Sulwhasoo Basic Line & First Care Serum

         

Used to have really bad acne-prone oily skin, and my previous skincare regime was mostly from Dermalogica. Gosh, even my masque and cleanser were from Dermalogica...-.-...They are available in Singapore, but severely overpriced (like everything else in Singapore *sigh), so i don't really recommend Dermalogica unless your're financially-really-stable or you have relatives in the States to help you buy what you need (yea...Dermalogica is a American-Brand, so it's cheaper over there). Subsequently my acne suddenly cleared after i turned 18, but i still have my oily skin to tackle. With my acne problems gone, i begin to replace my Dermalogica regime with Neaclear and Skinfood, because...*whispers ~Neaclear is dirt cheap in the States and it works equally fine...and skinfood is cheap on Qoo10!! ~
Until recently did i convert my skincare regime to the Sulwhasoo's Basic Line!! What made me change my regime was the sudden revelation that my skin might not be getting enough hydration leading to...premature sagging!! A common misconception is that oily skin do not need hydration because it does not feel dry...WRONG!!..why? 

" Sebum is the natural fatty, oily substance produced by the body's sebaceous glands and secreted through our hair follicles to keep our skin and hair soft and healthy. You don't want to strip away all of the sebum when taking care of your oily skin, and it's a tough balance to strike when products designed for oily skin are often harsh and can over-dry skin. It's a myth that people with oily skin don't need to moisturize -- dermatologists recommend you add a moisturizer to your daily skin care routine to help combat the harsh drying effects of these oil-busting products. " - taken from another website

Sulwhasoo or otherwise known as 雪花秀  , its a high-end Korean skincare brand under Amore Pacific Corporation . Other more widely known brands such as Etude House, Innisfree and Laniege are also under Amore Pacific Corporation. I was quite surprised as well as i first read about it too.

Back to Sulwhasoo, they carry premium oriental herbal skincare lines for different skin types and ages. I first knew of Sulwhasoo when i was browsing for samples in Qoo10, and saw Sulwhasoo samples up for sale and my interest was piqued. Searched extensively for product reviews on Sulwhasoo before deciding on their Basic Line.



Did not buy the entire Basic Line, only bought the First Care Serum, Balancing Water and Balancing Emulsion. I didnt get the Revitalizing Serum, Rejuvenating Eye Cream and Firming Cream due to the fear of excessive sebum production (was afraid that cream in my skincare regime might oil my face up >< ), especially since i live in the tropics and here is fatally humid.

Let's start with the First Care Serum, an essential regime boosting serum which is applied before the toner step for all the different skincare lines that Sulwhasoo carries. It claims to optimizes skincare results by preparing the skin to receive treatment, as well as promoting balance and replenishing moisture and nutrients by improving skin circulation.  Ever since i started on Sulwhasoo, i have almost close to zero breakouts, even before my period!!  The total sales for the First Care Serum had reached 16.2 million, with 1.75 million in just 2011, which is 9.2 bottles sold per minute that year!! (Statistics taken from Hope-inablog) This serum is a keeper, definitely.  

  

The Balancing Water, a gel-like texture clear toner for deep hydration. Since it is gel-textured, oily skin individuals can use this without worrying about clogging pores or excessive sebum production. It absorbs quickly and light-weighted on the skin. If you have dry skin, i don't think this toner would be hydrating enough, would recommend that you try their hydro-aid line instead.    

The Balancing Emulsion, a rich white lotion for moisture, smooth soft skin as well as clarity. Despite its rich texture, it absorbs fast and it does not makes my skin look greased. I can really feel like a thin film of water envelops my skin when i apply this emulsion, really great since hydration is the reason why i change my skincare regime.

After using the Basic Line for 2 months, my skin is really supple and no more breakouts, it does not whitens my skin but my skin tone looks really clear and healthy now, no more dull complexion!! I would really recommend the Basic Line to normal to oily skin individuals, especially individuals who spend most of their time in air-con environment. 

Sulwhasoo even have application guide (how to massage your toner into your face etc) for different products at their website in ENGLISH!! Other than that, they also have skincare tips for the different seasons, thats when you see how useful the First Care Serum is...

