The Latest

I've heard about Skinfood's Black Sesame Hot Mask and read about it in a few blogs years ago, and wanted to see if this mask would work out for me. Bloggers, friends, and their mothers seemed to love this.

So, did it live up to the hype?

Product Information
Skinfood's Black Sesame Hot Mask claims to be a "highly moisturizing heating mask" that deep cleans the skin. It has sesame seeds, roasted salt, and sugar to exfoliate the skin and leave your face soft an smooth. Yes, it does claim that it heats up. In fact, the tub has a warning that says, "Use in environment with moderate temperature; if used in a hot environment such as a bathroom or sauna, mask can overheat.

Appearance and Texture
The product is a grayish, slimy substance that smells just like roasted sesame seeds. Some people who have used this stated that they don't like the scent. I personally didn't mind it, though I can see how it may turn people off if they're not used to smelling/eating foods with black sesame.


The way I use it
I used this once a week for over one month. After I double cleanse, I apply a generous amount of the mask, gently rub the granules around my face, wait 5 minutes, and then rinse it off.  I use this while the shower is running hot water.

Results
1. Let's talk about the heating. One of the things that past reviewers have said was that they didn't feel that this heated up enough. From my experience, the only way it heats up is when I use it in the bathroom while the hot water is running in the shower. The heat effect actually does last quite a long time, as long as that hot water is running.

2.I'll be straight up and say that the exfoliating effects are laughable. Sure, it made my skin feel somewhat softer, but the difference wasn't that remarkable. This is definitely not a great exfoliator for someone who wants to clean out blackheads. When I had rough patches on my skin, this did nothing to minimize them at all. I've even tried to leave this on for 10 minutes. Still, I wasn't impressed at all.

3. The claims of providing "deep cleansing to the skin" are ridiculous. I don't see any ingredients in this that would help to clean the skin at all. My skin didn't feel any cleaner.

Verdict: 2 out of 5
This mask made my skin feel soft, but its effects did not seem to last very long. The only thing I enjoyed was its heating effects, but I don't even think these effects were that beneficial to my skin. Overall, I think this is a gimmicky product that does little to exfoliate, deep clean, or soften the skin. There are plenty of other masks from Korea and Japan that are much more effective. I'll finish up this tub, but will only use it as a massage emollient for days when my face feels very cold.  I will not be repurchasing this.

 Maybe some of you who have used this had a better experience. Do share: Have you tried this mask? 

 Till later,

Eva,


FTC statement: This is not a sponsored post. The links provided above are not affiliate links.  I purchased all the products mentioned above with my own money.

I picked up Clinique's Cheek Pop because I wanted a blush that would bring life back into my cheeks while my face is still dull from the winter cold. Clinique and I have a love-hate relationship, so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this product. I'm happy to say that so far, I've been enjoying this blush!

Product Description
Clinique's website describes their Cheek Pop as a "vibrant yet natural-looking cheek colour that looks virtually powderless. In a silky smooth, stay-true formula with shades for every skin tone. That just-pinched look, simply effortless." So far, I really think the blush stays true to this description.

Color
As you can see here, 01 Ginger is a warm, coraly red color. I'm assuming that Clinique named it as a nod to the shade of pickled gingers, but I actually think it's closer to the color of maguro (the raw tuna you tend to see on sashimi). But I suppose naming the shade "Tuna" or "Raw Fish" would not be very appealing, would it?


01 Ginger  comes is almost the exact color of my natural flushed cheeks right after I exercise, making it very flattering on my NC20-NC25 skin. I think it would be too warm for people with pink undertones, but it's great for anyone with neutral and warm undertones. As far as pigmentation goes, the color intensity is fairly strong, but not to the point where it's difficult to control when applying on the cheeks. To me, this pigmentation is perfect.

Texture
Though it is a powder blush, the texture seems powderless. It's so finely milled that I can't detect any powder flecks when I apply it. On the cheeks, it looks like it has a somewhat creamy-yet-satiny finish. It's so easy to blend! As a result, the blush color gives a perfect, "glow-from-within" kind of look. The only problem that people might have with this is that you need a synthetic brush to pick up the powder; using a brush with real hair can't pick up the pigment very well.

Longevity
This lasts a long time--about 7 hours. Of course, it's the winter, and my blushes tend to last a while when it's cold. I'll give an update during the summer to report whether or not the longevity changes.

Verdict: 4.5 out of 5
I think it seems obvious that I am in love with this blush. I've been using this almost every day and I've been pretty much ignoring my other blushes. If you plan to purchase this, just make sure you are using a synthetic brush; otherwise, you won't be able to pick up the pigment very well.

I purchased my blush at Sephora. You can also purchase it at any Clinique counter.

 Have you tried any of Clinique's Cheek Pops? 

FTC statement: This is not a sponsored post. The links provided above are not affiliate links.  I purchased this product with my own money.

