SkinFood Facial Water Vita-C (Cream) Review

SkinFood has a skincare line called Facial Water Vita-C, which uses Vita C and Alaska glacier water to hydrate skin. Such products include cream, which I'll review here, a gel mask, total fluid and a mist, which was one of the first (and really badly done) reviews I did here.

According to the product's webpage, this Facial Water Vita-C Cream uses Vita C, which is a mash-up of raspberries, acai berries, cranberries and strawberries, all high in vitamin C for great hydration. This product also uses Alaska glacier water, which is very fresh and has a high concentration of oxygen, minerals and ions.

The directions on the back state to use this after the mist or essence. Then, apply the cream on your face and gently pat it in so the cream can absorb. Online also suggests to refrigerate beforehand for a cooling effect. Also if under exhaustion and stress, you can apply more of the product like a hydrating mask pack.

This facial cream is translucent with a hint of white, and has a very light cream consistency.

The Pros

• This cream has a subtly sweet summer floral scent; it's just slightly milder than the fragrant Facial Water Vita-C Mist.
• It feels very light on the face and doesn't irritate or disturb my skin.
• It retains moisture in my face and I can feel it still on my face in the morning.

The Cons

• Rather than moisturizing and hydrating my skin (which the product's name kind of implies), it more so keeps the face hydrated and healthy looking.

Overall, this is like a light face cream for normal skin to retain moisture and keep the face hydrated, rather than moisturize dry skin. Therefore this cream doesn't seem like a necessity, but maybe more for summer months to refresh your face or to use it daily to retain healthy moisture.

The Face Shop Essential Pearl Mask Sheet Review

The Face Shop has a mini line of Essential Mask Sheets that use more scientific ingredients such as collagen, coenzyme and hyaluronic acid. Here I'll review the Essential Pearl Mask Sheet, the least scientific-sounding from this line.

Information about this product online, as well as on the backside, says that it's for all skin types and uses pearl extract that penetrates into the skin smoothly and lightly. Honestly this doesn't actually tell me what the benefits are...The backside also has directions and a warning. The instructions state to leave the mask sheet on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then let the remaining essence absorb into your skin. The caution warns you not to use this sheet on broken or abraded skin.

The mask sheet is thicker than others and almost circular with deep slits that allow the sheet to fit my face more accurately.

The Pros

• The fit may be big, but this mask sheet surprisingly covers the top half of my face well and my entire face is decently covered, except for my eyelids.
• The mask also stays on my face well, even if I'm facing the floor.
• The thickness of this mask sheet seems high quality.
• I could still feel the essence on my face the following morning.

The Cons

• This mask had an initially too-strong flower-hand sanitizer-hotel soap scent that I could still smell a few minutes after putting on the mask.
• Compared to other masks, this one didn't leave much essence on my face. Even taking the mask sheet out of its pouch, it felt like it didn't absorb as much essence. Usually I'd have to tap the excess on my face, but it wasn't necessary with this one.
• There was barely any essence left inside the pouch, and I could just barely have enough to use on my neck and limbs; compared to others, I usually have lots of excess essence, but not this time.

Overall, I wasn't too impressed with this mask sheet. While it did leave essence on my face, it didn't seem as effective as any other mask sheet I've tried before.

Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Skin Treatment Review

Missha has a line of skincare products, Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail, that uses snail slime to heal and strengthen damaged skin. Here I'll review the Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Skin Treatment. This product's US webpage states that this product is "a soothing gel that contains 30% snail slime extract for glowing skin," and is a "skin awakening booster and toner to firm skin foundation."

The page continues to state that this gel can be used for day and night by applying an adequate amount directly after washing your face. Then you can follow up withe the Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Essential Moisturizer for further cell regeneration.

This product is clear and has a very water consistency, yet it's slightly smooth, like highly diluted gel. Therefore, it's easiest to apply on your face by first pouring a bit into the palm of your hand. The scent is like that of high end perfume...full of musk and flowers. It isn't noticeable once on the face though.

The Pros

• This treatment feels very light on my face.
• I have no reaction, no stings, nothing while applying this on my face.
• Within seconds it dries and leaves a sticky residue, but within minutes that stickiness fades.
• My skin feels a bit smoother the next morning.

The Cons

• There is nothing negative to say...but I'm neutral on the product. It doesn't actually seem like there are benefits to using this, just that I'm adding an unnecessary extra step to my skincare routine.

