Review: My Beauty Diary Aloe Sheet Mask

 

My Beauty Diary Aloe Sheet Mask

If you've read my blog before then you know I'm currently obsessed with Asian beauty products.  I am loving sheet masks.  I recently tried My Beauty Diary's Aloe Mask which I purchased from Amazon.com for about $14 (1 box with 10 pieces).  My Beauty Diary has dozens of masks from which to choose.  I picked this one because I didn't want anything whitening but I believe "Black Pearl" is the most popular formula.  For reference, I have normal/combination skin with occasional breakouts and I'm in my 30s.  The aloe mask is targeted towards people with "normal skin, especially recommended for dry and damaged skin."

Here's the directions from the package (also printed below picture):

In case you can't read that, it says:  1) Unfold mask, 2) Fit gently over face, 3) Let mask rest on your face for 20 -30 minutes, 4) Remove mask and massage any remaining serum with your fingertips to ensure that it is absorbed.  Do not rinse off.

The sheet itself is like a thin piece of cotton soaked in serum.  There are holes for your eyes, mouth, etc.  To me, it felt soothing and moisturizing although I didn't think it did anything miraculous like erase fine lines or make acne disappear overnight.  The serum is like a lightweight thin watery gel.  Some mask serums are stickier than others but I found this one to have a nice consistency.  It easily massages into my skin after I remove the sheet from my face but I do have to wipe off the excess with a towel.  I've used it a few times and it doesn't make me break out.  The reason I like sheet masks is because I like to pamper myself every once in a while and this is an inexpensive way to do that.  I pop one on after I wash my face and just sit back and relax with a celebrity gossip magazine.

Would I purchase this again?  Maybe, but there are so many other formulas that I would rather try a few more and decide which one I like best.  Other formulas include:  Red Vine Wine, Sake Yeast, Strawberry Yogurt, Mexico Cactus, Bulgarian White Rose, and the list goes on.  If you have a favorite My Beauty Diary Mask, let me know in the comments section below.

Disclaimer:  I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned.

Review: Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion Light and Milky Lotion

L to R:  Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion Light and Milky Lotion

I became intrigued by Hada Labo products after I read that in Japan, one bottle of the lotion sells every 4 seconds.  The first time I went looking for it at a local Asian beauty supply store, I bought the wrong one. The original "lotion" is actually a liquid, sort of like a toner.  I bought the milky lotion instead.  I went back a few days later to get the liquid lotion in the light formula.

I do like the liquid lotion although to me it seems more like a toner.  Hyaluronic acid is supposed to deeply moisturize the skin.  I ended up purchasing the light version because while I have normal/combination skin, my tee-zone becomes pretty oily in the summer.  I pour a little of the clear lotion on my hands and then splash it on my face.  It feels light and soothing.  It does moisturize my skin and it feels just right during the hot summer months.  I generally use this at night or on days when I won't be wearing a lot of makeup.

As for the milky lotion, I am not a big fan.  It leaves my skin feeling oily and sticky.  That may be because I don't really need the extra moisture in the summer.  Maybe it will be better in the winter when my skin is much drier.  I have been applying a thin layer over the liquid lotion.

What I do like about both products is that they are unscented.  A lot of Asian beauty products are heavily scented compared to the products I regularly use.  I paid $14 for the original lotion and $18 for the milky lotion.  You can find these products at amazon.com and drugstore.com.

Review of My Asian BB Creams (NC30): Holika Holika, Canmake, Lioele and Skin79

L to R: Holika Holika Aqua Petit #2, Canmake Perfect Serum #2, Lioele Water Drop, Skin 79 Hot Pink Super+

Having recently become obsessed with Asian BB Creams, I've acquired a small collection.  I have four of them, which seems a bit excessive to me only because I don't think I will use them all before they expire.  I believe liquid makeup stays fresh for only one year after opening the container.

I did a lot of on-line research before I purchased these creams so I am happy to say I really like them all.  Every shade works with my NC30 skin tone and normal/combination skin.  None of them make me break out.  

Swatches:

L to R: Holika Holika #2, Canmake #2, Lioele and Skin79

My ratings:

Highest coverage:  Skin 79 and then Canmake

Longest lasting coverage:  Skin79

Highest SPF:  Canmake with SPF 50! And no greyish cast!

Sheerest:  Holika Holika and then Lioele

Favorite for the weekends:  Lioele because it's easy to apply and it has a natural dewy finish, but if I know I'll be in the sun I use the Canmake because of the high SPF

Favorite for work:  Holika Holika because of the semi-matte photo finish and then the Skin 79 for the coverage

Good for dry skin:  Lioele because of the dewy finish

Good for oily skin:  Probably the Skin 79 although I don't think any of these would be my first choice for very oily skin because even though I have normal/combination skin, I still have to set them all with powder to reduce mid-day shine.

