My Skincare Wardrobe

A skincare wardrobe is the idea that you can have multiple options of products to use everyday, but like a closet of clothing you don't need to wear all of them at once. While I may not have en extensive wardrobe, I do choose a different "outfit" each day depending on my skin's needs. Will I be wearing makeup? Am I going outdoors? Is my skin irritated or particularly dry that day? A look at my Instagram will give you a glimpse at how my routine varies.

Note: This post contains no affiliate links and all products were purchased by me with my own money. I was not paid for any reviews in my post and all opinions are my own!

Contents of this post:

• Cleansers
• Hydrating Toners
• Ampoules and Serums
• Moisturizers
• Masks
• More in the wardrobe

Cleansers

From L-R: Skinfood Black Sugar Cleansing Water, Simple Cleansing Micellar Water, CeraVe Foaming Cleanser,
Banila Co. Clean it Zero Original, and Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser. 

My cleanser wardrobe consists of two cleansing waters, a cleansing balm, a foaming cleanser, and a cream cleanser. I previously had much more cleansers, but I discovered that they might have been the cause for my irritated and acne prone skin. Kerry from Skin and Tonics wrote a great blog post about The Importance of Fatty Acids, pH & the Moisture Barrier. In a nutshell, your high pH cleanser might be the reason that your face is angry and reactive. I checked the pH of all my cleansers and removed any that had a pH of 6 or higher (I'm looking at you Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleanser with a pH of 8 ~shudders~). Almost immediately, my face started to calm down. This by no means solved all of my skin issues, but it was a much needed start. So which cleansers made it into my wardrobe?

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser was one cleanser that I was able to keep with a pH of about 3.5. It claims to exfoliate, deeply cleanse, and speed up cell's regeneration while being gentle enough to use everyday. I doubt that it does anything but exfoliate and cleanse though because it doesn't sit on your skin long enough. While I do like this cleanser, I am thinking of discontinuing use because it contains polyethylene beads (plastic) that don't dissolve. If you're interested, you can read more about microbeads on NPR.

One of the most recommended cleansers was CeraVe Foaming Cleanser. I finally picked it up to see what the fuss was all about and I like it. It's a gentle cleanser with a pH of 5.5. On top of that, it is easy to find at your local drugstore~ Yay for accessibility! I have been using this every night with my Olay Pro-X Cleansing System, which is essentially a Clairsonic but cheaper. Until I find something better, this will continue to be a staple in my wardrobe.

If I'm going to be wearing makeup or sunscreen, a first cleanser is a must! I went with Banila Co. Clean it Zero, a solid cleansing balm that turns into an oil as you rub it on your skin. No running-down-your-arm mess, easy to travel with, and is great for clearing out your pores. It is immensely satisfying to massage your face and get a handful of grits. For those that don't know, grits are plugs in your pore that are usually whitish/yellowish in color but can vary depending on your atmosphere.

Last on the list are cleansing waters. These have been gaining popularity as a no-rinse type of cleanser. They come in handy on those days when you come home after a long night out and can't be bothered to properly clean your face - cleansing waters can be your best friends. They do a good job at removing makeup, but they don't compare to a true makeup remover or even the Banila Co. Clean it Zero. I have Skinfood Black Sugar Cleansing Water and Simple Cleansing Micellar Water. They're okay, but I don't really find myself reaching for them all that often. My face doesn't feel clean enough after using just a cleansing water. While it may not be part of my everyday wardrobe, they have their uses for the right occasion.

Hydrating Toners

From L-R: Hera Aquabolic Balancing Water, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner, Hera Cell Essence
Shea Terra Organics Rose Water Ester-C Collagen Regeneration Facial Mist, HadaLabo Goku-jyun Alpha Lotion,
and Laneige Clear-C Advanced Effector

Hydrating toners are meant to prep the skin and help products sink into the skin better. First essences are similar, but often contain fermented ingredients or other anti-aging goodness. I didn't think first essences were for me because Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence broke me out. That changed when I tried a sample of Hera Cell Essence. This really does prep my skin and all products applied after absorb a lot better. Rather than fermented ingredients, this first essence contains a special AmorePacific patented Cell-Bio Fluid that provides all the skin needs to be clear and smooth. I don't know how true that is, but I like it so far and have a full size coming my way ~excited dance~!

Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner is your typical Asian toner that calms sensitive skin, balances pH, and aids in absorbing other products. I have only been using this for about a month, so I don't have any strong opinions about it yet. It has done a good job at soothing my skin when it is irritated, but that might be a combination of using Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum and Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream.

I use OST C20 Vitamin C serum every other day, but sometimes on off days I will use Shea Terra Organics Rose Water Ester-C Collagen Regeneration Facial Mist (quite the mouth full). It smells very strongly of roses, so those sensitive to scent should beware. I haven't seen anywhere near the same effects of a vitamin c serum, but this is a nice refreshing mist that adds a touch of hydration throughout the day.

Laneige Clear-C Advanced Effector and HadaLabo Goku-jyun Alpha Lotion are two hydrating toners that didn't do much for me. Instead of letting them collect dust in the closet, they have been re-purposed for other occasions. I have reviewed them here.

Hera Aquabolic Balancing Water is a new addition to my wardrobe that I am excited to try on immediately ＼(≧▽≦)／ I am in the middle of testing Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, but this is next on the schedule!

Ampoules and Serums

From L-R: Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Borabit Ampoule,
Scinic Honey All in One Ampoule, and Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum 

The last few steps in my routine are where I pick what I wear depending on my skin's condition. Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Borabit Ampoule (or lovingly referred to as Missha Longer Name Ampoule) is one product that I cannot go without, kinda like underwear (>ω^) This lovely ampoule has helped reduce redness, gives a slight glow, and has improved my skin overall.

I use Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum when a new product caused any unwanted reactions or the hormones went a-raging. Advertised as being a "magical soothing lotion" for sensitive skin. The serum is a thick gel that feels like water and has a cool, soothing effect. Magical? Meh, but definitely feels great on irritated skin. Even though I use this sparingly, I am already half way through the bottle after two months. Sort of disappointing, but it is quite affordable!

On the days that I don't use the Klairs serum, I use Scinic Honey All in One Ampoule. This is a great all-purpose product that contains honey and niacinamide. Two of my favorite ingredients! This ampoule is afforable, comes in a huge jar, and my face loves it! The combination of Missha Longer Name Ampoule and Scinic Honey AIO is a divine. Glowy skin for days! In the summer, it is hydrating enough to be a light moisturizer. Unfortunately, it's not enough in the colder months, but that's where moisturizers come in.

Moisturizers

From L-R: Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream, Joseon Dynasty Beauty Cream,
 Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

If I will be wearing makeup, I will reach for Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. It contains silicon which creates a smooth, even canvas for my makeup. I've been testing Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel recently and it feels comparable to Clinique Moisture Surge. The biggest difference between the two are ingredients and scent. Clinique is unscented while Neutrogena has a strong, aqua scent. Clinique contains a few skin soothing ingredients such as birch, green tea, and aloe extracts. Neutrogena in comparison is lacking with nothing noteworthy. They feel comparable on the skin and work well with makeup and sunscreen, but Clinique feels slightly better and hydrates my skin better. Why Clinique, are you double the price of Neutrogena? o(TヘTo) I will continue using both of these moisturizers, but I am in search of something comparable (or better) and more affordable. Any suggestions are welcome!

As mentioned earlier, I use Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream both morning (if I'm not wearing makeup) and night when I am having a bad skin day. The combination of Klairs Serum, Toner, and Cream have been great for soothing irritation and reducing the size of pimples. This is by no means a miracle worker! My skin bounces back from breakouts faster than it used to thanks to my overall routine.

Joseon Dynasty Beauty Cream was reviewed by Cat from Snow White and the Asian Pear and has since become more readily available. Good thing, because this moisturizer has received a lot of love! Filled with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and skin soothing extracts. I couldn't help but order a jar to try myself. Unfortunately I found out that this was way too thick to be used during the summer. I relegated it to the back of my cabinet until it started getting colder. It's perfect to keep my face hydrated through the night and then some!

