My Current Skincare Routine August 2014

Notice: Any enquiry emails I get from 17th August 2014 and onwards, I have read them but have yet to reply... Please kindly excuse my late response~ I will try to response to all your email asap, latest by this coming Sunday or Monday.

It has been more than a week since I last updated my blog. I have a few product reviews on hold in the draft box but I can't publish them yet because the pictures are not ready. Well, my camera lens died last weekend; I keep getting lens error message when snapping picture. Anyway, if you followed me on Twitter, you already know that I have gotten a new lens just yesterday. With that said, the "activeness" of my blog will be resumed very soon~

For the time being, I shall update with a post that does not require lotsa pictures —

"A quick update on the change in my skincare routine".

My Current Skincare Routine (dated: August 2014)

Morning:
- Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam
- Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner (started using since July 2014)
- Hiruscar PostAcne Gel
- Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Lotion
- Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Essence
- Etude House AC Clinic Liquid Spot
- Etude House AC Clinic Intense Hinoki Water Mist

Night:
- Biore Aqua Jelly Make Up Remover (only if I use makeup)
- Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam

- Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub (once a week) 

- Cure Natural Aqua Gel (once a week)

- Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner (started using since July 2014)

- Hiruscar PostAcne Gel

- Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Lotion
- Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Essence

- Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream

- Etude House AC Clinic Pink Powder Spot
- Etude House AC Clinic Intense Hinoki Water Mist

I just started using the new pore-care skincare range(excluding the toner) last night so I can't give any comments about them at the moment. Will update in the future and definitely there's gonna be review on each product. Well, hopefully the newly added products work well and don't break me out. *fingers crossed*

xo,
Ashley

Review: Mizon Multi Function Formula Snail Repair Eye Cream

Mizon Multi Function Formula Snail Repair Eye Cream (15ml)

Description: Formulated with 80% of snail secretion filtrate and E.G.F (Epithelial Cell Growing Factor) that are effective in brightening skin around eyes and caring for wrinkles.

Benefits of Snail Mucus:

Claims:

Directions: Apply a small amount of eye cream to the eye area using a gentle dabbing motion.

Ingredients:

Snail Secretion Filtrate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Phytosqualane, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Peg-100 Stearate, Beeswax, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, RH Oligopeptide-1, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed extract, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Adenosine, Caprylyl Glyocol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Tropolone, Disodium EDTA

Price: *ooops, I could not remember...*

Packaging:

The product comes in a rectangular, matte metallic gold colored box. 

One side of the box is sealed with a hologram Mizon's "Genuine Seal of Authenticity" sticker with "Mizon's logo" and the words ".Original Mizon." and "MIZON(in both English and Korean)". There is a "Korea Model Association Certification (KMAC)" logo printed on the other side of the box. 

TIPS: Look out for the "hologram seal sticker" when you purchase any Mizon products. As long as there is such hologram Mizon's seal sticker on the package then no worries, you pretty much got the real stuff. 

It comes in a squeezable metallic gold colored tube with a bronzy-brown plastic screw-off cap.

Color & Consistency:

(P.S: For application to the eye area, instead of massage in the cream, use a gentle dabbing motion.)

It has a white, soft, tacky and creamy consistency. It's light and thin thus, it gets absorbed pretty fast. It may feel sticky at first but once it gets absorbed, the stickiness will be greatly reduced. It's not very greasy and it leaves skin matte and hydrated.

Scent:
It does not contain any artificial fragrances but it does have a mild scent which I don't know how to describe. It has a similar scent to Mizon All-In-One Snail Repair Cream. The scent is not too strong hence, upon application, it's barely noticeable.

