Kose softymo Deep Cleansing Oil Review

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Kose softymo Deep Cleansing Oil. 

Availability: This retails anywhere from $6.50 - $18 for 7.78 fl. oz. (230 mL)  and can be purchased at amazon.com, stylevana.com, yesstyle.com, tesolife.com, cosmehunt.com, and imomoko.com.

Would I buy this again? Honestly I think I would.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?

According to yesstyle.com:

Cleansing oil removes makeup, including stubborn mascara, as well as dead skin cells and excess dirt, without leaving any oily residue. Gentle formula suitable for dry skin brightens and thoroughly cleanses, making double-cleansing unnecessary. Made with five types of oil including olive oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, safflower oil and shea butter to keep skin moisturized.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Rice Bran Oil: Has hydrating, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties; boosts skin circulation.

Orange Oils: Has anti-inflammatory properties.

Tocopherol: Vitamin E; has antioxidant properties.

Jojoba Oil: Has anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties.

Glycerin: Attracts moisture to the skin.

What is the texture like?

This is a fairly lightweight oil, it feels hydrating but not greasy. 

Is this scented?

This has an herbaceous, citrusy scent. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

I genuinely love how lightweight this feels on the skin yet how great it is at removing makeup. I had on glitter and waterproof eyeliner and this got all of it off my eyes. I'll have to keep using this to see how I like it but so far so good.

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Love It Or Leave It; Review 2.0: Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Collection Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 5

Hello folksickles. As a makeup junkie and blogger you may have realized that I review a LOAD of eyeshadow palettes and I like to think of myself as being largely an eyeshadow junkie. In order to de-clutter a bit  I've decided to pick out a palette or series of eyeshadows for the month and have that be my monthly selection for those instances where I'm not doing a tutorial for the blog. Every month I'll do a recap on the eyeshadows - how I feel about them and whether I'll be keeping them or giving them away (and why :P) as well as if I think it's worth its price tag. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Collection Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 5

You can find a look I did with the palette here. These are the looks I created this month:

So as you can see I created some smoky, some bright, overall really colorful looks. The colors in here are very vivid and last really well throughout the day without creasing or fading (I use them over the wet n wild Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer) I honestly love the quality of the colors included in this palette; they all blend together really easily and well. I really enjoyed all the fun looks I was able to do; all with nice touches of purple or plum. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: I purchased this palette myself.

Mask Review: Freeman Anti-Stress dead sea minerals Clay Mask

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Freeman Anti-Stress dead sea minerals Clay Mask.

Availability:  This retails anywhere from $2.19 for the sample packet I have in the photographs above - 0.5 fl. oz. (15 mL) to anywhere from $3 - $9 for the full sized tube - 6 fl. oz.

Would I buy this again? Probably not.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?

According to freemanbeauty.com:

Freeman Anti-Stress Dead Sea Minerals Clay Facial Mask is made with natural, botanical ingredients. This calming mask instantly absorbs excess oil while clarifying and purging clogged pores. Dead Sea Minerals contain natural supplements that are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Sea Salts help replenish and balance moisture. Lavender and Bergamot promote relaxing aromatherapy. Rinse away the mask to reveal smooth, radiant, healthy looking skin.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Bentonite Clay: Helps treat breakouts and regulate sebum production. Absorbs excess sebum.

Kaolin: Helps absorb excess sebum and prevents pores from becoming clogged.

Sea Salt: Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helps regular oil production.

Algae Extract: Has hydrating and antioxidant properties.

Artemisia Vulgaris Extract: Has anti-inflammatory properties; also contains Vitamin A - which helps with skin cell turnover - and Vitamin C - which brightens, lightens, and tightens the skin.

Lavender Oil: Has anti-inflammatory properties.

Bergamot Fruit Oil: Has skin-brightening properties.

Tocopherol: Vitamin E; has antioxidant properties.

What is the texture like?

This has a soft clay mask feel that dries down soft, that being said, I do find that it dries down a bit tight. 

Is this scented?

This has a clean, clay-like scent. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

I found this mask alright but would personally suggest it to someone whose skin is oilier than mine only because when it dries, it dries a bit tight for my personal liking. This mask left my skin feeling clean and soft after I washed it off.

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: I received this as a birthday gift.

