My Beauty Diary - Bird's Nest Sheet Mask

During my recent NYC trip, I stocked up on masks including a box of My Beauty Diary - Bird's Nest for Ultra Whitening.  

Similar to othe MBD masks, this mask is full of essence (dripping actually), fits well and extra nourishing.  Upon opening the mask, the sheet mask actually smells a bit like bird's nest.  Bird's nest soup is my favorite as it's really good for you, especially for the skin.

I'm hoping that this set will reduce or stop my hyper pigmentation.  It's also to prevent new ones possibly from upcoming trip to Peru. I love this brand so much I can't wait to try others. 

Contrary to belief, My Beauty Diary is actually a Taiwanese brand and thus not kbeauty.  Shall we call it tbeauty instead? 

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply sheet mask onto face and leave for 15-20 minutes.

Where to Buy: purchased in a pharmacy in NYC (located in Brooklyn to be exact), available on Amazon and other online retailers.

Freeset Donkey Milk Skin Gel Mask Pack - Whitening

I noticed more pigmentation on the nose and under the eye yesterday and totally freaked out!!  I've been really diligent in applying sunscreen and wearing wide brim hat whenever I'm outside.  I blame the California sun and my daily commute for this new hyper pigmentation and freckles.  

I looked through my growing inventory of sheet mask (becoming quite the addict!) and found the Freeset Donkey Milk Whitening gel mask.  The gel mask has great silky texture filled with abundant essence.  Mask lasts more than 20 minutes and if it wasn't getting so late I would've waited longer.  

My face feels smooth and the pigmentation a bit lighter.  I just love the texture of the gel mask!  The Healing one made me a believer and this Whitening one is no different.  Will need to stock up!

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply mask for 15-20 minutes.

Where to Buy: purchased on MemeBox

SkyLake Mask Pack - Trouble Skin

Due to allergy season, my skin have gone haywire.  I purchased a pack of Sky Life Herbal Mask packs in the NYC Korea Way retail store.  It's a really small store post situated between The Face Shop (probably not a good thing) and some bakery shop.  The shop clerk was friendly  and said this brand is all natural with herbal products.  After switching some masks so that I get equal amount of the elastic care, brightening and trouble care, she also gave me a few samples.

I tried the mask pack - trouble care today and upon opening the package, immediately got a whiff of the herbal smell, similar to bad Chinese medicine herbal drink.  I was a bit hestitant as the mask texture was thick and did not seem to contain a lot of essence.  Upon applying the mask, there were few spots that didn't seem to fit including the forehead (stretched to my hair roots) and nose placement was too big.   

After applying for a minute or two there was a cooling feeling with some tingling.  After taking off the mask, the skin feels instantly refreshed with the cooling sensation remaining.

I don't know whether it's an illusion or not but some red spots from a recent facial blackhead extraction disappeared and my cheeks which suffer from spotty eczema are not as red.  Although I'm not in love with the smell, the end result seem to be worth it!

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply mask for 15-20 minutes

Where to Buy: purchased at Skylake retail store in NYC

Botanic Farm Rice Natural Energy Mask Sheet

The other day Sokoglam had a post about rice cleanser and mask.  This inspired me to try the Botanic Farm Rice  Energy Sheet Mask.  Plus I love eating rice (especially with seaweed!) so the mask was perfect.

The sheet mask is silky cotton and filled with essence.  It gave the skin the extra boost but not an extraordinary mask.  The skin felt refreshed.  It's pretty good value considering it's less than $3.  

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply sheet mask onto face for 15-20 minutes.

Where to Buy: purchased from MemeBox

It's Skin Honey Sheet Mask

I've been watching Descendants of the Sun and super jealous of Song Hye Kyo and Song Joong Ki's clear, white and glowing skin.  I read somewhere that Song Hye Kyo uses home-made honey water as face masks.  Since I'm not into making my own mask, the next best thing is the It's Skin Honey sheet mask for glow and elasticity.

The sheet mask seem a bit big as the eye area stretched to the side of the face and the side of the mask touched my hair.  The mask did have a nice faint scent and face felt refreshed.

Directions: after cleansing and toner, apply sheet mask for 15-20 minutes.

Where to Buy: purchased on MemeBox

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Emulsion

Emulsion is the same as moisturizer and will need to be changed with the seasons.  Since it's spring I no longer need to wear a heavy moisturizer (good thing I was almost done with the IOPE Moistgen Emulsion).  I've read a lot of great reviews about Etude House and have been wanting to try their emulsion.   I was not disappointed!  The Moistfull Collagen Emulsion is light in texture,  smells floral yet does not leave a shine.  It's perfect for the spring and summer months!  

