My K-Beauty Haul from Althea

Over the years it seems like new Korean beauty retailers have been popping up constantly, and honestly? It's great, but I didn't really care for the same type of beauty shop for the nth time. However awhile back I came across Althea, a retailer that used to ship exclusively to Southeastern Asia, but recently opened its doors to the rest of the world. And after shopping with them? They've definitely gone on my list of retailers I'll continue to shop from. 

Not to say that I won't continue to shop at my favorites, but Althea has some strengths and unique points that makes them stand out among the sea of K-beauty retailers. Here's why:

• 30-day Return Policy | I don't know many retailers that allow for returns at all unless the product is damaged or defective, but Althea does as long as the product is unopened and in its original packaging. In addition, they'll also reimburse up to $10 of your return shipping cost! 

• Low and Competitive Prices | Their best price policy is something that can't be beat, and based on what I've seen, their prices are pretty darn close to the Korean retail price, if not better.

• Free International Shipping on Orders $50+ | Now you may be thinking "Plenty of retailers offer free shipping!", but hear me out. While it's true many do, those who offer it often sell their products at a higher price, which makes free shipping... well, not really free? But with Althea, that's not the case. Also, their shipping is incredibly fast. From the day I placed my order to the day I received it, it took a total of one week. Granted it was EMS, but even then it usually takes longer because of processing time. 

• Crazy Discounted Beauty Boxes | Otherwise known as Althea Boxes, these are limited edition beauty boxes that are around 70%+ off the total value. I'm normally not a fan of these themed boxes, but Althea's are pretty good in my opinion and totally worth checking out. 

• Carries Lesser Known Brands | Althea carries some Korean beauty brands that I've never heard of before, or ones that I have but are really hard to find. For example, they offer selections from Tov, Swanicoco, B-Lab, and so much more. 

Now, that's not to say that Althea is the perfect K-beauty destination, because it's not. It definitely has its flaws. The one I noticed immediately while browsing their site is that it takes awhile for the pages to load. Another is that while they may list that they carry a brand, that brand's products are nowhere to be seen on the site. That or they don't offer the brand's entire selection. Also, some products seem to get sold out very quickly, be back in stock, and then sold out again within an hour. Case in point, the Laneige Eye Sleeping Mask. I wanted to get it, but it kept getting sold out so eventually I just gave up. 

None of the aforementioned cons are deal breakers, but they are slight annoyances. Hopefully over time Althea will be able to fix those problems, especially the lag and lack of product selection for select brands. Also to note- Althea doesn't offer free samples with orders. I personally don't mind, but maybe they're a deal breaker for some.

Now enough chit chat and let's move on to my haul!

First up, sheet masks. Althea has a huge selection when it comes to masks, and these are the ones I finally settled on:

                                         →Dr. Jart+ V7 Toning Mask  $3.00

                                         →Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Sheet Mask $1.75

                                         →A'Pieu Silver Blanket Mask $1.50 

                                         →B&SOAP Premium Metal Snow Mask $1.75

                                         →Helloskin Jumiso Skin Lightening Mask Sheet  $2.00

                                         →Torriden Cellmazing Centellareal Mask Pack $1.00

                                         →Let Me Skin Ultra Moisture Cream Mask $4.00

For skincare, I decided to get these four products which I've wanted to try for quite awhile.
                                         →Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream $24.50
                                         →Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask $13.00
                                         →Laneige Clear-C Peeling Mask $19.00
                                         →Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner $21.99

Last but not least, makeup.
                                        →Witch's Pouch Radiant Lolli Tint in 02 Jenny Jelly $8.25
                                        →Secret Key Miracle Fit Contour Stick in 04 Shading Dark $8.50

Overall I had a very pleasant and satisfying experience shopping with Althea. My items arrived in a cute and sturdy box, and everything was well packed and protected with bubble wrap. If you're looking to make a K-beauty haul sometime in the future, I'd recommend checking them out! Right now they're offering a $20 gift for new members- $10 off your first purchase and $10 instant rebate in points!

A quick update on life- I graduated high school a couple weeks ago (just four more years of school left!) so that means it's summer vacation. I'm going to try to post as often as I can, although my goal is 2-3 posts a week. I hope everyone has a great weekend, and stay cool in this heat!

*Disclaimer: I was given credit from Althea to shop from their store, but all thoughts and opinions stated are mine and 100% honest

Review | Etude House March Pink Bird Box

Etude House has done it again with the packaging guys, only this time it's customizable! Well, kind of, but I'll get to that later. Last month they released the Glass Tinting Lips-Talk, which consists of 20 different shades (or so they say, I only count 19 on the website) ranging from beige to red to purples, including what I like to call the unicorn shade. Sadly the unicorn lipstick isn't in my possession, but I did receive three other shades to test out, along with Etude House's new Soon Jung skincare line and 0.2 Therapy Air Masks. I'll be sharing a brief review of these products, but here's a spoiler: This is the first time I've ever recommended an Etude House skincare product.

First up: the Etude House Dear My Glass Tinting Lips-Talk (whew that's a mouthful) is semi-sheer lipstick that's also a tint. However, it's not any normal lipstick. Remember the customization I mentioned earlier? This is where it plays in. Rather than using the same packaging for every shade, Etude House released 19 different lipstick cases (there's supposed to be 20 but again I only count 19 so...) with cute designs across the board. 

These are the three that I received, but there are many more as well!

Moving back to the lipstick itself, it comes packaged in a tube which you then have to insert into the cases. The shades I received are BR402 Bohemian Rosy Brown, PK003 Romantic Frill Pink, and RD302 Swag Red. Pictured above is PK003, which is also the only shade that has Krystal's signature printed on the tube.

Inserting the lipstick into the case is super easy- all you have to do is place the bottom of the tube (the white part) into the bottom half of the case, push down, and voila! The lipstick feels pretty secure in the case, but it's also easy to remove if you want to switch it up with a different case. Just don't do what I did and somehow smush the bullet in the process.

I am clumsy and this is proof of that.

I completely forgot to take individual photos of the bullets, but as you can see from the pictures above there's nothing special about them. Just a normal, rounded bullet. I personally prefer the more pointed and slanted bullet (what I refer to as the traditional lipstick shape) for better precision, but since these lipsticks are meant to be applied all over the lips and don't need to be perfectly outlined, I don't mind.

