Hey everyone!
So I have an exam in a couple of days and then 2 finals in a week on the same day..so, I'll be pretty busy studying what not and I still have work and my ER shift, so I won't be able to post stuff until the 2nd week of August =/. And when I say I'm buys, I am super busy, I'm not even allowing my bf to visit me until summer session 1 is done!
So sorry guys XO, but I am really busy and I want to do well on my exams! I hope you understand.
I'm still working on stuff, and trying products, etc. I just won't be able to write and post things till August. So please be patient and I'll be back soon!
Thank you!
C u guys later! X)
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
E.L.F. Haul!! =D
Hi guys!
So I recently bought stuff on the Eyes.Lips.Face. (E.L.F.) website when they said: Buy $20 and get a free gift bag worth $20. So I decided to try it out!
In this post I will show what I bought and what I got in my gift bag and what I think about the gift bag. Later I will be doing reviews on the products I used, but today is a show and tell day =P. Just in case you were wondering what I got or what kind of stuff E.L.F. gives away in their gift bags!
What I bought:
-small stippling brush
-spoolie for lashes and eyebrows
-mascara wands
-2 nail buffers
-matte eyeshadow in nude
-baked eyeshadow in burnt plum
-bronzer in glow
-baked bronzer st. lucia
What was in the gift bag:
-32 Piece Palette Cool Eyeshadow with a mirror and applicator
-Hypershine Lipgloss in Pink Blossom
-All Over Color Stick in Golden Peach
-Lotion Wipes: Vanilla & Coconut
-cruelty free contour brush
-Cream Eyeliner in Ivory
-Black Glitter Nail Polish
What do I think of the gift bag?
Overall, I was kind of unimpressed except for the eyeshadow palette. Not like E.L.F. knows my personal taste, but I wouldn't buy a lot of the things they gave me such as white cream eyeliner. =P But I'll try all the products and we'll see how it goes!
So yeah, this is my E.L.F. haul and $20 gift bag for you to see XP. Meanwhile I'll be trying out all the products and will write a review later on what I think of everything! Thanks for reading and I'll be back later! XD
So I recently bought stuff on the Eyes.Lips.Face. (E.L.F.) website when they said: Buy $20 and get a free gift bag worth $20. So I decided to try it out!
In this post I will show what I bought and what I got in my gift bag and what I think about the gift bag. Later I will be doing reviews on the products I used, but today is a show and tell day =P. Just in case you were wondering what I got or what kind of stuff E.L.F. gives away in their gift bags!
What I bought:
-small stippling brush
-spoolie for lashes and eyebrows
-mascara wands
-2 nail buffers
-matte eyeshadow in nude
-baked eyeshadow in burnt plum
-bronzer in glow
-baked bronzer st. lucia
What was in the gift bag:
-32 Piece Palette Cool Eyeshadow with a mirror and applicator
-Hypershine Lipgloss in Pink Blossom
-All Over Color Stick in Golden Peach
-Lotion Wipes: Vanilla & Coconut
-cruelty free contour brush
-Cream Eyeliner in Ivory
-Black Glitter Nail Polish
What do I think of the gift bag?
Overall, I was kind of unimpressed except for the eyeshadow palette. Not like E.L.F. knows my personal taste, but I wouldn't buy a lot of the things they gave me such as white cream eyeliner. =P But I'll try all the products and we'll see how it goes!
So yeah, this is my E.L.F. haul and $20 gift bag for you to see XP. Meanwhile I'll be trying out all the products and will write a review later on what I think of everything! Thanks for reading and I'll be back later! XD
Monday, July 23, 2012
Reviewing and Comparing Conditioners! Pantene vs Dove
Hi guys! =)
So today I will be comparing between the Pantene and Dove conditioners in general. Especially when it comes to the repair, moisture, and strengthening properties.
Please keep in mind that everyone's hair type is different and works differently with different products.
I have long, fine, somewhat dry hair that needs moisture and strength.
Dove VS Pantene!!
So among Dove and Pantene sub-brands, I choose the "repair" kind, "moisturizing" kind or the "strengthening" kind.
Thoughts on Pantene
Pantene is not as thick and creamy as Dove. However, it is also cheaper than Dove. I think it works okay as a conditioner. It could be a little more moisturizing or hydrating and sometimes my hair does feel a little dry after using Pantene conditioner. I've stopped using Pantene because nowadays my hair needs more moisture and care that Pantene cannot provide anymore.
For strengthening, I'm not sure if Pantene strengthens my hair, I don't really see or feel a visible difference after using an entire bottle of it. Most likely, it just keeps it in the same condition it was. And for repair properties, maybe it does repair. I have not seen split ends in a long time. But maybe it prevents split ends instead of repairing them. During usage and after usage of Pantene I don't see split ends, and even if it doesn't repair split and instead prevents it, that fine with me too! haha
I would only buy Pantene again if I'm being cheap, on a budget and in a hurry for a conditioner that works for a short period of time. I would not buy for long term use.
Thoughts on Dove
Dove is thicker and creamier than Pantene (as noted earlier). It can be a little more pricy than Pantene but it is still pretty affordable. It's a decent conditioner, more like a good standard conditioner. It is moisturizing and works well with my hair. This conditioner is my daily conditioner that I use most of the time, unless I'm trying something new.
For strengthening, I'm not sure if Dove strengthens my hair visibly. Maybe it does, I don't know. There is little breakage of my hair when I brush it, perhaps that is a sign of strengthening, but I'm not sure. At the least, it keeps my hair in the same strength that it was before.
