Review: Facial Cleansers

Today, I thought I'd review five face cleansers I've used in the past few months. As I've stated before, I double cleanse at night, which means I use a cleansing balm or oil to take off my makeup, which I then wipe off with Bioderma or any micellar water, and then a wash my face with a face cleanser. In the morning, I just wash my face with any one of these cleansers.

Perfect Whip (Japan): This foaming cleanser was a rage in Korea awhile back, and I still use it. I really like using it at night where I feel like it really cleanses the leftover makeup and the balm from my skin. It does, for me, strip a lot of the oils in my skin, which I feel I have to add back and is the primary reason why I like using this at night. I know there is a new technique where you create foam in the foamer. I haven't tried that yet and I am looking into trying this method the next time I use this face wash.

Trader Joe's Spa Face Wash with Tea Tree Oil: I've used many times and it's a good cleanser for its price point. It does cleanse the face, although sometimes, much like the castille soap, it feels like it leaves a film over my skin. If you do end up using this, I highly recommend you toning your face.

The other thing about this face wash is to really avoid this in your eyes. I have made the mistake of flying too close to the sun and having it sting my eyes. It really isn't fun. But, it *does* take off the makeup and it really makes you skin clear, especially if you're acne-prone, because of  the tea-tree oil. The price is also very very nice and I feel like this is one of the best lower-end face washes out there.

Andalou Naturals "1000 Roses" Cleansing Foam: Before this, I've used another Andalou face wash and I will admit I didn't like how it felt when washing my face. This, however, is different. The product comes out foaming and it smells amasing, if you like the smell of roses. The smell isn't too overpowering and is the scent when you are walking through a rose garden. I generally use this for the morning cleanse as this is very very gentle and I like how it takes off the overnight product without stripping the face.

GlamGlow Power Cleanse: I recently started using this product after I used up the Trader Joe's face wash. This is a dual cleanser in that it has one pump, and one side, with oil and the other pump/side with a clay cleanser. I have been using this at night.

I've been really enjoying this cleanser. It doesn't foam like the Andalou or the Perfect Whip, but the combination of the two really does create some kind of "soap" that really does cleanse my skin and take off any remaining makeup. I also really love the scent of this cleanser and it's like some aromatherapy that relaxes me in the evening.  the packaging is also lovely; in a way, I feel it enhances the decor of the bathroom.

Missha Frui-Tea Cleansing Foam: I've talked about this product before and I still stand by review. I really did like how it took off my makeup and I felt, like the Perfect Whip, a good evening cleanser but perhaps not gentle enough for a morning cleanser.  Also, like the Perfect Whip, when I repurchase, I will try it with the foamer and see if that makes any difference.

I hope you enjoyed this review. If you'd like to see more reviews like this, do let me know. If you also have any products you'd like me to try, let me know as well; would love to hear from you.

Until next time!

xo Jane

March Favourites

March has come and gone and it's time for March favourites!

This month has been a bit hectic and my skin definitely suffered, which is why I had to adjust.

Radha Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum: As I stated in my updated nighttime routine, this with the Korres Black Pine Sleeping Oil has been wonderful for my skin. As the weather changes, I love it absorbs into the skin and really moisturises the skin during the night. This is also USD$15 on Amazon! I think that price in itself cannot be beat.

Korres Black Pine Sleeping Oil: This on its face does not really do it for me. I felt it didn't really do a great job absorbing into to skin, viz. I felt the oil just sit on top of my skin. That said, once I mixed it with the Radha Hyaluronic Acid Serum, as mentioned, supra, there was such a change in my skin.  That said, I personally would not recommend just getting the sleeping oil, but in combination with the serum, the one-two combination really does wonders.

Heroine Make Volume and Curl Mascara: I've discussed this product before and my love for this product hasn't changed. Unlike a lot of other mascaras, I love how this product really lifts my eyes and gives me a more "awake" look. It's waterproof and really stays on your eyes, even after a good crying jag. If there is one mascara that I would recommend, it's this one.  Dasoda is a close second. Both are from Japan.

Tarte "The Sculptor" Contouring Stick: I don't use this to contour, as it is too dark for my face, but I do use it as a eyeshadow base on the lids of my eyes. I like to put a little on the base of my lids and then, using a finger, blend it in. I will then go over it with an eyeshadow, generally one that is lighter in colour.   I really like this as it gives my eyes dimension whilst allowing the shadow to still show through.