If you wish to know more about the Sulwhasoo product reviews or ingredient list, this blog is literally everything that you need and she's quite in-depth about the explanation too!   

Where to get them? Isn't it expensive?!......Fret not ^^, i bought mine in sample sizes from Qoo10 and they are waaaaay cheaper than the full-size product. I'll let the prices do the convincing....

Full-size (on Qoo10)
First Care Serum (60ml) : SGD 90-110+
Balancing Water (125ml) : SGD 60-80++
Balancing Emulsion (125ml) : SGD 60-80++


Samples (on Qoo10)
First Care Serum (4ml x 15 = 60ml) Full-size volume!! : SGD 17 only!! 
Balancing Water & Emulsion (5ml x 10 sets = 50ml + 50ml) : SGD 10.50

Just SGD 26.25 for the full-size volume of both toner and emulsion!!!

Samples~

Would definitely repurchase the First Care Serum, but as for the Balancing Water and Balancing Emulsion, i'm keen in trying out their Snowise Line which is meant for whitening ^^. Also, interested in their Gingseng Cream, Overnight Vitalizing Treatment, Skin Clarifying Masque, Herbclinic Restorative Ampoules, Gentle Cleasing Oil and Herbal Soap and.....the list goes on....lols

Hope this post helps, and thanks for reading!! 

EOS Lip Balm (Smooth Sphere) - Honey Suckle & Summer Fruit

Was looking through my makeup stash, wondering which product to do a review on....decided on the EOS Lip Balm...since i have three of them....and there has to be a reason why ^^

Honey Suckle--> Sweet Mint--> Summer Fruit

EOS stands for Evolution of Smooth...lols....pretty cute for a brand name. They have been highly raved about in the States, not really sure whether the craze have reached Singapore yet. The EOS Lip Balm are 95% organic, 100% natural,  with antioxidant rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil to keep your lips smooth and moist. After reading these, you probably wonder ' meh, what's the biggie... don't all lip balm contains similar stuff? '  The reason why people buys the EOS Lip Balm because they are paraben, petroleum, gluten, phthalates AND cruelty free!! So many 'free's, isn't it liberating? Lols, just kidding ^^. 

Most people probably see all the organic products on the shelves and don't know what the big deal is the "XXX-Free" list is about. Here goes nothing....

• Organic- Bans the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers & genetic engineering in the ingredients used.
  
  
  Look out for the USDA Organic Seal on products that claim to be organic to be sure.
• Parabens- Probable carcinogen for breast cancer, for more information
• Petroleum- Allergen, can trigger skin allergy reactions & probable carcinogen 
• Gluten- Allergen, can trigger allergy reactions 
• Phthalates- Causes reproductive & neurological damage in laboratory animal testing, for more information)
• Cruelty- Animal Testing

Shocking right? Don't think i will ever look at counter products the same way ever....*paranoia....so back to the review, i've gotten flavors in Honey Suckle (green), Summer Fruit (red) and Sweet Mint (blue).

Summer Fruit

smells like mango and....peach?

Honey Suckle

smells like melon and....something flora  

The visual appeal of this balm is its second best selling-point, the colors are so adorable, any girls would like to fish this lip balm out of their bag. They vibrant colors like red, green, blue and even pink....*gasp....did I mention pink? ^^

The EOS Lip Balm also has an unique shape and application method, have not seen any other sphere-shaped lip balm on the market yet. The best thing about it being sphere-shaped is that you don't need to twist your lip balm in and out, and it gets really yucky when you get those bits of crust stuck between the spaces of that twist mechanism. other than that, its more hygienic than digging your finger into those lip balms in jar.  

Performance-wise, frankly speaking....don't expect the moon and the stars....it does keep my lips moisturized (but bear in mind that i live in the tropics, moisturizing-properties may differ in other climates) but re-application is definitely needed. I have read other users complaining about the EOS Lip Balm being too waxy or oily, you only need 1-2 strokes of this lip balm for it to be functional. Unlike other lip balm, the EOS Lip Balm does not shine or show that its on your lips and its really light (if you keep to just 1-2 strokes), so perfect for people who like to keep theirs lips moisturized without shouting out loud that they are wearing lip balm.  

