Project Empties

I get so psyched when I finish a product!  It means I now have the space to try out something new.  Although in the case of SK-II, it's a product I will keep forever.  My skin texture has truly changed with this essence!  I am truly obsessed!

The Skinmiso Pore Corset Serum was an interesting buy.  It did minimize pores but only if you consistently use the product.  I only used the serum as part of my morning routine because I wanted my pores as small as possible before applying concealers.  It did sting my skin for a while until my skin got used to the acidity in the serum.  

The Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule was a great buy - it has a potent concentration of snail filtrate and applies well.   This was part of my night routine where I rotated the Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule with the Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum.  It adds a nice plumpness to the skin in preparation for overnight recovery.

To more project empties!!

Skinfood Green Tea Mask Sheet

Not sure how I came about this sheet mask but I love green tea.  It has a ton of antioxidants with very light caffeine.  As for skincare, its ingredients are soothing and moisturizing.   It's great for those who have sensitive skin and/or prone to breakouts.

This mask is thick in texture but with the right amount of essence.  It doesn't last as long as other masks but does the job.  Can be used as a daily sheet mask.

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply sheet mask

Where to Buy: not sure...but should be available at Skinfood stores

Tony Moly Secret Nature Aloe Mask Sheet

In general I like the Tony Moly Secret Nature line.  The mask sheet is thinner with more essence and lasts longer.  This Aloe Mask Sheet was very soothing and felt soft to the touch.  After a week of intense work meetings and after work dinners, I needed something soothing to restore some moisture. 

In comparison with other mask sheet, I would say it's comparable to my fave, MBD.

Directions: after cleansing and toning, apply mask sheet (although my own little secret is to apply SK-II essence prior to the mask sheet for double the essence!)

Where to Buy: purchased at Tony Moly store in SF Japantown

Valentino Rudy Platinum Nancolloid Mask

As I was going through my beauty product stash, I came across this unrecognizable sheet mask.  I don't know whether this was gifted by a friend or received as sample from a recent purchase.  I ventured to try this and see if it's effective.   I don't recognize the brand and can't tell if the mask is from Japan or China

This sheet mask comes in two parts that are attached - one for the face and another for the neck.  It was not easy to apply as the mask is thick and the openings don't fit well. There's a place for the mask to go over the ears which seems weird and made my hair wet.  The portion for the neck did not stick very well and after only 5 minutes, dried out and stuck out.   The sheet mask dried out quickly and the material is too thick.  Overall, not very effective and will not be a re-purchase.

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

Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

I traveled to Oahu, Hawaii in February during Ski Week (this is post holiday winter vacation for Northern California schools).   We landed around noon and although I had suncreen on, my forehead was sunburn on the first day.  On the first night as I was washing my face, I saw that my forehead and portion of my cheeks were extremely red and tight.  

Since aloe is a great soothing agent for sunburn, I applied the Benton Aloe Propolis soothing gel on my forehead and cheeks twice a day for the next two days.  By the 3rd day, the sensitive and red skin disappeared!!  This is truly a miracle worker!  This gel is extremely light and clear in texture.  It does not leave an oily residue and is very soothing.   I will need to remember to bring this for future beach vacations!

Directions: apply on sunburn skin twice a day or use as an ampoule after toner

Where to Purchase: part of the Benton sample pack from Memebox

Travel Packing - Hawaii

This first half of the year is compact with personal and work travels.  For Christmas stocking one year, hubby gave me this great travel bag.  Not only is it in my color but it has lots of pockets and very roomy for all my skincare products.

For my February Hawaii trip, I packed a few sample sizes since I know time (and space) will be limited.  Here's the content:

* Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Serum

* Sulwhasoo Goa Ampoule

* Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream

* Sulwhasoo Timetreasure Renovating Eye Cream

* Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask

* Kiehl's Super Multi-corrective Eye Opening Serum

* It's Skin Power 10 VC Effector

* It's Skin Power 10 WH Effector