Etude House Sweet Recipe Cupcake Eyes: Yes, this is old, but I have been wearing it all month. Especially the champagne colour, which I like to blend over the areas where I used the Tarte Contouring Stick, supra, and on my aegyo-sal. I like how you can see the colour but it's not overpowering like many of the US brands.

Clearly, I've been using the light side incessantly.

Uniqlo Navy Midi-Skirt: This month has been the month of what I call "hobo chic." This skirt is the epitome of that. It has an elastic waist and it also hits my calves mid-length. Truthfully, this probably isn't the best look for me but it is devastatingly comfortable. When I'm feeling bloated, I will throw on a flowy sweater and when I'm less so, I will tuck in a shirt. I've worn this the majority of the month and at USD $19.95, I think it was a great choice. I'm sure there are better ways to wear it but I love the ease of it.

That's all of my March favourites. Would love to hear what your favourites are for this month.

Until next time, xo Jane.

Korean Beauty Products in Target

I thought today I would talk about the ever growing Korean beauty finds in Target. Target really jumped on board with the Korean beauty trends before any other company and I am profoundly in awe of their acumen. Initially, when they first debuted Korean products, they only had Laneige, which is a good mid-range product, much like Missha, and I always thought this was a good move, as Laneige has always been known to be a solid choice for skincare and makeup.

In the past year, Target has really expanded their inventory to include other Korean brands as well, viz. Missha, Caolion, April Skin, Mizon, all brands that are mid-range and known to be solid choices for skincare and beauty.

Today, I will share a few of the beauty finds I discovered when I was in Target. I tried to take some pictures but 1) the shelves were so disorganised and 2) I didn't want to be *too* obvious so I did the best I could. I will try and go back and update you.

When I went to Target, they were having a great sale on Laneige. They were USD$10 off and also you get a USD$10 gift card for each purchase. I ended up purchasing the Firming Sleep Mask. I know the Sleeping Water Mask is very popular but I wanted a mask that would not only moisturise but also tighten the skin.

If you wanted a starter foundation cushion, Laneige's cushion in Target is also a good one for first-timers. If BB Cream is more of an interest to you, Target sells a Missha BB Cream that is also brilliant.

The one thing I *highly* recommend getting is the Missha Time Revolution Essence. This is a good alternative to the SK-II Essence. If you've never tried this essence, it is definitely an essence that has made a huge difference to my skin. It has even out the skin and also decreased the amount of acne I have. The fact that Target sells it there is such an amasing opportunity that cannot be missed.

All these are great products but the middle one is my absolute favourite.

Another brand that I really enjoy is Mizon and they sell both the snail eye cream and the face cream. I really like how the cream goes on my skin. The secretion of snails are known to reduce the redness in the skin and I have definitely seen this happen to my own skin when I use products with snail secretion.  If you cannot find Mizon, Target also sells a cream Missha as well. Both are good products to try.

Missha//Mizon

I hope these reviews gave you enough incentive to go out and try out these brands! If you did, would love to know what were your purchases.

Until next time, xo Jane.

p.s. I also talked about Caolion previously. Their packs are also sold in Target!

My Nighttime Routine (March 2017)

Today, I thought I would talk about my nighttime routine, viz. what products I use after I cleanse my skin. If you are curious on how I cleanse my skin at night, do let me know and I'll gladly provide information.

After I wash my face and tone my skin, I like to use the Etude House "Tint My Brows" on my brows. I have posted a review if you're interested. I like to use this product on very clean skin, otherwise I find it does not set properly on your brows.

At night, I like to use products that sloughs off the dead skin which means acids and the like which will repair and cleanse without the fear of my skin being exposed by the sun. I don't like to use products that contain acids or retinols during the day specifically because I find even with a strong sunscreen, which I use, my skin still can get discoloured.  At night, I've been really enjoying using Drunk Elephant's TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum. If this isn't your thing, I also really like Sunday Riley's Good Genes. Both are available at Sephora.

Squirtle my lil helper

Next, I like to "cool" my skin with IOPE's Plan Stem Cell Softener. Before, I would have used aloe vera in addition to this but I've gotten kind of lazy and just use this. Aloe vera is also good just on its own. I recommend the Trader Joe's Aloe Vera. I really like the smell.