For repair properties, like Pantene, I don't know. I haven't gotten split ends in a long time while using this conditioner. It is more likely preventing split ends than repairing.
I do like Dove because it is more hydrating and smooths out my hair better than Pantene.
Any recommendations?
Both brands are affordable and easy to find at any drugstore, department store, or grocery store. If you have hair that is dry or needs more moisture, I recommend Dove over Pantene. If you have rather oily hair and it is pretty thick and strong, then Pantene is fine as a daily conditioner. It will maintain your hair well and you don't need to worry much about your hair.
So, I hope this post helped you in finding an affordable daily conditioner. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to write them in the comment box below! Thank you for reading, I will see you later!
So today I will be comparing between the Pantene and Dove conditioners in general. Especially when it comes to the repair, moisture, and strengthening properties.
Please keep in mind that everyone's hair type is different and works differently with different products.
I have long, fine, somewhat dry hair that needs moisture and strength.
Dove VS Pantene!!
So among Dove and Pantene sub-brands, I choose the "repair" kind, "moisturizing" kind or the "strengthening" kind.
Thoughts on Pantene
For strengthening, I'm not sure if Pantene strengthens my hair, I don't really see or feel a visible difference after using an entire bottle of it. Most likely, it just keeps it in the same condition it was. And for repair properties, maybe it does repair. I have not seen split ends in a long time. But maybe it prevents split ends instead of repairing them. During usage and after usage of Pantene I don't see split ends, and even if it doesn't repair split and instead prevents it, that fine with me too! haha
I would only buy Pantene again if I'm being cheap, on a budget and in a hurry for a conditioner that works for a short period of time. I would not buy for long term use.
Thoughts on Dove
For strengthening, I'm not sure if Dove strengthens my hair visibly. Maybe it does, I don't know. There is little breakage of my hair when I brush it, perhaps that is a sign of strengthening, but I'm not sure. At the least, it keeps my hair in the same strength that it was before.
For repair properties, like Pantene, I don't know. I haven't gotten split ends in a long time while using this conditioner. It is more likely preventing split ends than repairing.
I do like Dove because it is more hydrating and smooths out my hair better than Pantene.
Any recommendations?
Both brands are affordable and easy to find at any drugstore, department store, or grocery store. If you have hair that is dry or needs more moisture, I recommend Dove over Pantene. If you have rather oily hair and it is pretty thick and strong, then Pantene is fine as a daily conditioner. It will maintain your hair well and you don't need to worry much about your hair.
So, I hope this post helped you in finding an affordable daily conditioner. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to write them in the comment box below! Thank you for reading, I will see you later!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Review on EOS Lip Balm!
Hi Everyone! =D
Today I will be reviewing the EOS Lip Balm Stick (Sweet Mint)
This product can be bought online or at the Beauty Diary store in Arcadia. It cost $3-$5 and contains 0.14 oz or 4 grams of product.
It is said to be 100% natural and USDA approved. It is 95% organic and petrolatum and paraben free. It contains shea butter and vitamin E.
What do I think of this product?
I bought the stick version because I don't like the the ball-shaped version. I feel that the stick version is easier to hold, apply, and bring around. And with the ball-shaped version I feel my lips would scrap against the edges of the pot after I went past halfway into the lip balm! So I didn't want that or to waste anything.
So I have been using this lip balm for at least a month and I love it! It moisturizes my lips well without feeling sticky or greasy. The moisture is long lasting and gives a sweet cooling mint effect which feels great during the hot weather in summer!
Do I recommend this product?
Yes! I recommend this product! It is affordable and works well. The sweet minty smell and feel is great! I use it everyday and I love it!
Pretty short post, I know. But it's hard to say more when a product works simply, so well! So, I hope this post helped you =) Thank you for reading and I will see you later! Bye!
Today I will be reviewing the EOS Lip Balm Stick (Sweet Mint)
It is said to be 100% natural and USDA approved. It is 95% organic and petrolatum and paraben free. It contains shea butter and vitamin E.
What do I think of this product?
I bought the stick version because I don't like the the ball-shaped version. I feel that the stick version is easier to hold, apply, and bring around. And with the ball-shaped version I feel my lips would scrap against the edges of the pot after I went past halfway into the lip balm! So I didn't want that or to waste anything.
So I have been using this lip balm for at least a month and I love it! It moisturizes my lips well without feeling sticky or greasy. The moisture is long lasting and gives a sweet cooling mint effect which feels great during the hot weather in summer!
Do I recommend this product?
Yes! I recommend this product! It is affordable and works well. The sweet minty smell and feel is great! I use it everyday and I love it!
Pretty short post, I know. But it's hard to say more when a product works simply, so well! So, I hope this post helped you =) Thank you for reading and I will see you later! Bye!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Review on "The Body Shop" Aloe Soothing Night Cream
Hi Everyone! =)
Today I will be reviewing The Body Shop's Aloe Soothing Night Cream!
This product can be found online or at The Body Shop store. It is $20 and contains 1.7 oz or 50mL or 48 grams of product.
It is said to calm and moisturize the skin when you are asleep. It is dermatological approved (whatever that means =P) and is clinically proven for sensitive skin.
You use this after you wash your face before you go to bed.
What do I think about this product?
So, back in April I was given sample sizes of The Body Shop's entire Aloe skincare line and did a review on the samples. One of my favorite products was this soothing night cream! However, at the time I felt it was too pricy for me and did not buy it immediately afterwards.
