Caolion Pore Original Pack Mask | Review

Caolion Pore Original Pack Mask is a pore minimizing mask that tightens sagging and enlarged pores. It also controls sebum and improves overall skin's complexion.

It is formulated with the following active ingredients:
- Alaskan Glacial Water (0% regular distilled water) gives a refreshing cooling effects and enhanced pore tightening.
- Glacier Clay absorbs and draws away dead skin cells for translucent and clarified skin.
- Charcoal Powder that whisks away impurities, absorbs excess sebum and controls shine and grime.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) reinforces nature skin barrier.
- Hyaluronic acid creates long-lasting moisture barrier, leaving skin hydrated, supple and soft.
- Natural humectant retaining moisture, preventing the mask from cracking during drying.

It is free of... Alcohol, Synthetic Coloring, Synthetic Fragrances, Mineral Oil, Benzophenon, Paraben, Phenoxyethanol, Methychloroisothiazolinone, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Triethanolamine, Sulfate, Triclosan

The mask comes in a plastic jar with a plastic twist-off cap.

The opening is not sealed, but it has a thin plastic sheet covering the content.

The mask is very creamy and easy to glide evenly on the skin.

How To Use:

Apply evenly to clean, toned face. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Gently rinse and remove with water.

For optimal pore purifying effect, it is recommended to use Caolion Blackhead Steam Pore Pack prior to this Pore Original Pack.

Step:

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

TIP: Store in refrigerator prior to use for maximum astringent and calming effects.

Tried and Tested

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

"Moisture + Oil Test"

on my cheek 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 3 bars to 2 bars; from 37% to 36%.

Oiliness decreased from 4 bars to 3 bars.

Skin's cells (.aka. skin texture) remained less soft.

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

I usually use this mask once on a weekly basis after using Caolion Blackhead Steam Pore Pack. Sometimes I use it on my nose after using a pore (nose) strip.

After slathering this mask on my face, my skin immediately felt an instant tingly, minty cooling effect. The minty cooling effect was nice but I found it was a tad too strong, which made me mistakenly thought it was irritating my sensitive skin on my first try, but of course it was not! So if you are trying this mask for the first time, fret not! The strong tingly, minty cooling effect is absolutely normal! It actually helps to calm your skin (e.g skin troubles, redness) and tighten your pores.

After using this mask, I noticed an immediate reduction in sebum production the next day, but I didn't see a significant difference in the size of my pores. I only noticed a significant reduction in the size of my pores after using this mask for some time. Therefore, I concluded that it does control sebum and minimize pores, but it may take some time to see drastic results in pore size. Also, do take note that it is not going to make the pores disappear magically; it just minimizes the pores, making them look less apparent.

In terms of hydration, I don't find it hydrating, but it isn't very drying either. If you have dry/oily-combination skin, I would recommend to use it once every other week or you can just apply it to area where it is oily-prone and/or has pore concerns.

Overall, in my opinion, it is quite an effective pore minimizing mask as it does what it claims to do. It is worth a try!

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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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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Innisfree Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask | Review

Innisfree Super Volcanic Clay Mousse MaskInnisfree has recently unveiled a range of new additions to its Jeju Volcanic skin care line called the "Volcanic Clay Mousse"!

I have here with me one of the additions — "Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask"!

A new mousse formula clay mask that contains 6020mg super volcanic scoria. With innovative technology, the micro-clay mousse molecules are created to be smaller than our pores. As a result, it works it's way into hard-to-reach, tiniest and deepest pores powerfully absorbs sebum, removes dirts and eliminates various pore concerns.

Fun Fact: Volcanic scoria is a rare and natural ingredient created from lava that solidified when volcanoes last erupted on Jeju island. With its porous structure full of microscopic pits, it has stronger sebum and body-waste absorptive power.

4-FREE: Free of Mineral Oil, Artificial Scent, Animal Ingredients, Imidazolidinyl-urea

By the way, this product has a commercial which I find it very creative: "Volcanic Clay Mousse Commandos clean the deepest pores and conquer the toughest sebum. 
NO PORES ARE IMPOSSIBLE!"

It comes in a can bottle with a pump dispenser which is more easier to withdraw the content than the previous version that comes in a jar. Also, it prevents air from getting into the bottle, maintaining the "freshness" of the content.

Plus, it has a little tab plug attachment that shut off tightly at the opening, which I think is great because it acts as an extra protection to prevent the air from flowing into the bottle and dry up the content.

Compared to the previous version "Super Volcanic Clay Mask", this has a fluffier, smoother and creamier texture that glides over the skin easily. Unlike the previous version which contains visible chunks of exfoliant beads, this contains veeeeeery fine exfoliant particles that are undetectable by the eyes but you will be able to feel the particles during smearing it on your face.

How To Use: After cleansing, apply sufficient amount onto your face avoiding your eyes and lips area...

...like what I did~...

BOOOOOO~ with the mask being applied:


and leave it on for 10-15 minutes... Normally, I would just rest and relax~

Rinse it off with lukewarm water after 10-15 minutes and proceed with your daily skin care regimen.

It is recommended to use this mask once or twice a week.

Tried and Tested

As usual, I got my mom to help me out for the demonstration pictures as it was easier for me to take the shots.

So here's a picture of her right hand with the mask being applied.

*with flash* (ps: I forgot to turn off the flash :x)

And here's the BEFORE and AFTER comparison picture:

*without flash*

...moving on to...

"Moisture + Oil Test"

on my T-zone 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 soft - happy face.

