Skincare Routine Mondays: December 12, 2016

Happy Birthday to my Eight Grade crush! Why my head won't forget this useless information, I will never know.

1. AM Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft twice this week, in the shower. Have four falsies left on the right eye (two center, two edge), two lashes left on the left eye (one right of center, one left of center). Get these lashes off me!!
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, always.
3. Moisturizing Toner: Enprani’s Dear by Enprani Moistfull Booskin hydrating toner, which smells nice, and feels nice, but I don't know what it's really doing? 
4. Essence: Introduced Innifree's Soybean Energy Essence, which is supposed to be a close comparison to Missha's FTE. However, this liquid is actually a little more viscous than my toner, so instead of using it right after I wash, I use it after the toner. Really, practically the same feeling, but when you pour it out of the bottle, the toner slides right out, more so than this essence. Don't know if it's doing anything yet.
5. Moisturizer: Mornings and some evenings, Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream and then Nature Republic's Ginseng Royal Silk Essence during some evenings. Still not the biggest fan of the Ginseng Royal Silk Essence, it just doesn't absorb right and always feels a bit sticky.
6. AM Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  always and forever.

Currently going through that time of the month. Some pimples in the area below the corners of my mouth. Don't know if this is hormonal acne or possibly something that this new Innisfree product is giving me. Outside of the masks, I've not used an Innisfree product. This was to see if anything could test Missha's FTE, even though it is not a replacement because price-wise it is not cheaper.

Skincare Routine Mondays: December 5, 2016

26 days until 2017! Time really has been flying by.

1. AM Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft but not this week. I have four lashes left on my right eye, and seven lashes on my left eye (but five of those are one clump).
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, need I say more? Nope.
3. Moisturizing Toner: Enprani’s Dear by Enprani Moistfull Booskin hydrating toner, which smells nice, and feels nice, but I don't know what it's really doing? 
4. Moisturizer: Mornings and some evenings, Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream and then Nature Republic's Ginseng Royal Silk Essence during some evenings. Still not the biggest fan of the Ginseng Royal Silk Essence, but I want to use it up because it's not bad, per se, just not perfect for me.
5. AM Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  always and forever.

Pimples have disappeared, but other hormonal side effects haven't quite let up. How to say that I am glad that after a whole year of skincare, my skin has not gone crazy with the shift in weather and with the introduction of dry heat back into my life.

Thank you skin care routine! Really, I am so grateful.

Skincare Routine Mondays: November 28, 2016

Whoops, it's actually FRIDAY and it's the 2nd of December!! December already?!?! How did this happen, how does time pass so quickly?

Monday and Tuesday were major school work days. The rest of the week were major work work days. So, apologies that I am five days late.

1. AM Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft once! There are several false lashes left, and sometimes they get stuck on my lower lashes. It's been over two months, how do I still have any left?! Nine on my right eye, ten on my left eye. Kind of even, even though the left is centered and the right has it on the edges. Totally weird look, but subtle enough to not really pick up.
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, and this second stick is still great. Really glad I can get all of these things on Amazon, my saving grace.
3. Moisturizing Toner: Enprani’s Dear by Enprani Moistfull Booskin hydrating toner, which I think I use too much of, but it evaporates fast enough that it doesn't really matter. For $20 USD though, you'd think it come in a glass bottle, not a plastic on that looks like glass. 
4. Moisturizer: Previously I've stopped using Nature Republic's Ginseng Royal Silk Essence, but since it was a holiday weekend and my sister was home, she put my Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream some where else and so I use the Ginseng at night and the combo watery during the day. Honestly, I think it's working out and I use up a product I'm not the biggest fan of without feeling to consequences.
5. AM Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  Never giving you up! Simply makes my skin feel so smooth and goes so well with everything.

Two pimples, left check (high, upper cheekbone area) and right bottom chin. Hormonal, really, I'm pretty sure. However, really really really glad that my skin did not break out as I have been going through a lot of stress. My body though, is very hormonal, not quite sure the cause of that, but glad it's not going out through my face (yet... there's always time, no?).

Otherwise, though it is December, and my elbows are ashy, I've yet to have repercussions on my face, which is amazing. Thank you skincare regime, I am really thankful for you.

Self-care is self-love and that's the best thing of all. Be your best self.

Skincare Routine Mondays: November 21, 2016

WHOOPS, it's actually WEDNESDAY. Too much crazy this past weekend, and then yesterday I just plum forgot.

1. AM Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft NOPE. Should have though, my left eye has been a-hurtin'
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, it's always so good. Was away this weekend, so used the Cao Lion's Pore Blackhead O2 Sparkling Soap, which I refer to back in my Workout Wednesday post. My weekender bag is usually my gym bag, when it comes down to it. Makes like easier than to reassemble and forget.
3. Moisturizing Toner: So far so good with Enprani’s Dear by Enprani Moistfull Booskin hydrating toner. Sometimes I use way too much though, it just comes out too fast. Dries very quickly though, so it's not gross, no complaints here. Smells like light rose, and makes it seem like an extension of the MRCS. However, my gym weekend bag's toner is running lower, so I kind of skimped on that during the weekend.
4. Moisturizer: Nixed the Ginseng Royal Silk Essence as it left a weird feeling on my face and hands, and I feel like it was almost making my pores larger. I don't know if it actually did, but it wasn't making me comfortable so I went back to my Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream. Usually on the weekend I use Sephora sample of Ole Henriksen's Sheer Transformation, which absorbs much better than any Nature Republic cream. However, I brought over the Combo Watery Cream and used it, and I'm adjusting to the extreme scent of the product. My Mizon replacement came in the mail on Friday, but I've decided to use up these creams first, with the cold weather hitting us in the face (literally), this thicker cream might be a better option.
5. AM Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  Never giving you up. Though I have a pump bottle of Nivea that's supposed to rival it one day soon. 