After I put all this over my skin, avoiding my brows, I have been using a concoction of Hyaluronic Acid and the Korres Black Pine Sleeping Oil.  I bought this sleeping oil during my Sephora shopping spree when there was 20% off this past November. When I used this, I didn't really like how it didn't really soak up in my skin. I felt it kind of sat on my skin at night. I find, however, when I used it in combination with the Hyaluronic Acid, it really worked nicely on my skin and I noticed my skin became less discoloured. I use a 3:2 ratio of Sleeping Oil: Hyaluronic Acid.

You can find the Hyaluronic Acid from Amazon for USD$15 and the Korres sleeping oil I got from Sephora. If you're looking for a good acid to plump your skin, I highly recommend this one as it really gets the job done and is such a great price.

After the sleeping oil concoction, I like to allow the oil to really sink in with an emulsion. Currently, I can using the Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion and I really really love it. If you can get this, do.  At this time, I also use the Shiseido eye cream around my eyes and my smile lines. I only use this product at night only as it is very very creamy; I find when I use it at night, my eyes are not as dry the next day.

Finally, I use a thick moisturiser, which was in January favourites, so that my skin is healing and moisturising at the same time. If it's particularly drying, I like to use this honey mask from Aritaum, which I also talked about in my January favourites.

Et fin! It seems like a lot but it really is much faster than my writing this entire process.

Until next time,  xo Jane.

Jane Tries: Pig Collagen Nose Pack (3-Step)

Today, I am reviewing what is essentially the Biore pore strips for the nose but this is a three-step process instead of just putting the strip on your nose.

Step 1: After cleansing your nose,  (I ended up wiping it with a cotton pad soaked with Bioderma) you place this strip on your nose and wait for about 10-15minutes for the product to soak in. I did not precisely time myself; instead, I just let it soak until the sheet itself was mostly dried out. I'm assuming that was more than 15 minutes.

The actual strip did not cover all my nose, especially in the front, which would have been nice, but I suppose since this was a nose strip, that cannot be helped. Since it is an essence "sheet" mask, it felt nice on my skin.

Step 2: This is the actual strip that takes out the sebum from your pores. It's very tacky and you are to ensure your nose is wet before you lay the strip onto your nose. This is about 5-10 minutes, which I actually kept at the time suggested since I felt the longer I kept it, the more it would hard my skin.

When I peeled off the strip, I did see a few blocked pores become clearer, but I didn't see *so many* sebum plugs and I do have a lot on my nose.

As you can see, this doesn't cover the entire nose. The shape is the same for all three.

I think, to be fair, it may be because these kind of strips, in general, can only be effective where the strips contact the skin and the nose is not a smooth area for that. As you can see in the picture, supra, the shape of the strip is such that it does get to the sides of the nose but not the front; depending on where you need sebum removed, this might not be the best option for you.

Step 3: This was my favourite part. After you pull off the strip, this goes back in to moisturise and tighten the pores. This really did its job. My pores around my nose felt cleaner and tighter. I kept it in much longer than recommended and I just puttered around the house until the sheet was basically dry. I loved how my nose felt and it really did feel cleaner even the next day.

Would I recommend it? If you're looking for a miracle product, this is not it. But if you want sthing that does take away some of those sebum plugs and does "pamper" you by providing moisturising sheets on your nose, this is a great product to try.

This also has instructions written in English which I know helps those who cannot read Korean. I also adore how the little pig's nose goes from clogged to clear. It's those little details that make me smile.

I hope you enjoyed this review and if there is anything you'd like me to review, do let me know.

xo Jane

Jane Tries: From Nature's Multi-Effect Collagen Honey Mask and IOPE Essential Mosture Relief Cream

Today, I wanted to review two products I've been using: From Nature's Multi-Effect Collagen Honey Mask and IOPE's Essential Moisture Relief Cream.

Multi-Effect Collagen Honey Mask: As I noted in my February Favourites, using a sheet mask everyday in Korea is a trend many like to do.  Whilst I am not a stickler to this trend, I do tend to use a sheet mask almost every day. I recently got this when I got home; I think I got this at Vic's but don't quote me on that.  For me, I feel like most sheet masks, the essence ones, not the gel ones, generally are similar to each other. I wanted to review this mask because I don't think people realise that there are a variety of sheet masks available in Korea.

One thing I hate in certain sheet masks is the lack of surface area around the nose. This sheet mask did allow for coverage of the nose. There also were flaps which I think is to modify the eye area to cover the bags, depending on your face shape.  I was not a fan of the flaps but I did like how it covered most of my face.