Overall, I'll probably have to use this product over a period of time to actually see cell regeneration and stronger skin. While my skin does feel a bit smoother afterwards, I'd rather use a thicker face cream that will more quickly moisturize my skin and guarantee instant results.

Asian Music Festival in Seattle Experience

The Asian Music Festival Korean Hip Hop Series Vol 1 is currently in tour in New York, Seattle and L.A. I was so shocked to see Korean artists coming to Seattle, that I had to jump on this rare opportunity no matter the artist! While I was a bit hesitant to go because I'd feel out of place, I had two reasons for going:

1. To support the fact that there are fans in Seattle waiting for Korean artists to perform, and
2. The artists have ties to Infinite, so I must go!

The artists are Bumkey (who was featured in Infinite H's "Special Girl"), Verbal Jint (Infinite H covered his song "You Look Good" in Infinite's first concert), Beenzino (who I don't know), with special guest Kanto (who featured Sunggyu in "What You Want").

The Seattle concert was on Friday, May 23 at 7PM. I got a general admission ticket for $61.50; my ticket was 438 out of 1130 total tickets. There was also an early entry ticket that cost about an extra $25. The venue is located directly across from Pike Place and can be a bit sketchy outside; once inside the venue, it does seem a bit small and rundown, but it goes unnoticed once the concert starts. Also there is a bar to the side of the stage, which is the only section with seating. As for the rest of the layout, there's the floor, and then a slightly elevated platform in the back half of the pit area.

While the ticket says that doors open at 6PM, it wasn't until 6:50 when the general admission line started to pile into the venue. I got in line at around 5:50 and it had already snaked around the corner, yet by the time I got inside, I was a decent 15 feet away from the stage. DANakaDAN was the opening act and had already started; he performed meaningful raps in English for a good 30 minutes. I really liked his personality and the way he controlled the stage and connected with the audience. He really knew how to get everyone in the mood, even the most socially awkward concert goers like myself!

The next half hour was Beenzino, who spoke and performed in only Korean but knew how to get everyone bouncing on their feet and shaking the floor! At one point he even sprayed water on us with his water bottle. He was the most hardcore rapper of the night.

Next was Bumkey, who communicated in both Korean and English. He was very versatile, performing songs in Korean and some old school English songs. To my surprise, he even asked for someone's hand (which led to a major pit shift) while he sang purely without instruments or a backtrack! To top it off, Bumkey also performed a medley of the songs he was featured in, including none other than "Special Girl"! Everyone started screaming and singing along. Here's my fancam of it^^ I was surprised that he sang songs he was merely featured in, but I'm so thankful he did, as it was one of the three songs of the night that I knew -.-

Afterwards, Kanto joined Bumkey's act and together, they performed "What You Want," with Bumkey singing Sunggyu's part! Many people started singing along to this number too, including myself! Here's my fancam. May 23, the day of this venue, was also Kanto's 20th birthday, so Bumkey asked us to sing "Happy Birthday" to him in English. It's crazy that he's just a few weeks older than I am! The two performed a few more songs, spraying water on us along the way, and threw out Troy hoodies to the crowd. Bumkey was on stage for about 45 minutes when he and Kanto finished.

Last up was Verbal Jint, who was on stage for about 50 minutes, performing many old and new, unreleased songs. He spoke in English and Korean and touched many fans' hands. He also accompanied several of his songs by playing the keyboard. A highlight was when he did an almost acoustic version of "You Look Good" (which can be seen in my fancam), then he performed it normally.

After Verbal Jint left the stage, the crowd shouted for an encore, and soon enough, Verbal Jint and Bumkey came back on stage to perform one last song. They left the stage again, and people weren't sure if it was really over, then I think Bumkey came running back on stage, but then left again. Then the lights dimly went up and we all exited at 9:40.

Overall, I'm so happy to have been able to branch out in the music world and experience hip hop music! I cannot get over "Special Girl" and "What You Want" and will forever treasure seeing these two songs live. I love that I saw Infinite H perform "Special Girl" and now I've seen Bumkey perform the chorus, so it's almost like seeing the full song live. Now if only I can see Sunggyu perform "What You Want" live to see that song fully live...

The Face Shop Arsainte Eco-Therapy Crystal Water Super Gel Review

The Face Shop's Arsainte Eco-Therapy Crystal Water Super Gel contains one part iceberg water from Canada and one part phyto-hyaluronic acid, according to the description on the back. This product's webpage adds that this gel cream seeps into your face for lasting moisture.