Mask Review: Freeman Deep Clearing manuka honey + tea tree oil Clay Mask + Cleanser

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Freeman Deep Clearing manuka honey + tea tree oil Clay Mask + Cleanser.

Availability:  This retails anywhere from $4 - $18 for the full sized tube - 6 fl. oz.

Would I buy this again? Yes.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?

According to amazon.com:

Indulge in a delicious treat for your skin with this multi-action clay mask and cleanser
Manuka Honey helps deliver potent healing properties to nourish skin
Tea Tree Oil helps to purify pores and control oil
Manuka Honey cleanses the skin while Tea Tree Oil purifies pores and controls oil
Key Mask Benefits: instantly deep cleans and absorbs oil without over-drying - can be used as a daily cleanser
Good for 10-12 uses per tube
Perfect for oily and breakout prone skin
Made with clean ingredients, Freeman products are free of parabens, sulfates, silicone, phthalates, and mineral oils!
At Freeman Beauty, we believe in loving your body naturally and are proud to be free of harsh chemicals!
100% Cruelty Free and Vegan - Freeman products are never tested on animals

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Bentonite Clay: Helps treat breakouts and regulate sebum production. Absorbs excess sebum.

Titanium Dioxide: Protects skin from sun damage, it is often a sunscreen ingredient so I don't see its benefits in a mask that ends up washed off. 

Tea Tree Leaf Oil: Has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Witch Hazel Water: Has astringent, oil-reducing, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Benzoic Acid: Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Honey: Has hydrating, cleansing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties.

Kaolin: Helps absorb excess sebum and prevents pores from becoming clogged.

What is the texture like?

This has a soft clay mask feel that dries down soft, I don't find that this makes my skin feel dry or tight - I wear this on average for 10 minutes before washing it off. 

Is this scented?

This has a soft, sweet, honey-like scent. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

I wasn't expecting to like this mask because due to it being clay and having tea tree oil in it, I was concerned it would smell strongly of tea tree - which I'm not a fan of - and be potentially drying. Personally I've only used this as a mask and wouldn't suggest it as a cleanser unless you're someone who is very oily and who likes cleansers that don't foam. That being said, as a mask, I find this to be deep cleansing while at the same time being non-drying. It leaves my skin feeling soft, silky, and comfortable after I wash it off.

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: I received this as a birthday gift.

Exfoliator Review: Trader Joe's Nourish Microdermabrasion Scrub exfoliating cream

Trader Joe's Nourish Microdermabrasion Scrub exfoliating cream

Availability: This product is exclusive to Trader Joe's stores where it retails at $4.99 for 2 oz. (56g).

Would I buy this again? I'm not sure.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?

Unfortunately I am unable to find any literature that Trader Joe's themselves have put out on this product but it's obviously meant to exfoliate the skin. 

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Pumice: Has exfoliating properties.

Glycerin: Helps attract moisture to the skin.

Sunflower Seed Oil: Has antioxidant, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Kaolin: Helps absorb excess skin oil and prevents pores from becoming clogged.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Jojoba Seed Oil: Have hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.

Tocopherol: Vitamin E; has anti-oxidant properties.

Castor Seed Oil: Has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil: Has anti-aging properties - helps stimulate collagen production and increase skin cell turnover. 

Matricaria Flower Extract: Has anti-inflammatory properties.

Borago Officinalis Seed Oil: Has hydrating and skin-smoothing properties, helps hydrate damaged skin.

Licorice Root Extract: Has brightening properties.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

What is the texture like?

This has a creamy texture to it that is full of pumice particles. 

Is this scented?

This has a soft, clean scent. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

My friend Donna, who I've mentioned before, had purchased this and while she did not tell me to go out and buy it the way she did with the Anastasia palettes, she said she liked this a lot when I asked what she thought of it. Hence, I also now own this product. Personally, when I read that pumice was the main exfoliating ingredient I was concerned it might be too harsh but now that I've used this I personally wish it was just a tiny touch more abrasive. If you prefer gentle scrubs, this is absolutely up your alley. I really like how this leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth after I rinse it off but I think I wish it were more abrasive because that one eczema spot I always complain about does not turn smooth after I use this, hence I wish it was strong enough to get the flakes to come off that area. 

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: I bought this myself.