According to the package, this sheet mask is good to use to deeply moisturise your skin as it contains honey and collagen. With that promise, I decided use it after a late night with some friends. My skin was feeling very dry and I decided to use the mask to soothe my skin and also moisturise, exactly what the package described. I put the mask on and I fell asleep watching a movie ("Sausage Wars." It was mindless but very raunchy.) When I awoke and took the mask off, my skin definitely felt a difference.

Would I recommend it?: Yes; I think most sheet masks are effective, as I said before, supra. I also think this sheet mask really does moisturise without really irritating your skin.

IOPE Essential Moisture Relief Cream: During the summers, I like using a lighter moisturiser since the heat makes a heavy moisturiser difficult to use. I find, however, even if I want a lighter moisturiser, that doesn't take away of the need to moisturise. I find a lot of gel-based moisturisers really do not effectively give me the proper moisture I need and I end up producing more oil then usual.

The IOPE's moisture relief cream does not do that. It is a light-weight moisturise and immediately sinks into your skin.  I like how it doesn't fight with the other products I am using and I love the scent. It feels so nice to put it on my skin with the delicate scent.

Would I recommend it?: If you live in a humid environment, viz. Southeast Asia, I feel this is a good mid-price cream to use. If your summers are humid, this also is a good one. The fact that it is water-based yet really quickly enters your skin whilst moisturising really makes this a good purchase.

xo Jane

Jane Loves: My Favourite Drugstore Beauty Products (United States)

I do love finding a great bargain at the drugstore. I will admit I'm a bit gun-shy when it comes to the facial creams in the US drugstores, primarily because it really broke my skin out or dried out my skin, but that doesn't mean I'm not a sucker for the eye shadows and lipsticks!

Here are some of my favourite products I've bought over and over again:

1) Clean and Clear Persa-Gel-10 (10% Benzoyl Peroxide)

This is my all-time favourite acne product. I've used loads of different products and this has, time and time again, really reduced my acne. When my acne was at its worst, I used Proactiv, which is essentially a toner that sloughs off the dead skin and 2 different types of benzoyl peroxide, which added up to 5%. What I realised was benzoyl peroxide really attacks the bacteria and the sebum within each of the pores but since the medicine can be so drying on your skin, you really need something to moisturise, which is why I use this mixed with an emulsion.

2) Wet N Wild Pixie Stick

I really like to use this as a natural highlighter. I use it on the bridge of my nose and my cupid's bow. Be sure to use your fingers to spread the product out. I also like to use it on my aegyo-sal. I find it gives me a natural highlight in areas that needs a little help. I suppose you can use it on your cheeks but I have yet to do so. Perhaps I should

3) Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl in Black

I have been tighlining my upper lips with like eye pencil since the beginning. Since the eye pencil is waterproof the smudging is at a minimum. It *does* smudge if you squeeze your eyes shut but maybe it might be just my eyes.  Be sure to get the waterproof liner as this really lasts until the end of the day with no racoon eyes.

4) Revlon Colourstay Lipstick

My mom loves this lipstick and I can't blame her. Where a lot of the newer matte lipsticks are incredibly drying, this formula is much less and the colour stays on for a long time.  I've used the Wet N Wild long lasting lipsticks and while they have a wonderful payoff, it's so drying. The same goes with the super popular Nyx Matte Lip Creams. It seems even if I use a lip balm the lipsticks ultimately cracks and my lips feel like it's been under the desert sun.

5) Nivea Milk & Honey Lip Balm//Carmex Cherry Lip Balm

Speaking of cracked lips, when my lips feel dry, these are the best balms to really moisturise my lips. I've used a lot of different lip balms and I feel these really do the job. I know there are some super posh lip balms out there and perhaps they are worth the money but, for me, I prefer spending my money on sthing else.

I hope these products are helpful; I know these are products I've used for years, even decades.

Until next time,

xo Jane

January Favourites

January is over and I had the opportunity to try new and fun things. I can't wait to move back home so I can try ALL the things. =)

Without further adieu, here are my favourites for January:

1) Gerlavit Moor-Vitamin-Cream:

I got this when I went to Vic's and I have been really enjoying using this at night. It's a very thick cream and a little goes a long way.  I like to place a pea size amount in the palm of my hand, spread it around the palm, and pat it into my face. The thickness really helps moisturise my face and lock in the moisture during the night. Sometime I wear a sleeping mask, sometimes I don't, but either way, it's a great night cream.