The only comment is around the packaging - I wished they made either a pump or a top that's easier to dispense the lotion.  The small opening is hard to get the same amount of lotion every time.

Directions: after cleansing, toning and applying serum and essence, put a quarter size portion onto palm and tap lightly onto face.

Where to Buy: purchased on Amazon

3-Day Veggie Challenge

When I travel I make sure to bring a few masks with me so that my face doesn't go crazy.   On my Baltimore/NYC trip I brought the TonyMoly masks that are all 'veggie' related.  The masks are as follows:

- Avocado for Nutrition: I love to eat avocado so why not for mask?  The mask was moisturizing, just what my admin needed after a long flight.

- Aloe for Moisture: after a few days of sitting and eating, the face craved for some more moisture for renewal.  This mask fits the bill.

- Broccoli for Vitality: my kiddos love broccoli and my parents call them 'trees', and after a few days in the grindy NYC, my face needed a lift.

TonyMoly masks are not my favorite but it has been fun trying the variety pack.  I can't say for sure whether there are differences to each of the masks but they are full of essence and the sheet mask has a nice texture.  I'm not in love with the smell though because it tends to smell a bit acidic.  

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply mask for 15-20 minutes.

Where to Buy: purchased on Amazon, available from TonyMoly stores

3m Nexcare Acne Patch

I've been a Mario Badescu pimple cream devotee for over 10 years but due to a friend's recommendation decided to try the 3m Nexcare acne patch.  On Monday  I got the biggest pimple on my left cheek and good thing I bought some patches with me since I was traveling.  I put a big spot patch on the pimple and although the patch didn't stay on overnight, the pimple did seem to reduce in size.  On  Tuesday night I put on a small patch and by Wednesday the pimple disapeared!

Although the patch worked, I would like to see 3m work on the stickiness so that the patch will stay on overnight.

This patch beats the pimple cream smell and is easy to travel with.

Directions: remove patch from sheet and stick on pimple, best overnight or extended period of time.

Where to Buy: purchased on Amazon

MemeBox I'm Tint Balm

I love tint balms - not only are they easy to use but they give a natural pop of color that instantly brightens the face.  I use it a lot over the weekends, traveling and days off to provide the moisture my lips crave without looking bland.  

I'm a fan of Burt's Bee tinted balm but upgraded to MemeBox I'm Tinted Balm in Rose Burgundy after reading rave reviews online.  The balm comes in a cool black case with the right angle for perfect application.  I can apply without a mirror which is often the case.  The color brings a nice pink red color that truly reminds me of rose.  This one is definitely a keeper.

Directions: apply as often as necessary.  Mirror optional.

Where to Buy:  MemeBox

innisfree Green Tea Balancing Travel Set

I've been traveling quite a bit for work lately and was not happy with the Laneige travel set since it made me break out.  The set was meant for normal/dry skin and was too heavy for my combination skin.  

I was excited to try the innisfree Green Tea Balancing set since it's meant for combination skin and I love green tea.  In this travel set are:

- Green Tea Balancing Skin

- Green Tea Balancing Lotion

- Green Tea Balancing Cream

All 3 felt light yet full of moisture.  My skin absorbed all the goodness without any shininess.  Skin felt balanced and matte.

Directions: after double cleanse and toner, put a dallop of each lotion onto palm and apply to skin.

Where to Buy: purchased on MemeBox

La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray

I travel a lot for work and during long haul flight I bring the La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water spray to keep my skin happy and hydrated.  It's similar to the Evian spray.  Since my flight was over 5 hours, I sprayed once during the flight and once after (having another short connecting flight).   My face feels instantly revived!  The spray was light with no water drip.  Now I just have to remember to bring this on my next cross continental flight! 

Directions: apply as frequent as appropriate during flights (or whenever you need some light moisture)

Where to Buy: I purchased at Boots London last year.  Since this brand is available at Walgreen, it should be available in the US as well.

My Beauty Diary - Arbutin Mask

I've debated whether to get a pack of 10 since I have so many Kbeauty masks to try.  But everyone raves about My Beauty Diary (MBD) mask so I couldn't resist the temptation.   When I received the box from Amazon (thanks Prime!), I was a bit skeptical since the box of 10 masks was so small.  Each mask package is half the size of normal sheet masks.   However I have decided not to judge the content by its cover as once I opened the package, the mask was soaked with essence!  The mask texture is silky, similar to the Donkey Milk hydrogel mask that I so loved.  It fits the face perfectly which is another plus!  The only bad part was that there was so much essence on the mask, essence was dripping onto my shirt the whole time the mask was being applied. I tried to put some on my neck and chest but there was still more!!

