: yes, there's instructions in english at the back
bottom right : 200 ml for hair mask, similar like other masks

bb trend has taken all over the world now, even western brands have released several bb creams on their own. and now the cushion trend has been there for awhile.. but western brands have not yet to release their cushion. but many korean brands have released several version of them. and i've been wanted to try the innisfree one, but since i'm confuse about the shade, i didn't dare to buy it online. although the famous one is iope air cushion xp, but it was too pricey for me. and since i have several good experience with innisfree, i think i'll try theirs. this cushion of innisfree has two types, the water glow one that's suppose for dry skin to give dewy finish and the long wear one, targeted for those with oily skin and give matte finish. these cushions were released last summer and now innisfree has released ampoule intense cushion one.

the ads from innisfree (at the bottom there's the comparison between the water glow and long wear)

this is the description from their global website: a long wear cushion that creates smooth, fresh and bright skin that lasts long, without being smudged by sweat and sebum. long wear makeup cushion strong against sweat and sebum. sweat proof strong against sweat and sebum - clinical test on sweat proof effect completed. 12 hours lasting makeup - clinical test on 12 hour color-lasting effect completed. powerful uv protection with spf 50+ and PA +++ protects the skin from the sun.

from the ads you can see that at first there are 3 shades available, #13 light beige, #21 natural beige, #23 true beige. but now they add another shade, darker one, #31 deep beige. probably since many people complained that innisfree shades are meant for those with light skin and not cater for those who has darker skin.

the packaging: the cushion is placed on a compact with a shield to separate the puff from the cushion. just like another cushion, the shield and the cushion are refillable, but i believe it's not interchangeable with another brand's cushion. unlike those cushion from amore pacific family which can refill another brand cushion compact, like etude and laneige.. those two are fit for each other, but innisfree is a different story. so if you don't have the original compact, don't just buy the refill and think that it might fit into your old compact cushion.

the shade: i thought being fair i will suit #13, and most blogger do write that NC 15 should suit #13. plus the korean trend, it's okay to use a shade lighter for your face, unlike western whom like to match their face color to their neck color. but when i swatched it on the store, though #13 is similar to #21, but i didn't try it to my whole face, so i didn't dare to take the risk and bought the #21 instead. fortunately, it's a match, though i will say that if i keep staying in my home long enough, #21 will be a notch darker for me. oh well, next time i will buy #13..

the smell: probably because it contains green tea, it smells nice. calming and not too overpowering. oh probably it's just my hormone talking.. usually i don't like fragrance in my makeup, but i like the scent from this cushion.

the coverage: i will say that this one is light coverage. it only covers a bit of my redness, and i have to use separate concealer for my dark circles and blemish scars. but i don't mind.. it's perfect since i grab it for quick errand-use. if i want more coverage, i can always use my foundation or the other bb cream.

the result: yes, it gives matte finish and lasts quite some time, though i never count the exact time yet. but some said that it doesn't give the 12 hours long lasting effect just like advertised (i don't use my makeup that long anyway.. so why bother?) some said that it even dries out so for you who has dry skin, probably you might want to skip this. and some said that it has a bit glowy finish. as for me, i find that it takes time to became matte, so i still dab my t-zone and eyelid with powder. especially my eyelid... i use it once without powdering my face, and it creases on my eyelid!

okayyyy.. for first trial in the cushion world, i'm quite satisfied with this cushion. and probably i'll keep using this one. probably i'll just try another shade. i'll recommend this cushion for you who has combination/oily skin, or live in dry and humid weather or in summer time. this will be perfect for you. but if you're more into medium coverage bb creams like skin79, then you might want to skip this.

the box (you can see the description and ingredients in english at the back of the box)

at the top you can read your shade, mine is #21

right: the appearance of the cushion
left: inside the compact, mirror included, shield to separate the puff

top: the cushion is still sealed
bottom: the cushon and how it oozed the bb cream onto my finger

hand swatch (left - unblended, right -after blending)

hi y'all.. if you've read my previous posts, you'll know that toner is the last skincare steps still left out. i haven't tried any toner yet up until now. the main reason is not because toner is not important, but i still have a whole bottle of toner when i first started my searching. and since there're a lot of steps in korean skincare, using the toner that i've already had is enough at that time. so i searched for essence and serum first since i haven't used them. and now since i've almost found all other necessary steps, i started to try for toner.

