Korea Haul! October 2015

I was recently in Seoul for a trip about two weeks back and came back with...lots and lots of facial and cosmetic products. I didn't show the masks I bought here as they were pretty general - nature republic, skinfood, the faceshop, and innisfree - and they were mostly bought for maintenance purposes.

Here's a list of the products that I had bought! :) I will be updating this post as I write more reviews on these products and with more photos too! Not all the products here will be featured in a post however. If you would like a review on a product, do let me know by commenting below! :)

SkinFood
Egg White Pore Mask
Black Sugar Mask
Salmon Dark Circle Concealer

su:m37
Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick (Review here!)

Banila Co.
Clean It Zero Purity Sherbet Cleanser
Prime Primer in Purity
It Radiant CC Cream
Limited Edition White Wedding Hydrogel Mask
Limited Edition White Wedding Facial Cream
Limited Edition White Wedding CC Cream

Innisfree
Anti-Darkening Fixer
Jeju Sparkling Mineral Powder
Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask
No Sebum Mineral Powder (Review Here!)
Deodorant Spray

Laneige
White Plus Renew Bubble Foaming Cleanser
White Plus Renew Original Essence
Water Sleeping Mask
Water Bank Essence_EX (Review Here!)
Basic Essential Skin Refiner (Light)

Cushions!
Laneige Pore Control Cushion (#21 Natural Beige)
Iope Air Cushion XP in Full Coverage (C21 Natural Beige)

Etude House
Aloe Moistful Facial Mist
AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot
Falsies! in #1 & 2 Volume + #1 Lengthening
Double eyelid glue (this was a mistake - I had thought it was eyelash glue -.-)
Love You More Handcream

Faceshop
Floral Deodorant Spray

3CE
Lipstick

MAC
Creamsheen in Fanfare

Shu Umera
Eyelash curler

Mis En Scene
Hair Serum

Nature Republic
Lip Essence in Mint and Chamomile
Armpit Whitening Kit

Thanks for reading this! If you'd like to have a review on any of these products, do comment below! 

♥ Apple

[REVIEW] Innisfree Long Wear Cushion

Hello everyone! Sorry for the hiatus, I was busy with attachments after completing my thesis. A nursing student's work appears to be never-ending, and yet, finally it is! It's officially the summer holidays, and actually the last summer vacation before starting work in July/August! Hopefully it won't be the last last one, I still want to pursue Masters. :) 

Anyways, I'm here to do a review on a new product that was recently launched in Innisfree Singapore - Innisfree Long Wear Cushion. 

It comes in 3 different shades: 13 Light Beige, 21 Natural Beige, and 23 True Beige. I usually fall under Natural Beige for all my cushion products (i.e. Laneige BB Cushion) so I went for 21 Natural Beige for this product too. :) 

Product Benefits: 

• suitable for oily / combination (normal-oily) skin
• strong proof against sweat and sebum for long lasting effects - this means it would last even in hot and humid weather, yay! \^^/
• contains sebum control power to keep your skin bright without darkening
• creates a semi-matte and non-sticky finish 
• strong SPF - 50+/PA+++

# How to Use

Apply proper amount to the puff & then spread it thinly on your face all over in the foundation stage.

And pat it lightly. Spread it once again & pat it lightly whenever it is needed.

Instructions for use:
Use the puff included to pat the foundation over face. (I say pat rather than spread as this was recommended by Pony, a popular korean cosmetic celebrity, I usually associate her with Michelle Phan). The patting motion enables a more even, light and natural looking effect. I had initially tried to swipe, but it made the foundation look all cakey and accentuated my pores. So please, do not swipe at all, not even a little bit. 

SUMMARY OF REVIEW

My thoughts:
ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE.enough said.now go get it.

