Showing posts with label Korean skincare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Korean skincare. Show all posts

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Review: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Identifying Information
Product name: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, 100mL
Price: PhP 900.00 + shipping fee
Description: ""BHA Blackhead Power Liquid gets rid of dead skin cell and blackhead within the pores and prevents oxidized sebum from turning into blackheads. BHA Blackhead Power Liquid has mixed a natural BHA ingredient, Betaine Salicylate, at 4%, and you can witness your skin get smoother and glossy as time goes by, as well as it light texture."
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: www.theskincarecurator.com
History: I bought this product together with the COSRX A-Sol I reviewed more than 2 months ago. I have been using this for two months now. For the first month or so, I used it by itself since I stopped using adapalene + benzoyl peroxide. Now I am using it a few times a week in conjunction with some medications that my dermatologist has prescribed for me. 

Physical Examination:
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid bottle

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Review: COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol

Identifying Information
Product name: COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol, 100mL
Price: PhP 730.00 + shipping fee
Description: "Uses good ingredients and self-assurance, for flawless skin" Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol is a skin-type solution product that solves the daunting problem of complex skin trouble with a combination of Propolis, AHA, natural BHA, and natural moisture-retention ingredients, as well as helping with control of sebum and clearing of dead skin cell. Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol contains little oil, helping with managing sebum and pores, to give the skin cleanliness with no shine or trouble.
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: www.theskincarecurator.com
History: I've been using this twice daily since October 8, 2015.

Physical Examination:
COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol box and bottle

Friday, October 16, 2015

Review: Skinfood Let's Fresh Yogurt Cleansing Foam

*Updated with pH level from Skinfood. Information was given by /u/cookiemonster257 at the Asian Beauty subreddit. Thank you very much!*

Identifying Information
Product name: Skinfood Let's Fresh Yogurt Cleansing Foam, 130mL
Price: PhP 385.00 + shipping fee
Description: "A fresh complexion! A rich, milky cleansing foam with the texture of yogurt to remove excessive sebum and keratin for a smoother complexion. Skin is left fresh and clean without a lingering tightness. Yogurt: This mineral and vitamin rich milk product has excellent hydrating properties and has been used as a natural cosmetic ingredient since ancient times." (Skinfood Official Website

Additional description from the Korea Department Store website:
- Cleanser creates a lush foam, gently cleanses the skin and pores of excess sebum, prevents acne and comedones, maintains hydro-lipid barrier.
- It gives the skin smoothness, improves the tone, retains the freshness of the skin
- Milk proteins renew the epidermis and stimulate the growth of new cells, anti-inflammatory effect, lighten the skin, exfoliate dead skin cells, strengthen and moisturize dehydrated skin, eliminate the wrinkles, helping to increase the synthesis of collagen.
- Yogurt extract nourishes and contributes to better regeneration of skin cells, retains moisture and gives the skin a healthy appearance.
- Prevents the formation of acne and inflammatory (lesions?). Due to the natural acid content of yogurt, it is able to exfoliate, moisturize and gets antimicrobial properties, smooths wrinkles, restores the pH balance of the skin. 

WOW. Those were such bold claims posted on the Korea Department Store website!
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: www.kkochipida.com
History: I've been using it twice daily for about 2 weeks (13 days to be exact) now.

Physical Examination: 
Skinfood Let's Fresh Yogurt Cleansing Foam bottle

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Review: Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream

Identifying Information
Product name: Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream, 80mL
Price: PhP 665.00 (I purchased it for PhP 598.50 because I got 10% off thanks to my NR membership card)
Description: "The Aqua Sherbet Network System protects skin from the external environment by forming a moisture film over skin. Hyaluronic acid, a plant-derived moisture factor, keeps skin moisturized by continuously maintaining moisture in combination skin for long hours."
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: Nature Republic, 4th floor, Atrium, SM Megamall
History: When I went to Nature Republic and bought the Acai Berry essence and the Fresh Green Tea toner and emulsion, I got a few samples and one of which was a little sachet of this cream. I brought it with me during a trip to Tagaytay. During my stay there, it was so cold because it was raining about 90% of the time and the winds were so strong. I liked how this cream made my skin feel so I decided to purchase the whole tub! Samples are a good marketing strategy, you see. All the makeup shops I've been to in Korea were extremely generous in giving out samples. I hope the Korean cosmetic shops here in the Philippines follow suit and not just give GWPs (gifts with purchase) once you've spent at least PhP 500.00. :) 

I've been using this cream twice a day for over a month now and as I've stated in my instagram post, it's my current favorite!

