Vov pomegranate collage sheet mask

Vov Masks

Daily Fresh - Pomegranate collagen

Price 2000 won (less than $2 US)

-for all skin types

On the Package -

Yammy mask pack for vivid vitality

Pomegrnates estrogen helps to maintain young and vivid skin, and it helps collagen synthesis to provide a tension to your skin and smooth your tired skin.

Since I’ve already gone over the basics of the VOV Daily fresh sheet masks in a previous review, I’m going to jump right into the specifics.

The promises of the pomegrnate mask are a bit odd. I mean Yammy?  *alughs* I’m sure it’s supposed to be yummy but still.

And the estrogen part… a bit weird.

Anyway, my review is unbiased by expectations, because other that the pack’s name, I didn’t read any of the promises on the back.

So I put on the mask, and all went as normal. 15 minutes into the 20 minute session my skin started to tingly slightly. A good sign I think, as though something actually was happening.

When I took it off, there was some excess product left on my face, but the mask was much drier than initially, and it did appear that my skin had absorbed quite a bit.

Once the excess was patted in. My skin was… moist, but nothing exceptionally.

Apperance wise, the same thing. Nothing was tighter or smother or more beautiful in any way.

The next day I didn’t wake up with better moisturized skin.

But, my skin was actually firmer, and my complexion a lightle bit clearer… Not as in blemishs disappeared, but my skin looked…. More even almost.

Today was a really good skin day.

And since I’ve been doing a lot of flying over the holidays, that’s a really really good thing. Travelling usually leaves me tired and sallow for weeks after.

Conclusion,  I really like this one.

vov face mask

Vov Masks

Daily Fresh - Blackbean Isoflavon

Price 2000 won (less than $2 US)

-for all skin types

On the back - Black bean’s isoflavon, which is a key ingredient for anti-oxidation, provides a vitality and nutrition to your skin , and helps to provide an elastic and healthy skin to you.

The blackbean isoflavon mask is supposed to be moisturizing and purifying. Its meant for already healthy skin, I think more for maintenance than treatment of a particular problem.

The mask itself is of good sturdy cloth, not super thin and easily tear-able like some.

The size is perfect for my face, it reaches from my forehead to my chin, and from ear to ear without any extra.

However, I don’t have a wide or large face, so for some it might be a bit on the small size. However that’s generally true with all Korean masks.

The package contains a lot of extra product, enough to scoop out and apply on the neck and above the chest.

The essence is clear, and almost gel like. It’s light, without a strong smell.

It has a slightly cool feeling when applied to the skin, even when warm.

The essence is super gentle, feels almost like aloe. It absorbs moderately well, and after twenty minutes the mask is still damp, there is extra left over (Not that you can use a face mask twice).

With this mask there were no noticeable effects. It was super gentle, and I do think it would be a good one for sensitive skin.

The next day my face was moist, but not significantly so. 

Honestly, after one use, this mask doesn’t really go either way. But since I like the daily fresh style, and it’s non-irritating, it’s worth getting, and for me getting again, to see if continued use will get real results.

Etude house O2 White mask 
with O2 carrier complex.

Price 8000 won (about $7.50US)

I love Etude house, I love a good mask, and I love whitening products.

Other than the fact Oxygen additives do nothing for your skin. Oxygen is just another bull shit marketing ploy (read my review of Tony moly slimming oxygen peel here, where I give more details about the BS.)

I bought this mask because it’s exactly the sort of thing that usually works for my skin.

Plus, when I first arrived in Korea, my skin was… dull, lifeless, and almost sallow.

Finally I’ve adjusted to the change, but for a while I was looking for something, anything, to bring the life back to my skin.

The O2 white mask was not the answer.

The tub contains the thickest white paste. If you tip the tub upside down, nothing comes out (Are you thinking Dairy queen blizzard too?)

For a mask, this is odd, but not necessarily a bad thing.

Except, when you apply it, it is actually to thick to apply evenly.

So you end up with super thick areas, and then really thin spots…

Then the tingling starts, almost a bubbling sensation, not really bubbling, but kind of…. 

(Yes that was succinct.)

But then sadly, it starts to burn.

It’s not horrible, or particularly intense, but it is most definitely burning.

My skin turns red, and I really want to take it off.

I’ve tried the mask a couple of times. Which after my first experience, might seem surprising, but I know my skin. After a shower, or a good scrub, it’s extra sensitive, so unless a product is actually really painful, I will give it a second shot.

The O2 mask burns every time.

On the plus side, the areas where clumps of the mask rested, actually become whiter after one use.

So….

It works, but I can’t recommend it.