And finally, the most important part of the review: swatches and finish.

BR402 Bohemian Rosy Brown is the perfect MLBB lipstick, and my favorite shade out of the three. The name is pretty self-explanatory- it's a warm, rosy nude shade with a hint of brown. 

PK003 Romantic Frill Pink is what I call Barbie pink- it's a bright in-your-face sort of pink that has a semi-cool undertone. I personally didn't like this shade because I hate bright pink lipsticks, but to each their own.

RD302 Swag Red is a really pretty watermelon red (thus I placed it inside the watermelon case lol). It's such a cheerful color that works well for every day looks since it's not too bright, but still gives you that pop of color.

All of the lipsticks in this line have a semi-opaque, glossy finish. They're moisturizing, but here's the catch: they will accentuate dry patches. My lips get a little flaky at times if I don't drink enough water or apply lip care the night before, and the pigment from these lipsticks will stick to those flaky bits and make them very obvious, thus making the overall finish look uneven and patchy. However as long as you don't have dry lips when you apply this, then the finish is beautiful and glossy.

One swipe is enough in my opinion, since adding another layer doesn't really build up the pigmentation. These do transfer easily and wear-time is so-so, so don't expect them to be long lasting. The good thing is that the tint these lipsticks leave behind are all really pretty. Also, did I mention that they smell super sweet, like fruit candy? The scent reminds me of my childhood, and I don't mind. If you do care about scents though don't worry, the smell pretty much dissipates upon application.

If you're a fan of glossy, moisturizing lipsticks that are translucent, thus allowing your natural lip color to show through a little, then I'd recommend checking these out.

You can purchase the Glass Tinting Lips-Talk for $10.40 (lipstick insert) and $5.20 (lipstick case).

In addition to their new lipsticks, Etude House also sent me a few of their 0.2 Therapy Air Mask, as well as a trial set of their latest skincare line, Soon Jung.

I'm just going to be brief with these masks: They're very thin (according to Etude House they're only 0.2 mm thick!), fit pretty well, and have a watery, clear essence. The material isn't the softest material ever, but it isn't uncomfortable by any means. I wore them for 30 minutes and they still were still fairly wet when I took them off, so they have a long wear time. Scent-wise they smell sweet and floral, but not overwhelming, and there aren't different scents for each "flavor". When it comes to results, I have to say all three (Strawberry, Hyaluronic Acid, and Aloe) give pretty much the same result. My skin feels more hydrated after use, and that's all there really is to it. I don't notice much of a brightening or firming effect, nor is my skin significantly calmer the next day. All in all they're pretty mediocre. Good if you're just looking for an everyday mask that will add a boost of hydration to your routine without breaking the bank, but otherwise I say meh to these masks. 

You can purchase the 0.2 Therapy Air Masks for $1.30.

Since I only got to try the Soon Jung skincare products for roughly a week and a half, I will only be sharing my initial impressions of each product. None of the products in this line have a scent, and they didn't break me out.

pH 5.5 Relief Toner- This is a watery toner with a bit of a slip to it. It's definitely hydrating without being heavy, and absorbs well into the skin. Not sure if it helps calm sensitive skin and breakouts, but it didn't irritate my acne-prone skin. Also, it's low-pH.

10-Free Moist Emulsion- Emulsions aren't really my thing. I find that they're more likely to make my skin oilier than creams (strange, I know), and this one was no exception. The good thing though is that it doesn't feel heavy nor oily, and honestly it only made my skin get oily earlier during the day rather than later. If you enjoy emulsions and are just looking for one with clean, simple ingredients, definitely check this one out.

2x Barrier Moisture Cream- This is just a regular cream without any frills, and it does its job as a moisturizer. It absorbs pretty well, and doesn't leave a dewy finish. Also, it didn't feel heavy or make my skin oilier during the day. 

5-Panthensoside Cica Balm- As the name suggests, this is a thicker, balm-like cream. It's semi-opaque, and despite having a thicker consistency, spreads very easily and absorbs even quicker than the moisture cream. It has a satin-like finish that didn't make my skin oily at all. It is moisturizing though, so I think all skin types can use this one. What really surprised me with this one is that my skin actually felt calmed by this- I had some active breakouts due to stress and lack of sleep while testing this out, and my pimples actually looked better after using this. 

Guys, I'm kind of shocked that I didn't dislike these products. I've actively avoided Etude House skincare ever since I had a good number of mediocre and bad experiences with their products, but this line I would actually recommend to people who are looking for moisturizing skincare with simple ingredients or kids who don't have any skincare problems like acne, dull skin, pigmenation, etc. Out of the four products I tried, the only one I'd truly consider purchasing is the 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm. I think it's a great moisturizing cream to have on hand for days when my skin is feeling a little tight due to dryness, and considering how I'll be living in the East Coast this coming fall, I think I'm gonna need a cream like this. All of the other products weren't bad, but when it comes to skincare I want ones that offer brightening and skin-soothing effects, and these just don't have the formulations to make the cut. 

You can purchase the Soon Jung skincare line in full-size and travel-size HERE. Prices range from about $7-$20. 

What do you guys think of these new Etude House products? Have you tried them before? I hope everyone is having a great week so far! I'm sorry I've been quite inactive on Instagram and the blog lately, school has been a bit crazy these past few weeks. I feel like every teacher decided to schedule tests and due dates right before or during AP testing lol (not really laughing, these past weeks haven't been fun). I actually have a four-day calculus final this week, so I definitely won't be back for another week. Hopefully after next week though I can blog more often. Have a wonderful day everyone!

Disclaimer: The products featured were sent to me by Etude House for review purposes as part of their Pink Bird Program. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and 100% honest.

Review | Troiareuke Acsen Oil Cut Cleansing

When it comes to cleansers, there's a lot of trends that I never really jumped on board with. I've tried a lot of them, but I just don't think they're all that great, such as cleansing sticks, cleansing waters, and now: non-foaming cleansers. Of course, no offense if these have worked well for your skin and you love them, since skincare is all YMMV. But after a bad, first-time experience with a non-foaming cleanser, I didn't plan on ever trying one again. Why bother when foam cleansers work perfectly fine, right? Well, that plan changed when Troiareuke sent me their Acsen Oil Cut Cleansing.

