Caolion Blackhead Steam Pore Pack | Review

Caolion Blackhead Steam Pore Pack is a pore purifying active-charcoal mask, that gives a steaming effect to deep cleanse, control sebum and exfoliate dead skin cells to improve skin complexion. It contains pure botanicals, herbs, and natural ingredients with antioxidant and nourishing properties for a smooth and clear skin.

It contains the following active ingredients:
- Charcoal Powder that removes excess sebum, impurities, and residual makeup that clog pores.

- Volcanic Ash that soothes and enhances troubled skin.

- Natural Carbonated Water (0% regular distilled water) that penetrates deeply into the pores, purifies and refines the skin.

- Grain Powder delicately exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes the natural turnover of skin cells.

It is free of Paraben, Alcohol, Mineral Oil, Benzoyphenol, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Sulfate, Triclosan, Petroleum, Artificial Coloring, Fragrance

What's more, it is non-comedogenic! *bonus point hahaha~*

The product comes in a plastic jar with a plastic twist-off cap, and a spatula as shown in the first picture.

The opening is not sealed, but there is a thin protective plastic sheet covering the content.

The mask is very creamy and easy to spread evenly on the face. It doesn't feel dry or greasy at all.

It has small exfoliating beads/particles, which helps to buff away dull dead skin cells.

How To Use:
Apply evenly to clean, dry face and massage for 1-2 minutes. Leave on for 5-10 minutes. For an optimal cleansing effect, massage it on the face again, focusing on the blackhead and whitehead -prone areas, before rinsing it off with cold water. Use once or twice a week.

It is recommended to use Pore Original Pack right after this Blackhead Steam Pore Pack to effectively tightens the pores.

Step:
Cleanser — Blackhead Steam Pore Pack — Pore Original Pack (optional) — *continue with your daily skin care routine*

Tried and Tested

As usual, let's put it into a test...

Moisture + Oil Test

on my nose area.

Here's the measurement guidelines for you to refer back to later:

*P.S. Analyzing Standards:

The standard value of moisture level is 38%++, 3-5 bars (normal to very moisturized).

The standard value of oiliness (skin type) is 3 bars (normal). - means balanced, which is neither too oily nor too dry.

The standard value of cells (roughness/softness) is average/soft.

BEFORE applying the mask:

AFTER applying the mask:

Skin's moisture decreased from 39% to 38%; but the bars remained at 3 bars.

Oiliness decreased from 5 bars to 4 bars.

Skin's cells (.aka. skin texture) remained average.

- *Results shown are after cleansing and before applying toner and moisturizer* -

I use this mask once on a weekly basis. The moment I applied this mask on my face, I can immediately feel a heating effect. The heating effect is not too hot, it is warm and gentle; and what it does is that it steams open the pores and draws out all the impurities being clogged in the pores.

In my opinion, this mask does what it claims to do! After rinsing it off my face, not only that I can feel my skin is clean and smoother, I also noticed my skin is less oily; and surprisingly, no breakouts in the next few days. In terms of blackheads, I didn't see a reduction in blackheads on my nose after just one usage. I only noticed some reduction in blackheads after two months of usage. Therefore, I concluded that this mask is effective in unclogging the pores and controlling sebum without overly stripping the skin, but it may require a significant amount of time to eliminate blackheads. However, it may not be effective against stubborn blackheads.

On the downside, I find the exfoliating beads are slightly harsh (a bit scratchy on the skin), but it did not irritate my sensitive skin. Hence, I think it is fine for sensitive skin, as long as you exfoliate (massage) gently and not too much.

If you are looking for a deep cleansing mask with a nice warm steaming effect, definitely give this a try!

By the way, I will usually proceed with Caolion Pore Original Pack to tighten my pores, and continue with my daily skin care routine.

Side Information - Brand Introduction:

Established in 1995, CAOLION Cosmetics has been making hypoallergenic cosmetics for sensitive skin for 18 years. The company launched natural cosmetics for the first time with a 3-free principle: pigment-free, fragrance-free, and alcohol free. At the present, the company has developed products that are exclude up to 17 adverse ingredients such as preservatives and mineral fibers. CAOLION was the first Korean brand to enter into LVMH (Louis Vuitton Monët Hennessy) Group's global cosmetics retail chain SEPHORA after being recognized as a quality natural cosmetic product for senstive skin after over two years of quality control. It is the only brand in Korea that's able to maintain an 18-year tradition and about one million loyal customers.

