Showing posts with label korean skin care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label korean skin care. Show all posts

K-Beauty Skin Care ~ What's new in my skin care rotation feat. Neogen, Innisfree and Cala Products

*pr sample*


Ok, skin care time :) I been rotating so many products in the past few weeks. So brace yourself this post will be a quite long.


Korean skin care is really popular this day. Well all Korean stuff are like the music, drama and food. 
I do love the food tho! Haha. But the skin care is truly amazing!
In this post I will focus on three bands: Neogen, Innisfree and Cala Products.


By Neogen I only have 1 product to talk about and it is Neogen Bio Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon Pads. They retail for $27 and are available at Sephora and Soko Glam. 
This pads are amazing. Like no joke! The first time I used it I was blown away with the results. Yes first time use results! My skin was so soft and looked brighter! Its a chemical and manual exfoliator that uses natural ingredients and innovative triple pad technology. It gently removed dead skin while the AHA chemical exfoliant deeply penetrates to dissolve dirt and oil in the skin. Lemon extract delivers abundance of Vitamin C for skin brightening benefits.


The pads are locked in a bulky jar and are soaked with lemon essence. And once you open it, you can smell the freshness of lemon. I smells really yummy. What I like about this pad is that there is a sleeve that you put your fingers in and you can use both sides of the pad. I prefer the rough one as I love to exfoliate my skin. I usually use it after I cleanse my face right before toning. The pads have to be used after you double cleans your skin, and you can't use them as a makeup removers. It just don't work that way. I mainly focus on the places on face where all the dirt is. Nose (trying to get rid off those blackheads) and around my nose just clean up all the dirt that is stuck in my pores. And well my neck as well, as we can't forget about that. The exfoliation process is not as rough as I thought it would be, but it sure does scrubs away all the debris and all that dead skin. After I use the other side of the pad, which the soft fabric takes away all the left overs that were left on my face.  After that I rinse my face and voila, soft, bright, glowy skin .. welcome! :)

No wonder they are cult favorite and no wonder Korean ladies have such a beautiful skin. These are so worth the money and once I run out I will get another jar! 


Let move on to Innisfree. Can you believe that until Gen Beauty I had no idea they existed. Of course my sister in law knew of them coz she loves all Kbeauty and anything K related .Prior to Gen Beauty I was invited to an even held at their Lexington location (right across from Bloomingdales).I remember it was super rainy that day and I left work early just to get to this event. The store is beautiful and so inviting and all the gorgeous skin care! The best part? Everything is darn cheap! Anyways at the event Innisfree was showcasing the Hydrating Green Tea line and they showed how proper use each and every product. I got hooked! Like this line is so wonderful! BTW did you kn ow the brand was created and its own by Amore Pacific since 2000! And as you know Amore Pacific is the high end Kbeauty brand sold at Sephora. So there you go! Innisfree not only sells good skin care but also interesting makeup! I swatched a variety of eye shadows and I fell in love with few.
The products I use in my routine are:


* Hydrating Sleeping Mask with Green Tea ~ I love sleeping mask, how about you? I tried so many in the past and I really liked them all. Sleeping mask do wonders to your skin. Innisfree mask is enrich with squeezed green tea from the pure Jeju island to deliver moisture and nourishment deep into the skin. Jeju is the volcanic island in South Korea, know for its abundant plant life, natural unpolluted environment and its cleanliness . The sleeping mask contains Dual Moisture-Rising Technology TM delivered from organic green tea and green tea seed oil. Green Tea is extracted from fresh green  tea leaves that are in rich with amino acids and minerals that keep the skin moisture.The seed oi preserves moisture under the skin for extended period of time to prevent dry skin. The product contains the white capsules that dissolve once your apply and massage them in the skin. I love that feeling. These capsules are filled with organic, natural ingredients and help brighten your skin. The formula is light and absorbs really fast and it has creamy almost gel like texture. The sleeping mask can be used along with night cream (just wait a bit fr the cream to absorb before you apply the mask on, or it can be used by itself, with skipping the night cream. All up to you. I use with both. Winter cold air makes my skin super dry and I really need extra moisture in my skin. For using it minimum three times a week I notice that my skin become soft, smooth and supple. Definitely recommend this one to all my friends and family as it it really good. Plus at $19 price point anyone can afford it :)