Product Information

Name: Troiareuke Acsen Oil Cut Cleansing

What Is It: A non-foaming, hypoallergenic cleansing gel that can be used as a makeup remover and second cleanser.

Size: 120ml
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-8, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Water, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Fragrance

Since this is a cleanser, I'm not going to go in-depth on the ingredients because it's only in contact with your skin for such a short amount of time. This contains a good amount of soothing extracts (i.e. aloe barbadensis leaf juice and portulaca oleracea extract) with antioxidant properties though, and while I can't say if they'll be on your skin long enough to make a noticeable impact, I do want to point that fact out.

On a more important note, this does not contain any potential acne triggers and irritants other than butylene glycol according to CosDNA, which is a common ingredient in cosmetic products. However if you have any known sensitivities to any of the ingredients listed above, then don't use this product. 

I remember back when I first started blogging, pH levels were hardly ever discussed in skincare. I know a good amount of people now care about using low-pH cleansers, so I've decided to include pH tests in all of my future reviews where pH levels are a concern.

The Acsen Oil Cut Cleansing has a pH level of 5.5, which makes it a low-pH cleanser. Unlike many other cleansers where you have to mix them with water, you apply the Acsen Oil Cut Cleansing directly to dry skin, so the pH level won't increase due to the water and will remain the same. I'm honestly not that knowledgeable when it comes to pH levels and skincare, so I'm not going to delve into any of it. But I will continue to provide these pH tests for those of you who are pH conscious!

The cleanser is packaged in a sturdy plastic bottle with a disc top cap. Like the rest of the Acsen line, the color combination is purple and white. Nothing exciting about the packaging here, but I've come to learn that with Troiarueke the packaging is boring while the formulations are (mostly) stellar.

As you can see in the picture in the top, right-hand corner, it comes out as a watery gel- runny enough that I had to hurry to take this picture to prevent it from dripping onto the ground (taking swatch photos is a real struggle guys). Unlike other gel cleansers, this is only slightly thicker than water and not sticky at all. In fact when I'm spreading it it feels like I'm just spreading a really moisturizing toner that doesn't absorb, which sounds terrible and if such a toner does exist then it would be awful, but as a cleanser it feels really nice.

The scent is kind of difficult to describe, but that might also be due to my complete lack of ability to describe scents. I want to say it's a light floral, but I can't say. It definitely smells fresh though, and not heavy. I personally don't mind it, and I'm pretty scentsitive.

Texture and scent aside, the most important thing for a cleanser to do is clean, and boy does this do its job, meeting and exceeding my expectations. I had my doubts about its makeup removing abilities, but upon first use I was convinced that I could rely on this as an all-in-one cleanser. As you can see in the pictures above, it really does remove EVERYTHING, not leaving a hint of makeup behind. At the time I took this photo I only had a limited amount of products on hand so I used what I had, but I've also been able to remove waterproof mascara and other long-lasting makeup products with this.

Here's the thing though- while I do think this is an amazing product, I don't love it. But before you conclude that this is a product not worth trying, let me explain myself. As someone who doesn't have any problems using regular oil and foaming cleansers, I don't see the need to buy something like this which is more expensive and does the job only just as well as its alternatives. Also, and this is entirely me being biased, I enjoy the feeling of massaging foam on my skin and thus prefer a foam cleanser over a non-foaming cleanser even if it has a lower pH. But that's just me and not everyone shares my preferences and skin type, so here are the people I would recommend this cleanser to:

If you have very sensitive and acne-prone skin and have trouble finding cleansers that don't break you out, this is a great, gentle cleanser that will really get rid of all the sebum and gunk in your pores. Also, if you're someone who cannot use cleansing oils due to various reasons (they clog your pores, cause breakouts, etc.), this is the alternative for you. It doesn't clog pores, removes every trace of makeup, and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed. If I couldn't use cleansing oils, then I'd be all over this cleanser because I hate how the other types of makeup removers (cleansing waters and wipes) leave a tacky finish on my skin and they also often cause me to breakout.

One a side note- I do notice a very slight soothing effect whenever I use this cleanser, but it's pretty minimal. My skin hasn't been on the sensitive side for awhile, so I can't say if it would help calm sensitive skin problems such as redness. Most of my breakouts for the past 2-3 months have been due to stress and lack of sleep, and this barely does anything for them. So don't expect this to be an acne-clearing cleanser, even though it is formulated for sensitive acne-prone skin.

Overall I think this is a really good cleanser, but simply not worth the price if you already have cleansers that work super well for you. It's nothing phenomenal in my opinion, but I've also heard a good amount of refer to this as their holy grail, so YMMV. If you don't have sensitive or acne-prone skin then skip this, but if you do then it's definitely worth a try.

Where to Buy:

W2Beauty $38.00 ($60 min. free worldwide shipping, sign up with my code 04308009 to receive a free $5 voucher)

If you guys have tried the Troiareuke Acsen Oil Cut Cleansing before, let me know what you think in the comments below! Or if you currently have any favorite cleansers at the moment, I'd love to hear about them as well. I hope everyone has had a great weekend so far, and happy Easter to those who celebrate it!

*The product featured was sent to me by Troiareuke for review purposes. All opinions stated are mine and 100% honest.

Review | Yadah Oh My Sun Slush

One of my biggest regrets growing up is probably not wearing sunscreen, especially when I used to swim and often go outside. In fact, I didn't even start using sunscreen religiously until 2-3 years ago!

(I know, I know, it's so bad considering I live in California, where it's sunny 80% of the time)

Needless to say, I admit that my mom was right, and I totally should've listened to her since I now have a couple of sunspots on my face. In my defense, I hated how sunscreen felt on my skin back then. Because the only brands I ever knew for sunscreen were Neutrogena and Banana Boat, I assumed that all sunscreens had the thick, hard-to-spread texture that made my skin feel so greasy and suffocated. Now I know that there's a whole world of sunscreens out there with finishes and textures that are more agreeable with my skin. Although I used to think that sunscreens with a matte finish and oil-control would better suit my oily t-zones, over the past year or so I've found myself gravitating towards more hydrating sunscreens such as this one.

