My Top 5 Favorite Face Masks

Favorite Face MasksNotice: I apologize for the delay in replying to all the emails and questions. I'm too busy with life and really have no time for blog-related stuff... I will try my best to reply to all, latest by 18th February 2014. Once again, I'm really sorry for the delay in responding... (>_<)ゞ

Today, I'd like to share my top 5 favorite face masks that I use most often in my skin care routine. Let's just jump into the topic straightaway~ Gonna do this quick~

#1. My Beauty Diary Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Mask

Formulated with active moisturizing ingredients, Hyaluronic Acid, and has a special molecular structure that can pack water molecules tightly. It is packed with Aloe Vera, Algae and Cosphingo™, these ingredients work together to ensure a long-lasting soothing and moisturizing. Apart from that, it also contains Malvasylvestris Complex and Watercress Leaf extracts which helps to reduce skin's roughness and dullness; and with a perfect blend of the Amica Montana and Ruscus Aculeatus extracts, it helps to improve the skin's elasticity and firmness.

Well, this is my NUMBER ONE all-time favorite hydrating mask ever! It moisturizes the skin inside and out, leaving skin well moisturized, radiant-looking and soft to the touch. Simply love it!

#2. My Beauty Diary Strawberry Yogurt Mask

Strawberries are high in antioxidants and contain rich amounts of fruit acids, minerals and enzymes. They are a natural source of Salicylic Acid, which are good for acne-prone skin. Combined with the active lactic acid ingredients found in Yogurt, which is a natural source of AHAs, it moisturizes the skin and improves skin's texture while balancing skin's sebum production. It also helps to improve the appearance of enlarged pores and remove any excess oily shine. Not only that, it is packed with Cosphingo™ and Arbutin extracts which hydrates and locks moisture as well as brightens up dull skin complexion.

Another favorite sheet mask from My Beauty Diary~ I have to say that strawberry and yogurt are a perfect combination~! They work wonders for normal to oily to acne prone skin, including sensitive skin!

#3. Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask & Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask contains 3000mg of Jeju Volcanic Cluster, which intensively absorbs sebum, deep cleanses, unclogs pores leaving skin feeling clean, soft and smooth and breakout-free without drying the skin! It tightens the pores and also improves dull skin complexion, leaving skin looking brighter and more radiant.

Check out my review: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.sg/2014/07/review-innisfree-jeju-volcanic-pore.html

Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask contains 6020mg of Jeju Volcanic scoria and scoria capsules that gives a powerful pore cleansing and sebum control effect. It sloughs off dull dead skin cells and deep cleanses the skin, leaving skin healthy-looking, brighter and clean. It also helps to control sebum production and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.

Check out my review: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.sg/2014/12/review-innisfree-super-volcanic-pore_2.html

I decided to put these two together as they work fairly similar just that one is more stronger (for super oily - combination skin) and one is more gentle (for normal - dry skin). I use the Original and Super versions on rotational basis, depending on my skin's condition. For more info, be sure to check out my reviews (links provided previously).

#4. Caolion Blackhead Steam Pore Pack & Pore Original Pack

A 2-steps effective deep cleansing + pore minimizing masks~!

Step 1: Blackhead Steam Pore Pack, formulated with purifying active-charcoal, gives off a warm steam effect that deep cleanses, purifies the pores (removing all the impurities) and eliminates clogged pores. It contains mild exfoliating particles which sloughs off dead skin cells, leaving skin refreshed and brighter-looking. At the same time, it helps with sebum control.

In my opinion, it is a perfect product to use on nose prior to applying a nose strip. As it steams the pores, it loosens the gunks and makes them easier to get pulled out by the nose strip. Tried and tested! 

Step 2: Pore Original Pack, formulated with Glacier Clay and active volcanic ash which absorb impurities and excess sebum. It gives off a cooling, minty effect that soothes the skin and tightens sagging, enlarged pores. With the addition of Alaskan Glacial Water, antioxidant Grape Seed Oil and patented, eco-certified ingredients, it provides intense hydration to the skin, enhances skin complexion and further soothes and revitalizes stressed skin.

Both are must-haves deep cleansing + pore minimizing masks! I will do a full review on these two products in the future.

#5. Etude House AC Clinic Intense Sheet Mask

Formulated with active acne ingredient, Salicylic Acid, which helps clear and prevent new acne blemishes from forming. Whenever I get a breakout or going to get one (e.g. before and during the time of the month), I will use this mask. It helps to speed up the healing process of the pimples during a breakout and when used prior to a breakout, it kind of controls and reduces the severity of the upcoming breakout. In my opinion, this is the most effective mask to deal with pimples!