BEFORE applying the mask:

AFTER applying the mask:

Skin's moisture decreased from 3 bars to 2 bars; from 41% to 35%.

Oiliness decreased from 5 bars to 3 bars.

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

- *Results shown are before cleansing and without applying toner and moisturizer* -

Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask fits perfectly onto my skin and it gives a mild cooling effect. It dries tighter than the previous version and it dries up quickly. On top of that, it can be washed off easily. I use this once on a weekly basis and after using it for 3 times, I noticed that I have lesser clogged pores issues. Therefore, I concluded that it did deep cleanse thoroughly, removing excess sebum, dirt and fine particles trapped in my pores. It also buffed away dull dead skin cells, leaving my skin complexion looking brighter. With weekly usage, it may tighten the pores making them look less apparent in the long run.

In my view, this Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask may be too strong for dry skin user. Hence, if you have dry skin, I suggest to opt for the Jeju Volcanic Mousse Mask (Original) instead of this Super one. FYI, Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask is designed for oily, combination skin type. Whilst, Jeju Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask is for normal, dry skin.

Overall, in my view, it is an effective pore purifying mask! You gotta give it a try! :)

P.S.: I made a table comparing the Jeju Volcanic clay masks that Innisfree carries... :

Also, do check out my review on Innisfree...
- Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (Original)
- Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

- Jeju Volcanic Cleansing Foam

- Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner

- Jeju Volcanic Pore Lotion

- Jeju Volcanic Pore Essence

Hopefully what I have shared can help you in choosing the most ideal type of clay mask for your skin. :)

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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: Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel

Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel — A soothing gel that is enriched with 92% organic aloe gel certified by California Certified Organic Farmers. It is formulated with mild formula, which is free from paraben, mineral oil and artificial colors.

It is a multi function soothing gel and can be used to mildly moisturize various parts of the body such as the face, arms, legs and hairs. The following picture shows some examples of the uses:

Usage/Directions: After cleansing your skin, apply sufficient amount onto desired area.

Ingredients List: Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract (92%), Alcohol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, PolyGlutamic Acid, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Extract, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Carbomer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Parfum, Disodium EDTA

The product comes in a plastic tub with a screwed-off cap...

...and has a protective cover in the tub.

This is how the aloe vera gel looks like in the tub with the protective cover removed.

It has a nice fragrance; very perfumey and I find it overpowering as the scent lingers on my skin for some time after I washed it off.

The aloe vera gel is transparent in color and has a lightweight gel-ish-watery-like texture, which makes it easy to apply.

Tried & Tested

I've tried it as a body lotion. It does not feel oily at all and it gets absorbed into my skin very quickly leaving a matte finish, without a greasy or sticky residue. Once I applied it on my skin, my skin immediately felt a cooling sensation, which soothed my skin and I quite like the sensation this aloe vera gel gives.

FYI, I have dull, dry and flaky skin on my elbow and I applied some aloe vera gel on my elbow. Take a look at the pictures of BEFORE and AFTER application.

P.S: I wanted to take a picture on how the gel looks upon massaging on my skin, but it absorbed into my skin way too fast and so I failed to capture the moment... lol.

In the BEFORE picture, you can clearly spot the dull complexion, dryness and flakiness issues on my elbow; and my skin looks very rough. Whilst in the AFTER picture, there is a significant improvement - less flakiness. My skin definitely looks and feels smoother and softer after using the product, but in terms of moisturization, I wouldn't say it is very moisturizing.

Well, to further determine on how this product performed on my skin, let's have a SKIN ANALYSIS by using my newly bought beauty device from Japan~

Before I show you the results, please take a look at the Measurement Guide:

*P.S. Analyzing Standards:

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

The standard value of oil level 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.

Evaluation: After applying the gel.......
- my skin moisture increased from 26% (1 bar) to 34% (2 bars)

- *my skin oil level increased from 1 bar to 2 bars

- cells(?) transformed from very gloomy, frown face to sad face that means my skin still feels rough but it's definitely less rough than before (= feels softer)

*My skin oil level gained an extra bar and that doesn't mean it is too oily okay! The standard value of oil level is 3 bars (normal range) hence, 2 bars is a positive results. However, my skin is still in the dry range. Refer back to "Measurement Guide" and "Analyzing Standards" for more info.

Let's do an OIL TEST~! I scooped out some aloe vera gel onto a sheet of Clean & Clear oil blotting paper.

And leave it for 10 minutes. Here's the result:

Can you see the oil traces dispersing around the gel?

Let's view the back of the oil blotting paper... *flipped the oil blotting paper*

A clearer view on the oil traces.

So this is why my skin oil level gained an extra bar huh? HAHA. Even though this aloe vera gel shows some signs of oil traces, it really does not feel greasy. Besides, if this is a very oily product, the skin analyzer device should have detected it and the oil level should obtain the result of 5 bars instead of just 2 bars. Anyway, I have also tried it as a wash-off and sleeping mask on my face and it did not cause my skin to breakout. With that said, I think this product is suitable for oily skin as well.

In summary, this product is very soothing and it does a great job in calming and cooling down the skin. It does moisturize the skin as shown in the skin analysis results but is not very moisturizing; it's moisturizing ability is not up to my expectation and in my opinion, it is more on the soothing side. Another downside of this product is that it comes in a tub without a spatula and I find it unhygienic to dip my fingers constantly into the tub. I'm glad I have several spatulas at home~ lol.

All in all, this product is a perfect 'cool-down' treatment for the summer season/hot days and is suitable for all skin types.

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