Review: Konjac Sponge

I have owned this for quite some time already, and I have already used up both the round ones (black and white), and I am left with the huge oval Konjac sponge which is meant for face or body I believe. 

So here I am gonna share with you my experience with Konjac sponge and let you in about this interesting sponge. Why not simply wash your face with your hands...?

The Konjac
Amorphophallus Konjac, the Konjac Potato is a perennial plant, native to Asia and sometimes known as Konnyaku (I know what you're thinking.. Konnyaku Jelly haha!). Konnyaku or Konjac potatoes are cultivated for food in Japan and Korea, but wild forms grow naturally in many parts of China, Korea and Japan. These are growing wild at very high altitude, and therefore are pure and polutant-free.

Konjac was originally introduced to Japan as a medicine in the 6th century, and was recognized for its health giving properties. It is also used frequently as a thickener and jelly, and is often present in noodles.

For over a century, the Japanese have been using the konjac vegetable as a beauty treatment for their delicate skin. As the Konjac is an alkaline which is loaded with goodness of protein, carbohydrate, iron, phosphorus, copper, zinc, vit. A, E, D, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and folic acid...etc. Thus Japanese have really good skin!

One interesting fact. Konjac can also be eaten, but these Konjac sponge should never be eaten alright!

http://www.konjacspongecompany.com/page_2383984.html

How to Use
Use it as part of your cleansing routine, day and night. Lather your facial foam on your palms and apply it on your face. Then using the konjac sponge, gently massage your skin in circular motions - be sure not to be too harsh or you might tug your skin and get premature wrinkles ;)

When I am using the konjac sponge, I am just gently moving the sponge around my face /body without pressing or pressure.

The Verdict
After the use of the konjac sponge, it always leaves my skin feeling less bumpy and smoother. It gently exfoliates the top layer of dirt, allowing your skin to be ready to absorb your moisturiser or other serums after your face is cleansed.

I enjoy using it daily. However I will discourage people with severe acne, cysts and irritated skin to use this because the gentle exfoliation daily might aggravate your acne condition as it did for mine. Long story cut short, I had no problems with the sponge until one fine day when I had horrible outbreak of acne and some huge pimples. And the use of the konjac sponge did leave my skin softer, but I believe it did not aid in the healing of the acne and may irritate the red skin. Professional acne websites also discourage excessive exfoliation and use of scrub beads in the cleansing routine.

The GOOD
1. Leaves your skin feeling smooth and clean
2. Does not irritate your skin - but make sure you be gentle
3. Affordable, one piece costs around SGD 8 or so?

The BAD
1. Must be used frequently, otherwise it will harden and break
2. There's an expiry date, which is at the bottom of the packaging, embossed.
3. Will aggravate acne or cystic skin, which I will discourage using this daily 

Overall: 4/5 
Great for mild exfoliation daily, however if you do not use regularly, it will dry up and break =( 

Where To Get
Luxola - http://www.luxola.com/brands/the-konjac-sponge-company
Qoo10 - http://list.qoo10.sg/item/SHOPONLINELAH-COM-KONJAC-SPONGE-100-NATURAL-FIBER/405904500
Smoochiezzz Warehouse/ Events - http://smoochiezz.com/index.php?route=events/events

So... Do you use any facial cleansing cloth or sponges to aid in your cleansing routine? What is your skincare routine, please comment & share it with me ^^

Review: The Battle of the Mists

Long long long ago, I was so hooked up on getting mists for my face, because I felt the weather was too drying, and my skin was dehydrated. So I bought 3 different mists, and 2 were from the beauty boxes - namely - avene (finished product and tossed), innisfree, jurlique, sukin and acaci. 

Please join me as I do a quick overview on all these mists, and you can decide for yourself whether you should invest in them or not ^^

❤ Mists ❤ Mists ❤ Mists ❤ Mists ❤

Let's begin with the one that I begun using first....

AVENE THERMAL SPRING WATER

This product claims to soothe and soften your skin, and is suitable for sensitive skin.

My mother and myself have very sensitive skin, which gets easily irritated by new products or even the excessive sunrays. This spring water does help to soothe the skin, however I found myself re-applying (or rather, re-spraying) this over my face - the moisturisation does not last for a long time. 

Rather expensive for spraying "water" all over your face, well, that's what some people have said. Which I found it quite apt too, which costs you around SGD10++.

The GOOD
❤ Great for sensitive skin
❤ Quick for quenching thirsty skin

The BAD.
❤ Short term moisturisation - skin will still dry out after it has been fully absorbed
❤ Inconvenient to bring around, bulky and because of its packaging
❤ Expensive

Overall: 2/5

INNISFREE GREEN TEA MINERAL MIST
Enriched with green tea and green complex from pure Jeju Island. The Green Tee Pure revives dry, stressed skin by supplying abundant moisture. This is 100% Organic Green Tea Mineral, Ethanol Free (6-Free-System) and with Natural Ingredients.

