In the mornings, I try to use products that are specifically targeted towards protection from premature aging, sebum regulation and light moisturization. In the evenings, i use products that are targeted towards repair, healing of my acne scars and moisture loss prevention.

oil cleanser – Botanic Farm Cleansing Sherbet

ingredient list – cetyl ethylhexanoate, carpylic/capric triglyceride, peg20, peg10, sake 79.2ppm, saccharomyces/rice bran ferment 79.2ppm, lactobacillus/soybean ferment extract 79.2ppm, trihydroxystearin, tocopheryl acetate, butylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, parfum

smell/color/texture – solid balm type when comes in contact w/ skin turns into liquid oil. fresh powdery scent.

verdict – my holy grail oil cleanser innisfree apple juicy cleansing oil has been discontinued and reformulated. sigh! It is very rare for me to find an oil cleanser that will suit me and affordable at the same time since almost all of them contains some sort of an oil in it that will break me out. Thank goodness for this balm and finally found an alternative. What beautiful ingredient list as well that contains fermented ingredients and that is also gentle enough that wont sting my eyes. You also need just a little to cover your entire face and perfect for everyday use to eliminate light makeup and waterproof sunscreen. Just a bit of a drag when in comes to getting rid of that mascara and heavy waterproof makeup, you need an eye makeup remover for that. It has also that bit of a grainy residue upon initial application of the balm that is a bit annoying, but well it does its job without breaking me out so i cant complain. Also this is not readily available anywhere. I’m still on the look out for that perfect oil cleanser.

rating – 3.5/5

 

foam cleanser – Cosrx Low ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Processed with Snapseed.

ingredient list – water, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauryl methyl isethionate, polysorbate20, styrax japonicus extract, butylene glycol, saccharomyces ferment, cryptomeria japonica leaf extract, nelumbo nucifera leaf extract, pinus palustris leaf extract, ulmus davidiana root extract, evening primrose flower extract, pueraria lobata root extract, tea tree leaf oil, allantoin, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, betaine salicylate, citric acid, ethyl hexanediol, 1.2hexanediol, trisodium EDTA, sodium benzoate, Disodium EDTA

ph level – ph5-6

verdict – contains tea tree oil and other patented ingredients. it bubbles up and foams nicely without stripping your skin, gently removes sebum build up and dead skin cells without that stripped skin feel. i love how it foams up without me worrying that it will strip off my skin’s barrier yet cleans effectively. it simple fuss free cleanser and does whats its suppose to do, plus it is super affordable as well. scent has a subtle tea tree smell and nothing strong or overpowering.

verdict – 4.5/5

 

exfoliation – Neogen Dermalogy Gauge Peeling Wine

Processed with MOLDIV

product claims – this easy to use soft exfoliating pads that offer all the benefits of home peeling in one set. It provides gentle yet effective exfoliation of dead skin cells and impurities and lifting of sagging skin, leaving skin smoother, brighter and tighter.

smell/color/texture – smells like that kool-aid grape juice and has that grape colored hue. comes in convinient presoaked 2-sided exfoliating pads.

verdict – bought this when i went to seoul and they were on sale at olive young at that time, and since these were circulating over the blogging world, they seem to be very interesting. So i proceeded and tried them for once a week and later on realized that these were the cause of my horrible breakouts because i was stupid enough not to read the instructions on how to properly use them lol. After cleansing, pat my face dry, then used these pads and never wash them off. please do not make the same mistake that I did, you were suppose to wash these off after exfoliating with them arrrggghh!!! so gave them a try again after several months of sitting in my counter and washed them off so no more breakouts after that. overall, they are gentle physical exfoliators i use twice a week to help a faster turnover of cell renewal since right now I’m still at a lost at how strong I can use chemical exfoliants when you are pregnant just to be on the safe side, this is after all a temporary thing. This contains just a bit of glycolic acid, but once I ran out of these will not be repurchasing, chemical exfoliation is still the best and the fastest way for eliminating those pimple scars and for that brighter and smoother skin tone.

verdict – 3/5

 

first essence – i choose between these two:

su:m37 Secret Programming Essence

product claims – sum37’s advanced sync technology program reinforces skin’s natural function w/c contains 80 different fermented ingredients that absorbs deeply for hydration so you wake up to a more beautiful you.