Likes:
- packaging come with a hologram "Genuine Seal of Authenticity" sticker
- formulated with 80% snail secretion filtrate and E.G.F
- moisturizing; not drying
- smooth out and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- prevent future wrinkles and fine lines
- brighten up the eye area
- cream is not so thick; it's light and thin
- fast absorption
- not very sticky and not very greasy after absorption
- leaves skin matte and hydrated
- free of artificial fragrances
- does not cause breakouts
- not harsh nor irritating
- product comes in tube form — more hygienic
- user-friendly (easy to use), travel-friendly, hassle-free

Dislikes:
- does not seem to diminish my dark circles and puffy eyes

Verdict: Mizon Multi Function Formula Snail Eye Cream hydrates the delicate skin around the eye area without leaving a thick layer of stickiness or grease once it gets absorbed. It is not very heavy hence, it gets absorbed into the skin kinda quick.

Regarding to the claims on fine lines and wrinkles... well, I only have one mild fine line on each under eye area. After using this eye cream for about 3 to 4 months, the fine lines are gone and I feel the skin around the eye area is firmer. FYI, my mom also uses this eye cream. It is part of her skin care routine for more than a year! Up to present, the appearance of her wrinkles and fine lines around her eye have also reduced and the eye area feels more firmer too. We can totally feel and tell the difference! Take note that with long-term use, the results are more noticeable. 

On the downside, this eye cream does not seem to diminish my dark circles. However, it does brighten up the eye area and create an illusion that make the dark circles less dark. The brightening result is subtle though. With that said, this might not be able to help much in treating and/or concealing extreme dark circles. In my view, this eye cream care more on fine lines and wrinkles.

Mizon Multi Function Formula Snail Eye Cream comes in jar and tube. Jar contains 25ml of product whilst tube contains only 15ml of product.

I got it in tube because I find it is smaller, more compact and lightweight, which makes it more travel-friendly. Besides that, it is more hygienic and convenient to use in my opinion. I just need to gently squeeze the tube to get the product out and it's easier to control the right amount I need. As for the jar, in terms of hygiene, I need to use a spatula (included in the box) which I find it is harder to get the exact amount. I always dig out either too much or too less... Therefore, I think tube is more user-friendly, travel-friendly, hygienic and hassle-free than the jar one. It is time-saving as well, as I do not need to clean the spatula after each use. Despite it's a small tube but a little goes along way!

Great news..., I will be giving away 2 tubes of Mizon Multi Function Formula Snail Eye Cream and you can check out the giveaway here: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.com/2014/08/ongoing-giveaway-07.html

Review: Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Pact

Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Pact (8.5g)

Description: This sebum control powder pact is designed to portray soft and powdery complexion. Oil-controlling and skin-perfecting powder sets foundation and blots away excess shine to keep skin fresh and matte. Translucent powder contains Jeju natural mineral and natural originated mint, ingredients that refresh and nourish skin with every use.

6-free formula: Paraben, Talc, Mineral Oil, Artificial Dye, Animal ingredients, Synthetic fragrance

Claims to do:
- Sebum absorbing and Sebum control — Excellent powder for controlling sebum that soaks up excess oil and sweat.

The usage:

Directions:
1. In the last stage of your daily skincare routine, use powder puff gently apply onto entire face or sebum concentrated areas.
2. This product may also be used in the last stage of makeup or as desired throughout the day when shine becomes a concern.

Price: ₩10000 (est. around SGD$12)

Packaging:

Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Pact is packed in a box made of recycled materials.

The pact itself comes in a very pretty matte mint green colored round case with a snap-on lid/case.

The pact comes with a powder puff, which I don't really use. I prefer to use a powder brush instead.

Between the powder puff and the powder itself, there is a plastic protective cover to protect the powder and at the same time, to allow the powder puff to 'sit on' without getting contact with the powder.

The powder has some design prints being stamped/crafted on it's edge.

Consistency & Color:

With proper blending, it does not leave a white cast.

It is a white translucent powder but no worries... As I've said before, with proper blending, it does not leave a white cast. Also, the powder is very fine so it does not cake up unless your skin is dry or you apply too much. Just bear in mind not to use too much. A light coat will be sufficient.