Physical Examination:
Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream jar

Monday, September 21, 2015

Review: Leaders Insolution AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask

Identifying Information
Product name: Leaders Insolution AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask
Price: PhP 148.00 (Got this during their Buy 1 Get 1 promo! :D)
Description: "Mask relieves and soothes irritated and sensitive acne skin caused by excessive sebum and skin troubles."
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: www.beautymnl.com
History: I got to know about the brand Leaders Insolution through the BeautyMNL website. I didn't know anything about the brand before that. Their sheet masks were being sold at a higher price than most sheet masks available locally so I got curious and googled about them. I saw tons of good reviews on their sheet masks so I put them on my wishlist. Upon waking up one fine day back in August, I received the usual daily e-mail from BeautyMNL and there they said that the Leaders Insolution masks were at a Buy 1 Get 1 promo! Ah, it was the perfect time to buy them so I did! :D

Physical Examination:
Leaders Insolution AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Review: COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

Identifying Information
Product name: COSRX Clinical Skin Care Acne Pimple Master Patch, 24 patches/pack
Price: PhP 150.00 + shipping fee
Description: "Protects wounded or troubled area from getting worse and maintains humidity of skin for faster recovery. It's a patch minimizing inflammation and caring damaged skins. Hydrocolloid type. Quasi-drugs." (Taken from COSRX official website)
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: www.theskincarecurator.com (not an affiliate link or anything)
History: I got these patches more than a week ago and I've been using them since then. I had a few little pimples and 2 huge ones to test these patches on.

Physical Examination:
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch front of packaging

Friday, August 28, 2015

Review: Nature Republic Fresh Green Tea 70 Toner and Emulsion

Identifying Information
Product name: Nature Republic Fresh Green Tea 70 Toner and Emulsion, 180mL/6.08 fl. oz. 
Price: PhP 545.00 each
Description: "Containing Boseong's fresh green tea leaves, the moisture-supplying toner/emulsion takes care of sensitive skin with its refreshing feel. The 7 Non-Added Formula System with the high green tea water content makes the Fresh Green Tea brand line feel more refreshing. The 7 Non-Added Formula System is free from paraben, talc, triethanolamine, animal-derived ingredients, mineral oil, benzophenone and artificial coloring."
- "Contains Polynesia Blue Lagoon Water MD 101: The blue lagoon water, which is purified from the blue coral reef of Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean, is loaded with the minerals that provide an excellent moisturizing function. The water helps to strengthen the skin's moisture retention capability."
- "Boseong's fresh green tea sprouts are concentrated with catechins and vitamin C, making the skin clear and healthy."
(Taken from the Nature Republic official website: toner and emulsion
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: Nature Republic, Atrium, SM Megamall
History: I purchased these during the 1st week of August 2015 and I've been using them regularly since then together with the Real Nature Acai Berry essence I reviewed here.

Physical Examination:
Nature Republic Fresh Green Tea 70 Toner and Emulsion boxes

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Review: Nature Republic Real Nature Acai Berry Essence

Identifying Information
Product name: Nature Republic Real Nature Acai Berry Essence, 50mL/1.69 fl. oz.
Price: PhP 545.00
Description: "Whitening essence from nature"; Natural ingredients provide rich moisture and nourishment and prevent roughness and dryness of skin
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: Nature Republic, Atrium, SM Megamall
History: I bought this during the first week of August 2015 and I've been using it daily since then.

