Spring Cleansing featuring Laneige Fresh Brightening Cleansing Oil and Lip and Eye Remover Waterproof_EX

All through last year, I was really committed to trying out everything I could get my hands on from Innisfree because I love the brand. However before that, I was all about Laneige. I haven’t talked about it much on here but Laneige was my first KBeauty love and I still use their products regularly. My current skincare rotation is quite full at the moment so I haven’t purchased anything from them in a while but two deluxe samples I received as a gift with purchase were too good not to review. Say hello to the Laneige Fresh Brightening Cleansing Oil and the Lip and Eye Remover Waterproof_EX.

Really good cleansing oils can be hard to come by and the Laneige Fresh Brightening Cleansing Oil is one of the best I have tried in a while. It removes all makeup really well, did not irritate my eyes and it is super easy to wash off. No oily residue here! As it turns out however, I ended up using it more as a morning cleanser because it feels very light on the skin and it smells divine. The sweet fruity apricot scent was a nice way to wake me up. The other reason is because it contains nice ingredients like apricot oil and grapefruit extract for a vitamin C boost and I wanted all the benefits to go to my skin and not to removing makeup. You can read more about the cleansing oil here and see the full ingredients’ list. 

Next is the Laneige Lip and Eye Remover Waterproof_EX, a dual-phase remover you need to shake to emulsify. I usually hate all dual-phase makeup removers, they feels too oily, sting my eyes and don’t remove makeup efficiently. I mean, I don’t want to spend minutes tugging at my eyes to remove minimal makeup and non-waterproof mascara. I doubt I’ll be discarding my beloved Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, but this makeup remover blew me away. It really makes eye makeup and lip stain disappear without any tug-of-war and lo and behold it doesn’t leave an oily film all over my lids! All this without any eye stinging. I was also impressed that it actually removes lip stains easily, my lips did not react negatively to it and it didn’t leave an unpleasant taste on my lips either. I know many like using a separate eye makeup remover and I think this is quite a good one. If you want to read more about it and see a detailed ingredient’s list, head over to the official Laneige website here.

You can find Laneige products from their beauty counters, Amore Pacific stores as well as online and in Target in the USA (though they do not offer all products). Laneige offers many international website which should help you find where to buy their products in your country. You can find the general international one in English here. 

Innisfree Sea Salt Perfect Cleanser

Scrubs and exfoliators are some of my favorite skin treatments because they instantly give you results. My skin actually needs quite frequent exfoliation so I love finding exfoliating cleansers that are efficient, yet gentle enough so I can use them multiple times a week. This is why I was really excited when Innisfree launched their Sea Salt Perfect Cleanser and simply had to get my hands on it.

This cleanser comes in 3 different versions, each with a different concentration of sea salt: 20%, 30% and 40%. I went for the 40% to get the most exfoliation possible. Apart from the mineral salt, the foaming cleanser contains many fruit and plant extracts and, from what I could tell off the ingredients list, it is free of SLS. I am not a fan of foaming cleansers because they can really dry out your face and upset its balance. That being said, this is one of the better ones on the market and I did not find it drying (though it is not moisturizing either). I particularly enjoyed using it at night as a second cleanse or in the morning because the foam is very light and airy. It is hard to explain but once you really lather it up in your hands it doesn’t feel like a foaming cleanser (it’s not as creamy and thick) and it was much easier to rinse off.

So far so good, but the exfoliating part took me by surprise. See, the sea salt particles are actually quite big and while they are not rough on the skin (which is great because they aren’t irritating) they don’t really do much in terms of exfoliating dead skin cells. I assume it must offer some sort of extremely gentle scrubbing effect but I couldn’t really see a difference when using it. I doubt the 20% and the 30% would perform much better either. So on the exfoliating front I can’t say I was impressed.

Over all, I think the Sea Salt Perfect Cleanser is a decent foaming cleanser but it didn’t blow me away. I don’t see myself repurchasing it since I much prefer the Green Barley Cleansing Cream and I would rather try cleansers from their olive or green tea line next.

The Innisfree Sea Salt Perfect Cleanser is available on the Innisfree website.

Innisfree Canola Honey Hydro Gel Mask

I mentioned the Innisfree Canola Honey Hydro Gel Mask earlier this week and I thought I could go into more details about it today. I had actually never used a hydro gel mask, I was just really happy with regular sheet masks and didn’t see a point in spending more money on a mask. Well I was wrong because this is such a nice skin treat.

The entire canola honey range is made to help nourish your skin deep down to give you smooth and hydrated skin. By using a gel to deliver the essence to the skin, you get a mask that adheres better to your face and fits more tightly so the essence does not drip down your face. It really stays put for 30 minutes easily so it would be great to use while traveling/flying. Also, because it comes in two separate parts (top and bottom) it is super easy to adjust it to make it fit your face shape.