Rating - 2 out of 5 stars

Buy again? - Definitely not!

massive mask haul!

Massive Haul!!!!!!

I went to Seoul for the weekend and got a massive, and I mean massive haul of beauty products!

I got 31 different face masks!!!!!!

And 5 new BB creams!

along with tons and tons of other amazing stuff!!!!!

Kate - gel eye liner

Price : 14.95 at alphabeautystore

Size: 2.5g

Not so long ago there were generally only two options for eyeliner, pencil of liquid. For the longest time I used a soft black pencil, creating a smudged eye look rather than a line. I used to like how it looked, but a nice clean line looks so much more posh and professional.

But liquid liners are f*ing hard to use. I now, am more than capable of using one to create a nice even line.

Unless I’m in a hurry, or distracted, or my hand accidentally slips.

At least with a pencil, there is never that much mess…

I’ve been using Kate’s Gel liner for about 2 years now. I’m on my fourth order.

This stuff is wonderful.

Like all gel liners, it creates a finish somewhere between that of a pencil and liquid.  But with total control, and greater flexibility.

The liner is a good dark black. It applies smoothly. The little included brush is of good quality, and applies the liner in a narrow, even line.

And if you screw up, it is pretty easy to fix.

Kate’s liners in particular stay on all day, no flaking, and once dry, eye rubbing/ light crying doesn’t affect it.

I have tried a few other gel liners , but keep going back to kate. It’s lasting power is the best. 

The only issue I have is it dries out pretty quickly. It’s usually unpleasantly dry before I even finish the pot, and I wear the stuff just about every day.

Since I think the dryness of the liner is part of what gives it such good staying power (oilier/ wetter liners almost always smear/fade easily), I’m ok with it.

The price is not super cheap, but its not expensive either. And it’s comparable to far more expensive brands.

It’s my absolute favorite, so if you can find it, buy it!

Silver and Gold

This review is totally different than the Black liner.

I hate these liners. Since I’ve had such success with the black liner, I thought, yay more colors.

No.

The liners are flaky. Like little chunks of gold or silver leaf. It’s weird, and they are big flakes. It applies flaky. So you have to sort of pat…. Like applying gold leaf if you’ve ever tried it.

The effect once on is very silver, and very gold and they do last nearly as long as the black.

But I tend to end up with flakes in my eye! 

This sucks!

Don’t buy them!!!

Tony Moly - slimming  peeling gel w/ oxygen

On the bottle : the oxygen transfer element enables to facilitate the supply of oxygen to the inside of the skin to make your skin healthy, and help to manage your skin clear by removing the horny substance. The ingredient of caffeine will help to make your skin contour look more beautiful

Apparently the whole ‘oxygen’ (in or producing) in skin care is just a gimmick.  I’m not surprised, but here is an article by Paula Begone if you’re wondering 

And I admit, before I ever went into Tony Moly I knew that ‘oxygen’ as an item on a skin care product is BS.

So why the Hell did I buy an Oxygen Peel?

Well the pushy sales girl used it on my hand, and since she was super nice I felt obligated to buy….

Yeah…   I’m usually good at ignoring that impulse. I know it’s a sales trick.  

But I was still super Jet lagged.

Plus I was actually looking for a peeling product. (excuses excuses…)

Honestly, I adored my Pineapple peel from back home (Bromelain an enzyme in pineapple is an awesome and quite gentle exfoliator).

When it was tested on my hand, it cleared off tons of dead skin, and one hand was lighter than the other.

The Oxygen Peel comes in a clear bottle with pump top. Excellent for nearly every skin care product. 

Inside is a bright blue gel with no discernable scent.

One applies the product to Dry skin, and rubs it around in circles. It than clumps up and turns grey.

Even if there is no dead skin, and no dirt on your face, the product will still lump into little balls. That’s how its designed. So don’t be fooled into thinking tons of dead skin is coming off. 

                                        

There is no noticeable ‘oxygenation’ like bubbling or fizzing. That’s fine by me, those are usually gimmicks anyways.

It does claim to be ‘slimming’.  That’s the caffeine.

But what this really means, is this is supposed to be for cellulite.

It’s not actually a facial product.

And in fact, it’s not good for the face. It feels light and gentle, but it leaves a bit of residue.

I did try it on my face; there was no bad reaction…. But it didn’t do anything good for it.

A peel usually makes my skin softer, and brighter.

This didn’t.

As for it’s intended effect on cellulite. Well…. It didn’t really make one.

I have very little cellulite, so little it doesn’t bother me, and no one else can see it. So maybe on someone with more pronounced cellulite it might be effect. Caffeine is one of the better products to temporarily reduce it.