Unboxing | Beautibi aNEW Beauty Box

It's a (somewhat) new year, and what better beauty box to do as the first unboxing of the year than one curated by Beautibi?  I've always been a fan of Jen's curations, so I had high expectations for Beautibi's latest box. Of course, they did not disappoint. I'm actually quite behind on blogging at the moment due to school and work, but I pushed all of the other posts aside to write this one first. If you're wondering why, it's because they're almost sold out of some versions of this box, and I don't want any of you to miss out on it. I'm serious. If you're always on the prowl for something new in the Asian beauty world, you're gonna want to get this box. So enough chitchat and let's begin the unboxing!

Review | Troiareuke Skin Complex Formula + Mela C Formula Ampoule

Dehydrated oily skin is like Goldilocks- it can't have too much or too little, everything has to be juuust right. Too much hydration results in oily t-zones and possible acne, while too little results in tight, dry skin everywhere. I'm not the biggest fan of creams and lotions because they often provide too much moisture, so lately I've been using the Troiareuke Skin Complex Formula to give my skin the right amount of hydration it needs. Since post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is also a huge concern of mine, I've paired it with the Troiareuke Mela C Formula Ampoule to tackle two problems at once. 

This combination was part of the skincare "prescription" given to me by Troiareuke when I told them my skin type and concerns. Since they're not really known internationally, here's a short introduction to the brand: Pronounced troy-ARE-keh, Troiareuke was originally a spa brand in Korea that decided to make their products available to the public after launching 6 years ago. Their products are formulated based upon scientific research as well as knowledge from one-on-one interactions with clients at thousands of spas. I was really excited to give their products a try after I found that they're devoted to creating effective and gentle products for every skin type. As someone with sensitive and acne-prone skin, I'm always on the lookout for gentle formulations that also deliver results. And Troiareuke is definitely one of them.

Production Information

Name: Troiareuke Skin Complex Formula

What Is It: A hydrating toner to be used after cleansing and actives (if you use any). Can also be used as a facial mist anytime.

Size: 180ml | 6.08 fl. oz.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pinus Densiflora Bark Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, Rosa Canina (Dog-rose) Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Roselle) Flower Extract, Citrus Unshiu (Satsuma Mandarin) Peel Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Lonicra Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum (Japanese Pepper) Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Citus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Betaine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus (Cornflower) Flower Extract, Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's Wort) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Perfume

According to CosDNA, there is only one low potential acne trigger, which is butylene glycol. I do want to note however that this is an ingredient that appears in most skincare products, and I've personally never had a problem with it, so it's not going to make most people breakout. However if you are sensitive to this ingredient or have known sensitivities to any of the other ingredients listed above, don't use this product.

Troiareuke highlights hyaluronic acid as one of main ingredient in this toner, but what they have listed is actually sodium hyaluronate. What's the difference between the two? Sodium hyaluronate is a water-soluble salt form of hyaluronic acid. It's more stable (less likely to oxidize) and has smaller molecules than hyaluronic acid, so it's able to penetrate the skin better. That means it's a more powerful humectant than hyaluronic acid, helping your skin retain more moisture.

Two other ingredient highlights are pinus denisflora bark extract (pine bark extract) and salicornia herbacea extract. Pine bark extract is an antioxidant that also protects skin against UVB-induced photoaging (source). Salicornia herbacea extract comes from a type of succulent, and is found to be an potential skin rejuvenating agent that has antioxidant and brightening effects (source).

This toner is also full of many other plant and flower extracts- including some that I've never seen before in cosmetics. At first look the one I recognize immediately is calendula flower extract, an anti-inflammatory ingredient rich in antioxidants. Some of the more interesting extracts include japanese pepper fruit extract (antioxidant rich as well) and satsuma mandarin peel extract (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich). It seems like many of the extracts are high in antioxidants, which slow down the effect of free radicals on our skin to prevent and repair damaged tissue. 

This is non-beauty related, but I came across a study that suggests japanese pepper fruit extract can induce cancer cell death (source). There isn't much information on its topical uses, but I wonder if it has a lot of potential as a skincare ingredient?

Some other notable ingredients include allantoin (skin soothing and healing), niacinamide (brightens and even outs skin tone), and dipotassium glycyrrhizate (skin-conditioning and anti-irritant).

The Skin Complex Formula is packaged in a plastic spray bottle, but I find the spray nozzle a little too strong to spray the toner directly onto my face. Compared to super fine mists (like the Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist), this does not dispense a fine mist at all. It's similar to those $1 spray bottles you'd find at the supermarket- it does its job, but not very well. The only way I can spray it directly onto my face is by holding it at more than half an arm's length away, which I find wastes the product. It's a shame since I think it'd be a wonderful hydrating mist to use throughout the day, so I'm probably going to decant some of it into my Tatcha bottle once I'm done with the Tatcha mist.

Although it fails a bit in the packaging area, the Skin Complex Formula makes up for all of it with its formula and results. It's amazingly hydrating yet lightweight, and I find that I can rely on it alone to hydrate my skin. Yes, that's right- for the past four weeks I've been using this alone without any other serums or creams during the day (other than the Mela C Formula Ampoule, which has little hydration) to test how effective the two products actually are. And the result? By layering this three to four times, my dehydrated skin is well-hydrated without the use of any other products. On days where my skin is feeling particularly dry, I may do five layers, but since I do have an oily t-zone, I usually do 3. What I do is simply spray once into the palm of my hand to dispense the product, then pat it evenly onto my face, and repeat this multiple times. It does have a somewhat sticky finish, but once it's fully absorbed I'm just left with hydrated skin that's smooth to the touch. Despite it being so hydrating, it's still very lightweight, so it doesn't feel heavy at all. At night I do like to use a sleeping mask, but I can see myself using this by itself at night in the summer since my skin gets oilier during the warmer seasons.

Also, despite using this product so much, it looks like I've used up about a quarter of it in a month and half, so a whole bottle can last around 4-6 months depending on how often you use it.

Product Information

Name: Troiareuke Mela C Formula Ampoule

What Is It: A skin brightening ampoule that can be used all over the face and as a spot treatment.