Scent:
Very faint, mild minty scent.

Sebum Absorption:
In my opinion, pretty excellent! Instantly leaves the skin shine-free right after application.

Oil-Control:
below average to average (I'll explain later in the verdict section)

Likes:
- the recycle concept
- 6-free formulas
- the minty scent
- fine translucent powder
- excellent sebum absorption power
- does not leave a white cast
- leave skin matte
- does not cause breakouts

Dislikes:
- might not have excellent oil control for people who have super oily skin and/or live in ultra hot and humid country

Neutral:
- low coverage

Verdict: In my opinion, Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Pact does not have excellent oil control for me. My skin, especially my nose area, become oily right after 1.5 to 2 hours and I do need to touch up. But if I'm in an air-conditioned room or during cold/cooling, raining days, then I do not have to touch up that quick. I only need to touch up every 3+ hours. Hence, I think the oil control function is below average to average.

Well, I guess how good the oil control function depends on individual's skin oil production. One factor to take into consideration is the weather and temperature .aka. climate. As you (probably) know, I live in ultra hot and humid country so my skin gets oily super easily and fast. Thus, in my view, the oil control effect may vary individually depending on the climate you live in.

On the positive side, it does have excellent sebum absorbing power! I like how fast it helps to absorb sebum right after application. It's like instantly leaving my skin shine-free and matte-looking. This has somewhat similar function like an oil-blotting sheet just that this is in a powder form which gives you a matte-look. By the way, if you care more about coverage, then this might not suit you as this has pretty low-coverage.

The Innisfree No-Sebum comes in pact form and also in loose powder form. Apparently, I got the pact one because I really hate using loose powder as it tends to get messy easily. I think pact will be much more at ease to bring around without needing to worry about spillage. Anyway, both loose powder and pact are travel-friendly. They are small in size and lightweight, in short, portable which is very convenient to carry them around in your purse/bag.

Review: Innisfree It's Real Rose Mask

Innisfree It's Real Rose Mask (20ml)

Before I begin with the review, I have an announcement...

Notice: All enquiry emails received on 4th August 2014 and onwards, I will not be replying soon cause I'm terribly ill... . Please pardon my late email response...

Having fever up and down for three days and it's not yet fully controlled. It kind of comes and goes anytime it wants. Urgh! As a result, my body and brain aren't functioning at all; weak and dizzy. Aside from that, I'm also having flu, sore throat and cough. It's just miserable. But no worries, I am taking medicines and am in the process of recovering. SLEEP, SLEEP and MORE SLEEP is my life for this week. Basically, I spend more time asleep because my medicines cause drowsiness. Each time after taking the medicines, I will start to feel drowsy and tadahhh, back to dreamland. I only wake up for meals, WC and medicines. Such life reminds me of Pokemon "Snorlax". 

Anyway, I just took the pills and am waiting for the drowsiness to begin. So meanwhile, I shall quickly update my blog. I have finished writing the content of this post last weekend and this post has been sitting in the draft box for quite some time. Initially supposed to publish on Tuesday but I have not done with the pictures so I can't publish it that day. As you can see, I actually replaced it with Giveaway #07 post, which I have completed writing during the weekend, too. Check out the giveaway #07 here: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.sg/2014/08/ongoing-giveaway-07.html

Am I talking writing too much crap?  Well, I will just jump into the review now. 

x---x

Description: This Real Mask infused with rose extract, blend of herb complex water and ingredients from nature which helps to moisturize and protect the skin from environmental stressors while providing adequate nutrition. It also adds vitality and energy to your skin.

Directions:
1. After cleansing, use toner to refine skin texture.
2. Take out the mask from the packet.
3. Position the upper mask around the eye area and remove the white film and attach to the skin. Then place the lower mask around the mouth area and adhere to the skin.
4. Remove the sheet after 20 minutes and gently pat to allow the remaining formula to absorb into the skin.

