Empties & Reviews

I have to say I'm absolutely obsessed with checking tags on IG like "projectpan." I like the idea of people getting their money's worth from a product and enjoying all it has to offer. There is also the side of things where you want to use up a product you're not totally in love with, but it's always commendable to me that people stick with it and finish something up.

I think what I've done - hold onto some empty packaging for a couple months to "collect" my empties and show them off and review them - is kind of weird. I don't know if I'll do it again for an extended period of time, because it feels a little obsessive and like hoarding garbage! But I'm always envious of posts on /r/reddit/panporn so I wanted to do this just once! 

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
I really enjoyed this. This was my first "solid" balm or butter for cleansing. The tin is a bit small, but I used it for several months because I alternated nights with a cleansing oil. It has a strong scent, so beware. I ended up liking the Banila Clean It Zero balm better and it's larger, but I'm not opposed to getting this because I can just go to a store and grab it easily.

Stratia Velvet Cleansing Milk
I liked this, but I think for a gel or creamy cleanser, I prefer glossier's. I don't necessarily think the price is crazy high for Stratia, especially because Alli's ingredients and vision are all very good and I support Stratia and love the products and don't mind. But it's $15 for 4oz vs. $22 for 6oz, so the price per oz is only just slightly higher for Stratia. I don't have a problem with scents and I love the scent of glossier's cleanser, so I've been using it instead (plus I have 2 bottles to use up) and didn't buy this one again yet. She does now produce an 8oz version for $28, though, so once I get through some other products, I might buy it!

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
This is my favourite lightweight summer moisturizer! Gel-based moisturizers are so good for me and my skin in general, actually. I just don't like the packaging because you can't cut it out and squeeze everything out, I have to use a beauty spatula to clean it out. I will repurchase this again once I use some other ones (Drunk Elephant B-Hydra, Citrus-Honey Aqua Glow).

the Ordinary Niacinamide 10% & Zinc 1%
I make a pretty powerful skincare cocktail with my beloved Ordinary products - this one, Argireline 10%, and Buffet serum. I find that this one reduces redness after a bad blemish, taking away spots that might otherwise last longer once they're "healed." My turn-around time for breakouts has significantly lessened when I use all these guys together. I already have backups.

COSRx Advanced Snail Mucin 96 Power Essence 
Ah, a staple for so many. I really enjoy it. When I'm particularly dry, red, or irritated, I triple-down in snailtown and use this with Mizon's Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule + Recovery Gel Cream. I use this daily and it lasted me 10 months somehow. I have a backup! It is highly recommended by so many and I think the price and packaging is all very good.

Mark Prep For It Hair Primer
I honestly don't even know if Mark/Avon makes this anymore. I found it in with some of my near-forgotten hair/bath stuff and decided to use it up, because it's a decent product. It sort of feels like a leave in conditioner or lotion that sprays out and I feel like it worked best for me as a detangler. My hair is really curly and practically dreads or gets matted immediately after showering, doesn't matter if I use a comb in the shower or concentrate my conditioner or a treatment on the ends.. I need an oil or leave-in product to comb through my hair! I have lots of other stuff I like now, so I won't miss this, but I'm glad to have used it finally.

Welcos Kwailnara Banana Milk hand cream
I first tried this in a Pink Seoul mystery box and loved it! It's cheap, moisturizing, and smells great. I can usually find a package of 3 creams on eBay that's very inexpensive, so I have these all over the place. I even take them to work and my co-workers love the scent.

Nivea Smooth Replenishing Macadamia Nut Oil hand cream
I like this in the winter, it feels pretty "heavy duty" for me without being greasy. It feels like a protective glove.. like that Debba cream that they have in workplaces! Since it's cheap and easy to find in drugstores, I've gone through a few.

Wylde Rose Fruit Punch body lotion
Wylde Rose is local to me, but they have an online shop! I LOVE THIS PLACE, the owner is awesome, she has so many products. I've used bath bombs, soaps, nail polishes, probably almost everything at this point. This sounds weird, but I love this lotion's scent - to me, it smells like Monster energy drinks.. yeah, told you that's weird! But it's sweet and moisturizing and I always buy it.

NYX White Single Eyeshadow
I just use this as a base to set my primer. There is still some product clinging to the edges and I could repress it, but I'm kind of lazy and done with it. I have a lot of white and cream matte shades in palettes, so I'm not missing anything. Great cheap, matte white shadow, though! I can't believe I finished an eyeshadow!