Accidentally licked my lips, and lo behold....the EOS Lip Balm tastes....sweet!!..... great if you don't like those waxy tasting lip balm, and it is perfect safe for ingestion (petroleum-free and 100% natural). 

Ever wonder how the lip balm looks like when you finish using it? I'm half-way there!!

Personally, I prefer Honey Suckle over Summer Fruit because of the scent (but I've have a feeling that Sweet Mint might take the first place in the future). I have not started on the Sweet Mint yet, but it smells very promising, could smell the mint through the protective cover, didn't smell anything through the protective cover for Honey Suckle or Summer Fruit though. 

Bought my EOS Lip Balm during a time sale at Qoo10, but the usual price is SGD7.50. It really comes down between cute packaging and performance, would recommend the EOS Lip Balm if you favor cute packaging over performance, lest the disappointment.   

Will i repurchase? Nope, despite its cute packaging and smell, i would like to try out other lip balms with much higher hydration factor.

Hope this post helps, thanks for reading!!

   

Etude House Juicy Cocktail Gradation Set #3 - Love Violet

Etude House Juicy Cocktail Gradation Set #3- Love Violet

I did a review on Etude House Juicy Cocktail Gradation Set #4- Mint Frappe the previous time, and now will be doing the same for #3- Love Violet. I know i posted a picture of #3 Love Violet done by another Qoo10 consumer, but decided it would be better if i do one myself too.

How the #3 - Love Violet turned out (under room light)

To get the above displayed gradation effect, i used 2 coat of base color, 3-4 coats of the middle color (you really need to apply lots of it), and around 2-3 coats of the last color, topping it off with 2 coats of top coat. Felt that i fared better in #3 -Love Violet than #4 - Mint Frappe and #6 - Angel's Kiss, the gradation effect is more prominent here than the other two. *sigh....will have to practice more....

As you guys would have notice that #3 - Love Violet do not have glitter pieces at the last color, unlike #4 - Mint Frappe and #6- Angel's Kiss. This made application a breeze, however the easy application seemed to be compensated by slower nail drying. Took me longer then usual to get my nails dried completely, even had to use the cold water method as last resort. So, with a little patience, your nails should turn out fine ^^...

more snapshots of my nails

Shimmers really shines! (surprisingly....this was taken away from room light)

The shimmers in the middle coat does not seem to reflect under light, but away from light, suitable for subtle glamour. More pictures coming up...  

The purple really stands out against green ^^

Side view of the nails...hoping to catch the reflection of the shimmers

Hope this post helps, and thanks for reading!!

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask Review

After trying the Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder, decided to try their Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask that my sister bought. Their website can be read in English, fully!! Something i really appreciate in this booming trend of Korea skincare and cosmetic, it really helps to know what the product do and how it works, some websites has a 'English' function but that only works on their headings whereas their descriptions an directions are in korean.....-_-....like that would help.... Oh well, since Innisfree has provided us with really great pictorial guide in English, i'll be using them today!


The Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask is geared towards....

 

It contains Jeju volcanic cluster which......

The Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask is unlike your conventional clay mask, it has different applications! 

how the box looked like

Being environmentally-friendly

The box actually has description, ingredients and application directions in English!! Why can't all the other brands follow this example....*sigh

Surpsingly, the container is not glass, but plastic!! lols....all the containers in the adverts looked so...shiny.... 

how the clay mask looked like

The size of the mask is actually pretty small, 100ml. Take note before buying.

I initially thought that the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore clay Mask is for oily skin only, since most clay mask are meant for sebum absorption and regulation, but it seemed to be more suitable for people with oily, troubled and sensitive skin. Sadly, i don't really see much of its magic on me, no decreased sebum production or brighter skin tone. I think this clay mask would work better on troubled skin i guess? I don't have any breakouts or sensitive, i can't be the best person to give a verdict, so asked my sister about her views on it. She has troubled, senstive skin  with oily T-Zone (who couldn't be any more suitable!!). 