Nothing much to note other than that I've stopped using the Ginseng Royal Silk Essence. One of the more expensive products I've bought. Just proves price isn't everything, it really isn't.

Skincare Routine Mondays: November 14, 2016

Full of anxieties today. 

1. AM Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft Used it this morning, but that was the first time this week.
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, started a new stick last Monday, what good timing.
3. Wash-off Mask: I need to use one, but haven't the time this past week.
4. Moisturizing Toner: The Face Shop's Chia Seed Line, also good timing as it's sputtered it's last drops last night. Started Enprani’s Dear by Enprani Moistfull Booskin hydrating toner this morning. Similar consistency to the Chia Seed Line, so I think I might be reusing the nice glass Chia Seed bottle that has a pump instead of keeping it in the plastic drip top bottle it came in. The pump really does make things easier and less dribbly.
5. Moisturizer: Keeping it up with Ginseng Royal Silk Essence this entire time. Not the biggest fan, but it's growing on me. However, I will note that I was away this weekened and therefore using my Sephora sample of Ole Henriksen's Sheer Transformation, which absorbs much better than that Nature Republic cream. It is closer to how Mizon would feel, but at a much higher price tag.
6. AM Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  Pairs well with all my moisturizers. It's great.

Though last week I blamed the cream, my period came in the middle so really, it was hormones and probably the "adjusting" phase.

My oily t-zone is back, but not in full force. I hate how there can be "periods of adjustment" when it comes to using new products. Not the biggest fan, but we will see how things turn out. Introduced a new hydrating toner today, so we will see how things work out.

Skincare Routine Mondays: November 7, 2016

HOW IS IT ALREADY NOVEMBER?!?! And the birthday of my of my besties still living in Taiwan.

1. AM Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft But to be honest, I think I used it maybe ONCE this past week. My eyes have been ok, not really as crusty. My false lashes are persevering to the point where people ask me if I had them redone. Nope, just waiting for them to fall out. This last place really did a good job, it's been four weeks!
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, is literally just a wad of booger. It's only going to be good for one or two more uses and then BAM! out comes the new stick. And this time my sister won't be using it as well, so it should last a wee bit longer, right?
3. Wash-off Mask: From Sephora Sample Wonderland I got a bit of the Peter Thomas Roth Peeling Gel. Honestly, felt weird because again, it wasn't really as effective as I think the Japanese product Natural Aqua Gel Cure. The PTR sample just smelt yeasty, and I felt like the product was just rolling up on itself, not actually taking off dead skin? I don't know, maybe peeling gels are not for me, but this one really didn't do anything and I would not think of sampling it again.
4. Moisturizing Toner: The Face Shop's Chia Seed Line, still trying to use it up.
5. Moisturizer: Mizon's AIO Snail Cream ran out the day I wrote last week, so I've actually be using another cream that I bought from duty free, which is older than the other cream I originally planned on using. This cream is also from Nature Republic and is their top of the line, Ginseng Royal Silk Watery Cream. I definitely did not pay that much for it, more like, it was less than $40 USD and it came with a full sized Ginseng Royal Silk Essence (which I have not started using yet.) Introducing one new thing at a time in my routine is important to me, so I am trying my patience in doing one at a time. This cream also does not seem to absorb so well, and the first time I used it, I think I used way too much product and felt like I was washing a sleep pack off in the morning. Mizon really got me spoiled with the instant absorb and scent-free thing it's got going on. (Yes, I gave in and order another jar via Amazon.)
6. AM Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  Always leaves my skin so matte and smooth

My skin has not been as nice lately, and I BLAME THE CREAM. Honestly, I have more jawline pimples (can't tell if they're hormonal or not), and now I have more around my chin/nostril area, and some small white heads that pop-up on the tip of my nose.

This cream might be top of the line, but it really gives me the same oily t-zone that I've manage to avoid completely when using my Mizon AIO Snail creams. I am using the minimal amount of cream, and it actually has real gold flakes in it, so who knows where that's ending up! It's also for older and more mature skin, maybe I will try to convince my mom in using it instead.

MY OILY T-ZONE IS BACK, and I am so, so, so, so sad. One more week of this cream because I try to pawn it off on my mom. Then Moistful BOOskin is coming in as my toner and I can go back to MIZON, because I hope it has arrived by then.

Ugh, I really don't like thick creams. They bring back the oil in full force.

Snow White and the Asian Pear

She's a great skincare (k-beauty oriented) blogger. She hasn't updated in a while, but I can see why. Why would you want to write about more products when you have a handful you already love and trust?

Except for reformulations, those are evil.

The following image is a lifesaver, so I really just want to share it with you. My products, mostly, come from Amazon (especially repurchases), so this actually looks eerily similar to what I have in my stash.

Workout Wednesdays: Skincare Routine

It's been a while, but I thought it might be enough where I should actually start recording what I'm doing since it's different.

Mornings I have to be at the gym before 8 am, so I am up and out of the house as soon as possible.

1. MRCS
2. Sometimes I tone?
3. Sometimes I moisturize?
4. Usually I put on sunscreen and then pop the same tube into my backpack.

Then I sweat and sweat and sweat. Wipe, sweat, repeat. So glad for the gym showers, really.