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Review: SexyLook Blackhead Pore Cleanser Set

SexyLook Blackhead Pore Cleanser Set If you are a fan of Taiwan's skin care and beauty products, you should be familiar with this:

SexyLook Blackhead Pore Cleanser Set

SexyLook Blackhead Pore Cleanser Set is a 3-steps blackhead treatment kit and the set includes...:

- [Step 1] Deep Sebum Softener (20ml)
Helps to soften dead skin cells, sebum, blackheads and whiteheads

Ingredients: Water, Polyethylene, Glyol 400, Polysorbate 20, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Methylparaben, Propanediol, Propylparaben, Sortibol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citrus Acid, Potassium Sorbatesodium Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Caster Oil, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Fragrance, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Chlorphenesin

- [Step 2] Sebum Purifying Mask (60ml)
Helps to remove blackheads, excess oil and dead skin cells

Ingredients: Water, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Sortibol, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Fragrance, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Fragaris Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Methylparaben, Chlorphenesin, Sodium PCA, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Citric Acid, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract, Sea Water, Cestrum Latifolium Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, D&C Red No. 33 

- [Step 3] Pore Treatment Essence (20ml)
Helps to tighten pores for fresh and refined skin

Ingredients: Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Methylparaben, PVM/MA Copolymer, Butlylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Phenoxyehanol, Sodium Benzoate, Arctitum Lappa Root Extract, Lecithin, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Allantoin, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Sorbitol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein

Consistency, Scent and Usage

[Step 1] Deep Sebum Softener has a runny serum/essence-like texture and has a very refreshing, perfume-y scent. It has a hint of cucumber fragrance.

Gently massage 2-3 drops onto targeted area for 2 to 3 minutes, then wash it off. What it does is that it penetrates deeply into pores, soften dead skin cells, stubborn blackheads and whiteheads making the extraction easier in Step 2.

[Step 2] Sebum Purifying Mask has a tacky, runny-creamy paste and the application is easy however, it gets gooier after getting contact with the air. So for a smooth application, be sure to apply onto the targeted area as quickly as you can. By the way, the mask paste is in pink color and has a pleasant, strong strawberry scent.

The opening is well-sealed with a foil.

Upon applying to targeted area, leave it on for 20-30 minutes and it will start to dry up and become like a normal pore strip. Once it is thoroughly dry, peel off the mask from the bottom towards top.

Note: The leave-on duration depends on how much mask paste you apply. If you apply a thick layer, it will take more than 30 minutes to dry. Basically, the thickest it is, the longer time it will take to dry. I advise not to apply too thin because it would be hard to peel off and do not apply too thick if you don't have the time and patience. Just evenly apply an amount enough to cover up your skin. It does not have to be perfect coverage though. Some loopholes are okay.

How can I know if it has fully dried up and ready to peel off?
When you touch the surface, it does not feel sticky at all that means it is ready to peel off.

After peeling off the mask, the pores will become more visible and appear larger as these open pores (= "holes") are the "home" where the gunk once lived in... so, you need Step 3!

[Step 3] Pore Treatment Essence is a non-oily essence that has a lightweight, runny texture. I don't know how to describe the scent for this but it is not-too-overpowering.

Apply essence on the area where mask (step 2) was applied. What it does is that it soothes the skin and tightens pores, leaving skin smoother and refined.

This is how I break the tip of the bottle of Step 1 and Step 3 without using a scissor:

1. Remove the cap but do not throw it away.

2. Bend the knob part back and forth several times.

3. Once it broke open, continue to bend it or twist it to further break the knob apart.

4. Done! You can now put the cap (in 1.) back on.

Tried and Tested (as a nose strip)

As I use nose strip on a regular basis, I decided to try it on my mom's nose and apply her results in this review because she isn't a person who would use nose strip regularly. Hence, her results will show a clearer view on the effectiveness of this product.

When I helped my mom to peel the mask (step 2) off from her nose and looked at it, my initial reaction was "WOW! OMG!". Why did I react that way? Look at the gunk being pulled out from my mom's nose, it was a stunning mass!

Note: The black circular spots on the mask seen in the picture were not blackheads! They were loopholes as I applied a thin layer on my mom's nose.

It was super shiok (feel pleasure and happiness) to see that much of gunk sticked onto the mask, especially the fattest and longest gunk in the center right of the picture. My mom and I were in awe at the results and it felt as if we have unlocked some achievements in life LOL.

Although there wasn't a sign of blackheads in the picture, we found it did help to lessen blackheads. It may take a few attempts to remove blackheads completely but at least it works.