This product is amazing for hot & humid Singapore! The product delivers a matte finish as promised, but there was still some slight glow. I'm serious. not the glowy look which is often unsuitable in Singapore as it may be mistaken for sweat/oil/sebum from overactive sebaceous glands, but a soft soft glow that gives you an ACTUAL LEGIT DEWY GLOW. I'm not kidding, I had not expected this, but when I was looking in the mirror after an hour or so out in the hot humid heat, I was half expecting my face to look half-melted off but oo-la-la, it appears that the heat had actually made my makeup appear even nicer and natural, and that I've finally got a nice dewy look, in Singapore. \^^/ *throws confetti*

Before

After (1 layer)  

The bb cushion also lasted long, about 4 to 6 hours despite me running around back and forth various places outdoors, exposed to the humid climate. It only started to kinda disappear after the 5th or 6th hour of being outside, although some minor oxidation began around the nose and upper lip area after the 4th hour. I'm blown away. This is definitely a must have for me. definitely.

Would I buy it again:
Need I say more? Go get it, my goodness, one of the best products ever. 

Price: 

SGD$34 - it apparently also has refills for sale ($20) too! 

[For a period of time, the cushion + 1 refill is selling for a promotional price of $44!]

Verdict:
10/10

Thanks for reading this! And do share your thoughts about this product!

♥ Apple

[REVIEW] Innisfree NEW Green Tea Line (Some products from the Balancing + Fresh line!)

Hello readers! Double posts today because I had recently went on a hugggggeee Innisfree shopping spree in a span of two days. HAHAHHAS. 

First day: 

[TOP] Innisfree Cotton Pads x3
[BOTTOM LEFT]: Creamy Tint Lip Mousse, Green Tea Seed Serum, Lip Base
[BOTTOM RIGHT, clockwise from top left]: Makeup Sponges, Lip Brush, Diagonal Brush for Blusher, Green Tea Balancing Skin, Lotion, & Cream

Day Two: 

[TOP LEFT]: Green Tea Seed Serum Trial Kit, Green Tea Fresh Cream
[BOTTOM CENTRE]: Shadow Pencil in #1 Snow Crystal & #6 Sour Tangerine,Brush, Daily Brush Cleaner

As you can see, it was a huge haul on their green tea line products, lip-cosmetics, as well as beauty tools. :D For those who are unaware of it yet, Innisfree had recently re-launched their Green Tea Pure Line into THREE different types: 

1. Fresh (for oily skin type): Skin (i.e. toner/refiner), Essence, Cream
2. Balancing (for combination skin type): Skin, Lotion, Cream
3. Moisture (for dry skin type): Skin, Essence, Cream (Moisture Skin was previously Pure Skin)

(Note that only the Balancing Line has Lotion, whereas only Fresh & Moisture has Essence)

So many creams~~!
Fresh - Oily, Balancing - Combination, Moisture - Dry, Seed - Deeply Moisturizing

Product Benefits: 

[Balancing Line - For Combination Skin Type]
Skin (toner/refiner), Lotion (moisturizer/emulsion), Cream (moisturizer)

[Fresh Line - For Oily Skin Type]
Cream, Skin, Essence

I bought the Green Tea Seed Serum, which I raved over in a past review here, and there was a special promotion ongoing where if you buy a Green Tea Seed Serum (SGD$36), you'll receive a Green Tea Special Kit containing 3 products from the Balancing Line: Skin, Lotion, & Cream. 

This was perfect as I was also looking for a moisturizer to replace the one I was currently using (that one was getting a little too oily for my face, in this humid humid huuuuuuumid weather). 

The Green Tea Special Kit aren't exactly the full sized products, but they're definitely generous enough to make it this large too! :D

SUMMARY OF REVIEW

My thoughts:

Green Tea Special Kit: I love the Skin & Lotion! The Skin is sort of like a watery gel, and leaves my skin feeling cool and clean. The Lotion is absolutely perfect, not oily and makes my skin feeling soft afterwards! The Cream was a tad too rich though, it left my skin feeling like I've put too much stuff on my face to absorb (this may very well be true seeing that this was the last thing I applied). Although this slightly gunky feeling disappears after half an hour or so, with mad rushes in the morning, I doubt I'll have the time or the patience to wait for my skin to absorb the Cream before applying my make-up for the day. 

Here's where the Green Tea Fresh Cream comes in to save the day! 

I absolutely loveeee the clear gel! It spreads across my face like cooling water and is very very easily absorbed even after applying the Skin & Lotion. :) 

I replaced the Balancing Cream with this Fresh Cream. :) Perhaps my skin hovers in-between the Oily and Combination skin types. hahhahas. 