Masks

Some of my favorite sheet masks

At last we've reached the end - sheet masks! I like to think of them as socks. You pick one that you feel like wearing from a variety-filled drawer. There's a fuzzy sock for a winter afternoon snuggling by the fireplace or a few favorite pairs that you wear everyday. Likewise, I have sheet masks that are daily favorites (Leaders Mediu Amino Moisture) and others for special occasions. Innisfree I'm Real Strawberry brightens and leaves a healthy glow - perfect to use before an event. Breakout or irritation? Out comes Leaders Tea Tree or Benton Snail Bee. Sheet masks are a great way to add variety to your wardrobe (colorful, striped socks anyone?) without breaking the bank.

More in the Wardrobe

Taking a look at my "wardrobe," I noticed that there are some products that I open and try one at a time. I order a back up for vitamin c serums when I reach the half way point, but I stock up on sunscreen when there is a good sale. I try a different sunscreen every time, but I don't think it's necessary to open more than one. As for vitamin c serums, they tend to have a limited lifespan. Stick to finishing one before trying a different one! Actives is probably by far the smallest selection (just one!) in my wardrobe. I am looking to expand by adding an AHA (for texture and PIH) and/or BHA (for when face is congested and acne). I'm in no rush though. 

A reminder - don't open or try too many things at a time! It can be overwhelming and you might not be able to tell when something is breaking you out. Also remember YMMV (your mileage may vary)! What works for my skin, may not for yours and vice-versa.

How about you? What does your skincare wardrobe look like? Do you like to try and use one type product at a time, or do you like having a closet of options to choose from?

Thank you for reading (:

Love, Fiona

Product Roundup: Favorites for 2015

This is going to be a quick post with some favorites that were discovered in 2015. It's a mix of skincare and makeup, with most of the makeup being from Western brands. I haven't been able to try that much Asian makeup products, but that will change next year! I was curious to see if my favorite products would continue to stay the same year after year. Especially with my insatiable need to try new products (￣▽￣) Let's get started!

Contents of this post: 

• Skincare Favorites
• Makeup Favorites
• Makeup Swatches

Skincare

Of all the products that I've tried this year (according to my spreadsheet, a total of 43 o_o), there are five that have made the biggest difference; Leaders Mediu Amino Moisture Mask, Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, Mizon Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot, Scinic Honey All in One Ampoule, and Banila Co. Clean it Zero. 

Skincare Favorites
Most of these are mentioned in my previous post about my skincare wardrobe. 

I thought masks were just a gimmick - they can't possibly provide any benefits when compared to serums, essences, or moisturizers. It depends on the sheet masks and the ingredients they have. Most are meant to give a boost of hydration and temporary effects. If you find ones with proven ingredients and consistently use them, you could potentially see a noticeable, lasting effect. I personally look for sheet masks with beneficial ingredients for short-term improvement. If they provide a long-term effect as well, that's just a bonus! Anyways, on to the mini-reviews!

Leaders Mediu Amino Moisture Mask: This was my first Leaders sheet mask and is by far my favorite. These masks are drenched in essence and form to my face incredibly well! There is an obvious scent that is not overbearing. It's a pleasant scent that is hard to describe. Slightly sweet, yet clean and refreshing? Yeah, I'm bad at identifying scents... The scent does linger after you take off the mask, just something to be aware of. These are great for everyday use or for a weekly pick-me-up. They are hydrating, slightly brightening, and the effects last through the next day.

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief: This is my go-to day-time moisturizer that works great under makeup. It contains skin soothing ingredients and has no noticeable scent. It contains silicone which almost acts as a primer to prep and smooth the skin for makeup. The only downside is the $39 price tag. That's a tad high for a moisturizer that only moisturizes. While I'll continue to purchase this because no other moisturizer compares, I wouldn't be too disappointed to find a new favorite in the future.

Mizon Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot: This is the best spot treatment for blemishes! I apply this to small inflamed spots at night and they are visibly reduced to almost nothing by morning. A larger blemish will usually come to ahead and then it is only a matter of time before it is gone completely (usually one more night).

