Review | LANEIGE Cream Skin Refiner

Toners have come such a long way from being just a product that you use as the next step in cleansing. These days, you can find all kinds of toners out there, ranging from hydrating and exfoliating ones to soothing and mildly-formulated toners for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Just choose the right ones based on your skin concerns. I myself love layering different toners; from the most lightweight to the thickest in terms of texture. I always start with an exfoliating toner, especially in my evening skincare routine to remove dead skin cells and make way for the rest of my skincare products to be well absorbed.

However, my toner-layering method just stopped working when I had the worst allergic reaction that caused my skin to become red, irritated, and flaky, or so I thought. As it turned out, I needed to combine a moisturising toner with a stronger exfoliating toner; Glycolic Acid treatment to really smooth out the flaky skin. I've tried several different toners that are powered by Hyaluronic Acids, ceramides, and other hydrating ingredients, but I kept my options open. One day, I got my hands on a deluxe-sized sample of the Cream Skin Refiner from one of my favourite Korean skincare brands under AmorePacific, LANEIGE. I think it's safe to say that my search for a hydrating toner is over and I quickly got myself the full-sized product. Before I go further into this highly-raved skin care product, let's get to know it a little bit more.

Product Description:

A Cream that melts into a Skin Refiner. This hydrating skin refiner provides ample moisture to the skin at the very first step of skincare routine.

Capacity: 150ml

Ingredients:

Water / Aqua / Eau, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Disodium Edta, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol.

Packaging:

The Cream Skin Refiner comes in a pretty frosted glass bottle. Want to bring it along during your travels? Transfer some into a travel-friendly bottle to prevent accidental breakage.

 

There's simple product description printed on the back side of the box but also full description in the brochure that comes with every LANEIGE product.

Highlight on the ingredient; White Leaf Tea Water that's rich in amino acids that soothe the skin and reinforce the skin moisture barrier, making the skin truly healthy - which I have to agree!

Notice the sticker below there? I've received this from Hermo Malaysia so I'm assuming their stocks are from LANEIGE Malaysia. 

 

The product features a unique cap that I have not encountered before. It has a lock system to prevent spillage, so make sure you twist the cap until you hear the 'click' sound. Notice the relief at the neck of the bottle?

The expiry date is printed at the bottom of the bottle in YYYYMMDD (Year-Month-Day) format. 

APPLICATION

 

The toner has a milky-looking watery texture that felt nice on my skin. I always use cotton pads for first liquid-based product application after cleansing routine, but if I were to use first treatment essence, serum, or ampoule prior to this toner, then I would apply it by pouring a few drops into my palms and spread it well on my face.

THOUGHTS

Once applied, the toner slightly dries down and my skin felt so nicely hydrated. I followed up with thick-textured essence, serums, and/or ampoules after this toner; essentially the rest of my skincare routine. On lazy nights when I'm too exhausted to do my usual full routine, I'd be deep cleansing my skin and applying this toner several times before putting on a sleeping mask. I'd still be waking up with well-moisturised skin!

I didn't use the Cream Skin Refiner every day as I still love layering lightweight hydrating toners on daily basis. However, this toner is the only one I'd be using after every Glycolic Acid-infused product. The reason is because this toner really helps in replenishing moisture loss as glycolic acid can potentially dry out and irritate my skin. Thanks to the White Leaf Tea content (high in amino acid), it provides better moisturisation hence strengthens the skin barrier. I can totally tell that my skin is feeling much smoother.


I also love carrying this hydrating toner in the mini bottle (refilling it again and again!) in my office bag so I can replenish my moisture in my mid-day skincare routine; layers of this toner and reapply my sunscreen.

If you have normal to oily skin that's dehydrated like mine, a single layer of this toner would be suffice. If you have dry to normal skin, then I'd recommend layering this toner at least 2 times per application in your morning and night skincare routines.

Overall, I give this toner a 5/5! I love it; it works well with my dehydrated skin. Plus, it helps so much in repairing my skin when it was recovering from the flaky situation. Now that I'm about to finish my first bottle after about 2 months (at the time of this post), I'm glad that I purchased another one (and then some more) as backup.