But, thanks to my bf =D, he found a coupon of $10 off any purchase $20 or more, so I bought it! I have been using this night cream for more than 2 months and I love it!!! It is extremely moisturizing and does not irritate or redden my sensitive skin. A little goes a long way, and 1-2 pea size amounts is enough for my face and neck. This has really helped with my dry sensitive skin areas around my mouth and nose and they stay moisturized all night long! It also does not bother the oily areas on my forehead and nose. It does not cause me to break out and it does not clog my pores. =D
The only problem I have with this product, is the price! =/ It is an amazing product! But $20 still makes me bite my tongue a bit! =P Luckily, I don't need to use a lot of this product and I am about halfway done, so this night cream will last for the summer and beginning of the fall. I will probably buy another one if I get another good coupon or discount though. =)
Do I recommend this product?
Yes! Especially if you have sensitive and dry skin, I definitely recommend this night cream! It is very moisturizing, soothing, and feels great on the skin! If you are still unsure you can go to The Body Shop store and try a sample there, or ask for a take home sample. The price may be a bit much, that's why I do recommend trying or getting samples, but if you like it, you should definitely buy it and try it! There are usually good sales and discounts going around, so it's not hard to buy this at a lower price! ^_^
UPDATE!
Hi Everyone! I have recently ordered and got another one from "The Body Shop" Online store. I'm not sure if it is because they changed the formula of the cream or maybe it is kind of old and dried out because it is not fresh like the ones in the store. The second one that I have got online has a lot thicker and stickier consistency. It is is not as smooth and is more heavy. It takes more effort to work into my skin but it still works. I am just a bit confused?/sad? that the one from "The Body Shop" online store, isn't as good as when I got it in store. So maybe, it is better to go to the store and buy it.
So I hope you enjoyed this review =) Thank you for reading and I will see you soon!
Today I will be reviewing The Body Shop's Aloe Soothing Night Cream!
It is said to calm and moisturize the skin when you are asleep. It is dermatological approved (whatever that means =P) and is clinically proven for sensitive skin.
You use this after you wash your face before you go to bed.
What do I think about this product?
So, back in April I was given sample sizes of The Body Shop's entire Aloe skincare line and did a review on the samples. One of my favorite products was this soothing night cream! However, at the time I felt it was too pricy for me and did not buy it immediately afterwards.
But, thanks to my bf =D, he found a coupon of $10 off any purchase $20 or more, so I bought it! I have been using this night cream for more than 2 months and I love it!!! It is extremely moisturizing and does not irritate or redden my sensitive skin. A little goes a long way, and 1-2 pea size amounts is enough for my face and neck. This has really helped with my dry sensitive skin areas around my mouth and nose and they stay moisturized all night long! It also does not bother the oily areas on my forehead and nose. It does not cause me to break out and it does not clog my pores. =D
The only problem I have with this product, is the price! =/ It is an amazing product! But $20 still makes me bite my tongue a bit! =P Luckily, I don't need to use a lot of this product and I am about halfway done, so this night cream will last for the summer and beginning of the fall. I will probably buy another one if I get another good coupon or discount though. =)
Do I recommend this product?
Yes! Especially if you have sensitive and dry skin, I definitely recommend this night cream! It is very moisturizing, soothing, and feels great on the skin! If you are still unsure you can go to The Body Shop store and try a sample there, or ask for a take home sample. The price may be a bit much, that's why I do recommend trying or getting samples, but if you like it, you should definitely buy it and try it! There are usually good sales and discounts going around, so it's not hard to buy this at a lower price! ^_^
UPDATE!
Hi Everyone! I have recently ordered and got another one from "The Body Shop" Online store. I'm not sure if it is because they changed the formula of the cream or maybe it is kind of old and dried out because it is not fresh like the ones in the store. The second one that I have got online has a lot thicker and stickier consistency. It is is not as smooth and is more heavy. It takes more effort to work into my skin but it still works. I am just a bit confused?/sad? that the one from "The Body Shop" online store, isn't as good as when I got it in store. So maybe, it is better to go to the store and buy it.
So I hope you enjoyed this review =) Thank you for reading and I will see you soon!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
3000 views! Thank you guys!
Hi Everyone!
I would just like to thank you! =)
I have reached a little over 3000 views and wow, I've only be blogging for about 4 months!
I don't know if that's a lot but it is a lot to me! XD
So thank you for reading my blog and I hope that I am helping anyone who is searching for things they need to help their skin and hair or looking at makeup reviews!
I will definitely keep on posting because I love talking about skincare, haircare, and makeup and I like sharing my thoughts and tips with others!
Thank you for reading and I will talk to you soon!
I would just like to thank you! =)
I have reached a little over 3000 views and wow, I've only be blogging for about 4 months!
I don't know if that's a lot but it is a lot to me! XD
So thank you for reading my blog and I hope that I am helping anyone who is searching for things they need to help their skin and hair or looking at makeup reviews!
I will definitely keep on posting because I love talking about skincare, haircare, and makeup and I like sharing my thoughts and tips with others!
Thank you for reading and I will talk to you soon!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Review on "My Beauty Diary" Variety Pack Hydrating Masks!
Hi everyone! ^_^
Heads UP! this is a super super long post! If you are looking for a specific mask, please type the name in the search bar, thanks!
I will finally be reviewing the "My Beauty Diary" variety pack of hydrating masks. Each one has it's own special property designed to treat certain skin problems or give your skin an extra boost. Some of them have properties such as whitening, brightening, softening, etc. I bought the variety pack on Amazon and it was rather pricey, I think around $30. If you read my review on "My Beauty Diary: Black Pearl Mask" (which is one of the masks in the variety pack as well) The packaging and style of mask is the same for all of them. The directions are the same, put it on after a cleansed and toned face and leave it on for 20-30 min. After taking it off, massage the serum into skin until product is fully absorbed.
