Etude House Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream and Golden Child Bomin Endorsement Photocards Review

Golden Child's Bomin has really built a name for himself with his various individual schedules and endorsements. I blogged a bit about Bomin's individual merch here, but I've added to my collection since then so I figured I'd make a quick post. I won't actually be blogging about the skincare product itself, but rather on the packaging and photocards.

Bomin has been an endorser for Korean beauty brand Etude House. In a previous post linked above, I blogged about Bomin standees that were included as freebies from purchasing the various versions of the Play Color Eyes Hersey's Kisses Brush Kit. There are specific other skincare products that also include 2 Bomin photocards.

I didn't really have any interest in any skincare moments, but this one really caught my eye and is applicable for the bonus 2 Bomin photocards via Ktown4u. From Etude's Soon Jung line, this is their Hydro Barrier Cream that comes in a cute milk carton packaging.

Information and instructions are printed in both English and Korean. You can open the packaging on this backside.

Opening the flap reveals two samples, along with the jar of cream.

The hydro barrier cream comes in a minimalist plastic jar, and the pH5.5 Relief Toner and 10-Free Moist Emulsion samples come in plastic bottles.

And here are the 2 Bomin photocards! I like how the photocards are a set instead of a random inclusion. These photocards have a glossy finish. 

The backsides of the photocards have Etude's logo.

Here is my updated mini Bomin collection! Included are the Ateen 2 Photo Essay Book and Peripera lip tint, My Dahlia fabric perfumes, and Etude House standees and photocards.

Overall, I'm so happy for Bomin and how he's been branching out in various fields! I'm excited to see what else is in store for Bomin!

Golden Child Bomin Drama and Endorsement Merchandise Collection [Ateen 2, Peripera, My Dahlia, Etude House]

Golden Child's maknae on top Choi Bomin has already built quite the resume at his young age. From acting in dramas to endorsing clothing and beauty brands to MCing, he continues to shine in whatever field he tries! Starting with acting in web drama "Ateen 2" in April 2019, endorsements and fan meetings with the main cast followed, along with merchandise and beauty products centered around that drama. Additional individual endorsement partnerships continued, and I'm happy to have been able to collect a few along the way.

Here I'll be showing my various Bomin goods and endorsements, specifically:

• Ateen 2: Photo Essay Book and Peripera Ink Matte Blur
• My Dahlia: Fabric Perfume
• Etude House: Hershey's Kisses Play Color Eyes Brush Kit and Standees

I don't have an unboxing review for the endorsement products since I don't actually use them and wouldn't be able to provide much. I previously reviewed the Ateen 2 Photo Essay Book which I'll provide the link later on, and here I'll also be going more in depth into the Etude House standees.

Ateen 2

At a time where there wasn't much Golden Child merchandise, I really wanted the Ateen 2 Photo Essay Book. And I thought a Korean book with Bomin would help me to practice my reading. I'm really grateful to have been able to find this book. I have an unboxing review of this book here.

Here is a closeup of the packaging and lip tint. It's interesting how Bomin's character here has an ear piericing; throughout the drama I was scared if he'd end up getting a piercing or not. There's also a profile on Bomin's character, whose English name is Zoo-Ha and includes birth date, blood type, astrological sign, and a school subject he enjoys.

My Dahlia

Bomin was an endorsement model for perfume brand My Dahlia in 2019, but it's a bit mysterious what happened with this partnership because one day the brand's Instagram removed any mentioning of Bomin...but anyways, he modeled this series of fabric perfumes, which can be found at Olive & Young. His sticker is taped onto the exterior packaging, and there is a different image per flavor. I'm really grateful to have been in Seoul for Golden Child's Future And Past concert and to have found these at Olive & Young^^

I was considering doing a review on these, but the lids are sealed off with another sticker (not of Bomin) and I didn't want to ruin it, and it's not like I would use these sprays anyways because I like to preserve. Regardless, I have these displayed on my shelf^^

Etude House

Bomin's latest partnership is with Etude House! By purchasing a Play Color Eyes Hershey's Kisses Brush Kit, a mini Bomin standee is included. The A version comes with the Milk Chocolate set, the B version comes with the Almond Chocolate set, and the C version comes with the Special Dark set. The C version standee is exclusive to Ktown4u. There is also another version standee that is given when purchased directly from Etude House Korea. I was able to find someone selling the A and C standees, and I bought the Version B set from Ktown4u. I don't really use makeup but I'm a sucker for cute packaging, so I'm happy to have just one of these Hershey's Kisses sets. I won't be doing an unboxing review of the set though.

The standees are made of sturdy foam and are packaged really well inside a rectangular foam board. Each standee also comes with 2 bases; the smaller base is about 1.75" in diameter (when measured from the straight edge, not the point), and the bigger base is about 2" in diameter.