When you walk into Sephora or any other beauty store,  you've probably sees tons of foundations, BB creams, and other makeup products that come with an SPF number. Perhaps these types of products have made you wonder, do they actually protect your skin from the sun? Should we bother wearing makeup with SPF?

I've been really curious about makeup products that promise to offer some sun protection. So I ventured out and read a few articles here and there to answer my own questions.

Is Foundation with SPF Enough to Protect Your Skin from the Sun?
Many people who are knowledgeable about skincare and sun protection know that the answer to this question is a resounding, "NO." Dermatologist Dr. Baumann (interviewed by Susan Clark from WebMD) stated that the amount of foundation that we typically apply to our face is not nearly as much as we need to get adequate sun protection; in fact, you would need to apply "7 times as much foundation" to get the SPF that your makeup promises to deliver. And hell no, I am not caking my face in that much base makeup! No thanks. This is exactly why I always apply a separate sunscreen underneath my foundation.

 So then what's the point of having makeup with SPF?
You need at least a quarter-size amount of sunscreen on your face (yep, that's a lot). Even though I try my best to apply as much sunscreen as possible, there may be some areas on my face that I don't apply enough sunscreen to. This is where makeup comes in; by applying base makeup with SPF, I can try to cover up the areas I inadvertently missed. As skincancer.org stated, "The truth is that most people do not get the most out of their sunscreen because either they do not apply enough of it, or they apply it unevenly.  Two applications of cosmetics that contain a sunscreen will increase your chances of getting good protection." The way I see it, it's kind of like how I try to get my daily dose of vitamins through my diet by eating healthy, but I still take vitamin supplements, just in case.

Of course, one of the most annoying things with some makeup products that have SPF is that they can "flash back" in photos, creating the embarrassing ghost face. Luckily, I've found some base makeup products that don't create a white cast, even with flash photography:
1. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation (SPF 15)
2. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (SPF 15)
3. Skin79 VIP Gold BB Cream (SPF 30) - as long as you don't apply too much
4. Laneige BB Cushion Compact

If my sun lotion has an SPF of 30 and my foundation has an SPF of 15, that means I get a sun protection factor of 45, right?
No. It just doesn't work like that. Also, we shouldn't focus so much on number; an SPF of 100 doesn't give you twice the protection of an SPF 50. After 30, there really isn't much of a difference in terms of protection power. In fact, according to this WebMD article, no sunscreen can give 100% protection. Picking a sunscreen lotion with an SPF 30-45 is good enough for me for everyday wear, and the most important thing to do is to reapply. Which brings me to my next point... 

Do I need to reapply?
If you are going to be outside for a long period of time, then YES, no matter how high your SPF number is. I get it: this is such an inconvenience for anyone who wears makeup. After all, who wants to put on some goopy sunscreen on top of your perfectly made up face? My solution to this is to use a BB cushion compact or a mineral powder foundation with SPF when you need to reapply.

How Do I Protect My Lips?
You can use lip products with SPF, but one of the most interesting things I've learned from these readings is that you can use opaque lipstick as a way to give your lips some protection (both WebMD and Skincancer.org have said this). I guess I'll be rocking the bold lip when I go to work from now on!

Bottom line is, makeup alone can't protect you, but it can help if you've already applied your sunscreen.  Now, I'd like to open this up for discussion: What are your thoughts about makeup with SPF? Please feel free to share and add anything anything to this topic!

Till later,
Eva

FTC statement: This is not a sponsored post. The links provided above are not affiliate links.  I purchased all the products mentioned above with my own money.

And now for the fun part....FACE MASKS! In the winter, I look for masks that hydrate my skin or brighten my complexion. As you can see here, I tend to gravitate towards Korean masks; I've been consistently using The Face Shop, Innisfree, and Tony Moly masks for several years now. Though there are plenty of great masks from other countries and other brands, I've stuck to these brands because they are fairly affordable and highly effective.

As a reminder, I have combination skin, though my skin gets very dehydrated in the winter. As far as when and how often I use these masks, I use sheet masks 1-2 times a week, depending on how my skin is looking. I love using them before a night on the town, though I also use them right before bed when I want to pamper myself. I use my clay mask less often and only for "emergencies."

The Face Shop's Mango Seed and Chia Seed Masks: These two masks perform similarly in terms of the results. They're great for extremely dehydrated skin. After using these, my skin is hydrated and feels plumper. These sheets are packed with so much essence and I find that I don't need to use as much of my moisturizing cream when I use these masks. I'll probably repurchase the mango one and not the chia seed mask, only because the scent of the chia seed mask is unpleasant to my nose. I purchased mine directly from the brand's store in California. Unfortunately, I can't find these masks on an online site that I've purchased from. But if you want another hydrating mask from The Face Shop, I highly recommend their Avocado mask (which was not featured here, only because I used them all up).