Price: SGD$2 per piece

I will skip the "Packaging" point as there's nothing much to talk about. Basically, it just pretty much similar to every other mask sheets' packaging. Hence, I will just move on to the mask sheet.

After tearing off the packet, there's a folded mask sheet and it is well-soaked with essence without any dripping mess.

This is how the mask sheet looks like. 

Unlike other mask sheets, Innisfree It's Real Mask has two little flaps for the eye area, which I really like a lot. Do take note, the two pictures above were taken after I used the mask so the mask sheet may look a bit dry(lack of essence). Well, all the essence had been absorbed into my skin~

Color & Consistency:
Like other mask sheets in the market, it is well-soaked with a colorless, essence-like extract. The mask sheet/cloth itself is thin and soft.

Scent:
Just like it's name, it's indeed a rose mask. Totally smells like rose! It reminds me of rose water toner. Calming and soothing yet moisturizing.

Moisture Test:

Before using the mask, my skin moisture level is 32.6%.

After using the mask, my skin moisture level increases to 52.1%.

Moisture gained before and after the mask application is 19.5%.

Comparing the result taken before and after the mask application,

I concluded that this mask is moisturizing.

Likes:
- natural ingredients formula; non-harsh
- contains rose extract
- mask comes with little flaps for the eye area
- well soaked with adequate amount of essence
- calming + soothing + moisturizing effect
- leaves skin feeling supple, soft and smooth to the touch
- reduce redness and skin irritation
- sensitive-skin friendly
- the scent!

Dislikes:
- leaves a sticky feel after application. The stickiness will reduce after applying moisturizer.

Neutral:
- temporary brightening effect (but it does not bother me)
- does not have excess amount of essence compared to The Face Shop and My Beauty Diary Mask Sheet.

Verdict: Unlike The Face Shop and My Beauty Diary Mask Sheet, which contain a generous (extra) amount of essence in the pack, this Innisfree It's Real Rose Mask does not have any excess amount of essence. In fact, not a single drop can be pour out from the packet after taking out the piece of mask sheet. But I'm not sure if this happens to other Innisfree It's Real mask. I have yet to try out others. On the positive side, the mask sheet is well-soaked with an adequate amount of essence. It's sufficient thus, I guess I shouldn't whine too much~ 

As the mask sheet contains rose extract, it has a rose aroma which provides calming effect to the mind! Yet at the same time, it gives the skin a boost in hydration and soothe the skin, reducing redness and skin irritation. All in all, in my opinion, this is a soothing and hydrating mask. Perfect for relaxation after a long day. 

[CLOSED]: Giveaway #07

Giveaway #07

start on 5th August 2014, SGT 08:00PM

and

end on 31st August 2014, SGT 10:00PM

Number of winner: TWO - 1 local(SG) and 1 international

(Each winner will win ONE tube of 15ML Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream)

How to PARTICIPATE & WIN?:
You just have to send your entry via email to bitsdiaries@live.com subject to "WIN Giveaway #07"~! However, there are a few rules to follow... Don't worry, they are very simple. 

The Rules:

FOLLOW — SHARE — WIN!

1. BE A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG - Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (GFC) and/OR Bloglovin'. You can find the bloglovin' 'follow me' button and GFC 'join this site' button on my side bar. And when you are sending the entry via email, let me know that you have followed me. Also, do let me know if you want me to follow you back~ 

AND/OR

2. SPREAD THIS GIVEAWAY MESSAGE TO EVERYONE! - Share this giveaway in your Blog, Facebook, Twitter and/or any other Social Networking Site (SNS) to let everyone know about this giveaway. If you shared the message, let me know the link or send me a screenshot picture. I would love to read them. 

