Review: Etude House Baking Powder B.B Deep Cleansing Foam

Etude House Baking Powder B.B Deep Cleansing Foam (150ml)

Description: Formulated with Baking Powder to penetrate and cleanse deep within pore to remove makeup and residues.
*Ideal for BB cream removal. 100% natural & Dye-Free
Active Ingredients: Baking Powder.
Directions: Apply to wet face and lather. Massage thoroughly and rinse with warm water.

The product actually comes well-wrapped with a plastic sheet/wrapper? (whatever it's called...). I ripped off the plastic sheet/wrapper before I start taking pictures. :x

It comes with a plastic twist-off screwed flip cap and the opening is perfectly sealed with a foil.

It contains really fine and mild scrubbing particles and it's not abrasive. The scrubbing particles will melt away during massaging. 

Moisture Test on the back of my hand:

The moisture loss is only 1.7% so I concluded that this cleanser is not very drying.

Consistency & Color:

Soft and white creamy texture with really fine and mild scrubbing particles.

Scent:

It has a citrusy, lemony-orangey scent which smells really niiiicee~

Likes:

- the baking powder formula

- 100% natural and dye-free

- remove all traces of makeup!

- mild exfoliation; not too harsh nor abrasive

- deep cleanse; unclogging pores

- brightens up the skin

- skin feels smooth to the touch after use

- lathers up well

- not very drying

- easy to wash off

- makes it easier to extract blackheads

- does not cause any irritation or breakouts

- the scent

Dislikes:

- for sensitive skin... probably not suitable to use it daily

Makeup Removal Test! (Demonstration on my mom's hand~  ) :

Sorry for the messy "wordy" picture... ><"

Squeeze out some cleanser, add some water and start massaging...

massage... massage... massage.... 

You can notice that the makeup starts to dissolve...

continue massaging...

....massage... massage... massage....

and rinse it off with water

.

.

.

Dry with a towel~

TA-DAAA~

All traces of makeup, even waterproof makeup, has been removed!

It literally brightens up the skin and leaves the skin feels smooth to the touch!

Verdict? Well well well..., I absolutely love this cleansing foam! It deep cleanse and exfoliate the skin, removing excess dead skin cells and unclogging the pores without overly drying the skin. The mild exfoliation does makes blackhead extraction easier. I might do a post on blackhead extraction in the future...

As I have combination skin(oily on the T-zone, dry on the cheekbones and sensitive skin), I don't use it daily. I use it twice or max. thrice a week, alternately, and use only when I wear makeup. Oh and..., only at night. I use a different cleanser in the day. Anyway, despite the scrubbing particles are fine and mild, I don't think it's good to exfoliate everyday. So I personally suggest to use it twice or max. thrice a week, alternately. :)

As I have mentioned, I will use this cleanser only when I wear makeup because as you can see from above pictures, this amazing cleanser cleans off makeup super effectively. However, I will still use a makeup remover prior to deep cleansing with this cleansing foam. I called it double cleansing~ lol. I use a makeup remover just to make sure that all the makeup is completely removed. Then I will use this cleansing foam to deep cleanse thoroughly, dissolving and removing all the remaining unseen impurities/makeup residues within the pores which the makeup remover can't remove.

In general, I love this product and would recommend this to people who wears makeup~ BUT, I don't recommend people to use this to remove eye makeup! The skin around the eye area is the most delicate so I personally think it's a little abrasive. Furthermore, if the product gets into your eyes, it does stings like a bitch! ><"

Review: Etude House AC Clinic Intense Hinoki Water Mist

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Hinoki Water Mist (100ml)

Description: This is a soothing mist containing Hinoki Water (Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water), controlling sebum and dead skin cells to keep complexion clean, moist and smooth all day long. Non-Comedogenic & Dermatologist Tested.
Directions: Spray frequently and evenly onto whole face whenever needed. *Spray 20cm away from face.*

The water mist comes in a solid plastic bottle with a plastic pump spray nozzle.

Consistency & Color:
Watery & colorless.

