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.

Sheet Masks: Do They Really Have What They Claim?

I like to use sheet masks, as you can see by my many posts about them But sometimes, even when I am using them, I wonder if they really have the products as advertised on the cover. And, even though I am not 100% sure for all, I do know the innisfree masks *do* have what is advertised.

When I opened the shea butter sheet mask, unlike the other masks, the essence was white, which means shea butter *is* included in the essence.

That is always nice to know.

Until nest 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!

Jane Tries: Caolion Hot and Cold Pore Pack

I don't remember exactly when I got this but I received this sample from Sephora. In the past few years, I've noticed Sephora has been an excellent place to try Korean beauty brands. They have products in both high and low price points; I highly recommend Sephora as a starting point if you are uncertain where to begin.

I accidentally opened the package before I took a picture. Oops

Caolion is a mid-range Korean beauty brand that I've noticed being sold in Sephora, Target, and Urban Outfitters. It's known for its packs (masks); I don't remember seeing any makeup products from them.

The sample had two packs which I ended up using back to back: the Blackhead Steam Pore pack and the Pore Original Pack. It seems the first one opens the pores whilst the latter tightens and soothes the skin.

The directions are such that the first pack, the blackhead steam pore pack, is to be massaged onto the skin for 1-2 minutes. The instructions caution that this is creates heat on your skin, which is does, and it has a gritty texture.  They also warn avoidance of the product in your eyes.  For me, I really felt 2 minutes was the longest I could go. The pack does create heat and it felt as if my skin was burning. I don't think I even made it 2 minutes. The instructions also tells you to wash your face with cold water. This is essential. Once I bathed my face in cold water, it felt great. And I will say my skin definitely felt much smoother.

You can kind of see that the colour of the pack is black. It's also very gritty

The second pack is to cool, soothe, and tighten your pores. This definitely cooled your skin and it was a clay-like texture that felt great on the skin. They recommend to leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes before washing it in lukewarm water. The instructions also highly recommends to leave the second pack in the refrigerator if you want an even greater soothing and tightening effect. I forgot to do that but I can see why this is a good idea, as your skin feels a little heated from the first step and by putting the second pack in the refigerator, it does instantly cool the skin.

This had a grey clay feel to it.

I ended up having this on for 20 minutes and when I washed my face, my skin definitely felt a difference. I really liked how smooth and soft my skin felt.  I did not, however, notice any real difference with my pores.

Would I Buy This Product? I wasn't a fan of the first pack, the blackhead steam pore mask, but I would absolutely buy the pore original pack. Next time, I would definitely put it in the refrigerator to have even *more* of a cooling effect. I believe this is sold in Target so if you see it in the beauty section, do be sure to put on in your basket.

I hope you enjoyed this quick review; do let me know if there is anything you'd like for me to review.

xo Jane.

Update: You can buy both products at 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

February Favourites

February has come and gone and I have a new batch of favourites that I really enjoyed this month.

1) Sulhwasoo Cushion Foundation: I've been using this almost everyday. Before, I used the Tarte foundation but I've become less interested in creating a full look and have been resorting to just using two Nars creamy concealers and patting this cushion on my forehead, as I have a slightly darker forehead than the rest of my face.

2) Nars Creamy Concealer (In Vanilla and Custard): In an attempt to minimise the amount of makeup I wear, I've really relied on these two concealers to brighten my eye area and then cover up my dark spots. I recently got some spots removed by lasers and they are still pretty red. I use the Custard to conceal the areas that are dark and use Vanilla to brighten my eyes.

3) 3CE (3 Concept Eyes) x Lily Maymac in Holy Rose: When I went home, I gave my Givenchy "Rose Dressing" lipstick to my mom.  That colour is really lovely on Asian skin and I highly recommend it, if you are feeling spendy. Since I was without, I decided to head to the Givenchy counter to get another one for me, only to find out it was sold out.  Gutted, I passed by the Style Nanda store and decided to take a look. I saw this collaboration and even though I an not familiar with Lily Maymac, I really love the lipstick colour.  It reminds me of a better version of the brown-red lipstick of the 90s. The only thing about this lipstick, however, is that it can be very drying. I like to use a lip balm prior to use.

