Etude House AC Clinic White-Trouble Bubble Cleanser | Review

Trouble Bubble Cleanser Review At a reader's request, I will be posting a review on the Etude House AC Clinic White-Trouble Bubble Cleanser.

This is a bubble-type foam cleanser; with its rich creamy foam and micro bubble particles, it deeply cleanses the pores, melting down impurities and skin trouble inducing substances. It also helps to regulate PH balancing and protect skin from harmful environment.

The following are the key ingredients:

- Propolis Extract gives an anti-bacterial effect and supplies nutrients to dehydrated skin, as well as helps to revitalize it.

- Pine Resin protects skin from external damage. It also helps to moisturize skin and improve skin texture.

- Natural Herbal Complex contains Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower, Asparagus Cochinchinensis Root and Laminaria Japonica extracts that provides antioxidant effect and helps to relieve skin troubles and irritation.

It has a 4-free system: Free of Paraben, Talc, Mineral Oil, Tar

What's more, it is non-comedogenic and clinically proven hypoallergenic!

The product comes in a plastic bottle with a pull-out (?) cap.

It has a smart pump dispenser that creates an airy, soft and fluffy foam. Cool, isn't it?

The micro-bubble particles penetrate and cleanse deeply into the pores, drawing out excess oil and dirt.

How To Use:
Pump out an adequate amount of foam on hands. Massage the bubble on face evenly then wash off with lukewarm water.

Tried and Tested + Verdict

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

"Moisture + Oil Test"

on my forehead.

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 cleansing:

AFTER cleansing:

Skin's moisture decreased from 40% to 38%; 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* -

The first thing I noticed was my skin didn't get that squeaky, tight feeling or irritation after cleansing. And it dried out my non-inflamed pimples in a few days, but it wasn't very effective against my inflamed pimples. Therefore, in my opinion, it is more effective against non-inflamed pimples like whiteheads, flesh-colored bumps.

Another thing I noticed was that this AC Clinic White-Trouble Bubble Cleanser gets used up faster than the AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser, even though they have the same amount of product (150ml). So it may be a bit costly lah. Side information: I usually use one pump and it is sufficient to cleanse my face.

Overall, the Etude House AC Clinic White-Trouble Bubble Cleanser cleanses the skin without overly stripping away the natural oils and moisture. I think it is by far the most gentlest acne cleanser I have ever come across. Ideal for sensitive skin! The only drawback is it's not very effective against inflamed acne.

If you have a lot of red inflamed pimples, I would recommend the AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser instead of this bubble one. Pick this only if your pimples are mostly non-inflamed zits.

Read more ...

Etude House AC Clinic Daily Aqua Cream | Review

Etude House AC Clinic Daily Aqua Cream A skin care line which has been my skin savior. Check out "My Acne story" to find out why I say that.

Guess what? Recently, Etude House has added a new product to the AC Clinic line called the "Aqua Cream"!

Formulated with Salicylic Acid which helps to calm down the inflammation, and enriched with Hinoki Cypress extract that reportedly inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria, this cream provides soothing and long-lasting moisture to dry and exhausted skin while addressing acne concerns.

What's more, it is oil-free and non-comedogenic and is clinically tested that non of the content contained in this product would cause skin irritation or worsening the condition of the skin.

It 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 protective lid covering the cream.

The cream has a medicated, herbal scent and it has a clear, gel-ish texture that is similar to an aloe gel or a sleeping mask/pack.

It may look heavy but in fact, it is lightweight and watery that gets absorbed into the skin in a few minutes after application. It does leave a mild sticky residue but it is not greasy.

Usage: The Etude House AC Clinic Daily Aqua Cream is designed for day and night use. Gently apply a pea-sized amount of cream all over the face after toner and gel lotion.

Step: Cleanser — Toner — Gel Lotion — Aqua Cream — Red Spot Balm — Liquid Spot or Pink Powder Spot

Tried and Tested

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

"Moisture + Oil Test"

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 soft - happy face.