Tony Moly I'm Real Mask Sheet (Tomatoes): My skin tends to look dull in the winter, so I turn to this mask to make my skin appear more radiant and bright. Though Tony Moly's masks aren't filled with as much essence as The Face Shop's, I still find them to be highly effective. This mask, in particular, makes my skin glow immediately after use, and the effect seems to linger well into the next day. This is also great at minimizing redness. Despite its brightening properties, the mask does not dry out my skin and actually hydrates it. You can purchase this from iMomoko or Peach and Lily.

Tony Moly Pureness 100 Mask Sheet (Caviar): Sometimes when I eat junk food, take long flights, or get stressed out, my skin starts to look a little crappy; my face gets more sensitive, dry, splotchy, and tired-looking. When that happens, I always turn to a nourishing mask. My favorite this season is this caviar mask, which makes my skin look much more awake and plumper. As with the other masks I've mentioned, this works immediately after I use it. I got mine from Peach and Lily.

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask: I recently wrote a review on this mask (read it here), indicating how much I like it. While it is a little drying, I still use this to clean out my pores when I need to. In the winter, I only apply this on my T-zone and use it no more than once a week (sometimes only two times a month).

Tips that Work for Me

1. Do not leave sheet masks on your face for more than the recommended time, especially if it's made out of cotton. Doing so potentially can dry out your skin, because the cloth will absorb the moisture from your face. I leave my sheet masks on my face for no more than 15 minutes.

2. For best results, use sheet masks after you exfoliate. By removing the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, the essence from your masks will penetrate into your skin much more effectively.

3. I personally like to use sheet masks after my toner and booster for better absorption. In addition, I always pat and press the mask essence onto my skin after I take off the sheet. Again, this helps it absorb better.

4. There is always a little bit of essence left in the packet after you take out the mask. To avoid waste, I apply the excess essence onto my neck, chest, and hands.

5. Most sheet masks' benefits are temporary, which is why I prefer using one right before I go out for an event or a fun night out. From my personal experience, makeup application goes on much more smoothly after using a sheet mask.  I also find that I use a lot less foundation because the masks make my skin appear healthier and more even-toned than usual.

6. If you don't have easy access to sheet masks, you can soak cotton pads in your favorite hydrating toner and place the pads on your face for three minutes. Avoid using an astringent toner, as it can dry out the skin.

If you haven't read the other parts of my Winter skincare, hop on over to my previous posts!
Part 1: Cleansing
Part 2: Toner and Serums
Part 3: Moisturizers and Eye Creams

Lastly, I've been looking for a good sleeping pack. So far, I've tried Laneige's Water Sleeping Pack and The Face Shop's sleeping mask, but I haven't been satisfied with them. Let me know if you have any recommendations for sleeping masks!

So I'm sure lots of you use masks. If you do, please share: What are your all-time favorite face masks?

 Till later,

Eva

FTC statement: This is not a sponsored post. The links provided above are not affiliate links.  I purchased all the products mentioned above with my own money.

Okay okay, I know I use lots of Shiseido products. I swear that I am not sponsored by or affiliated with Shiseido. I also have never worked for them in my life. Shiseido, however, is a brand that my grandmother and mother have been using for years, and their products have been working incredibly well for them. I picked up Shiseido skincare products when I was in college, loved the results they gave me, and always went back to them when I was dissatisfied with other brands. Not all their skincare and makeup items are great and they might not always work for everyone, but the ones that I mention here (and my other skincare posts) are products that I've repurchased over and over again.

Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Cream [DAY & NIGHT]: I've used this night cream for a very long time now, and it's my go-to moisturizer for colder months. This is meant to be a night cream for extremely dry skin; however, I use this both in the night and day time because the winter here in Minnesota and our indoor heaters make my skin brutally dry. Without a good moisturizer, my skin gets flaky. Luckily for me, this moisturizer seals all the serums I applied so that my skin does not feel dry or dehydrated at all by the time I come home from a long day. As a result, my skin has been flake-free and healthy-looking. Because of how emollient this is, I only suggest it to people with very dry skin and those living in cold (like below freezing) and dry climates; someone with normal skin living in a humid climate might find this product too overwhelming. Another reason why I like this moisturizer is because it has vitamin C and a few other ingredients to help with cell-turnover. You can easily find this at almost any Shiseido counter, Nordstrom, and Sephora.

Shiseido Ibuki Eye Correcting Cream [DAY ONLY]: I recently wrote a review on this, expressing praise for this. You can head over to my post here. Long story short, this does a brilliant job de-puffing and brightening my eye area and it wears so well under my concealer.