Have you tried this lovely hydrating toner? Let me know your thoughts below in the comment section. Until next post, annyeong~

|||   SHOP THE PRODUCT   |||

LANEIGE Cream Skin Refiner | RM125 on HERMO

||| Official links |||

Website | https://www.hermo.my/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/HermoMalaysia
Instagram | http://instagram.com/hermomy

Disclaimer: Links provided are non-affiliated. This product was sent to me for review purposes and all opinions here are based on my personal use of the products.

Blogger Mail | Hermo X LANEIGE Cream Skin Refiner

On Monday, I've received a package from Hermo Malaysia containing the above product from one of my favourite skincare brand under AmorePacific, LANEIGE Malaysia!

I already am using this lovely hydrating toner actually; you've seen my Instagram? For the past few weeks, I've been trying several different exfoliating toners to get rid of flaky dead skin cells and sometimes, even layering my regular hydrating toners won't help my daily moisturisers so that's where this toner comes in. It's working greatly so far but I'll be checking in with you guys after using the toner for about 4 weeks to really see how it performs and whether this product really deserve all that rave in social media. 

I'll be posting the review on Beauty Memo by Hermo (updated! Read here!) by then so do stay tuned Have you tried this lovely hydrating toner? Let me know your thoughts below in the comment section. Until next post, annyeong~

|||   SHOP THE PRODUCT   |||

LANEIGE Cream Skin Refiner | RM125 on HERMO

||| Official links |||

Website | https://www.hermo.my/
Blog | https://blog.hermo.my/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/HermoMalaysia
Instagram | http://instagram.com/hermomy

Disclaimer: Links provided are non-affiliated. This product was sent to me for review purposes and all opinions here are based on my personal use of the products.

Beauty Empties | December

Here we are, after tracking i.e updating my inventory  for my extensive skincare products that I have, we have arrived at the final post of 2018; Empties Post for the last quarter of this year so let's get started!

As per usual, let's start with skincare and for this category I've finished my first bottle of that Natural Pacific (currently known as Nacific) Deep Cleansing Oil. One of the best makeup remover I've tried  as it literally removes all kinds of makeup I have so I already am on my second bottle. As for the pump, I'm reusing it for another product that deserve at least a good pump.

As for that full-sized I Am Sorry Just Cleansing: Cleansing Water which I'm only half-way through the 500ml bottle, I don't know why but it suddenly turned into that milky-coloured water. As I've already finished the travel-sized bottle, I stopped using the big bottle one on my face and use it to clean my makeup cases or bottles instead. Won't be repurchasing anytime soon. 

That Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Foam is a nice deep cleanser however I've noticed that this dries out my skin so much afterwards I had to spray on facial mist literally 3 seconds after stepping out of shower or maybe it's just my skin that's going crazy right now so I guess I won't be repurchasing this anytime soon.

This time around, I've finished using that Innisfree Moisture Lip Scrub and its Treatment sister. I've got to say that I finally found products from the brand that I don't appreciate at all. Even after using these two together religiously, I still feel my lips aren't improving in moisture department. Won't be repurchasing.

As for that Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule 100, I'm so thankful to Wako Beauty for sending this product as it's truly a saviour while I was recovering from episodes of allergic  reactions which resulted my skin being overly sensitive for about 6 months. I finished my first bottle and received another from fellow micro-blogger and I'm already halfway through it. Definitely will purchase a third bottle soon.

I've finished that Koelf Bulgarian Rose Hydro Gel Eye Patches little after 2 months as my under-eye area had patches all  over which is driving me nuts sometimes so it seems that it's time to enforce the habit of using eye cream in my routine. I'm not repurchasing this as I've already bought its sister product.

That Innisfree Green Tea Sleeping Mask is kind of nice as it does moisturise well and I don't mind the scent at all but as I've already tried its upgraded version, I'm going to get the new one instead.

I actually felt sad when I pumped out the last portion of this Brightening Up Sun from Dr. G. From the overall finishing to texture and colour, I love every bit of this sunscreen. It works well with my skin and as I was so curious to try its sister products, I bought a trial kit that include the mini-sized upgrade version of the above sunscreen (SPF50+) along with the mild and moisturizing sisters with PA++++ from Sasa.

Now onto makeup empties! I've finished the LANEIGE BB Cushion Pore Control SPF50+ in No. 33 Cinnamon and I'm currently using its refill. You guys know I'm all over cushion foundations from LANEIGE and but I do think with the release of 2 other cushions; Powder Fit and Layering Cover Cushion this year, the brand will likely release the fourth upgraded version of their permanent line of cushion foundations next year.