BEFORE applying Aqua Cream:


AFTER applying Aqua Cream:

Skin's moisture increased from 3 bars to 5 bars; from 37% to 49%.

No increase in Oiliness; it remained at 4 bars and it's normal because I have oily skin.

Skin's cells (.aka. skin texture) became very soft!

- *Results shown are after cleansing without applying toner and gel lotion.* -

After applying the cream on my face, I felt a mild cooling sensation that was refreshing and soothing. I can literally feel it quench my skin's thirst, leaving my skin deeply hydrated from the inside out. Also, it didn't irritate my skin or cause any breakouts and it is not greasy at all!

FYI, I like to use this cream together with the gel lotion at night, as I sleep in an air-conditioned room. I find this cream gives an extra boost in hydration keeping my skin moisturized throughout the night, in the cold and dry environment. In my opinion, it acts almost like a sleeping mask/pack, but this gets absorbed into the skin and is less sticky. Plus, this is specifically made for acne skin which is awesome!

Now Etude House AC Clinic Daily Aqua Cream has become a stable in my daily skin care routine and I highly recommend to give this a try!

Read more ...

Review: Etude House Eraser Show Remover Bar

Etude House Eraser Show Remover Bar

Description: Individually filled with Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract enriched makeup remover, this soft cotton swab instantly lifts off smudges and makeup mistakes, while leaving the rest of the makeup untouched. So convenient and compact, it is perfect for on the go quick makeup correction.

Directions:
1. Hold the bar vertically, the lid side of the bar upward. Pull up the lid in a gentle turning motion to apart both ends.
2. Leave the lid side open and let formula inside flows down and fills the opposite tip.
3. Gently apply the saturated tip of the bar to remove makeup mistakes.
4. Use a dry tip of the bar to wipe off any surplus remover. Discard swab.

Packaging:

When I first got the box of cotton swabs/buds/q-tips(whatever you called it, I will call it q-tips in this post), it is well wrapped up in a plastic wrapper.

The box of q-tips comes with a lock tab lid(?) design to secure and prevent the box lid from opening itself. 

The q-tips are neatly packed in a compact-size plastic box.

The q-tips are different with the ones we normally use in our life. Each of this q-tip is filled with makeup remover in its stem and when you twist and pull off the lid side, the makeup remover will flow down through its stem to the opposite end, damping the cotton. While the cotton on the lid side remains dry. After removing the makeup smudges with the damped side, you can use the dry side to absorb any excess makeup remover or residue on your skin.

The following diagram shows you how to release the makeup remover to the opposite end:

1) Hold the bar vertically with the lid side facing upwards.

2) Gently twist and pull off the lid

3) Once the lid is pulled off, the makeup remover in the stem will flow down and damp the cotton on the other end.

Demonstration:

I thought actions would be much clearer than non-animated pictures and words hence, I recorded a video... A muted one lol. Hopefully, the actions in the video will explain clearer on how effective these q-tips work. 

So, here's the video~: *apologies for the camera being out of focus... *

On a side note, you can change the video quality by going to the gear icon(setting) in the corner of the video player, and select your preferred quality.

As seen in the video, I did have a slight problem erasing the Holika Holika Jewel-like Waterproof Eyeliner... I guess...maybe I applied way too many layers. FYI, I applied 4 layers of Holika Holika Jewel-like Waterproof Gel Liner, 2 layers of Dollywink Liquid Eyeliner and 2 layers of The Face Shop Make Me Star Waterproof Gel Liner. Anyhow, I guess that's not a big problem as these remover bars are meant to cleanse up smudges and not the whole eye makeup.

In the video, I show you on how to release the makeup remover to the cotton tip and also how effective the damped q-tip cleanses makeup but err...something is missing. I forgot to show you the part on how to use the dry side. But well, I think you should know what the dry side is for huh? I mentioned just now though, but it's okay, I will repeat again~  FYI, the dry side is for removing excess makeup remover or residue that are on your skin after you cleansed the smudges. 