4) Sheet Masks: There is a trend in Korea where people like to use a sheet mask a day, saying it helps them with their skin. In February, I decided to give this a go. I've always loved sheet masks and unlike the traditional masks where you apply on your skin, I find sheet masks have a cooling effect on the skin. That in itself really helps when you have trouble skin. I will, however, say that sometimes, I felt the mask broke me out, but generally that was when I didn't bother to wipe it of after use. Since I have combination skin, I feel like using this as an essence to give my face moisture perhaps gives me *too* much moisture. I feel if you have drier skin, leaving it on would do wonders. Regardless, I love the cooling effect and have been using a sheet mask almost every day.

5) "Descendants of the Sun" (태양의후예): Let me preface this by saying I generally am not this keen on Korean dramas. I know I talked about two before, but I was in Korea, so you know, proximity. After I got back to the US, and after I got a flu shot, I got the flu. It was awesome. I was so sick I slept for three days straight. After a few days of watching movie after movie on Netflix, this show came up on my feed. I know this show was very popular in Korea when it first aired last year,

but I couldn't be fussed to find it online.  I normally don't like to binge-watch shows because it really takes up a lot of my time, but since I'm sick, I thought, why not? This drama was incredible to watch. It really got my attention from the first scene. I will admit there were some parts that I put on fast-forward because I felt it was kind of heavy-handed and cheesy, but in general, that was perhaps less than 1% of the entire drama.

If this is any indication of how picky I am regarding shows and movies in general, I could not watch Boys Over Flowers. I watched the first four episodes and then I just watched the ending. I wasn't a fan of the four overwrought Heathcliffs and I kept rolling my eyes the entire time.  As you can tell, I am not a fan of Wuthering Heights, either.

I hope February was a great month for you and here's to an even better March!

xo Jane

Jane Tries: TonyMoly Pikachu Mini Blusher Cushion

Cushion foundations have been the rage in Korea and it's been creeping into international awareness with companies like Lancome also coming up with cushion foundations. The next step, however, has been these blusher cushions. When you are using a cushion foundation, sometimes, it's tough to use a blush that blends well with the foundation, especially if the blusher is a powder. I hate how it just streaks across your cheeks. Not a good look.

Although some people love the cream blushers, I do not. I hate how it just sits on top of the foundation and it looks so caked on, even when you blend.  The ones I've used really sink into the pores which ends up being all I can see.  Since this is also in a thinner, less creamy, form, it blendㄴ nicely into the cushion foundation on your skin.

Each of the three Pikachus have a different expression.

There are a lot of cushion blushers, some better quality than others, but today, I am reviewing the TonyMoly Pikachu mini cheek cushion blusher. Limited edition, this comes in three colours, but I find, for my skin, the best one is No. 2 or "Rose Coral." I find No. 1 a bit *too* light for my taste, but I suppose you could build it up to a nice pink tone on your skin.

How cute is that pokeball puff???

This cushion blusher is sheer, and as I've stated, buildable, but for me, I like the fact it is sheer, since again, it doesn't sit on your pores. The one thing, however, to be aware is that if you have any dark spots, this blusher *will* emphasise it.

I tend to find I use the blusher when I am touching up, viz. after a long day, when your makeup has worn off, I like to reapply a little of the cushion foundation and then add a little blusher on my cheeks so I won't look like I'm a corpse. But of course you can use it as your daily blush if you'd like.

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

xo Jane

Jane Tries: Etude House "Tint My Brows" Gel

When I went home, I saw how everyone's makeup was simple and subtle yet incredibly effortless. The "No Makeup" is really in and I love it. Aside from flawless skin, which has been the bane of my existence (sigh), one of the things I noticed that really ups the "put together yet effortless" ante are good brows. This brow tint really allows you to look smashing on your no-makeup days without much effort.