Main thing about all these masks is that they are all highly hydrating and moisturizing! Definitely good if you have dry skin! Because I have sensitive and combination dry skin, I am reviewing based on my skin type. If you have tougher skin and different preferences (such as mask scent, etc.) you can consider them a little differently based on your skin type and preference. Also, please understand, because this is a variety pack, I only used each kind once! So, these are first impressions but not long time use impressions. If you have certain immediate expectations for some products such as fragrance-free or irritation, these reviews will probably be very helpful when considering which mask to buy!
And this is my take on each of the masks! Enjoy! =D
Black Pearl - I have done a thorough review on this mask in one of my blog posts because this is the first mask I ever tried and I used it for a good 3 months or so until I started the variety pack. You can read the whole review on my blog for my review on the black pearl mask. Long story short, great mask, good for sensitive and dry skin. Has whitening products that do work and evenly make my skin paler and my acne scars fade. I definitely recommend this mask!
Strawberry Yogurt - It says it whitens and refines the skin, controls/balance sebum/oil secretion, and tightens pores. This mask smells sooo good! XD haha, it has a nice sweet strawberry yogurt scent! I really like it and I would definitely recommend this one, especially to younger people. This mask is better for people with younger skin because they can absorb it better.
Yogurt has many anti-redness/inflammatory, hydrating and softening properties. Your skin will feel so smooth and bright after this mask! I am very pleased with this product and it will definitely be on my list to buy after I am done with the variety pack! =)
Natto - It says it restores radiance, elasticity to skin and prevents free radicals=antioxidant. This is the one mask that I did not try, because I gave it to a friend of mine who really wanted it. This mask has Natto extracts from it which has a high amount of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is a blood clotting vitamin and is good for the skin and it used to treat broken capillaries, rosacea, surgery bruising, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation.
I have read many good reviews on this mask and it is rather popular, especially for irritated and sensitive skin so I was eager to try it out. So, this mask has a typical mask smell to it, a bit of that product chemical smell, and doesn't really smell like natto at all, which is good i guess XP, I don't like the smell of natto. I don't like the typical product smell, which is a bit of downer but it's not too sharp and strong so it's okay. The smell goes away in 5 minutes or so.
When I first put on this mask, the skin on the corners of my nose and around my mouth stung for a few minutes, which made me sad =(. I was really hoping that this would not irritate my skin because it says it works for sensitive skin, but it did. The stinging left after those few minutes, but still you know, I wouldn't be sure about using this mask regularly if I my skin stung every time I put it on. But my skin did feel softer and smoother afterwards!
So, because everyone's skin is different, even sensitive skin, I think this mask is worth a shot! It may work better with other people's sensitive skin and not mine.
Q 10 Rejuvinating - It says it revitalizes, whitens and tightens the skin. Don't listen to them. This is a mask that has no other properties besides hydration. I don't, do not, recommend this mask. Don't get it. It's a waste of your money. Why? As a pre-med student I'll explain.
Q10 is also known as Q or QH or QH2, commonly called Ubiquinone or Ubiquinol depending on it's energized state. Q10 is used in the process to form ATP (energy) for cells in the body. Q10 is in the electron transport chain in the mitochondria of all body cells. Q10 is a molecule that transports Hydrogens in the mitochondria along the transport chain. When it does that, ATP is formed and pumped into the mitochondria for energy use.
Now, what the heck does this mean? This means that Q10 is something that transports something else in body cells. It's just a transporter/carrier. It does nothing! Absolutely nothing! And trust me, you don't need like more Q10 in your body, everyone's body has a ton of them, having a little more isn't going to make your skin or body any better or healthier.
Now, if you want a mask that just hydrates your skin like any other mask, then you can get it if you want. But you're probably paying the extra money for a property that doesn't exist. So, I do not recommend it.
Bulgaria White Rose - I read reviews on this one and I heard people did not like the smell. It is supposed to have whitening and brightening effects. The smell is kind of...meh. It smells like roses but kind of cheap? weird?, that kind of rose scent, which is kind of a put off. And, yes, like the reviews say, it is kind of strong and sharp smelling. So, I don't like that. This mask also made my face burn and sting the moment I put it on, maybe it was the fragrance that did it, I don't know, but I took it off immediately >=( and washed my face with water so it would stop burning.
I don't like strong sharp scents and my sensitive skin didn't like it. So, I do not recommend this product.
Pearl Powder Mask - I read reviews on this and it's an okay/likable mask. It is supposed to have whitening, brightening, and moisturizing effects. The first think I noticed was the artificial scent. I being made from pearl extract, I didn't know what scent to expect, maybe nothing. But I didn't like the smell of this mask. It has an artificial smell, sharp, kind of like one of those disinfectant wipes that you use to clean the bathroom, messes, etc. That bothered me. I probably won't buy this kind, just because of that. (I'm picky haha) It did kind of burn/irritate my skin around the corners of my nose and around my mouth, but it went away after 5 minutes or so. If you don't like sharp artificial smells, then I do not recommend this mask and irritation may or may not happen to you if you have sensitive skin.
Bird's nest- This is one of the more popular masks in Asia. It says that it whitens, nourishes and renews skin. It says it's good for normal skin and recommended for dry, dull, and rough skin. "Bird's nest" is corallina officinalis, the so-called “bird’s nest from the bottom of the sea”. It is a type of red seaweed, and it's properties are said to be intensely moisturizing and nourishing. This mask has no fragrance or scent to it. When I put it on, my sensitive skin tingled for a moment. I'm not sure if that was a sign of slight irritation, but it was only there for a moment and I felt fine. This mask did not irritate or redden my skin. It felt very hydrating =). I do recommend this to people who do not like scented masks and/or who have very dry skin especially in cold dry weather. It's main purpose is hydration so I would not recommend this for people who are looking for more skincare benefits than just hydration.