Her Verdict:

• does not cause any break-outs
• seen improvements in skin texture....softer skin
• reduction in redness
• surprisingly non-drying on the skin....(invidual with dry and troubled skin can use it too i guess?)
• don't see much improvement in pore reduction
• but  no reduction in sebum production     

My sister bought the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Clay Mask during a time sale at SGD13.90, but the usual price is SGD15.90. I asked her whether she would repurchase it, and she said she would....but i wouldn't. Well, everyone has their different opinion and skin....lol.... so i guess individuals with sensitive or dry skin who are looking for solutions to curb breakouts and redness can try the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, but if you are looking for oil control, i don't think this clay mask will be your cup of tea. 

Hope this post helps, thanks for reading!!

Nikon Coolpix P310 & il Gelato di Bruno

Got my new digital camera... Its the Nikon Coolpix P310 (in white)!!

Went to the PC Show over the weekend, and decided to get it since PC Show and IT Fair are places to get good electronic gadgets buys. Got the Nikon Coolpix P310 for SGD500++ including freebies.

 

Key features of the Nikon Coolpix P310 has f/1.8 bright lens with 24mm wide-angle lens, image stabilization, manual/custom/auto settings as well as 19 optimized enhanced scene modes! It also has full 1080p HD movie recording and 16.1 megapixels with backside illumination CMOS image sensor. The only downside is that the optical zoom is only 4.2x, so unlikely to take long shots with this digital camera.


On the way back to the MRT station via City Link Mall with my purchase and i saw this......!!...*eyes bulge

*whizzed in

So many yummilicious flavors to make your selection from!!

For those who don't know which flavor to choose or how they taste like.....the crew at il Gelato di Bruno allows sampling!! So sweet of them, really! Sometimes i don't buy because i don't know how the gelato will tastes, had a bad experience with a certain dairy flavor once somewhere and i learnt a lesson...Don't buy unless you sampled it beforehand...

The cup size is actually really small (not that the spoon are huge)...but the flavors available are really delicious. I'm not sure when this promotion will last till, do your math, whether your willingly to pay SGD2.25 for this small cup or not.   

Ordered Dolce Latte (taste like kinder bueno and coffee)

Going to 'Bling' my Coolpix P310, but have not found any suitable skin or crystals yet. If you guys know any good deals on the crystals or service for camera blinging, please let me know at harumuu@live.com or leave me a comment. Thanks for reading!!

Happy June Holidays students!! 

Ichikami Hair Conditioner Review

Got to know about Ichikami awhile back when my sister had her prom and got some sample sachets for both their shampoo and conditioner. Kinda wanted to try out other shampoo, so didnt repurchase their shampoo after the first bottle. 

Well, today's lead product is the Ichikami Hair Conditioner!! This conditioner contains camellia extract, soapberry, walnut oil, yusuru essence (from rice bran), wild cherry extract and NO SILICONE! This line was meant for damaged hair repair and moisturize, i have thin oily hair but the pink and black packaging really sold me. Packaging deign aside, the Ichikami Hair Conditioner really really really smoothens out the kinks in your hair, leaving it uber smooth (it's really satisfying when washing the conditioner out) and despite having a thick consistency, a little dollop goes a long way (somehow this conditioner spreads really well). It leaves a light floral scent (sakura or cherry?), not overpowering and after using it just twice, my hair felt really soft and i experienced less hair fall. 

 Used to get my supply of Ichikami Hair conditoner from Watsons, until recently they stopped selling it for no reason (was so miffed!!). I guess i was in denial and searched at least 6 Watsons outlets before convinced that they no longer carry Ichikami....*sobs.... 

Until i saw......Venus Beauty!! 

I've always seen them around but don't really bother going in because their SA are sometimes really pushy. Was looking through Ichikami facebook page and spotted a post saying that Venus have Ichikami hair conditioner!! They are a life saver! My hair was getting so much tangles from using Burt's Bee- Very Volumizing Pomegranate & Soy Shampoo. Venus Beauty is selling the Ichikami Hair Conditioner (550g) at only SGD 14.90!!...I grabbed two bottles....

Venus Beauty has many outlets around singapore, for those intersted in getting Ichikami shampoo and hair treatment, Venus Beauty do sell them too. These are their outlets :

Hope this post helps, thanks for reading!!