The directions online say after using toner and emulsion, use an adequate amount of product and apply onto your face from inside outwards. I see no difference as to where you apply this gel first, but if they say so...

This product is a gel that spreads easily and feels like I'm glazing my face. It is a translucent white hue with metallic flecks that turns completely clear once spread around, so there isn't actually glitter on your face. The scent is like that of grass jelly you'd have in boba tea.

The Pros

• The scent is pleasant and not overbearing.
• It spreads easily on my face and feels light, yet effective in providing moisture.
• My face has no reaction to this product: no stings, no burns, nothing!
• A few minutes after putting a layer on my face, it feels like a light layer of wax (in a good way, like moisturization). This smooth layer even lasts until morning, when I applied it the night before.

The Cons

• Nothing!

Overall, I like this water gel. It's light on the face and creates a smooth texture that lasts the following morning. In a way, the results of using this Water Super Gel is like a milder version of using The Face Shop's Olive Essential Cream; this gel could be used for the hotter months while the cream could be used for the colder months.

Skin79 Essential Mask Reviews

Skin79 is a Korean beauty brand that has an easy-to-use website for foreigners, but with only-Korean product descriptions; their US website is www.skin79.us.com. Today I'll review the Bright Pearl Essential Mask and Moisture Ceramide Essential Mask sheets, both of which were purchased in Vietnam, hence the Vietnamese stickers.

Bright Pearl Essential Mask

The front and backside have the same description, stating that this mask uses pearl extract, lily flower extract and lotus flower extract to clean and brighten skin, as well as sooth dull and tired skin. Here is the link to the product's webpage, with facts listed in English and descriptions in Korean.

Moisture Ceramide Essential Mask

The front and back both state that this mask uses ceramide to restore and maintain moisture to dry and rough skin while oatmeal and Shea butter is used to protect sensitive skin. Information about this product in Korean can be found here.

The backside has a description, directions and ingredients listed in English and Korean (and on the Vietnamese stickers). The directions state to rinse your face, then put the mask sheet on for about 10 to 15 minutes before removing, and finally pat the excess essence on your face to absorb.

Here is the Moisture mask sheet, which is the same size as the Bright mask sheet. The shape of this sheet is oddly rhombus-shaped horizontally, with deep slits at the jawline.

The Pros

• The mask stays on really well, even when my face is facing the ground for awhile.
• Though the sheet dimensions are a bit odd, the deep slits allows me to cover more surface area and stay on well.
• The mask is cool and refreshing on the face.
• After removing the mask, there is a good amount of essence left on my face which gets absorbed quickly once I tapped it into my face (though it may feel sticky).
• Directly after using this mask, I went to sleep and the next morning, my face is noticeably smoother, which I'm surprised by the good results!
• The mask absorbs a lot of essence and there is still some remaining in the bag, so there's a good amount left to use on your neck and limbs.

The Cons

• As always with mask sheets, the holes are too big so I can't cover my entire face.
• The Moisture scent is off-putting; it's like that of an old lady's hand cream, a mix of potpourri and melted plastic. But you'd get used to the scent soon enough.  The Bright scent has a similar scent, but more diluted and with a hint of a floral burst.

Overall, despite the smell of the Moisture mask, I do like these sheets. I like that my face is smoother the next day.

CNP Laboratory Cleansing Perfecta Review

CNP Laboratory is a Korean skincare brand of which I honestly know nothing. As its name implies, I think they use a scientific (rather than cute packaging and design) approach to target trouble skin problems. Here I'll review a sample of the brand's Cleansing Perfecta.

According to the product's webpage, this gel cleanser is for all skin types and cleans the face well to rid waterproof makeup, BB cream and sun block. The directions online say to massage the cleanser on your face and rinse with warm water or remove the residue with a tissue.

This cleanser has a pleasant, slight floral scent and a white creamy gel that turns transparent. Since this is oil-free, it is very watery and therefore you don't need to dilute it with water when cleansing. However, you need to use a lot more product to cover the whole face. I like to add just a few drips of water to spread the cleanser more easily.

The Pros

• The scent is pleasant and not bothersome.
• It feels very very gentle, like nothing's on my face, yet it's still so effective in cleaning!
• Unlike many cleansers that leave a soapy feeling residing on my face, this one really quickly and easily washes off.
• Seeing how quickly my BB cream was rinsed off, it seems aqueduct for more waterproof products as well.
• My face is left being clean and matte afterwards.

