5 Random 'In Between' Products: Collective Short Reviews

Before I go on with the formal content of this post, I would like to invite everyone to join my ongoing giveaway. I will be giving away a hair dye from the Japanese brand called Dariya Palty in the shade Milk Tea Brown, which happens to be one of the popular shades they have. It is open internationally so everyone is encouraged to join. :) (You will probably see this introduction in most of my future posts up until the giveaway is over. I hope you don't mind the post by post plug. ^^)

I've long accepted the fact that not every single purchase I do would yield to phenomenal results. Not everything is a hit nor a miss. Sometimes, products just simply performs at a mediocre level. Instead of posting individual posts on products like these, I decided to collate a few of them and create this random list of products that are just 'in between'.

Take note that 'in between' products don't mean I regret buying/using them. It probably just didn't do anything extra special that would warrant an individual post from me. Otherwise, I'm still glad I was able to try all the products below. ^^

1. Love Labo Bihada Ichizoku Hatsukoi Makeup Base

This particular product was actually a gift that I received from Jasmine (Thank you!). It was among a pack of nice goodies that came all the way from Hong Kong. It's a makeup base from a Japanese brand.

What I particularly liked about this product is the packaging. I like the design up front. The drawing looks like a nice character from a Josei anime, one of my favorite anime genres. Another thing that I liked is the scent. It has a nice flowery scent that goes away after a minute or so of application.

It functions as a nice primer to create a smooth canvas prior to makeup application. I didn't see any pore minimizing effects (even though it had a silicone texture)  so other than the change on the texture of my skin, it didn't do anything else. Sure, it was able to help me blend my foundation/bb cream easier but nothing more than that.

When choosing a base, I would really prefer it to make my pores look smaller as it is one of my problems especially on my t-zone areas. But then again, this was not a total waste of product. It still works well for everyday use and it didn't cause any untoward reactions to my skin. In conclusion, I can say that this product is just 'okay'.

2. Estee Lauder Take It Away Total Makeup Remover

This is a cream makeup remover in a tube packaging. Most cream makeup removers I've tried come in a jar packaging but Estee Lauder has it in tube. I particularly like this type of packaging as it is more hygienic. Out of all the types of skin care packaging out there, jars would have to be one of my least favorites.

This product works quite well in removing makeup. For some reason, it has a cool almost-manly scent. It's a little hard to explain but it has a scent close to men's perfume. I don't really have any problem with that but I ought to mention it for those who are curious.

Despite being a high end department store product, this item didn't do anything special in terms of makeup removal. To me, it's just another cream type makeup remover. You massage it on your face and then you wash it off afterwards.

3. Clinique All About Eyes Cream

 

Recently, I've been stressing about the fact that I have a case of bad undereye. I have fine lines, puffiness and dark circles. I feel like I look older than my age because of this problem.

I honestly had high expectations for this product as I've seen a lot of people incorporate this particular product in their skin care routine. Sadly, however, it didn't do anything for me. Other than the fact that it was moisturizing, I don't have any recollection of its effects on me.

4. Clinique Double Volume Mascara

I've used this product as an everyday mascara because I felt like the performance of this item was just so-so. When I first saw the name "Double Volume" mascara, I thought highly of it since volume is really something that I struggle with. I have long lashes but they're not that noticeable since they don't have enough volume. When I use this product, it adds onto the volume of my natural lashes but the effects aren't really anything impressive.

Also, I have stick straight lashes. Even after curling my lashes, it still goes back to its original state once I apply this product. It definitely doesn't hold the curl for me.

5. Collagen Eye Zone Mask

This is probably the cheapest eye mask out there and I'm guessing it takes after its price. It does provide moisturizing effects after use but even after using up all the sheets in this pack, I didn't really see any noticeable change on my under eye area. I'd still buy it again, though. Without much expectations on its effects, I can use it as a nice under eye moisturizer.

Have you ever bought any item that didn't do anything special for you?  Share them in the comment section below! I'd love to hear from you.

Purederm Clean & Bright Oxygen Bubble Mask (Bluuberry): Review

Happy Labor Day everyone! Since it's a holiday, I know most of you are enjoying this day to rest. I say "most" because I know for some, like nurses and other health professionals, they don't have the leisure of the holiday concept. But regardless of what you may be doing today, I still hope you are enjoying it with your family/ friends/ colleagues.

Yesterday, I had the chance to visit my favorite drugstore, Watsons, and found a new (to my eyes) product! It's a mask from a Korean brand, Purederm. I know you guys are already familiar with my fascination with Korean skin care and cosmetics and you can just imagine how excited I was to see this new item in store.

