Beauteque May Mask Maven 2016 review

Beauteque May Mask Maven 2016 review
Hydration Station
Refresh between Sets

Shipped : May 20

Arrived : May 20 (same day this month-Awesome!)

Use promo code "ILENE" for a special something (10% OFF) at checkout at beauteque.com and/or beauteque.com/subscriptions.

Every month there could be 9-11 masks in every bag which can range anything including sheet mask, hand mask, wash-off mask, eye mask, foot mask and etc. If you buy it per month or up to 3 months it is $15, $14 for 6 months or $13 for 12 months.

I brought it for a year to try it out. 

1. Mediheal Parrafin Foot Mask - will be giving this away because I'm not a fan of foot mask.
2. TonyMoly Pureness - not a fan of these masks, but it does its job
3. No:hJ Soothing Mask Pack - Snail (red one) - perfect for sensitive skin. I have avoided snail ingredients as long as possible, but since this is in a sheet mask from one of my favorite brands-why not. I had this sheet mask on for a hour and it was still pretty moisturizing.
4. No:hj Aqua Soothing Hyaluorinc Acid Mask (green one) - perfect for these hot and humid days in NYC. Especially this Memorial Day weekend when the sun was blazing hot.
5. Aritaum Hyaluronic Acid Fresh Essence Mask - will skip because of the alcohol scent from the other Aritaum sheet mask that I tried.
6. Aritaum Fresh Powder Pearl Mask - I was looking forward to this brand, but I felted alcohol when I had the mask on my face so it prevented me from opening the Aritaum Hyaluronic Acid one. However, my skin did feel and looked brighten afterwards.
7. Scinic Hyaluronic Acid Essence Mask - saw alcohol as one of the main ingredients so skipped this one and the next one.
8. Scinic Snail Matrix Mask
9. MyBeautyDiary - Red Wine Mask - I was looking forward to this mask because I didn't want to buy the whole box when I was in Taiwan. After trying it, it smelled like Dimetapp the entire time on my face-definitely a pass. Lucky, I didn't buy the entire box in Taiwan.

General Haul #29 - JKnLee #4 (new South Street Seaport location)

JKnLee opened their second store in NYC located at 192 Front Street in the city.
They are hosting a sample sale for 3-days from May 28-May30 from 10am to 8pm.
Below is a picture of my goodies.
      
I went there at 10:30am on the second day and they were listing all the prices on the bottom of the items and this location is more spacious than the Chinatown location.
 

They have more variety of Dr.G skincare, different brands of masks and some Clio products. The make-up was only displayed on the table so I think this store is more focused on skincare which I prefer over makeup. But I did get the famous Clio gelpresso shadow ($22)because I don't owe any-can you believe that? Everything was buy one get one, so I stocked up on sheet masks and some mist ($12).
I think I will go back on the Grand Opening on May 31 to get the Peach Milk Blur, it is labeled as a CC cream but after testing it on my skin, I think I would consider it a primer.

  

They even have a Dr.G Men line, which I got something for the brother.
Below are the masks selection with prices in the background.
SooAe boxes were $20-$25, donkey one was $30, The Cure-$20, Dr.G-$30, goodal - $20, that's the price for two boxes. There was about 10 different single SooAe sheet mask that were $1 each so I grabbed a few.

      Hurry, you only have 4 more hours today and a whole day tomorrow left for the sample sale.

Below is the famous curated skincare book Kerry and Coco's "Korean Beauty Secrets" that was on sale at 50% off also.


When I got home, I ripped open a Dr.G's sheet mask because I was eager to try it out and it is so full of moisture (not the dripping essence kind). The liquid is locked inside the sheet and left is on my face and it hasn't dried out for over a hour-really surprising! Glad I brought 2 boxes.

goodal Luminant Plus Whitening Essence

goodal Luminant Plus Whitening Essence

I was always more interested in the clear colored essence, but this was purchased at a sample sale in NYC this past January so I thought I would give it a try.