Consistency and Color:
The makeup remover in the stem of the q-tip is in liquid form. It's colorless and non-greasy.

Scent:
It has a pleasant mild scent. I don't really know how to describe the scent but don't worry it doesn't smell bad or overpowering!

Likes:
- the "2-in-1" tips (wet - with makeup remover & dry tips)
- remove makeup smudges, including waterproof ones
- packaging! - lightweight, compact size, comes in a box etc.
- super handy!
- easy to use; mess-free!
- gentle formula
- non-greasy
- does not dry out the skin
- does not cause breakouts
- the scent

Dislikes:
- there's nothing I dislike about...

Verdict: Seriously, there's nothing I dislike about this Eraser Show Remover Bar! It is gentle, non-greasy and does not dry out the skin yet it cleanses makeup smudges effectively. Best of all, the box of q-tips is lightweight hence, it's very convenient to carry it wherever you go! I always bring a box of these q-tips in my bag because I know it may come in handy, fixing makeup imperfections. Definitely a must-have item! 

Read more ...

Review: Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub

Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub

Description: Formulated with Baking Powder to penetrate, exfoliate and cleanse skin deep within pores to remove makeup and residues. Scrub cleanser formulated with Peppermint to soothe skin.
- 100%  natural fragrance
- Dye-free

Active ingredients: Baking Powder

Directions: Tear along dotted line to extract scrub cleanser from pouch (one pouch per application). Apply cleanser to wet face, lather and massage then rinse off with warm water. Use 1-2 times a week.

It comes in a 3-dimensional blue triangular prism box. The top lid can be easily open and closed.

One box contains 24 pouches. Each pouch weighs 7g. The shape of the pouch remind me of a traditional game called "five stones". LOL. *crap* Though the package states "One pouch per application", for me, one pouch can lasts for 2-4 usages. The number of usage per pouch depends on how much you use each time.

Each pouch has a tear line at the top which I think it's very thoughtful as it makes it easier to open the pouch. You can open it anywhere at anytime without needing a pair of scissor. 

By ripping off the tear-line given, create a small hole where product can be easily squeeze out and you can simply control the amount of product being squeeze out from the pouch. Also, as the opening is very small, it minimizes the chance of leftover being exposed to the air.

This is how I usually keep the leftover. 

Demonstration on my mom's hand~:

Wet the desired area prior application. Upon application, you can add a bit more water and continue massage...

It contains fine and mild scrubbing particles/beads which gently exfoliates and removes the dead skin cells and impurities. Being a scrubbing product, it definitely contains more scrubbing particles/beads compared to Etude House Baking Powder B.B Deep Cleansing Foam (Review: link). The scrubbing particles/beads will become tinier and finer during massaging. By the way, it does not lather up like what it claimed...

It can be rinsed off effortlessly, leaving the skin looking brighter, clean and smooth.

Color & Consistency:
White creamy texture with lots of fine and mild scrubbing particles.

Scent:
It has a citrusy, lemony-orangey scent which smells pretty similar to the Baking Powder B.B Deep Cleansing Foam (Review: link) from the same product range/line.

Moisture Test:

Before using the crunch pore scrub, my mom's skin moisture level was 33.5%.

After using the crunch pore scrub, my mom's skin moisture level increased to 33.0%.

Moisture loss before and after using the scrub was 0.5%.

Comparing the result taken before and after using the scrub,

I concluded that this baking powder crunch pore scrub is not very drying.

**Above result is just for the application of the crunch pore scrub, without prior application of a toner**

Likes:
- contains ample amount of fine scrubbing particles/beads
- exfoliates and cleanses well
- unclogged pores; get rid and minimize the amount of whiteheads
- makes the blackheads/whiteheads on my nose easier to extract
- not very drying
- slight cooling feel upon application
- leaves skin feeling smooth and clean
- didn't break me out
- each pouch can be used more than once!
- the scent

Dislikes:
- might not suit all levels of sensitivity skin

Verdict: I get clogged pores(whiteheads, very small fresh color bumps) very easily and this Crunch Pore Scrub exfoliates and cleanses my skin decently. It did help to unclog the pores and minimize the amount of whiteheads/small fresh-colored bumps, leaving my skin feeling smooth, brighter and clean without feeling too dry. And thankfully, it didn't break me out or cause any skin reaction. 