Here are some examples... For sharing via Twitter/Facebook:
Ex 1: Join BITSDIARIES's Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream Giveaway! @ http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.sg/2014/08/ongoing-giveaway-07.html
Ex 2: Enter To WIN Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream! Open Internationally~ @ http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.sg/2014/08/ongoing-giveaway-07.html
Ex 3: BITSDIARIES is hosting a giveaway of Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream. OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. ENTER TO WIN!~ @ http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.com

For sharing via blog post..., here's the code for the picture/banner  :

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.sg/2014/08/ongoing-giveaway-07.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HTgjay4EWQeWB2dNZ_MDqT8vSYmq0V92SsrGwtpZ-h-xqPiVF9Kthj41apqBTXXwuRut11f1sc5WviCFABGJYQrd94q5tfn_OpGrzZWhu9-YLQLK2sR3t-quBfQOpGgVUqIztovb30cQ/s800/giveaway%252007.png" /></a></a></div>
You can copy and paste it in your blog post. :)

All in all, just PICK either Rule 1, Rule 2 or both. Then send me your entry via email to bitsdiaries@live.com subject to "WIN Giveaway #07", together with the following details in your email entry:

- [Your Name]

- [Your Email Address]

- [Your Country]
- [Your Google/Bloglovin' ID] *applicable only for those who followed*
- [Link/Screenshot] *applicable only for those who have shared the giveaway news*

Other T&Cs: 
*Multiple entries are NOT allowed. One entry per participant. More than one entry per participant will result in disqualification. 
* Entries received without the prerequisite information will be deemed invalid. 
*Winners will be notified by email directly on 1st September 2014. (Dear participants, do check your email inbox and/or junk mail folder on that day!) 
*Winner who fail to respond within the next 3 days will be forfeited. New winner will be drawn.
*The prize for international winner will be mailed out via Singpost Registered Article and tracking number will be provided. For local winner, the prize will be mailed out via Singpost Normal Mail without tracking number.

Good luck to all the participants~ 

UPDATE on 31st August 2014:

This event has ended. Thanks to all who participated in this event. 

Due to overwhelming responses from international participants, I decided to increase one more winner to the international category. Hence, there will be 3 winners in total - 1 local and 2 international winners.

Winners will be notified by email directly on 1st September 2014. So be sure to check your inbox and/or junk mail folder. :)

Review: Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar (#03 Juicy Apple & #09 Neon Red)

Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar (#03 Apple & #09 Neon Red) (2g each)

I did a review on Petite Bunny Gloss Bar in #08 Neon Yellow last year. I don't know if you have read it. If you haven't, you can check it out here: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.sg/2013/11/review-tony-moly-petite-bunny-gloss-bar.html Anyway, few months ago, I purchased two more colors — #03 Juicy Apple and #09 Neon Red. By the way, #03 Juicy Apple was a gift for my mom.

In this post, I will duplicate some of the information from my review of #08 Neon Yellow. Well, since they are from the same product range, they should have close to 99% similarity. Thus, I decided to do some copy work~ Please excuse me for being lazy~~ 

More information about the Petite Bunny Gloss Bar~:

Description:

Directions: Twist-up to about 3~5mm and lightly apply to lips.

Packaging:

The stick of the gloss bar is made of plastic and it comes with a plastic, bunny-shaped pull-off cap. The cap of each gloss bar has different facial expressions print on it, which make it really unique and adorable. The bottom of each stick is retractable/twistable. You can twist the bottom to get more product.

I mentioned in the review of #08 Neon Yellow that the retractable function is not working well; the product can't be twisted back into the stick once it got twisted out. I have to push the product back instead. However, I did not face such problem happening on #03 Juicy Apple. The retractable function on #03 Juicy Apple works pretty smoothly. It can be twisted in and out easily. Unfortunately, #09 Neon Red has the same problem as #08 Neon Yellow. 

I would strongly suggest not to twist out all at once. Twist out a little at a time in case shit this problem happens. 

