SkinFood Mask Reviews

SkinFood is known for their flavorful and palatable face masks, which is why I'm so excited to try a few of them! I love how SkinFood uses common Asian ingredients for their products, such as black sesame and ginseng. I definitely don't see those ingredients in health products at American stores! My SkinFood purchase from their San Francisco location came with five different face mask samples, so here I will test a couple of them out.  Note that because I received these samples from an American SkinFood branch, all the information is in English.

Ginseng Mask
I am so ecstatic to sample SkinFood's Ginseng Mask!  I love ginseng, its properties of making one feel rejuvenated, and I especially love ginseng in Korean ginseng soup.  According to SkinFood's website, this mask is meant to give you a "pure, luminous complexion" because of its main ingredient, ginseng, from Geumsan County, the largest ginseng market in South Korea.

The instructions say to place and gently massage a generous amount of product onto your face, then let it sit for five minutes and finally rinse the mask off with lukewarm water.

This mask is very fluid and runny.  It is translucent with an earthy yellow hue and contains soft, pulverized ginseng. 

The Pros

• The scent is a mild, bitter ginseng smell, which is amazing for avid ginseng lovers like myself.
• The texture is very soft and gentle, which seems great for sensitive skin.
  

The Cons

• Honestly, my face looked and felt the same after rinsing off this mask.
• The mask leaves a very thin layer on your face, so you need to use a lot of product in order to really feel the mask working at your skin.

Because this is my first time using this mask, I am not able to see a radiant complexion that I might have seen had I used this product frequently.  Overall, I was falling in love with everything about this product, until I washed it all off. Then I realized that I didn't see nor feel any effect, not even the morning after. I would use this product just for the fun of putting one of my favorite foods on my face, but nothing more.

Black Sugar Mask
I'm not so thrilled about the idea of putting sticky, goopy sugar on my face (I hate sticky substances getting on my hair), but I decided to give this mask a shot anyways.  I suppose hard sugar would exfoliate skin, which is a plus.  According to Skinfood's website, indeed this mask does exfoliate dead skin, as well as "revitalizes skin," brightening the complexion, I suppose.

The directions on the SkinFood website suggest mixing this mask with water or toner to reduce skin irritation, depending on how sensitive your skin is.  Apply the mask onto wet skin and massage, then let the product sit for 10-15 minutes and wash off with warm water.  I'm an impatient person, and 15 minutes is a long time, but when I have My Flower Boy Neighbor to watch, I sometimes let the mask sit ever longer (^_^).

A side note, I noticed a couple of my SkinFood samples had a printed white sticker covering the back of the sample, so I peeled it off to reveal the original print. The original back had Korean, so I'm guessing for the American stores SkinFood had to put the information, such as ingredients, in English.

This mask is very rough, consisting mostly of crystalized sugar and melted sugar. It's also tempting to taste! Surprisingly the product is more fluid than sticky, which is much easier to work with.  Because this mask is so gritty, I feel like the exfoliation happens instantly so it can also be used as a scrub, if you're an impatient person or you're in a time crunch. This mask also feels more like a scrub than a mask in general, so the benefits may be just as effective leaving the mask on for only a couple of minutes rather than 10, which is how long I left it on.

The Pros

• The scent is quite pleasing, like a mild coca cola.
• My face and hands are very smooth and polished afterwards (but not soft).
• The mask exfoliates my skin really well.

The Cons

• The product is very rough, especially when massaging all over my face.

Overall, I do like this mask and I would use it again. However, I would use it as a scrub and add plenty of water on my face and in the product to soften the consistency and more easily spread the product around my face.

Kpop Songs 2012, Part 2: Girl Groups, Collaborations, Solo Artists

This is the second and final part of my most favorite songs that I discovered in 2012 (these songs either came out in 2011 or 2012).  To check out the first part, my favorite boy band songs, click here.

Trouble Maker - HyunA and Hyun Seung aka Trouble Maker
It's not often that I see a mixed gender group, so I was instantly drawn towards the new group Trouble Maker, a duo group containing 4minute's HyunA and Beast's Hyun Seung. This song and its music video are very mature and bold, much different from the more innocent, mellow songs I listen to. I am amazed at the provocative choreography in the music video-it's just amazing how fast they're moving. I first found this song by watching several of Kpop Billboard's Hot 100 Top 50, so I've been exposed to this song multiple times. At first I really didn't click with this song because of its sexiness, but soon the fast-paced chorus really got to me and won me over.



