Tosowoong Refresh Sea Cucumber Essence Mask

I am taking on the Soko Glam 7-day sheet mask challenge and today's mask is one that was purchased on MemeBox.   What drew me to this mask was the colorful packaging (it reminds me of the sea) and since I do enjoy eating sea cucumber, I thought why not enjoy its beauty content too?  Boy was I happy that I tried it!

The mask is silky and transparent in texture.  Because it doesn't have a mask protector, the mask was so full of essence that I had to take extra care to unfold.  Once I put it on my face, the silkiness melt right into my skin.  The mask fits perfectly, especially around the nose area, which is a tricky place for most mask.  The forehead area could be bigger but it may be due to my large forehead.  There were plenty of extra essence for neck and upper chest.  The mask lasted more than 40 minutes.  I'm already thinking of getting more! 

Directions:  after double cleanse and toning, apply mask for more than 20 minutes.

Where to Buy: purchased on MemeBox  

Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-free Sunscreen

One of the benefits of traveling for work is that I get to explore the pharmacies of new location.  I traveled to Venice in early June and had some down time to explore the city (and get some good eats).  The pharmacies in Venice were small and boutique like.  I was able to find a few products I haven't seen before.  The selection was less than expected though, probably because I was in the tourisy part of town.

Although I've been happy with my sunscreens, I am always in need for better ones, especially ones that are oil-free.  This Heliocare 360 brand is one I haven't seen before or am familiar with.  Since it's gel like and oil-free, I decided to give it a try.  I've been using this product for approximately 2 weeks and really like it!  It smells faintly of orange and has a yellowish/orange tint.  The sunscreen applies smoothly with no residue.  It's very matte like and indeed was oil-free.  I like the fact that it's not thick so I barely feel the product.  So much so that I thin I can go without the Skin Food Silky Finishing Powder.  Now I need another trip to Italy to get more sunscreen!

Directions:  apply sunscreen as last step of beauty routine.

Where to Buy:  purchased in pharmacy in Venice, Italy

Trouble Skin Night Routine

Treating trouble skin requires a new night routine.   Here's the new line-up:

DHC deep cleansing oil

Banila clean it zero

Pure Body Naturals Dead Sea mud mask

innisfree rice it's a squeeze mask

Asahi hyaluronic acid lotion

SK-II clear lotion

SK-II essence

Cosrx skin returning a-sol

Skinmiso pore corset serum

Mizon snail repair eye cream

Got it down to only 10-steps!  

Banila Clean It Zero

Trying out a new cleanser highly recommended by my hair stylish because she has gorgeous skin and she's Korean who knows major beauty products.  I've been suffering from hormonal acne lately and not sure if it's due to stress, travels or new products (maybe all the above).  

This cleanser is beautifully packaged with a scooper that stays put in the inner lid (great packaging!). You need to scoop out just a quarter size to spread the sherbet texture like cleanser onto face.  It's easy to use and doesn't seem to be as oily as the oil cleanser (duh!!).  It cleans off easily without drying or harsh residue.  I love this product so far as it leaves my face super clean and seem to be helping with the acne.

Directions: use scooper to put quarter size portion into back of hand.  Spread across face and massage.  Wash off with water.

Where to Buy: purchased on MemeBox

Benton Snail Bee High Content Mask Pack

My face was in desperate need for some pore and acne care lately.  I've seen some hormonal acne appear on the side of my forehead and right cheek.  After going through my stash, I realize I don't have any product that truly addresses this problem.  This mask from Benton was the closest since it can be used by all skin type.  

I have the essence so know the product well.  The mask is very similar to the essence, in smell (a bit of iron) and texture.  Can't say that I'm disappointed by the mask but I'm not in love either.    I would prefer to use the essence (which I use only in the morning routine) than the sheet mask.

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

Where to Buy: purchased on MemeBox as part of Benton starter kit. 

Guest Blogger

I'm happy to announce that my dear friend, Betty, has been added as a guest blogger!!  She utilizes a lot of Taiwanese and other Asian skincare products.  I am excited to add her experience and the product reviews on this blog.

Welcome BETTY!!

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright

I received the The Face Shop Rice Water Bright trial size samples as part of anther purchase.  I've been meaning to try the samples and with my recent travel, it was a perfect time.

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright rice cleansing water and lip & eye remover are both not effective. The cleansing water is quite light and I had thought it was a toner instead of a cleanser.  The directions states that a cotton pad should be used to wipe across face and then wash off with water.  Not only is it confusing to use cotton pad for a cleanser but the product was ineffective in cleaning the face.  There was no squeaky feeling and seem to have left an oily film.

The lip & eye remover was even more disappointing because I was hoping to find an alternative to the Neutrogena eye remover.  The remover did not work on waterproof mascara and eyeliner.  Even after usage, I had to supplement with a Neutrogena cleanser wipe.

Both products were ineffective and disappointing.

Directions:  Put product on cotton pad and wipe across face.  Rinse with water.  

Where to Buy: The Face Shop