I was sold when I read of its usefulness. I use this after toner, for extra hydration, as well as after makeup so I can set the makeup and give it a dewy complexion. This product smells refreshing, with a hint of green tea. I would recommend this for those who have red and irritated skin, as green tea is meant to soothe irritated and red skin. Sensitive skin people can consider this, as I personally have sensitive skin as well. I love it ^^ Did I mention it is wallet-friendly too? 

The GOOD.
❤ Moisturises my skin well
❤ Pleasant and refreshing scent
❤ Soothes my irritated and dry skin
❤ Can be used for hydration as well as to set your makeup
❤ Affordable

The BAD.
❤ Packaging is not the most convenient to bring around, especially this 50ml one

Overall: 4.5/5 

JURLIQUE CITRUS PURIFYING MIST
A daily clarifying mist that enlivens with the uplifting scent of Citrus and purifies the complexion. Ideal for normalizing Oily skin types. The benefits: to energize and purify your skin, leave your oily skin feeling refuned and refresh, and provide a natural antioxidant protection. The ingredients: witch hazel, lemon balm, glycerin, aloe vera, vitamin E, C and grapefruit seed. 

I was thrilled to receive this from my beauty box (from LBBB), I have never tried Jurlique products and I am happy to be able to finally try this out! Firstly, this has a very cute glass packaging for a deluxe travel sized bottle, the matte finish of the bottle makes it look very pure and natural as well. But I must say, this does not have the nicest scent - it can be choking for those who dislike citrus scents as this comes very strongly. Although the good point is that the smell fades away shortly after it has been fully absorbed into the skin. 

Works to moisturise my skin and refresh oily skin by midday. I love this I love this but I really can't stand the smell ._.

The GOOD.
❤ Moisturises the skin
❤ Refreshes oily skin
❤ Use it as a hydrating mist, or as a makeup finishing spray

The BAD.
❤ The price
❤ The citrus scent is too strong for me, but you may think otherwise~

Overall: 4/5

SUKIN HYDRATING MIST TONER
Sukin is an australian brand of natural skincare. The hydrating mist toner combines German cahmomile and rosewater to soothe and tone the skin. An alcohol-free, skin hydrating mist that helps soothe, tone and cool tired skin. Perfect for use after cleansing or whenever your skin feels tired or stressed. Use it for hot days, long flights or long days in an air-conditioned environment. Use it on face and body, over or under lotions, creams, gels, oils and makeup. 

This was my favourite toner, which you can see from my past few post here, and this is my 2nd bottle as well. However I will not recommend this for those with irritated skin, as it seems to burn my skin when I was having acne issues during the recent outbreaks. It burns whenever I use it as a toner, or as a mist over my moisturiser or makeup. I have stopped using it as a toner or mist since then, but I really love how this has a tinge of rosewater scent, very nice!

The GOOD.
❤ Lovely rose scent
❤ 2-in-1 product - a toner and a mist
❤ Small bottle, great for travelling/even having it in your bag
❤ Isn't too costly, about SGD10++

The BAD.
❤ Might irritate sensitive skin

Overall: 3/5 - sad that it starts to sting my skin, cos this was my fav :(

ACACI SPECIAL OIL-ZERO SOLUTION MIST
Removes excessive oiliness and sebum, keep skin looking fresh & matte, feel moisturized and clear all day long. It can be used immediately after you put on makeup to set your makeup or for touching up. It contains sebum-absorbing powders, removes sebum, absorbs the waste matters into the pores and helps to maintain clean and clear skin. 

Main ingredients are the witch hazel extract, sebum-absorbing powders, and green tea extract. To use, simply shake to mix the contents together and spray it all over your whole face at 20-30cm distance, remember to close your eyes too!

This product really does what it promises, I feel my skin is matte after the mist have been fully absorbed into the skin. It is portable and small, which you can bring it all around easily. However the scent may not be something that all would like, as it has a little medicated scent. A tip for those who want dewy skin, simply spray this onto the T-zone and avoid the rest that aren't oily!

The GOOD.
❤ Removes oil, leaving skin matte
❤ Moisturises, doesn't leave your skin feeling dry and flaky
❤ Small and convenient to bring around

The BAD.
❤ Medicated scent that not all might accept
❤ Have to shake before use
❤ Price wise, it is around SGD20++ I believe, might be expensive for some

Overall: 4/5 - I really think this is a great product! Who cares about the scent! ._.

***

So what is your favourite mist? Can you share it with me, as I am always on the look out for new and better products to try out ^^

Review: Princess Pinki Magic Pink Cream

I have owned this product for a reaaaally long time, and this review was in fact done awhile ago. I forgot about it, until recently when I chanced upon it hee.