My cousin had gifted me this last year and I forgot to try it, even though both my mom and cousin raved about it. Late to the train, but here I am. I have been using it for awhile now and I really love how even if I leave the house with just concealer and mascara, I don't have the "it's so obvious she's wearing no makeup" look.

If you have beautiful brows, this product has no importance, but I have sparse brows and this fills in the gaps. To say it really is a game-changer is such an understatement.

Since this is a tint, the longer you put it on, the more it stays. Much like henna, it will tint the area of your skin where the product is placed. I recommend doing this before you sleep so that there is a sufficient amount of time for the tint to actually work. Don't be alarmed by how dark it is; the tint is actually a nice soft brown colour. I like to wipe it off with Bioderma in the morning before I wash my face. I guarantee you will see results immediately.

The product itself is thick and tacky and goes on a dark brown

If you're afraid that you might make a mistake when applying, I recommend perhaps making the brow shape slightly less than what you're accustomed and if you *do* make a mistake, oil will less the colour faster. Do remember this product is temporary, so it will fade soon.

One of the reasons why I have this blog is to document all the product I've used and also, to encourage me to use up all my products before I buy new ones. I hope you enjoy my reviews and I can't wait to try more products for you.

xo Jane

Empties Review: Missha and Laura Mercier

Today, I am going to review two products I've recently finished. One of them, the Laura Mercier Powder, I have discussed before, but I wanted to talk about it after I finished the entire product and after using other powders in the interim.

Clearly I used ALL of the product =)

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder: Although the powder comes in a very small container for the price, the powder itself is white and it *does* brighten the areas applied.  Even at my age, I still get oily on my T-zone, and this powder helps lessen the shine in that area. I also really helps set my foundation and concealer.

Would I repurchase?: I don't plan to repurchase it anytime soon;  I am still trying the innisfree sebum powder, which I also really like, and I have a Nars powder I plan to use next.  Stay tuned for the next review.

Missha Frui-Tea Cleansing Foam in Blueberry Tea: I got this last year when they were having a sale back home and I've been using it for a year. I really love the smell of this foam; it's a fruity blueberry scent. Because it foams, I like to use it on a cleansing brush and lather it all over my face.

Would I repurchase?: Whilst I loved the scent and it did a good job cleansing my skin, I felt my skin sometimes felt *too* clean, i.e. I had a very tight feeling. I think if you like that tight feeling, I recommend getting it but I generally would prefer my skin to feel clean but supple. Currently, I am using a number of different cleansers, so if you'd like a review, do let me know and I'd gladly provide.

xo Jane

Jane Tries: Nexcare Blemish Clear Covers

Even at my age, I still break out. *sigh*

Needed a white background to see the actual product

On one of my trips to Olive N Young, I saw these blemish covers and I decided to give this a go so in the basket it went.  After a few months, when I have broken out a number of times, I can legitimately say these have been a good product for me.

I know there are a number of blemish cover creams in Korea; I wasn't able to try them all and I hope one day to be able to use them all and compare. Nexcare, however, is the original and thus, likely the most popular.

I use these patches right before I go to sleep and after I finish my skincare routine but before the sleeping mask.  One my first try, I just stuck the patches on the trouble areas. I find this to be ineffective. What I have found to have worked the best, however, is to place a little benzoyl  peroxide on the trouble spot and then place one of the covers on top of that.  I find the Clean & Clear 10% benzoyl peroxide the best product for my skin. Even if this process does not immediately clear away the acne, what I have found is that it really does speed up the process. Recently, I had a big spot which would normally last a week but using this process, I found the blemish pretty much healed in two days. It's a Christmas Miracle!

One note: Korea does not carry benzoyl peroxide, so if you're in Korea maybe you can see if they are online or check out the 도깨비 마캐트. If you know anyone in the US, then definitely ask them to send some your way.

If anyone has tried the other blemish covers, do let me know. I would love to hear your experiences.

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!!!!