For primer, I've finished the first full-sized version of that Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer and as I haven't found anything similar to it in terms of performances, I decided to just get another tube of it around April. As I use this primer solely under foundations, I always use that LANEIGE Lumi Block Primer prior my cushion foundations application as the consistency is thinner and suits the cushion foundation finishing; nice and natural even with powder on top.

Speaking of powder, I've finished another tub of my all time favourite translucent powder, Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder and its Blur sister. You guys probably can tell that I still have backups for both of these. Same goes to my newfound love in powder department, Althea Petal Velvet Powder in Translucent. I've finished my first tub and I already have 3 tubs as backups. Yes, I'm totally obsessed with this affordable makeup from Althea.

While I was taking care of my hospitalised nephew throughout October till early November, I've finished at least 3 bars of homemade soap that I bought from Gaya Sunday Market and that travel-sized Green Tea Fiji Body Wash and Body Butter. As I don't like any of it, I don't think I'd be repurchasing them.

Last but not least, Soul Secret Blossom Perfume from THE FACE SHOP in that 2017 holiday packaging. I do love the scent but I'm going back to my old favourite body mists from THE BODY SHOP for now and will not be repurchasing this anytime soon.

So that's all of it! I hope you enjoyed reading this post and do let me know your thoughts on these emptied products by leaving comments down below. I'll see you guys on my next post! Annyeong~

Beauty Empties | September

Here are the products I've emptied throughout the past 3 months! Woohoo! You guys know what this mean, right? More room for new products but starting this month, I'm actually on low-buy probably until November because I do want to see what's in-store for the upcoming Year-End Sale. For now, let's go over these products that I've finished and I'll let you know whether I'd be repurchasing them (which means love 'em, need 'em) or tossing them out into the real bin. Let's get into it!

For cleansers, I am done with the Aritaum Apricot Seed Deep Cleansing Oil that I've got last year from Hermo. As much as I like its scent, I used this a lot to clean my air puffs instead of using it as first cleanser. This is a limited edition product and this brand is longer carried by the store. 

As for the two COSRX cleansers; Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser is a great second cleanser for my evening routine as it deeply cleansed my skin and I don't see excess dirt on my cotton pads whenever I'm using this particularly on days I'm wearing cushion foundation. Yes, will repurchase although not anytime soon as I still have other deep cleansing foams in my stash. I've been loving the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser so much; I've finished this second tube and already bought my backup for it. It's gentle and doesn't dry out hence a perfect morning cleanser.

I've finished another bottle of that THE FACE SHOP The Therapy First Serum; technically half of it as I gave this half of it (100ml) to my mum (yes, we both are currently using The Therapy skincare line) as we both are really enjoying the product. It deeply hydrates the skin and making it soft and supple to touch. Already bought my backup for it.

Next product would be the 3 Seconds Starter Vita Complex from Holika Holika that I've gotten from Althea around early last year. I've got to admit that this product was among few that I've managed to finish the fastest and that would be less than 3 months as I've started using it back in July (although I actually opened it in May) to accompany my sheet masking session. It doesn't really help with brightening but I just feel my skin is soft and plump as I alternate this skincare booster with the first treatment serum I've mentioned above. I still have other products to try so I won't be repurchasing this.

Finished the Camu Camu Moisture Cream from Brillar I think around August and I was actually quite surprised finding myself loving a moisture cream; thinking it'll be thick and sticky but I was wrong. It feels nice on the skin and absorbed quite well. Still, seeing this product is no longer available on Althea, I won't be repurchasing this product.

Done with the first tub of LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask! I love it as it does what it claims, my lips feeling soft and supply the next morning and I surely regret the night I didn't apply before going to sleep. Already purchased my backup in Vanilla!

I'm sure that tub of COSRX One-Step Original Clear Pads will be the first of many repurchase in the future. Well, I already bought one together with its One-Step Moisture Up Pads sister. It works nicely as exfoliating toner and I've been using it a lot for midday routine where I remove my makeup, cleanse and use it as toner before doing my sheet mask. Love it!

Finally done with that Scrub 'Em and Leave 'Em body scrub from Soap & Glory together with its travel-sized version. I do like them especially for its scent and it does make my body feels smoother after using but I'm now off to try other products so not going to repurchase at least for now.