2) Aritaum Honey Mask:

I love wearing some type of mask when I am on a long flight, as I stated in my previous post about sheet masks, but my mom kept harassing me not to wear them on the plane, so this round, I decided to wear this. I will say it's not as good as a sheet mask; I think the fact that the masks are soaked in essence really soothes my face and also hydrates my skin, but it really does help with the dry air. Even if your skin is oily, I highly recommend hydrating your face in a long flight. I find when I hydrate my face, my skin skin breaks out less. Just my own personal experience.

3) Modi Gold Glitter Nail Polish:

My cousin gifted this to me when I was home and I love it. I love how little coats in needs and I love how pretty it looks on my nails. Normally, when there is a glitter nail polish, it takes so many coats to get a decent look. This is not the case. You can use one coat if you'd like and it would be enough. Such wonderful coverage and also such a pretty gold colour.

4) Kamill Hand & Nagelcreme:

Until recently when I have been watching the "Tasty Guys" on repeat, I used to watch the Korean beauty show "Get it Beauty" religiously.  Although I feel the show has generally jumped the 상어, I found out this hand cream was an MVP by this show. If you walk around the Incheon Airport, the Lotte Duty Free has a display that shows products from the show that have rave reviews. If you go towards Gate 9 you will see the Korean beauty shop.

I got this hand cream from my mom, who got it free from work. I love this hand cream. The smell is a fresh, flowery smell and it really sinks into my skin. Sometimes, when I wear cream, I feel the cream isn't moisturising enough and my hands still feel dry, especially when I was my hands outside. This really helps cuts the dryness. I also have a TonyMoly snail handcream which I plan to use next, so a review will be coming up on that.

5) Gentle Monster sunglasses: Yes, the hype is real. I love these sunglasses so much.  They are so edgy and really unique. They have the mirror lenses that are really trendy at the moment and the frames have a Miu Miu feel.  Gentle Monster is really popular in Korea and they have a store in Soho so if you're in NYC, I recommend going to their store as their stores are aesthetically so artistic and I love how they really go for a theme.

6) Legend of the Blue Sea (푸른바다의전설) and Goblin (도깨비):

I am not a person who generally watches a lot of Korean dramas but these two have me HOOKED. Both are about people who, in their past life, were Korean royalty, or part of their court, and they have these flashbacks.  "Legend of the Blue Sea's" twist is that the girl is a mermaid with special powers whilst "Goblin" has a guy who can't go to the afterlife until he finds his bride, which turns out to be this high school girl. Weirdness aside, I initially resisted becoming sucked into the morass known as K-dramas since once you start, you really must finish the series. But luckily, they are about to end/ending soon so I am STOKED so I won't be frantically waiting until the next episode comes so I can see what happens next. Until the next series.....

I hope you enjoyed my January favourites. If you have any products you want me to try,

Jane Tries: TonyMoly Pokemon Coloured Mascara

Pokemon is super popular in Korea and TonyMoly has rolled out a limited edition Pokemon-themed makeup as everyone was waiting for Pokemon Go to debut in Korea, which is just debuted last Wednesday!

There are three holiday-themed Pokemon mascara: black, grey, and burgundy.

This is the official stock photo.

As you can see in the stock photo, there are three different faces of Pikachu in each of the mascaras. Since I think everyone knows how black would look on your lashes, today, I am reviewing the burgundy and the grey.

Both the grey and the burgundy is not very noticeable and I would argue you can wear it to most offices. The grey especially is much darker than the stock photo and it also is such when applied. The burgundy is the same as well.

I really liked how the bristles curve so you it covers all lashes

The packaging is so lovely and unlike a hard tube, it's a soft tube and the wand does provide great separation of the lashes. It is also buildable. That said, I wasn't the biggest fan of this mascara because I felt it didn't thicken my lashes nor did it really keep my lashes curled. Instead, it felt as if my lashes got limp.

If you have thick, beautiful lashes, this is a fun mascara to wear. If you're looking to use just this mascara, I would find another. I ended up layering this with another so keep my lashes curled longer and give my eyes more lift.

xo Jane

December Favourites

2016 is over and so is December. This month, I had the opportunity to try a few new products, since I am visiting family. So, without delay, here are some of my favourite things from December.