In the shower I:

1. Use the generic All-in-One soap in the shower stall's soap dispenser. All over this sweaty body.
2. Use Ma Cherie's travel size shampoo of "Air Feel" whatever that's supposed to mean. It smells lovely. You can see the travel kit I use all the way on the right. To be honest, I like it, but I like only using once a week.
3. Wash my body with the travel size that Sephora sells of L’Occitane Cleansing And Softening Shower Oil With Almond Oil. It's weird because, yes, it's an oil, and like cleansing oil that I use for my face, it turns white the second it touches wet skin. Which, obviously I am soaked head to toe. It is softening, but I am also glad I only part take in this luxury about once a week.
4. Put "Air Feel" conditioner on the tips of my hair.
5. Wash my face with Caolion's Pore Blackhead O2 Sparkling Soap, as seen on the left. It is literally just a round piece of bar soap. It foams up very well, but actually has got me on the edge because it gives me a "squeaky clean" feel that I associate with high pH levels (an obvious no-no because high pH disturbs the acid mantle of the face). However, it smells great!! I want to say it's a warm smell, a bit nutty and sweet, shea butter perhaps. It goes on nicely, foams up, then leaves you squeaky, but by the time you have patted dry your face, it feels soft and smooth. It's $5 for the travel size at Sephora and I liked the smell of it so much that I bought one for my sister too. Probably wouldn't use it every day because of the "squeaky clean" factor, but definitely don't mind using it once a week. It's better than the alternative-- trying to pack my MRCS and totally forgetting it because I always put it back in the medicine cabinet on auto-pilot at that time in the morning. Best having something to clean my sweat, grime-layered face than nothing at all. This is surely not the worst and is quite nice.
6. Rinse my face, my body one more time, and then the conditioner out of my hair.
7. Today I brought a toner sample I got with my recent Nature Republic purchase. It's the matching Super Aqua Watery line to that cream I recently revisited and disliked. Usually I just go straight to the moisturizer-- I use the small sample size pot of Ole Henrikson's Sheer Transformation. This is the second sample pot I have since it came with a Sephora Play! box. It's ok, for that price it's not doing any miracles. It sometimes makes my skin tingle, but I am guessing that is a part of the fruit acids that "gently exfoliate," which I see as a red flag to use in the mornings because acids make your skin weaker and more prone to sun damage. But I digress.
8. Take out my little tube of Biore Waterly Essence sunscreen and spread it across my face like melted citrus buttah.


Anyway, that's a look into my Workout Wednesday Skincare Routine. This should probably be more than just Wednesday, but right now, that is what works best into my work/life/school balance.

Rethinking a Product: Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream

About a year ago, when I last went to Taiwan and got myself some impulse facial cream at the duty free store, I found myself purchasing Nature Republic's Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream. I had tried it out in the store once back at home, and the price was right. I used up the entire jar, and even opted to buy it again when my Aunt went through duty free.

BOY, what a difference time does make.

New complaints:

1. Too overtly fragranced. It feels like I am literally putting perfume on my face. The smell is so strong I almost find it pungent. It's a fresh, slightly floral smell, so not a bad smell, just too much smell.
2. Too thick/gel-ly. This cream reminds me of my Laneige Watery Sleeping Pack. This morning when I went to wash my face, it had a layer on top of the skin which I am not used to. Mizon get absorbed and feels so good on my skin, absorbs well and quickly. It doesn't make me oily, and really, though I know my nose is shiny, I feel like I have balanced out the combination dry/oily with the AIO Snail Cream. However, due to the heavy consistency, I feel like this Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream is just a holding layer creating another layer on stop of my skin, not penetrating into my skin, even as I slept with it on. Does not feel good to literally be washing my face of product nearly 7 hours after application.

Now I know and even if the price is right, no thank you, I would not repurchase this. What I would repurchase and am having a hard time refraining from repurchasing? My Mizon AIO Snail creams (original and in Black, but not the gel cream). 

Perhaps, I am thinking that as a skincare n00b that wasn't in tune with what her skin wants, I thought that this cream was ok. However, now that I have found products that work and feel so much better, I regret having repurchased this as I don't want to use it anymore and yet I have a whole new jar to finish. >.<

Then I have two more Nature Republic creams, and it makes me nervous because that's a lot of creams and a lot of messing up my face before I get back to what I know works for me.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Really should learn my lesson and stick with what I know works instead of getting tempted by duty free and sales. Honestly not a fan of overly perfumed skin care products. 

Love my sum 37 MRCS so much that I haven't even purchased another cleaner. The samples I get from Sephora Play! can't even measure up. Nope, just don't like any other cleanser at all. Can't even think twice.

Toners-- haven't found one that I am in love with, though The Chia Seed one from TFS is really growing on me.

LOVE the Mizon AIO snail creams-- I really shouldn't be cheating on them by buying other creams that don't even get me excited anymore.

I used to love the Missha FTE, but recently, I realized that I didn't see a difference even with two bottles. I'm not into short terms fixes, I'm into long haul changes. Maybe I'll incorporate it once I get "used to" the layering feel of this watery cream product.

Bottomline: Don't be afraid to leave what is mediocre behind. WOULD NOT repurchase ever again.

Skincare Routine Mondays: October 31, 2016

Manage to use a small Sephora sampler spatula to get the most out of my MRCS and now it's just a wad of soap in the cap.