Side note: Comparing this with My Beauty Diary Strawberry Yogurt Mask, this is stronger hence, it may not be suitable for very sensitive skin.

So that's all for my top 5 favorite face masks! Hope you guys like it. ♥

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Review: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Description: This Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask contains 6020mg of Jeju Volcanic scoria and scoria capsules that gives a powerful pore cleansing and sebum control effect. It exfoliates dead skin cells and tightens pores, ensuring a clean, supple and healthy-looking skin.

About Jeju volcanic scoria:

This pure and rare ingredient, formulated from solidified lava caused by volcanic eruptions in Jeju island, absorbs impurities and sebum that are deeply embedded within skin pores.

4-FREE Formula:
- NO Mineral oil
- NO Colorants
- NO Ethanol
- NO Animal-deprived ingredients

Claims to do:
Resolves various pore problems including blackheads, whiteheads and enlarged pores:
- Tightens pores
- Removes sebum
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Deep cleansing
- Enhances skin tone
- Provides cooling effect upon application

Directions: After cleansing, apply an adequate amount of mask on the face avoiding the eye and lip area and leave on for 10 minutes. Gently massage in circular motion using fingertips before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

Net Weight: 100ml (available in 200ml)

Price: ₩13000 / Retail price in Innisfree SG: SGD$21

Previously, I wrote a review on the Original version of Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask. Check out the review here: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.sg/2014/07/review-innisfree-jeju-volcanic-pore.html . Both the Original and Super versions have a few resemblances. Hence, in this review, I will duplicate some of the information from my review of the Original version. Please excuse the copy & paste work~ lol.  I will include a little bit of comparison on both versions as well. So...as always we begin with packaging~

Packaging:

The jar of clay mask is packed in a cube-shaped box made of recycled paper.

The lid has the words "• jeju volcanic pore clay mask • pore clearing and care" being molded on the lid's surface.

The jar itself is made of plastic with an aluminium screw-off lid.

Once opened, there is an unsealed plastic cover covering the opening.

The only difference in the packaging of both versions is the color. By reading the review of the Original version, you will see the color difference between both versions. [Review link: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.sg/2014/07/review-innisfree-jeju-volcanic-pore.html]

Consistency & Color:

The Super version has a pinkish-greyish, soft creamy clay texture but it's thicker than the Original version. Unlike the Original version, this contains Jeju volcanic scoria capsules .aka. little exfoliating beads, which are barely noticeable by the eyes but you will be able to feel the beads during application.

Demonstration on my mom's arm:

Apply adequate amount on desired area and leave it on for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, massage and rinse off with lukewarm water.

Ta-dahh~! Can you see the difference?

The area, where the mask was applied, literally brightened up and felt softer and smoother! Say BYE to dull skin complexion! 

Scent:
Just like the Original version, this does not have an artificial scent but it does have a pure natural clay fragrance.

Likes:
- the "recycle" concept
- the formula — "4-free"
- deep cleanses
- strong sebum absorption
- contains exfoliating beads; buffs away dead skin cells
- provides refreshing, cooling and minty sensation upon application and during wash
- leaves skin feeling soft and smooth to the touch
- brighten up the skin complexion
- minimizes the skin pores
- does not break me out; prevent future breakout instead
- prevent makeup from caking
- easy to smooth out the clay evenly

- easy to rinse it off

- one jar can lasts really long

- available in 200ml (tube version)
- perfect for summer use

Dislikes:
- does not remove blackheads as claimed
- does not heal zit but it kind of help to prevent future breakout
- does not come with spatula
- does dry up the skin a little if you have dry skin (best to use on oily skin)

Verdict: This Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask sloughs off dull dead skin cells and deep cleanses the skin, leaving skin looking brighter, supple and clean. It also helps to control sebum production and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.

Compared to the Original version, this Super version contains Jeju volcanic scoria capsules and DOUBLE amount of Jeju volcanic scoria/clusters thus, it is more powerful in purifying the pores and controlling sebum production. In my opinion, it may be drying for dry skin user. As I have combination skin (oily + dry skin), I use it every once two weeks. Besides that, Super version gives a refreshing, cooling, minty sensation upon application. It feels even more icy cooling during washing off (= SHIOK! ).