I do regret not using this in the winter time and waiting until summer time to use it.
It is a bit greasy as an essence for my combination skin during the summertime, so I have been using this as an emulsion and love it.

I think the white color creamy essence makes you think that there is a whitening effect--not really.

  

A'PIEU Air Fit A'pieu Cushion

A'PIEU Air Fit A'pieu Cushion XP SPF50+/PA+++ / #23
A'PIEU Air Fit A'pieu Cushion SPF50+/PA+++ 13.5g [Refill] / #23

  

I'm quite disappointed because this foundation makes your fine lines and pores really pronounced.
Probably I was spoiled with Hera and Sulwhasoo so I though I ventured out to the lower-priced cushions. I think this is best for people starting with cushion foundations because the price is more affordable.

Right now I am trying to use this quickly while it is still spring and the weather isn't sticky.

Moisturizing - not enough for my combination skin
Coverage - light
Wear - matte
Dewy Glow - none
Lasting Power - good for 6 hours if you don't touch your face
Oxidizing - none
Scent - none

Beauteque May Monthly BB Bag 2016 Review

Beauteque May Monthly BB Bag 2016 Review

Festival Friendly Finds
Be Fab and Fun

Use promo code "ILENE" for a special something (10% OFF) at checkout at beauteque.com and/or beauteque.com/subscriptions.

Every month there could be 6-8 full-sized products in every bag which can range anything including make-up, skincare, body care, beauty tools, hair care, lifestyle products and etc. If you buy it per month or up to 3 months it is $24, $23 for 6 months or $22 for 12 months. The retail values can range between $65 to $85 in every BB bag.

I brought it for a year to try it out. 

Date Shipped: May 17
Date Arrived: May 23

1. PreLab Toning Peeling Tap - I was excited when I saw the brand, "PreLab" featured again in this month's bag. I'm in love with their sheet masks.
2. MilkyDress SOS Blemish Cream - Perfect cream for the start of summer when pimples start coming out and pollen in is in air for allergy sufferers. A bit smaller than I imagined.
3. TonyMoly Bamboo Gel or The Saem Fresh Bamboo Smooth Gel - I have seen and tested the TonyMoly Bamboo Gel in the Flushing Mall in NYC so I was looking forward in getting the Saem version because I haven't seen or used it yet. I'm all for using different brands of product.
4. The Saem Healing Garden Tea Cleansing Tissue - perfect for on-the-go.
5. A'pieu Glow Nail Touch in shade CR05 - PERFECT SUMMER COLOR! I will be using this today!
6. Kinepin Beauty Nail Company Nail kit - will come in handy
7. Finally A makeup bag that the material isn't cheap plastic and it's very sturdy. This is the second bag within this year that I liked.

NUDE Skincare Set - The Beauty of Nutrition from Sephora

1. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Day Tint SPF 15 Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Day Tint SPF15 - 0.17 oz - 100points
2. NUDE Skincare The Beauty of Nutrition
3. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Serum deluxe sample - 0.17 oz - 0.17 oz / GWP
4. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream deluxe sample / GWP
5. Briogeo Blossom & Bloom™ Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo Briogeo Blossom & Bloom™ Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo - 0.4 oz / Sample
6. Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30 Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30 - 0.1 oz / Sample
7. Cartier La Panthère Cartier La Panthere Eau de Parfum Spray - 0.05 oz / Sample

 

The reason I purchased this because I waned an anti-aging moisturizer and on paper, this seems like the real deal. The reaction I got was quite the opposite. In my opinion this isn't the cream for all skin types- more for dry skin. I have combination skin and this cream is a bit oily for me. Don't even get me started on the oil- thick and I don't think this is worth to be applied to my skin the second time. It looked and felt like corn cooking oil and the scent - not liking it! My neck was itchy after the cream and it was hard to apply the cream evenly on my skin. I must have been spoiled with Asian skincare products since this was my first "western" product since I converted over to the eastern cosmetic world in almost a year.