at first, let me tell you something about toner. i thought at first that toner is a part of cleansing your face, you have to use toner right after cleansing milk/oil to clean up the remaining dirt or cleansing milk/oil, but turned out i was wrong. it is the first step of skincare, to tone your skin. but some said that's the difference between the asian toner and western toner. well, i don't know for sure, but definitely the use of korean toners are different from western toner. and the main ingredients in toner to watch out is alcohol. some said that alcohol can be bad for your skin since it will strip away the natural oil of your face and make your skin dry (for oily skin, it will be bad since it will induce the oil production). but some said that alcohol in some formula and composition is okay for your skin.

the ads from etude

if you're familiar with the wonder pore freshner, you might know that the original product offers 7 in 1 benefits, but the newer version offers 10 in 1 benefit. the original benefits are removes leftover makeup, lightly acidifies skin to optimal pH 5.5, controls sebum, minimises pores, treats uneven skin tone, maintains skin elasticity, and hydrates skin. while the newer version offers these additional benefits: smoothens skin texture, gets rid of impurities and dead skin cells, refreshes and cools the skin. so many benefits right? but let's find out if they are true..

the packaging: the full size comes in two version, the 500 ml and the 250 ml. but i only tried the sample which comes in a 25 ml bottle. it has a screw top. just like the original version, the newer version has several different tops. the 250 ml has a flip top while the 500 ml has a pump on top. i believe if you purchased the 500 ml version, you'll get a box of cotton tissue to use with the toner. it's similar to cotton tissue to use with skinfood black sugar serum.

the smell: this toner contains alcohol and you can smell a hint of alcohol in it.

the product: well.. it's a toner, it's clear and looks like water.

the result: it's only 25 ml, i use it twice a day and it lasts me about a month, so all i know is that this toner is not drying, helps me control my sebum production. but as in minimises pores, smoothens skin texture and so on, i don't have anything to say about that. as for the hydration thing, i don't think this toner can hydrate my skin. it doesn't dry out my skin, but it doesn't that hydrating.

sooo.. if you're in love with the original toner, the upgraded version is something to try for sure. but if you don't like toner with alcohol, then skips this one. if you're adventurous to try different products, then you can try this toner. it does offer a lot of benefits and it's not that bad to skip this one out. as for me, i won't make any decision just yet.

left: the sample bottle
right: the screw top

few days ago i read from another blogger about her story, how her makeup preference changed as she grew up. and i have to admit, i experienced it too. trying so many products and then having a kid, it changed my point of view a lot. though for makeup i still played most in drugstore brands, but my preferences changed...

about skincare, i have no major issue when i was in my teen years.. just acne, and it will diminish as time passed by. and no scar too.. i have to say i'm lucky. my sisters weren't as lucky as i am. until now, they're still fighting with acne and acne scars. i do have some acne sometimes, but it's very rare and very quick to heal, and no scar left. as my other problem, i have pretty oily skin back in my teenage years, so for many years, i have tried all products labelled with "for oily skin". but somehow it didn't help. but now, since i read about the korean skincare steps and the importance of oil even though you have oily skin, i pretty much understand my skin more. i devoted more time to take care of my skin more than my teenage year, and for you who are still in your 20s, make sure to treat your skin as early as possible.. i have to say that i'm late to take care of my skin, and now, the area that showed early aging sign is my under eye area. don't forget all those sleepless night during my night duty plus having a baby.. i'm sure they contributed to my aging problem.

okay.. let's talk about skincare regime first. back in my teenage year, i only wash my face with drugstore facial foam. not that they're bad for my skin, but most of them i believe strip off the natural oil of my skin, so it made my skin more oily. i didn't understand that back in that day. i thought the squeakier my skin, the cleaner the facial wash. turned out i was wrong. and then i use the oil free moisturizer. and i use very little since i thought i have oily skin, why moisturize a lot? in fact, i was wrong again. i have to keep my skin moisturized so it doesn't produce more oil. and my sister said that oil based moisturizer is still oily for them, so they tried water based moisturizer. me myself, i tend to fond of gel moisturizer. it has cooling effect and easier to absorb. as i live in tropical country, i knew that sunscreen is a must, but since sunscreen usually greasy, i often forgot to use it. well, right now i'm still forgetting it sometime, but i try as diligent as possible to use it everyday. and i use no eye cream, no night cream at all until i'm about 25 years!