smell/color/texture – very light yellowish clear watery liquid w/ a scent of faint sweet smelling flowers

verdict – this is so pleasant and so soothing to use. one of the reason why i look forward to doing my routine everyday. just the mere thought of 80 different fermented ingredients in a single bottle feels so luxurious and relaxing. probably goes w/ the saying u get what u pay for. the technology and effort that is put in every bottle of this product is serious business. has definitely lived up to its claims in giving me that coveted korean glow. sinks in beautifully and absorbs quickly. but just like any luxury item in the market. a louis vuitton bag that is hand crafted w/ finest leather cant be compared to a synthetic mass produced bag yet they are both functional in carrying your things. would definitely be purchasing this again w/o any 2nd thoughts if only this is on sale, but i wouldnt go out of my way to purchase one if its on its retail value.

verdict – 4/5

 

Manyo Factory Galactomyces Niacin Special Treatment Essence

product claims – contains 97% galactomyces ferment filtrate obtained by fermenting natural yeast. skin texture improvement in 10days, pore improvement in 20days, brighter skin tone in 30days.

color/texture/smell – clear, transparent w/ water like viscosity. almost no smell or neutral. sinks in quickly with a slight tacky feeling when patted unto skin.
ingredient list – galactomyces ferment filtrate, niacinamide, zanthoxylum piperitum fruit extract, pulsatilla koreana extract, lichen extract, sodium hyaluronate

verdict – with a short sweet ingredient list this product contains no artificial fragrances or preservatives. i just wish all products are made of these. with 97% galactomyces and 2% niacin this has definitely lived up to its claims. in just as little as a day i have noticed a significant brightness the next day as if i just used up a sheetmask the night before. and in as little as 2weeks i have noticed my skin was glowing in radiance. i was blown away. dis not notice any difference with my pores though, but was not expecting it to do so either. this is a bit on the pricey side if you compare it with other essences that are cheaper and triple in quantity. do also note that if you are using vitamin c you can use this at the same routine, so i use this only at night and yet i have seen great results with this. but for now might not repurchase since this only comes at 50ml and a bit on the pricey side, as the saying foes you always get what u pay for. especially if you are very particular about harmful ingredients. so yes this is definitely a great buy, and would definitely recommend for anyone who wants to see immediate results and get that korean glow.

verdict – 4/5

 

toner – Hanyul Rice Essential Skin Softner

review on my morning skincare routine

 

serum – The Remedy Root Therapy Serum

product claims – free of Mineral oil, Pigment, Paraben, Phenoxyethane, triethanolamine. contains basil root, narcissus, madonna lily and snowflake bulb that store moisture and nutrients simultaneously for blossoming Flowers with moisture and nutrition. This serum is absorbed to form a thin, firm moisturizing film, and moisturizing capsules containing moist root extracts to make the skin moisturized and hydrated.

smell/color/texture – medium viscous opaque liquid w/ a lovely herbal/flowery scent

verdict – 1st of all how luxurious is that bottle. bought this when i went to seoul and i was literally the reason that got me interested. this brand theremedy is under the brand of beyond cosmetics. and i believe that they almost similarly look the same w/ the faceshop’s therapy line. and i think this is the original line that faceshop copied from. their cream of this line is ranked as no.1 best selling cream in olive young at that time so im also currently using the cream as well and i love it…more of that soon.
anyway, most companies get the extract of flowers/plants but this line has extract from the main source of the plant w/c are the roots. definitely a product worth exploring. upon dispensing the product u will notice tiny granules that comes from the root extracts that dissolves upon application. sinks in quickly and does not leave any sticky residue. my only complaint about this is that it contains alcohol. aside from the herbally smell w/c i love you can also smell the alcohol in it but it goes away quickly and does not dry me out. overall, i really am enjoying this and would be sad to part with it as soon as its gone but would not repurchase anytime soon only because it contains alcohol. but i would definitely recommend for everyone to try out.

rating – 3.5/5

 

eye cream – Belif Peat Miracle Revital Eye Cream

product claims – humic acid of peat extract plumps up the eye area and its GABA ingredient accelerates the production of collagens w/c minimizes wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes and smoothes skin. no mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, colors, preservatives, animal derived ingredients.

color/texture/smell – very faint flowery smell that is very thick in consistency. color is opaque white cream.

verdict – this product contains 20 different kinds of root, fruit, and leaf extracts all pack in one cream. the ingredient list is amazing😱 no wonder this is the best selling item from belif. a bit pricey for an eye cream but when you check the quantity you are getting you will realize that the price is now a bit affordable plus you just need a minute amount to cover both your eyes, been using this for 10months already and yet i still have enough maybe to last me for two more months. oh and the results…amazing😱this is the only eye cream that has really brightened my under eye area w/o all that harmful ingredients and makes my eye area really soft and supple. the only thing i complain about this since im very clog prone is that i break out from shea butter, so this is my very last step in my routine. i cant use this before my moisturizer and if i did pimples the next day. so people with clog prone skin or those who break out from shea butter like me would complain about this but normal to dry and sensitive skin types would definitely love this. aside from that definitely lived up to its claims and i did enjoy using this. the product just sinks in immediately, i did not feel that it just piled on top and blends in beautifully even if i use it as a last step.