Aloe- It says that it provides hydration, repairation, and nourishments for skin and that it is ideal for all skin types, especially dry and damaged skin. This has an aloe scent to it that is a bit artificial but it goes away in about 5 minutes. I had a slight stinging sensation around the corners of my nose but that disappeared in a few minutes. I think this is a pretty ordinary mask, nothing really special about it besides hydration but all of them at least hydrate so I probably won't be buying this one. I think if you are young and have pretty good non-sensitive skin, I think it's worth a shot. However, if you are looking for something with more effect(s) and/or if you have sensitive skin I am not sure to recommend it or not because it may or may not irritate your skin.
Hyaluronic acid- It is said b/c of hyaluronic acid, it will revitalize and intensely moisturizes skin, helping it retain its moisture. It is said to be good for older skin especially if you have wrinkles.
I really like this mask! It is definitely the most moisturizing out of all of them, even though all of them are excellent moisturizers. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed that I had not even the most mild of irritations, which I sometimes get with some of these masks. This mask has a bit of a cooling effect, or at least it feels like a nice cooling moisturizer. =) If you are looking for extra moisturization especially if you live in a dry environment, your skin is very dry, or becomes dry because of season changes, I definitely recommend this mask to any skin type! I am very happy with this one because it did not bother my sensitive skin at all! (If you've read the others, some have bothered me slightly, but go away, which is a bit annoying and possibly worrisome).
Red vine- It says it whitens and tightens the skin and contains antioxidants. I have read very good reviews on this mask. A lot of people like it and recommend it. This masks smells strongly of red wine actually haha, it has an alcoholic scent to it. But the smell quickly faces after a minute on the face. It did not irritate or redden my sensitive skin but I may have felt a tingling sensation around the corners of my nose and around my mouth. However, that went away in less than 5 minutes. I'm sure like the rest of the My Beauty Diary masks, the whitening properties work well. After 1 use, my face didn't feel tighter, but this probably happens after using it more times. I like this mask, I'll probably buy a pack when I'm rotating different kinds of masks. I recommend this mask to any skin type. When I do buy a full pack of these, I will write a review on its tightening and antioxidant properties.
Sake yeast- One of my friends says this is a really good mask and you should use it on a hot summer day. And I was like okay! I will! XD It says it is enriched with Sake Yeast Extract, which works to boost metabolism and skin renewal by increasing temperature of skin surface and has collagen for cuticle renewal. It says it is for all skin types but for sensitive skin, one should go under dermatological testing. This sentence made me pretty wary, but I decided to try anyway =P.
I am happy to say that this mask was great! It did not irritate or redden my sensitive skin. It smelled like sake, so yes, it has an alcoholic scent to it XD. It is not that strong and does fade in a few minutes. It might have increased in temperature initially, but it was very quick and short, and then it had a more cooling effect, which felt nice on a hot day. I recommend this mask to most skin types unless you know that your skin is particularly sensitive/allergic to most skincare products. Then you should ask your dermatologist. I like this mask, and I would probably buy it again and use it during the summer more often. =)
Apple- It says that it tightens pores, refines and hydrates skin. I think you have to use this product for a while to have pore-tightening effects but I felt that it was hydrating. It had a sweet-sour green apple smell (like candy haha) but it also had a somewhat artificial smell that I didn't like. Also the nice apple smell went away quickly =(. It did sting a little bit around my mouth but went away in about 5 minutes. I don't know about this mask. It didn't have a strong impression on me or stood out in anyway. I probably won't buy it. I think if you are young and have pretty good non-sensitive skin, it's worth a shot. However, if you are looking for something with more effect(s) and if you have sensitive skin I am not sure to recommend it or not because it may or may not irritate your skin.
Collagen- It says it has collagen that lifts and firms the skin with natural, long-lasting moisturizing effects leaving it smooth, delicate and more elastic.
So, this mask did not irritate my skin at all! There was no burning sensation, itchiness or redness, which is great! It works for my sensitive skin! And I noticed a perfume like fragrance. It's hard to describe, smells like a very standard perfume. It's not a bad smell, not strong and not too sweet or sharp. I don't mind it. Because I used this only once, I don't see any lifting or firming of the skin. It would probably take 2-3 months to see a change. However, I will definitely keep this mask in mind when I am older and want to help prevent wrinkles! I'm very happy that it doesn't react to my sensitive skin =)
If you are looking for a product to help lift and firm the skin, this mask is worth a shot. I can't guarantee what it says it does, because I only used it once. However, a plus is that it works for my sensitive skin, so if you have any skin combination, it should be okay =). I'd recommend this product for people in their mid to late 30s and onwards.
Arbutin Whitening- It is said to of course, evenly whiten the skin for a paler, clearer complexion.
So, this mask doesn't have any added fragrance. It smells like any regular hydrating mask and the smelling isn't sharp or strong and goes away in a few mintues.
I'm very happy that this mask did not irritate my skin at all! No pain, stinging, or redness! Definite plus XD.
Even though I only used this mask once, this brand is pretty good at whitening and I've already seen good results from the black pearl powder mask. I'm not sure what the difference is between these 2 masks because they are both for whitening. It is possible that the whitening mask shows stronger and faster results.
If you are looking to whiten your skin, especially if it is too tanned to you or you have hyperpigmentation from scarring such as from acne, I do recommend this mask to any skin type.