Size: 20ml | 0.676 fl. oz.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Saururus Chinensis Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Phytoplacenta Extract, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Propylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Alcohol, Niacinamide, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Arbutin, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Perfume, Disodium EDTA, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil

According to CosDNA, the only low potential acne trigger is butylene glycol as well in this ampoule. This does contain alcohol, but I personally don't have a problem with alcohol in cosmetics as long as it's in small amounts. However if you are sensitive to alcohol or any of the other ingredients listed, then don't use this product.

This ampoule is also full of plant extracts, but since I'm seeing some ingredient overlap with the Skin Complex Formula, I'm just going to focus on the key ingredients in this ampoule. First off are the ingredients that make this ampoule what it is: niacinamide and arbutin, two well known ingredients for skin brightening and whitening. While niacinamide can lighten areas of pigmentation and even out skin tone, arbutin reduces melanin production to lighten your skin tone. 

Another ingredient to note is green tea extract, which is an antioxidant and has skin soothing properties. This product also contains soybean phytoplacenta extract, which is an antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient that has comparable effects to retinoid, but can be used during the daytime (source). It also has the ability to reduce hyperpigmentation and is anticarcinogenic (source).

The Mela C Formula Ampoule comes in a glass bottle with a dropper. Texture- and appearance-wise, it's pretty much like colored water. It doesn't feel particularly hydrating, and it's fairly easy to spread when used on its own. It absorbs quickly and doesn't have any sort of finish. There is a slight scent to it, but it's so faint that it's almost undetectable.

I was told to mix about 3/4 of the ampoule into the toner, and use the remainder of the ampoule as a spot treatment. However, what I decided to do instead was to use the ampoule all over my face the first week, and then use it as I was instructed to the following three weeks. I'm not sure if that actually helped with anything since brightening effects take time to see, but you'd get the same results using it alone vs. using it mixed + as spot treamtent probably.

I didn't trust myself pouring the ampoule into the toner since I actually knocked the ampoule over while I was taking photos (I was having one of those clumsy days), so I used the dropper to add it into the toner.

And here is how it looks mixed! Since the ampoule is quite pigmented, it turned the Skin Complex Formula into a light but still bright yellow. Other than the color though, nothing else changed.

So how effective was this combination at reducing my PIH? Well, in four weeks time, I've definitely seen quite a bit of improvement in my acne scars. Prior to trying out these two products, I had used my Curology prescription for months and it never really did anything for my scarring despite containing 4% niacinamide. But with this, I saw results in just one month. Granted it's nothing drastic, but the spots are definitely fading and some are almost completely gone. When it comes to PIH, I've learned that it takes lots of time (I'm talking months or even a year) and patience for it to disappear, so I'm pleased that the ampoule was able to speed up the process. During the time I used these two products, I got a few pimples due to a makeup base I tried out. Normally those pimples would've left pigmented scars that'd take forever to go away cause I squeezed some of them (I know, I really shouldn't be doing that), but amazingly the scars they left behind were gone in less than a week.

The pictures don't show it too well, but I've also noticed that my skin tone has lightened slightly since I started using this combination. By no means am I saying it bleached my skin, it just sped up the process of fading my tan and returning my skin to its natural color. My skin also looks brighter now, so I'm definitely happy with the results! I wasn't expecting much because brightening products normally don't do much for my skin, and if they do it's very temporary, but I can tell that the Mela C Formula Ampoule has a permanent brightening effect and does its job at fading hyperpigmentation.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Skin Complex Formula for all skin types, and the Mela C Formula Ampoule for those looking to brighten their skin and fade hyperpigmentation. I never had any irritations or breakouts from using these two products, so those with acne-prone and sensitive skin should be fine with them. In fact, most hydrating toners (especially those that have that "slip" to them), end up being too heavy for my skin and cause me to break out, but this one didn't. I think anyone could benefit from the Skin Complex Formula, even those with oily skin. If you have oily skin you could probably rely on it alone to hydrate your skin since it won't make your skin oilier (as long as you apply the right amount), and those with dry skin could use this to add an extra boost of hydration to their routine. As for the Mela C Formula Ampoule, it's a very gentle but effective brightening product so any skin type can use it as well.

Where to Buy: 

-W2Beauty: ($60 min. free worldwide shipping, sign up with my code 04308009 to receive a free $5 voucher)

• Skin Complex Formula $50
• Mela C Formula Ampoule $65

-KBeautyBay:

• Skin Complex Formula $41 | Travel Size (50ml) $22
• Mela C Formula Ampoule $65

What do you think of these two Troiareuke products? Let me know in the comments below!

*Disclaimer: The products featured were sent to me for review purposes by Troiareuke. All opinions are mine and 100% honest.

Reivew | Yadah Quick Tattoo Brow Gel in 02 Deep Brown

I don't know about you, but I like sleep. Especially since I don't get a lot of it during the school year. However, that also leads to a problem in the morning: getting up in time to get ready at a leisurely pace. If you ever see me in the morning, I'm usually rushing through my skincare and makeup routine, trying to get everything done within ~20 minutes. Which isn't fun, and thus any products that will shorten the time it takes me to get ready is always welcome. Such as a brow gel I can apply the night before so that my brows are ready to go in the morning. 

Product Information

Name: Yadah Quick Tattoo Brow Gel (02 Deep Brown)

What Is It: A peel-off brow gel that leaves a natural-looking tint on your brows that doesn't fade or smudge.

Size: 8ml | 0.27 fl. oz. 

 This supposedly contains blackberry extract, black bean extract, portulaca oleracea extract, and panthenol to nourish and strengthen your brows. 

The Yadah Quick Tattoo Brow Gel comes in a black, plastic tube about the size of a tube of mascara. The design isn't eye-catching, but it has the playful font and child-like drawing on it that seems characteristic to all Yadah products. 

To apply the brow gel, you can use the included brush applicator to paint the gel onto your brows. I'm personally not a fan of the shape of the brush, which I find a little too wide and pliable for precise application. It makes drawing the tip of my brow quite a pain in the neck, and I often find myself wiping off the end to redraw it because I messed up. A thinner and more pointed brush would make drawing and shaping the brows much easier, something that this brush fails to do. 