Maybelline Fit Me! Matte and Poreless Translucent Powder
This one isn't completely used up, but I got really tired of it. It worked fine but I wouldn't use it again. It doesn't really "wow" me for any reason. All of the really hyped drugstore powders don't do it for me.. I have a similar feeling about the Rimmel Stay Matte powder!

Epically Epic Dreamsicle lip balm 
Another "indie" soap shop! I love her lip balms and interesting scent combinations. This one was Dreamsicle, which is obviously sweet and orange and creamy! I buy 6 or so at a time, sometimes scents are seasonal or have a limited run, so it's always worth it to check her out every once and while. I opened a Coconut Almond one after this and it's heavenly.

Missha Perfect Cover BB cream #13
My "holy grail" next to klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish cream. The Missha has a high SPF, good colour, creamy medium coverage that works well with all of my primers. NO COMPLAINTS. This was a small package, I will get the full product soon!

Boscia Light BB cream
This was my favourite BB cream before I tried the other two I previously mentioned. It has a thicker, almost mousse texture and lots of microglitter. The glitter doesn't bother me, but it's not for everyone. It lasted a long time, I went through 2 of these in the last few years but I think I've moved on to better things.

Too Faced Hangover Primer 
I love the scent, it's a good primer. I just think it's kind of expensive for what it is and if I had to recommend a similar "hydrating primer," I'd go with glossier's. I miss the sweet smelling coconut, but it's a small sacrifice.

I'm working on some foundations and skincare, I don't think I'm going to finish many makeup items any time soon except maybe mascaras and liquid eyeliners. But they're boring and can't really be photographed!

What did you finish up recently?

Sheet Mask Review Round-Up!

As I promised a while ago, I wanted to make quick reviews of sheet masks I've been using in order to help others and keep a record for myself. 

OKA Pump the Brightening Up

Spotlight ingredients: niacinamide (Vitamin B), magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (Vitamin C).

Fit: great besides poking me in the eye a little bit.
Essence/Absorption: a sticky/greasy residue.
Effect: soft, plump, brightened skin. 

LEADERS 7 Wonders Caribbean Coconut Calming 

Spotlight ingredients: "high Vitamin E content activates skin soothing properties; nutrient-rich coconut."

Fit: a bit large and floppy. It has a layer to remove and it's supposed to adhere very well to the face but it doesn't stick well for me.
Essence/Absorption: very nice, watery and not sticky.
Effect: calmed, refreshed, and plump skin. 

esfolio Egg Essence 

Spotlight ingredients: egg yolk extract to nourish; hyaluronic acid. 

Fit: pretty good, no complaints nor raves.
Essence/Absorption: no residue, quick absorption.
Effect: moist skin.  

MIZON Joyful Time Rose

Spotlight ingredients: hydrolyzed collagen and plant extracts; claims to clean pores and moisturize.  

Fit: great fit, these are some of my favourite lines of masks and I use all of them regularly.
Essence/Absorption: so much extra essence to keep and use in the morning; watery and absorbs quickly though slightly tacky. 
Effect: moist, clear skin. 

G9 Skin Pure Milk Bomb

Spotlight ingredients: "milk protein extract and amino acid complex to provide moisturizing effects."

Fit: literally like it was made for my face. I've never been happier with a mask in my life.
Essence/Absorption: white and creamy essence that absorbs quickly without ANY residue.
Effect: BRIGHT and moist skin. 

Etude House Air Therapy Tea Tree 

Spotlight ingredients: tea tree oil for calming and healing properties. 

Fit: good fit. Another line of masks I use all variants of and always repurchase.
Essence/Absorption: watery, no residue, quick absorption. 
Effect: calmed and smoothed skin.  

The Creme Shop Coenzyme Q10

Spotlight ingredients: CoQ10; claims renewal, rejuvenation, source of collagen, improved skin elasticity. 

Fit: it's okay. It is a bit wide and has extra mask around the jaw and ears.
Essence/Absorption: watery, absorbs well with minimal residue.
Effect: really only feels hydrating and softening which is fine but I wouldn't mind to use up the other couple I have left and move on. 

OVERALL: no real duds lately! MIZON and Etude House are my go-to for when I want something comfortable and trustworthy. G9 Milk Bomb is the shining star that surprised me. What have you been using?

Mask Addict! A review of my wash-off masks.