That cute Cotton Flower Bubble bath and Shower Gel from Sephora Collection is totally nice but they no longer carry this and revamped their whole Sephora Collection already so I guess I'll be getting the new ones to try.

Last but not least, I've finished another bottle of this Vanilla Eau de Toilette from The Body Shop. I actually been using this EDT for years; way before starting this blog actually so I sort of lost track to how many bottles that I've finished. It's lovely, definitely to my liking and yes, I'm sure I'll be repurchasing this.

I guess that's all for now! I sure hope you guys are enjoying posts like this and now, I'm off to throw out these emptied bottles of products so I'll be seeing you guys on my next post. Annyeong~

Beauty Empties | June

Here's another Empties post! Yay! It's such a relief  every time I've emptied my Empty bins as I go through each and every product that I've finished so I can put my final thoughts and decide whether to repurchase or not. I have huge amount of stash for my products and I'll be posting more on them soon as I've previously done under Skincare Routine, Makeup Stash and Body Care Routines. But for now, let's get into this!

This time around, I've finished 3 bottles of first treatment products and the first one would be Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum. It's a great hydrating serum that I usually applied on my morning skincare routine as it's light yet ample for my skin. the second one that ran out was that THE FACE SHOP The Therapy First Serum although in its original packaging but I've decided to refill it instead with the Limited Edition release in conjunction with last Holiday i.e. Christmas early this year that comes in 200ml size and as for the balance, I've transferred it into my mum's bottle. The reason would be because I'm not fond with that plastic packaging at all.

I've also finished another bottle of LANEIGE Clear C Advanced Effector and I can't deny the fact that I'm still loving the product hence I've already repurchased the third upgraded version. I also had finished another bottle of Son&Park Beauty Water; a great exfoliating toner that deserve to be repurchased. I've gotten this along with its Beauty Gel sister from Althea last year and I've gotten another bottle from Sasa in a box set recently.

I'm happy to finish yet another tub of LANEIGE Water Sleep Mask that I love and of course I just had to repurchase it! I've got the deluxe sample for the Lavender version so I'm excited to try it! As for that facial mist from Innisfree; Jeju Sparkling Mineral Mist, I do have 2 more backups of it so I won't be repurchasing anytime soon.

I'll be honest as when it comes to these Innisfree Olive Real Cleansing Oil and Foam, I didn't actually used them a lot on my face as I rather used them to wash my cushion foundation air puffs (double cleanses as well!) as these two broke me out previously. Nope, I'm sticking to other Innisfree cleansers and won't be repurchasing these again.

I've also finished these two sunscreens Innisfree Daily UV Protection Cream in Mild and No Sebum around the same time and as I've already purchased the new hydrating and anti-pollution sunscreens also from the brand, I won't be repurchasing these anytime soon. But these are actually great if you're looking for simple sunscreens, I'd definitely recommend them.

Lastly, some body care products. I've finished my first tube of  that EUBOS Sensitive Hand Repair and Care and I've already repurchased another tube for it. It's making my dry hands feeling nice and velvety so yes, that deserves another round. I've also finished another bottle of that THE FACE SHOP Soul Secret Blossom Perfume in that Limited Edition Kakao Friends packaging along with its sister Kakao Friends Hand Cream Neo in Berry. I already repurchased the perfume in Holiday packaging early this year as it's a nice scent for everyday wear in the office.

I guess that's all from me! I hope you enjoy reading this post. Do let me know your thoughts on any of these and I'll see you guys on a next one. Annyeong~

Skincare Routine | Eye Care

Both the above full-sized products are from my Round 11.0 of skincare and for the past few weeks, I've been applying my eye cream and eye serum regularly and I am glad to see the result it brings. It's still a long way for major improvement but I hope I can work through to see the bottom of the jar and bottle. But I’m still not getting used to the eye serum texture and still adjusting the amount and whenever I have excess I’ll just apply on my smile lines.

I've got the deluxe sample of this sleeping mask specifically for eye area; LANEIGE Eye Sleeping Mask as GWP few months ago and brought this to my weekend getaway last week. I do love how it soothes my eye area and am considering to get the full size very soon.