* Intensive hydrating serum with Green Tea Seed ~ Same as with the sleeping mask the serum contains eco friendly Jeju island 100% fresh green tea and green tea seed to provide hydration.
The serum contains also citrus extract such as grapefruit, orange and tangerine which help moisture, tone and brighten the skin. The serum come in a plastic bottle that is travel friendly. The pup is covered by a cap that stays in place and keep the germs and bacteria out.  The serum texture is runny,  a bit thicker than water. And it smells of green tea mixed with floral and citrus-y notes. Once applied to the skin it absorbed quickly and leaves no trace of grease or nothing like that. Aside of boosting hydration in my skin I have not see any other benefits but this serum. I like to use it on days that my skin need extra moisture. But overall if you have better hydrating serums at home that do better keep them :) Unless you really want to try it and see what it will do for your skin, go ahead :) Get it at Innisfree website for $25


* My real squeeze masks. ~ these are so good and so affordable. I am going to get more and send to my family. LOL I actually did buy around 10 of them at the event without knowing there was a 7 day booklet with 7 masks in my goodie bag. Most of them were extras so I took to my work and gave to my co-workers :) I have not yet to try all the "flavors" of masks tho. I tested 3 so far and let me tell you a bit, with out making this post super long. Each masks comes in 3 level of hydration: water base (light and fresh), Essence base (deeply hydration) and Cream base (intensely nourishing) . They are made from 100% eucalyptus fibers. The booklet I got contained following: Green Tea (hydrates and nourishes), Pomegranate (brightness and firms), Rose (brightness and smooths), Lime (brightness and hydrates), Bamboo (moisturizes and replenishes), Manuka Honey (moisturizes and replenishes), Acai Berry (firms and smooths). And Fig (tone and brightening). Out of all I tried 3 so far:


- Rose - the first one I tried out of them all. I love any skincare with rose in it. It give brighter and smoother skin and it contains rose flower juice as a main ingredient. It has very nice rose scent to it. Reminds me of rose toners :) Which I adore! I kept mask on for about 20 min, after which I took it off and rub remaining essence into my skin and neck. Skin definitely look more hydrated and smooth. This mask is water based. How can you tell, well look at the bottom right corner you either will see a water bottle, serum bottle or cream jar, and that how will you tell which level of hydration each mask contain.


- Acai Berry - it have a cream base hydration. Acai Berry is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-aging properties. This mask is a a lot thicker then rose one as it is cream based. It is really moisturizing. If you skin feels dry, this one would be the best choice. Again I massaged renaming essence into my skin :)


-Green Tea - the essence is so hydrating and moisturizing in this mask. Again this the water based mask and the essence stays on the mask. I love how my skin felt after it. Hydrated and my pores looked smaller. It have a light scent ot it nothing crazy. This one on par with rose are my favorite.
Now I will make an effort and try the reaming ones.
The real squeeze mask retails at $1.80/



Now let's move on to CALA Products are these are the most newest in my routine and the main focus on why I decided to write this post.
I got three products: Cleanser, Toner and Sheet Mask pack.


So first thing is the cleanser, actually Deep Cleansing Foam. The cleanser contains aloe vera extract filled with antioxidants and vitamins to purify the skin.  It helps to remove all dirt, impurities from the skin.


 I am trying to like this product but I can't. I didn't like the way it made my face feel.
 So greasy and sticky. Ugh I had to go over with more cleanser and scrubs to get rid of it. I really don't think its normal and I don't like the feeling. I had really high hopes for it. ($8.75)


 The toner on the other hand is really nice. Ultra Hydra Toner - moisturizing and soothing hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates as rich botanicals calm and replenish, ultra hydrating hyaluronic acid and shea butter protect moisture from within the skin, enhancing it natural moisture barrier for refreshed, nourish skin. I really do like the toner. I been using it for a week now and we are a good friends. Especially for this time of year my skin really need that extra hydration. So mostly I been reaching for hydrating skin care. I love that this toner contains hyaluronic acid that have so many great benefits for the skin. It have a slight flowery scent. Plus can we talk about the ombre bottle?!? I adore it! ($23.75)


The last product I have from CALA is the sheet mask - Skin Smoothies Daily Boost Sheet mask - I got pack of 5. contain real tomato, apple, strawberry, cherry and pomegranate juice. They also have a green version available, that at some point would really love to try. I was a bit scared to use this one as it has a tomato juice. Don't get me wrong I love tomatoes and ketchup (LOL) but I notice that at some point tomato tends to break me out. So I was hoping this mask will be good, and that good it was.  I used it once so far and really like it.