I usually exfoliate twice a week but when I use this Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub for more than once a week, I do find it a little abrasive on my sensitive skin, especially on the area of my cheeks (excluding the area of my nose). So on the second round of exfoliation, I would normally use a different exfoliator, a more gentle one — "Cure Natural Aqua Gel" — on my face, excluding the area of my nose. The area of my nose are non-sensitive but very oily hence, I usually use the Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub on my nose twice a week. It helps to get rid some of the blackheads but not all(the stubborn ones)... On the plus side...after using the scrub for a few times, I noticed it makes the stubborn blackheads/whiteheads on my nose easier to extract using the extractor tool.

On the other hand, I would not recommend this crunch pore scrub to people who have HIGH level of sensitivity skin. My mom, who has dry and very sensitive skin, tried this on her face and it left her skin feeling stinging/tingly and slight burning. With that said, I will recommend to do a small patch test on a small area of your skin prior to use on your face.

All in all, I really love this Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub! It does its job well!

Read more ...

Review: Etude House AC Clinic Daily Gel Lotion

Etude House AC Clinic Daily Gel Lotion [Re-updated]

Description(from the box): Formulated with Salicylic Acid and Hinoki Cypress, AC Clinic delivers trouble care. Skin lotion maintains oil and moisture balance to supply trouble care and prevention. Non-comedogenic & Dermatologist Tested.

Directions(from the box): Apply the lotion on skin from the center of the face to the outside, after using toner.

It comes in a sturdy glass bottle with a twist-off plastic cap and the opening is perfectly sealed with a foil.

It gets absorbed into the skin after a few minutes of application.

Consistency & Color:
The lotion is in opaque white color but when applies on skin, it becomes colorless(as seen in picture above). The texture is quite light and kind of runny. Once the lotion got fully absorbed into the skin, it does not leave a very sticky layer or greasiness.

Scent:
Just like other products from the AC Clinic line, it has a medicated/herby scent but to me, it's not overpowering. I love the scent though~

Oil-Control:

It does not seems to control oil because my skin still gets as oily as it would normally gets... However, this does not bothers me because I do like how this AC Clinic Gel Lotion helps to soothe and calm my pimples while at the same time giving enough moisture to my skin.

Moisture Test:

Before applying the gel lotion, my skin moisture level was 32.1%.

After applying the gel lotion, my skin moisture level increased to 62.7%.

*PS: I didn't take a picture of the measurement taken after 10 minutes because my camera ran out of battery lol*

Moisture gained before and after applying the toner was 30.6%.

Comparing the result taken before and after applying the gel lotion

I concluded that this gel lotion is pretty moisturizing.

**Above result is just for the application of the gel lotion(moisturizer), without prior application of a toner**

Likes:
- non-comedogenic

- contains salicylic acid
- soothe and calm troubled skin

- gets absorbed into the skin without leaving a very sticky layer

- moisturizes the skin

- not drying

- not greasy

- does not aggravate pimples

- does not cause breakout or irritation

- prevents future breakouts

Dislikes:
- does not seems to control oil

Verdict: It is a lotion formulated with acne-fighting ingredients, such as Salicylic Acid and Hinoki Cypress, which helps to deal with acne. In my opinion, this gel lotion does not seems to control oil. However, it does helps to soothe and calm troubled skin without causing any irritation or overly drying problem. It leaves the skin feeling moisturized and it helps to prevent future breakouts. It's also non-comedogenic which is great for acne-prone skin.