The face did feel very smooth and brightened after the mask.  I'm quite happy with the purchase and can't wait to use another from the set.  I'm not sure the difference amongst the different version as there are many types to choose from.  The reason why I picked Arbutin is because I'm seeing some pigmentation on my forehead that I would like to be reduced.  Arbutin is used for whitening and available in many whitening beauty products.

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply sheet mask to face for 15-20 minutes

Where to Buy:  I purchased on Amazon but I have seen the mask at Ranch 99 and other Chinese supermarkets 

Tonymoly Horseyu Mask Sheet

I was a bit skeptical when I saw this mask in the store.  What exactly is horse oil and why is it being used in sheet masks?   Per research, horse oil is known for its healing and moisturizing capabilities.  Its the hottest thing out there along with donkey milk.  I know that Jeju is the epicenter of kbeauty products so quite trustworthy when the mask states that it's from there.  

This mask is heavenly!  It feels very silky, unlike the common cotton sheet mask. It fits the face perfectly and there's plenty of leftover serum to spread on the face afterward.  Good thing I got two of these at the Tonymoly store in Japantown SF!  Will have to save the other one for special occasions.

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply sheet mask to face for 15-20 minutes

Where to Buy: purchased at the Tonymoly store in Japantown SF

Mask Galore

I was super psyched to receive my second MemeBox purchase today.  I ordered a bunch of sheet masks and some makeup products.   Here's the list:

1. Tosowoong Pore 3D Mask with Bird's Nest: my first 3D mask!  Hope it doesn't disappoint

2. Freeset Donkey Milk Skin Gel Mask in Whitening: the Healing was so superb I decided I need to try another gel mask

3. ettang Peeling Soothing Mask: this one is in two steps so may take longer than a regular sheet mask

4. Botanic Farm Rice Mask: heard great things about using rice mask so have to try it myself!

5. Mediheal Tea Tree Healing Solution Essential Mask: since my skin has been breaking out recently, thought the tea tree may help

6. Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack in Mint + Tea Tree: it's been identified as the best seller on MemeBox so of course I had to try

7. Innisfree it's real squeeze mask in Tea Tree: ditto above about skin issues

8. Skin 79 Fresh Garden Mask in Honey: I read somewhere that Song Hye-kyo using home-made honey mask.  Since she's renowned for her beauty, it doesn't hurt to try

9. It's Skin Honey Mask: double the honey experimet

10. MemeBox I'm Tint Balm in Rose Burgundy: I've been a fan of the Burt's Bee tint balm and heard this one is similar and better

11. MemeBox Stay Put Eye Stick in Otherwise: the eye shadow I got from MemeBox was such a hit, I wanted to try the eye liner too.  It can double as eye shadow.

Will post reviews of the masks individually!  I'm becoming quite the sheet mask addict and loving it!

Where to Buy: MemeBox.com

Pure Smile Strawberry Milk Essence Mask

I was super psyched to find a mask I haven't seen online at the Japantown SF beauty shop called Candy Doll Beauty. Since milk is known to have to whitening and brightening abilities and strawberry has antioxidants, I thought this mask by Pure Smile was the perfect combo.   The mask fits well into face and had extra essence.  I was disappointed that it did not smell like strawberry milk though.  The mask is not extraordinary and unique but certainly did its job.  Upon reading the ingredients, the mask is a product of Japan but actually made in Korea.  Perhaps it's because Korea is not the hub of all sheet masks!

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply mask onto face for 15-20 minutes

Where to Buy: Candy Doll Beauty in Japantown SF

Japantown SF Beauty Shops

We went to San Francisco Japantown for the annual Cherry Blossom festival.  I had the chance to visit the beauty stores - Tony Moly, The Face Shop and Candy Doll Beauty.  The Tony Moly and The Face Shop are Korean beauty brands while the Candy Doll Beauty are owned by Chjnese people with various Korean and Japanese brands.

Going to these stores were like going to candy stores.  It was so hard to have limits!  But I did have a time limit as my two kids only gave me max 10 minutes in each store.  I was able to grab a couple of sheet masks that I haven't seen before and super psyched to try them out. 😊

Will post next time on the masks!