Snail- It says it contains mucus secreted by snails and that is rich in protein, the ingredient effectively increases skin’s elasticity, and strengthen moisture-locking and repairing effects. I was kind of put off by the fact that it comes from snails...like...it's a personal thing, but I don't like snails, or at least I hate it when I step on one and when I'm walking in the dark outside my house there are a lot...and I really really hate it, when I accidentally step on one...so gross. Anyway, off topic, haha
So, I'm very happy that this mask did not irritate or sting my skin! I was worried at first b/c it first smelled like alcohol but that smell went away quickly and nothing bad happened to my skin. =) My skin felt very smooth and hydrated after this mask.
This mask came with a complementary snail facial moisturizer that you are supposed to use after you take off the mask. However, I decided not to use it. The reason is that it contains mineral oil, and i'm not allergic to it. But mineral oil is a very very strong moisturizer. Aquaphor has mineral oil and it is oily and thick. Because I have combination skin, I only use Aquaphor on the sensitive dry areas of my skin and nowhere near my oily forehead and nose. Therefore, I don't think this snail cream is good for oily skin, and I don't want to apply 2 different moisturizers onto my face, so I didn't use it.
I recommend this product to people with very dry and/or sensitive skin. =) It feels very nice on the skin and doesn't harm my dry sensitive skin areas. If you don't have combination skin and your skin is dry or very dry, then I also recommend that you use the complementary cream that comes with it. However, if you have combination dry skin then you might want to put it only on the dry areas of your face and if you have oily skin, I definitely don't recommend you use the cream, but the mask is fine!
Japanese cherry blossom- This is a very popular mask and I have heard very good reviews on it. It says it whitens, refreshes, brightens, and soothes the skin. Initially this mask has a sharper cherry blossom scent but it quickly lightens up into a nice faint scent. This mask did not irritate or redden my sensitive skin. I'm sure the whitening, like the other My Beauty Diary masks, works well over time. If you are just looking for basic complexion and whitening properties I recommend this to any skin type. However, if you are looking for something more than that then maybe you want to try a different mask.
So, I use a mask once a week and there were 16 masks total, which meant about 4 months overall. It took a really long time to finish this post haha. But I wanted to finish the entire variety pack and review all of the products at once so you can look at and compare the masks to fit your preferences.
I hope that you enjoyed this review despite it's long-ness XD, thank you for reading and I hope it helped you find a mask that works for you! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to write in the comment box below =). Thanks and have a nice day!
Heads UP! this is a super super long post! If you are looking for a specific mask, please type the name in the search bar, thanks!
I will finally be reviewing the "My Beauty Diary" variety pack of hydrating masks. Each one has it's own special property designed to treat certain skin problems or give your skin an extra boost. Some of them have properties such as whitening, brightening, softening, etc. I bought the variety pack on Amazon and it was rather pricey, I think around $30. If you read my review on "My Beauty Diary: Black Pearl Mask" (which is one of the masks in the variety pack as well) The packaging and style of mask is the same for all of them. The directions are the same, put it on after a cleansed and toned face and leave it on for 20-30 min. After taking it off, massage the serum into skin until product is fully absorbed.
Main thing about all these masks is that they are all highly hydrating and moisturizing! Definitely good if you have dry skin! Because I have sensitive and combination dry skin, I am reviewing based on my skin type. If you have tougher skin and different preferences (such as mask scent, etc.) you can consider them a little differently based on your skin type and preference. Also, please understand, because this is a variety pack, I only used each kind once! So, these are first impressions but not long time use impressions. If you have certain immediate expectations for some products such as fragrance-free or irritation, these reviews will probably be very helpful when considering which mask to buy!
And this is my take on each of the masks! Enjoy! =D
Black Pearl - I have done a thorough review on this mask in one of my blog posts because this is the first mask I ever tried and I used it for a good 3 months or so until I started the variety pack. You can read the whole review on my blog for my review on the black pearl mask. Long story short, great mask, good for sensitive and dry skin. Has whitening products that do work and evenly make my skin paler and my acne scars fade. I definitely recommend this mask!
Strawberry Yogurt - It says it whitens and refines the skin, controls/balance sebum/oil secretion, and tightens pores. This mask smells sooo good! XD haha, it has a nice sweet strawberry yogurt scent! I really like it and I would definitely recommend this one, especially to younger people. This mask is better for people with younger skin because they can absorb it better.
Yogurt has many anti-redness/inflammatory, hydrating and softening properties. Your skin will feel so smooth and bright after this mask! I am very pleased with this product and it will definitely be on my list to buy after I am done with the variety pack! =)
Natto - It says it restores radiance, elasticity to skin and prevents free radicals=antioxidant. This is the one mask that I did not try, because I gave it to a friend of mine who really wanted it. This mask has Natto extracts from it which has a high amount of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is a blood clotting vitamin and is good for the skin and it used to treat broken capillaries, rosacea, surgery bruising, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation.
I have read many good reviews on this mask and it is rather popular, especially for irritated and sensitive skin so I was eager to try it out. So, this mask has a typical mask smell to it, a bit of that product chemical smell, and doesn't really smell like natto at all, which is good i guess XP, I don't like the smell of natto. I don't like the typical product smell, which is a bit of downer but it's not too sharp and strong so it's okay. The smell goes away in 5 minutes or so.
When I first put on this mask, the skin on the corners of my nose and around my mouth stung for a few minutes, which made me sad =(. I was really hoping that this would not irritate my skin because it says it works for sensitive skin, but it did. The stinging left after those few minutes, but still you know, I wouldn't be sure about using this mask regularly if I my skin stung every time I put it on. But my skin did feel softer and smoother afterwards!