Loving U - Sistar
This song and its music video is very fresh, fun, lively and makes me just want to fly to the beautiful beaches of Hawaii just to dance to this music video. Its chorus is very catchy and beats are very peppy, making me feel carefree and worry-free.



Classic - J.Y. Park, Suzy, Taecyeon, Wooyoung
This mini Dream High cast reunion was what drew me to this endorsement song for Reebok. This collaboration of diverse performers makes for a beautiful, gentle song that I like to listen to when I need something mellow.



Back in Time - Lyn
This song is the first track in The Moon That Embraces the Sun OST (the full album; it is Part 2 of the individual albums). Its slow tune and powerful chorus charmed me every time they played this song in the drama. Also listening to an English cover of this song has moved me so much. The translated lyrics are so powerful and touching, I am just in awe.



TTL (Time to Love) - T-ara and SuperNova
It's not often that I see collaborations between boy bands and girl groups, and this collaboration is what first caught my attention with this song. Next the fast pace and fun beat won me over. It's just so catchy!



I Don't Need a Man - Miss A
This song's concept really reminds me of Beyonce's "Single Ladies," which is inspirational and encouraging.  But that's not why I like this song!  I love the fun, carefree attitude that this song portrays, especially the chorus. Like all these other songs, this one is also super catchy!



Though I had an entire year to find a list of songs to obsess over, I only found 10 that really stood out for me. I hope you liked these songs and music videos as much as I do!

Kpop Songs 2012, Part 1: Boy Bands

I love writing recap posts that cover an entire year.  Though we are well on our way into 2013, I want to write about my most favorite kpop songs of 2012. These aren't necessarily songs from 2012, but more like songs that I have only discovered in 2012, and I am still very excited about these songs, so bare with me if I'm writing about 'old' songs.  These songs spoke to me, giving me an emotional connection one way or another, and are always stuck in my head because of their catchy tunes.  I was just gathering the songs that I truly obsessed over last year, and it ended up being ten-perfect!

My entire list included too many labels, so I have to split this post into two parts.  This first part covers my most four favorite songs from boy bands that I discovered last year.  Check out Part 2, which covers six videos of girl groups, collaborations, etc.

Hey You - CNBlue
From their 4th Korean mini album, Hey You is my most favorite CNBlue song!  CNBlue has always been my most favorite band, and their songs always amaze me.  This song really showcased the vocals of Jung Yong Hwa and Lee Jong Hyun, and the chorus is upbeat and smooth.  Random anecdote: this is the song I hum when I'm getting shots to distract myself!



Be Mine - Infinite
I first learned about Infinite through the drama Shut Up Flower Boy Band. This drama stars the adorable Kim Myungsoo, aka L, of Infinite. Early in the drama, there is one scene where the main cast sings a karaoke version of Infinite's song "Be Mine." I instantly fell for the tune and chorus of this song, and after watching at the music video I fell for the members of Infinite! I even try to mimic this dance in the shower sometimes!



Crazy - Teen Top
Similar to Infinite's "Be Mine," I fell for Teen Top's "Crazy" because of the catchy tune and chorus. The English lyrics are very repetitive and simple, making it easy for me to sing this song all the time. I just can't get enough of this upbeat pop song!



Hateful Person - Beast
Part of the Big OST, this song is simply fun and lighthearted, just like the drama. Every time this song is played in Big, I can't stop smiling at the happy tune of Hateful Person. Despite such a negative title, this song is definitely cheery throughout.



This is my short list of favorite boy band songs that I found in 2012! Check out the rest of my kpop 2012 list here.

Tony Moly Cleansing Foam and Etude House Body Scrub Reviews

I love Tony Moly products, so I was absolutely ecstatic when my A-Poly package arrived with four generous samples of various Tony Moly goodies!  Today I'm reviewing on my Dr. Tony AC Control Acne Cleansing Foam sample, along with the lone Etude House sample, Know Your Body Soft Cream Scrub, which also came with my A-Poly package.

Tony Moly Dr. Tony AC Control Acne Cleansing Foam

First off, I love the packaging of this sample.  This brand even takes the time to design cute packaging for their samples, making this cleansing foam sample into a smaller, two dimensional version of the actual product.  Majority of the information is in Korean, with English saying "Non-prescription acne-preventive foam cleanser certified by KFDA," which sounds very fancy and trustworthy. According to the information posted on the Tony Moly website, this cleansing foam has numerous benefits.  Apparently this is a multipurpose product that helps with blood flow within the face, minimizes pores, exfoliates skin, soothes redness, gives sun protection and more.  I won't be able to test any of these claims with my sample, but I'm sure that this product's advantages do outweigh its disadvantages.