1. AM Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft Every other day. My eyes have been pretty crusty. The left one hurt last week, so thankful that's gone.
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, down to a wad of soap. Good thing I had my Aunt buy another stick in Incheon's Duty Free last time she was Asia-bound.
3. Wash-off Mask: Used the Sephora Play!'s Skin Inc, Pure Revival Peel (seen on the right). It says leave on for 10 seconds and then massage gently. Honestly, I don't know what I was doing wrong, but it smelled like rubbing alcohol and therefore after ten seconds it seemed to be absorbed by my dry skin (yeah, instructions say to use on dry skin). This made massaging the product around my face near impossible, and for the parts that I globbed it on (I'm a firm believer of less is more with products) it was hardly anything. Perhaps I am just too spoiled because the Japanese brand "The Cure" is a similar sort of experience, and yet it was so much better. None of this alcoholic smell, none of this drying and not being able to massage the product around, none of that nonsense. Tell me a product is going to do something within ten seconds and I will should you a sucker. Sephora Play! you are the sucker.
4. Moisturizing Toner: The Face Shop's Chia Seed Line, which I think I'm nearing the end of the bottle. The pumps don't come out as strong now. Actually have to say that I've grown to like this product a lot. Though the moisturizer of this series reminds me a liquidy hand lotion, the toner itself it quite viscous and does the trick.
5. Essence: The Nature Republic Snail Essence sample and I bought the Snail Solition 70 cream, which came with a 1 oz sample of this essence, awesome. Love bigger sized samples.
6. Moisturizer: Mizon's AIO Snail Cream, which I am using fingers to scoop out the poor stuck to the side of the jar remnants. I truly like this product and need to buy another.... after I use up the three jars of Nature Republic creams hanging out about my house.
7. AM Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  

There's one pimple that I can feel trying to edge it's way out of my skin diagonally from the right corner of my mouth on my jawline. My classmate pointed out a red mark on the left side of my forehead, so maybe that's another pimple too. It's weird, but according to my own timing, I should be over pimples and just be getting my period instead. Maybe it's going to skip this month, which isn't unusual, but mildly annoying. Screws up my planning, and if I have to get ready to combat jawline hormonal acne.

(Just Over) ONE YEAR!!!!

My first post was on October 17, 2015. IT'S BEEN A YEAR!!

Whoops! I totally forgot to commemorate this sort of event. I would have a giveaway, but I don't actually have any readers, so bah humbug! I get to keep this awesome Nature Republic Snail Set to myself!!

Actually, Nature Republic has a sale and I got this set as an impulse buy for me and a friend. Snial Solution 70 (cream), 1 oz Snail Solution Skin Booster 90, and 1 oz Snail Solution Emulsion 80. The number represent the percentage of snail goo in these products. (Even though Mizon is a fraction of the cost and is always over 90%).

Cost me less than $22 USD for one of these boxes, which considering YESAsia is selling it for $87.31 is a steal. The store sells this set for $49, if I recall. Also talked my way into some Argan oil hair mask freebies. Yay. Actually also got an Super Aqua Watery Max (wow, redundant) toner sample that I can't wait to try out on my travels. Honestly hate that there is so much waste in cute little sample bottles, and LOVE the cute little sample bottles because they are precisely just that. CUTE. LITTLE. SAMPLE. BOTTLES.

I'd like to say that if you have been looking at my Monday check-up on my skincare routine (which, if you haven't I don't blame you, they're super boring and mainly for me), I've gone from simple, to really too long, to too many masks, to simple yet again.

When I started it was mainly out of dry skin conditions and an interesting in moisturizing toners and donkey milk.

Now, I went through almost five little jars of moisturizers (Freeset Donkey Milk, Nature Republic Super Aqua Watery Combo, Mizon AIO Snail, Mizon AIO Snaill gel cream, Mizon AIO Black Snail, and my second jar of Mizon AIO Snail), have a substantial sheet mask collection, a lot of little sample jars from Sephora, other more significant sample sized products from Sephora Play!

Over the course of a year I have learned to use an eyelid cleanser, which helps a lot since I am prone to stys. I learned that sheet masking if overrated and I currently think it's too much of a hassle, though I love buying them and giving them away. Less is more in my skincare regime, as I think the Vitamin C waiting game is also not for me. I did not feel any real difference, and buying pH lowering toner really hasn't done anything for me.

Simply cleanse, (hydrating) tone, moisturize, and wear sunscreen. My skin is really great right now, even if I know the fine lines are still there. This is not about turning back the clock, but delaying the clock from moving too fast.

Being half Caucasian and half Chinese there's this whole concept of getting a mixed bag of genes. Will my skin stay young and healthy effortlessly like my Chinese genes would have it? Or will I start losing my hair and getting wrinkles in places I thought not possible because of my Caucasian genes? I'd like to side on taking precautions in case I am more Caucasian-ly inclined.

My skin has never been better since I have started documenting my skincare journey. It's only been a year, but what a world of a difference it has made. My skin always feel soft, and so does my neck, hands, and chest. It's absolutely wonderful and many of my friends (and acquaintances) have skin envy.


Thank you for being there, blog. I don't know why I started you in the first place, but I am glad to have stuck it out for this long. Cheers to many more years to come, more advancements in skincare regimes, and finding products that you truly like.

Skincare Routine Mondays: October 24, 2016

Oh no!! My first MRCS is almost done!!