Now does it really work? Yes it does! The essence absorbed a lot better than with a regular sheet mask, your skin isn’t wet or sticky afterwards. It really is nourishing and moisturizing, I even skip my moisturizer that evening and woke up with soft and hydrated skin. Also there is something very soothing about the gel, it cools down your face and feels lovely. It is not heavy at all and the experience in itself is actually very relaxing. It is definitely more luxurious than your average sheet mask and while they are a bit more expensive (about 4$), I found out I could use them twice so it’s all good in the end. I can’t wait to try more, especially the green tea and berry ones.

You can get the Innisfree Canola Honey Hydro Gel Mask from their website.    

Innisfree Canola Honey Jelly Mist

First let me start off by saying I am really sorry for the lack of posts in the past few weeks. The main reason is that I broke my laptop a few months ago and it wasn’t very convenient to use at all. Also I’ll admit I was not very inspired, which seems to have been a common thing amongst bloggers recently. However fear not, I finally got myself a new computer (I’m really happy about it) and I can already feel my motivation coming back. To get me started, I thought I could talk to you about a new favorite of mine: the Innisfree Canola Honey Jelly Mist.

I love face mists all year round, but I particularly enjoy them during the colder months to help ease any dryness and make my face feel more comfortable. This honey one from Innisfree is actually a bit different from your typical flower/water mists, honey extract is the first ingredient on the list and it also has gel in it, making it thicker than normal. It really feels more nourishing and moisturizing than other mists and you can tell the gel helps create a protective barrier on your skin. It feels really lovely when you feel dehydrated. Also honey is just a great overall ingredient for the skin and I love incorporating in my routine.

Personally I prefer to use it on bare skin to absorb all the great ingredients better, but it does not disturb my makeup and adds a bit of a glow if you want to use it throughout the day. Because it is thicker I like to give it a shake before use and you should know the mist is not as fine as the Olive Real Oil Mist. Lastly, it smells amazing! The entire Canola honey range has this great flowery honey scent that is not too sweet. This is the perfect product to carry around to fight the effects of cold weather on your skin.

You can get the Innisfree Canola Honey Jelly Mist on their website here. 

An In-Flight Essential: Innisfree Hyaluronic Acid Skin Clinic Mask

Well guys, I think I have finally found the best sheet mask to use as an in-flight treatment and of course it comes from Innisfree. Their Hyaluronic Acid Skin Clinic Mask will make it worthwhile to look a little weird to the other passengers. After all who cares, you’ll be the one with gorgeous skin when it’s time to land.  

I don’t mind taking my makeup off on a plane and doing a whole skincare routine from my seat, but I have yet to use a sheet mask while flying. Honestly, I was always a bit intimidated with what other people might think of me if I wore one. I mean most masks take a while to sink in, so sitting with one on for more than thirty minutes is not ideal. This is why this Hyaluronic Acid one is so great, it absorbs in less than twenty minutes without dripping down your neck! The sheet is also quite thin so it looks very discreet compared to others. As for the essence, it is very light but don’t worry you still get amazing results.

So obviously this gets points for being a quick mask to use making it super convenient, I also love the fact that the hyaluronic acid in it does not leave your face feeling tacky and it offers serious hydration. Just on its own, it left my skin feeling softer and very hydrated, but what is so great about hyaluronic acid is that it can boost the moisturizing properties of other products you use on top. Meaning that using it in combination with a good serum (Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum) and a very moisturizing cream (like the Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream) will leave you with plump and glowy skin when you get to your destination. At less than three dollars, you can be sure it will be a must-have product for any future long-haul flights.

You can get the Innisfree Hyaluronic Acid Skin Clinic Mask on their website here. 

The Faceshop Real Nature Blueberry Sheet Mask

*Gasp!* I know what you’re thinking, yes I tried a sheet mask that is not from Innisfree. The Faceshop recently opened a store near me so I just had to try something. To be honest I was not particularly drawn to anything in particular (I’m pretty set in my skincare), but I loved the packaging of their sheet masks and I thought it would be a great introduction to the brand. I also got a peeling gel (more on that later), but for now let’s focus on the Real Nature Blueberry Mask.

The main difference I noticed right away was the cotton of the mask, it felt very silky and soft. When you pull it out it is drenched (mine was dripping) in essence and while the texture of the sheet is very luxurious I felt like it did not absorb the essence very well. As a result, I felt like my skin was not absorbing the essence as much as with other mask because it was almost sitting on top of it.