This product is creamy and a bit liquidy, but doesn't run like water.  It is very smooth and consistent throughout.  There weren't any directions, at least not in English, on the package or on the Tony Moly website, so I just placed the product in the palm of my hand, added water and rubbed on my face until all of the cream became foamy, then I rinsed it all off a few minutes after massaging my face.

The Pros

• The smell is a gentle detergent scent, similar to that of hotel soap.  The scent could be better, but it's not bad.
• This product easily foams and is easily distributed throughout my face.
• My face feels matte and clean afterwards.

The Cons

•  After drying my face, I have a tingly, stinging feeling throughout my face...does that mean it's working?  It's not a pleasant feeling, but it does go away after a few minutes.

Because this is a sample after all, I'm not sure how amazing the long term effects are for acne-prone skin.  But overall, I would consider giving this product a try. Even if it won't help prevent acne, it still cleans my face. And for the tingly, stinging feeling, maybe my skin will soon tolerate it the more often I use it. At least that's how other heavily medicated acne skincare products have affected me, so it probably means that this Tony Moly cleanser is heavily medicated and great for acne-prone people.

Etude House Know Your Body Soft Cream Scrub
I always considered body scrub as an unnecessary but luxurious step in my shower routine, so I decided to test this product out. There isn't much information about this product online, so hopefully my review will shed some light on this mysterious body scrub.  My skin has been drier than usual due to the bone-chilling weather, so I'm hoping this body scrub will moisturize my skin back to health!

The packaging of this sample is simple, yet girly and adorable, matching Etude House's princess-like concept.

The back has information in Korean and English about instructions. It says to massage the scrub in a circular motion over damp skin, then rinse off. It suggests you to use this product once to twice a week.

The product itself is very light and airy, just slightly thicker than mousse.  While the name does say that this is a soft cream, which it is, there are also small, white specks that exfoliate the skin.  I'm assuming the dark pink dots on the package illustrate these minuscule specks.

The Pros

• The mousse-like texture is interesting and fun
• The exfoliation was a nice surprise

The Cons

• The scent is tolerable, but it is a light, vanilla smell (to describe it nicely) that isn't too appealing
• My skin doesn't feel soft or smooth coming out of the shower

Overall, I'm quite a lazy person when it comes to a beauty routine, and I didn't see or feel any difference in my skin (though I'm not sure if this will be the result in the long run-it could be better if I used it on a weekly basis).  I'm sure others see some benefit to using the scrub, but for me, I'm glad I got to sample it before purchasing it because I probably wouldn't purchase this.

IU: Real Mini Album Review

As I've said several posts ago, I received IU's album Real from Taiwan. Ever since I first saw IU as shy, self-conscious Miss Sushi on Dream High, I fell for her innocent, darling charm and instantly became a fan.

IU has a beautiful, soothing voice with matching songs that I can listen to endlessly when I need a pick-me-up or just a fun song to distract me from my studies. IU's Real extended play, released in December 2010, is equally beautifully packaged, containing her nature photo shoot for the album.

This album is more like a hardcover book, as it contains a photo and lyric book, along with intricate flaps that shield the actual CD.  The photo book reveals IU looking more mature and sophisticated than she has in the past.  Her bangs have been outgrown and her hair is wavy, creating a more adult hairstyle.  IU's elegantly (not trashy) smokey eyes and fake eyelashes offer a flirty, charming side to her overall sophisticated demeanor.

Once opened, this 'book' reveals two more flaps, as seen in the top left photo. On the right side is IU's photo shoot and lyrics. The bottom left photo illustrates two photos along with the lyrics to one of the songs. The right photo, also a part of this photo shoot, shows IU beautifully dressed. I love her minimalistic, yet sophisticated outfits on this shoot! She is such a style icon.

 

The left flap exposes two vertical flaps that protect the actual CD.  This left half of the book is covered with IU in an open field.  I should have lined up the CD with the background image; now it looks funky :(

 

Now onto the actual music of this extended play. Clearly I'm not educated in the music field (you will be able to tell if you read on) so I will use my own, very simple terms to express my thoughts of this album. My most favorite track is IU's second track, Good Day, which is very catchy, with upbeat instrumentals and her flowy voice. This album also ends with the instrumental version of Good Day, which is just as beautiful to listen to when you need a boost of happiness. On this album is also a Christmas song, entitled Merry Christmas Ahead. This slow, cheery song does have gentle tones that remind me of falling snowflakes.