What Is This

Princess Pinki Magic Pink Cream

15 ml

Retails $48.90 at Local Watsons Stores

What it Does

To provide a natural flush look to your cheeks, lips and nipples in a few minutes. The gel textured cream will oxidise based on your body temperature, into a fushia pink. I have only managed to try it on my lip and cheeks *blush*.

All you need is this amount for your cheeks and lips. If you want a brighter pink, you can choose to apply more. However I found that if I apply too much, my lips would look very clownish haha. 

With the amount above, I was able to create a very natural flush. Which the camera fails to capture it, however in actual it is a very light pink - as if you are naturally blushing. 

Lips 

For my lips, I used even lesser, because of the fear of having tooo bright pink lips. You can scroll down to see the bright pink lips which you would have if you applied a generous amount all over your lip. 

For a  heavy swatch that is more than 30 minutes, you will see the entire lips turning to a bright fushia pink! Here's how my lip looks after 30 minutes. Looks very moisturised, and the product does not make the cracks on my lips even more obvious - it's beautiful!

Here's how the lips appeared on Asia Facekitt's. You may also check out her full review of this product by clicking on the image <3

Image Source: Asia Facekitt 

After a long day of eating, wiping of my lips and drinking water... here's my lip! A little hint of pink is still left on my lips, although the lip no longer feels moisturised, and reapplication of lip balm is required.

Cheeks

I prefer natural flushing cheeks, or a light blush, for all occasions. Therefore I did use very little amount to create this effect below here:

Simply squeeze a small amount on to your fingers, rub it slightly and apply it to the areas that you would naturally flush at. Be sure to blend it out as well. 

If you find the flush too insignificant, go back and reapply once more. Do not start off with a heavy hand because this is a tint, it is difficult to remove if you have too much on~

Overall: 4/5
Texture: gel like texture, easy to blend
Moisturisation Level: I am surprised at how it works like a lip balm, it is very moisturising, and does not reveal the cracks on my lips as well
Pigmentation: beautiful flush, decent pigmentation & easy to control with the amount you apply
Lasting Power: very long lasting compared to any other tints I have used, even after the use of tissue paper to wipe my lips, I still have some colour left
Scent/Taste: no smell or have any taste (yes I licked my lips to try haa)
Price: pretty pricey for such a small tube, but a little goes a long way

I did not get any irritation or extra pimples from using this on my cheeks. However do a test patch if you are unsure ^^ But for those who find the price a little hefty, I would opt for lip balms with a tint for the lip and buy a light pink blush to create the flushed look - these options may not be that long lasting, however they are worth half the amount.

Have you tried it on your er, nipples? Let me know if they work haha ^^

Review: Biore Aqua Rich UV Face Mousse

This has got to be my favourite sunscreen of the moment. I briefly mentioned this as my favourites a few months ago.. So here's the full review of this baby!

Biore's latest addition to their family, the Aqua Rich sunscreens. There are watery base kinds, mousse like one, as well as a gel type formula. I was recommended to try this out, and I bought it when there was a introductory price at Watsons, at SGD 16 (instead of usual price at $19.90).

Biore Aqua Rich UV Face Mousse Claimed Benefits:

• SPF 50+ PA+++ 
• Long lasting sun protection against UVA and UVB rays
• Light weight 
• Hydrates and softens skin

Check out their list of ingredients here as well: 

Squeeze the tube to release the product, thus keeping the product sanitary and hygienic. One thing great about their tube is that, it is soft and light. 

When your product is finishing, you can simply snip it into half and find so much product left in the tube! Great saving xD

So here's the product out of the tube: 

When swatched slightly, you can see how it really looks like the mousse we use for our hair haha. It has a very light and refreshing feel, as it is very watery. 

It dries matte, and does not leave a white cast on my face. 

So does it do what it claims?

YES. It is a very light weight sunscreen, that does not leave my skin feeling or looking greasy and oily. I really thank Biore, because this product leaves my skin MATTE. My skin is combination to oily type, thus I really need it to control the oil production.

The oily only starts appearing a few hours later, which is fine, because I know I can only delayyy the oil from showing. 

The high SPF does not create a white cast on my face as well, though I feel that it makes my complexion brighter and more radiant. 

And it does not aggravate or irritate my pimples, which is a huge plus point for acne prone skin people! 

What can I say more... 5/5

I really love this product! I recommend it to all of you to try this out! If you have dry skin, I would suggest for you to opt for you to try this series as well, as it promises hydration. The slightly steep price for such a small tube does not deter me! Because I have been using it since March, and I am only halfway through the tube! 

Review: Nuxe Rose Miscellar Cleansing Water

I enjoy doing product reviews, especially so for makeup removers. Although lately I haven't been applying makeup, but whenever I do, it is in my utmost importance to ensure I remove every single bit of it!

