Review: The Face Shop Face It Power Perfection BB Cream SPF 37/PA++ (#02 Natural Beige)

The Face Shop Face It Power Perfection BB Cream SPF

Description: A BB Cream providing total skin treatment, such as reenergizing the skin through power lifting, power moisturizing and power correction effects, to achieve "POWER PERFECTION SKIN" by imparting proactive care to overall skin problems, including bagginess, roughness and dryness. Containing omega-3 and the Vita-skin Complex, the BB Cream enables the skin tone to appear moisturized and radiant with a smoother skin texture. With an airy touch formula, it adheres in a thin layer as light as air yet flawless covers skin blemishes for a lustrous, healthy skin appearance.

Claims:
- wrinkle improvement
- whitening
- sunscreen triple-functional cosmetic

Directions/Usage:
After basic skincare, dispense an adequate amount and apply evenly to the skin. Then, pat lightly with the palms for full absorption.

Net Weight: 40ml (Available in 20ml too)

Price: ...sorry I forgot... 

Packaging:

The tube of BB Cream is packed in a matte metallic purple rectangular paper box.

The tube itself is made with different shades of purple. It has a matte metallic purple plastic body with a light purple plastic pump and a transparent purple plastic cap. 

(oh yeah~ I ♥ purple!)

Scent: 

Mild scent. Nothing unbearable.

Consistency & Color:

The BB Cream has a light-medium creamy texture, which is very easy to smooth out and blend into the skin. It comes in two shades — 01 Light Beige and 02 Natural Beige. As you probably know Koreans have really fair skin tones so 01 Light Beige would be too light for me. Therefore, I got it in 02 Natural Beige. I think it matches my skin tone better. It has a grey-ish pinkish beige undertone despite that, it does not leave a grey cast on me. It oxidizes to my skin tone perfectly.

Coverage:
The coverage strength is excellent in my view. Though it does not 100% fully cover the light brown-ish post acne marks and redness of the zits, it does kind of lighten the appearance of the marks and the zits' redness. If I have to give a rating on the coverage, then it would be around high average range. FYI, I do still need a concealer to give a boost in coverage but nowadays, besides the dark circles, I don't really put on concealer on the blemishes. Despite not using concealer on the blemishes, no one commented on them or pointed them out so I think the coverage is excellent.

Coverage Demonstration:
The following pictures would probably give you an idea on the coverage strength of this BB Cream.

Coverage test on a scar on my mom's arm

You can compare the pictures BEFORE and AFTER the application of The Face Shop Face It Power Perfection BB cream. — With the application of BB cream (After), the appearance of the scar has lightened and covered up to 80-85% of it. I guess with the application of concealer, the scar would probably be hidden perfectly~ lol.

Oiliness and Oil-Control:
As you know, I live in hot and humid country so I get shine on my face very easily. With that said, I really can't tell whether it's the BB cream or the weather that causes the oiliness on my face. I would conclude that both the BB Cream and the weather play a part on the cause of the shine~ As for the oil-control ability, I can't tell either...but I don't think it provides any helps on oil control. Anyway, it's not an issue to me.

Likes:
- contains SPF 37 PA++
- gives a natural look
- high average coverage
- whitening brightening effect
- leaves skin looking dewy, semi-matte
- does not dry out the skin
- does not cause breakouts on my skin
- lasts-long
- easy to apply (blends in)
- suits all skin types including sensitive skin
- available in 20g and 40g

Dislikes:
- accentuate on dry, flaky skin
- range comes in only two shades

Neutral:
- not waterproof

- does not smooth out/cover pores; accentuate pores instead

- does not seem to have any oil control

Verdict: I usually apply 1 or 2 thin layers of this Power Perfection BB Cream with hands using gentle patting motion. It gives me a natural look(dewy, semi matte) with high average coverage that lasts pretty long, without being too heavy or drying out my skin. Also, it does not cause any breakouts on me. It claims to whiten skin but I'm not sure about that. I think it brightens up the skin rather than whitening. As for wrinkle claims, I can't comment much cause I don't have any wrinkles at the moment.

On the downside, it does accentuate on dry, flaky skin but don't get me wrong! This BB Cream suits all skin types including dry skin. BUT IF you get flakiness on your face very often, I would advise to solve the flakiness problem first prior applying this BB Cream. Hmm..., well, I don't think there is any BB Cream that won't accentuate the appearance of flakiness (correct me if I'm wrong...). On the other hand, this BB Cream does also emphasis on pores. Hence, if you care about the appearance of pores, it would be better if you use a pore cover primer beforehand.