Sunscreen Review: Elizavecca Milky Piggy Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

Hello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Elizavecca Milky Piggy Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++.

Availability: This retails anywhere between $6.50 - $18 for a 50ml (1.69 fl. oz.) tube and is available at stylevana.com, iherb.com, amazon.com, stylekorean.com, asianbeautywholesale.com, bloomingkoco.com,   and yesstyle.com. 

Would I buy this again?: Probably not. 

What is this product designed to address?

According to yesstyle.com: 

Always protect your skin during outdoor activities! With SPF 50+ PA+++, the long-lasting sun cream not only offers effective protection, but also reduces wrinkles, lightens the skin and has a sebum-regulating effect.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Niacinamide: Has anti-inflammatory and pore-minimizing properties.

Adenosine: Decreases the appearance of wrinkles by increasing circulation.

Titanium Dioxide: Is a sunscreen. 

Betaine: Helps draw moisture to the skin.

Allantoin: Has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract: Has antioxidant properties.

Lavender Extract: Has brightening and wrinkle-reducing properties.

Rosemary Extract: Has antimicrobial properties.

Matricaria Extract: Has anti-inflammatory properties.

Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract: Have moisturizing and antiaging properties.

Hyaluronic Acid: Helps skin retain moisture.

Peppermint Extract: Has anti-inflammatory and skin-cooling properties.

Artemisia Princeps Extract: Has moisturizing properties.

Morus Alba Leaf Extract: Has anti-inflammatory and skin brightening properties.

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract: Has anti-inflammatory properties.

Althaea Rosea Root Extract: Has antifungal, antimicrobial, and moisturizing properties.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract: Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Hydrolyzed Collagen: It appears that this has anti-aging qualities when consumed in supplement form. Topical collagen typically has a hydrating effect but doesn't really do much for fine lines and wrinkles outside of hydrating, and thereby plumping up, the skin. 

What is the texture like?

In my personal opinion this has a texture you'd expect from a traditional sunscreen but it dries down matte. 

Is it scented?

This has a scent that mostly resembles lilacs but with something I can't quite place mixed in. 

My overall experience/comments on the product:
I purchased this because I think pigs are super cute and because I read a stellar review of this on amazon.com. That being said, it's too matte for my personal preference. I think this is best suited toward someone with oilier skin. Additionally, it leaves a white cast behind unless you really take the time to pat this in. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Eye Cream Review: MIZON Multi Function Formula Snail Repair Eye Cream

Hello folksickles. Today's review will be for the MIZON Multi Function Formula Snail Repair Eye Cream.

Availability: This retails from $5-$15.50 (the lower price range is for the 15mL tube and the higher is for the 25mL tub) and can be found at stylevana.com, yesstyle.com, iherb.com, 0035mm.com, and amazon.com.

Would I buy this again?: Yes!

What is this product designed to address?

According to yesstyle.com:

• Containing 80% snail mucin, this MIZON bestseller fortifies, nourishes and moisturizes the delicate skin around eyes. The formula helps diminish lines, wrinkles, sagging, dullness, dryness and dark circles around the eye area to instantly rejuvenate your look.
  Benefits: Now available in a travel-friendly tube, MIZON's bestselling Snail Repair Eye Cream is easy to take anywhere for consistent eye care!
  Containing 80% snail mucin, this eye cream fortifies, nourishes and moisturizes the delicate skin around eyes.
  The formula helps diminish lines, wrinkles, sagging, dullness, dryness and dark circles around the eye area to instantly rejuvenate your look.
  How to Use: Apply a small amount around eyes, pat lightly until absorbed.
  About brand: MIZON Created by dedicated researchers from Korea's top cosmetics companies, Mizon is famous for its snail mucin-based skin care products that are now among the brand's consistent bestsellers. Established by the Nabion R&D Company in 2000, Mizon offers makeup, skin, body and hair care lines backed by extensively-researched, high quality formulations. Among its most popular products are the Pore Refine Deep Cleansing Foam, All-in-One Snail Repair Cream and Water Volume Aqua Gel Cream. All Mizon products are manufactured in Korea. YesStyle is an authorized retailer of Mizon.
  