[Reviews on the Creamy Lip Tint Mousse & Creamy Tint Lipstick Here!]

[I'll be posting reviews on the eye shadow pencils at a later date!]

Would I buy it again:
Yes! I most definitely think so! And I'd recommend the Green Tea Lines as gift ideas for your girlfriends, wives, friends, etc.! 

Price: 

• Green Tea Fresh Cream: SGD$25
• Green Tea Seed Serum: SGD$36 for the serum + free Green Tea Special Kit

Verdict: 10/10!

Thanks for reading this! And do share your thoughts about these product!

♥ Apple

[REVIEW] Innisfree Creamy Lip Tint Mousse in #1 & Creamy Tint Lipstick in #20

 Hello Readers!

Second post for my hugggggeeee Innisfree shopping spree. In this post, I'll be sharing my review on the latest cosmetic product that's been popping up in my local Innisfree store - Innisfree Creamy Lip Tint Mousse, as well as their old favourite - Innisfree Creamy Tint Lipstick. :) 

Spokesperson for Innisfree Creamy Lip Tint Mousse. :) 

 This lip tint mousse comes in 7 rich colours to complement the Spring seasonal look. :) I also heard from elsewhere that there may be 5 new additional colours coming in during Summer. :D

After trying out the colours for nearly an hour in the store, I was deciding between #1 - a softer pink, #3 - a soft red, and #4 a bright red-pink! I was contemplating between trying something new and daring by getting a red lip colour or sticking to the safe-but-confirm-will-use-everyday pink. hahahs I chickened out and chose the pink (#1 - Small Orchid Flower Pink) in the end. But...I like this product so much so far that I am considering going back to get either the #3 or #4! Any suggestions? :D I went back the next day to get #3 but unfortunately it was SOLD OUT. omg, and it was only less than 24 hours since I was there! But....the saleslady also recommended the Creamy Tint Lipstick and suggested #20 Fragrant Fresh Coral which gave the same shade as #3, just that the lipstick has a slight gloss to it whereas the lip mousse dries completely matte. So, I decided to try that instead of having two of the same products. :D Yay, now I have something vibrant and red to spice up my make-up collection. hahahas. 

Creamy Lip Tint Mousse

Creamy Lip Tint Mousse in #1 Small Orchid Flower Pink

Creamy Tint Lipstick

Creamy Tint Lipstick in #20 Fragrant Fresh Coral

Instructions for use:

Creamy Lip Tint Mousse:

Taken from ibuybeauti.com, these photo instructions shows two ways of applying the mousse like a pro. :) I usually would do the vivid gradiation - sans the lip concealer though, I use the Innisfree Moisture Lip Base instead - which would be shown later in this post!! :D

You can even use it as a blusher! But uh, I prefer to keep my products single-functional. hahahs 

Creamy Tint Lipstick:
I used a lip brush to apply the lipstick! I didn't really try to play around with the gradation, but the intensity of the colour can be built upon layer by layer! :)

SUMMARY OF REVIEW

My thoughts:

While browsing through the lip colours, I was griping to my mother about the lines on my lips and how all the lip colours I've been testing looks so pretty but the lines kinda messes up the application and the overall look - being on Isotretinoin makes my lips really dry and hence, lip lines appeared. :(

My mom found this little tube of amazing hidden at the corner of the display and suggested that I try applying this before testing the lip colours - Innisfree Moisture Lip Base. 

MY COSMETIC LIFE CHANGED FROM THEN ON.

Amazing product for those with dry lips or lined lips (like mine :'( )

After application, I pursed and rubbed my lips together and...it felt so so smooth. Try rubbing your lips together right now, and assuming you've got nothing on, you may feel some friction while rubbing right? Well, this product made it so so velvety smooth, no friction at all. It's like my lips are encased in a layer of soft soft velvet.

It applies on like a regular lip-balm, but much smoother!