The color of the base is different based on the version. The standee is about 8.5" tall with the base.

The foam is super high quality and thick, at 0.125" in width. The finish even feels like a ceramic tile, it's so smooth and polished and sturdy. To assemble the standee, I suggest not putting the base all the way up to Bomin's feet, or else it'll be rocky. The foot sticks into the base really well and feels very stable (so again I don't suggest sticking the base all the way up to the feet, because it's hard to bring back down because it's so tight).

These standees are so adorable and I'm really grateful to have them as part of my greater Golden Child collection. I can't wait to see what else Bomin's partnership with Etude holds, as well as Bomin's future projects!

Etude House Missing U Panda and Pink Dolphin Hand Cream Review

Etude House has a line of hand creams called Missing U, with each product focusing on a protecting a particular species. These protects spread awareness and part of the proceeds go toward that cause. The original series includes #1 Harp Seal, #2 Fairy Penguin,  #3 Panda, and #4 Pink Dolphin. I reviewed the Harp Seal before here and the Fairy Penguin here.

What first drew me to this hand cream series and to Etude House in the first place was seeing it on the drama Shut Up Flower Boy Band. I know I said this in the Harp Seal review, but I'll state it again. Ye Rim hands Infinite's Myungsoo the Pink Dolphin hand cream, which I honestly thought was the ugliest thing I've seen. How can you turn a dolphin's snout into a 2D surface. But because Myungsoo's had contact with this one (they probably chose the most ugly one to boost its sales), I had to get this one. When I was in Seoul, I bought the two I'm missing, the Panda and the Pink Dolphin.

I gave most of my thoughts about the products in my Harp Seal review, so here I'll do a quicker review of the packaging, the hand cream container, and the cream itself, for the Panda and Pink Dolphin. Etude's English website also has information on this hand cream series here.

The packaging is environmentally friendly; it is printed on 100% recycled paper and with soy ink, and has won a packaging award in 2011. This is the panda one.

And here is the similar packaging for the dolphin. I like the graphic of the pink dolphin in its natural habitat~

The backside states the "Panda Story" in Korean and is very descriptive. The side has a translation in English, but the "Panda Story" is much shorter than the Korean one. It reads:

"Our endangered animal friends are rapidly becoming extinct from the planet... I really want to see you...

I miss you!

Hi~ I am Panda

I live in China, love to eat bamboo and practice kung-fu."

It also states that this cream contains herbs, shea butter, and olives, to "moisturize, heal and soothe hands." While it is a hand cream, you can also apply it to arms.

The story for the pink dolphin story states: "I live in the Amazon River, love to swim and chat with friends." Like the other Missing U hand creams, it is also made with the same ingredients and has the same directions.

The hand creams fit in my hand and contain 30ml. They're so adorable; I love how the arms are 3D, adding to the cuteness.

The panda is peach scented, as indicated on its belly. To me, it smells like a typical flowery lotion scent, not necessarily peachy like Tony Moly's peach hand cream. The pink dolphin is fiona scented. I have no idea what "fiona" could be besides a name of a person, but the picture on the container looks more like a peony flower. To me, it smells like potpourri (which isn't a bad thing!). You simply unscrew the top, and inside there's a clear plastic cover and then the cream.

Overall, I love this series and I'm glad I have the complete collection! The containers are cute (...I'll eventually accept the Pink Dolphin's appearance), and the creams do their job in moisturizing my hands. I'm sorry I didn't blog much about the cream itself, but I do mention it on the other posts.

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.

Etude House Missing U Fairy Penguin Hand Cream Review

Etude House always has adorable packaging, and the Missing U hand cream line is no exception.  I reviewed the Seal hand cream from this line before; here's the link.  I bought the Penguin in September in one of Etude House's Hong Kong locations because I fell for its cuteness.

This Missing U Endangered Animal line offers products that bring awareness of endangered animals around the world.  One side of the box has English, explaining where the fairy penguins are located.  At the same time, this line is environmentally friendly, as made clear on the other side of the box with its labels.  This box is made entirely of recycled paper and printed using soy ink.  The hand creams from this line has also won two awards for design.

Here is the English side that states the mission of this line, an introduction of the fairy penguin, the main ingredients and the directions.  This is a hand cream, but it can also be used on arms.

You can see just how small this hand cream is, as it fits in the palm of my hand.  The arms are in different positions, showing realism and detail in creating the looks of this penguin.  In between the arms is a cotton bud, showing the scent is like cotton.