So in the end I only ever use it on my arms and hands. I have dry skin, and until I get a better scrub, I will use this as a mild exfolator.

Stars  1/5

Re purchase  -  definitely No

Etude house - Yogurt Peel, cleansing foam
When I came to Korea I brought along just about everything I need for my skin care regime.
Not because I wasn’t super excited to try all new Korean skin care, but because I wanted to have a back up that I knew would work for me.
I have mildly sensitive skin, and very sensitive eyes. So something items, like make up remover and bad moisturizers can really wreak havoc.
And when I first went to Japan, it took me nearly 3 months to find a shampoo that didn’t make my hair greasy. (*shudders*)
But one Item I didn’t bring any of was cleanser.
I figured I can use just about anything.
And generally, any basic face wash will do me for a little while.
So when I went into etude house, that’s what I was looking for, basic, inexpensive, and effective.
I picked up a few cleansers, and the Yogurt peel smelt DIVINE.
Oh, it smells absolutely edible.

So I scooped it up.
But I must have been half asleep, because I only looked at the ‘cleansing  foam’ part of the label.
Where in fact, it’s more of an exfoliator. A rough exfoliator.
If you’ve ever used at home microderm abrasion kits,  this has basically the same texture, except its suspend in a creamy base.
It was not at all what I thought I was buying.

That’s ok though. The product is beautiful.
It cleans very well and leaves no residue.
One pet peeve I have with some physical exfoliators is it can be damn difficult to get rid of the little particles.
I hate find bits of sand on my jaw line, or in my eyebrow.
This washes away very cleanly.
And leaves the skin soft.
One other thing, it tastes delicious…
Really. It tastes like apple candy.
While that’s not something I generally look for in a cleanser, it’s a bit of a perk.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not going to be eating it. But it’s easy to get a little bit of the products on your lips. Especially when washing it off.
And then you absently lick your lips, or open your mouth to breathe.
So it makes the occurrence a little less unpleasant.

Stars  4/5
Re purchase  -  Yes!

Tony Moly Man cream 

Price: 13500won ($13.50)

This is a review of something you won’t see often here, or a Men’s moisturizer. Me not being a guy, and not particularly like ‘guy’ scents, Men focused products don’t interest me.

But my boyfriend was with me at Tony Moly, and I’ve been trying to convince him to do basic skin care. Ie. Wash with a cleanser, moisturizer and use sunscreen.

He’s not a Metrosexual sort of guy in the least. So it’s a bit of a stretch.

But who wants to look old before there time? 

I’m not pushing though (trying to change people is self delusional), just showing him options.

And here in Korea there are tons of men skin care lines. So for a guy, it’s not as scary as it might be at home.

We picked up the Tony Moly moisturizer. They have a few different lines. But this was one of the higher priced ones.

I personally think he picked it because the bottle is nice.

It’s heavy glass. So if you were going to order it for a male friend, I would not recommend it!

There is no included dispenser. This drives me nuts, since its very difficult to get creams out of glass bottles!

The first thing I noticed about the product was the scent. It’s strong.

In fact my boyfriend said it was way too strong the first time he actually applied it all over his face.

But, since it’s been open for a bit now, the smell has really diminished, and its now much subtler. 

The texture is very light. It absorbs really quickly, and it does moisturize well.

Stars  3/5

Re purchase  -  No. There are cheaper alternatives in more convenient bottles,  and the moisturizer isn’t amazing enough to compensate.

 Tony Moly Caviar Skin Care

I got samples of just about a complete skin care regime.

Toner, serum, eye cream and moisturizer.

So I thought I'd give some initial thoughts...

The packaging both in the mini’s and the full size products is less than inspiring. 

That’s ok though, as much as I love beautiful things, It’s more important to me that my skin care works.

Toner - Thick almost gel like. A slightly unpleasant smell, chemical and old lady-ish, but not overwhelming.  No toned feeling.

Essence/ Serum- thick, really thick and white. Doesn’t absorb well, doesn’t make the skin feel softer, same smell. My skin actually started to burn and itch just slightly after using this.

Eye cream, thick, absorbs better. But very thick. 10 minutes late I can still feel it on

Moisturizer - same unpleasant smell, which, with all four products on I can still smell. It’s not thick, but I can still feel it on my skin. I actually applied a lot less than I do with other products, but my skin feels almost greasy.

Basically, The samples were big enough I got nearly 3 days use out of the whole line, and more from the toner and serum. But... They suck. I am definitely NOT going to buy the line, or anything from it...

 The winner is Stephanie!!!

As picked by random.org

 Giveaway officially closed!!!