Where to Purchase:

You can buy Canmake, Lioele and Skin79 here:   http://www.imomoko.com/

You can buy Holika Holika, Lioele and Skin79 here:  http://prettyandcute.com/

Other places to buy Asian BB Creams:  http://www.cosmelandusa.com/ and http://web1.sasa.com/SasaWeb/eng/sasa/home.jsp
 
Disclaimer:  I am not affiliated with any of these brands or companies

Review: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB vs. Asian BB Cream (Skin79 Hot Pink Super + Triple Function)

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (travel size) and Skin79 Super + BB

If you don't know what BB cream is, click here.

I've been loving all my Asian BB creams, especially my Skin 79 Super +, so my interest was piqued when Maybelline came out with its own version - the Dream Fresh BB.  It has been said that American BB creams are more like glorified tinted moisturizers and in this case, it's true.  I've also included a swatch of my beloved Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer for comparison.

For reference, I'm an NC30 and in the Maybelline I purchased shade medium (which may or may not be the perfect color for me, more on that later) while in the Laura Mercier my color is Sand.  The Skin79 BB Cream only comes in one color.

Swatches:

L to R:  Maybelline BB in Medium, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand, and Skin79 Super + BB

Swatches Swiped:

L to R:  Maybelline, Laura Mercier, and Skin79

Swatches Blended:

L to R:  Maybelline, Laura Mercier, and Skin79 - see below for more info

 Texture

Maybelline - this is the lightest and sheerest of the bunch, runnier than the rest but definitely not watery

Laura Mercier - light and sheer but thicker than Maybelline

Skin79 - creamy, heavier than the rest

Color Match

Maybelline - this is a good match because I am tanned right now but I have a feeling it will be too dark for me in the winter.  It is also more neutral than my yellow-based skin tone.  I didn't have a chance to swatch the light/medium so I wonder if it would be a better match.

Laura Mercier - matches perfectly, a Sephora saleslady helped me find the right shade years ago

Skin79 - close enough but not spot on, ever so slightly lighter than my current shade. Will probably be perfect in the winter.  In the photo above, there is a whitish patch on my skin where this BB cream was blended but that's because it had not fully oxidized yet.  When it oxidizes, it matches my skin pretty well.  If you've never tried an Asian BB cream, many of them look greyish when first applied.

Coverage

Maybelline - very light, definitely need concealer for imperfections and blemishes, but evens out my skin tone, adds a glow

Laura Mercier - light, need concealer for blemishes but evens out my skin tone and covers some minor imperfections, adds a glow

Skin79 - medium, covers minor imperfections well, need concealer for larger blemishes, brightens face, more matte finish

Comments

I set all three with powder, either Maybelline Dream Matte or Lioele Loose Powder. The Skin79 lasts the longest throughout the day and offers the most coverage. In fact, all of my Asian BB creams offer more coverage than the Maybelline or Laura Mercier. The Skin79 also appears to be the only one with skin care benefits such as "wrinkle improvement."  But that's not to say that the Maybelline BB is bad, it's not.  In fact, I rather like it for a tinted moisturizer.  It's light, it evens out my complexion and it is affordable.  It's a nice alternative to the Laura Mercier (although I have been using the Laura Mercier for over 8 years now - I don't think I'll be giving it up any time soon).

Have you tried the Maybelline BB?  If so, what do you think?  If you are also an NC30, please let me know if you purchased the light/medium or the medium.

Disclaimer:  I am not affiliated with any of these brands.  

Review: Benefit Erase Paste vs. Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer

 
A few years ago I was walking by the Benefit makeup counter at Macy's when the makeup artist convinced me to try their Erase Paste.  I don't normally have dark circles although I do get them from time to time if I don't get enough sleep.  She applied the Erase Paste on one side and then handed me a mirror.  Honestly, I couldn't believe it.  I bought it right on the spot ($26 USD).  It really does brighten up the eye area!  I'm on my second pot.

Recently I discovered Skinfood's Salmon Dark Circle Concealer after reading about it on Musing of A Muse's blog.  I wasn't really sure I needed two peachy/salmon concealers but when iMomoko had a Skinfood coupon code, I couldn't resist.  I paid about $9.  If you happen to live in California, there are Skinfood stores popping up around the state.

Pots:

L to R:  Benefit Erase Paste #2 and Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer #2

Swatches:

L to R:  Skinfood Salmon Concealer #2 and Benefit Erase Paste #2

Texture

Benefit - the name "Erase Paste" is fitting.  It is thick like a paste. You don't need a lot and sometimes I forget that and it ends up getting cakey because I put on too much.  It comes with a little spatula to scoop out the product since the pot is small.  So handy!

Skinfood - lighter in texture, thinner and creamier, less "sticky" than the Erase Paste.  Feels moisturizing and doesn't settle into fine lines.