It gave my skin extra boost and my skin feel and looked better. Much more awakened and brighter. Just felt good. I used it night time but I feel like this would be such a good mask to use in the morning before applying your makeup. (box of 5 $7.50)

Have you heard of any of the mention products?
Have you tired any?

Korean Skin Care ~ Masqueology 24K Gold Under Eye Gels

*pr sample*




Before Octoly I never heard of  Masqueology Skin Care. Did you? 
I found the brand in my Octoly free store and when I saw the 24K Gold Under Eye gels I need to have it. Can you believe I have never use under eye gels before?  They like a mask for you under eyes. Just put it on and relax :) 



The hydrogel under eye patches with gold and collagen will lift and firm the eye area while helping against dark circles. They hydrogel will give moisture and elasticity to the skin. 



They come in a cute gold packaging that contains 15 pairs of eye gels. They are really gold! They are single use masks for under eyes. lightweight and lightly scented. I do like the scent tho. If you are not a fan you will not like it coz once the eye gels are on the skin they still have a scent to it. I used it twice so far and I really been liking it. It definitely gave a kick of moisture to my under eye area. I did see that they did firm my under eyes. As I don't have much problems with dark circles I can't comment on how they work. 
I used them after a clean my face. I placed each under my eyes and relax. Keep them on for 10-20min and take them off, gently rubbing reaming serum in. I think they are in soaked in some sort of serum. 
I think they are great addition to any skin care routine. Plus for the price why not give it a shot? 
Walmart carry them for only $10 ! which is a steal if you ask me. 
I can recommend them enough.  If you shopping at Walmart pick them up :) 
you can shop them here

Fave skin care picks IG @villemo20

I really want to try more of the 24K line and other products by the brand :)

till next time!
~Monica 

Night time Skin Care Routine including SRB, Bravura London, Dr.Brandt.



Skin Care is the most important part of the day. I get send a lot of pr skin care and I am trying to switch around as much as I can and then share it with you.As a disclaimer all the products mentioned in this post were send to me. To be honest I don't remember when was the last time I bought a skin care product.  and also I have to mention that I don't get paid for reviewing these products. I get send them to me for my honest opinion. So if I dont like something I definitely let you know. 

I usually start my skin care around 9-10pm that is the time that I am done with dinner , homework, etc (monday to Friday) On the weekends my skin care look a bit different.



First I reach for makeup wipes. I use them to wipe off rest of my makeup. One wipe sheet is enough to clean my face. The makeup wipes I been currently using are my the brand Celavi in scent Milk. The brand offers more scents to choose. I have one more in Honey but I don't really like the scent. The Milk ones smells amazing and the wipes are soaked really good. And they take off makeup with ease. They don't feel harsh or anything. There is 30 in a package and they cost less than $5 score! So if you ever are looking for new inexpensive wipes I recommend Celavi in scent MILK :) for more scents click here,

once my face is clean I go to my eye makeup. And here with help comes Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover.  this guy is new in my cosmetic bag but after few uses it become a staple for me. It is really gentle! realy! if you have a sensitive eyes try this! my eyes love it! I didn't notice any burning, no blurry vision, no irritation , nothing! before I pour few drops on a cotton pad I give it a good shake and then press on closed lid to soak up the eyeshadow and mascara and then I sweep it off. I have a small 1.7fl oz (50ml) bottle that was gifted to me my a friend, but once I am done I am getting full size .. unless my friend can get me one more LOL.
Lancome Bi-Facil is available in every Lancome counter price for : 1.7 fl oz - $15, 4.2 fl oz - $30, 6.7fl oz -$39



Ok so now I'm don with my makeup, time to wash my face. Here I been using a Stabilized Rice Bran Enzyme Powder Wash by korean brand SRB. There is a huge hype on korean products! I guess it got to me too! LOl I actually want to try more korean brand and I might check some asian subscription boxes for that. I was contacted on my Instagram by the Choc Choc Cosmetics (korean beauty store in Chicago) they asked me if I would like to try SRB rice bran enzyme wash. Well you don't have to ask me twice hahah.