One of my favourite category of skincare products are wash-off masks. I have a pretty big collection trying to cover all my bases as far as ingredients and claims and results go. I seldom find a mask I totally don't enjoy, so I thought I would do a BRIEF review of what I have! They won't be too in depth, just what they are and what they do for me. I've included my full-size products and deluxe samples.

All prices listed are in CAD and from Sephora,ca (or the product's site in the cases that it is not offered at Sephora).

SAMPLE MASKS

1. fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask ($33 for 30mL, $80 for 100mL). It literally has chunks of fruit in it and it's supposed to help brighten the skin. Citrus fruit extracts have some minimal exfoliating properties on their own but it's not a very strong AHA. It smells like citrus. I like it but I likely wouldn't purchase a large size. 

2. fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask ($112 for 100mL). I am so mad that this is so expensive because I love it. There isn't even a mini available to purchase! It has a delightful warming and cooling effect that makes my skin tingle (in a good way) and it feels so relaxing and luxurious. It softens and smooths my skin and it's awesome. It smells like black tea (duh). 

3. fresh Rose Face Mask ($30 for 30mL, $75 for 100mL). Roses are my jam! It is a gel-like texture with pieces of rose petals in it. I find it quite moisturizing. I would consider purchasing this and fresh's rose petal toner. They're really nice and worth the splurge to me. 

4. Laneige Multiberry Yogurt Reparing Mask ($33 for 80mL). This is a pretty great price point in comparison to the fresh products. It smells amazing, like a sweet and fruity candy. I think it does a pretty good job to soften and moisturize but it's not a miracle product. I might consider purchasing it but it's not urgent. 

5. Farmacy Honey Potion ($75 for 117g). I actually have to admit I hated this the first time I used it. I love honey as an ingredient but this one has a really strong scent, not a nice "oh, it's honey" sweet scent but almost a synthetic "YES, THIS IS HONEY, OF COURSE!" scent that can be off-putting. Then when I put it on, it turns out it's a warming mask. So you feel your face get pretty hot and you're sticky and you smell like bee heaven. But then I washed it off and my face felt like a baby kitten and it was awesome. Once I knew what to expect I got used to the sensation and scent. Honey, propolis, and royal jelly are great ingredients for skincare and masks. I would consider purchasing this at some point.

6. boscia Luminizing Black Mask ($45 for 80g). I like boscia as a brand in general and they have a lot of hits for me. This dries down and peels off easily. It feels "clearing" and smoothing. I feel like meh about it, like it works well which is great but I'm not running out to buy it because I can't live without it. If I got another sample or it was on sale or in a set then I'd be happy. 

FULL-SIZE MASKS

1. Lush Bunny Moon Jelly Face Mask ($13.95 for 60g). I am not huge into Lush like some people are. I just tried a few things recently and I have to say, I'm hooked on the Jelly Masks. Bunny Moon is a calming, brightening, and moisturizing mask. It smells like vanilla/maple/honey. It lives up to its claims based on the ingredients and I really enjoy using it. 

2. Lush Just To Clarify Jelly Face Mask ($13.95 for 60g). A really gentle exfoliating and brightening mask. It has an interesting smell, it's not quite citrus like the ingredients and description say.  It's not bothersome but I'm not sure what to describe it as. I don't know why this is but I tend to always reach for this mask when I have a bath. I leave it on and exfoliate with it when I remove it after. 

3. Lush Cup O' Coffee Face and Body Mask ($11.95 for 150g). It smells like coffee and maple. You're literally throwing coffee grinds onto your face so part of me is like.. I could do this myself.. but it still feels luxurious for some reason. Damnit, Lush. It's really messy and hard to wash off, though. I basically just picked a well-reviewed or well-known Lush product to try, and I'd get a different one next time. Maybe Cupcake! 

4. Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask ($48 for duo with both Glossier masks, or $27 each for 3 fl oz/89g). People recommend using the Mega Greens mask first and then follow up with the moisturizing mask, which I personally haven't tried yet. So far I don't think I've given this mask a fair chance. The first time I tried it, I really didn't feel like it did anything. Claims to be brightening, soothing, and smoothing. It's kind of expensive and you really only save $6 buying both. 

5. Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack ($48 for duo with both Glossier masks, or $27 each for 3 fl oz/89g). I like this one better as so far it can stand on its own and still deliver as a "purifying" or "detoxifying" mask. I don't like this language because it really only means the clay ingredients are absorbing oil. People love to claim shit is clearing you out of toxins and junk like that (don't even get me started on detox teas. You have a fucking liver already that's doing that job). ANYWAY. A good mask in my books. 

6. Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask ($64 for 150mL). This one always comes in sets and sometimes you can find it at places like Winners. If you can find it discounted in some fashion, it's worth it. I wouldn't buy it full price personally. PTR has other better masks. But the cool cucumber gel is nice to apply if your skin is irritated. If you get a sunburn on your face, or you over-exfoliate, or you have a reaction.. it's nice to have. 

7. L'oreal Pure-Clay Red Algae Mask (price in range of $10.99-$15.99 for 50mL). I adore this mask. It's a clay one so it clears up your skin quite well but it also has volcanic rock bits in it that do a great job to exfoliate. It's a bit warming/cooling so it tingles as well. I love having this around and I'm definitely going to buy it again. 

8. innisfree Jeju Volcanic Color Clay Mask - Purifying ($11.65 for 70mL from roseroseshop). This product really confuses me because I've never used a "clay" mask that didn't dry. It just kind of sits on top of your skin as a sort of sticky paste. I've tried leaving it on for a long time just to see but it doesn't behave the way you'd expect. There are several versions in this line which I haven't tried yet. It does have a very "clean" feeling when you wash it off, so much so that your skin has that squeaky, stripping feeling. I'm not sure of the pH of this product. It doesn't make me dry or irritated so I only use it when my skin is particularly congested or oily or something because it clears you right out. But it's still weird. 

9. boscia Clarifying Detox Mask (I'm not sure of price as I don't think this product is made anymore, sorry). I like this mask a lot so I will likely be using the Queen Helene Mint Julep mask after I finish it since it's similar. This one smells minty and fresh, it tingles a bit, it clears and smooths my skin. 

10. Nip & Fab Glycolic Instant Fix Mask (around $13.99 for 50mL). I fucking love this thing. It's not kidding when it says instant. It contains 5% glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid that is water-soluble and dissolves dirt and dead skin). I use 7% glycolic acid usually but for some reason as this one is a mask and you leave it for 10 minutes before rinsing off, it does wonders. I'm not sure how that works because an AHA usually doesn't get washed off and it has time to work its magic.. I'm not a good fucking chemist so I wish I could explain. I just love glycolic acid so much. 

So there you have it! 

I personally recommend having a couple masks of varying types so you have one to address any skin issue that pops up. For example, a clay and/or charcoal mask for clearing out pores and absorbing oil, a gel mask with calming or healing ingredients to relieve red or irritated skin, either or both a chemical and physical exfoliating mask, and a moisturizing mask.

What mask is your favourite? 

SHEET MASK REVIEW! Secret Key's Nature Recipe Tea Tree

Hello!

I've decided I'm going to be trying to review sheet masks that I am using for two main reasons:
1) so other people can read a review prior to trying one for themselves, and
2) so I have a catalog of reviews helping me to remember what ones I liked and didn't like.

I purchase sheet masks from just a couple of websites - roseroseshop on Ebay or beautynetkorea. I haven't tried many other websites because they are expensive or may not always ship to Canada. I also really like to try sheet masks from Winners and Marshalls since I can just walk in store and they always have different inventory, though most of them tend to be North American brands. I will specify where I found each mask when I write.

Why tea tree? As a skincare ingredient, most of us love it as an antiseptic agent for treating acne, and its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It tends to "calm down" redness and soothe the skin. 

I personally don't always choose tea tree for acne since it is not a skin problem for me, but if I use an exfoliating product or have a reaction to another product I might choose something calming and soothing like this. 

The fit of the mask is a bit wide and long, as some of the sheet rolls up along my hairline by my ears and some hangs a bit off my chin. Sometimes I really hate a mask that won't stick to my chin since it makes me usually just lay down for the duration of the masking. It sounds weird, but I don't like to sit up and "waste" some of the use of the mask if its not touching my skin! 

The essence is very watery and only lightly scented. If you've ever used CosRX Low pH Good Morning Gel cleanser, it smells nothing like that - that one is strong with the tea tree scent! If you're sensitive to smells, you're probably okay. 

I purchased this mask from beautynetkorea and I decided to buy it because I had heard good things about the Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence. Now, I know these two products aren't the same thing, but sometimes if I know a brand has a star product or two, I'm more willing to try their other products. 