All in all, I absolutely love this BB Cream despite the downside. FYI, this has been part of my routine for 2+ years. I have been using this BB Cream since I have bad acne and up to present, I am still sticking to it. Oh and... my mom uses this BB Cream too! It's one of our holy grail makeup products!♥

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

Face Shop New Zealand Volcanic Clay Blackhead Heating Gel Mask

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

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

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

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

The product is well-sealed with a plastic wrapper.

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

Moving on to the product...

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

Consistency & Color:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Zealand Volcanic Clay Blackhead Charcoal Nose Strip

Description:

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

Directions: 

1) Wash face, leaving nose thoroughly wet. 

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

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

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

5) Slowly peel off the strip.

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

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

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

Color and Consistency:

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

Scent:

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

Result:

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

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

Oil-Control:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Review: The Face Shop Mini Capsule Pack (Cucumber)

Face Shop Mini Capsule Pack

Description: The Face Shop Mini Capsule Wash-Off Pack (Cucumber) has cucumber extract, which is rich in minerals and gives moisture to the skin.

Directions: After cleansing, spread adequate amount of the pack on your face for 10-15 minutes and wash-off with lukewarm water. Avoid the eye and mouth areas.

TIPs: For a cooling and comfortable experience, store the Mini Capsule Pack in the fridge prior to use. 

The Mini Capsule Pack comes in a plastic jelly/flower shaped mould sealed with a foil cover.

 The foil cover can be easily unsealed. However, once you unsealed the cover, you can't reseal it.

Hence, if you don't plan to finish the pack at one go, you probably need a container to store the leftover like what I did. The number of usage for each capsule pack depends on how much you apply and the size of your face. Each capsule pack has enough product for me to use twice.

It does not come with a spatula so if you have spatula at home, you can use it to scoop out the product.

Color and Consistency:
It looks greenish in the capsule pack but once applied on the skin, it turns clear. It has a gel/jelly-like texture with little round undissolved jelly-like particles, which to me kind of resemble the cucumber pulps~

Scent:
It smells like cucumber~

Wash-off demonstration on my mom's hand~:

Apply on skin for 15 minutes. It doesn't drip or make any mess.

After 15 minutes, rinse-off with lukewarm water~

Ta-daaaa~ it can be easily wash-off. No fuss~

I don't find it greasy however, the skin does feel a little sticky right after washing it off. On the positive side, the sticky-feel only lingers for awhile.

Moisture Test:

Before applying the mask, my mom's skin moisture level was 32.6%.

After applying the mask, my mom's skin moisture level increased to 40.8%.

Moisture gained before and after applying the mask was 8.2%.

Comparing the result taken before and after applying the mask,

I concluded that this mask does moisturizes the skin.

**Above result is just for the application of the mask, without prior application of a toner**

Likes:
- leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturized
- soothing and cooling (prior storing in fridge)
- not greasy
- easy to wash off
- suits all skin types including sensitive skin
- fuss-free~

Dislikes:
- skin might feels sticky right after washing it off but the sticky-feel only lingers for awhile
- does not come with spatula

Verdict: In my opinion, this Cucumber Mini Capsule Pack is a very basic soothing and hydrating mask, which I think it can be use 2-3 times per week. I don't see any brightening effect after using it though... I find it perfect to use after a long day in the sun or in a hot weather as it helps to soothe and cool the skin while replenish skin moisture, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturized. 

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Review: The Face Shop Real Nature Mask (Green Tea)

Face Shop Real Nature Mask

Description: The air pockets within the sheet contain handful of nutritional essence, providing natural moisture and nourishment to skin.

*Green Tea: A hydrating & energizing mask sheet containing green tea extract to fill dry skin with refreshing and hydrating moisture.

Directions: Wash face and apply toner. Pull out the mask and carefully place it on the face. Remove after 10~12 minutes and tap lightly to absorb the remaining essence into the skin.

Mask sheet well soaked with essence~

This is how the mask looks like...

*thanks dad for helping me to hold the mask :P*

This is the amount of excess essence being poured out from the pack.

The essence gets absorbed within 10 minutes and it does leaves a sticky feel on the skin.

Consistency & Color:

Watery, serum-like and colorless.