Morning Routine

This is my daily morning routine - not as crazy as the night but I am trying to cut down.  Here's the list:

1. Babor Gel and Tonic Cleanser 

2. Asahi Suhada Hyaluronic Acid Lotion

3. SK-II Clear Lotion

4. SK-II Essence

5. Sana Nameraka Q10 Essence

6. Iope Moistgen Emulsion 

7. Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen 

I have to say that after being diligent with my skincare routine the past few months, my skin looks softer, clearer and brighter. I am trying to cut down the number of products so that I can tell what is working for my skin.   

Directions:  Apply in the order stated above

Where to Buy: the Babor Gel and Tonic Cleanser was purchased in a spa located in Cork Ireland, this cleanser makes my skin really soft.  Asahi Hyaluronic Acid lotion and Anessa sunscreen were purchased in Japan.  The others can be purchased on Amazon, department stores.

Berrisom Lip Tint

One of the freebies I got from a recent MemeBox purchase was the Berrisom Lip Tint in Vivid Scarlet.  I've been meaning to try this lip tint/tattoo since I've seen it on Instagram and Amazon recommendations.  I may need directions in English as I didn't know how to apply.  I think the intention is to apply the tint on the lips and leave it on for 5 minute.  Afterward I am to peel off the outer layer so that the lip stain will stay.  I probably didn't put enough stain on the upper lip as my lower lip looked significantly darker.  The peeling effect is also somewhat interesting as it seem like I was getting rid of skin from the lips.

Directions: put stain on lips and leave for 5 minutes.  Peel off layer to reveal stain on lips.

Where to Buy: MemeBox, Amazon

Fruit Mask Cleanse

I was inspired by an Instagram follower to do a 3 day fruit sheet mask cleanse.   I started yesterday with the Tony Moly I'm Real Lemon Mask Sheet for brightening.  I'll be using Dermal Vitamin Collagen Essence mask tonight and Tony Moly I'm Real Pomegranate Mask Sheet for Elasticity.   The Tony Moly Lemon mask sheet did smell quite lemony.  Now that I've used a gel mask these sheet masks doesn't seem to fit and sit on the face as well.  The Dermal Vitamin mask smells a bit floral even though it's suppose to be citrus mask.  The Dermal mask tends to be pretty basic.   

Directions: after cleansing and toning, place sheet mask on face for 15-20 minutes or until mask dry up.

Where to Buy: purchased on Amazon

Soo AE Freeset Donkey Milk Skin Gel Mask Pack in Healing

One of the mask I got from MemeBox was the Soo Ae Freeset Donkey Milk Skin Gel Mask Pack in Healing.  I've heard a lot about hydrogel face mask and wanted to try and assess whether they are better than the regular sheet mask.  After trying this mask, I am a believer!

The gel mask affixes perfectly onto my face and stays on way past the 15-20 minutes per direction.  The material although not thicker than the sheet mask seem to feel more fiberish.  After the mask my face feels instantly brightened, smoother and full of essence.

Directions:  after cleansing and toning, put gel mask onto face for 15-20 minutes.

Where to Buy: I purchased mine on MemeBox but it's available on Amazon and other Korean beauty product stores.

MemeBox I'm Stick Shadow

As a working mom I'm always looking for easy makeup application so that I can look put together for work.  I found such product in MemeBox I'm Stick Shadow in Milky Way.  It's dummy proof application, great color and instantly update my eyes to be more bright eyed (covering the sleep deprivation).  I used it on Thursday and Friday and on both days, the eye shadow stayed on all day.  I will need to explore other colors =)

Directions:  after mascara, swipe shadow across eyelids.  Apply more as necessary.

Where to Buy: MemeBox exclusive online

MemeBox of Goodies

My friend introduced me to MemeBox as another venue to get curated Kbeauty products.  MemeBox has curated boxes and individual products for sale.  Since I will be traveling quite a bit over the next few months, I decided to get some travel kits and sheet masks - quite the sheet mask addict now 😁.  Here's what I got (reviews of the products will come later):

1.  Benton Mini Trial Kit

2.  MemeBox Kbeauty Starter Kit

3.  Dr. Troubex Sparkling Mask

4.  Donkey Milk Gel Mask Healing 

5.  MemeBox I'm Stick Shadow in Milky Way

6. Berrisom My Lip Tint Pack in Vivid Scarlet

The extra sample is Tosowoong Monster Pack Cocoon.  The ordering was simple and box came within a month of order.  A lot of these products are not available on Amazon and other online outlets.  As my daughter would say, 'easy peasy!'