SKIN Nutritious Magic No Sebum Pact DX 12g

It's a nice finishing powder.

Instead of getting the raved about Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Pact, I went sideways and got this SKIN Nutritious Magic No Sebum Pact. Yes, I wanted to be different.
I put it on top of my cushion foundation when applied.
It makes my dewy finish look very matte.
perfect for the summer if you are a sweaty person!


The powder when applied with a brush lightly over your face sucks up the sebum and sets into your pores. I don't use the cotton pad that comes with the product.

Don't let the white powder scare you like it did yo me.
It blended into my shade 23 - natural beige skin tone fine - No problems!

This lasted well during my entire 8-hour work shift and I have combination skin so I was worried about my t-zone, but it was fine.

    

General Haul #28 - TGI Wolesale #4

Date Ordered : 04/06
Date Shipped : 04/08
Date Arrived : 04/21

Total Spent - US$90.50
Free Shipping!!!

1. color: 23 Brown Missha Magic Cushion Line
2. Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence
3. Innisfree Ampoule Intense Cushion Cover color - 23
4. Innisfree Long Wear Cushion Refill
5. 23 Missha Essence Cushion
6. The samples that were provided!!!

Individual reviews coming soon!

BELIF Moisturizing and Firming Eye Cream

This my holy grail eye cream during the winter time of my mid-20s.
I went through countless numbers of eye creams and I still come back to this one.
It doesn't hurt or itch my sensitive eye area.
It's lightweight, creamy.
Very moisturizing however doesn't do much for fine lines and wrinkles.

Now that I'm almost entering my 30s, I need to find my next holy grail eye cream preferable with anti-wrinkle properties.

Next time I go visit Korea or Taiwan, I will buy their BELIF Peat Miracle Revital Eye Cream

INNISFREE Jejubija Trouble Skin 200ml

This is the summer toner that I tried after my beloved Hera Age Away during the winter time.
The first thing that hit me when i opened the package was the scent.
It smells like pine, woods and forest.
Now I know what I don't like in Korean skincare products.

This toner is perfect for acne-driven combinational sensitive skin and it contains salicylic acid for troubles and inflammatory skin.
However, I had a huge pimple on my cheeks and after two weeks of using it-it did not go away.

I thought that Innisfree only used natural ingredients until I started to smell alcohol when I applied it on my face and then I checked to see that alcohol is ingredient number 2 next to water. Very upsetting.

After using it for a week, I realize that this is just a normal toner and it's perfect for teenagers or early twenties customers.
I ended up gifting it for someone.

Oh, I miss my Hera toner.

 

SULWHASOO First Care Activating Serum and deluxe samples

SULWHASOO First Care Activating Serum

     
This comes in a very heavy ceramic bottle.
I apply this serum after my Hera essence.
It absorbs well, I'm not sure what the fuss is about since everyone raves about this product.
Yes, it's expensive and rich and smells medicinal.
I got this because I heard it works well with sensitive skin.
It has a pump (I pump 3 times for my entire face and neck area), absorbs easily, not much moisturizing since I apply emulsion and cream after 5 minutes to my combination skin. 
I will move onto another serum after I'm done with this 90ml product.
Don't really notice anything except it's a "luxury" item.
Below are some samples that I either brought or were given with this purchase.
I liked the Ginseng concentrated cream the best.

Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream

Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream - I have the all-in-three snail cream from Mizon so I think that the eye cream uses similar ingredients.

This is perfect for someone who is just starting out with eye creams. Preferable someone in their early 20s. This only gives a bit of moisturizing and can tone up inflammation a bit. Other than that, nothing else. Don't buy if you need something for fine lines, puffiness, dark circles or wrinkles. I had thrown this in my drawer at work if I need a quick pick-me-up for my eyes. It's soft light and non-sticky.