Scent:
I don't know how to describe the scent... Like a herby? medicated? fragrance~ It smells similar to other AC Clinic products which I really love~

Likes:
- contains acne-fighting ingredients
- 4 free formula — free of mineral oil, artificial color, artificial fragrance,...(forgot what's the last one...)
- non-comedogenic
- soothe pimples/does not irritates pimples
- helps prevent future breakouts/does not cause breakouts
- cooling and refreshing sensation when sprayed on face
- does not dry up the skin
- the scent

Dislikes:
- moisturizing effect don't last!
- does not helps controlling sebum

Moisture Test:

Before spraying the mist, the skin moisture level measures 32.6%. 

Not really hydrated... ><"

I sprayed the mist on my arm and waited for about 5 minutes until it gets fully absorbed into the skin.

After the mist got fully absorbed into the skin, I took the measurement and it measures 54.1%. HYDRATED~

However..., 10 minutes later, I took the measurement again... The moisture level dropped to 40.7%.

Another 10 minutes later, I measured it again... the moisture level dropped to 35.7%... -_-

Verdict?: It claims to "keep the skin clean, MOIST and smooth ALL DAY LONG". Apparently, it does not really moisturizes well... From the Moisture Test, it makes me think that the moisture kind of evaporated into the thin air instead of locking into the skin... The moisture definitely does not lasts "all day long" as it claimed. (-_-") It does not dry up the skin either.

As for oil-controlling..., I don't think it does controls oil because when I used oil blotting sheet to blot my face in the mid-day, the area of blotting sheet being covered by oil remains the same. lol.

Anyway, I use this everyday on the last step of my skin care routine before putting makeup. It gives a really cooling and refreshing sensation. It's also great to use after makeup application to help set the makeup or when makeup has begun to wilt during the mid-day.

After using this for more than a month, I don't think it helps to heal pimples because I didn't see my pimples shrinking it's size after using this. However, I do notice that the pimples were less red after using so I concluded that it helps to soothe pimples. (ps, Acne Spot Treatment is still the best acne medication for pimples outbreak.)

All in all, I like it because it's for 'troubled skin' — it contains acne-fighting ingredients which helps to soothe pimples and prevents future breakouts without drying the skin. Well, I live in hot and humid country(Singapore) so I use it whenever I simply want a little spritz of something cool and refreshing. It's kind of relaxing~~ :)

This is a soothing mist so if you are looking for a moisturizing facial mist, this is not for you.

Review: Etude House AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot (25ml)

Description: Containing Salicylic Acid and Hinoki Cypress, this is a convenient liquid type trouble care spot product with excellent absorbing properties into any part of the body that needs special care.
Directions: Lightly dab to absorb into area that needs special care. Can be use repeatedly. *Recommended to use on clean skin to maintain sanitary container.*

 It comes in a sturdy glass bottle with a plastic twist-off cap.

It has this easy-to-use sponge applicator that allows you to just dab it onto your skin. However, I find it unhygienic to use it frequently in a day. So normally I will just use it once in the day, while at night I will use AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot right after I cleanse my face. 

Consistency & Color:
Liquid-y and watery. Colorless.

Scent:
I don't know how to describe the scent... Like a herby? medicated? fragrance~ It smells similar to other AC Clinic products which I really love~

Likes:
- non-comedogenic
- 4 free formula — free of mineral oil, artificial color, artificial fragrance,...(forgot what's the last one...)
- it's colorless~ it's great to use it in the day.
- can be use under makeup
- soothe blemishes
- does helps to dry up zits
- get absorbed into the skin
- the cooling sensation after application
- the scent

Dislikes:
- unhygienic
- sponge applicator spoils easily

Verdict?: It soothe blemishes and dry them up within a few days. But for those huge painful ones, it might requires a longer time to get them dry up. I personally find the AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot works better for those huge painful zits as compared to this liquid spot. However, AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot will leave a pink residue after application so it's not suitable to use it in the day unless you plan to stay at home the whole day or unless you want to look like a clown. :P While this liquid spot is colorless so it's great to use it in the day.

On the other hand, I like this liquid spot because it can be use under makeup. Unlike other gel-type spot treatments, this is in liquid form so it will get absorbed into the skin without leaving any sticky layer that will interfere with makeup.