Overall, I was happy enough with this sheet mask. It had a nice essence that absorbed easily without any stickiness of film and its focus ingredient is one I need from time to time. I wouldn't go out of my way to find one, though. I didn't like the fit very much and found it annoying. 

I believe I have another Nature Recipe mask to try still! 

May/June Empties ✨

I am really bad at hanging onto to empty packages and remembering to take a picture.. somehow it feels a bit unnatural to hoard my garbage for social media? But here are a couple items I've finished up recently and how I felt about them.

Adama Minerals French Rose Clay Hydrating Face Mask - this was only just fine to me. I picked it up at Winner's on a whim, at the time I didn't have another clay mask I was using. It reduced oil after application but didn't do wonders for my skin. The mask feels like a regular clay mask once applied, but when you squeeze it out it's very wiggly like jell-o! It just made me laugh for no reason, so at least it was a joy to use. I would be interested in trying the brand's other masks and some other products.. the deodorants seem interesting!

Overall rating: 2.5/5, wouldn't repurchase. 

HadoLabo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion - my favourite hydrating toner. It's just perfect in every way to me. It lasts forever, it has a nice watery consistency, it absorbs well, it helps with moisture and the rest of my routine. I only didn't buy another one because I order in online and I am deviating from my "holy grail" to try Klairs' Supple Preparation Toner. I'll likely go back to this one after.

Overall rating: 5/5, likely will always have a place in my routine.

OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil - I just use it on the ends of my hair after showering and before styling. I always use some sort of oil or serum and to me they all work similarly. I like to try new brands and types of oils and serums, so while I liked this I probably won't buy it again any time soon. I'm using RenPure's Coconut Oil Renewing Dry Oil now since this one's gone. 

Overall rating: 3.5/5, worked well enough, but not running to grab a new one immediately. 

Stila Huge Lash Mascara - I really liked this deluxe sample, but at the same time, I have discovered most mascaras will work for me. I mostly just go out of my way to not purchase waterproof and everything else is fair game. Since I'm not picky, I don't repurchase mid-range mascaras. I can buy something that works well for $6 and don't have to shell out $30+. 

Overall rating: 4/5, but too expensive. 

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara - Now, considering what I just said.. I wouldn't be mad if another sample made its way to me or I was gifted this. It really did go the extra mile and make my lashes look perfectly lengthened and separated.. luxurious, like falsies. This is the only expensive mascara I would love to get again!

Overall rating: 5/5, but I really don't like the price so I'm crying into my new tube of Lash Paradise.

I'm really close to finishing up a couple of cleansers, some small skincare samples from Clinique and GlamGlow, and a Clean & Clear BHA. For makeup, I suspect I'll soon be reporting back about a bb cream, eyeshadow primer, and pencil eyeliner. 

Skincare - My Current Actives

Hi, all!

I have been using BHAs and AHAs for about a year and a half, but only in the last 6 months have I introduced retinoids and vitamin C. I just wanted to share some small reviews of my favourite products in this category. I would encourage you to do some research on how to best use these types of products, such as the order of application and necessary pH levels, in order to be safe and use them most effectively.

⭐ My skin is normal with a little bit of hyper-pigmentation (dense clusters of freckles that form brown spots on my jaw, mostly) and my goals are to maintain moisture, maintain a bright and even skin-tone, and prevent signs of aging. ⭐

from left to right: The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%, OST Pure Vitamin C 21.5, pixi Glow Tonic, CosRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%
Because I am very interested in maintaining good skin and preventing signs of aging, my research lead me to looking for retinoid products. The Advanced Retinoid 2% by Deciem's The Ordinary is inexpensive and easy to use, with a dropper and a darkened bottle. Retinoids are supposed to "cause enhanced collagen production, be skin smoothing, and even out pigmentation." I have been using this about 2-3 times each week in the evening for 9 weeks. I have seen improvement in fine lines of my forehead and generally more smoothness in my skin. 