Sadly I don't understand the lyrics of these songs or their meaning, but overall these songs sound more mature than her past songs, with sad, soft and slow tones.  In all, check out this extended play if you're an IU fan!  The layout of this extended play, the photo book, and the song, Good Day, are worth it.

[Update] Aberdeen Centre

The Korean shops at Aberdeen Centre have changed since I last visited in Thanksgiving 2012, which I blogged about here! Last weekend I came back to this mall to find SASA and an updated collection of kpop merchandise at HMart.

SASA (Reopened)
SASA was originally located on the second floor, but now has moved to the top floor.  It is quite a small stall, about as deep as it is wide.

This SASA only sells Laneige products, which is seen on the storefront sign in the center. The store is quite basic, with Laneige products displayed on cases lined against the wall. Only if you are a fan of Laneige would I suggest you coming here, because there is no cute concept or cutely packaged products to see.

HMart
HMart continues to carry beauty products from high end Korean brands such as Laneige, which are in display cases and on glass shelves. Nearby also resides the kpop merchandise.

There are still the main items that were already here from my visit during Thanksgiving, including framed Kim Hyun Joong posters, Super Junior's Sexy, Free & Single album and Big Bang's Alive album. There are also new, smaller, miscellaneous kpop items, including iPhone cases, clocks and stationery of popular bands and actors, such as Lee Min Ho and lots and lots of Kim Hyun Joong.

Directly behind the kpop table is a small cafe in a corner of HMart. This cafe includes a TV that plays current kpop performances that you can watch whole enjoying your food.

Every time I come to Aberdeen, it seems like their Kpop section is shrinking. Hopefully the next time I stop by, it's not extinct!

Tony Moly Magic Tint Review

As a late holiday present, my friend gave me the best (materialistic) gift of all: Tony Moly products! My friend, who is quite knowlegable in the Korean beauty brands department, says that Tony Moly is most famously known for their lip products. That said, she gave me the Cat Chu Wink Lip Tint and the Magic Tint in Grape. I have been a fanatic about lip tints: they're natural and light, unlike glosses and lipsticks, yet a step up from balms.  Here's my review on the Magic Tint (Cat Chu Wink Lip Tint review is on the way).

Magic Tint in Grape
This tint has a fruity punch to it, smell-wise and color-wise. This is grape flavor, and its scent is lightly coated with sweet purple grapes. The color is a deep purple-red wine hue. This tint consists of a very conformed, solid jelly consistency, which is good because when you use your finger to get the product, you can easily control how much product to get.

This Magic Tint is named just that because supposedly once the product is taken out of its container, the tint transforms from its deep purple hue to a softer pink tone.  The product also comes in Green Apple and Strawberry flavors, so if you really want to see this amazing color change, I suggest you try the Green Apple flavor. This blooming concept of transforming colors in lip products is a new trend, and I'm glad Tony Moly has made a product to follow it!

I took a set of three swatches within 30 minutes on my hand, and you can see the color transforming within this time. I swiped the tint several times and only gave me a barely transparent, clear pink coat. Within several minutes, the color became slightly more pink. Alas, about 25 minutes since I first put the tint on my hand, the color became a more flirty, vibrant purple.

The Pros

• This grape flavor offers a sophisticated berry hue
  
• The color is natural, yet vibrant
  
• There is a pleasant, subtle grape scent
  
• A little goes a long way, so this tint will last quite awhile
  
• The solid jelly form makes it easy to get the right amount (which wouldn't be a problem if there were an applicator)
  
• The color stays on well (I used a paper towel to rub off the tint roughly from my lips but it still stayed on).

The Cons
Note: these cons are only for makeup novices like myself (as you can see, all my beauty reviews are for skincare, not makeup).

• You must have smooth, unchapped lips first, so layer your lips with a moisturizing balm beforehand.
• The color stays on too well and there is no applicator provided.  It's hard to control this product with my finger, and I accidentally put some tint above my lip...so stay in control, or else you will have tinted skin!
• This tint gives off a sticky feeling, even two hours after initial application

Overall, this product is very colorful and the color transformation is interesting to watch.  But because it takes awhile for the color to appear, make sure you see how the end result looks on your lips after the complete color transformation!