In summary, Step 1 and Step 2 work incredibly great and does what they claimed. For Step 2, the mask fits the face contour — the sides of the nose perfectly, which is awesome~! However, I don't think the tightening effect claims for Step 3 work as good as the previous two steps. Well, I don't see any difference on my pores after using Step 3 so, usually I will use Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Essence as an extra treatment for my pores. I guess that's the only downside for this product.

All in all, it still works on pulling out the gunk and remove impurities embedded in the pores without causing any breakout thus, I think it is an amazing product! Definitely worth purchasing and trying!

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Review: The Face Shop New Zealand Volcanic Clay Blackhead Heating Gel Mask

Face Shop New Zealand Volcanic Clay Blackhead Heating Gel Mask

Description: The Face Shop Volcanic Clay BlackHead Heating Gel Mask is a self-heating, wash off type gel mask. A Perfect cleansing line effective for removing blackheads and dead skin cells. This gel mask gives off heat when applied to the skin to melt blackheads.

Directions: After washing the face, even the skin by using a toner. Apply and massage to nose area avoiding contact with eyes and mouth areas. Wash off with lukewarm water after 15 minutes.

According to the sticky tag(?), this heating gel will change its color from grey to black showing the finishing point of the temperature change.

First and foremost, let's talk about the packaging. A short detail~ 

The product is well-sealed with a plastic wrapper.

It comes in a squeezable tube bottle with a black twist-off plastic cap and the opening is perfectly sealed with a foil.

Moving on to the product...

Upon peeling off the foil, that's how the opening looks like. The gel can be easily squeezed out from the tube.

Consistency & Color:

It has a sticky gel texture. When you first apply the gel on the skin, you can immediately sense the heat generated from the gel. No worries, the heat is not very hot to the point that will get you scalded or sweat. It's a very gentle warmth. Comparing to "Steam Pore Pack" from Caolion, the level of warmness/hotness of this is consider very, very mild. Upon massaging, it will become slightly watery but not to the extend where it will start dripping. It's pretty much mess-free.

Initially when you squeeze out the gel, it has a light grey color with lots of tiny non-abrasive white flecks. Upon massaging it on the skin, the white flecks will change it's color into black and eventually, the black flecks will melt and change the color of the gel into charcoal grey. The thicker you apply, the darker the color will get but definitely not as black as shown on the sticky tag.

Scent:
It has a nice floral-like perfume scent but I find it too strong for my liking.

Oil-Control:
I only use this on my nose hence, I couldn't tell if it aids in controlling oil as the oil production on my nose is usually super, SUPER active. I don't think there would be a product that would actually helps to keep the oil production on my nose to stay in control. 

Likes:
- does steam open the pores
- does get rid of some whiteheads and blackheads but not all
- makes extraction easier
- leaves skin feeling softer and smoother
- easy to use; easy to wash off; mess-free
- does not cause breakouts

Dislikes:
- does not tighten pores
- the scent is nice but I find it too strong for my liking
- instructions given aren't clear...

Verdict: This Heating Gel Mask did heat up like what it claimed and it helped to get rid of some whiteheads and blackheads but take note, not all. It's not very effective in getting rid of those stubborn ones. Maybe I should use this with other products(e.g. a scrub?) to clear the stubborn comedones... hmm... However, after using this mask, it leaves the skin feeling softer and smoother. Also, it does make extraction a lot easier! According to the directions/instructions given, I use this only on my nose. I'm not sure if it can be used on the whole face, though.

On the other hand, I think it can be used as a steaming step prior using the nose strip. I had tried it and I realized that the nose strip actually stick out the gunk more easily and effectively.

By the way, it steam open the pores but it does not tighten the pores. Unlike the Dual Nose Sheet from the same range, that comes in 2 steps — blackhead and tightening sheet or other brands steaming pore products; for example, the brand "Caolion" which they also have steaming pack and on the plus side, they have a tightening pack, the whole New Zealand Volcanic Clay range, apart from the daily skincare products, it doesn't seem to have a tightening mask product.(Correct me if I'm wrong...) I guess that's the downside for this product range.  Actually...it doesn't really matter, right? Because you can always look for a tightening product from other brands to solve this problem. 

FYI, after applying and leaving the heating gel mask on for 15 minutes, I will usually massage it for a minute to loosen the gunk before washing it off with lukewarm water. Next, I will use the nose strip, followed by the "Pore Original Pack" from Caolion to tighten my pores and then my daily skincare routines. Of course, you don't have to follow my steps.

All in all, since it did not cause any reactions to my super sensitive skin, I would say this is a pretty mild, non-harsh heating gel mask that works fairly average. Well... definitely not the best heating gel mask, in my opinion. 

