The Bathing Garden (Etsy) Sugar Scrub Review

The Bathing Garden Creamy Sugar Scrubs

Lately I've been discovering some really great Etsy soap vendors.  One of my favorite vendors for sugar scrubs is The Bathing Garden.  Unfortunately the shop is temporarily closed for a few weeks but it should reopen some time in mid-December or later.

I love the consistency of these scrubs. They do not separate in the container where the oil sits on top of the sugar. This is more of a creamy sugar scrub with medium exfoliation. The sugar crystals are fine. If you are looking for a more abrasive scrub, this is not for you!  The scrub emulsifies in the shower and moisturizes the skin without leaving a sticky film.

Parisian Strawberry Fields layered scrub (pink and light green)

What I also like about The Bathing Garden scrubs is that they are beautifully scented.  The shop offers a wide variety of interesting scents depending on the season.  These are the scents I currently own:

1. Parisian Strawberry Fields - scented like a fresh sugared strawberry, yum.
2. Pirate Punch - scented similar to Pina Colada, tropical and fruity.  I love tropical scents.
3. Merlia the Mermaid - this is a scent layered scrub.  The first layer is pineapple buttercream and the second layer is pink sugar cherry coconut cupcake.
4. Guava Berry Gelato - scented like it's name, creamy and fruity.
5. Faerie Bonfire - an amazing fall scent.  Smells like marshmallows and a campfire to me. Description also says there's sandlewood.  Divine.

I store these in the fridge until I am ready to use them.  The 4 oz scrubs are $5.25 USD and the 8 oz scrubs are $8.50 USD if I remember correctly.  These are very reasonably priced although shipping can get expensive on Etsy. But The Bathing Garden includes one free full-sized item with each purchase!  If you are looking to purchase a new sugar scrub, I highly recommend these.

Disclaimer:  I am not affiliated with this company.

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: Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa 60-Second Manicure Hand Scrub

Available for $12 at Bath and Body Works (BBW)

This was a gift from my mom.  She likes beauty products almost as much as I do so when she goes shopping, she sometimes buys me thoughtful little gifts.  I was excited to see this scrub because I had my eye on something similar called One Minute Manicure.

Bath and Body Works Hand Scrub

The sugar and oil scrub is a bit messy.  It was leaking when I received it so the oils had gotten all over other things.  I was a little afraid it would leave a greasy residue on my hands as well.  But it didn't!  To use it, I basically scooped up a generous amount with my hand and scrubbed both hands for 60 seconds.  The sugar grains are exfoliating and the oils feel moisturizing.  The scent is fruity and sweet.  I was surprised that the product rinses off really well!  While my hands do feel exfoliated, they weren't particularly moisturized.  I felt the need to use lotion afterwards.  

Overall, I do like the product.  It's an easy way to exfoliate my dry hands.  You can purchase this for $12 at bathandbodyworks.com. 

My Nighttime Skincare Routine - Summer 2012

I mentioned before that I change my skincare routine fairly often.  For reference, I'm in my 30s and I have normal/combination skin with occasional breakouts .  I like to try new things and I have a skincare obsessed BFF and cousin who occasionally suggest products they love.  But for right now, these are the nighttime skincare products I am currently using:

1. Kose Softymo Super Point Makeup Remover - I use this to remove my makeup, even stubborn waterproof Japanese mascara which I have on rotation.  I put a little of this gel-like lotion on a cotton ball and swipe it over my face.
2. Lush Herbalism - I take a pea size portion of this cleanser and then mix it with water to turn it into a paste.  After rubbing it on my face in a circular motion, I wash it off.
3. Sana Hadonomy Collagen Facial Mist - This is a pretty substantial facial mist, thicker than most.  It is refreshing and moisturizing.  I use it at night because I don't think it would be good under makeup. At least not for someone with oily zones.  I spray this directly on my face.  I use about 3 squirts.
4. Lancome Primordiale Night [Discontinued] - This was a gift from my mom who loves Lancome.  It's a lightweight night cream.  During the winter, I prefer something richer like La Mer. 
5. Shiseido Benefiance Eye Cream - A more heavy duty eye cream.  I like the texture.  Its creamy and rich without being super greasy, although I would not wear this during the day under makeup.
6. Weleda Everon Lip Balm - A good lip balm, not greasy or glossy.  Has a slight vanilla rose scent.

What are your favorite nighttime skincare products?  I always like to try new things so suggestions welcome!