rating – 3.5/5 (if only theres no shea butter)

 

moisturizer – The Remedy Root Therapy 60 Cream

product claims – contains 60% root extracts from basil, narcissus, madonna lily, and snowflake bulb. these roots are a special storage space for lilies, daffodils and lily of the valley that can withstand the dry and cold environment. this can retain moisture and give nutrition to skin.

color/texture/smell – milky creamy thick viscous cream w/ a scent of herbal sort of ginseng feel and a bit of floraly scent. ohhh smells so divine i just love the scent of herbal stuff. scent is nothing strong or overpowering.

verdict – i was intially drawn at that rustic elegant design packaging when i was shopping at olive young last time i went to seoul. this was also editors pick 2015 for allure korea. so who wouldnt be interested. check out that chockful of ingredients 60% root extracts, macadamia oil, lactobacillus/soybean ferments, squalene, saccharomyces ferment filtrate and some more root oils. no ethanol, no triethanolamine, no animal derived ingredients and best of all did not break me out. and yes it is very rare that i find a cream as potent and as thick as this that does not break me out. horay🎉 found the jackpot!!! what more could you ask for its the perfect all in one cream for my night routine that will seal everything in. the cream is thick enough yet is not greasy and sinks in beautifully after a while. has definitely lived up to its claims and i always wake up to plump, renewed and moisturized skin. if only this is readily available online or easily accesible everyone of all skin types should try this. it definitely is a great find. a hidden gem waiting to be discovered and raved about. if only i dont have that itch to try more products i can live with this for the rest of my life. a definite holy grail ♥♥♥

verdict – 5/5

 

sleeping pack – Cosrx Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask

IMG_2270

*sorry was able to finish this before I can even swatch this

product claims – enriched w/ more than 85% of propolis extract and natural beeswax, this mask provides intensive hydration with refreshing moisture.

smell/texture/color – light watery transparent yellow gel like texture w/ a faint hint of honey smell.

verdict – i use this at night after all my skin care steps. the moment i used this i fell in love with it. even after all that layering this just absorbs quickly by my skin and it just simply drinks it all up. this does not leave any residue or sticky feel. and the next day i woke up right after the 1st use, my skin was so calm and relaxed. i was so shocked at those redness and bumps has dramatically reduced and night after night of application they are now completely gone. plus propolis helps to soothe and is perfect especially at this time where i need all the help to heal those scars from mypregnancy hormonal breakouts. in just a little more than a month i have almost used up half of this 50ml jar aww…it makes me so sad to realize its almost used up i really hope that they come up with a bigger version of this. a definite rebuy for me.

rating – 5/5

 

Spot Treatment – Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream

ingredient list – centella asiatica leaf water, butylene glycol, glycerin, sunflower seed oil, zinc oxide, dimethicone, betaine, 1,2-hexanediol, viola tricolor extract, viola yedoensis extract, palm oil, palm kernel oil, cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, centella asiatica extract, zinc pca, xanthan gum, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate xopolymer, tea tree leaf oil, scutellaria baicalensis root extract

product claims – heals blemishes and acne scar quickly. reduces acne while minimizing the appearance of scars.
smell/texture/color – very thick viscous opaque white cream. smells leafy w/ a hint of citrus. spreads easily on skin despite the creamy texture when you pat it in several times unto face wont give a white cast.

verdict – bought this after i finished off my ciracle red spot cream after a youtuber raved about how great this cream is at removing acne scars and since that was and still is my dilemma. since its cosrx, bought it immediately w/o 2nd thoughts. upon arrival i checked its ingredients list and there it was sunflower and palm oil😱 and they both clog my pores😖 i was so scared to use this as it might worsen my current situation so i just spot treat very very specifically on pimples only, this did not worsen any pimple so risked everything and tried it on my scars and horay no breakouts🎉 using this still as spot treatment only. as with the results in comparison w/ the ciracle they both work the same but this one has a cheaper price tag. and the other one has that sort of cooling effect as you apply it so for me makes it more soothing and i felt that it gave me faster results than this one. overall it helped a bit in fading those scars but not as fast as acids can do in increasing that turnover rate. if you are looking for a spot treatment that is gentle and minimally invasive then this is a great cream to start. urrggghhh…as we arent getting any younger those pimple remnants are harder and harder to eliminate. oh flawless skin will you be forever be just a dream?

rating – 3.5/5

Any other suggestions in fading those pesky scars?