As for the results, my skin felt softer and hydrated but the effects were not as big as I am used to. Don’t get me wrong, it was nice to use, I just don’t feel like there was anything special about it. It just did not transform my skin in the way I know other masks can. So you can probably tell I’m not super impressed by these, however they are at a great price point (2$) which cannot be said of other Korean sheet masks making their appearance in the Northern American market, those generally retail for 8~10$. While the Blueberry Real Nature Mask is not rave worthy in my opinion, I might pick more up in the future. The convenience factor (no more waiting 2 weeks for your package) and price make them a nice treat after a long day. I’m curious to see if the Acai Berry and Honey ones deliver better results.

You can find The Faceshop Real Nature Blueberry Sheet Mask on their website and in stores. 

Innisfree White Tone Up Sleeping Pack

Well I am back today with a much overdue review on what is possibly my favorite Innisfree product. See I pretty much love everything from the brand, but this item is something I cannot see myself without. Proof, I have two backups in my bathroom! Now let me tell you why the Innisfree White Tone Up Sleeping Pack is so amazing.

This is a gel sleeping mask that contains berry extracts as well as vitamin B3 to help brighten and refine your skin. It contains loads of antioxidants and I find that this specific mix on ingredients really gives me results every time I use it. My skin will look brighter and more radiant, it just gives this incredible luminosity to the skin. Now don’t be put off by the name “White Tone Up”, it does not actually make your skin lighter in tone, instead it lifts any sallowness so your face appears brighter. It also leaves me with significantly smoother skin, it feels baby soft! Being a gel formula, it feels very light on the skin and I think everyone would enjoy it.

So far all this is great, but the reason I love this mask so much is the effect it has on hyperpigmentation and redness. See on any spots or red marks (leftover from spots), this mask has an incredibly soothing effect. It tones down redness and helps fade hyperpigmentation (slowly but the effect is there), also any spots are less noticeable and I find it helps them heal a lot faster. In one night I see results and how can you not love waking up to better and more radiant skin every morning.

You can get the Innisfree White Tone Up Sleeping Pack on their website here. 

Innisfree Skin Clinic Catechin Sheet Mask

Innisfree recently released a new line of sheets masks called Skin Clinic Mask to replace their Skin Solution masks. I really enjoyed the previous line so I was quite excited to give these new one a go and see how they compare in terms of quality and results. To get me started I picked the Catechin Skin Clinic Sheet Mask.

The original Skin Solution masks featured an amazing natural cotton sheet that looked almost transparent on the skin and it also adhered better than regular sheet masks. Thankfully, the Skin Clinic mask stays on the face just as well and it does have the same discreet look when on the face so you are less likely to scare people. The sheet is made of 100% natural cotton and I find it helps your skin absorb the essence better and keeps the mask soaked longer.

Now let’s talk about that catechin essence. This is basically a green tea extract and it is supposed to make your skin firmer and help even your skin tone. I personally found it super hydrating in a non-oily/greasy way. What I enjoyed the most however, is how it really smoothed my skin and diminished the appearance of little dehydration bumps. I was actually really surprised to see that the results were long-lasting and my skin has been better ever since I use it. Also this mask was very cooling, it actually lowered the temperature of my face and it felt cool to the touch after use. This is great after a long day at work or whenever you need a refreshing kick. 

I have to say, I am super impressed with the new Skin Clinic sheet masks and I cannot wait to try more. The Innisfree Skin Clinic Catechin Sheet Mask is available on their website and currently part of a buy 5 get 5 promo.  

Innisfree Sea Weed Capsule Recipe Pack

With the current weather change, I have been trying really hard to keep my skin in great condition. This means I have been digging into my stash of face masks much more frequently in the past weeks. While I have quite a few capsule sleeping masks from Innisfree I wanted to also give their wash-off masks a go. So the newest addition to my skincare routine has been the Innisfree Sea Weed Capsule Recipe Pack.

Honestly the only reason I got this was because I was curious to try a seaweed mask. On its website, Innisfree describes this as a “self-warming mask to remove dead skin cells with heat and microfine scrub granules”. In the pot you will find a thick green gel with tiny little black particles. Also don’t worry it does not smell weird or like seaweed at all.

Upon application there is a warming sensation as you massage it in and the little granules provide a very light and gentle exfoliation. Obviously this is not a very heavy scrub so I don’t find the exfoliation I get from it ground breaking. That being said, every time I use it, my skin feels more deeply cleansed and clearer. I think it is perfect for days when you have been wearing a lot of makeup or if your skin feels congested. The warming sensation is very pleasant and I love that the gel is not sticky so removing it is super easy. To be honest this mask turned out to be quite a nice surprise and I will be repurchasing it in the future. Also the capsule is great, it is both very affordable and contains loads of product, enough for at least five applications.