• 
  

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Snail Secretion Filtrate: Has skin-repairing, hydrating, and anti-aging properties. It is also a source of glycolic acid so it will gently (imo the snail secretion filtrate itself is gentle because it has moisturizing properties to buffer any irratation) retexture and exfoliate the skin. 

Glycerin: Helps attract moisture to the skin.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil: Helps seal moisture into the skin.

Niacinamide: Has anti-inflammatory properties and helps boost collagen production.

Squalane: Has hydrating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Beeswax: Has hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.

Adenosine: Has skin "energizing" properties - from my understanding "energizing" here means it helps boost circulation and promotes collagen production.

Betula Alba Juice: Has hydrating properties.

Sweet Almond Seed Extract: Has hydrating, skin-smoothing, and anti-oxidant properties. 

Hyaluronic Acid: Helps skin retain moisture.

Copper Tripeptide-I: Helps increase skin elasticity and decreases the depth of wrinkles and fine lines. 

What is the texture like?

I would describe the texture as something that resembles a cold cream. This is very thick and hydrating but feels soothing, cooling, and refreshing - almost like a gel - when applied. 

Is it scented?

This has a very faint floral scent to it that is common in snail products.

My overall experience/comments on the product:
I have been absolutely loving this eye cream since I started playing with it. I opted for something with snail mucin because my eye area has just been feeling a bit dehydrated and lackluster lately so hydration was really the main thing I was going for. I can't say that in the week of me using this that I've noticed any significant brightening. That being said, I love the texture of this product and how it feels hydrating in a refreshing way. I love how it's thick but somehow not heavy and am excited to keep using it. I also love how both relatively inexpensive and huge the tub of it is!

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: I bought this myself. 

Serum Review: Beauty of Joseon Hanbang Serum Discovery Kit

Today's review will be for the Beauty of Joseon Hanbang Serum Discovery Kit

For anyone else wondering, to quote from myglamm.com "hanbang" refers to: 'Hanbang' means traditional Korean holistic medicine. This medicine includes different herbal ingredients that bring balance and calmness to the body and mind. Some of these herbal ingredients are mixed with topical skincare products too to improve the skin's health and texture.

Availability: This retails from $15-$27 and can be found at stylevana.com, yesstyle.com, stylekorean.com, beautynetkorea.com, and beautyofjoseon.com; the set includes 4 serums with each being 10 ml  (0.33 fl. oz.).

Would I buy this again?: No. If purchased individually, each serum retails around $12-$15, so unless the kit were closer to the $15 price point I think it's more economical to just buy a full-sized (30 ml) serum unless you wanted to give them all a try in these travel-friendly bottles.

An interesting thing to note with each of the four serums is that, while they contain water, none of them is water-based. This was a popular selling point for Amore Pacific back in the day, as the implication was that the formula isn't watered down and you get the benefits of a more antioxidant packed liquid instead; in their case it was green tea. 

What is this product designed to address?

According to beautyofjoseon.com:

Solution: Ginseng Root Water 63% + Snail Mucin 3%

Notable ingredients: Ginseng Root Extract, Adenosine, Matsutake Extract

Texture: Lightweight, Mucin-like texture

Benefits: Anti-wrinkle, Anti-pigmentation

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Once again, from beautyofjoseon.com:

Ginseng Root Water/Extract: Has anti-aging, brightening, anti-inflammatory, elasticity-boosting, and wrinkle-smoothing properties.

Snail Mucin: I was today (1/29/23) years old when I learned that snail mucin is a source of glycolic acid! It helps smooth out the skin's texture, provides a glow, and the snail mucin itself also has hydrating properties. 

Adenosine: Has wrinkle-smoothing properties. 

Matsutake Extract: Has elasticity-boosting, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.

What is the texture like?

I agree with the above description, this has a slightly gelatinous but mostly watery texture to it. It feels refreshing to apply. 

Is it scented?

This has an extremely faint, floral scent to it which I can only assume is the ginseng. 

My overall experience/comments on the product:

While this product is clearly geared to both prevent, and reduce the appearance of, aging on the skin I don't have notable lines or wrinkles that I can speak on. And knock on wood for that because I'm nearing my mid-30s. In any case, I really like the texture of this serum and the boost of hydration it gives me. I can't say that it has very obvious brightening effects either - I've used this about 5 times though, so perhaps I need to use it more frequently - but I did notice that after using this serum my skin has more clarity and my redness is fainter. 