The Cons

• You might need to use more product than if you were to use other cleansers.

Overall, which I'm not a fan of cleansers in general, I surprisingly do love this one! It's very quick and efficient, perfect for people like me who are lazy about their skincare routine.

Etude House I Need You, Green Tea! Mask Sheet Review

Etude House has an extensive collection of mask sheets labeled "I Need You, ...!" that are appealing in packaging and creative in marketing, with 26 different flavors from A to Z that have different benefits, from dandelion, to elder flower, to hyaluronic acid (...acid on my face...), to xylitol, to many more very interesting flavors. Here, I'll review the "I Need You, Green Tea!" mask sheet, which I bought from an Etude location in Hong Kong last summer, which is why the packaging is an older design.

The backside has information written in Korean and English. The description states that this mask uses green tea extract to relieve stressed and tired skin and that this mask is designed for a more comfortable and adhesive fit. The description from the product's webpage (which is from Etude's Malaysian sector, since there is no Western sector) adds that this sheet is compostable, which is definitely a plus! The directions state to clean you face, then leave the mask on your face for 15 to 20 minutes. Afterwards, remove the mask and massage the excess essence into your skin. It also recommends to use masks every two to three days for maximum effect.

Oddly enough, this mask sheet is oval shaped, but in the horizontal direction, so it really didn't fit my face. Also the holes weren't thought out thoroughly, as the nose flap couldn't cover my entire nose.

The Pros

• It has a subtly sweet, refreshing and fragrant scent.
• The coolness and moistness of the sheet was very refreshing on the face, perfect for hot and humid nights.
• After removing the sheet, it left my face with a soft (but sticky, but that just takes time to seep in) layer and moist skin.
• There was just enough essence left in the pouch to use on my neck and limbs.

The Cons

• The odd oval shape (hot dog ways) definitely didn't fit on my face well. It was poorly shaped in every area of my face, and there were so many creases at the chin and jaw area that it couldn't stay on well.

Overall, compared to other mask sheets, I didn't think this mask sheet was anything special, rather kind of the opposite. While it felt refreshing, the fit was just so unsatisfying that I wouldn't want to use this mask again.

The Face Shop Baby Face Sleeping Mask Aqua Drop Pack Review

Update: Read the last paragraph for my latest (and pretty gross) thoughts about this mask.

The Face Shop has different masks in the Baby Face line that are meant to give you healthy skin, hopefully comparable to a baby's. Here I have a sample of the Baby Face Sleeping Mask Aqua Drop Pack, which may also go by Baby Face Hyaluronic Acid Pack.

The description from this product's webpage states that this mask uses aqua drop massage to moisturize, shine and improve blood circulation while lavender is used to calm the nerves and induce sleep. The directions on the back of this sample say to use at night, after cleansing and toning, by gently massaging the mask onto the face and neck. It is implied to leave the mask on and then go to sleep.

This mask has a tart lemon scent that reminds me of Tony Moly's Intense Snail Care Essence. It is white that easily turns transparent as it's spread, and is very smooth and runny.

Sleeping masks seem very similar to night creams, but with sleeping masks you put on more product (maybe a thin, but still visible layer on your face) so that it can seep into your skin overnight. This is the general idea, but I'm not too fond of it. I put on one layer, which was very wet and smooth to the touch, and it easily absorbed like thick face cream such as The Face Shop's Olive Essential Cream. Since it's a sleeping mask, I put on a second layer that will hopefully penetrate my skin overnight. Surprisingly the product doesn't make my hair feel sticky or gross since it's more watery. When I woke up, there was a layer of cream that remained, which felt a bit gross. My face did feel smooth and a bit waxy (like using those thick night creams), so it would be a good base layer for BB cream, but the amount of mask still on my face was too much. I didn't want to wash it off either, because it would be like washing off lotion.

The Pros

• The citrus scent is quite pleasant.
• It feels soothing on the face (except for on my zits).
• As a sleeping mask, it wasn't messy while sleeping. Definitely a plus!
• My face was smooth the following morning (but there was way too much excess mask still left on my face).

The Cons

• Using this mask did sting my zits, but after about 10 minutes the sting was gone.
• It just feels like I'm putting on too much night cream...which is why I'll just use one layer next time, as a night cream.

Overall, I see this sleeping mask more as a light night cream. I really don't like waking up with goop on my face, so that was a turn-off, but if I were to put just one layer on like a night cream, then it'd be much better.