You can get the Innisfree Sea Weed Capsule Recipe Pack on their website and from any Innisfree stores. 

Innisfree It’s Real Squeeze Acai Berry Mask

A few nights ago, I was really in the mood for a face mask, after spending a lovely day at home unwinding in front of the TV and blogging. It was a perfect day! So off I went and picked a sheet mask from my Innisfree stash. The It’s Real Squeeze Acai Berry Mask turned out to be the perfect choice.

This sheet mask claims to moisturize your skin while making it brighter and clearer. On the website, it also states it will smooth out your skin. I was expecting this to be a typically Innisfree mask, so softer skin and a great boost of hydration were the things I was looking forward to. Simply getting that from the mask would have been enough because it normally really delivers, but I was amazed by the results.

Obviously I got the expected results, but my skin was also significantly brighter looking and dare I say a little bit fairer.  I exfoliate regularly so dullness is not really a concern for me. I usually don’t see immediate results from brightening masks and mostly use them to help lighten any hyperpigmentation leftover by spots. Well the radiance I got from this acai berry mask was hard to miss. My face was glowing! My skin was also smoother and it felt super soft. This will be a definite repurchase and I would love to use it before a special occasion. Also I loved the light fruity scent it has, very pleasant and not at all overpowering so wearing it is enjoyable. 

The Innisfree It’s Real Squeeze Acai Berry Mask is available on their website for less than 2$. An incredible deal if you ask me!

Innisfree Eco Safety Aqua Daily Sun Gel SPF30 PA++

Well the sweltering heat and humidity just keep on coming… In those condition, having a great sunscreen is crucial because nobody enjoys putting on a thick layer of greasy cream on their face when it is boiling outside. Luckily I am covered with my favorite sunscreen the Innisfree Eco Safety Aqua Daily Sun Gel SPF30 PA++.

If I could only use one sunscreen for the rest of my life it would be this one and I cannot recommend it enough. It is a light water-based lotion, it is not a gel but it is a far cry from thick creams, it absorbs like a dream! It contains great ingredients like sunflower seed oil, green tea extract and hyaluronic acid. All these leave you with soft and moisturized skin and I found that the hyaluronic acid really helps it absorb faster, but it also helps the rest of your skincare do the same. It’s just absolutely brilliant!

The sun gel also works really well under makeup, leaving no white cast and it does not make your face oilier throughout the day, so your makeup will stay in place. After months of usage I can report I never got sunburned while wearing it and I love how all the antioxidants it contains will certainly help protect my skin from harmful sunrays and keep it looking young. The bottle design is also worth mentioning, it is small and compact so you can easily take it with you on your travels and it has a very small and narrow nozzle that allows you to control the exact amount of product you need preventing any waste. Honestly, this is just such a rave worthy product for me, as most sunscreens break me out, but this one has done nothing but good things for my skin.

You can get the Innisfree Eco Safety Aqua Daily Sun Gel from their website, though it appears like the SPF30 version has been discontinued they offer an SPF50+ PA+++ version in the same formula and this is the one I will be purchasing in the future. 

Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil

I am slowly getting back in the swing of things with the blog and regular posting should (hopefully) go on. My whole reorganisation process also led me to discover I have quite a few products I meant to review ages ago that I still had not gotten around to. It’s shame really, because most are long-time favorites that I kept delaying since putting my excitement into words was difficult. So today I finally bring you a review on my beloved Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil, also known as the only cleanser I will ever use. 

I kid you not, this is the most amazing makeup remover I have ever tried and I am currently on my fifth bottle in a row. That kind of commitment to the same cleanser shows how much I love it. This is hands down the best cleansing oil I have ever tried, it has a light non/greasy consistency and it emulsifies and rinses clean super easily. It will leave you with clean, balanced skin that feels soft and moisturize, but there is no oily residue left behind. It also does not irritate my eyes and removes any mascara like a charm. 

I have tried other cleansing oils from various brands and other Shu Uemura offerings, but none compare to this one. More than being a simple makeup remover, it has an undeniable effect on my skin, leaving it brighter and smoother. I think this is due to the great plant extracts it contains like moringa, green tea and gingko leaf. These are all great antioxidant and the moringa extract is particularly good at refining and purifying the skin.

Shu Uemura qualifies this cleanser as an anti-ageing one because the extracts it contains help fight the oxidant effect of pollution, helping it fight against aging stress of the skin. I was honestly shocked to see actual skincare benefits from this, because cleansers never usually leave visible results on my skin. This is a truly outstanding product that lives up to its claims.  

The Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil is a star product in my skincare routine and one of those rare products I cannot see myself without. You can find it at any Shu Uemura counters and on their website as well as in Sephora. It comes in both a regular size and a large one so you have good options for both travel and at home.