Consistency & Color:

The consistency for both #03 Juicy Apple and #09 Neon Red are the same as #08 Neon Yellow... — Although it says it's a gloss bar, I find it leans more towards a balm, like a tinted lip balm. It's not as balmy as Nivea lip balm though. It leaves a slight glossy look but it's not as glossy as a lip gloss or balm.

Here are the swatches:

swatches of #03 Juicy Apple (with flash) on my mom's wrist

swatches of #09 (with flash) Neon Red on my wrist

Both colors are sheer and low in pigmentation via 1 swipe. however, the colors can be built up but only slightly. You can compared the color of 1 swipe with the color of 4 swipes.

As my mom has a darker skin tone compared to mine, it kinda hard to compare the differences on both gloss colors huh? Hence, here's both swatches (w/o flash) on my wrist:

If you look closely, the color of #03 Juicy Apple is a sheer red. Whilst for #09 Neon Red, the color looks more like pink. That's what it looks like to me.

Scent:
In my opinion, #03 Juicy Apple, which supposed to have an apple scent, does really have an apple scent. It's very mild though. As for #09 Neon Red, which supposed to be mild and natural scented, does have a stronger, sweeter fragrance than #03 Juicy Apple. It smells fruity like sweet berry which I don't really like it. Apparently, I'm not fond of fruity scented lips product that's why I got the light scented ones. But sadly, the scent of #09 Neon Red is not what I have expected.

P/S: For the following points, I can't share my opinion/verdict on #03 Juicy Apple because after all, it belongs to my mom. For hygiene purposes, I'm not gonna try the gloss bar.  Thus, I just gonna write about #09 Neon Red with a little comparison with #08 Neon Yellow.

Moisturizing Power:

Same as #08 Neon Yellow, #09 Neon Red is not as moisturizing as Nivea lip balm. If you have dried and chapped lips like I do, few hours after application, the color kind of runs into the cracks and makes the dried and chapped lips looks more obvious. That's what happened to me so what I usually do is that I will put on a layer of Nivea lip balm on my lips prior application of this Petite Bunny Gloss Bar. On a positive note, it's not very drying like a lipstick. The moisturizing level is somewhere in between a lipstick and a lip balm.

Staying Power:

The color of #09 Neon Red does last except if you eat or drink. It does come off easily when you eat or drink. I usually have to re-apply it after eating or drinking.

Likes:
- 2-in-1, lip balm + tint formula = tinted lip balm
- color is sheer and build-able yet not too bold
- the adorable packaging!
- light scented (for #03)
- not very drying like a lipstick
- easy to glide on lips
- portable and lightweight
- not sticky

Dislikes:
- lousy retractable/twisting function; once the product got twisted-up, it can't be twisted back into the stick! (happens to some of the petite bunny gloss bars)
- the scent of #09 (too sweet fruity in my opinion)
- the color of #09 (it's not neon red; it's more pinkish tone instead)
- not as glossy as Nivea lip balm or a lip gloss
- emphasizes on dried and chapped lips

Neutral:
- moisturizes but not as moisturizing as Nivea lip balm
- color comes off easily when eating or drinking

Verdict: I picked the #09 Neon Red mainly because it claims that it's light-scented. As I have said before..., I hate sweet fruity scented lips product. I prefer a mild and natural scented or scent-less lips product. However, #09 Neon Red seems to have a stronger scent compared to #08 Neon Yellow and #03 Juicy Apple, which I'm not fond of. Also, the color of #09 is not what I have expected. Well, being named as "Neon RED" yet the color turns out to be more towards pink tone...  ...i'm speechless... Sigh, it's really a great disappointment. In fact, I actually like the color and the scent of #03 Apple more than #09 Neon Red. Anyway, up to present, I still love #08 Neon Yellow and it is still my number one favorite lips product/color. 

People who like a soft and sheer natural-looking lip color, you might want to give Petite Bunny Gloss Bar a try. They are perfect for everyday natural makeup look.