People who are looking for a spot treatment that can be use both day & night and under makeup, this is a good choice. :)

Update on 20 October 2013:
A quick update for this product... Basically, the whole sponge applicator detached itself from the bottle and literally become useless... I did not take any shots when it happened because I thought I used it too roughly which caused the sponge to spoil. lol. After I saw some reviewers reviewing about it then I know it was not my fault. Anyway, here are some pictures I 'steal'(HAHA) from them:

(Source of photo: link)

(Source of photo: link)

What I did was to remove the sponge and remove the springy-like part/component and use a q-tip as applicator. Here's how the springy-like part/component(?) looks like... 

It supposed to be fixed at the hole of the bottle(refer to below photo) and it works like a stopper. 

When you dab the product on your skin, the springy-like part/component(?) will get pressed and releases the liquid/fluid onto the sponge applicator. 

So as I've said, I removed the springy-like part/component, which works like a stopper, and the sponge and there's a hole that allows me to dip my q-tip in and retrieve the liquid/fluid.

Actually, I prefer the q-tip method than the sponge applicator it originally comes with. I find it more hygienic using a q-tip. :x And so, even without the sponge applicator, it doesn't bothers me. :)

That's that.

Review: Etude House Juicy Cocktail Graduation Nails (#8 Lime Squash)

Etude House Juicy Cocktail Graduation Nails (#8 Lime Squash) (4ml x3)

Etude House Juicy Cocktail Gradation Nails in #8 Lime Squash

Etude House Juicy Cocktail Graduation Nails comes in 9 different sets of color~:

- #1 Screw Driver

- #2 Kiss of Fire

- #3 Love Violet

- #4 Mint Frappe

- #5 Princess Merry

- #6 Angels Kiss

- #7 Peach Crush

- #8 Lime Squash

- #9 Kahlua milk

I got #3 Love Violet and #8 Lime Squash and this post is all about #8 Lime Squash. :)

From left to right:

#1 (Base): Refreshing Lemon

#2 (Middle): Thrilling Lime

#3 (Top): Tangy Lime

Directions:

1. Apply #1 to nails, covering entire nail surface.

2. Allow nails to partly dry then apply #2 to nails from mid nail line to the tip.

3. Allow coats #1 and #2 to partly dry then apply #3 just along the nail tips.

This is how the brush looks like.

and... this is the finished look. :)

Likes:
- comes in a set of 3!
- the colors combination!! love it to bits~! :D
- easy to apply
- the formula is not streaky
- polish dry pretty fast on nails(if apply a thin layer)
- comes in 9 different sets of color

Dislikes:
- #1 refreshing lemon is very sheer... I only applied 1 coat and it's colorless and it is like clear... -.- I should have apply 3-4 coats... :(
- the whole bottle of #3 tangy lime(glitter) gets dried up easily!!

I don't know if it's hard to remove using nail polish remover because I applied Etude House Easy Peel-off Base Coat(Review: link) as base so I can just simply peel the polish off from my nails without the need of nail polish remover. Well, I will update you guys once I have tried it... Anyway, I really love the colors! I'm currently having it on my nails now(nail of the day/week) and it's perfect for summer~ :D

-

Update on 18th October 2013:
I have tried this set of nail polish with a normal base coat and well, it's hard to remove. Glitters nail polish is truly a pain to remove but looks gorgeous on the nails! HAHA~ 

Review: Biore Aqua Jelly Make-up Remover

Biore Aqua Jelly Make-up Remover (230ml)

I'm sure this is already highly advertised by many bloggers but well, this is my 'quick' version of review. :D

A rinse-off make-up remover.

Description: 

- Glides easily on skin to remove even waterproof makeup with less tugging

- Rinses off easily and leaves no sticky or oily residue

- Contains 1/3 moisturizing essence — nourishes and hydrates skin for a dewy moist finish

Usage:

*(For best result, apply on dry face and hands. Do not use with facial cotton pad or tissue.)*

- Pump an appropriate amount (2-3 pumps) onto hands and spread evenly over face and eye area.

- Massage gently to dissolve makeup

- Rinse thoroughly with water. It is not necessary to remove cleansing liquid with cotton pad or tissue.