1. AM Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft My eyes still feel weird, so I've been doing this practically every morning. My outer left eye hurts, and I don't know why. I hope nothing is stuck on my eyeball-- that's an issue that has happened before.
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, I AM DOWN TO THE END. It is just the plastic ring, but really there's a lot of soap left there, so I've been digging out little bits with my fingernail to apply on my face. A little goes a long way, and this soap is rather malleable. 
3. Wash-off Mask: Used the Queen Helene Mint mask once this week, which I followed up with a Tony Moly Egg pack, (some sort of steam mask). Oh, how I like doing masks back to back. Exfoliate and cleanse and then cleanse and moisturize. It's great to counteract the mask's effects with a balancing mask afterwards.
4. Moisturizing Toner: The Face Shop's Chia Seed Line, which seems to actually be doing an okay job. Hasn't broken me out, and my skin does feel softer. Nice. Will switch to Booskin once this one is done. Though I have to say I like the pump bottle, so I might clean it out and just put the next toner in the same glass bottle. It's easier to pump twice than to have liquid dribble out of a tiny hole.
5. Essence: The Nature Republic Snail Essence sample about three times this week. It's nice, but I know that I probably won't love it because of the price. Mizon all the way!
6. Moisturizer: Mizon's AIO Snail Cream, which I am running out of already. Why don't these jars last longer?! I am probably going to move on to one of the moisturizers I have in stock, a Nature Republic Watery Combo moisturizer. I have used it before, and quite like it. However, it is strongly fragranced. 
7. AM Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  

Still not getting enough or proper sleep, but my skin is still doing ok. A couple of bumps on the jawline that I thought were hormone induced (though now I'm second guessing that) went away within a day or two. My skin is smooth and nice, and I haven't been doing anything crazy. However, I am anticipating dryer weather, and I am so ready to glob on the night packs. I still haven't opened or tried my Too Cool For School Pumpkin sleep pack. My Laneige is still in the fridge, and I have a few samples that I would like to use up. Sleeping packs are great for winter, but right now I think it's overkill.

Skincare Routine Mondays: October 17, 2016

Been taking it back to basics... also been sleeping a lot less. Wonder how this will affect my skin in the next few weeks.

1. AM Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft My eyes have been feeling a bit clouded. So I did it once or twice. Felt better afterwards, but really felt like I messed up the eyelash extensions.
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, this stick is wonderful. I already got my Auntie to duty free repurchase it a while back.
3. Wash-off Mask: Caudalie's Glycolic, which is a Sephora Sample Wonderland that I need to restock. Used that once this week. Also used my Origins retexturizing mask with rose clay once this week. 
4. Moisturizing Toner: The Face Shop's Chia Seed Line, which is hydrating, especially now that I've taken FTE out of the mix.
5. Essence: Found this Nature Republic Snail Essence sample and I've been using that once a day, usually in the mornings. It has a strong fragrance that I can get used to, but I've found that I prefer lighter or scentless products better. 
6. Moisturizer: Mizon's AIO Snail Cream, a perfect example of a scentless product that I love. Second jar already!!! I have to start using other creams when this runs out, but I will miss it and definitely get another jar when my fragranced moisturizers eventually run out. 
7. AM Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  

Though I've not been getting enough or proper sleep, my skin is still doing ok so far. However, it is the week or so before my period comes, and usually hormones wreck havoc on this jawline. Tie that in with sleep debt? I can only imagine how much skin can be by the end of this week.

Skincare Routine Mondays: October 10, 2016

Skin so far so good. Couple of pimply bumps that go away in a few days time. An unremarkable week.

1. AM Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft Haven't yet :( But my eyes feel crusty, so I should start doing it again soon.
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, <3 especially since I travelled half of this week
3. Moisturizing Toner: The Face Shop's Chia Seed Line, which is neverending now that I want to end it!
4. Random PM Serums: Used up the last from Sephora Sample Wonderland: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum, Using up also the last to the Vinoperfect Radium Serum from Caudalie. SO SAD THAT I USED UP MY 500 PT SAMPLE :( Sephora please have more Caudalie out soon.
5. Moisturizer: Mizon's AIO Snail Cream, per usual. Ole Henrikson's Sheer Transformation when I was out of the country.
6. AM Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  

Nothing really to note except my eyelashes keep feeling like they're tangled up with my bottom lashes and are sticking. Sad my serums are all running out. Time to visit the magical land of Sephora Samples again.

Skincare Routine Mondays: October 3, 2016

The wedding HAPPENED. My lashes got redone to "GLAMOUROUS" on Thursday and THEY ARE GREAT. Totally much better than my last experience, and now I'm more comfortable with them I am so glad I got the most dramatic look. Hardly shows in the pictures, but shows up just enough. I am very happy with them for now. Lost at least four or five lashes when I was taking off my make-up from the day, but overall I would call my wedding day make-up a success!!

Skin still a soft and smooth as anything, even with the first bumps that pop up here and there.

1. AM Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft Haven't since I got my lashes redone, but I don't have as much sleep or grit in my eyes, so maybe I will do it a few time this week rather than every day.
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, LOVE YOU.
3. Moisturizing Toner: The Face Shop's Chia Seed Line, which I'm using up. However, I did purchase Dear Enprani's Moistfull Booskin from Amazon on a whim. That's totally hydrating and even with the seal on it smells like roses. Kind of love that. However, I am not sure how it goes into play with S&P's Beauty Water
4. Random PM Serums: From my Sephora Play! sub: Lancôme Énergie de Vie The Smoothing & Glow Boosting Liquid Moisturizer and Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm ; from Sephora Sample Wonderland: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum
5. Moisturizer: Mizon's AIO Snail Cream, per usual.
6. AM Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  

Skincare Routine Mondays: September 26, 2016

Hoo-wee, and just like that October is this Saturday and the WEDDING IS HERE. Less than five days until my college roomie gets married and I have to sausage myself in a dress without a bra on! What butterflies I am getting because I get performance anxiety, and don't you ever say being a bridesmaid isn't a performance because this whole tradition is one too long performance.

But, after last week's (or was it the week before that?) hormonal break out, I have been babying and pampering my skin to the point where it's feeling like a baby's bum. Delightfully so!!