I'd say there's definitely a learning to curve to using this brush. You need to be slow and patient with this, otherwise it's quite easy to mess up. There's been plenty of times where I applied a bit too much pressure, or tried to rush through the drawing process, and ended up having to clean up the edges because I went "outside of the lines". With that being said, once you've successfully applied to gel everything's a breeze from there on.

According to the instructions, you're supposed to leave the gel on for at least one hour to let it dry and tint your skin/brows. I've never noticed a difference in pigmentation when I leave it on for one hour vs. overnight, so the time doesn't really matter as long as it's at least an hour. After that one hour, you simply peel off the gel to reveal your tinted brows.

Sometimes the gel does stick to my individual brow hairs, so it doesn't come off in one piece. I've never pulled out any hairs when peeling off the gel, but sometimes it does hurt a little since I have to tug at the gel (and in turn, my brows) to get it off. I personally don't mind that it's not an effortless process, but if you have weak brow hairs then it might be a problem.

I apologize for the different lightings in the pictures above, I took them all at different times during the day so it was difficult to get them all in the same lighting. However the color of the tint is pretty accurate! 

 As you can see in the after removal image above, the tint left behind is pigmented but still pretty natural. It's a dark brown color with a slightly red undertone, so it should be a good match for people with warm toned dark to medium brown hair. It'd also work well for anyone with dark auburn colored hair. 

Prior to trying this brow gel I had used a similar product before, which was the Etude House Tint My Brows Gel. I remember the craze surrounding the Etude House one since they were the first one to create a peel-off tint for brows. Back then I remember being a bit disappointed that the tint was only good for a day, but that seems to be the case with all of these peel-off brow tints. With the Yadah Quick Tattoo Brow Gel, the tint lasts all day without any fading or smudging. However, if you get water or sweat on your brows and wipe it off, the tint does fade a bit. And if you use a makeup remover and wash your face with a cleanser, the tint fades a lot  so you definitely can't depend on it to last for more than a day as you can see in the picture above. I did find that applying the gel overnight helps the tint stay visible longer, but it still fades too much (to a light honey brown) after the first day that you can't really rely on it alone the second day. The only way to avoid fading is to use a cleansing water to cleanse your face only. I personally don't feel like a cleansing water is enough to really cleanse out my pores, but if you don't have a problem with only using cleansing water then this tint can definitely last you more than a day. 

What I like about this brow gel is that it can be such a time-saver in the morning. I just apply the gel the night before, peel it off in the morning, and my brows are good to go (with a bit of brow mascara if I feel like it). Drawing my brows takes me about 3-4 minutes at most, but when you only have 20 minutes to get ready, 4 minutes can be a lot of time. Do I think it's a necessary product to have? Not really, but if you want to save time in the morning and like a natural brow look, then I would recommend that you give this a try. 

Where to Buy:  You can purchase this on Amazon for $10.98 with free shipping. Here are the links to the three different shades available: Ash Brown, Deep Brown, and Natural Brown.

Have you ever tried a peel-off brow tint before? Would you be interested in trying one? Let me know in the comments below!

*The product featured was provided to me for review purposes by BBcosmetic. All opinions expressed are mine and 100% honest. 

Review | Troiareuke Acsen A+ Cushion

Last summer, I had the worst breakout I ever had in my life. I got acne all over my face, including areas I rarely broke out in. And the pimples just wouldn't stop coming- it seemed like a new one was popping up every two days! During that time, I wore a lot of makeup to cover it all up. I went on a search for high to full coverage foundations and concealers, which probably wasn't the best idea since my skin was hypersensitive and my pores were very clogged already. But I didn't care, since all I wanted was to cover up my acne.

Fast forward six months, my skin has calmed down completely. And my interests have changed as well. Back then my ideal foundation was one that provided full coverage and a flawless finish, ingredients be damned. However, about a month ago, I began searching for skin friendly makeup that would act like skincare while also covering imperfections as a foundation. And I'm happy to say that I've finally found the one: the Troiareuke Acsen A+ Cushion.

Product Information

Name: Troiareuke Acsen A+ Cushion
Shade: Natural beige (No. 23)

Size: 13g + 1 extra puff

What Is It: A skincare cushion foundation with SPF50+/PA+++. It contains 99% skincare and 1% makeup, featuring ingredients such as centella asiatica extract to heal your skin while also providing natural coverage like a foundation.

Ingredients: Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Cyclohexasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl benzoate, Niacinamide, Octocrylene, Zinc Oxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Quaternium-18 Bentonite, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Calendula Officinalis Flower Water, Melaleuca Aternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Madecassoside, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Chlorphenesin, Aluminum Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Adenosine, Perfume

A quick look at CosDNA shows that there are only four very low-potential acne triggers (which are butylene glycol, dimethicone, zinc oxide, and calenula officinalis flower water), and no irritants. Now moving on to an ingredients analysis:

This cushion contains multiple UV filters including both physical filters (titianium dioxide and zinc oxide) and chemical filters (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and octocrylene) to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. While UVB rays are the ones that play a role in skin cancer development, it's also important to protect your skin against UVA rays too since they can cause premature aging. Zinc oxide is the only one out of the four that offers protection against all UVB and UVA rays, while the other three offer protection against all UVB rays and only some UVA rays. However, sensitive skin can have a bad reaction with chemical UV filters, so if you know that you have sensitivities to any chemical UV filters then I would advise you to stay away from this cushion.

Niacinamide and adenosine are two ingredients in there that are beneficial for aging skin (and all skin types really!). While niacinamide is known for its ability to brighten and even out skin tones, adenosine is great for skin restoration and fighting wrinkles.

Most importantly, the ingredients that make this cushion ideal for sensitive skin are calendula water, tea tree leaf water, and centella asiatica extract. All three are great for healing and soothing skin. Calendula is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, while tea tree is commonly used to treat acne thanks to its anti-bacterial and anit-inflammatory properties. Centella asiatica extract is an ingredient that's becoming very popular for its ability to increase collagen synthethis and promote wound healing. Personally I'm a fan of all three ingredients, so I'm happy to see that they're included in this cushion.

The Troiareuke Acsen A+ Cushion is housed in a white and silver plastic compact with the product's name printed in purple on top. Design-wise it's pretty boring, but I'm willing to overlook that since it delivers stellar effects.