now, i use toner after washing my face, and essence/serum and moisturize plus sunscreen in the morning. at night, i double cleanse my face, then follow it with toner, night serum (usually for anti aging) and night cream. oh.. and the eye cream. i usually use it at night, but sometimes i use it in the morning too. twice a week i use wash off mask/ sheet mask (yes, i'm a mask believer now..) every other day i scrub my face, usually twice a week too when i wash my hair (since i'm a forgetful person.. tying it with another activity help me to remember it). and voila.. i have almost normal skin now, almost never have acne!

about makeup regime... one thing for sure.. i have lots of makeup products now than my teenage year. hahaha.. i was pretty tomboy back in the day, so all i have were compact powder, eyeliner and mascara. and a dior travel makeup palette given by my father. it had eyeshadows, blush, lip gloss and mascara. it was pretty.. but all the eyeshadows are pearly and too shimmery. the blush was pink. bright pink. the gloss was okay.. and the mascara too. those products help me to do my own makeup when i had to attend my cousin's wedding. oh well..as time went by, i started to know about foundation and found a great difficulty finding the right shade for me (being fair skinned in the midst of medium skin). and then as a color freak, i thought i had to have colorful eye palette and blushes. turned out it looked clowny on my face. some were okay, but some colors are not for me. mascara is the only product that i played around so much, and only experienced 1 failure, the revlon one.. it was flaky. sooo.. most of my teenage years are spent to find out the right product and colors for me.

now, these are my makeup regime:
base: i used foundation on formal occasion and tend to reach bb cream or bb cushion more. (i have pretty okay skin.. so why cover it with heavy foundation?) but i still do use some powder to dust my t-zone. somehow i don't like the dewy finish of bb cream..
eyeshadow: having tried a lot of colors make me realize they just work for fashion/beauty industry. as i work in formal sector, i found that nude colors work best for me. but being a color freak, i can't imagine buying a single eyeshadow pot! so i decided to grab revealed palette (it's a great dupe for urban decay naked palette!) i still have colors to play with but in safe color zone.
blush: though many bloggers and beauty makeup guru said that fair skin are best with pink blushes, i found myself attracted to peach/coral shades more.. so i decided to grab one pink/natural matte blush for everyday use and a coral with shimmer. though i wanted to buy a more orange blush more.. but i guess for now those two are enough.
contour: yes.. i decided in 2014 to learn about contouring. and my first bronzer is a failure. the elf bronzer didn't show up on my skin. i guess i just picked the wrong shade. and all of them contained shimmer, which not pretty good for contouring. and then i found the sleek contour kit. well, i'm hooked. and now i'm still learning to contour my face.. and i'm not dare enough to use cream product, so i guess i'll stick to powder contour kit for now. (though nyx new release the contour palette is very tempting.. i'm pretty sure i don't need that much shade.. so i have to let it go *sigh*)
eyeliner: i've tried all types of eyeliner. pencil is the easiest one to use, but also very easy to smudge. gel is trickier, and i believe you have to have the right brush, so i decided to give up on gel. liquid is very difficult to work with, and i don't have the steady hand to use it. soooo. .. i end up using felt tip eyeliner. it's very easy to use, very sharp like liquid, very black like gel/liquid.
mascara: well, i'll keep myself adventurous in this department, as long as i stay away from revlon. i usually try maybelline and max factor, and most of their mascara are okay with me. but now i'm trying the etude one. not sure about that one though.
lipstick: oh.. what can i say? so many finishes.. so many colors.. so many temptation.. but i'm pretty sure i don't like the pearlescent finish/ frost finish. i'll stick to creme/ satin finish. some matte are okay but if they don't dry my lips (like nyx SMLC). as for colors, i always try to but one pink, one nude, one coral/orange (but not bright orange), one mauve, and a red lipstick. but since i've found out that there's a mac sample... weeelllll... i can try a whole lot shades. and i don't have to worry to finish them all, since it's a sample, i bet i can finish them. hhahaha. no wasting money..

well, i guess that's my story about how my makeup/skincare regime changed as i aged. how about you?