Scinic Honey All in One Ampoule: I tried a decant of this and fell in love. Since adding this to my routine, I feel that my skin bounces back from irritation and blemishes much quicker. The star ingredient is honey, but it also includes niacinamide, a proven ingredient that brightens and smooths skin. During the summer, it was moisturizing enough to be used alone but requires something extra in the colder months. Smells lightly of honey.

Banila Co. Clean it Zero: It is a solid cleansing balm that is great for removing makeup and sunscreen. I like to gently massage my face and this has helped reduce the size of my pores. It's perfect for travel because it's a solid and doesn't leave any oily residue.

Makeup

Makeup Favorites

I started wearing makeup in middle school, mainly eyeliner and tinted lip balm. In high school I started experimenting more, but looking back now that was a mess! I didn't know how to properly apply it and most nights I didn't even take it off... and I wondered why I had horrendous acne (￢_￢) I've come a long way from then and would like to think I know my way around makeup. Here are my 2015 favorites: 

Hera UV Mist Ultra Moisture Cushion in 23: I first heard about this cushion from meejmuse on YouTube. The Hera cushions were some of her favorites and I couldn't help but buy it when I saw the limited edition on sale! It gives a flawless, natural coverage that is buildable without looking cakey. I like to spray the cushion puff with a mist for a sheer, dewy application. I tend to touch my face a lot, but it doesn't rub off at all and lasts through a whole workday. There is a slight scent when you're applying the product, but it disappears after a few minutes. I have ordered backups during the holiday sales because I can't see myself without them. Their original and limited edition packaging are gorgeous! I just want to collect them all (≧◡≦) ♡

Spray mist cushion puff for natural coverage

e.l.f. Mineral Revitalizing Mist: I didn't see the point of mists because the ones in the U.S. were glorified water in a can. I started learning more about Asian beauty products and found a whole new world of mists! They can give a burst of hydration throughout the day without ruining your makeup. It's refreshing on a hot summer day. My favorite is e.l.f. Mineral Revitalizing Mist, which contains ingredients like witch hazel, aloe, and green tea. I love to use it with cushion foundations, but alone it soothes my skin when it is irritated and red. It has no scent and is really affordable!

$6.00 for a 30 mL bottle

Makeup Revolution Iconic 3 Palette: Makeup Revolution is a UK brand that is sold at Ulta. I was interested in trying their palettes after hearing that they are dupes of more expensive palettes (UD Naked, Lorac PRO, Too Faced Chocolate Bare, etc.) at a fraction of the cost. I only own the Urban Decay Smoky palette, so I can't say how much of a dupe they truly are. The swatches were very similar and the prices were a fraction of the cost! I picked up the Iconic 3 palette, which is supposed to be a dupe for Urban Decay Naked 3. Comparing the eye shadow quality to the Smoky palette, I was surprised at how comparable they were! From the swatches below, you can see that the shadows are really pigmented. If you wanted to try a rose-hued palette, give this one a shot. It's definitely affordable and worth the money.

$7.00 at Ulta

Makeup Revolution Iconic 3 Palette

Wet n Wild Eye Shadow Trio Walking on Eggshells: A hidden gem at the drugstore, the Wet n Wild eyeshadow trios are pigmented, buttery soft, and long lasting! The eyelid color comes off as peachy, but is more of a champagne pink. It's flattering and makes the eyes pop while being subtle enough for everyday.I love that you can use your fingers to pack on the color or a brush for a softer look. Wet n Wild palettes are underrated and not talked about much, but they are beautiful and I highly recommend them.

$2.99 at Walgreens (currently on sale for $1.99)

Wet n Wild Eye Shadow Trio in Walking on Eggshells

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in 24 Black Cherry: It might look scary in the tube, but it actually applies much lighter. The color is buildable to the vampy purple-red in the swatch below. This lipstick is long lasting, fades without being patchy, and leaves a nice stain behind.

Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Mattes Lipstick in 660 Touch of Spice: A my-lips-but-better color that is slightly darker. It's a perfect every day shade. All of the lipsticks in the Maybelline Color Sensational line are phenomenal and have great staying power.

Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in Matte Plum: I never thought I would wear purple lipstick, but this one is more on the pinky side. If you've been wanting to try a wearable purple, I suggest this one!