Update:

Instantaneously after using this mask for the second night in a row, I felt irritation where my zits are, around my chin. Then I noticed that this entire area was completely red, and my skin felt very raw and dry; my skin felt like it was burning...so I guess I'm allergic to some chemical in this mask, as this reaction definitely shouldn't happen. The first photo (which I realize is all red because of the lighting...) is directly after I applied the mask. You can see the redness under my bottom lip. The middle photo is about half an hour afterwards, with aloe plastered on top. The bottom photo is of the following morning, with slight redness and dry, flaky skin. It's been three full days, and my face is still like the bottom photo. I honestly don't know what went wrong or what ingredient I'm allergic to (my face very rarely gets reactions!), but now I have a fear of using any of my products...like the saying goes, if it's not broken, don't fix it. Maybe I shouldn't use so many products anymore...?

SkinFood Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser Review

SkinFood has a small line of Aloe vera cleansers that are fitting for those with sensitive skin, since these products are all gentle and soothing and non-irritating. Here I'll review the Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser.

The description on the back states that this product is "a rich foaming cleanser that thoroughly washes away impurities and leaves skin soft and comfortable." The product's webpage adds on that the aloe extract is great for sensitive skin while the cucumber extract cleanses and moisturizes skin. The directions online say to mix the cleanser with water to foam, then gently massage your face and rinse off with warm water.

This cleanser has a metallic white sheen and feels very light and airy. It reminds me of astronaut food: solid and whole, yet with very low density. The amount pictured is plenty; this is actually abundant enough for more than two face washes. This cleanser's scent is surprisingly not like Aloe vera, but more like the typical subtle cleanly scent of cleansers.

The Pros

• This cleanser is very gentle and smooth on the skin, which is perfect for those with sensitive skin.
• The scent isn't unbearable; in fact , it's hardly noticeable.
• The texture is very light, airy and fun to play with.
• It easily foams to your desired level, depending on how much water you add.
• My face is left clean, matte and dry. (Though it may be a bit too dry for those with dry skin. I have dry-to-normal skin, and it did feel just a tad dry to me).
• Just a little product goes a long way, so this can last for quite some time.

The Cons

• While I don't have sensitive skin, my healing zits did sting for a few minutes after washing off my face.
• This seems like the same as using a bar of soap.

Overall, this foam cleanser works well as a mild cleanser. But cleansers seem only to do just that: clean the face, which I feel like soap bars would have the same effect. Therefore, those who want a gentle face wash with minimal qualities besides just cleaning the face, this is a good product. For those looking for more advantageous products (ex. exfoliating beads to rid dead skin cells), a different type of wash would be better.

Tony Moly Floria Nutra-Energy Mask Sheet with Argan Oil Review

As Super Junior-M are the current endorsers for Tony Moly, they're on the cover of Tony Moly's Floria Nutra-Energy Mask Sheet with Argan Oil. The Floria line offers many skincare products, many of which are meant to provide either energy or whitening to the face. While this mask sheet isn't listed on Tony Moly's website, the other Floria Nutra-Energy products are meant to provide moisture, target wrinkles and create elasticity. This product is actually listed as "Not for sale," so I think these are only given as samples with purchases.

The backside provides illustrations and information in Korean and English. In English, it states that this mask is nutritious and energetic to give off a healthy face. The directions say to place and leave the mask on your face for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove.

This face mask sheet, like many others, is a large circle sheet with slits around the border. The holes are also large in proportion. After removing the sheet, there is still a lot of essence on my face. I use my fingers to tap in this excess essence for my skin to absorb it more quickly, and my face is fully dried after about three minutes.

The Pros

• The sheet comes very concentrated in its essence, with remaining essence still in the packaging.
• This mask sheet stays on my face very well.
• After tapping the essence on my face, it was quickly absorbed.
• My face has a healthy matte sheen afterwards and is subtly hydrated.
• This mask and its bag have a LOT of essence left, so I can refresh myself by wiping my neck and limbs and still have essence left over. There's a lot more left than other mask sheets I've tried.

The Cons

• This essence smells a bit like raw sourdough bread, which isn't really to my liking. It's a mild scent though, so it's quick to get used to it.
• The one-size-fits-all isn't very accommodating to most face sizes. The holes are very large and the overall circle shape is just too big.

Overall, I view this face mask sheet like all the other ones I've tried. While the scent could have been more pleasant, I did like how efficiently this essence absorbed into my skin. This mask sheet is decent, but I won't go out of my way to find one.