Though back then, I find this gel lotion not giving enough moisture to my skin, I don't think that's a problem to me now. Right now, it works perfectly for my skin and I'm loving it! Like other AC Clinic products I have raved and reviewed, this is one of my holy grail skincare product! You can read "My Acne Story" page to know why. I can't stress how much I love the AC Clinic line. Their products had helped to deal with my horrible acne and I'm glad I found them! After trying a bunch of products and wasted hundreds of money, I'm really glad to found products that really work for my skin~! :)

This gel lotion would be a good choice for people who are having trouble with acne/pimples. People who have trouble with acne/pimples, you might want to give this gel lotion and/or other AC Clinic line's products a shot! :)

Read more ...

Review: Etude House AC Clinic Daily Toner

Etude House AC Clinic Daily Toner

Description(from the box): Formulated with Salicylic Acid and Hinoki Cypress. AC Clinic delivers trouble care. Skin toner removes pore clogging residues. Non-Comedogenic & Dermatologist Tested.

Directions(from the box): Dispense toner onto cotton pad and use pad to wipe all areas of the face after washing your face.

It comes in a sturdy glass bottle with a twist-off plastic cap.

The opening is perfectly sealed with a foil and this is how the opening looks like after peeling off the foil.

How to use?

After cleansing, moisten a cotton pad or cotton ball and gently swipe it all over the face.

*For illustration purposes,

I pour the toner directly on the back of my hand instead of a cotton pad or cotton ball.*

It gets absorbed into the skin after a few minutes of application.

Consistency & Color:
The toner is colorless and it's texture is light and watery. It gets absorbed without leaving a very sticky layer(as seen from the picture above).

Scent:
Just like other products from the AC Clinic line, it has a medicated/herby scent but it's not overpowering. I love the scent though~

Oil-Control:
Not very effective in controlling oil... Etude House Skin mal:gem toner(Fresh) does a better job in oil control. However, this does not bothers me because I do like how this AC Clinic toner helps to soothe and calm down my pimples. After all, it contains acne-fighting ingredients, salicylic acid and hinoki cypress, which is better for acne-prone skin/troubled skin.

Moisture Test:

Before applying the toner, my skin moisture level is 30.7%.

After applying the toner, my skin moisture level increases to 57.0%.

10 minutes later, I took the measurement again, it dropped to 50.5%.

Moisture gain before and after applying the toner is 26.3%.

The difference on moisture loss after 10 minutes of application is 6.5%.
Quite a lot though... 

But comparing the result taken before applying the toner and taken after 10 minutes,
I concluded that this toner is still pretty moisturizing.

**Above result is just for the application of a toner.**

With application of a moisturizer, I believe the skin will be perfectly moisturized!

Likes:
- non-comedogenic
- contains salicylic acid
- leaves skin feeling fresh, clean and cooling
- cleanses pores/remove pore clogging residues
- gets absorbed into the skin without leaving a very sticky layer
- moisturizes
- not drying
- not greasy
- does not aggravate pimples
- does not cause breakout or irritation

Dislikes:
- does not tighten pores

Verdict: In my opinion, this toner is not very effective in oil control and also, it does not tighten the pores. However, it does helps to soothe and calm down troubled skin without causing any irritation or overly drying problem. It cleanses the pores, leaving the skin feeling fresh and clean. Plus, it helps to prevent future breakout. It's non-comedogenic~~

Though back then, I find this toner drying, I don't find it drying for my skin now. It works perfectly for my skin and I'm loving it! Like other AC Clinic products I have raved and reviewed, this has been added to my holy grail skincare product list too! You can read "My Acne Story" page to know why. I can't stress how much I love the AC Clinic line. Their products had helped to deal with my horrible acne and I'm glad I found them! After trying a bunch of products and wasted hundreds of money, I'm really glad to found products that really work for my skin~! :)

This toner would be a good choice for people who are having trouble with acne/pimples. People who have trouble with acne/pimples, you might want to give this toner and/or other AC Clinic line's products a shot! :)

Read more ...