I guess that's all for now and I'll be seeing you guys on my next post. Anneyeong~

Skincare Routine | Serums and Ampoules

If essence is being the star product in its skincare line or even on its own, I'd say the same goes to serums and ampoules. Why? Because the difference between essence and serum is mainly in their texture whereas essence is lighter than serum and as for the difference between essence and ampoule is mainly in their targeted area whereas essence are usually should be used on the whole facial area while ampoules are usually meant for specific area like smile lines, dark spots i.e. hyperpigmentations. Although ampoules can sometimes be in light consistency but mostly in serum-like consistency. But the bottomline is, all three products are working the hardest among their sisters products hence usually the most expensive compared.

As I've been using THE FACE SHOP The Therapy Water-Drop Anti-Aging Moisturising Serum for several times, I've noticed how nice and plumped my skin has become in the morning as I only have been incorporating this serum in night routine. What I like the most is its light texture. I'm going to use awhile more before coming up with proper review.

As for the Innisfree Whitening Pore Synergy Serum, I've only been using a quarter of this brightening serum with pore care effect however I do find it drying out my skin so I don't think I'll be continuing on using it as I don't find it ideal to pile on heavy moisturiser during the day.  Why not using it at night, you'd say? Because I prefer moisturising serum and ampoule for my night routine. I'd probably be giving this away soon.

I'm on the third bottle for that LANEIGE White Plus Renew Spot Ampoule (this is the 4th bottle left being displayed here) and this one too is a little bit drying but this actually gives excellent result as my acne marks fade rather quickly. So it's imperative for me to use thick cream around the applied area. Honestly, I'm so done using these kinds of serums and ampoules as I do want to venture into using gentle acids for my skin; AHA, BHA, and PHA, not forgetting retinols! Let's talk about this further in another post!

I've received that LEAGUERTOX V-Shot Silhouette Lifting Ampoule previously in Althea Box back in February. It's kind of thick and heavy; takes time to being absorbed well into skin although I've only applied this on wrinkle-prone area like smile lines around my mouth area and crow feet but I haven't developed them yet. I actually don't know if I should continue on using but so far it's nice so I guess, yes?

So that's all about this on this post on my current opened serums and ampoules. Let me know if you have suggestions on this category by leaving comments down below and I'll be seeing you guys real soon on my next post! Annyeong~

Skincare Routine | Essences

Essence or serum to me is like a star product where it's the most important in any skincare line I ever encountered and how the cleanser, toner, emulsion, and moisturiser being designed heavily depends  on how the essence or serum works. Although, I haven't been getting the most out of the opened essences in my stash as I have been indulging a lot in using sheet masks both for my morning and night routine.

First would be that LANEIGE Time Freeze Essence. This is the first anti-aging essence I ever had in my whole stash and I have to admit that I haven't been using this so diligently but I'm planning to from now on. I've got a tip that we can still apply essences prior sheet mask application but it's preferable to use functional essence or serum with a hydrating sheet mask for a synergy effect. So, I guess I'll be trying this later and let you guys know how it went.

Of course, as both LANEIGE's and that Innisfree Jeju Sparkling Mineral Essence are from previous round of skincare, I'd still be alternating between the two. Although I still not really into this. Maybe I should give it away or apply on my body? :D

One of the most recent addition to my beauty stash is that Primary Soymilk Renew Essence. It's supposedly hydrates the skin and it's light in texture so I'll be using it in my morning routine. But seriously, what do you think of the packaging? It's made of glass by the way.

The above are some deluxe samples of essences from Innisfree, LANEIGE and Real Barriers that I used throughout the time when my skin was really sensitive due to having allergic reaction; hydrating and soothing essences. I probably getting one of these in full-sized version later. Especially that Real Barrier Essence Mist! So convenient to use after washing my face (on sensitive skin days) so I won't be feeling dry after stepping out of the washroom and into my bedroom literally 4 feet away.

I guess that's all of it! Let me know your favourite essence in your routine by leaving comments down below. Until next post! Annyeong~

Skincare Routine | Toners

I'd understand if you want to skip your cleanser in the morning, given that you deep cleansed your skin the night before and applied the rest of your skincare so it might not be necessary to wash your face but I don't think it should be the same when it comes to toners. I'm sure our skin needs clean condition to let all the essence, serum and of course, day moisturiser to be absorbed properly so let's talk about these current opened toners in my stash.

As I usually prefer brightening skincare in the morning, I’m currently using THE FACE SHOP White Seed Brightening Toner for it. This does brightens up my overall skin tone although slightly but it honestly, the whole line doesn’t provide ample hydration for my skin so I usually amped up the hydration by adding sheet mask in between the toner and the lotion.