Yes! and this was a really good decision. I freaking love this cleanser and I will give you 10 good reason that you will too love it :
* First off - is great for all skin types even for the sensitive skin!
* Second - it is really gentle and non irritating (hence great for sensitive skin).
* Third - skin feels so soft and looks healthy after using it
* Fourth - rice bran extract helps repair damage skin
* Fifth - no uncomfortable dryness or tightness after using
* Sixth - smells really nice , like baby formula or cereal :)
* Seventh - really easy to use, just add few drops of water and then clean your face.
* Eight - skin feels clean and refreshed
* Ninth - brightens up the complexion
* Tenth - even kids can use it :) coz of the gentle formula.
I tried it on my daughter and she and her skin loves it :) She told me that her face feels so smooth and soft :) So yeah kids love it too!
if you are interested you can purchase it here.
Price $25



once I am done with washing my face it is time for mask. I don't do masks everyday but once in awhile. For a past few weeks I went back to my holy grail mask by Dr.Brandt Oxygen Facial Flash Recovery Mask.  I talked about it before you can check it here. But yes this mask will always have a special place in my skin care, My face feels soooo good after. I try to use it only if I really need to, I dont know if I will be able to purchase it again - the price is kinda high for my small budget and pay check :(  but it is worth every penny. I will wait for some sale or coupons tho.



My last two steps are with newest addition to my skin care by Bravura London. Salicylic Acid 2% Peel - this is such a an amazing products for acne/oily skin. Salicylic Acid is great for deeply penetrate pores, to dissolve oil buildup, It is housed in a navy blue frosted bottle and it comes with a dropper. it have clear and fragrance free formula. Bravura London recommend to use this peel for 10 (max 30min) and then rinse with water. I prefer to keep it overnight (as a serum) and then wash it off in the morning. Also it can be use  as a spot treatment :) talking about versatile product :) I didn't notice any dryness and my face looks much much better. Usually Salicylic Acid dry my skin but this one feels better :)



On the nights that I dont use Salicylic Acid I reach for their Azulene Moisturizer -  light moisturizer with healing properties. It is prefect for my oily skin. I didn't find it greasy or oily. There is no fragrance to it either. It absorbs intently and leaves my skin feeling nourish. he moisturizer come sin a blue frosted jar wit rose gold cap. The moisturizer itself is blue! but don;t worry there is no dye added. It is blue because of the Azulene plant and no it wont make your face blue :)
Over all Bravura London line is amazing, especially for people with problematic skin such as me. I am really looking forward to try more. I have to more products waiting for me to open them :) SO i better get going and do so.
I also have to mention that Bravura is Cruelty free and Vegan friendly :)
you can shop here.
Salicylic Acid 
Azulene Moisturizer



So that is it for my night time routine. I will do a post on a day time  routine soon.
Did you try any of the products mention here? let me know what is your holy grail skin care product :)

Amarte ~ Overnight Express Therapy

*PR Sample*




Amarte began in Korean in 1994 as a skin care initiative within prestige dermatology clinic. In 2004 Amarte had become well establish high end skin care brand in East Asia. Today Amarte is becoming known throughout the world. 

Amarte Overnight Express Therapy is one of the best skin care products I tried so far. This new Korean sleeping mask delivers intense hydration, softness, firmness and luminosity. 
I have never used any sleep mask before and I see I did missed a lot. They are amazing! Especially this one! Feels like silk and absorbs super fast into the skin. Doesn't feel sticky or greasy. It have a nice fruity scent. Works great on my oily skin! Best part it didn't break me out! woohoo! 
After all my skin care steps I apply Amarte Overnight Express Therapy last, as a final step. 
In the morning I wash it off with cleanser. My skin is super soft when I touch it. Feel good too! I been using it every night for a psat week and I am so happy with the results. Such a game changer in my skincare routine. Definitely a must try. Trust me you will feel results within days. 
The key ingredients:
* Silk Fibroin ~ (Silk Extract) an antioxidant protein matrix that brightness skin and stimulate collagen production.
* Propolis Cera ~ an antioxidant , anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial healing emollient.
  * rh-Oligopeptide-1 ~ a nanoencapsulated peptide based epidermal growth factor that enhances cell renewal. 



Product comes with a pump which I love! I pump out only one time and I get just the right amount of product to apply to my face. The packaging is pretty too, yellowish-gold! It is just the right size, lightweight. It does have a gold rim around the lid. Amarte name and logo in gold and rest writen in black ink. On the top of the lid there is also Amarte name written in gold. 