Physical Examination:
Nature Republic Real Nature Acai Berry Essence inside its box

Friday, August 15, 2014

Review: Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel

Identifying Information
Product name: Nature Republic Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel 300ml
Price: PhP 245.00
Description:
According to the Korea Department Store website:
  • FREE from paraben, mineral oil and artificial color
  • Has a mild formula
  • It is a soothing gel made from organic aloe certified by the California CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers).
  • It has a mild and moisturizing effect for the face, arms, legs, and hair. It has multiple uses!
  • It is rich in soothing effect with 92% Aloe Vera leaf extract with non-sticky fresh absorption for moisturized skin.
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: Nature Republic, 4th floor, Atrium, SM Megamall
History: I've been using it almost everyday since April 2014. I've used up around 60% of the content and I've purchased a back-up tub.

Physical Examination:
Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel tub
Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel tub without cap

Salient Features
Positives:
  • Feels cool on the skin
  • Has a pleasant smell--sometimes it can smell like alcohol but it doesn't bother me. It does not trigger my allergic rhinitis. I like how it smells.
  • Works as a great moisturizer for my face
    • I use this with my acne medications. Normally my acne medications would cause some irritation on my skin. My skin would feel dry and it would desquamate (not in big flakes though) to the point that my skin feels like its burning when I get sweaty. This product has helped soothe my skin and keep that from happening. I'm more compliant with my acne medications now because of this!
  • Does not feel sticky once it dries
  • Does not make me oilier than I usually am
  • Does not cause any kind of skin irritation--like I said above, it soothes my skin!
  • Does not cause any breakouts
  • Inexpensive product with a lot of uses
Negatives:
  • It can take a bit of time for the product to completely dry after application.
  • It comes in a tub without any spatula so you'd have to dip your fingers in or transfer a bit of gel onto the lid to get the product out. This can be unhygienic. Just make sure your hands are clean before dipping your fingers into the product and touching your face.
  • The big tub it comes in makes it bulky to take around. I'd love for this to come in a squeeze tube as well so I can bring it with me to the hospital or when I travel.
Impression/Rating: 9/10

Discussion:
I've read many good reviews about this product and I know that it is very popular in Korea. Many brands also came out with their own version of this aloe vera gel and that just proves how popular and profitable it is.

Aloe vera gel can be used for the face, body, hair, nails, minor burns, etc. I've tried using this once on a first degree burn and it did help soothe it. It is not the most moisturizing product out there but it does the job for me that's why I am very satisfied with it. :)  

Prognosis: I will definitely repurchase this product. As I've mentioned earlier, I have a back-up tub of this waiting for me. I've also purchased 2 other products from the aloe vera line (shower gel and cleansing gel cream) and maybe I'll post reviews of those too in the future. 

***I'm using a new format for my blog entries. This is actually an edited format of what we call a "patient write-up." A patient write-up is often required of us medical students/doctors-in-training to discuss diseases and their appropriate management specific to the patient. I was working in our health hub one day and thought of using a similar format for my blog entries which are basically product write-ups too. :)) I hope this makes it easier for everyone to read my entries! 


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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Review: The Face Shop Herb Day Cleansing Wipes

The Face Shop Herb Day Cleansing Wipes
The product: The Face Shop's Herb Day Cleansing Wipes
Price: 325pesos for 70 sheets
Rating: 8/10
Where I bought it: The Face Shop, Robinsons Galleria
(+): 
  • Functions as a good remover of light to moderate coverage makeup
  • Cleanses without leaving my skin dry; it also doesn't make my skin feel sticky
  • The sheet is big enough to use on my entire face.
  • Each sheet is soaked just right--wet enough to easily wipe my face without dripping.
  • Did not cause any allergic reactions
  • Has a pleasant, non-irritating scent
  • The cap/lid is functional. There is also a sticker underneath the lid which further prevents the sheets from drying up.
(-):
  • The sheets can be a bit rough especially when they're not as wet as they originally were due to several wipes done on the face. Because of this, excessive wiping/rubbing can scratch the skin. But then again you have to be gentle in wiping your skin, you're not supposed to rub it, so this shouldn't be a problem :)
  • This cannot remove mascara thoroughly. For non-waterproof mascaras, you need to do a few more gentle wipes on your eyes to cleanse them adequately. For waterproof mascaras, you're better off using an eye makeup remover.