Top to Bottom: Milani, Maybelline, and Clinique

Makeup Swatches

Now on to the makeup swatches! 

From L-R: No makeup, cushion foundation, lips and eyes

Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in Matte Plum (limited edition packaging)

Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Mattes Lipstick in 660 Touch of Spice

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in 24 Black Cherry (so hard to photograph the color!)

First 6 shadows

Last 6 shadows

Wet n Wild Eye Shadow Trio Walking on Eggshells

Note: All of these products were purchased with my own money With the exception of Makeup Academy Eyeliner and Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick. The eyeliner was a free gift with purchase through CVS (Side note - did you know CVS gives free samples with purchase online?). The lipstick was also a free gift with purchase through their website. I was not paid for this review and all opinions are my own. Thank you for reading!

Love, Fiona

Review Roundup: Laneige Clear-C, O'slee Rosehip, HadaLabo Alpha Lotion, Nature Republic Vitamin C Mist, and Theyul Essence

Since I have been on hiatus, I've built up a huge queue of products. I would normally give a more in-depth look at each product, but this is going to be more along the lines of mini-reviews. The main reason being that *spoiler alert* these all were MEH for me, so there isn't much to say. I have some that I did end up liking and those will be in a different post, so stay tuned!

Note: This post contains no affiliate links and everything reviewed was purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own and 100% real. 

Contents of this post: 

• Laneige Clear-C Advanced Effector 
• O'slee Rosehip Beauty Solution Advanced Formula III 
• Hada Labo Goku-jyun Alpha Lotion 
• Theyul Special Program Essence
• Nature Republic Natural Vitamin Facial Mist in Vitamin C
• Next on the schedule

Laneige Clear-C Advanced Effector

According to the website, the Laneige Clear-C Effector is applied after cleansing as a toning step. It comes with a box of cotton squares that have two sides; a patterned side for morning and another side for evenings. I found this impractical and ended up separating the two sides for morning and night. The inclusion of Vitamin C and berry extracts is what initially drew me to this product. There also weren't many reviews, so I was curious! I used it for a month and then on and off for a few more months. It did nothing for me in terms of hydration or brightening. Alcohol is in the ingredient list, but my face usually doesn't have any issues with that. I will likely not repurchase in the future, but will probably use up the reset as a mist or quick DIY sheet mask.

CosDNA analysis

Ingredients: Aqua, West Indian Cherry, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Sugar Maple, Mandarin, Citrus wilsonii Tanaka, Saccharum officinarum, Propylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Cellulose gum, Carbopol, Glyceryl polymethacrylate, PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer, Triethanoamine, Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate, Propylparaben, Parfum, PEG60, EDTA

Ingredients that scored a 2 or higher are highlighted in red.

Rating: 3/5

This item can be purchased from Testerkorea for $30.51.

O'slee Rosehip Beauty Solution Advanced Formula III

Advertised as a toner that will moisturize, whiten, tighten pores, and reduce blackheads... count me in! It has a watery consistency that takes a minute or so to completely absorb. I immediately discontinued use because I started breaking out after using this, I waited until the break outs cleared and then tried again, but the same thing happened. It's such a shame that this did not end up working for me because it smells exactly like lychees. The ingredients appeared promising as well. Maybe someone else will have better luck since I barely used any of this!

CosDNA analysis

Ingredients: Aqua, Rosa Canina Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Sodium Lactate, Hyaluronic Acid, Zinc pyrithione, Beta-Glucan, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Lactic Acid, Methylparaben, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil

Rating: 2/5

This product can be purchased from Sasa for $11.60.

Hada Labo Goku-jyun Alpha Lotion

The Hada Labo lotions are loved by many for providing intense hydration. I saw this during a Sasa sale and couldn't resist trying it. This is the anti-aging line that contains collagen, Vitamin A, and retinol. I used it every day morning and night for four months. There is A LOT of product and a little bit goes a long way because I still hasn't even used a third of this. I didn't see much in terms of anti-aging, but that is usually something you see in long term use of a product. I have found other products that give intense hydration while providing brightening or pore minimizing benefits. This step has been replaced with new products that I continue to try each month, but I have found a way to re-purpose this. It has been great for my boyfriend's eczema. It's really bad on back of his hands and forearms to the point where they start to scab over. He applies in on those areas, seals it in with Vaseline, and wakes up with softer skin. His eczema is till there, but it has been keeping it manageable. 