On the downside, this does not remove my blackheads as claimed and also does not come with a spatula. I extremely hate dipping my fingers in to scoop out the product. I find it unhygienic! I'm glad I owned several spatulas at home.  For those who do not have a spatula, you can use Q-tip to scoop out the product.

All in all, both versions are good pore clearing masks and absolutely perfect for hot summer season. In my view, the Super version is more for oily to combination skin, while the Original version is more for normal to dry skin. I highly recommend you guys to try them out!

---

- UPDATE on 31st July 2015 - 
Check out my review on the new Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask: http://info-tipstriks.blogspot.com/2015/07/innisfree-super-volcanic-clay-mousse.html

Also check out my review on other products from Jeju Volcanic Skin Care Line:

- Jeju Volcanic Cleansing Foam

- Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner

- Jeju Volcanic Pore Lotion

- Jeju Volcanic Pore Essence

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Review: Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Description: This Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask contains 3000mg of Jeju Volcanic Cluster, which intensively absorbs sebum, tightens and clarifies skin pores.

About Jeju volcanic scoria:
This pure and rare ingredient, formulated from solidified lava caused by volcanic eruptions in Jeju island, absorbs impurities and sebum that are deeply embedded within skin pores.

4-free formula:
- NO Artificial fragrance
- NO Paraben
- NO Animal-deprived ingredients
- NO Mineral oil

Claims:
- Deep cleanses
- Tightens pores
- Remove blackheads
- Remove sebum
- Prevents skin troubles
- Improve skin tone

Directions: After cleansing and refining skin with toner, gently smooth over entire face, avoiding the eye and lip area. Rinse off with lukewarm water after 15 minutes. (Use 1-2 times per week)

Packaging:

The jar of clay mask is packed in a cube-shaped box made of recycled paper. The lid has the words "• jeju volcanic pore clay mask • pore clearing and care" being molded the lid's surface.

The jar itself is made of plastic with an aluminium(?) screw-off lid. (I think...)

Once opened, there is an unsealed plastic cover covering the opening.

Consistency & Color:

It has a soft creamy texture. Color as seen in photo — pinkish-greyish clay. 

Demonstration on my mom's hand:

Apply adequate amount on desired area. Leave it on for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, massage and rinse off with lukewarm water. My mom rinsed off with cold water though.

No fuss at all~ It's easy to rinse off despite using cold water.

Ta-dahh~! Can you notice the difference?

It did brighten the dull skin tone just like what it claimed! Look at that gloooooow~ wooooooooooo~ 

Scent:
It does not have an artificial scent to it but it does have a pure natural clay scent.

Likes:
- the "recycle" concept
- the formula — "4-free"
- deep cleanses
- help with sebum absorption
- easy to smooth out the clay and easy to rinse it off
- leaves skin feeling soft and smooth to the touch
- brighten up the skin complexion
- minimizes the skin pores
- does not break me out; prevent future breakout instead
- does not dry up the skin
- prevent makeup from caking
- sensitive-skin friendly
- one jar can lasts really long
- perfect for summer use

Dislikes:
- does not remove blackheads as claimed
- does not heal zit but it kind of help to prevent future breakout
- does not come with spatula

Verdict: This is one of my all-time favorite masks! This is my third jar by the way~ I use it every once a week. It deep cleanses, unclogs pores leaving skin feeling clean, soft and smooth and breakout-free! It minimizes the appearance of pores yet it also improves dull skin complexion, leaving skin looking brighter and more radiant. It prevent makeup from caking too. Best part? It's not drying at all!

On the downside, it does not remove my blackheads as claimed. Besides that, it does not come with a spatula. I extremely hate dipping my fingers in to scoop out the product. I find it unhygienic! I'm glad I owned several spatulas at home.  For those who do not have a spatula, you can use Q-tip to scoop out the product.

By the way, Innisfree Jeju Volcanic range has another version of mask called the "Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask". The SUPER version is more powerful in cleansing the pores. Enough said. I will be writing a review about the SUPER version in the future so I will be holding back the details for now. Thus, stay tuned. 