So, because everyone's skin is different, even sensitive skin, I think this mask is worth a shot! It may work better with other people's sensitive skin and not mine.
Q 10 Rejuvinating - It says it revitalizes, whitens and tightens the skin. Don't listen to them. This is a mask that has no other properties besides hydration. I don't, do not, recommend this mask. Don't get it. It's a waste of your money. Why? As a pre-med student I'll explain.
Q10 is also known as Q or QH or QH2, commonly called Ubiquinone or Ubiquinol depending on it's energized state. Q10 is used in the process to form ATP (energy) for cells in the body. Q10 is in the electron transport chain in the mitochondria of all body cells. Q10 is a molecule that transports Hydrogens in the mitochondria along the transport chain. When it does that, ATP is formed and pumped into the mitochondria for energy use.
Now, what the heck does this mean? This means that Q10 is something that transports something else in body cells. It's just a transporter/carrier. It does nothing! Absolutely nothing! And trust me, you don't need like more Q10 in your body, everyone's body has a ton of them, having a little more isn't going to make your skin or body any better or healthier.
Now, if you want a mask that just hydrates your skin like any other mask, then you can get it if you want. But you're probably paying the extra money for a property that doesn't exist. So, I do not recommend it.
Bulgaria White Rose - I read reviews on this one and I heard people did not like the smell. It is supposed to have whitening and brightening effects. The smell is kind of...meh. It smells like roses but kind of cheap? weird?, that kind of rose scent, which is kind of a put off. And, yes, like the reviews say, it is kind of strong and sharp smelling. So, I don't like that. This mask also made my face burn and sting the moment I put it on, maybe it was the fragrance that did it, I don't know, but I took it off immediately >=( and washed my face with water so it would stop burning.
I don't like strong sharp scents and my sensitive skin didn't like it. So, I do not recommend this product.
Pearl Powder Mask - I read reviews on this and it's an okay/likable mask. It is supposed to have whitening, brightening, and moisturizing effects. The first think I noticed was the artificial scent. I being made from pearl extract, I didn't know what scent to expect, maybe nothing. But I didn't like the smell of this mask. It has an artificial smell, sharp, kind of like one of those disinfectant wipes that you use to clean the bathroom, messes, etc. That bothered me. I probably won't buy this kind, just because of that. (I'm picky haha) It did kind of burn/irritate my skin around the corners of my nose and around my mouth, but it went away after 5 minutes or so. If you don't like sharp artificial smells, then I do not recommend this mask and irritation may or may not happen to you if you have sensitive skin.
Bird's nest- This is one of the more popular masks in Asia. It says that it whitens, nourishes and renews skin. It says it's good for normal skin and recommended for dry, dull, and rough skin. "Bird's nest" is corallina officinalis, the so-called “bird’s nest from the bottom of the sea”. It is a type of red seaweed, and it's properties are said to be intensely moisturizing and nourishing. This mask has no fragrance or scent to it. When I put it on, my sensitive skin tingled for a moment. I'm not sure if that was a sign of slight irritation, but it was only there for a moment and I felt fine. This mask did not irritate or redden my skin. It felt very hydrating =). I do recommend this to people who do not like scented masks and/or who have very dry skin especially in cold dry weather. It's main purpose is hydration so I would not recommend this for people who are looking for more skincare benefits than just hydration.
Aloe- It says that it provides hydration, repairation, and nourishments for skin and that it is ideal for all skin types, especially dry and damaged skin. This has an aloe scent to it that is a bit artificial but it goes away in about 5 minutes. I had a slight stinging sensation around the corners of my nose but that disappeared in a few minutes. I think this is a pretty ordinary mask, nothing really special about it besides hydration but all of them at least hydrate so I probably won't be buying this one. I think if you are young and have pretty good non-sensitive skin, I think it's worth a shot. However, if you are looking for something with more effect(s) and/or if you have sensitive skin I am not sure to recommend it or not because it may or may not irritate your skin.
Hyaluronic acid- It is said b/c of hyaluronic acid, it will revitalize and intensely moisturizes skin, helping it retain its moisture. It is said to be good for older skin especially if you have wrinkles.
I really like this mask! It is definitely the most moisturizing out of all of them, even though all of them are excellent moisturizers. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed that I had not even the most mild of irritations, which I sometimes get with some of these masks. This mask has a bit of a cooling effect, or at least it feels like a nice cooling moisturizer. =) If you are looking for extra moisturization especially if you live in a dry environment, your skin is very dry, or becomes dry because of season changes, I definitely recommend this mask to any skin type! I am very happy with this one because it did not bother my sensitive skin at all! (If you've read the others, some have bothered me slightly, but go away, which is a bit annoying and possibly worrisome).
Red vine- It says it whitens and tightens the skin and contains antioxidants. I have read very good reviews on this mask. A lot of people like it and recommend it. This masks smells strongly of red wine actually haha, it has an alcoholic scent to it. But the smell quickly faces after a minute on the face. It did not irritate or redden my sensitive skin but I may have felt a tingling sensation around the corners of my nose and around my mouth. However, that went away in less than 5 minutes. I'm sure like the rest of the My Beauty Diary masks, the whitening properties work well. After 1 use, my face didn't feel tighter, but this probably happens after using it more times. I like this mask, I'll probably buy a pack when I'm rotating different kinds of masks. I recommend this mask to any skin type. When I do buy a full pack of these, I will write a review on its tightening and antioxidant properties.