The inside packaging is more updated since nine months ago when I had bought the Seal.  There is a thin, clear film protecting the lotion from leaking to the top of the lid.  After twisting off the lid, I immediately smelled the strong baby powder scent.  This scent is really innocent and different, but smelling it for too long might overwhelm me.  The side of the box states that this cream is a blend of herbs, shea butter and olives "to moisturize, heal and soothe hands."

Here is a swatch of the cream.  It's more on the runny side so a little goes a long way.  The amount on my palm is the perfect amount to cover my hands thoroughly and the residual smell is rather pleasant and light, not overbearing at all.  I will definitely use this as a daily lotion to keep my hands from drying out.

Overall, I love this hand cream.  The packaging is to die for, and I like how Etude is spreading awareness through its products in this line.  And the lotion itself works well and leaves a pleasant scent.  I'll definitely be collecting more from Etude's Missing U line!

Etude House: Precious Mineral BB Cream Bright Fit Review

During my first visit into an Etude House, I was drawn by the size of the Precious Mineral BB Cream Bright Fit; the BB creams I see and buy are always travel size, but this one is huge! After testing it and loving it even more, I just had to purchase this BB cream.

Etude has several BB creams within their Precious Mineral line along with Bright Fit; there's also Cotton Fit and Sun Cream., as well as other foundation-like products of the Precious Mineral line, like powder and sponge.

Now onto the actual product!  The cream comes in a light pearlescent pink rectangular box with fancy silver sparkles.  The design of the box definitely matches Etude's girly princess concept very well.  The supposed qualities of this cream are that it contains SPF, it prevents wrinkles and it brightens your skin.  The right side explains that Etude's Precious Mineral BB Cream line's main ingredient is pearl extract, creating a "silky complexion," along with the three qualities mentioned before.  The directions say to apply on your entire face and then "pat to finish."

The left side has Korean information and the back has more Korean information (and a Chinese translation sticker placed over the top because I bought this at a Hong Kong location).  The bottom just has a barcode and number.

The top of the box gives the product name, SPF number (30) and shade.  The shade I chose was Natural Beige W13.  There were several available shades, at least four, to my surprise because many Asian brands I've seen only carry two shades.

Like I mentioned earlier, the size of the bottle first caught my attention.  The box states that the weight is 60 grams, but there is nothing on the volume.  To give more perspective on the size, compare the bottle to this ruler and my SkinFood BB creams that hold 30 milliliters each.

Here is the actual product.  The front looks very similar to the box.  The back has a little Korean information.

The bottle comes with a sturdy cap and push dispenser.

The consistency is creamy and smooth, and there is no scent.  The amount on my finger tip is plenty for covering one entire cheek.

Pros

• This cream offers thick coverage, making me look like I have flawless skin!
• It gives a natural matte finish.
• After wearing it for a few hours, my face doesn't feel heavy, nor do I sense dryness or oiliness.
• A little really does go a long way: just a drop covers a large portion of my face.
• The bottle has a lot of product inside, so you're getting a great deal!  This product will definitely take me quite some time to finish
• There's no scent, which is great for sensitive people.

Cons

• Honestly, there is nothing bad about this product!

Overall, I absolutely love this product!  My skin looks and feels healthy and polished, and I think this is my new go-to BB cream.  While using this cream, I look and feel so much more refreshed and confident.

Hong Kong's Causeway Bay: Korean Shopping

Causeway Bay is a big and busy shopping destination in Hong Kong, so of course I had to swing by and get my dose of Korean culture! 

Innisfree

Unknown Address

Walking around a pedestrian filled side street, I saw a small Innisfree at a corner. The two exterior walls were beautifully covered with ivy, giving a very nature-like effect to the brand.  There is also a monitor used as a window display, showing the technologically savvy store. 

Laneige

Times Square: 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay

A few blocks over is the shopping mall Times Square, with several Korean beauty brand stores.  I passed by Laneige, but it wasn't opened yet nor did I have much interest in the brand.

SkinFood

Times Square

I also walked right by SkinFood without noticing it because the storefront was so camouflaged. It's a very small space, the width being as long as the doorway and window, with only about 6 display cases of skincare products.  The only bb cream this store has is the mushroom one and one more; sadly they didn't carry the Good Afternoon Tea line, of which is the one I'm most interested.

Etude House

Times Square

The shop I was looking most forward to was Etude House, and my visit definitely didn't disappoint!

The storefront is very beautiful, with Key standing next to an elegant dresser and mirror.  I love how Etude adds these special little touches that make the customer's experience that much more memorable!

I love the pure and girly concept, with pristine white walls and displays and pink lettering.  

Even endorsers SHINee are looking dashing and romantic while dressed in pink.  The shelves and display tables nearly present all available products with testers of each. There were so many cute products took at, I couldn't think straight!  I love the appearance of the Princess Antoinette line (middle row of bottom photo); it's so elegant and fits Etude's concept perfectly.