Top 5 Skincare Products

My skincare routine is always changing but these 5 items are staples in my bathroom:

1. Cetaphil - I started using this in my 20s because I read in a magazine that dermatologists recommend it for sensitive/normal skin.  I tried the combination/oily skin version (because I have combination skin) and for some reason, it made me break out.  The original version cleans my face without stripping it of oils.  I've used other drugstore soaps such as Purpose, Neutrogena Deep Cleansing Gel, Biore, etc. and they always left my skin feeling a little bit tight afterwards.  
2. ROC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream (Retinol) - I wanted to incorporate a retinol skincare product into my routine when I was in my 20s and I started with the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream.  That made me break out.  I tried this ROC version and it works much better for me.  I also like Skinceuticals Retinol 0.5 Treatment but it's a little harder to find.
3. Eucerin Everyday Protection SPF 30 - One of my best friends turned me on to this moisturizer.  I use it everyday, even if my foundation or BB Cream has SPF in it.  It doesn't leave a pasty white finish even though it offers good sun protection. 
4. Origins Spot Remover - Sometimes I get milia around my eyes and the internet told me this helps prevent it.  I need to be more diligent about using this regularly though.
5. Shiseido Benefiance Eye Cream - A richer eye cream for the night.  I don't like crepey looking skin under the eyes so I do what I can to prevent that from happening.  Since this formula is creamy, I don't use it during the day under makeup.  I prefer something more sheer under makeup.

What are your top 5 skincare products?

Review: Lush Cupcake Mask

Lush Cupcake Mask (pic taken with flash) - color is a little lighter and more grey in real life

This is my first experience using a Lush Fresh Face Mask*.  I originally went into the store to purchase Sacred Truth or Brazen Honey but the salesgirl suggested Cupcake.  The Lush website says this about Cupcake:

Features

• Sleepover staple: Cupcake is definitely a fixture at slumber parties for it’s wonderful effect on teenage skin.
• It looks good enough to eat: But no, it doesn’t taste like chocolate pudding. Trust us.
• Refreshing minty tingle: We combine spearmint, fresh mint and peppermint oils in Cupcake.

I actually really wanted to try the Cupcake mask because it sounds fun!  Chocolate on my face - sign me up!  But teenage skin?  I am in my 30s and I have normal/combination skin.  I do get occasional zits so maybe the salesgirl took one look at my face and thought I could use a good detoxifying mask.  I like to think she mistook me for a teenager but that's probably not the case.  Either way, I happily added it to my basket.

The mask is good for up 3 weeks (expiration date on package) and I was able to use it 6 times before it expired.  There was still some left over but this isn't the type of mask you could use everyday and I didn't want to overdo it.

Application

It's thick.  My fridge is also set on a somewhat higher temperature so it sort of freezes things a little bit.  The first few times it was hard to spread all over my face but I learned to let it sit out so that it is easier to apply.  It does smell great although for me, the scent was overwhelming after a while.  Smells like minty chocolate batter...with a little bit of clay.

Effectiveness

The first time I used this mask I simply rinsed my face with water to remove it.  I did cleanse my skin before applying it!  I got a few new zits the next day because it left a filmy layer.  After that I decided to use a toner (Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner) after washing off the mask.  I like the way my skin looks after using this mask with the toner - brighter and refreshed.  It's only temporary though.  The next morning, my skin looked the same.  I didn't have any breakouts when I used the mask so I am not sure if it would help in clearing skin.  I can say that it didn't cause my face to breakout!

Would I purchase this mask again?  Yes, but I want to try the others first.

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

*These masks need to be refrigerated. 

Lush Mini Haul - Herbalism, Cupcake Mask, etc.

I went to the Lush store at Universal City Walk this past Friday.  The store was pretty busy.  I found the salespeople to be very helpful although at times they can be a little overbearing about wanting you to try everything.  For reference, I have normal/combination skin, occasional mild acne and I'm in my 30s.  I ended up taking home the items above:

1. Herbalism Cleanser - I originally wanted to get the Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser but the salesgirl advised me to get Herbalism since it's summer and my t-zone tends to get oily in the summer.  She told me to save the Angels Cleanser for the winter since it is more moisturizing.  I also asked about Dark Angels since it has charcoal but I was advised that it is recommended for people with oily skin who are prone to breakouts.  Herbalism expires in 3 months.  The amount I purchased above is good for 1 month.
2. Cupcake Mask - I wasn't sure which fresh face mask to get when I walked in.  I was thinking maybe Sacred Truth but based on my skin and the season, the salesgirl recommended Cupcake.  I was excited since I actually wanted to try this one but on the Lush website it's recommended for teenage skin.  A teenager I am not, that's for sure.  Smells like...cupcakes! This masks expires in 3 weeks or less.  It needs to be refrigerated.  
3. Mint Julips Lip Scrub - They had 3 flavors to choose from:  Bubblegum, Mint Julips and Sweet Lips (chocolate).  I chose Mint Julips because I like mint and chocolate together.  The scrubbing granules in this are huge.  Smells delicious though!
4. Honey Trap Lip Balm - Had read about this and wanted to try it.  Very moisturizing and smells yummy.

I will try to review my these items later, after using them for a while.  You can find Lush products here:  http://www.lush.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.