many of you have known that one of dupes from the famous urban decay naked palette is coastal scents revealed palette. some bloggers even said revealed palette is the dupe from both the first and second urban decay naked palette, while the second revealed palette is a dupe from urban decay naked 3 palette. i don't know why i picked the first revealed palette since the second revealed palette has just been released when i ordered my revealed palette. somehow i think the rose gold hue is too girly for me. so i decided to pick the first revealed palette instead. and last christmas, my sister was home and she had the urban decay naked palette so i asked her to bring it home with her so i can take picture and compare it to my revealed palette.

the complete package from urban decay naked palette (with the primer)

top: inside the palette (there's a mirror and a brush)
bottom: the cover of the palette

packaging: the naked palette feels more sturdy and a little bit bulky for me. probably since the naked palette has the primer together with the palette. the palette is also a bit longer than revealed. naked feels a little bit luxurius since the cover is made from velvet while revealed is only made from cardboard. naked has mirror and the brush inside, while revealed has none.

the comparation of the palette

naked palette is longer

color: for that prize, naked is excellent in terms of color payoff. one swipe is enough. though some shades are more powdery than the rest. but it's comparable to revealed though.. i found that revealed color payoff is also decent, only one shade that can't be shown on me.

the swatch from naked palette

pan size: side by side, the pan size is comparable. revealed pan is almost as big as naked.

the pan size comparation (left is naked, right is revealed)

okay.. now about the shade dupes. i believe other bloggers have their own list and probably more complete than mine since i've only have the first naked to compared with, but.. oh well, i'll keep writing the list anyway (by the way, it took me, and both my sisters to make the list). on the left is the shade from naked palette, the right is the number from revealed (since the shades on revealed has no name. the numbering order is from top left to bottom right)

virgin - none
sin - #3
naked - #5
sidecar - none
buck - #7
half baked - none
smog - #9
dark horse - none
toasted - none
hustle - none
creep - #20 (but with no glitter)
gunmetal - #19

soooo.. i'm pretty satisfied with my decision to buy the dupe. i save money! yeyyy.. and i can accept the result from revealed (i'm not an eyeshadow person anyway.. and i don't work all day so revealed is enough for me).

i know.. y'all must be thinking i'm in a mask craze at the moment. well, the truth is i do use mask more frequently now.. now that i've found their benefits and time to use them.. but these posts are postponed so it seems like i've been using mask every couple days a week.. in my previous post, i've reviewed etude house alphabet mask. i believe this etude house i need you mask is their new line of their alphabet mask sheet. but, with less variants. the alphabet one has 26+1 variants, while i need you line only has 20 variants. mostly are the same with the alphabet one.

these are the variants of etude house i need you mask

the complete description from etude house global website:

aloe mask - this mask sheet contains aloe extract, known for its multi-function of quenching thirsty skin, soothing irritated areas and instantly cooling heated skin.

collagen mask - this mask sheet contains collagen that strengthens the skin for firm, youthful skin.

hyaluronic acid mask - this mask sheet contains hyaluronic acid with excellent water storage capabilities providing rich moisture to keep skin perfectly moist everyday.

royal jelly mask - this mask sheet contains richly nutritious royal jelly extract, helping to enhance smooth, moist healthy skin by protecting weak and rough skin from outer environment.

pearl mask - this mask sheet contains pearl extract full of amino acids and minerals, brightening up dull skin for a bright and clear complexion.

green tea mask - this mask sheet contains green tea extract, providing moist and comforting relief to soothe out rough and irritated skin.

lemon mask - this is a soothing type of cleansing foam that has aloe vera extract that soothes and irritates skin. the aloe vera is known for its excellent moisturizing and soothing capabilities.

pomegranate mask - this mask sheet contains pomegranate extract, providing smoothing and firming care to dull and lifeless skin.

tea tree mask - this mask sheet contains extract from the clean herb, tea tree extract with soothing properties on skin to provide a fresh, clean complexion.

vita complex mask - this mask sheet contains various vitamin derivatives that purify and brighten up dull skin for a healthy natural glow.

olive mask - this mask sheet contains olive extract, fully moisturizing dry and rough skin.

coenzyme q10 mask - this mask sheet contains coenzyme q10 that helps protect skin's natural elasticity to enhance a firm complexion with a healthy glow.