Amarte Overnight Express Therapy can be purchased on AMARTE Website.
Price: $79

Miss Tutii ~ Asian Beauty Box




Attention Ladies and Gentleman  we have a new awesome subscription box on the market.
If your a fan of Korean, Japanese or any other Asian Skin care brand , you are in luck!
Miss Tutii will be your perfect choice.
They offer 3 different kind of subscription :
1.) TutiiMask ~ $12. each month you will receive 6-8 masks ranging form sheets mask, face, lip, eyes and body.
2.) TutiiBag ~ $15. each month you will receive a bag of 4-5 deluxe samples or full size products.
3.) TutiiBox ~ $25. Each month you will receive full sized or premium brand samples (e.g. SKII, IOPE, SHISEIDO).
 Free Shipping in USA.



And the best part is if you don't like a product that came in you bag or box you can swap it for different one! 
Tell me what other subscription box offers that?!?

You can use VILLEMO20 for 20%off!!!! 

Now lets take a look what came in January TutiiBox :)
~ SK II clear Treatment Lotion (full Size) $70
~ SNP Animal Sheet Mask $4
~ LALA Ultra Light Sun cream SPF35 $24
~ MY SCHEMING Black Sheet Mask $3.50
~ TONYMOLY Petit Bunny Gloss Bar $10
~ ETUDEHOUSE Missing You Hand Cream $8




Overall I am very impressed with my box! Box is worth is $119.50 and you pay only $25 :) Great deal! I heard of most of the products but I have never tried any of them. I really looking forward to try SKII and Etude House. hand Cream and Bunny Lip gloss bar are so cute! 
All the goodies come in cute PINK box :) yes PINK how awesome! The box is also totally reusable! 
So again if you like Asian Skin care or you know someone who does, or you just simply want to try it~ look into Miss Tutii. FYI they also ship International ;)
Read more on their website ---> MissTutii.

Don't forget to use my code at check out VILLEMO20 and it will save you 20%! Ends January 31st, after it will give you 10% only.
NOTE: this is not an affiliate code, I don't make any $$$ form it :)





Dermaesthetics Beverly Hills ~ Korean Skin Care Line




I wanted to write a review of these two products for a while now. I really don't know what took me so long. 
Anyways I want to introduce you to new (to me) Korean Skin Care Line. Founded by Dr. Anne Lee, who with help form her friends and family launched in Beverly Hills new skin care line. Products sold globally all over Asia, Americas and Middle East. 
I received form them 3 products to test.I will be only writing about two of them. the 3rd one didn't worked for me. I wish it could but oh well, I will send it over to my mom and I will later write a review on what my mom think of it :)



Lets start with Green Apple Premium Cleansing Oil ~ is Macadamia Nut oil based pre- cleanser, used to clean away all the makeup, sunblock and oil on the surface of the face. With the power blend of Macadamia Oil and Vitamin E and other natural extracts this water soluble cleansing oil breaks down makeup leaving skin fresh and ready for next cleansing step. It can be use around eye and mouth area. 
This cleanser works so good. Removes my stubborn makeup with ease. I find it works really great on my eyes and when I wear liquid lipsticks ( you know the kind that only oil based makeup remover can remove). Super easy to use. Just pumped few drops on my dry hands and rub into my skin. To take it off, I wet my fingers in a warm water and massage until turns white. Wash it off and use makeup wipe to get off the rest of the makeup and oil form m face . Then I reach for my daily cleansing gels and finish my routine. I also found it works great for my oily skin. It don't make it more oily or what so ever.
Definitely is a must try product. Also I does have  smell to it. Not really annoying ( like some can be) This one is really pleasant. 

My daily skin routine I finish with Clear Complex PM Purity Gel ~ I can't even express how much I love this gel! Its a gel that is to be used night time only and it is formulated to be used on breakouts skin types. For me is the best on all the 'surprise' zits/pimples I get once in a while. Simply after I finish washing my face I apply this gel at the very end. It can be used as a all over or just on the spots. I prefer spots. Whenever I see a pimple coming out I apply the gel on. One time I was getting one on my chin and it hurt like crazy. You know , if you have a acne problem that they do hurt a bit. So I applied the purity gel on it and the next morning the pimple was smaller and it didn't hurt at all.! Life saver! So whenever I get my surprise zits this little bottle is coming to my rescue and keeps them at bay! ;) 

I am so pleased with both products. Both works great for me and I continue using them all the time. Such an amazing staple in my skin routine. Highly recommend them to you.
Paraben and cruelty free line

Check the links below to shop.
Green Apple Cleansing Oil
 PM Purity Gel
Dermaesthetics Website