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Review: The Face Shop New Zealand Volcanic Clay Blackhead Charcoal Nose Strip

New Zealand Volcanic Clay Blackhead Charcoal Nose Strip

Description:

The Face Shop New Zealand Volcanic Clay Blackhead Charcoal Nose Strip removes all dirt, impurities and blackheads from pores with no mercy. The mud includes pore clear agent and natural mineral which helps control the sebum inside the pores, leaving the skin feeling clean and smooth.

Directions: 

1) Wash face, leaving nose thoroughly wet. 

2) Remove the clear lining from the smooth side of the strip.

3) Apply across the bridge of the nose, pressing down firmly to ensure maximum contact.

4) Let it dry for 10-15minutes until the strip has hardened.

5) Slowly peel off the strip.

Each box contains 7 sheets. Each nose strip is well-sealed in a "wrapper" as shown in the picture. 

The sealed wrapper can be easily ripped open as there are two tear lines at the top right and left of the wrapper. To take out the nose strip, you just have to tear from either the right or left tear-line to rip open the sealed wrapper.

The nose strip can be easily removed from the clear lining.

Color and Consistency:

I got the nose strip in charcoal and hence, it has a charcoal-black color. When it comes in contact with water(wet the nose prior to use), it can become very adhesive which is great as it can stick out the gunk more effectively.

Scent:

I don't know how to describe the scent. My friend dislikes the scent as she finds it too strong but for me, I don't find it unbearable... 

Result:

A zoom-in picture: Look at the amount of gunk and facial hair being pulled out~ Well, it's not as much as compared to the first time I used The Face Shop Nose Strip — the previous old version — The Face Shop Blackhead EX Charcoal Pore Strip. Check out my review here: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-face-shop-blackhead-ex-charcoal.html

That probably just means my skin condition has improved throughout the years which also means, I did take proper care(cleanses well etc.) of my skin LOL~ 

Oil-Control:

I don't think it has any oil-control as my nose still gets as oily as it normally would gets. In my opinion, I think it only helps to remove and clean the clogged impurities and sebum that build up in the pores.

Likes:
- very adhesive!
- works effectively in pulling out the gunk from pores!
- leaving the nose feeling clean and smooth
- not drying
- easy to use
- very affordable
- contains charcoal
- comes in Aloe formula/version

Dislikes:
- might not pull out all the blackheads
- does enlarge the pores on the nose

Neutral:
- upon peeling off the pore strip, it does leaves the nose looking sightly red (the redness will subsidize and be gone after awhile)
- oil-control

Verdict: The Face Shop Nose Strip is by far the most effective ones I have ever tried! I absolutely love this product! It's one of my holy grail products~ As my nose is usually oily-prone, I choose charcoal over aloe. I use it once or twice a week. It works exactly the same as the old version — It does remove majority of the impurities, dirt and oil from the pores, leaving the nose feeling clean and smooth.

For best result, steam your nose before using the nose strip. I will normally use Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub to exfoliate my nose first, then steam and wet my nose prior using the nose strip. I find it works more effective in pulling out all the gunk from my pores if I go through these steps.

From what I've noticed...after using the nose strip, it does enlarge the pores and make them look more noticeable. As it pulls out all the gunk, there will be "holes"(opened pores) — a place where the gunk once lived in... — left on the nose. Therefore, after using the pore strip, I will use a pore tightening face mask to tighten the pores and then continue with my usual skincare routine. If you are using pore tightening skincare products, you probably can skip the face mask step. I strongly recommend to use a pore astringent or other pore tightening products to avoid enlarged pores.

All in all, The Face Shop New Zealand Volcanic Clay Blackhead Charcoal Nose Strip is quite effective. It's worth giving it a try! 

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Review: Etude House Baking Powder B.B Deep Cleansing Foam

Etude House Baking Powder B

Description: Formulated with Baking Powder to penetrate and cleanse deep within pore to remove makeup and residues.
*Ideal for BB cream removal. 100% natural & Dye-Free
Active Ingredients: Baking Powder.
Directions: Apply to wet face and lather. Massage thoroughly and rinse with warm water.

The product actually comes well-wrapped with a plastic sheet/wrapper? (whatever it's called...). I ripped off the plastic sheet/wrapper before I start taking pictures. :x

It comes with a plastic twist-off screwed flip cap and the opening is perfectly sealed with a foil.

It contains really fine and mild scrubbing particles and it's not abrasive. The scrubbing particles will melt away during massaging. 

Moisture Test on the back of my hand:

The moisture loss was only 1.7% so I concluded that this cleanser is not very drying.