Comes with a lock tab.

Consistency and color:
Transparent serum-like texture.

Scent:
I'm bad at describing scent but well, it smells reeeeeeally good!~

Likes:
- not sticky or greasy
- non-drying
- does well in removing makeup(including almost all waterproof makeup)
- glides on skin easily
- mess-free
- does not break me out
- the pump packaging :)
- the fragrance~

Dislikes:
- sting the eye
- does not completely remove my Holika Holika Magic Pole Mascara

Demonstration on my hand :)

From left to right: DHC Medicated Acne Concealer, Holika Holika Jewel-like Eyeliner, The Face Shop Make Me Star Waterproof Gel Liner, Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner, Holika Holika Magic Pole Mascara, Canmake Eye nuance Eyeshadow

Pump out the makeup remover and start gently massaging~ You can notice that the makeup is slowly dissolving...

Continue massaging...

Rinse-off with water and dry with towel.

TA-DAAA!~

It did remove almost all traces of makeup on my hand except for the Holika Holika Magic Pole mascara(waterproof). But that doesn't bother me because I seldom wear mascara and if I do wear it, the Holika Holika mascara can be easily removed using warm water. :D Nowadays I only wear BB Cream, concealer and powder foundation. So as long as the makeup remover removes all the makeup I'm wearing without drying up my face, I'm satisfied. :)

Review: Etude House Dear My Nails Easy Peel-Off Base Coat

Etude House Dear My Nails Easy Peel-Off Base Coat (10ml)

A peel-off base coat that allows you to remove all kinds of nail polish(including glitter polish) without hassle. You don't have to use a nail polish remover and cotton pad to rub back and forth over your nails to remove the nail polish. All you need to do is to just peel it off!

Here's how the brush looks like.

Likes:
- dry fast
- remove all kinds of nail polish easily (good for glitter polish :D)
- a thin layer does the job well !
- the formula is not streaky
- easy to use and apply
- mess-free
- time saving! (for glitter polish removal)

Dislikes:
- not long-lasting; peeled nail polish off easily(chipped)
- does leave some residue on the nails after peeling off but it can be easily cleaned off using nail polish remover

At first, I applied a thick layer and it took really long to dry. I couldn't wait so I got them removed and re-apply with a thinner layer. It dried up within 1-2 minutes. Though I only applied a really thin layer, it didn't make it hard to peel off. :)

Demonstration:

P/S: I painted my nails on Friday night(31st May 2013) and peeled it off on Sunday afternoon(2nd June 2013).

Nail polish used in the demonstration~

This is how my nails looked after applying the Peel-Off Base Coat. It looks just like a normal base coat and the formula is not streaky at all.

After the base coat dried up, I continued to paint my nails with China Glaze Golden Enchantment followed by Etude House Dear My Party Nails (PBE102) and finished off with Essie Good To Go Top Coat.

This afternoon(Sunday), I decided to peel off the polish because some of it chipped off. The base coat does not keep the nail polish from chipping... it chipped itself off too...

Anyway, I picked at the edge of the polish till it lifted up and then peeled it off. It's really easy to remove! As you can notice, it does leave some residue on the nail after peeling it off but it can be easily cleaned off using nail polish remover. 

 Pieces of peeled-off nail polish~

Clean nails :D

Verdict? Well, for me, I don't like to wear nail polish for long so I'm fine with the not long-lasting factor. What I like about this is... it easily remove all kinds of nail polish, including glitter polish! Glittery nails are gorgeous BUT it is so hard to get them removed! People who used glitter nail polish before should know how hard it is to remove them. (-_-")

I used to avoid wearing glitter nails because I need to spend time on removing them(almost impossible -.-) and whenever I removed them, I would ended up with a lot of mess. Little tiny glitter EVERYWHERE!(on hands, fingers, floor, table, chair, shorts, shirt etc; all stained with glitter...) This base coat prevents the mess, which is why I like it. :D

Review: Cure Natural Aqua Gel

Cure Natural Aqua Gel (250g)

Description: A gentle and effective exfoliating gel. (Rinse-off type) Gently remove layers of dry, dead or rough skin to obtain clear, firm and ideal skin. Suitable for all skin types. No fragrance, alcohol, coloring or preservatives.