Pure Vitamin C Wishtrend Advanced Serum 
I didn't initially look into trying a vitamin C (L-AA) product because it seemed like a greatly loved ingredient for people with acne scarring, but this wasn't a concern for me so I glossed over such products for a long time. I have some dark spots on my jaw that I wouldn't mind to fade, and who doesn't love smooth and glowing skin, anyway? I figured I had nothing to lose, so I started using this serum. I keep it in my fridge at the recommendation of most bloggers because it oxidizes quicker without being in a cool, dark place. I usually use this at night. So far I have been using it daily except for days where I use my retinoid. I seem to have faded some pesky red spots from a breakout I had in April from just my first few uses, and I'm quite happy about that. It's kind of a nuisance to go back and forth to the fridge and I don't move on to applying other products until at least 30 minutes after using it, but I think it'll be worth it.

pixi Glow Tonic
A very popular AHA (glycolic acid) in the online skincare world. I have heard a lot of mixed reviews and apparently the pH is too high for it to be a really good exfoliant. I still enjoy using it. I love the scent (mmmm, witch hazel) and it makes my face feel smooth and clean. I do find it a bit expensive in Canada for a small bottle, but you don't need much and I've had the smaller bottle since January and I'm not done with it yet.

CosRX AHA/BHA Treatment Toner
I recently discovered that this is best used just before applying actives because it prepares your skin to best use/absorb other ingredients and lowers pH. I like to spray it onto a cotton round and then swipe my face with it before applying vitamin C. It's super gentle and can be used daily.

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads 
These are the same idea as the pixi Glow Tonic, but they are pre-soaked rounds. pixi actually has a similar product, but I really wanted to try these. I like them because they are convenient to use and saves me from buying cotton rounds on their own, but I would like to try the "Extreme" version which has glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. These are definitely gentle for more sensitive skin-types.

I would repurchase all of these products and I feel they have really helped me achieve my skincare goals.

Favourites 2017: Moisturizers

Hello!

I have decided to make a series about my favourite skincare items that I regularly use, focusing on one category of products at a time. I was going to begin at the "beginning" of a routine (e.g. cleansers, cleansing oils) but I was too excited about some of my moisturizing stars to start with anything else.

1. Stratia Liquid Gold is formulated with sea buckthorn oils and a plethora of other yummy ingredients that are AMAZING for the skin. From the creator's description of the product:

"Your skin’s moisture barrier (the stratum corneum, or outermost layer of the epidermis) has a bricks-and-mortar structure: the bricks are skin cells called corneocytes, and the mortar is a fatty mixture made up of ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids. This mixture keeps your skin healthy, clear, and resilient. If it’s compromised, it can lead to skin that’s:

• Flaky
• Simultaneously dry and oily
• Lax, sallow, or dull
• Itchy and/or easily irritated
• Extremely sensitive
• Acne-prone

Liquid Gold is formulated with ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to mimic and strengthen your natural moisture barrier. By healing your dehydration and replenishing that fatty mixture in your stratum corneum, you can address the above symptoms and discover healthy, bouncy, resilient skin."

My skin isn't typically flaky, dry, or acne-prone, so I wasn't sure if this would be too heavy duty for my needs or not. I just wanted to try it and benefit from the ingredients to maintain well hydrated skin. I was so happy to see that my skin felt soft and plump and looked even in texture and tone even within the first 3 days of using this product. It's a light, bright yellow cream that absorbs and feels like an oil. The packaging is a heavy frosted glass with a pump that works fantastically. It has been given the esteemed title of "holy grail" by fans on Instagram and blogs, but don't like the love fool you into passing it by as an overhyped product. It truly is a great treatment and moisturizer for day and night. 
Available on stratiaskin for $24

2. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is just one option for moisturizers from Clinique. They have many products and recommended skincare routines for specific skin types. Many are also big fans of their Moisture Surge and the Moisturizing Lotion. The Gel is marketed for combination/oily skin, but as someone with normal skin, I find it lightweight and effective. It absorbs quickly and layers well with other skincare products, sun protection, and makeup. I will not repurchase another basic every day moisturizer because it's so great when you need to moisturize but not necessarily treat or mask or go overboard.
Available at Clinique.ca for $34

3. COSRx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask is perfect when I'm looking for something a bit more occlusive and nourishing. It is marketed to have multiple methods of application and use, however I prefer it as a sleeping pack (as the last step before I go to sleep, and after my other skincare steps in the PM). They say you can use it as a wash off mask or as a day cream as well. I find that it absorbs well and is quite moisturizing, leaving my face bright and smooth in the morning. The star ingredient is supposed to be the rice extract. Sometimes Wishtrend has a duo with this mask and the honey mask for around $20.
Available on Wishtrend for approximately $13-16

4. COSRx Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask is another good moisturizer that I love to use as a sleeping pack. The star ingredient here is the propolis extract. I do find this one a bit sticky and I don't feel as though it dries down or absorbs completely, but it does feel moisturizing enough and I believe it does calm some redness. I especially enjoy using it with snail mucin products for redness in my skin.
Available on Wishtrend for approximately $13-16

What is your "holy grail" moisturizer and what do you expect that product to achieve?