I’ve been using ALTHEA Bare Essentials Primer Water; serum-like toner for the past 2 months and as you can tell, despite having numbers of toners, I do use this a lot especially for my morning routine. This helps prepping my skin before makeup as it hydrates and smoothening my skin at the same time. I’m loving this and there’s a high chance for me to repurchase this.

Innisfree Jeju Sparkling Mineral Skin is a lightweight toner that I’m alternating with the Primer Water or for 7-Skin Method where I put on at least 3 layers of this toner and continue with heavier toners. This merely for moisturising purposes for me though it claims it can help with brightening but I've been juggling my skincare products so I can't really tell whether it works for that or not. 

As I always use either exfoliating toner, skincare booster, first essence or first serum with cotton pads, I love using THE FACE SHOP The Therapy Hydrating Tonic Treatment without cotton pads and apply merely using my fingers. This hydrates so well and making skin feeling smooth and supple. I’m in love with this skincare line overall as I've been using this as anti-aging care for my night routine for the previous months.

I just want to include the recently purchased Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Cotton Toner in Calendula (unopened) and bunch of deluxe toners that I used during the time I had food poisoning; soothing toners for sensitive skin. As for that B.Liv Got Oil Relief, I bought two of them; having one on my vanity and another on my office table. It does hydrates my skin and as it comes in spray bottle, this rather works as my facial mist as rehydrate my skin midday.

I guess that's all from me! Let me know your favourite toners; be it hydrating, moisturising, brightening even for sensitive skin in the comment section down below. I'll see you guys on my next post! Annyeong~

Skincare Routine | Water-Based Cleansers

As I talked about first cleansers on my previous post, today I'll be updating you guys on my current opened water-based cleansers that I use for my everyday morning and evening routines so let's get started!

For morning cleansers, they are usually lightweight, foamed up mildly, non-drying hence I'm back with another  tube of COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser! I've finished my first tube back in September and as I need a low pH cleanser in my current routine, I decided to open my back up. I know the name says Morning but I do actually use this for evening if I were to just stay at home all day long.

Another favourite of mine; THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam is coming back to my routine as it's going to expire next year (yes, at this point I'm going to say outright I'm going to stop buying backups as I do have a lot in my stash so no backup necessary) but I won't worry about finishing up this one as I'm sharing it with my brother. Of course, it's because we're sharing the whole bathroom.

A recent addition to my morning routine is the LANEIGE Fresh Calming Gel Cleanser. Now this is something that I've gotten myself the day when I had allergic reactions due to food poisoning; skin inflamed and itchiness was taking all over my skin so I rushed to LANEIGE counter in Imago, KK and gotten this cleanser because I remember trying its samples and quite liking it for its gentle and non-drying features. I've been using this a lot especially the past week.

Cleansers for my night routine are usually much intense compared to my morning cleansers as they need to remove the residue from the first cleansers as well. They are also high in pH therefore I'll be needing pH adjusting toner as a first step after cleansing. These cleansers can sometimes making my skin feel really dry at times so I usually follow up with hydrating toners. 

I've gotten that Dr.Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Foam along with its sister; the Micro Water because I'd like to see how they work together. This doesn't dry out my skin at all as it is mild and the foam isn't thick. I do think this cleanses well and I'd be sure to use it more to see its performance.

The same goes with Heimish All Clean White Clay Foam; I've gotten this as I want to use it with its cleansing balm sister. I haven't used this enough to tell how it really performs so I'll update on this cleanser later. 

The last but not least, Althea Bare Essentials Contour Cleanser that I've got from Althea Korea in Blogger Mail last month. Do check out yesterday's post on it but I'm going to say that I love the refreshing verbena scent!

Now, if you're skincare beginner, I bet you're confused as to why do I need so many different cleansers? It goes without saying that you won't be needing this many for a single person usage  and it's just that it's in my nature as someone who blogs about beauty, I just love trying different products within one period of time (in my case, 6 months) to see what works, what doesn't. I will say that it's important to listen to your skin's needs and make sure to maintain your skin barrier well so if you have rather sensitive skin, I'm definitely not recommending for you to juggle facial cleansers.