Sake yeast- One of my friends says this is a really good mask and you should use it on a hot summer day. And I was like okay! I will! XD It says it is enriched with Sake Yeast Extract, which works to boost metabolism and skin renewal by increasing temperature of skin surface and has collagen for cuticle renewal. It says it is for all skin types but for sensitive skin, one should go under dermatological testing. This sentence made me pretty wary, but I decided to try anyway =P.
I am happy to say that this mask was great! It did not irritate or redden my sensitive skin. It smelled like sake, so yes, it has an alcoholic scent to it XD. It is not that strong and does fade in a few minutes. It might have increased in temperature initially, but it was very quick and short, and then it had a more cooling effect, which felt nice on a hot day. I recommend this mask to most skin types unless you know that your skin is particularly sensitive/allergic to most skincare products. Then you should ask your dermatologist. I like this mask, and I would probably buy it again and use it during the summer more often. =)
Apple- It says that it tightens pores, refines and hydrates skin. I think you have to use this product for a while to have pore-tightening effects but I felt that it was hydrating. It had a sweet-sour green apple smell (like candy haha) but it also had a somewhat artificial smell that I didn't like. Also the nice apple smell went away quickly =(. It did sting a little bit around my mouth but went away in about 5 minutes. I don't know about this mask. It didn't have a strong impression on me or stood out in anyway. I probably won't buy it. I think if you are young and have pretty good non-sensitive skin, it's worth a shot. However, if you are looking for something with more effect(s) and if you have sensitive skin I am not sure to recommend it or not because it may or may not irritate your skin.
Collagen- It says it has collagen that lifts and firms the skin with natural, long-lasting moisturizing effects leaving it smooth, delicate and more elastic.
So, this mask did not irritate my skin at all! There was no burning sensation, itchiness or redness, which is great! It works for my sensitive skin! And I noticed a perfume like fragrance. It's hard to describe, smells like a very standard perfume. It's not a bad smell, not strong and not too sweet or sharp. I don't mind it. Because I used this only once, I don't see any lifting or firming of the skin. It would probably take 2-3 months to see a change. However, I will definitely keep this mask in mind when I am older and want to help prevent wrinkles! I'm very happy that it doesn't react to my sensitive skin =)
If you are looking for a product to help lift and firm the skin, this mask is worth a shot. I can't guarantee what it says it does, because I only used it once. However, a plus is that it works for my sensitive skin, so if you have any skin combination, it should be okay =). I'd recommend this product for people in their mid to late 30s and onwards.
Arbutin Whitening- It is said to of course, evenly whiten the skin for a paler, clearer complexion.
So, this mask doesn't have any added fragrance. It smells like any regular hydrating mask and the smelling isn't sharp or strong and goes away in a few mintues.
I'm very happy that this mask did not irritate my skin at all! No pain, stinging, or redness! Definite plus XD.
Even though I only used this mask once, this brand is pretty good at whitening and I've already seen good results from the black pearl powder mask. I'm not sure what the difference is between these 2 masks because they are both for whitening. It is possible that the whitening mask shows stronger and faster results.
If you are looking to whiten your skin, especially if it is too tanned to you or you have hyperpigmentation from scarring such as from acne, I do recommend this mask to any skin type.
Snail- It says it contains mucus secreted by snails and that is rich in protein, the ingredient effectively increases skin’s elasticity, and strengthen moisture-locking and repairing effects. I was kind of put off by the fact that it comes from snails...like...it's a personal thing, but I don't like snails, or at least I hate it when I step on one and when I'm walking in the dark outside my house there are a lot...and I really really hate it, when I accidentally step on one...so gross. Anyway, off topic, haha
So, I'm very happy that this mask did not irritate or sting my skin! I was worried at first b/c it first smelled like alcohol but that smell went away quickly and nothing bad happened to my skin. =) My skin felt very smooth and hydrated after this mask.
This mask came with a complementary snail facial moisturizer that you are supposed to use after you take off the mask. However, I decided not to use it. The reason is that it contains mineral oil, and i'm not allergic to it. But mineral oil is a very very strong moisturizer. Aquaphor has mineral oil and it is oily and thick. Because I have combination skin, I only use Aquaphor on the sensitive dry areas of my skin and nowhere near my oily forehead and nose. Therefore, I don't think this snail cream is good for oily skin, and I don't want to apply 2 different moisturizers onto my face, so I didn't use it.
I recommend this product to people with very dry and/or sensitive skin. =) It feels very nice on the skin and doesn't harm my dry sensitive skin areas. If you don't have combination skin and your skin is dry or very dry, then I also recommend that you use the complementary cream that comes with it. However, if you have combination dry skin then you might want to put it only on the dry areas of your face and if you have oily skin, I definitely don't recommend you use the cream, but the mask is fine!
Japanese cherry blossom- This is a very popular mask and I have heard very good reviews on it. It says it whitens, refreshes, brightens, and soothes the skin. Initially this mask has a sharper cherry blossom scent but it quickly lightens up into a nice faint scent. This mask did not irritate or redden my sensitive skin. I'm sure the whitening, like the other My Beauty Diary masks, works well over time. If you are just looking for basic complexion and whitening properties I recommend this to any skin type. However, if you are looking for something more than that then maybe you want to try a different mask.
So, I use a mask once a week and there were 16 masks total, which meant about 4 months overall. It took a really long time to finish this post haha. But I wanted to finish the entire variety pack and review all of the products at once so you can look at and compare the masks to fit your preferences.
I hope that you enjoyed this review despite it's long-ness XD, thank you for reading and I hope it helped you find a mask that works for you! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to write in the comment box below =). Thanks and have a nice day!
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