Scent:

Err...I don't know how to describe the scent of this mask. It doesn't smells like Green Tea at all. To me, it's like the same as the Real Nature Mung Bean Mask(Review: link), this also has a scent like a wet tissue, not too strong or overpowering. It's quite pleasant but it's not refreshing though...

Moisture Test:

Before applying the essence, my skin moisture level measured 31.7%.

After applying the essence, my skin moisture level measured 53.0%.

After 10 minutes later(essence got absorbed), I took the measurement again, it dropped to 52.6%.

Moisture gained before and after applying the essence was 21.3%.

The difference on moisture loss after 10 minutes of application was only 0.4%.

which I concluded that this mask is quite moisturizing.

**Above result is just for the application of a mask, without prior application of a toner.**

With application of a toner and a moisturizer, I believe the skin will be perfectly hydrated!

Likes:

- moisturizes the skin

- gentle on the skin; suits sensitive skin
- calming and soothing effect

- leaves the skin feeling energized, hydrated, soft and smooth

- does not cause breakout or irritation

- mask well soaked with essence

- contains a handful of excess essence

Dislikes:

- leaves skin feeling sticky to the touch -.-

Verdict: This mask suits all skin type including sensitive skin. It leaves the skin feeling energized, hydrated, soft and smooth(and sticky -.-) to the touch. In my opinion, I think this mask is a very gentle sheet mask that well hydrates the skin. If you have inflamed acne, this mask does temporary soothe the redness of the acne however, it does not really heals and treats them.

People who have acne, I would recommend you the Etude House AC Clinic Sheet Mask(Review: link) instead of this. Etude House AC Clinic Sheet Mask does a better job in treating and healing acne. But if you are looking for a basic mask that hydrates the skin I'd say, give this mask a try~ :)

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Review: The Face Shop Real Nature Mask (Mung Bean)

Face Shop Real Nature Mask

Description: The air pockets within the sheet contain handful of nutritional essence, providing natural moisture and nourishment to skin.

*Mung Bean: A clarifying mask sheet containing mung bean extract, effective in purifying pores for a clean and smooth skin texture.

Directions: Wash face and apply toner. Pull out the mask and carefully place it on the face. Remove after 10~12 minutes and tap lightly to absorb the remaining essence into the skin.

Mask sheet well soaked with essence~

This is the amount of excess essence being poured out from the pack.

The Face Shop is really generous with the essence. :)

This is how the mask looks like...

*thanks dad for helping me to hold the mask :P*

The essence gets absorbed within 10 minutes and it does leaves a slight stickiness on the skin.

Consistency & Color:
Watery, serum-like and colorless.

Scent:
I don't know how to describe the scent of this mask. It doesn't smells like Mung Bean at all. To me, it has a scent like a wet tissue, not too strong or overpowering. It's quite pleasant but it's not refreshing though...

Moisture Test on the back of my hand:

Before applying the essence, my skin moisture level measured 36.6%.

After applying the essence, my skin moisture level measured 54.7%.

After 10 minutes later(essence got absorbed), I took the measurement again, it dropped to 54.0%.

Moisture gained was 18.1%.

The difference on moisture loss after 10 minutes was only 0.7%.

which I concluded that this mask is quite moisturizing.

**Above result is just for the application of a mask, without prior application of a toner.**

With application of a toner and a moisturizer, I believe the skin will be perfectly hydrated!

Likes:
- moisturizes
- gentle on skin; suits sensitive skin
- leave the skin feeling soft, smooth and radiant
- soothing and calming effect
- does not cause breakout or irritation
- mask well soaked with essence
- contains a handful of excess essence

Dislikes:
- leaves skin feeling sticky to the touch -.-

Neutral:
- purifies pores
- oil-control

Verdict: I couldn't tell if this mask helps to purify pores. Good thing is that I didn't get breakout after using. It does moisturizes my skin and my skin will look radiant, soft and smooth(and sticky -.-) to the touch after using. On the other hand, I don't know if this mask helps with oil control. Sorry, I didn't really take notice...... However, my brother who also tried this mask the other day, noticed a difference in oiliness before and after using the mask. He actually whatsapped me during his working hours asking about whether this mask helps with oil control because his face isn't as oily as what he would normally gets. So perhaps..., this mask does helps with controlling oil.

People who have oily, combination and sensitive skin might want to give this mask a try. :)

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