The foundation itself is contained in a "mochi" cushion, where unlike most cushion foundations where the foundation is already saturated throughout the cushion, the foundation is in the center of the cushion like a mochi. This supposedly keeps the foundation fresher, although I'm not sure if it actually makes a difference.

This does have a fresh and somewhat floral scent, which I find quite pleasant and not overwhelming at all. It dissipates pretty quickly upon application, so those who are scent-sitive (like me) shouldn't be bothered by it.

I've been using this cushion every day since the beginning of January and am seriously impressed! For the past year or so, I completely stopped using cushion foundations because most of them made my skin very oily at the end of the day, even if I used a sebum-absorbing powder. Although this one does make my skin look dewy, it doesn't make it feel oily. By the end of the day the edges of my nose do get a bit oily, but it doesn't look like the oily-mess my skin normally is after wearing a cushion for 6+ hours. When worn under a powder, some of its dewiness still comes through and gives my skin this subtle luminosity. The finish looks beautiful, and has this natural look to it that makes my skin still look like skin.

Foundation tends to get patchy on my skin throughout the day since my skin is quite dehydrated during the winter, but this leaves my skin feeling (and looking) well moisturized the entire day. I've been using it in place of a moisturizer, and my skin has never felt dry. Texture-wise, it's extremely lightweight, and is similar to a watery lotion. My point is that it doesn't feel like foundation, and everything about it is more skincare than makeup. Except for one part: the coverage. Since it supposedly contains only 1% makeup, I thought the coverage would be quite sheer, but boy was I wrong. As you can see from the pictures above, it's between medium to high coverage. Although it doesn't completely cover my hyperpigmentation, its coverage is sufficient and I never feel the need to use concealer on top. 

What amazes me the most however is its healing ability. The first day I wore this I had a pimple forming, and by the end of the day it was pretty much gone! I've noticed that my skin feels soothed whenever I wear this, and my skin condition has only improved ever since I started using this as my sole base makeup. It's probably the only makeup that I'd feel okay falling asleep in (although I still wouldn't do it because I enjoy my night-time skincare routine more than anything else, and plus I have eye makeup to remove).

Lasting power-wise, it's pretty good, but not spectacular. If you lean your face against your hand, it does transfer easily, so you have to make sure that you don't touch your face or rub it against anything to prevent fading. But if you don't touch your face and set the foundation with a powder, I've worn it for 10+ hours before with slight fading. I'm honestly not going pick on its lasting power because it's not marketed as a long-lasting foundation, but if you need a foundation that can go through a lot of wear (sweat, contact, etc.), then this probably isn't for you.

The one problem I will pick on with this cushion is that it's only available in one shade. If your skin tone is NC25-NC20 (and possibly NC15), this will match you really well since it's light with a warm undertone. NC30 skin tones may be able to make this work with a bit of bronzer, but if your skin is any darker than that then this'll be too light for you. I wish Troiareuke would create a broader shade range for their foundations, but sadly this is a problem that occurs with every Korean makeup company.

 I'm honestly obsessed with this cushion and will definitely repurchase this once I run out! I've actually gone ahead and purchased Troiareuke's other cushion, the H+ Healing Cushion, to make a comparison with this one. The only difference I know so far between the two is that the H+ cushion is shade no. 21, but we shall see how it goes. Overall, as the name suggests, this an A+ cushion for sensitive, acne-prone skin. If you're normally sensitive to foundation or break out easily from it, I highly recommend that you give this a try. Although this is suitable for all skin types, I think acne-prone skin will benefit the most from it.

You can purchase this online at the following locations:
W2Beauty for $40 with free worldwide shipping (for first time customers, use my code 04308009 during registration to receive a $5 voucher towards your first purchase)
KBeautyBay for $38

What do you guys think of the Acsen A+ Cushion? When it comes to foundations, what are your expectations?
*This product was sent to me by Troiareuke for review purposes, but all opinions stated are my own and 100% honest.

Review | Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Revitalizing Cream + Gel Cleanser

When it comes to skincare, I usually divide products into two categories: moisturizing and hydrating. In my point of view, a moisturizing product means that it forms a protective film on your skin to prevent any moisture loss, keeping your skin soft and supple. Aka an emollient. On the other hand, a hydrating product is like a glass of water for your skin, providing lightweight moisture that your skin just drinks up to prevent dehydration. As someone with dehydrated skin, I'm a fan of hydrating products but have always shied away from moisturizing ones because past experiences have taught me that they're no good for my acne-prone combination-oily skin. That is, until now.

Awhile back I started testing out the Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Vitalizing Cream, which is definitely a moisturizing cream. Upon seeing the product my first thought was "Great, my skin's going to hate this". And it did. Well... sort of. See, when I first tried this cream out, it was during the summer when my skin was being a hypersensitive and oily pain in the neck. I stored the cream away back then and didn't pick it up until late October, when the weather in California finally started to cool down and my skin was behaving better. And along with that I picked up again its partner the Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Vitalizing Gel Cleanser, which I also disliked back then. And this second chance came with somewhat good news and bad news, but let's start with the good one first.

Product Info.
Name: Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Vitalizing Cream
Size: 50ml

Description:
The Advanced Repair Therapy Super Vitalizing Cream renews damaged skin with a high concentration of therapeutic Centella Asiatica, loved for its powers to repair and strengthen. Calendula and Portulaca Oleracea extracts also nourish and soothe, while Evening Primrose Oil calms troubled skin, and Ceramide 3 fortifies. The naturally citrus-scented cream's jelly-meets-balm texture allows these nutrients to soak right into skin to effectively care for and help prevent dry patches, enlarged pores, and other problems. After a quick therapy sesh, your pores will be more refined and your skin more moisturized, revitalized, and firm.

The Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Vitalizing Cream is packaged in an opaque, sturdy plastic jar. I personally don't mind the jar, but for those of you who are concerned about hygienic issues, do note that this doesn't come with a spatula.

Ingredients:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethyl Hexanediol, Sea Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Allantoin, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Ceramide 3, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Panthenol

According to CosDNA, there are a few acne triggers and irritants in this product such as cetearyl alcohol, butylene glycol, and glycerl stearate SE. Do not use this product if you're sensitive to any of the ingredients.