This Nuxe Rose Miscellar Cleansing Water was one of the goodies that I received from one of my Bellabox, which I have stopped subscribing to. 

When you twist open the cap, you will be welcomed with a soap-like fragrance, with a whiff of rose. The scent of rose is not very strong, so for those who dislike rose scents, you might be able to handle this. 

The light rose scent reminds me of the Crabtree & Evelyn Rose Water Handcream, but of a milder tone. 

Check out the list of ingredients in this product here:

As always, my review is coupled with a "test" to see how many swipes or wipes do I need to get rid of all this "paint". 

I have done this review immediately after I did one of my spring looks, but I totally forgotten about it. That explains the delay =) 

I have put on a non-waterproof eyeliner, and non-waterproof mascara. Not a very good test in fact, but after weeks of usage, I will share whether it works for waterproof eye products or not shortly!

The Nuxe Rose Miscellar Cleansing Water has a yellow tint to it. Pour a generous amount, enough to cover your eyelid, unto a cotton pad. 

Read more »

Featured Review: Korean Makeup with Navy Eyeliner MicaBeauty Cosmetics

Disclaimer: These products were given to me to do a review on. I do not get paid or any commission if you purchase any of these products quoting my blog for the 20% discount. As always, my honest comments for products, because that's what I truly believe in. 

*

If you missed my first post, I was actually invited to try out MicaBeauty cosmetics. And I had a demonstration of their makeup products as well, which you can see them here~.
After using these products for some time, I feel like I am able to tell you how these products fare. This is going to be a tutorial along with an embedded review, because what's a review without demonstration huh.

Today's featured look is the Korean Style Makeup, but with a twist. Navy eyeliner to create a pop of colour on your lids. Along with the tutorial, I will also conduct a "test" on its durability.

And check out the beautiful lip colours. Want to know what are they???

Shall we begin?
Read more »

Featured Review: MicaBeauty Cosmetics Mineral Makeup

I have an exciting review to share with you all today! Recently, I was invited to the MicaBeauty studio in Wisma Atria, After Eve The Skin Studio. If you have been to Wisma, you would have noticed a beauty counter with an interior that looked like a luxurious salon, I guess it is because of the chairs they use..

Disclaimer: I was invited to try out their products and provide a review. As always, reviews are done 100% wholeheartedly and honestly. 

After Eve The Skin Studio is an a one-stop studio where skincare products are specially sourced from all over the world to provide high-quality aesthetics solutions to beauty conscious consumers - Information directly lifted from Wisma's Website. The various brands that they carry are: MicaBeauty (of course!), ONSEN, GRATiAE and Vine Vera.

Did you know?
MicaBeauty products are all natural powders, made from 100% pure mica and minerals. These products are suitable for all skin types, even the acne prone or sensitive skin, because they do not contain chemicals. So, it will not clog your pores or irritate your skin. 

You guys probably might know, I have sensitive skin, and I still have some acne scarring left from the acne outbreak last year, so I was ecstatic to have a go! 


At their studio, the makeup artist Farah introduced various products to me and did a demonstration on my face as well. I really love the finished look, it is so natural and exactly how I would love my makeup to be *.* 

And this was the look she did for me! 

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Review: Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Pack

Recently, I have had some stubborn blackheads that refused to budge. So I decided to try out the Skinmiso pack that I received from my beauty boxes, which also came along with discount codes for shopping at wishtrend.com.

Let's see if this product works like how it claims, and leaves my nose free of those black and white heads =) Are we really going to bid goodbye to strawberry nose?!

Here's my disgusting close up of my nose, for comparison purposes. 
Read more »

[Korean Cosmetic Blog / Lady Fox] The New 'IN' Tint Lipstick, Peripera Tint Lipstick

[Korean Cosmetic Blog / Lady Fox] The New 'IN' Tint Lipstick, Peripera Tint Lipstick

This is not my first Tint lipstick post, (Check Innisfree Cream Tint Lipstick) however Tint became the next beloved lipstick for 'Korean-style-natural-makeup'.

Well, it is because tint actually gives color to your lips. So that you it looks like your lips not makeup.

Peripera brought out 'Marker type Tint Lipstick'

Price / Amount : 9,000won /  4ml

If you want me to get it for you just ask XD

email : myteacupstory@gmail.com

Marker? I remembered when I was young I would color myself with markers. (So is it dream come true? XD)

Because of the pointy tip you can color your lips with more detail.

Even if one slash, see how much pigment there is? But because it is liquid type you can see it kinda spreads

The reason I like the orange is because pink kinda turns red, but orange makes your natural lip appear bolder, giving a very natural look.

Peripera Tint Lipstick is strong on water and last long and no need to color so much because of all the pigment it gives.

Only down side is that because it is liquid type, it makes your lips dry.