---

- UPDATE on 2nd December 2014 -

Check out my review on Innisfree SUPER Volcanic Pore Clay Mask here: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.sg/2014/12/review-innisfree-super-volcanic-pore_2.html

- UPDATE on 31st July 2015 - 

Check out my review on the new Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask: http://info-tipstriks.blogspot.com/2015/07/innisfree-super-volcanic-clay-mousse.html

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[Acne Story/Tips] Summer Breakouts & My Favorite Summer Skincare Essentials 2014

My Favorite Summer Skincare EssentialsSummer is the season I hate the most. Let me tell you three reasons why I hate summer.
1) I hate the HEAT!
Heat causes me to sweat and become sweaty all over...

2) My skin tends to be more greasy!; More prone to BREAKOUT!
During summer, my skin tends to be more oilier than usual. Thus, it get clogged more easily and more often which leads to BREAKOUT! Rawr, I hate this! 

3) ENLARGED PORES!
*faint*

The reasons/problems stated are not happening only to me. I believe many of you face the same problems as well. Summer causes us to be more prone to sweat, breakout and enlarge pores but there are a few ways to reduce these problems. Let me share with you how I tackle them.

Let's talk about 'breakouts' first, shall we?

I received enquiries asking how's my skin now. To be honest, it's not doing too good but it's not doing too bad either.  Despite using acne-fighting skincare products from Etude House AC Clinic,

I am still getting breakouts and it's very very mild. The breakouts are mainly flesh colored bumps (clogged pores) and eventually, they will develop into inflamed zits if not treated.

Well, you be the judge! Here's a RAW picture of my skin, taken on 19th June 2014.

Today, majority of my clogged pores(flesh colored bumps) have cleared up.  I'm in the process of treating my enlarged pores now. Will update on my progress in the future. 

So, in order to prevent inflamed zits, we have to prevent clogged pores first. So what are clogged pores and how acne is formed? The following videos might clarify your doubts:

from 0:12 to 2:29

from 0:10 to 1:58

In my opinion, besides using daily skincare products such as cleanser, toner, moisturizer, essence, serum etc, EXFOLIATE the skin is an effective method to get rid of clogged pores. Exfoliation removes dead and dull skin cells, unclog the pores, leaving the skin looking more radiant and smoother. Once you buff away those dead skin cells, your skin tends to absorb skincare products even better. Thus, it's good to exfoliate once in awhile.

I exfoliate twice a week and my current favorite exfoliators are Cure Natural Aqua Gel and Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub.

In my opinion, Cure Natural Aqua Gel is a much gentle exfoliator compared to Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub — one gentle and one less gentle. Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub contains scrubbing beads which may be less gentle compared to Cure Natural Aqua Gel. Since I have sensitive skin, I usually rotate these two exfoliators in my skincare routine because I don't think it's a great idea to use the Etude House Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub twice a week but the area of my nose is an exception.

For more info, check out my full review here:
Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.com/2014/04/review-etude-house-baking-powder-crunch.html
Cure Natural Aqua Gel: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/05/review-cure-natural-aqua-gel.html

As for zits that are already at the stage of inflammation, treat them with acne spot treatment. There are many over-the-counter acne spot treatments that come in different forms like a cream, gel, liquid... My personal favorites are Liquid Spot and Pink Powder Spot from Etude House AC Clinic range.

For more info, check out my full review here:
AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/10/review-etude-house-ac-clinic-intense.html
AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot: http://bitsdiaries.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-etude-house-ac-clinic-foam.html

In unexpected circumstances, where the zit popped itself or I accidentally scratched and popped the zit and it started to bleed, I will definitely not touch the area with my fingers. I will usually use a tissue to stop the bleeding and then, I will paste Nexcare Acne Patch on the opened wound.

What this Nexcare Acne Patch does is...it protects the wound from further inflammation and it helps to suck out the remaining pus that is embedded in the wound. With that said, I do not need to squeeze the wound with my fingers to force out the remaining pus, which can prevent or reduce bad scarring.

Next, ENLARGED PORES. This is another problem that many people are facing. It is something like acne which is so difficult to get rid of. Yeah yeah~ I know... I realized my pores seem to get more enlarged in the summer. (You can judge it from the picture of my skin posted at the beginning of this post.) I guess...it probably caused by oily skin...hmm... If that's the proximate cause, by tackling the sebum may prevent further enlarging pores problem.

When we mentioned 'sebum', we thought of oil-blotters. This is an important summer essential to me. As my skin gets more oilier in the summer, oil-blotters come in really handy to instantly clears the excess oil.

I'm using Clean &Clear Oil Control Film. I have been using this brand's oil blotters since I was in high school and it's one of my MUST-HAVE products.