Some of you may already be familiar with this brand but for those who aren't, it is an affordable Korean brand that I usually see in Watsons. I've tried several products from this brand, mostly different variants of face packs and masks. Today, I was fortunate to try out their bubble mask.

Bubble mask? You might wanna ask. Yes, bubble mask. It's also a new discovery for me. I've tried Whipping BBs and Foam Hair Dyes but I've never tried bubble masks before. I'm not sure if this brand is the so-called innovator for this particular product, but kudos to whoever invented this.

 Initial lather

 Foam

More foam

And more foam

Foam dissipates

True to its name, once the product is lathered on the face, it foams up. To use it, you must apply a generous amount on your dry face with your dry fingertips. I stress on the word dry because according to the instructions, it won't foam up if one of the two is wet.

You are only to leave the product and lather for about 30-60 seconds. I, on the other hand, did not follow the instructions. I'm not a good role model, I know. I left the product for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off.

It doesn't offer anything new. It makes me feel fresh and makes the skin clean without stripping off all its moisture. Actually, if it wasn't for its foaming properties, I wouldn't do a separate post for this and I probably would have just linked the product to my previous post about face masks/ face packs. However, since it is my first time using a product like this, I'm making an exception.

There is another scent/ variant for this one. It has peach in it and personally, I'm not a fan of peaches (both its taste and smell) so I didn't bother buying one. But if you want me to try it out, leave a comment down below and I would be willing to buy it and probably include it in my future posts. For now, I hope you are satisfied with my review of the blueberry variant.

Purederm Anti- Stress Heat Therapy Mask: Review

Ever tried a self heating face mask before? Well, I have. It's very different from the usual masks that I've tried before. Previous masks and packs I've tried before are cold upon application. This one heats up once it comes contact with your skin.

I bought this particular mask in Watsons. It's called Anti- Stress Heat Therapy Mask from Purederm Botanical Choice. It claims to be relaxing, invigorating and self heating. It comes in a 15ml sachet which is actually good for more than one use. It's in Apricot and is made in Korea so hurrah for those of you (and me) who are fans of the Korean trend.

What's even better is the english description, instruction and reminders! You don't have to stress over FYI stuff written at the back of the product.

click to enlarge photo

I personally like this mask. It doesn't make my skin extra moisturized or extra soft compared to when I'm using other face masks but I love the joy of waiting for the mask to heat up. That alone is enough for me to repurchase.

I don't remember the exact price but I'm pretty sure it costs less than PHP100 so it's reletively cheap compared to other Korean face masks.

Pros:
- cheap
- locally available in Watson's
- self heating
- made in Korea
- smells nice
- one sachet is good for more than 1 use

Cons:
- can't think of any

Purederm Vitalizing Green Tea Pack: Review

English instructions at the back. :)

For the past couple of months, I've been struggling with acne problems. Yes, it's been established since way back then that I do have acne prone skin. Recently, however, my breakouts have been extreme to the point where I feel like my self esteem has been affected or something to that effect. But really, I don't want to dwell on that on this post. Just to give myself something to look forward to, I bought this face pack. I have previously tried the strawberry one (also from purederm) which is specifically made for acne prone skin but when I went to Watson's, this was the only one available. I still got it since it said it's for all skin types. Sadly, however, I do not remember getting any significant results from this particular pack. Here's what I think:

Pros:

- moisturizing

- cheap (PHP39.75)

- available locally

- good for all skin types

- does not break me out

- one sachet is good for more than one use

- nice green tea smell

Cons:

- did nothing for my existing breakouts

- if you're planning to use it a couple of times, the packaging could be a hassle

I guess if I were to describe the product in two words, I'd say it's an intensive moisturizer, much like the night creams but I guess a tad better. Now if you're only looking for a product like that, then I recommend that you get this one. As for me, I probably wouldn't buy this product again. I mean, I might re-purchase the strawberry one but not this particular variant. I just don't think this is the product I'm looking for.

Purederm Dual Wellbeing Pack: Review

It's been a long time since I purchased this product and I only got to use the product last week. Purederm Dual Wellbeing Pack is a 2-step face pack that you apply one after the other. You first massage the deep cleansing peeling gel onto your face for about a minute and apply the nutritious vitamin pack. This product is made in Korea. Don't worry though, there are english instructions at the back. :)

I personally love this face pack and I believe it's one of the best I've tried. I will surely be repurchasing this product once I drop by Watson's.

Pros:
- cheap
- locally available
- has english instructions
- smells super good (yum!)
- makes skin feel soft and smooth
- doesn't break me out nor give me allergies
- 1 sachet is good for more than one use

Cons:
- doesn't come in a full-sized/bigger (with better packaging) version