Shade Match (for reference I'm an NC30)

Benefit - I have this in Medium #2.  It is a brightening concealer so it doesn't match my skin per se.  It's peachy to cancel out dark circles.  It does work with my skin tone though and really brightens up my eye area.

Skinfood - I own this in #2.  This is also a salmon colored concealer although it is closer to my actual skin tone (less peach) than the Benefit.  Blends well to match my complexion.

Coverage

Benefit - this offers full coverage.  Again, you don't need a lot of product since it has a fairly thick consistency.  If you apply too much, it can look cakey. 

Skinfood - medium to full coverage, more buildable than the Erase Paste in my experience.

Comments

I love the Skinfood for everyday.  I use it with the Skinfood Eye Brightening Cream.  When I want to really brighten up my eye area for special events (or if I have particularly dark under eye circles), I use the Benefit.  It's not as easy to apply but I like the brightening results.

My Top 5 Must Have Makeup Products

If I had to take a long trip and I could only take 5 makeup products with me, I would take these 5 things:

1. BB Cream - Right now, I am alternating a bunch of BB creams but I like the Skin79 Hot Pink Super Plus because I can use it all year-round.  I like the coverage (medium) and the fact that it has a lot of skincare benefits.
2. Lip Gloss - I have dozens and dozens of lipgloss but the Guerlain Kiss Kiss is probably my favorite because it's a great shimmery nude with high shine.  The color is #845.
3. Concealer - This Laura Mercier Undercover Pot is my go-to concealer for traveling because it is so convenient.  The pot contains separate concealers for blemishes and undereye circles as well as a setting powder.  I'm a MAC NC30 and this pot is in shade #3.
4. Mascara Base - I love thick almost fake looking lashes, even when I'm just going to the supermarket.  So, mascara base is a must for me.  I've been using Shiseido for years although they just reformulated their iconic The Makeup Mascara Base.  Now it's called Nourishing Mascara Base.  It's still good but I think I like the other formula better.  It was a little clumpier but I felt it really fattened up my lashes.
5. Mascara - I have a few favorite mascaras but I've gone through several tubes of this Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara in black.  It creates a lot of volume and doesn't flake.

What are your top 5 must have makeup products?

The BB Cream you can buy here:

http://www.skin79northamerica.com/

http://www.imomoko.com/product.php?cID=_12-84-

All the other stuff you can buy at Sephora here:

http://www.sephora.com/

BB Cream Review NC30: Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly & Lioele Water Drop

L - R:  Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly #02, Lioele Water Drop & Lioele Silky Highlighter Touch

I've been using Lioele's Water Drop BB Cream and I really like it!  It's light and cooling on hot summer days.  I live in The Valley (of Los Angeles) and the temperature is almost unbearably warm in the summer.  Recently I purchased Holika Holika's Aqua Petit BB and wanted to compare the two, as well as Lioele's Silky Highlighter BB Touch.  For reference, I'm a MAC NC30, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand, and MUFE HD Foundation #118.  I have normal/combination skin with occasional mild acne.

Swatches:

L-R:  Holika Holika Aqua Petit #02, Lioele Water Drop & Lioele Silky Highlighter

Swatches swiped:

L-R:  Holika Holika Aqua Petit #02, Lioele Water Drop and Lioele Silky Highlighter

Texture:

Aqua Petit Jelly - lightest in texture, like jelly (hence the name), very easy to blend

Water Drop - light texture, cooling on the skin, water droplets form when you blend this into your skin, not as light as Aqua Petit Jelly

Silky Highlighter - light in texture, sheer, easy to blend

Coverage:

Aqua Petit Jelly - light to medium depending on how many layers you apply.  I need to use a separate concealer for blemishes or hyperpigmentation.

Water Drop - light to medium depending on how many layers you apply.  I need to use a separate concealer for blemishes or hyperpigmentation.

Silky Highlighter - not sure because I don't use this all over my face although I know some beauty bloggers do.  I think if you have NC20 skin or lighter, this would be fine to use as an all-over BB cream.

Shade/Color Match:

Aqua Petit Jelly - this matches my skin tone perfectly

Water Drop - this is almost a little bit too light at first but after it oxidizes, it blends in with my skin.  Near perfect match.

Silky Highlighter - perfect shade of highlighter for medium skin with yellowish undertones.  Subtle sheen.  Although it has some shimmer, it is not overly glittery and shiny.