Creamy Lip Tint Mousse in #1 Pink: 
Back to the creamy lip tint mousse in #1 Small Orchid Flower Pink, it's like a creamy lip gloss? I'm not sure why they call it a mousse, it's not exactly like airy-light, fluffy. hahahs. The lip applicator is a very simple wand. :)

Lip Wand

Do be careful not to apply too much at one shot! I'd recommend dabbing first in the middle of your lips before gently spreading it out sideways. That way, you can slowly build up on the intensity!

Swatch - note how creamy and vivid the colour is!

I loved how the colour turned out! It starts off with a soft pink upon light application, and you can slowly build up on the product to result in a full-on pink as vibrant as the tube! :) The lip colour lasted for really long, and only disappears when I'm eating. I reapplied the lip mousse after lunch and approximately 4 to 5 hours later, during dinner, I was wiping my lips after taking a bite and I noticed that the napkin carried some traces of my lip colour! So it gains brownie points for its lasting power. Upon application, it looks a teeny tiny bit glossy but that dries to leave a soft matte texture, the colour is still very vibrant though!

After swiping it a few times - the colour stays vibrant and rich!

And now to the Creamy Tint Lipstick in #20 Coral:
The redness of the lipstick was not too vibrant to make me feel uncomfortable sporting those red lips outside. It also appeared to add a touch of healthiness and fun to my overall appearance! In fact, your entire make-up can be nude/pale because the lipstick would brighten up your entire face. :) Yay for easy make-up mornings! In addition, a little goes a long way too! and, using a lip brush, or even your fingertips, you can also control the intensity of the colour by slowly building it up layer by layer. :D

The lipstick tube :)

Note the matte texture of the lip swatch

BEFORE: 

Just bare lips

Creamy Lip Tint Mousse in #1 Small Orchid Flower Pink

Creamy Tint Lipstick in #20 Fragrant Fresh Coral
(It turned out very sheer as I applied only one layer,
this can be intensified quickly by layers if I don't use the lip brush!)

Would I buy it again: Perhaps, the colours in #3 and #4 are still enticing me. :P I bought, hahahs, but #3 was OOS, but I bought the alternative - Creamy Tint Lipstick - equally good and just slightly different because of the sheer gloss. :)

Price: 

Creamy Lip Tint Mousse: SGD$17 at my local Innisfree store (Takashimaya)
Creamy Tint Lipstick: SGD$20

For a limited time - get a mini Apple Juicy Lip & Eye Remover with every purchase of the Creamy Lip Tint Mousse! (I use this to remove my point make-up, and it's pretty good!) 

Verdict: 10/10

Thanks for reading this! And do share your thoughts about these products!

♥ Apple

[REVIEW] Innisfree Mineral Sun Waterproof BB Cream

Hello readers! Today I will be posting a review on another one of Innisfree's BB creams - Innisfree Mineral Sun Waterproof BB cream!

This BB was one of the two BB creams (the other being the no-sebum cream) which I was recommended by the salesperson at a Innisfree store when I was on my summer exchange in Seoul. I absolutely adore the make-up collection from Innisfree for having natural and pure ingredients, a very pleasant herbal fragrance, and being very effective for all their products I've used so far!

Product Benefits:

Formulated with natural mineral powder and natural green tea water from the islands of Jeju, this perfect-proof BB cream is strongly resistant to water, sebum and UV rays and lasts for up to 12 hours, providing a long lasting and luminous complexion without darkening your skin. 

• 12 hours long-wearing makeup 
• Maintains fresh makeup without darkening
• Water-proof, sweat-proof, and strong UV protection (SPF 50+++)

5-free system: no parabens, no phthalate, no acryl amide, no dioxin, no alcohol

Instructions for use:
Squeeze about a 20 cent-sized amount onto your palm. Use the tip of your finger to dab the product on five points of your face (forehead, both cheeks, tip of the nose, and chin). Spread evenly and blend by patting gently.

SUMMARY OF REVIEW:

My thoughts:

This BB cream provides light to mid-coverage. I really like it because I like my foundation to feel light on my skin. Coverage is good because I usually just apply BB cream and lip balm, so a mild coverage is good without looking too plain or like I've left the house with heavy foundation but forgot to apply the rest of my makeup. :)

Lasting power isn't really for 12 hours - probably because I live in humid Singapore. But it does last for about 6 or more hours, depending on where I am when I'm outside (i.e. library vs hospital wards). As for it being water-proof, I'd agree that it is! Sweat-proof...not so much. If you're sweating a little - the kind where there aren't droplets dripping down, but more like it would only dampen your tissue by a tiny bit, then yes, it's sweat-proof. Doesn't hold against actual sweating droplets though.