Baviphat Urban Dollkiss Peach All-in-one Peeling Gel

Baviphat Urban Dollkiss Peach All-in-one Peeling Gel - cute peach design

This is a decent peeling gel for the spring and summer seasons. It does its job as a peeling gel. For some reason, mines didn't smell like peaches so I was a bit disappointed.

Just one scoop is enough to rub all over the face and wash off the excess leftover. I have combination dry skin, so I felt like there was something missing from this peeling gel. It wasn't moisturizing and I felt like all the oils and sebum were washed off, so I have a bit of mixed feelings for this product.

Exfoliation - yes
Brightening - no
Pore Minimalizing - no

At the end, I gave it away.

Missha Essence Cushion Foundation #23

         
Moisturizing - very moisturizing hence the word "essence" in its title
Coverage - light
Wear - dewy
Dewy Glow - yes
Lasting Power - good for 6-8 hours
Oxidizing - none
Scent - none

You can put layer over layer without it getting cakey.
It's sorta watery when you place it onto your skin and your skin doesn't feel as if there is foundation on your face.
This is one of the better cushions under the Missha Line hence the "signature".
The shade 23 is a bit lighter than Hera #23.
This is preferable for combination, normal or dry skin people.
It absorbs into your skin however, if you have pores, it will show!
However, I'm not re-purchasing because there are so many cushions to try in the cosmetics world now.

The Face Shop Daegwallyeong Fresh Milk Cream 신선한 대관령 우유 크림

The Face Shop Daegwallyeong Fresh Milk Cream 신선한 대관령 우유 크림- huge tub-300ml!!!! I have used this as a body cream right after the shower to keep my skin moist. I love Face Shop stuff and the creams are never a failure or disappointment!

The FaceShop website has it for $10 as of early May 2016. This is a light cream that glides onto the skin smoothly and is best for the spring and summer. Using it during the autumn and winter in NYC weather might not be as moisturizing.  It's perfect for my sensitive and dry skin.

 

Asian cushion foundation comparasion and interchangable refills 2015 - 2016

2015 - 2016 cushions
Originally, I was going to named the title, "Korean cushions", but I have 1 Taiwan brand, so I changed it to "Asian cushions" instead. Plus since there wasn't much blogging on which refills can interchange into which brands, so I decided to do it. Hope it helps someone out there!

I have separated my winter cushions and my summer cushions.

The winter ones here are the first half (will do part 2 in a couple of months) has more moisture.

1. IOPE XP Air Cushion sunblock N23 - all amorepacific in this post fits with each other.
2. Sulwhasoo Perfecting Brightening - doesn't fit into any other brands that I have.
3. HERA M&D UV Mist Cushion Ultra Moisture SPF34 15g - all amorepacific in this post fits with each other.
4. Clio Kill cover Cushion Founwear 04 Ginger - I couldn't remove the cushion our of the case-I really tried! I prefer this one more in the summertime.

 

Sorry, I switch the places for Hera and Clio in the pictures above.

5. #2 [ Hanyul ] Luminant Cushion SPF50+ PA+++ 15gx2 - $25 - surprising it fits into the Hera

6. N23 [ HERA ] UV Mist Cushion 15g x 2 - $33 - all amorepacific in this post fits with each other.
7. A'PIEU Air Fit A'pieu Cushion XP SPF50+/PA+++ / #23 - fits into the Hera, but Hera doesn't fit into a'pieu
8. Miss Hana #1 Warm Beige Radiant - too lose for Hera and MissHana cushion didn't fit into Hera.

 

My favorite is Hera UV mist ultra moisture for the winter.
The Sulwhasoo is the closest color with my skin but in my opinion I think it's better for people over the age of 30. So I gave the refill for my mom to use and she liked it a lot.
Kill Cover is perfect for all season, I used the refill during the winter months and it felt like a second skin. It doesn't rub off as much as the others. The Clio and Her UV mist ultra were the ones that I reached for the most!