1) Essie "A Cut Above" Nail Polish: Recently, I've become more and more bothered by dark nail polishes, while lovely, will chip almost immediately. This nail polish is a clear nail polish with a pinky gold glitter. This polish allows me to be less concerned whether or not the nail polish has chipped, which is nice when you don't have the time to do a weekly manicure. I think this would be a decent choice when you go on holiday.

2) Annemarie Borlind "Facial Firming Gel": One thing I love about going home is the opportunity to try different European beauty products I don't find in the United States. One of them is this firming gel from Germany. I how it makes my skin tightens and how soft my face feels after patting this on my face. There is a fresh scent to it but isn't too overpowering.

3) belif "The true cream - moisturising bomb": In Korea, much like the East Coast, the weather now is cold and dry. I love it, but my skin does not. I forgot to bring a moisturiser and had to borrow my mom's. I love it so much I ended up getting on myself. Unlike other moisturisers, this moisturiser really sinks into your skin without giving you a heavy feel. It lasts for a very long time without making your skin oily. If you have dry skin or if you skin is lacking in moisture due to the winter, this is a great product to try. I use it both in the morning and night and I've not had a break out with it. I know they sell this at Sephora so definitely give it a go if you're looking for a new moisturiser.

4) belif "Peat miracle revital serum concentrate": I was at the duty-free and there was a special where if you buy three products you get a big discount, so I decided to try the serum. I love to use it in the daytime as it is so light and does not feel sticky or slick, which is a wonderful thing in the evening, but not so much in the morning. If you're looking for a really moisturising serum, this is not for you, but if you're looking for a serum that gives you a light layer of moisture, this serum does the trick. The smell is an earthy smell, hence the peat, but it isn't overpowering and can be pleasant. It's feels as if they really did use peat and I love how much my skin loves it in the morning.

5)  innisfree "apple seed cleansing balm": Much like how I forgot to bring a moisturiser, I also forgot to bring my cleansing balm. When I was at the innisfree store buying the no-sebum powder, I also ended up getting this as well. I love the smell of it, it smells like apples, and it does its job of taking away my makeup. Unlike the skinfood cleansing balm, which I did not particularly enjoy, this balm does not sting your eyes. If you have sensitive skin around the eyes like me, I highly recommend this balm.

6) 맛있는녀석들: Known as the "Tasty Guys" in English, this has been my GO-TO show when I've been home. I love this show so much.  They eat so much and when they lose the game to get the food they are so angry. I know that anger. Also, they have the best catch-phrase: "한입만~~" which mean "All in the mouth." If you haven't watched this show, WATCH IT. But don't watch it when you're hungry or you'll be like me, eating shrimp chips and salivating over everything they eat.

This is me. No joke.

I also am trying some new products and I can't wait to review them for you. Do let me know if there are any products you'd like for me to review.

xo Jane - 한입만!!!!

Jane Tries: Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Powder (with Coverage)

Today, I thought I would give you my first impressions on the Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Powder I bought now that I am currently in South Korea. I've heard great things about this and when I went to the Innisfree store near my house, I was deciding between this one and the one that is white and in the green package. The lovely sales associate told me that this gives better coverage whilst the one that is white is just transparent and only helps with the shine. With that in mind, I decided to get this and give it a go.

Recently, I've been using the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent and whilst in the past has been a great drugstore find, I find, as I age, the powder does not give me the flawless finish I had prior.

This loose powder has been pretty good in terms of giving me the coverage I desire. I have a lot of spots and hyper-pigmentation these days and it's been such a bother to cover it all. Whilst this does not completely cover it all, I do like how my pores look and how much less concealer I need to use.

When you first open the package, there is a faint scent of mint which is really quite nice. The puff is also nice and soft. The one thing, however, I find a bit of a bother is the fact that it is really hard to get the powder out of the holes. I ended up just removing the plastic and just using either my damp Beauty Blender and then blend it in with my powder brush.

These "fast fashion" makeup stores, viz. Face Shop, Innis Free, Etude House, etc., are geared for the younger set, but if you are discerning, there are things that are useful for those in the mid 30s and older. The Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Powder is one of that and at USD $8, it really is a good purchase thus far. Will be sure to update after I finish the powder.

If anyone has used this product, or the one without coverage in the green packaging, I would love to hear about your experiences.

xo Jane

Beauty Review: Shiseido Eye Masks

I will admit I am not the biggest fan of eye masks. I always think they are not worth the money. If I am to buy these masks, I always feel I'd be better off just using an eye cream instead.

