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 ...

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.

Read more ...

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.

Read more ...

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Essence | Review

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Essence Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Skin Care line is based on Jeju's natural advantage of having volcanic clay clusters that come with superior sebum absorption and pore care capabilities.

Fun Fact: "Jeju Volcanic Clay, known as "the gift from god" found in nature, is alkalescent; empowered with nutrients and the ability to control sebum, remove dead skin cells, eliminate blackheads and purify pores. The yield is taken from the only uncontaminated part of Jeju, making it practically free of any impurities."

Last year, I wrote reviews for most of the products from this Jeju Volcanic line, and I will list them down at the end of this post with review links attached.

Today, I will be writing the long-awaited review on Jeju Volcanic Pore Essence, which I delayed for about year because I stopped using it for awhile due to dry skin issue.

Jeju Volcanic Pore Essence is a sebum control essence enriched with jeju volcanic cluster and green complex from pure jeju island, which help to control excessive sebum, remove shine and tighten loose, sagging pores.

It has 4-Free System — Free of parabens, mineral oil, animal ingredients and colorants

Usage: Pump out an appropriate amount and apply it all over your face.

Step: Cleanser — Toner — Lotion — Essence

The product comes in a plastic bottle with a plastic pull-off cap.

It also comes with a pump dispenser, which makes it easy to withdraw the essence.

The essence has a watery-like texture that feels lightweight. It goes on smoothly and gets absorbed quickly, but it does leave a very mild sticky residue on the skin.

It has a floral scent, which smells like the toner and lotion from Jeju Volcanic line.

Tried and Tested

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

"Moisture & Oil Test"
on my very oily nose.

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 essence:

AFTER applying the essence:

Skin's moisture increased from 44% to 46%; but the bars remained at 4 bars.

Oiliness decreased from 5 bars to 4 bars.

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

- *Results shown are after cleansing with toner and gel lotion applied.* -

Each time I apply this essence, it makes my skin feels smoother to the touch. But I didn't see a dramatic difference on my pores after a month of using this essence. However, I noticed the appearance of my pores has improved a lot after using this for over four months. Well...my pores are still there, but they are less visible now~!

In terms of oil-controlling, it did help to reduce sebum production and make my oily-prone areas feel less oily (as shown in the analyzing test). But in terms of moisturizing, in my opinion, it didn't help much. I guess that is the biggest drawback of this product.

Hence, if you have dry skin, I wouldn't recommend this. But if you have oily-combination skin like me, you can just apply it to area where it is oily-prone and/or has pore concerns. That's what I did because when I applied it to the whole face, it made my dry-prone areas to become drier. So far, it hasn't cause breakouts or irritations on my sensitive skin thus, I concluded it is sensitive-skin friendly.

Overall conclusion, it does what it claimed — helps to control sebum and tighten the pores in the long run. Aside from that, it is a good pore treatment to use after using a nose strip.

The following are other Jeju Volcanic Line products I have tried:

- Jeju Volcanic Cleansing Foam

- Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner

- Jeju Volcanic Pore Lotion

- Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

- Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

- Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask

They are all attached with links, so if you are interested, you can click on them to read the reviews. :)

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 ...

Innisfree Jeju Bija Anti-Trouble Facial Foam | Review

Innisfree Jeju Bija Anti-Trouble Facial Foam is a refreshing cleanser formulated with salicylic acid and *nutmeg fruits, which have powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Combined with torreya seed oil which has an outstanding healing effect, it provides an effective relief for skin troubles.

*Fun Fact: The nutmeg is a rare ingredient that has endured 20 years of survival in the wild. It smoothes your skin and enhance the skin’s natural defense system.

5-FREE formula: Free of synthetic colorants, mineral oil, animal-originated ingredients, artificial fragrances, imidazolidinyl urea

It comes in a soft tube bottle with a plastic twist-off flip cap.

The opening is well sealed with a foil, so do remember to peel off the foil prior to use. Otherwise, you won't be able to squeeze out the paste.

It has a creamy paste and has a minty, herbal scent.

And when it comes into contact with water, it lathers up quickly and easily.

Usage: Squeeze out an appropriate amount, make into a lather and massage it on your face. Then, wash off with lukewarm water.

Step: Cleansing Gel — Facial Foam — Skin Lotion — Spot Essence or Spot Patch

Tried and Tested

Let's have a...

"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 Cleansing:


AFTER Cleansing:

Skin's moisture decreased from 3 bars to 2 bars; from 38% to 36%.
Oiliness decreased from 4 bars to 3 bars.

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

- *Results shown are prior to toner and moisturizer application.* -

What I like about this cleanser is that it gives a minty, cooling effect during cleansing, which makes my skin feels really refreshing. It cleanses pore impurities, leaving my face clean but doesn't overly strip and make my skin feels too tight. Furthermore, it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, which is great!

Unfortunately, to be honest, this Bija Anti-Trouble line did not seem to work out positively for my acne skin. I was getting more cystic acne (painful ones) after using the cleanser and toner and I have no idea why.......... FYI, currently I have switched back to Etude House AC Clinic line.

Bear in mind, our skins are different and react to product differently. So it didn't work out well for me doesn't mean that it might not work out for you.

Well, I'm not sure if you have read my post on 2015 January & March Haul. In that post, I mentioned that my friend, who is currently still dealing with acne, raved about this Bija Anti-Trouble line because it worked magically for her.

Here's the BEFORE and AFTER pictures of her acne skin:

I believe you can clearly spot the improvement.

So if you are having troubles with acne and are interested in this skincare line, go ahead, give it a try and see how your skin reacts. Who knows, it might work out for you. :)

Read more ...