mugwort mask - this mask sheet contains mugwort extract that improves circulation for a clearer complexion.

korean ginseng mask - this mask sheet contains nourishing korean ginseng extract, enhancing a youthful complexion by revitalizing exhausted and lifeless skin.

mango mask - this mask sheet contains mango extract known for its variety of vitamins and fiber, helping to provide firm and healthy skin with its sweet and gentle touch.

snail mask - this mask sheet contains snail mucus ingredient that protects the skin's natural barrier for smooth and elastic skin.

acai berry mask - this mask sheet contains superfood acai berry extract, essential fatty acids and various vitamins, providing antioxidants to deliver young and healthy skin.

bamboo mask - this mask sheet contains bamboo extract, providing cool, soothing relief to dryness for clean, moist skin.

rice mask - this mask sheet contains rice extract that brightens up dull and rough skin for smooth and healthy skin.

honey mask - this mask sheet contains honey full of moisture, providing dry and rough skin with a moist, radiant look.

i've ordered several variants from this line, but the first one that i tried was the acai berry one.

the packaging: each sheet is packaged in colorful sachet, designed differently according to the ingredients of the mask. though it's not as cute as the alphabet design.

the smell: nothing weird.. no wet tissue scent too.

the product: the mask sheet size is exactly the same with the alphabet line. slightly smaller than innisfree's, but it fits perfectly. the essence in the mask is generous, but enough.. not too much like innisfree. it do dried up a bit after 15-20 minutes.

the result: the acai berry is supposed for delivering young and healthy skin. since i've only used it once, all i know it makes my skin a bit glowing and moist.

overall, it's a good mask, but i guess you have to use this more than once to see the antioxidants effect. will i repurchase? probably.. but why limit to this one mask? they have a lot variants to try!

the packaging

left: before using the mask
middle: during (i look like ghost with mask on my face)
right: after.. (a bit glowy because of the essence)

you all must be wondering.. i use a lot of masks lately.. yeah.. i have to admit this pregnancy somehow influence me to take care of my skin and use my makeup more than usual. some said because it's a baby girl. i don't know.. but all i know, when i visited my sister, i stopped by at innisfree store and overwhelmed by their capsule recipe pack selection. but at the end i only pick the strawberry yogurt and the pomegranate sleeping pack. and i'm in my last trimester, so i decided to pamper myself more before the baby comes.

the description from their global website:

a strawberry yogurt mask to brighten and hydrate skin. exfoliate and moisturize skin with strawberry yogurt ingredients. enriched sizzling formation provides skin solutions. wash-off pack after rolling massage on skin.

how to use: smoothly apply over face that can feel dry after cleansing. rinse off with warm water after 10-15 minutes. massaging will relieve your facial muscles for more comfortable looks. choose the right one for your skin condition.

insert the cap of capsule into the container and pull for airtightness to use for 2-3 applications.

at the bottom you can see how to slip the cover for later usage

the packaging: it's a cute little capsule pack. even though you can slip the cover through the slot provided, somehow if innisfree can make it resealable, it will be super awesome.

the product: the texture's like yogurt and smells like one too... i have to resist not to lick it! it spreads easily on my face. honestly, i never use any mask before using innisfree super volcanic mask, and i have to admit i'm quite confuse when i first used this. i thought since it's a wash-off mask type, it will be hard somehow like the super volcanic one, but turned out it didn't. the mask kept like yogurt spread on my face. silly me, eh?

the smells: have i told you that it smells nice? just like strawberry yogurt. very yummy.. a nice change after trying the super volcanic which smells a little bit like medicine.

the result: the hydrating part is what i experience right after usage. i feel my skin become supple and moist. about the brightening part, i don't notice anything at the first usage, but on second usage, i noticed that it made my skin a little bit brighter. though i assume that people with darker skin will notice the changes in brightness more than those with fair skin. some said that the brightness will last for 2-3 days, but i don't see it. probably since i'm quite fair to begin with..

oh well, i definitely will purchase this capsule pack again. and for you who have combination-oily skin, you don't have to worry to try this. though i feel that my skin is quite moisturized so i skip my night cream and just use my night serum after trying it for the first time.

left: the capsule recipe pack
middle: the instruction behind. it's in english!
right: the mask.. looks like yogurt, right?

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