Directions:
1. Wash face thoroughly and towel dry well.
2. Pump nozzle 3 to 5 times to obtain an appropriate amount of gel on your hand. Apply gel to skin on face, neck or other areas that are dry and rough. Applying gel to only a part of your face is also effective.
3. Gently massage your face in a circular motion till the gel turns white (do not rub the skin too hard).
4. After rinsing, continue with your regular skin care regime with use of lotion or skin cream.
5. For best results, use Cure Natural Aqua Gel twice a week.
*(It is recommended that you finish the product within one year after opening)*

Ingredients: Made of 91% Activated Hydrogen Water.
Water, Glycerin, Acrylates/C10-30, Alkyl Acrylate, Crosspolymer, Dicocodimonium, Chloride, Steartrimonium, Bromide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Gingko Biloba extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol

It comes in a sturdy plastic bottle with a twist-off pump cap and a lock tab.

Consistency and Color:
Clear and smooth gel consistency. Unlike some other types of exfoliator that contain micro-beads/fine granules, Cure Natural Aqua Gel does not contain any kind of scrubbing particles. It's a gentle exfoliator~! When massage it onto the skin, it turns into liquid-y gel consistency(it's not runny to the point that it will drip..) which gently glides onto the skin smoothly. :D

Scent:
Fragrance-free

Likes:
- the formula! made up of 91% hydrogen water
- fragrance-free and no preservatives/harsh chemicals
- does what it claims to do
- the cooling sensation when apply on the skin
- leave the skin looking brighter
- leave the skin feeling soft and smooth to touch
- gentle; does not dry out the skin
- easy to use; easy to wash it off; mess-free! :D
- suits sensitive skin :)
- the pump-bottle packaging
- besides using it on the face, it can be used to exfoliate other areas (elbows, knees, arms etc...)

Dislikes:
- expensive! I got it for SGD$49
- <1 year shelf life after opening :(
- does leave a slight firm feeling but it's pretty mild...
- does not remove blackheads but it does makes it easier to extract them (I'll explain later...)

I use this once a week, once every two weeks or once a month.(it depends on my 'laziness' haha XD) Though the instructions say to use 3 to 5 pumps, I use only 1 to 1½ pumps. 1 pump is enough to cover and exfoliate my whole face but some times, I like to use another ½ pump to double exfoliate certain areas.

Demonstration on my mom's arm and elbow~ XD

Massage till the gel turns into white flakes/balls(dead skin cells)~

The little white balls/flakes of dead skin cells. ewww...

I really like this gel exfoliator because it works removing layers of dead skin and it does not leave any unbearable or uncomfortable sensations after use. Ehhh...uhhh... I have to admit that this did leave a really slight firm feeling after I rinsed it off but it's does not feel uncomfortable at all. It's pretty mild and barely noticeable. It's unlike other exfoliators which you can sense the uncomfortable feeling(irritated, tight-pulling and/or dry sensations) right after rinsing it off. Instead, my skin feels comfortable, clean and it feels super soft and smooth to touch! It's gentle yet works effectively in removing dead skin cells. After exfoliating, you can definitely feel the difference in your skin before and after use. :) And also......moisturizer/mask essence/serum etc gets absorbed into the skin better and faster after exfoliating. :D

Oh and...despite it does not remove blackheads, it does remove dead skin cells which allows me to extract my blackheads easily! FYI, there's a blackhead that has been stuck under the skin of my cheek for ages and no matter how hard I squeezed it, it just doesn't want to pop out. But after using the gel to exfoliate away the layers of dead skin, I finally got the blackhead out without much effort. It just popped out on first squeeze(gently)! XDDD

Although the price is steep, I only use 1 to 1½ pumps once a week, once every two weeks or once a month so I'm pretty sure 1 bottle can lasts really long for me. Anyway, the most important is whether the product works and is it worth purchasing... and my verdict is...... it's a gentle exfoliator yet works effectively in removing dead skin cells so I think it's worth the price I paid for! :)