CosDNA analysis

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Beta Carotene, BHT, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Methylparaben, PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Thioctic Acid, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil

Ingredients that scored a 2 or higher are highlighted in red.

Rating: 3/5

This product can be purchase from Sasa for $17.50.

Theyul Special Program Essence

I wasn't able to find an ingredient list, but according to product pages it contains flower extracts and collagen. The packaging is gorgeous, but the product itself might have broken me out. I said might have because I didn't continue using it after any sign of irritation started. It has a VERY strong scent that is part floral and part hanbang (traditional Korean medicine). The scent dries down to almost nothing and is gone within minutes. This is called an "essence" but has the consistency of a serum. It spreads very easily and absorbs quickly. I might go back and try again because I just can't help myself. If in the end it doesn't end up working, I will definitely keep the packing for decants! 

Rating: 2/5

Nature Republic Natural Vitamin Facial Mist in Vitamin C

This was one of the many mists I picked up when I was in search of a good facial mist. I didn't own a single one and wanted to try them all! I purchased this from Testerkorea, but it doesn't appear to be available through them anymore. Looking at the ingredients, it's not that impressive and it's performance is just as lackluster. I have tried using this with my cushion foundation and that has been my favorite way to use mists. It works well, but I don't like it enough to repurchase. Plus, I have more mists to get through and try!

CosDNA analysis

Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract, Kiwi Fruit Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Seawater, PEG-60, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Betaine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin,  Fragrance

Ingredients that scored a 2 or higher are highlighted in red.

Rating: 3/5

This item can be purchased in different types (Vitamin A, C, and E) from Koreadepart for $3.66 or from Amazon for $15.99

Rating breakdown:

1 - Hate it, do not recommend, stay away from it!

2 - Product caused irritation, break out, or other problems.

3 - It's meh. Might finish or re-purpose. Would not repurchase.

4 - I like it. Would repurchase until I find something better.

5 - Holy grail status and hope they never discontinue this!

Next on the Schedule

• Currently in my testing queue are: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, Hera Aquabolic Balancing Emulsion, and Aquabolic Balancing Water
• My current routine wardrobe
• Roundup of favorite products and (probably) some mini-reviews

I am also on Reddit and /r/asianbeauty!

Long Hiatus

It's almost the end of the year! I took a break from the internet for a while after some things in real life took priority. In May, I was in a car accident. For four months after that I was visiting a chiropractor and dealing with paperwork. Recently my grandparents ended up in the hospital and I have been dealing with health issues myself. The whole time that I was away, I continued testing new products and found ones that I loved as well as ones that did not work. I'm going to pick up where I left off. I've been more active on Instagram and posting short reviews on there if you're interested! Thanks for reading and have a happy holidays (: Love, Fiona

Review: Tosowoong Propolis Natural Pure Lotion

Contents of this post:

• Product claims
• Review
• Product pictures and description
• Ingredients list
• Where to buy
• Upcoming Reviews
• Next on the schedule

Product Claims:
According to the Tosowoong website, the Propolis Natural Pure Lotion is effective for boosting skin elasticity and has anti-aging benefits. Propolis is emphasized to be suitable for sensitive skin and provides moisture/nutrition.


Review:
Tosowoong products have popped up a few times in Memboxes, but have relatively few reviews. I chose this product to review it ~in the name of science!~ and because Propolis is meant to be moisturizing, good for sensitive skin, antibacterial, and promotes healing. Who doesn't love honey, royal jelly, and propolis? To top it off, it contains 10 berry extracts AND fermented yeast.

My face is sensitive, as in it will get itchy red bumps in spots where I touch it with semi-dirty fingers. Very windy days and pollen flying everywhere will guarantee itchy spots all over. One day I decided to throw some Tosowoong Proplis Lotion on those spots and to my amazement, it calmed my skin down immediately! I finally finished testing a product (review to come!), and excitedly smothered the product all over my face. Unfortunately, I have come to learn that my skin does not like fermented yeast. The next morning, there was an eruption of whiteheads and red-pimples-to-be. Other products containing fermented yeast (I'm looking at your Missha FTE) has caused little red bumps and irritation to erupt all over my face, but I was in denial. Both times, I took the offending products out of my routine and my face calmed down immediately.