What is this product designed to address?

According to beautyofjoseon.com:

Solution: Rice bran water 68% + Alpha-Arbutin 2%

Notable ingredients: Glycerin, Niacinamide, Soybean Seed Extract, Barley Extract, Rice Extract, Sesame Extract

Texture: Watery and lightweight texture

Benefits: Anti-pigmentation, Brightening

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Once again, from beautyofjoseon.com:

Rice Bran Water/Extract: Has skin-smoothing and softening properties; helps treat hyperpigmentation and acne.

Alpha-Arbutin: Has brightening properties and helps lighten dark spots caused by UV damage.  

Glycerin: Helps draw moisture into the skin.

Niacinamide: Helps boost collagen production and has skin brightening properties, helps skin retain moisture. 

Soybean Seed Extract: Has anti-inflammatory, collagen-stimulating, antioxidant, and brightening properties; helps prevent UV damage. 

Barley Extract: Helps soothe and moisturize skin. 

Sesame Extract: Has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

What is the texture like?

I agree with the above description, this has a barely gelatinous but mostly watery texture to it. My skin absorbs this pretty much instantaneously. 

Is it scented?

This doesn't have any obviously discernable scent to it.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

Personally, I find it strange that despite all the hydrating and skin-barrier protecting ingredients and qualities this serum is meant to have; it leaves my skin in want of hydration. In other words, I don't feel like it's hydrating enough. I don't particularly have any dark spots on my skin so I can't say how good this is at lightening any of those up. However, I wouldn't say that this gives my skin any type of glow at all. 

What is this product designed to address?

According to beautyofjoseon.com:
Solution: Propolis Extract 60% + Niacinamide 2%
Notable ingredients: Betaine Salicylate (BHA), Tamanu Oil, Tea Tree Extract
Texture: Honey-like texture
Benefits: Anti-acne, Anti-inflammation

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Once again, from beautyofjoseon.com:

Propolis Extract: Has wrinkle-smoothing, brightening, and anti-aging properties.

Niacinamide: Helps boost collagen production and has skin brightening properties, helps skin retain moisture. 

Betaine Salicylate: Helps exfoliate skin and smooth the skin's texture. 

Tamanu Oil: Helps boost collagen production. 

Tea Tree Extract: Has anti-bacterial and antifungal properties. 

What is the texture like?

This has a slightly gelatinous but mostly watery texture to it, I wouldn't say it's honey-like because it isn't sticky at all. It feels hydrating when I apply it. 

Is it scented?

This has an extremely faint, warm scent to it which I can only assume is the propolis. 

My overall experience/comments on the product:

I haven't used this product long enough, nor do I have obvious signs of aging, where I can say how much of a glow I got out of it. That being said, I really enjoy using this particular serum because it makes my skin feel very hydrated and comfortable. I'm looking forward to using it more often and seeing if it does anything other than hydrate. 

What is this product designed to address?

According to beautyofjoseon.com:

Solution: Green tea leaf water 76% + Panthenol 2%

Notable ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate

Texture: Watery and lightweight texture

Benefits: Soothing, Calming

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Once again, from beautyofjoseon.com:

Green Tea Leaf Water: Has anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and antioxidant properties.

Panthenol: Has hydrating properties and helps skin retain moisture. 

Centella Asiatica Extract: Has anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties, helps heal skin barrier.

Artemisia Vulgaris Extract: Has anti-inflammatory properties. 

Sodium Hyaluronate: Helps lock moisture into the skin.

What is the texture like?

I agree with the above description, this has a texture that's just slightly thicker than water. It feels refreshing to apply. 

Is it scented?

This has an extremely faint tea scent to it.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

We all know with both my eczema and redness that I love a product filled with anti-inflammatory, hydrating ingredients. In fact, I'd argue the only thing missing in this lineup is squalane BUT I mix this in with my squalane oil so all is, in fact, in place. This feels lightweight but also very hydrating when applied and instantly smooths my skin's texture. I also noticed that a lot of the redness I used to get on my lower cheeks and jaw area is nearly nonexistent and only a tiny bit of my upper cheek area and eczema patch on my chin are red. I am excited to see what this will do for my skin when used long-term. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.