These eye masks came in a set from Sephora. Yes, this is from my huge Sephora purchase spree. I used these right before I went to bed and the next day, I really loved how the fine lines around my eyes were diminished.

No eye cream, eye mask, etc, will ever entirely rid the lines around your eyes. And I have learned to accept that my skin isn't as elastic as it once was.

That said, these eye masks do lessen the effects of fine lines and feel absolutely lovely when put on.  Whilst this does have retinol, unlike other products, this does not break me out nor does it sting my eyes and face. I think the gentleness of the mask and the ability to really create a certain level of suppleness around my eyes, is why I think this is a good product to use, if you're so inclined.

If, however, you are not in the mood to splurge, a good eye cream is a better route; at least, for me. I would rather spend my money on an eye cream than an eye mask. But, if someone gave this to me as a gift, I wouldn't be sad about it. =)

xo Jane

These are a Few of My Favourite Things: November Favourites

November has come and gone and here are my favourite things for the month.
1) Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

November is significant for a number of reasons but a primary one is the Sephora VIB sale, of which I partook. A lot. A dear friend and I always exchange our lists which is both a blessing and a curse. I found myself buying a few things that was not on my radar. Oops.

As I've mentioned before, I've been mourning the demise of my skin. It's really lost its glow and no amount of water, vitamins, steaming has helped.  One of things that was on my radar was the Drunk Elephant AHA kit, which contains the B-Hydra Intensive Gel, C-Firma Day Serum, and the TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum. But the scene stealer has been their Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil. As one reviewer noted on the Sephora website,

"I need look no further for the most effective anti aging antioxidant multi purpose oil. It hydrates, brightens and healed my dry sensitive skin. At 56, I am always trying new products that promise to even my skin without irritation.
This product delivers!"

SOLD. And it really *has* made a difference on my skin. It feels much plumper and the inner dryness seems less. I wear it only at night and use the C-Firma Day Serum during the day, but if you can afford the splurge, this really has changed the way my skin feels.

2) hakuho-do + Sephora Pro Large Teardrop Pointed Powder Brush and Fan Cheek Brush

Pointed Powder Brush

Fan Cheek Brush

 When the brush first came out, I didn't initially justify the cost to get the brushes, but when I saw it on sale, plus the 20% off from the VIB sale, I decided to give it a go. When I first got the powder brush, I had intended to use it for my highlighter, but the brush was too soft for it to properly work the way I had originally intended. Instead, I find it is really nice to blend my setting powder and the brush feels so soft as it sweeps across my face and blends the powder to my foundation.

The fan cheek brush, I find, is wonderful if you are using it to create more defined blush area and also for highlighting. If you want to highlight a certain area of your face, this is a good brush to try.

3) Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

When my friend recommended this powder to set my foundation, I was hesitant. I wasn't sure if it would really make a difference. And, I can say it really *does* brighten your skin without caking it on. I like to use it with my Beauty Blender and pat it on the areas that need the brightening, viz. the triangle in the front of my face. Then, I like to use the powder brush as mentioned, supra, to sweep and blend the powder. It gives my a lasting glow that I like for a large portion of the day.




4) AVK Aloe Vera Foot Cream

A very popular product in Korea, I love this on my feet. The product does what it claims, primarily, soften the feet. I have very dry feet and this product has really reduced that dryness. I don't have necessarily calloused feet, but someone I know how does has claimed it also reduces the callouses tremendously. This is clearly one that I absolutely adore.






5)  Tangle Teezer x Hello Kitty

My hair has grown so much and it oftentimes get tangled. My friend recommended this brand and after seeing the Hello Kitty compact style, I had to get it. This brush gets it. I love how it untangles my hair as stated by the name of the product and I love how I can use it on both wet and dry hair. This product is also great in that it's the compact style and is easy to travel as well as put in your purse.

The only downside to this product is that if you use dry shampoo, which I do, the powder used for the dry shampoo will cling onto the bristles. You will have to clean it out periodically but there are YouTube videos that show you how to do it.

6) The Cold Weather

Persimmons are such a fall fruit

I love the cold weather.  I love how I can wear sweaters and boots and layer as much as my little heart contents. I really miss the cold weather back East. It has finally got cold enough for me to wear cardigans and boots and trench coats and I am enjoying every minute of it. If only it was this way forever....








Would love to know your November favourites,

xo Jane