The cream does feel a little thicker in texture in comparison to other BB creams I've used, but blending is not a problem and it could probably be attributed to the high SPF (50+++). 

Before

After - using NO. 2 NATURAL BEIGE.
(the greenish veins are much more faded!)

Would I buy it again: Yes! One tube (40ml) can last for a longgggg time even with daily application. 

Price: 18000 won (S$21) in S. Korea, S$30 at the local Innisfree store

Verdict: 9/10

Thanks for reading this! And do share your thoughts about this product!

♥ Apple

[REVIEW] Innisfree White Tone Up Eye Serum

Hello readers! I apologize for the long over-due post, I've been so busy with thesis-writing and assignments since the Chinese New Year holidays. It's just sank in that there's only 2 months left before the deadline for my thesis...2 months = 8 weeks = no longer just a double digit countdown = panic mode. 

Pulling late-nighters is starting to become a frequent occurrence, and my body has not been peppy happy about it, especially the eyes. :( Two words: EYE CIRCLES. 

I think it's been so bad that I could be considered as a new addition to the Panda exhibition at the River Safari. 

Hello Jia Jia and Kai Kai, meet Apple. ><

In the midst of impending deadlines, late nights, and zombified eyes, I was becoming increasingly desperate for an eye cream that would really reduce the dark shadows that's been creeping wider and wider under my eyes. On a rare day when I was going to town with my mom (and staring in wide-eyed wonder at the new shops around), we happened to drop by Innisfree (yay! yippee!)!  

Being such an Innisfree fan, I decided to check out the store for a miracle eye-brightening cream. 

After imploring my problems of dark eye circles to the pleasant sales-lady, she recommended this to me!

Innisfree White Tone Up Eye Serum 

Product Benefits: 

Formulated with fresh berry ingredients to refine skin texture and vitamin B3 to brighten up skin tone. This whitening eye serum helps you to present a brighter and milky complexion of the eye area.

Natural Ingredients include:

Mulberry + Vitamin B3 - prevents formation of melanin, improves dark eye circles & reduces fine lines

Grape Seed Oil - contains whitening and hydrating properties

Brazilian berry, Blueberry & Western Snow Fruit

6-Free System: No parabens, No artificial fragrances, No ethanol, No artificial colors, No animal ingredients & No benzophenones.

Instructions for use:

The amount dispensed from half a pump

Apply an appropriate amount (about half a pump should suffice) onto eye area after essence (& before lotion) in the morning and evening. 

SUMMARY OF REVIEW:

My thoughts:
I must admit, I was initially a little apprehensive when I bought the eye serum, mainly because the eye creams I've used thus far (hahahs, okay I've only had two), hadn't reduced the pigmentation around my eyes. But I still got the product mainly because the sales-lady had informed me that this product's only purpose is to reduce dark eye circles. And I thought, most of the eye products we see out there claim to do two things at once, either anti-wrinkle and anti-darkening, or anti-darkening and anti-puffiness, etc, you get my drift right? So I thought, "well, since this product only carries one sole purpose, it should work, right?"

The only qualm I have is the pump - don't go trigger happy on it, a little goes a longggggg way

I have been using this product for about 2 to 3 weeks now, and it's AMAZING. The dark pigmentation under my eyes have reduced rather significantly, especially the area near the outer corners of my eyes!(sadly it's also where the pigmentation was the darkest)

Sorry Jia Jia & Kai Kai, Apple's not coming anymore 

Would I buy it again:
YES! And I'd definitely recommend it to others who are seeking for an affordable eye serum too! Of course, do bear in mind that this has been purely effective for reducing dark eye pigmentation only, and you'll probably need another eye cream if you want to reduce eye bags too. 

Price: $34 (30ml) at local Innisfree stores, 20000 won in South Korea,

Verdict: 10/10

Thanks for reading this! And do share your thoughts about this product!

♥ Apple