I guess that's all from me! Let me know your favourite cleansers in the comment section below and I'll see you guys on my next post. Annyeong~

Makeup Stash | Brows

The final post for my Makeup Stash series is on these brow products that I've discovered, loved and obsessed with. In my collection, I've got some brow pencils, kits, cushion type and my latest love, brow mousse.

Essence Eyebrow Designer is a brow pencil that I bought because I thought I need a brown colour for my brows but boy was I wrong. It's affordable product but this doesn’t last long on my brows although the colour payoff is quite good. Still, I'd love to try if there's a grey-brown version.

Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Shaper in Grey and Brown that I use to shape my brows as the small lead is just perfect for drawing short lines. There's a powder version at the other end of the pencil to give a nice wash of colour by using the dome-shaped sponge. I' love using Fashion Brow kit to fill in and set the 'tail' of my brows as these are much intense compared to Duo Shaper; to create some sort of gradation effect. The Fashion Brow Cream Pencil is a great for drawing the lines for sparse area but I still prefer the Duo Shaper.

LANEIGE Eyebrow Cushion-cara Two-Tone No. 2 is the first non-foundation cushion product I ever tried and I was obsessed with it! It's easy to draw short lines and the colours are pretty for gradation effect that I've been working on. This comes with a small duo brush so it's perfect for travel! I've been using one for about a year now and I need to get a refill pretty soon!

Innisfree Eco Eyebrow Kit is something I would use during travel too especially when I need to touch up frequently; I have little hair towards the tail so it's important to set my brows with powder. 

THE FACE SHOP Designing Eyebrow Pencil in Gray Brown is definitely my favourite brow pencil - I've been repurchasing for several times as I love the grey-brown shade for this and it's easy to draw and shape my brows with it.

Last but not least, Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse in Medium Brown is my most favourite brow product so far however I still need to set it properly. It comes with its own brush and spoolie which is nice but I still prefer to use my ZOEVA 317 Wing Brush to draw the shape of my brows then blend with the spoolie. 

Are you obsessed with brow products like me? Let me know your favourites!

Until next post, annyeong~

Makeup Stash | Lips

I’ve got liquid lipsticks, tints, lip crayons but the most that I wear are lipsticks. Rosy, mauve pinks and browns are my absolute everyday colours.

When it comes to lip products, I've got my first lipstick at the age of 25 and that was 5 years ago. Of course, I went with light pink that washed me out like crazy but I didn't know any better. Along with that, I also bought some Etude House lipsticks which was caused by its super cute packaging but the colours are so bright and at some point I'm like why in heaven the colours look so pretty on other people???  

Then, my BFF brought me to SEPHORA for the first time around 2014 and it was amazing! I've got to learn which colours suit me best and I quickly went on the hunt for the ultimate nude lipsticks. I did found it but ever since I've finished it, I just never had the chance to repurchase my NARS Audacious Lipstick in Anita. 

I did played around with MAC Cosmetics for a little bit but I just want to avoid non-cruelty free brands as much as I can so both Persistence and Whirl are the firsts and last lipstick I ever get from the brand. They're pretty but I'm not going to repurchase them. 

I also indulged a little bit with liquid lipsticks from tarte and I do like them it's just I'm more on bullet lipsticks hence the Urban Decay Vice Lipsticks! I've got the mauve rose colours and muted pinks. I love them! 

Lip tints are fun except when to remove them as I'll be needing a legit cleansing oil for it but they are the ones that can actually give me that cherry-kissed lips that I love.

I love buying lip pencils too and those three are not the only ones that I have as I have their backups too! Especially that Essence lip pencil in Frappucino! They sold out so quickly at drugstore, Watsons as they're so affordable and actually works so well!

I guess that's all about it! I won't be making swatches as these are pretty  much well-known makeup items so I'm sure you'll find them around the internet. If you can't, just let me know and I'll be happy to share them with you.

Until next post, annyeong~

Makeup Stash | Face Powders

Of course, the first thing I learned about makeup are face powders. I used to wear compact powders back in school and university days but ever since I'm into K-Beauty skincare and makeup, I was introduced to translucent powders that goes on all types of skin; they’re universal i.e. fit literally any skin tone if they’re fine enough.

While some are my absolute HG (asterisked) and repurchased more times than I can remember, some are just not powerful enough for my oily T-zone. Still, they’re worth the try.