Skincare Empties! Mid-April Edition

Good evening, friends!

I have recently become quite addicted to intensifying my skincare routine. I have always had quite clear skin, without many issues or problem areas. My goal is to retain moisture, maintain the good skin I already have, and prevent signs of aging. My favourite community and resource for all things skincare, k-beauty, and "Asian skincare routines" is the subreddit /r/AsianBeauty. They have wonderful links for beginners, answering all your questions about products, routines, and the chemistry behind why certain products work for certain skin concerns. That's one of my favourite parts, no one recommends or suggests using a product without letting you know why it works. I have learned all sorts of wonderful things about how ingredients and chemical react to bring remedy to skin concerns.

Here are some of my favourite articles, blogs, or resources to get started:

• Snow White & the Asian Pear
• Fifty Shades of Snail
• Barely There Beauty
• AB's Skincare 101
• Guide to AB and the AB Subreddit
• Product & Routine Order 
• Skin Basics

I thought I would keep track of some of the new products I am trying and write small reviews when I empty a product. This past week, I emptied a few samples and one full sized product. 

1. Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment ($79CAD at Sephora.ca for 50g): I do adore this mask treatment. It smells like black licorice to me, it feels very cooling and lovely while it is on the face, and it's easy to rinse off. It makes my face feel clear and clean. But I just can't justify the price. I received a sample from Sephora and I'm happy to have tried it, but it's not something I would purchase myself. I will nab one any time it's available in a gift/value set or as a point perk or other extra sample. I am looking into ordering the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask as an alternative.

2. Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask ($77CAD at Sephora.ca for 30mL): I didn't notice a damn thing during or after using this. It is a thin, jelly formula that dries like a peeling mask, though it doesn't peel off. It is very expensive for a mask that doesn't really offer anything for brightness or pores like it claims. Easy to pass on, it wasn't like I loved it and lamented the cost.

3. Clinique Liquid Facial Soap ($22CAD at Sephora.ca for 200mL): I actually really liked this. I bought this set and the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel has become my HG. I like lightweight, gel moisturizers a lot, this one is amazing and not too pricey.  I cannot say if this is extremely effective for specific skin types or not, I have quite normal skin that is pretty hardy and can withstand anything. I just felt like it was refreshing and combined with the toner and moisturizer, my skin was in very good condition. I'm not certain of the pH of this cleanser, so that's the only reason I haven't repurchased.

4. The Body Shop Oils of Life ($44CAD at TheBodyShop.ca for 30mL): This was the first facial oil I ever used and it was amazing for my skin. I actually finished this a while ago but held onto the bottle because I use the dropper for other products sometimes and I didn't want to forget the name of it so I could buy it again later. I have tried argan oil since but it made my skin a little irritated, so I'd rather shell out a bit more for this. It absorbs quickly, smells nice, makes my skin soft like velvet and I felt well moisturized. It has a lot of added fragrance ingredients, so I'm not sure how those with more sensitive skin will fare. But my face loved this stuff. I want to get some more ASAP.

5. Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Facial Butter ($50CAD at Sephora.ca for 1.7oz): The second argan oil product I was using that made my skin a little icky and sad. And like I said, I'm pretty resilient. I'm not sure how to explain this feeling, but it was almost like it was too "rich." My skin felt greasy and clogged up in the morning.. I had a super oily nose which never usually happens, and obvious sebaceous filaments. I don't think moisture is usually a problem for me, so when I use too many creams and lotions it's just excessive for my skin. This may be better suited for someone with drier skin.

6. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 ($18CAD at Sephora.ca for 200mL): I mentioned most of this already, it worked well for me but it might not be good for all skin types. It contains menthol and baking soda.. kind of odd and could be irritating for more sensitive skin types. I'm going to use other BHAs but this was okay for the small sample size and it seemed to be effective combined with the other Clinique products.

Overall, I think the only item I will be purchasing will be TBS's Oils of Life.

I am waiting for some new products in the mail and I'm working on finishing up a few more soon!