Here are a few more shots of the displays.  Despite all of the shelves being completely packed with products, each product is easily viewable and there's no clutter.

Here are a few masks on display at the checkout. I'm surprised that there are so many packs for individual body parts, such as eyes, chin, forehead and neck.

There was also a special promotion going on that when you sign up for a free membership to Etude House Hong Kong, and make a purchase over a certain amount, you receive a free gift. Key's lifesize cutout explains it.  Behind the cashier is the display of gifts.  

The membership card is very nice, thick as a credit card and pretty like Etude.  Though I'll rarely use this card, I love carrying it around with me in my wallet!  For spending over $100 HKD, I received a pack of tissues with SHINee on the front. If I had spent another $8 HKD to reach $200 HKD, I would have also received a cute Etude pen or face mask sheet, but my uncle talked his way into having the representative give me the pen anyways.

Here is my purchase from Etude!  I bought some bb cream, hand cream and a face mask sheet, all of which I'll be reviewing in the future.  The prices at Etude are amazingly inexpensive compared to buying Etude online or buying other brands in store (ie. Holika Holika and SkinFood).  I bought my bb cream for $138 HKD ($17.79 USD), hand cream for $50 HKD ($6.45 USD) and mask for $18 HKD ($2.32 USD).  This is my first time at an Etude store and I've loved my experience!  The brand, concept and products are all darling and I'll definitely visit Etude again. 

Uniqlo

Across from Times Square

Directly across the street from Times Square is Uniqlo, a Japanese fashion chain popular in Asia and, to me, comparable to Zara in Europe or H&M in America.  They have basic clothing for children, women and men with reasonable prices. I found tees for $39 to $129 HKD ($5.03 to $16.63 USD) and a sweater on sale for $99 HKD ($12.77 USD).  Though this store isn't a Korean brand, it's indirectly related because Infinite's Myungsoo and Sungjong have been spotted shopping at a Uniqlo. This branch is the flagship store in Hong Kong, so visit this location if you only have time for one.

HMV

Style House: 1/F The Park Lane

A few minutes' walk away from Times Square is Style House, a narrow mall with media chain store HMV.  This store carries the latest Kpop CDs and has a bit of Jpop, but not much Korean Jpop (and certainly none of Infinite's Japanese products, though I did see CNBlue's Robot single).  Any Korean Jpop albums would be located under Kpop.  There are only a few copies on display, but workers can easily check inventory at the 4 other Hong Kong locations and put an item on hold for you for 3 days.

Sorry this photo is so blurry; I was too excited seeing these albums in person.  This aisle is where majority of the Kpop albums are, arranged first by solo artist or group, then gender, then alphabetically.  At the end of the aisle are official Kpop goods, such as fans, of YG's powerhouses Big Bang and 2NE1.

Here I bought Apink's latest album, Secret Garden, and IU's second full album, Last Fantasy 2.  HMV's prices are reasonable, with my albums costing $115 and $130 HKD ($14.83 and $16.76 USD), respectively.  I'm so excited to have found these albums here!

Etude House

Unknown Address

On the walk from Times Square to Style House, I spotted another Etude House on the street.  This one is more adorable in decor, with white picket fence like detailing on the storefront and fancy chandeliers strung inside.  There were also two openings, and an accompanying SHINee cutout in each, one of Minho and the other of Taemin (I believe; I was walking too fast to confirm).  Both cutouts matched Etude's color scheme, making for a girly and romantic ambiance.

Swan & Co.

CC Wu Building: Upper Ground, 302-308 Hennessy Road

My last stop in Causeway Bay was a bit further from the rest of the stores, so I suggest taking a street car.  Swan & Co. is a very small, independent shop in CC Wu Building that sells official and legit Asian CDs and DVDs. They have recently released merchandise, with only one or so copies on display.  The lone salesman told me Korean Jpop isn't common I Hong Kong because they're more expensive than Kpop, so it's best to preorder those or grab a copy during its initial release.  The prices at this store are quite reasonable, and just slightly cheaper than HMV.  I saw Apink's Secret Garden album here for $110 HKD ($0.64 USD difference compared to the price at HMV).

I had just came from HMV and that location didn't have the Reply 1997 OST, but luckily Swan & Co. had one copy hiding in a shelf!  I was so ecstatic to find this album in such an obscure store, and for a reasonable price of $160 HKD ($20.63 USD).  I absolutely love this store and it's especially meaningful to me because this is where I bought my first Kpop albums (You're Beautiful OSTs parts one and two) three years ago.  I'd definitely recommend to check out this shop if you're looking for some Kpop albums!

Causeway Bay is full of shopping opportinities, so be sure to stop by these shops if you're there!