Let's start off with the star ingredient: titrated extract of centella asiatica, which is composed of asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid. This extract is often used for its wound healing properties. Asiatic acid increases collagen synthesis, making it ideal for healing pitted acne scars since it helps your skin fill up those "dents". Another ingredient in the list that is also known for stimulating tissue growth is allantoin.

Some other notable ingredients are ceramide 3, good for reinforcing your skin's barrier and locking moisture in your skin, and evening primrose oil, which helps your skin regulate itself by increasing or decreasing oil production so that it becomes normal. Also to be noted are a couple plant extracts (portulaca oleracea and calendula flower) that are great for soothing your skin.

There aren't really a lot of ingredients that were unexpected or concerning. The few acne triggers/irritants included are commonly used in skincare and I never had a problem with them. Also, based on the cream's texture (which I'll talk about later), I expected those ingredients. However, there is one ingredient that really bothers me: the artificial coloring (Yellow 5). It's unnecessary and harmful for your skin, since it's a toxin and carcinogenic. I don't care what my skincare looks like as long as it works, and I'm sure most people feel the same. Luckily I haven't had any negative reactions to this cream, but I'm really not happy that it contains a dye.

Let me start by saying that this is a pretty thick cream. It's not creamy per say but almost like a hybrid between a gel and a balm? This is one of those products where I feel the need to warm it up between my hands before applying to my skin. I usually take a pea size amount and rub it between my hands to kinda "melt" it, and then I press it into my skin. What's wonderful about this is that even though it's a thick cream, by melting it first and then applying, it absorbs quickly into my skin and doesn't feel heavy at all. It's never made my T-zone oily, and my pores don't feel clogged like they often do when I use thick creams like this. So thumbs up for the texture of this cream! It does have a very light citrusy scent which I love, and it's not noticeable unless you stick your nose into the jar.

Now onto the results. I've used this cream for the past 2-3 months and I really like it for the dry winter weather. It gives my skin just the right amount of moisture to keep it from feeling tight, but it's not too much that it gets oily. In fact, I suspect that this cream is what helped my skin become normal and no longer oily over the past few months. It hasn't caused any breakouts, and it also helps in calming my skin. I can't really comment on its healing properties because I only have hyperpigmentation from my acne, not actual scarring. The description claims that it refines your pores, but it doesn't, and that's okay because I didn't expect it to. When it comes to a cream I just expect it to be moisturizing and soothing without making my skin oily, which is exactly what this cream does.

Here's the thing though... I feel a bit conflicted with this cream. While I love the results it gave me, I don't like how it contains a synthetic dye that's harmful to the skin. I probably will not be repurchasing this because of that. If you want to try it out and don't care about the dye, then I'd say go ahead because (despite the dye) it's a wonderful cream that's suitable for all in skin types. In fact, if this didn't contain the dye, it'd be a holy grail. However, unless Nooni stops adding that ingredient, this cream won't be on my recommended list.

You can purchase the Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Revitalizing Cream at Memebox for $28, which is a markdown from its usual price of $40.

Now moving on to the next product in the same line!

Product Info
Name: Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Revitalizing Gel Cleanser
Size: 150ml

Description:
This refreshing, soothing gel cleanser with a pH of 6 is a heaven-sent for sensitive skin. It's enriched with 60% Centella Asiatica Extract, which calms and relieves irritations and redness. It's also flowing with Carbonated Water from the lush island of Jeju, which fizzles deep into skin to clean and nourish more effectively than pure water from the inside out. Other natural botanical extracts help to moisturize skin, strengthen layers, and improve its overall complexion, leaving skin healthy and ready to soak in the next goodies in your skincare routine.

Ingredients
Centella Asiatica Extract, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Carbomer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tromethamine, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Carrageenan, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Rose Flower Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Onsen-sui, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Water, Styrax Benzoin Gum, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol

According to CosDNA, there are quite a few acne triggers and irritants in this product, and some ingredients that raise a yellow flag in terms of safety. 

Once again this cleanser also features centella asiatica as a star ingredient, however it only lists centella asiatica extract, not the titrated version. From what I've learned, it seems like if it's just the extract, then it has soothing and antioxidant properties. It may possibly increase collagen synthesis, but I'm not sure. Some other notable skin calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients listed are aloe vera leaf extract, witch hazel extract and licorice root extract.

Also to note there are quite a few oils included in this cleanser. I'm not going to go over all of them, but some of them, such as jojoba oil and rose oil are amazing for moisturizing dry skin. Bergamot oil is also great for healing scars and killing bacteria.

Salicylic acid is also another ingredient in this cleanser. It's a great ingredient for treating acne, however some people may be sensitive to it. If you know that you're sensitive to salicylic acid, lavender oil, or any of the other ingredients listed then don't use this product.

While looking through the list I noticed an ingredient I've never seen before: carrageenan. When used in cosmetics, it functions as a thickening agent. However, it also scores a 5 as a potential acne trigger. That doesn't mean it's an unsafe ingredient, in fact it's pretty safe for topical use, but it can aggravate acne and clog pores for some people. 

This gel cleanser is one of those non-foaming cleansers that seem to be getting more popular these days. It does have a low pH, so it's good for people who need to use low-pH cleansers. It has a fresh scent that isn't offensive or strong, so those who are scent sensitive should be okay with this cleanser.

This was my first time trying a non-foaming cleanser, and... I didn't like this one. Remember how I mentioned that carrageenan can be pore clogging for some people? Unfortunately, I'm one of those people. Whenever I used this cleanser, although the surface of my skin felt cleansed and refreshed afterwards, I felt like my pores were kind of clogged. It did leave my skin feeling soft and well moisturized thanks to all the extracts and oils, but it also gave me some small pimples due to the clogged pores. Luckily I didn't get any major breakouts or cystic acne, and the pimples would go away within a day or two. I was really excited to try this cleanser because I know my skin likes a lot of the ingredients in it, but sadly it wasn't the one for me. I do know that some people really like this cleanser though, so YMMV. 

You can purchase the Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy Super Revitalizing Gel Cleanser at Memebox for $15.

What do you guys think of the Nooni Advanced Repair Therapy line?
The products featured were sent to me by Memebox for review purposes.