I tested the Tosowoong lotion for two weeks and have come to the conclusion that I cannot use it, at least not as a moisturizer. I am curious to test whether I can use this as a spot treatment without the potential outbreaks!

I do recommend this product because it is calming and can be used as a light moisturizer in the morning. However, if you have a sensitivity like I do to fermented yeast products... AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE!

Rating: 1/5 - I really wanted to like it, but alas it was not meant to be.


Product Pictures and Description:
The Tosowoong Propolis Lotion is completely unscented and has the texture of a gel-cream. It rubs in easily and leaves no sticky/greasy feeling. It actually made my face feel moisturized and soft after application.

One pump of product

Slightly rubbed in.

Completely rubbed in.

Ingredients List: 
Propolis Extract (65%), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearates, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Purified Water, RH-oligopeptide-1, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Betaine, Deimethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Stearic Acid, Sodium Acrylate/Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Adenosine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Honey Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Olive Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Blackberry Extract, Acai Fruit Extract, Raspberry Extract, Strawberry Extract, Bilberry Extract, Cranberry Extract, Aronia Berry Extract, Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract, Sapindus Mukurossi Fruit Extract, Blueberry Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA

According to CosDNA, Tosowoong Propolis Lotion contains two ingredients that scored a 2 or higher (highlighted in red),

Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol that should be avoided by those who break out from it.

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid that could also be a potential acne trigger for some.

On the other hand, the lotion contains some great stuff such as Propolis, EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor), fermented yeast, Adenosine, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, honey, royal jelly, antioxidants, and lots of anti-inflammatory berry extracts!


Where to Buy: 
I bought it from Tosowoong's ebay page through a bid for $9.40, but can also be purchased from their page for $28.00 without bidding. A cheaper alternative is RoseRoseShop for $12.29 + shipping,


Upcoming Reviews:
I have just about finished testing some products and will be putting out reviews for them soon!

• Laneige Clear-C Advanced Effector
• O'slee Beauty Solution Advanced Formula III
• Hadalabo Retinol 3D

Next on the schedule:
These are products I have just started testing or will be starting testing on.

• Meishoku DET Clear Bright & Peel AHA & BHA Peeling Jelly
• Theyul Special Program 5-piece Set (Toner, lotion, essence, cream, and eye cream)
• Nature Republic Natural Vitamin Facial Mist in Vitamin C

A peek at the gorgeous Theyul Special Program set ◕‿◕

A little about me

Skin type: relatively normal.

Concerns: mild acne triggered by ingredient sensitives or hormones, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, age prevention.

Shade: to be determined since I don’t wear much foundation.

I live in a desert and it is NOT nice to my skin, but I have found ways to combat it through various skincare products and staying hydrated with lots of water. In the past I had issues with combination-dehydrated skin and constant acne-breakouts. Most Western products were either incredibly drying or caused negative reactions. I tried everything from drugstore brands (Neutrogena, Clean and Clear, Aveeno, etc) to more expensive products (Estee Lauder, Shisedo, Murad, etc). It took a lot of trial and error, but I have found a routine that works for me.

My skincare routine consists of a combination of Western and Asian beauty products. It keeps changing because I’m constantly testing out new products and finding ones that work better. It also changes with the seasons. 

My skin is far from where I want it to be, but it’s definitely getting there. I plan on creating a post with my skincare routine in the future, stay tuned! If you have any questions or requests for reviews, feel free to ask~

Welcome~!

Welcome to my blog! Here you’ll find reviews about various beauty products that I have tried and tested. There have been multiple occasions where I searched for a review of a product, only to find that it doesn’t exist! I buy products on a whim and though it would be helpful to share. While this blog was created mainly to share reviews of Western and Asian beauty products, occasionally I'll post about other things such as ideas, book reviews (maybe), and random shenanigans. I hope you enjoy your stay!

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