Oil-blotters only help to clear excess oil(=reduces clogged pores). It does not make the pores smaller. To achieve smaller pores, I need some pore tightening products. Usually pore-care skincare products contain sebum-control properties so those with oily skin and enlarged pores without bad acne, you can look for products that are specifically for pore care.

In fact, I actually bought some pore-care skincare products but I have yet to open and use them because I would prefer to finish my current opened skincare products before opening new product. Having that said, I have to look for other alternatives for now, in which, I seek for facial masks.

I owned quite a few pore care/sebum-control masks and I decided to select only three out of my mask collections. These selected ones are the ones that I have been using most frequently in the summer. They are all part of my holy grail products by the way and they are:

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

I believe many of you have heard of this mask. It's pretty famous in the beauty world. It contains solidified lava caused by volcanic eruptions in Jeju Island which helps to absorb dirt, sebum and impurities deeply embedded within the skin pores, leaving the skin feeling clean and purified. Absolutely love this!

Caolion Blackhead Steam Pore Pack [Step 1]
This steam pore pack generates a warm, steaming effect that helps to open the pores. It contains charcoal powder which helps to extract sebum, blackheads and impurities from the skin pores. It can be applied to the whole face by the way. This mask is the most awesome heating mask I have ever tried. Like seriously... The heat generated is much warmer than TheFaceShop Blackhead Heating Gel Mask that I had reviewed 2-3 weeks ago. But no worries, the heat will not scald you. It really opens up the pores and cleanses throughly deep into the skin pores, leaving your face feeling clean without drying your face.

Caolion Pore Original Pack (Tightening) [Step 2]
As for this, it is a tightening mask which can be use as an "after treatment" .aka. second step after using the Blackhead Steaming Pore Pack. Basically, it claims to tighten the pores and it really does! When applied on the face, it gives a cooling and minty sensation which helps to calm down the skin. This mask is by far the most effective tightening mask I have ever tried!

Both products from Caolion have been added into my review list so stay tuned for the reviews~

Apart from the problems stated previously, HYDRATING is very important too! Do not forget to hydrate the skin! As the climate in Summer is usually mega hot, our skin can get dehydrated very easily. So DRINK UP!, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER! Also, do not forget to feed your skin with hydrating skincare products/masks.

Lately, my skin is facing different problems(breakouts, enlarged pores, super oily + mild dry skin etc. ). I kind of use different products from different brands to achieve maximum results in treating all the problems my skin is facing. So besides the additional pore-care masks, I am still using the same skincare products listed in my 'skincare routine' page but recently, I added in Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum, which I received during my birthday, into my skincare routine.

It is a very lightweight serum yet it hydrates the skin well which is perfect for summer. This has been added into my review list too~

And not forgetting hydrating masks, my favorite soothing and hydrating masks are from My Beauty Diary...

Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Mask and Aloe Mask

Both masks soothe and hydrate the skin super well and to maximize the soothing effect, chilled them in the fridge prior application. Absolutely perfect for summer!

Moving on to... Sweaty~Sweaty~ problem eww...

A deodorant helps to keep you smelling fresh all day. My personal all-time favorite is the Rexona Shower Clean 48hr Anti-Perspirant Deodorant.

I got the spray version and I absolutely love the scent! I started using this since Year 2009-2010 and throughout the years, I keep repurchasing the same bottle because of the scent. My ultimate loves~ I also got it in a mini version which is much more convenient to bring along to the gym.

Sweating makes you feel sticky and uncomfortable? Well, cleansing wipes come to the rescue~ Of course, it does not stop us from sweating but it does help in some ways...like...temporary relieves you from sweaty and stickiness. While some contain fragrances, it reduces the bad odor, leaving you smelling pleasant~ So keep a packet of cleansing body wipes in your bag! It might comes in handy in this summer. FYI, I'm using the Holika Holika So Cool Deo Perfume Tissue. Sorry, no picture for this. 

Also, don't forget to use sunscreen! I don't use one so I can't share about anything about sunscreen but I know it helps to protect and prevent the skin from the damage, such as wrinkles and age spots, caused by the sun ray. I'm considering getting one soon... maybe... not sure yet~ 

Alright, we have come to the end of this post. I hope you readers enjoy my long writing. Ermm..., I have read all the emails and comments you readers sent in but I have yet to reply to any of them... Sorry about that. I will reply as soon as possible. Give me some more time, please~ That's that, I will update again soon hopefully. 

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