Finish:

Aqua Petit Jelly - semi-matte photo finish

Water Drop - dewy

Silky Highlighter - subtle sheen


You can buy these BB creams here (I am not affiliated with this company):  Prettyandcute.com

Also, if you haven't seen it, here's a great youtube video (by a makeup artist) that will show you how to apply concealer/highlighter for that Kim Kardashian glow:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAtJkOk7PKE

Review: Skin79 Dear Rose BB Cream on NC30

Full-size Skin79 Dear Rose BB Cream

I purchased a small sample of this BB cream at a local Asian beauty supply store.  I wanted to try something new and the saleslady suggested the Skin79 Dear Rose BB Cream (first she suggested the Skin79 Hot Pink Super Plus but I already have that).  I am on a BB cream kick so I said, why not? 

For reference, I'm usually an NC25 or NC30, although I have been in the sun a lot this summer so I am probably more like an NC35.  When I tested the product on my hand it was alarmingly light, a greyish very light beige.  I tried it on my face and I was right - not my color.  I thought that maybe the color would oxidize and while it didn't look as grey on my face, it was still very fair. Nevertheless, I wore it to work for the next two days.  I think I probably looked a little ill but whatever.  I did like the coverage (medium) and high 42 SPF.  It does have a strong rose scent which I wasn't into.  I usually wear Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer in Sand and it doesn't seem to have any fragrance (or at least not a strong fragrance).  I was afraid this scented BB cream would make my face breakout but it didn't.

I have normal/combination skin with occasional mild acne.  By the middle of the day, I had to blot because my forehead was shiny.  This BB cream formula is actually targeted towards dry or mature skin.  While I don't consider myself to have mature skin quite yet, I do love anti-wrinkle products and the package for this said "wrinkle improvement."


Skin79 Dear Rose BB Cream Swatch

Above is a picture of my arm with the BB cream.  To the left of the blob of cream, I tried to blend some into my arm.  I hope you can see the faint line where the BB cream ends and my bare skin begins.  I really tried to blend it in but this is as good as it gets for my skin tone.

I do think this is a good BB cream for any fair skinned ladies out there.  You can buy it here:  http://www.imomoko.com/product_detail.php?ID=2933

iMomoko Haul: Etude House, Hada Labo, etc.

iMomoko.com - I stumbled upon this site when I was googling Asian beauty products.  The warehouse is actually located in Monrovia, CA, which is not far from where I live.  But I can be lazy when it comes to shopping and I would rather have products delivered to my door if that is at all possible.  My experience with iMomoko has been great!  I've ordered from them twice.  The products came very quickly (2 to 3 business days) although that might be because I live close to the distribution center. They did get one item wrong in that they sent the wrong formula of a product.  I didn't really mind because I did want this version but just thought they were out of it.  The prices are a little more expensive than Sasa.com (which ships from Hong Kong) but iMomoko does have coupon codes from time to time.  Also, they send good sized samples!  I was very happy with the Caudelie samples I received with my last two orders. 

Here's what I ordered:

iMomoko Haul - Etude House, Dolly Wink, DHC, Hado Labo & Kiss Me

Top Row L-R:

• Etude House Sweet Heart Capsules - Ceramide (I ordered the Argan Oil & Retinol)
• Hada Labo Hyuralonic Lotion Light
• Kiss Me Heroine Make Volume & Curl Mascara
• Dolly Wink Black Liquid Eyeliner
• DHC Moisturizing Eye Strips

Bottom Row L-R (all sheet masks):

• Etude House Rich Butter Foot Mask (2 packs)
• Etude House Pomegranate Mask
• Etude House Royal Jelly Mask
• Etude House Vitamin E Mask

 I like to get my coupon codes from this website:  Retailmenot.com

Happy shopping!

Disclaimer:  I am not affiliated with iMomoko.com.

Review: Annie's Way Eye Mask - Anti-Wrinkle

Back of Mask Packet with Directions

I have recently become obsessed with Asian beauty products after watching a series of vlogs on youtube.  I bought a whole bunch of sheet masks to try and I thought I'd start posting my reviews here.  The first mask I sampled was the Annie's Way Anti-Wrinkle Eye Mask that I purchased at an Asian beauty store in the San Gabriel Valley.  I honestly didn't have very high expectations but I bought it because it was something like $1.99 USD.  I was pleasantly surprised!

Basically you wash your face and then put this eye mask shaped disposable sheet over your eyes and let it sit there for 15 minutes.  It's soaked in liquid/serum.  I wore it while I surfed on the internet (there are holes for your eyes).  The liquid did run down my cheeks a little but it didn't bother me.

I tried this mask at around midnight, after a long day.  I was tired and had minor dark shadows under my eyes.  After I took off the mask, I rubbed in the serum a little and looked in the mirror.  I thought I looked a little more rested!  My shadows were not as dark and my eye area was definitely plumper.  I would buy this again.

For reference:  I'm in my 30s, MAC NC30, normal/combination skin, minor breakouts with somewhat sensitive skin (occasionally break out in hives or eczema if my skin does not like product).

Disclaimer:  I purchased this mask with my own money.