• LANEIGE Brush Pact in No. 1 Natural Finish.
• LANEIGE Brush Pact in No. 2 Pore Blur.
• Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder.*
• Innisfree No Sebum Blur Powder.*
• Innisfree No Sebum Blur Pact.
• Etude House Zero Sebum Drying Powder.
• Son&Park Flawless Pore Pact.
• EGLIPS Pore Blind Powder.
• Althea Petal Velvet Powder.*

Whether it's compact or loose powders, I always opted for powder brush for application and touch-ups as I don't really like the puffs that come with most powders and none of the powders that I own is a two-way powder (wet application for foundation-like finish) so the puffs are usually there in order to avoid the powder spilling out of the case.

I’ve won my first Althea Petal Velvet Powder from @pinkmidorilove giveaway and bought myself another as it’s almost finish. I’m hooked with it and probably gonna give the recently launched Warm Beige a try.

I guess that's all from me. Until next post, annyeong~

Makeup Stash | Foundations

When it comes to makeup base, I love using cushion foundations instead of traditional way of using foundation as cushion foundations are much easier to apply and I love the finishing as well as the fact that cushion foundations comes with SPF50+. Especially these days when my favourite brand for cushion foundations; LANEIGE have expanded the range shades and I've finally found the exact shade for my skin tone. For reference, I'm currently MAC NC40. 

Back in 2014, I got my first cushion foundation from LANEIGE; Snow BB Soothing Cushion SPF50+ PA+++ in No. 23, the deepest shade at the time and boy, it was way lighter than my skin tone at the time. I had to set it with MAC NC42 (also my shade at the time) face powder to tone down the whiteness but I've come to terms that it's definitely not for me. In 2015, I've discovered cushion foundation in No. 31  from Innisfree but it was too yellow for me (this is the moment when I discovered that I have neutral undertone) and then I've gotten myself LANEIGE BB Cushion (Whitening) in No. 31 Brown Beige. This one is only slightly brighter than my skin tone at the time but it's too dewy to my liking hence I got myself the BB Cushion (Pore Control) in the same shade No. 31 Brown Beige and I loved it to the point that I actually used up both of the refills. Located at second row from bottom. 

In 2017, LANEIGE came out with renewed cushion foundations, adding Anti-Aging version and they even changed the look of the cushion itself. Of course, they've made their base correctors into the form of cushion as well although I didn't get one myself as using primer-foundation-setting powder is already a stretch so I only got the BB Cushion Whitening and Pore Control both in No. 33 Cinnamon. The reason why I went one shade deeper because at this point, LANEIGE has expanded the shade range once again and added more shades hence more choices for me. This shade was exactly my skin tone. Located at third row from the bottom.

In between the release of new cushion foundations, LANEIGE has released a matte cushion; Powder Fit Cushion that doesn't come with refill. This is perfect on those days I'm feeling extra oily on my T-zone so I'll apply this cushion on that area only with other BB Cushion for the rest of the area. The most recent launch is that beautiful, Layering Cover Cushion that supposedly give not only coverage but a rosy look as well. I haven't gotten around of using this yet as I have many cushions are already opened at this point so let's just wait till July or August. Located at top row.

I also got that three cushion foundations from THE FACE SHOP but the brand has discontinued the third shade for cushion and I've only been keeping those for the sake of the cases only. Just look at the KAKAO FRIENDS Ryan and Apeach!! Until they're bringing in more shades to Malaysia, I'm not gonna get any cushion foundations from them.

The ones in Innisfree cases are merely sunscreens in cushion forms and at this point of using it, I do find it's way easier to blend the sunscreen and it's important to be careful while applying using the air puffs as you might pressed the cushion deeply which can resulted in excess product being picked up and can cause your face turning white as ghost. What's even worse, the sunscreen took longer to blends into your skin tone.

Now, I'm going to talk a little bit about the most recent makeup purchase that I've made from SEPHORA, Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation in the shade 290 Neutral Olive.

I've tried this at the store, with the primer sister and setting powder brother and I absolutely loving it. I got the perfect shade for my skin tone after trying 8 shades (yes, I thought I'm waaaayy darker than I look) and I just love the undertone for this foundation. I've only been using this less than 5 times (no occasions to attend at this time of the year really) so I'm going to do full review once I have enough experience of actually using it at least 8 hour-a-day. 

So I guess that's all from me, I'll see you guys on my next post. Annyeong~