Consistency & Color:

Soft and white creamy texture with really fine and mild scrubbing particles.

Scent:

It has a citrusy, lemony-orangey scent which smells really niiiicee~

Likes:

- the baking powder formula

- 100% natural and dye-free

- remove all traces of makeup!

- mild exfoliation; not too harsh nor abrasive

- deep cleanse; unclogging pores

- brightens up the skin

- skin feels smooth to the touch after use

- lathers up well

- not very drying

- easy to wash off

- makes it easier to extract blackheads

- does not cause any irritation or breakouts

- the scent

Dislikes:

- for sensitive skin... probably not suitable to use it daily

Makeup Removal Test! (Demonstration on my mom's hand~ ) :

Sorry for the messy "wordy" picture... ><"

Squeeze out some cleanser, add some water and start massaging...

massage... massage... massage.... 

You can notice that the makeup starts to dissolve...

continue massaging...

....massage... massage... massage....

and rinse it off with water

.

.

.

Dry with a towel~

TA-DAAA~

All traces of makeup, even waterproof makeup, has been removed!

It literally brightens up the skin and leaves the skin feels smooth to the touch!

Verdict? Well well well..., I absolutely love this cleansing foam! It deep cleanse and exfoliate the skin, removing excess dead skin cells and unclogging the pores without overly drying the skin. The mild exfoliation does makes blackhead extraction easier. I might do a post on blackhead extraction in the future...

As I have combination skin(oily on the T-zone, dry on the cheekbones and sensitive skin), I don't use it daily. I use it twice or max. thrice a week, alternately, and use only when I wear makeup. Oh and..., only at night. I use a different cleanser in the day. Anyway, despite the scrubbing particles are fine and mild, I don't think it's good to exfoliate everyday. So I personally suggest to use it twice or max. thrice a week, alternately. :)

As I have mentioned, I will use this cleanser only when I wear makeup because as you can see from above pictures, this amazing cleanser cleans off makeup super effectively. However, I will still use a makeup remover prior to deep cleansing with this cleansing foam. I called it double cleansing~ lol. I use a makeup remover just to make sure that all the makeup is completely removed. Then I will use this cleansing foam to deep cleanse thoroughly, dissolving and removing all the remaining unseen impurities/makeup residues within the pores which the makeup remover can't remove.

In general, I love this product and would recommend this to people who wears makeup~ BUT, I don't recommend people to use this to remove eye makeup! The skin around the eye area is the most delicate so I personally think it's a little abrasive. Furthermore, if the product gets into your eyes, it does stings like a bitch! ><"

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Review: The Face Shop Blackhead EX Charcoal Pore Strip

Blackhead EX Charcoal Pore Strip>

The Face Shop Blackhead EX Charcoal Pore Strip

Do you know how effective this product is in removing whiteheads & blackheads? It's super sticky which helps to stick and pull out all those gunk! The amount of gunk being pulled out on the strip was u-n-b-e-l-i-v-a-b-l-e! I am TOTALLY AMAZED by it.

I have been using Biore Pore Strip ever since I was in middle school and to be honest, Biore Pore Strip doesn't do much in removing those stubborn whiteheads and blackheads stuck on my nose. Maybe yes, it does works but it only pulled out just a few gunk. I have quite A LOT of blackheads and whiteheads on my nose and Biore Pore Strip is not really effective for me.

While I was searching for another blackheads "killer", I happened to see The Face Shop Blackhead EX Charcoal Pore Strip on sales(22% discount)~ and since it was on sales, I grabbed it~ It's cheap yea yea~~ got it at the price of $3.90 for a box of 7 sheets. Kind of regret buying only one box. Should have grabbed more... :X This is an awesome stuff!~ Far more effective than Biore Pore Strip. I swear. >:)

Heyyyy, I'm not bragging...This product is seriously amazing. Here's the prooooooof~:

A lot of gunk being pulled out.

Can't see it clearly?(.__.) It's okay, I can zoom-in~~~

 

Eww, disgusting gunk from the tip of my nose area. :x

After using it, it leaves my nose feeling clean and smoother. Decided to buy more boxes however the sales is overrrrr......... :( Well, I shall wait for another sales...

Likes:
- easy to use
- contains charcoal
- extreme sticky
- works amazingly!
- leaves my nose feeling clean and smoother

Dislikes:
- leaves a red patch after peeling it off but it will slowly fade off after some time...

Effectiveness: 5/5
Repurchase?: YES, OF COURSE. why not? such an awesome product...~~~ :3

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