1. AM Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft (THESE DARN FAKE EYELASHES AREN"T LEAVING! I lost all but FIVE, and those five are in a clump on my right eye, and even with daily oil cleansing on my eyelashes only, they just refuse to fall out!!! What am I going to do? I have an appointment to get another set done on Thursday, but removal cost $20 which is a rip off if I just have FIVE lashes to get rid of ughhhh.)
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, I love it more and more.
3. Moisturizing Toner: The Face Shop's Chia Seed Line, BUT, I found Son & Park's Beauty Water at Sephora (oh gosh, I was so excited to see a CULT FAVORITE ON DISPLAY!) and though I did impulse buy it, I first asked for a sample (which I spilled half of on my hand because this stuff really is just like water)
4. Random PM Serums: From my Sephora Play! sub: Lancôme Énergie de Vie The Smoothing & Glow Boosting Liquid Moisturizer and Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm ; from Sephora Sample Wonderland: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum
5. Moisturizer: Mizon's AIO Snail Cream, per usual.
6. AM Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  

OH WHAT DID I DO?!?!

Not only did I splurge on Son & Park's Beauty water.... but I also just bought this:

Not like it can even fit ANY of my sheet masks, but maybe it will keep my samples from my Sephora Play! subscription under control... and the plenty of samples that I collect from Sephora Sample Wonderland. (Thank goodness my sheet masks have their own box... even if it's overstuff and has 

Couple of things first, MY SKIN IS GREAT. I did already mention that, but I honestly don't even know what is doing it, or if I just have used the right amount of things on my face and my face is so so so happy.

The Lancome sample I got in my last last Sephora Play! box I've been using because the WEDDING is coming up and I could use some glow boosting. It's consistency is of that of Caudalie's Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, which I guess is essentially the same kind of thing. Lacome's is actually cheaper.... but if it really works, I have no idea. It SMELLS TO THE HIGH HEAVENS, like an overly perfumed smell, kind of reminds me of trips with my mom and aunts to Cosmetics Plus, when that was still a thing. 

So, even if it works spectacularly, the smell of this product alone is enough to drive me away. Really, I just like low-scent, maybe even a bit floral smelling, at best, fragrance free skincare products. Mizon AIO Snail Cream deserves a big SHOUT OUT for this, and for just being awesome and totally affordable. 

Also being using EYE CREAM, which is something I forget I have to think about. Ain't no spring chicken, ya hear?! Fishlines, crow's feet, there are so many ways to label the lines that occur around the eyes. I'm a big smilier, so of course I am going to get fine lines around my eyes, which is why investing in eye cream should be a bigger deal, though I can't seem to really feel that yet. Right now, I'm using what I've been given, but does it really make a different? Not one that I can tell. So, would not repurchase, but I've got my eye on something I've read in K-Beauty blogs, something that costs under ten bucks on Amazon. That sounds like a good deal to me. But, small samples will do for now. Thank you to my Sephora Play! subscription.

However, the true winner at why I think my faces feels so delightfully smooth has to do with the Drunken Elephant Serum I've been using nightly every other day. TOLD YOU I WAS INTO ACIDS, this is an acid I can deal with. The consistency is sticky, but drips enough so that you spread it and it doesn't feel sticky on your face at all. It has a "natural" sort of non-smell which I don't mind, because as I said, I like low fragranced products. Unfortunate part about this serum is that is a whopping $90 for a single ounce and it's in a packaging that I can't even open and rub the residual left overs out of!! Sure, Vinoperfect from Caudalie is $79 for an ounce, but the test tube thing and the little jar I can try to suck every little bit I can get from it.

To be fair, my Mizon AIO Snail Cream is still a champ!! Great results, great application, great price, and great no-scent smell. However, I think in conjunction with this Drunken Elephant Serum, that it's been even better upon absorption. It really made a different the first time I used it. I've only used it twice, but this week my skin has improved and feels so much better that I have a hard time NOT touching it myself!

The Lancome might be helping, the Algenist is meh, whatever, the Vinoperfect I put on alternating days from the Drunken Elephant, and my skin has never been more ready for this wedding!!

However, my boobs are totally not ready since I don't think I can wear a bra since I will be sausaged into my bridesmaid's dress. Thank goodness for family friends with Amazon Prime! Two day shipping has turned into get it by Wednesday (though I wish it was true get it by Tuesdays two day shipping) and I will have self-adhesive silicone chicken cutlet boobs that hopefully give me the lift and cover I need. Ordered in both D and DD, just in case. Also bought a bottle of moisturizing toner, though AH, did I really need one?! I JUST GOT SON and PARK's BEAUTY WATER?!?!?!

All this impulse beauty shopping is really going to put a dent in my wallet. My poor little wallet which is going to be CRUSHED when I do my holiday Euro trip. CRUSHED. I really need to start a "NO BUY" policy and just stop buying anything. I have enough creams (though I was thinking of getting another jar of Mizon AIO, because the two I have right now are going to be too perfumey, I just know it!!), I have another stick of SUM37's MRCS, I have an essence, I have facial oil, I have another bottle of Missha FTE and the Innifree dupe of it, and I HAVE ENOUGH. Why do I feel like I always need to buy more more more?!?!?!?

This last one is it! No more buying. Sorry dear blog, for freaking out on you like this. 

Skincare Routine Mondays: September 19, 2016

And just like that, we only have eleven days left in September. Why does the time seem to pass by so fast?

1. Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft (AMs only, and not when I travel, so like, four times this week) 
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, which I totally forgot to bring on my weekend trip , see more sad details below. 
3. Moisturizing Toner: The Face Shop's Chia Seed Line (just a pump or two after washing)
4. Moisturizer: Mizon's AIO Snail Cream, yay!!
5. Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  

My poor poor MRCS, I totally forgot to bring you on my weekend trip and had to settle for (GASP) nothing. I literally used a wet washcloth and water... when I had a FULL FACE OF MAKEUP ON. I feel like I committed blasphemy. Granted, I did have make-up remover, but no true facewash and I felt awful. At least I had my AIO Snail Cream to make me feel like less of a barbarian.

Which brings up the make-up point. Used the Smashbox Pore Mattefying primer, which is NOT purple like the outside of the tube, but a pale nude color. Had my Rimmel "Light" BB Cream as foundation, score, it matches, what a risk I took. But at $2.99, I didn't care so much. The tube is more than enough, and it's not that big at all. Contour stick worked in my favor, yes yes yes to Etude House for being awesome. Also used the cheapest Etude House liquid liner, (the Oh M'Eye Line), which is seriously the most smudge proof and lasts all day!! Tough to remove though, that's the point, right?

Anyway, totally slacking. I think I used the rest of my sample of Caudlie's Glycolic face mask last night. I need to get some more samples until I can justify spending $40 on something that's 2 ounces and is washed right off. 

Skincare Routine Mondays: September 12, 2016

The weather is showing sign of change... and change will happen before you know it!! Looking forward to sweater weather, but not looking forward to the fact that this means my skin is going to be changing too. Warmer weather means less moisture, colder weather means you better pack in the moisture or your skin is going to look like the Serengeti!

1. Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft (AMs only, and not when I travel) 
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, which is slightly drying, so I may have to reintroduce an oil cleanser as part one. Or see if I have another cleanser to use that might be less drying. Highly unlikely, especially when this one is such a solid 5.5 pH. Man, I love this stuff, and I am still on my first stick... and my sister and I have been using it double time when she was home. Really, how long have I been using this? It feels like forever!!
3. Toner: That CosRx one that I used to prep for actives. (Only used once this week)
4. Actives: OST 20 Vitamin C serum (Used once this week)
5. Moisturizing Toner: The Face Shop's Chia Seed Line (Just using what I have up)
6. Serum: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, (Twice this week(
7. Moisturizer: Mizon's AIO Snail Cream, which I think is something I'll always like because it doesn't have a smell, and it works.
8. Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  even though the Super Goop Dry Oil 50 SPF I bought I realized is only for the body. Smells like citronella candle a bit too.

No time to do anything but the norm. Did a face mask or two this week. One was a sheet mask by Etude House (strawberry, which had a sickly sweet scent, not a fan), did an Origins resurfacing Rose Clay mask from my Sephora Travel bag which I purchased a while back, and lastly did one Caudalie Glycolic mask. Why do I have such a soft spot for Caudalie? It is way too expensive to be worth it in the long run, right? RIGHT?

Anyway, my eyelash extensions are really almost done. I think my left eye only has five or so lashes that are barely holding on, and my right eye has way too many and I am going to be using oil and things like that to try to deter them from staying on. So I have one pretty big eye, and one normal eye. It must look kind of weird, but I don't care enough.

My next eyelash extension appointment is on the 29th, which is is 17 days. I am hoping that all my fake lashes are gone by then because I am not paying twenty bucks for them to removes ten fake lashes. That would be absurd, and they would totally charge me additional fees too. Not worth it!

The wedding is coming up before I know it and I am trying to play with all my new makeup toys. I even bought a Rimmel BB Cream for $2.99 at TJ Maxx because I realized that I don't have foundation!  I have a primer, I have a contour stick and powder, setting powder for a less greasy look, bronzer, liquid eyeliner (my eyeliner of choice), blush, eyeshadows, (both the blush and eyeshadows are from a palette I splurged on through the Sephora sale. This girl isn't going to be paying $42 when it's going for $26 on sale!!) random lip colors, mascara which I'm not going to use if I have eyelash extensions. Whoops, no concealer, and I also have eye shadow primer too. Only half of these things are really necessary.... And actually, I realized that I have no idea in what order to apply make-up at all.

So I had Google Image search tell me, in a nice infographic, just how to do it:

Ugh, where is my setting spray?!??! WHY DO WE NEED SETTING SPRAY?!?!

Skincare Routine Mondays: September 5, 2016

It's September already! How in the world did this happen?!?!? School starts up again, so I am less likely to be so thorough, though it seems this summer things have gotten more simple as my interest has waned.

1. Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft (AMs only, and not when I travel)
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
3. Toner: That CosRx one that I used to prep for actives.
4. Actives: OST 20 Vitamin C serum (Maybe once this past week)
5. Serum: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, like thrice.
6. Moisturizer: Mizon's AIO Snail Cream, which I have repurchased. It's lighter, much better for the summer. However, this past weekend I've been traveling so I have nearly exhausted the Cane + Austin moisturizer that gives me face a slight tingle when I use it. Quite like it though it smells and feel like putting Elmer's glue on my face.
7. Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  per usual.

Stopped with my FTE and actually haven't really felt a difference. Which is sad because I raved about it at first. Really think it has to do with the fact that I had started my routine with the FTE and Clear toner, which I believe work really well in tandem. 

However, now I am more into the chemical side of things, which glycolic acid. Which are harsher, but with more results. We will see how things turn out for the rest of the semester.

Skincare Routine Mondays: August 29, 2016

Last week before school starts. Got some travel from last weekend, got some travel for this weekend. Overall, my routine has been simplified.

1. Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
3. First Essence:  Finished my second bottle of Missha's FTE Intensive, but it doesn't feel quite as nice without the Missha Clear Toner
4. Serum: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, like thrice.
5. Moisturizer: Mizon's Black AIO Snail Cream, which I also just finished and have been trying the Cane + Austen moisturizer through the magic of Sephora Sample Wonderland while out of town.
6. Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++  per usual.

The FTE bae has been losing appeal to me. I am not sure if it does anything, and really, I think I had the best results from when I used it in tandem with the same line's clear toner. Since I have nixed toner from my routine, I am not sure how I feel about it anymore. I have one more bottle left, I think I will hold off on the next round of opening a bottle to see if I feel a true difference.

The Cane + Austen 10% gycolic moisturizer is ok. It has a slight smell to it because it's "fragrance free" meaning it's an au natural smell that is weird to me. It seems very interesting that it can be a chemical peel and moisturize at the same time. But then again, I do use SPF 50 sun oil, which also seems contradictory in itself. First tired L'Oreal's sun oil with the SPF of 50, and now I splurged on Super Goops 5 oz at $22 USD for their SPF 50 sun oil. 

Got two busted pimples on my chin/jawline, on either side. Ugh, why pimples?! I just finished my period this past weekend. They're big painful ones too. 

Maybe will incorporate Vit C back into my regime, but it just takes so long that sometimes I don't want to be waiting around.

That being said, I remember how I stopped using Luna Oil and really didn't even notice a difference.

Skincare Routine Mondays: August 22, 2016

Traveled half of this week, so half less than usual.

1. Eyelid Cleanser: Ocusoft
2. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
3. First Essence:  Missha's FTE Intensive
4. Serum: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
5. Moisturizer: Mizon's Black AIO Snail Cream 
6. Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++ .

Didn't quite keep up with a routine, and am still functioning on bare bones. Used a Caudalie Glycolic Peel twice this week, once paired up with OST Vitamin C, which gave me a slight burning effect, so I'm probably not going to do that again.

Starting using the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, which is like runny lotion. Reminds me of a watery emulsion, but really, my skin feels softer and nicer the morning after I use it. Really kind of happy about this product, really kind of unhappy that 1 ounce would set me back $79 USD. Why are face things so expensive?!?!?

Of course this lovely little sample came from the 500 points rewards I'm putting to use:

CAUDALIE FRENCH SKINCARE STARS

• Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water (1.69 oz)
• Caudalie Instant Detox Mask (0.5 oz)
• Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet (0.33 oz)
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum (0.33 oz)

Sephora Play August 2016 arrived at my house on Saturday. Although I already knew what I was getting, none of it wowed me. Honestly liked the July 2016 box better as it had more variety. This one was really eye-centric, and the only thing that I'm sort of happy about it the Algenist eye cream. Because everyone know eye creams are ridiculous, but such a nice luxury to have. The Lancome sample looks weak, the eye pencil is a color that I probably won't care too much about since I prefer liquid liners, the Clean Warm Cotton smells like fabric softener, the mascara is more advertising and packaging than impressive, and that MUFE eyeshadow is so neutral it's kind of boring. 

The Sephora Play! box is setting me back about $132 USD for the year, which is a lot, but I might not even want to do a whole year if I keep feeling meh about their selections. Perhaps I'm the wrong demographic because I'm a skincare addict, not a make-up enthusiast. Actually, if it weren't for this gosh-darn wedding coming up, I wouldn't be doing half the beauty-oriented things that I've been doing-- eye lash extensions, beauty subscription boxes, yadda yadda.

I did, however, use a mask this past week, and it was so annoying that I ripped it off earlier than I usually would. I think it's just that brand, the Etude House I Need You series, feels too heavy and like wet paper towel on my face. Not the biggest fan, especially now that I've used enough to have favorites.

Also, really kind of upset that my skincare tastes are gravitating towards more expensive choices. Why is Caudalie simple and nice and so gosh-darn expensive?!?!? Have to say that I am less than impressed with the moisturizing sorbet. Got to love me my snail creams.

Skincare Routine Mondays: August 15, 2016

Traveled half of this week, so half less than usual.

1. Water-based Cleanser: sum37's Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
2. First Essence:  Missha's FTE Intensive
3. Moisturizer: Mizon's Black AIO Snail Cream which I've decanted into a smaller pot so that I can bring it with me on the plane
4. Sunscreen: Biore Aqua Rich Waterly Essence Sunscreen 50g Spf50+ Pa+++ per usual.

Traveled a bunch this week, and didn't sleep much. Will probably want to break out a mask a couple times this week to restore my poor skin. Missed my eyelid cleanser since I couldn't figure out how to decant it. My eyes kind of hurt and were sensitive when I wasn't using it. Probably also didn't help that I only got about three or four hours of sleep this past weekend.

Sephora Play August 2016 is coming out soon. I already see it in my account and I wonder how many of these items will I actually enjoy. Haven't used to played with my July 2016 box too much yet.

QUICK LOOK

LANCÔME

Énergie de Vie The Smoothing & Glow Boosting Liquid Moisturizer

$55.00

AUGUST 2016 BOX 

QUICK LOO

ALGENIST

Complete Eye Renewal Balm

$68.00

AUGUST 2016 BOX 

QUICK LOOK

MAKE UP FOR EVER

Artist Shadow Eyeshadow and Powder Blush

$21.00

AUGUST 2016 BOX 

QUICK LOOK

SEPHORA COLLECTION

Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof

$10.00

AUGUST 2016 BOX 

QUICK LOOK

URBAN DECAY

Perversion Mascara

$22.00

AUGUST 2016 BOX 

QUICK LOOK

CLEAN

Reserve Warm Cotton

$90.00

AUGUST 2016 BOX