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist24 Eye Contour Cream [NIGHT ONLY]: At night, I need a much more emollient eye cream. This has worked incredibly well for me; it has hyaluronic acid to keep my eye area hydrated. It has also helped to minimize puffiness and dehydration lines by the time I wake up. Luckily for me, I haven't had any clogged pores from this, though I can see how this can be too heavy for some people. The reason why I only use this at night is because it wears terribly under concealer and it leaves a somewhat greasy film. Thus, I only use this during the winter when the environment is incredibly dry. You can purchase this at almost any Shiseido counter, Nordstrom, and Sephora.

Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream in SPF 40 [DAY ONLY]: Sun care is a must for me, even during the winter, because I walk and take the bus to work almost every day. I use this daily over my moisturizer. This cream is non-drying and feels slightly thick, which I think actually helps to protect my skin from the harsh winds. Despite its thickness, it works great as a primer for my BB cream/light foundations and is non-sticky and non-greasy. The only downside to this is that it does leave a light cast, so I only recommend it if you have light or fair skin, or wear a tinted moisturizer or foundation on top of it. You can buy this at pretty much any Shiseido counter, Nordstrom, and Sephora.

Tips that Work for Me
1. When applying moisturizer, I always warm it up with the palm of my hands and gently pat it into my skin to avoid dragging my face down and causing redness. When applying on my neck, I gently apply it in an upward motion.

2. As for eye creams, I apply it with my ring fingers with a tapping motion. I also gently press onto the pressure points around my eye to help me relax. In terms of when I apply my eye cream in my routine, I use it in between my serums while I'm waiting for the serums to absorb into my skin.

3. You've probably heard this time and time again, but people with oily skin should still consider using moisturizers. Overproduction of sebum occurs because the skin is compensating for the lack of hydration beneath the top layer of skin. I used to have oily skin, but the oiliness has been minimized ever since I started using thicker moisturizers (and hydrating serums).

4. Although we barely get any sun in the winter here, I always wear sunscreen, especially when I am using any brightening products (particularly if they contain Vitamin C); such products can your skin photo sensitive.

5. To avoid vitamin D deficiency when wearing your sunscreen, take a supplement and or make sure to eat enough food with vitamin D (e.g., fish and dark leafy greens).

If you haven't seen the other parts of my Winter Skincare Routine Series, head over to Part 1 (cleansing) and Part 2 (toners, essences, and serums). The last part will be coming up very soon, where I will be talking about my favorite face masks for the winter!

 In the meantime, please share: What are your favorite moisturizers and eye creams for the winter?

Till later,

Eva


FTC statement: This is NOT a sponsored post. There are no affiliate links. The reviewed products were purchased by me, with my own money.
As the title suggests, this is Part 2 of my winter skincare routine series. If you haven't seen Part 1 yet, head over HERE. As you may notice, my skincare regimen consists of many steps. But as the cosmetician Helena Rubinstein famously said, "There are no ugly women, only lazy ones." Having an extensive skincare routine may not be for everyone, and I'm sure many people can have good skin with a simple 3-step skincare regimen; unfortunately for me, I have to do a little more than others to maintain my skin's condition, especially in the winter.

Shiseido Ibuki Softening Concentrate [DAY & NIGHT]: This isn't the best toner that I've tried, but I picked this up because it's much more accessible and cheaper than my favorite one (Albion's Essential Skin Conditioner). This makes my skin feel very soft and it does feel like it's preparing my skin for subsequent products. Other than that, I don't see any other benefits, which is why I'll probably switch back to Albion when I finish this bottle. If you are interested in getting your hands on this, you can purchase this at any Shiseido counter, Sephora, and Nordstrom.

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate [DAY & NIGHT]: This product is probably my favorite skincare purchase of 2014. I use this as a booster, as it is meant to be applied before essences and serums to facilitate their absorption. One pump is all I need for my entire face and neck and it sinks into my skin immediately with no sticky residue. Since using this twice each day, my face has been looking so much more radiant and feels plumper. I'll be posting a more detailed review of Ultimune in the near future explaining how exactly this works. You can purchase this at any Shiseido counter, Sephora, and Nordstrom.

 Mizon Mela Defense White Capsule Essence [NIGHT ONLY]: I've mentioned this in my post about hyperpigmentation. I still use this religiously every single night to prevent dark spots from forming and to lighten existing spots on my face. Though it takes awhile to see results, I have concluded that this gentle essence is effective on my skin. I highly recommend this to anyone with sensitive skin who is looking for ways to brighten and prevent hyperpigmentation. I purchased mine from Peach and Lily's website.

Mizon Hyaluronic Acid 100 serum [DAY & NIGHT]: I recently posted a review on this, which you can find here. I always include a hydrating serum in my regimen, and this serum does not disappoint. I think this is great for any skin type (including sensitive skin) and is effective at keeping my skin moist from deep within. I purchased mine from Peach and Lily's website.

Be the Skin Pore Botanical Serum [DAY & NIGHT, when needed]: I always use this right after I exfoliate or use a deep-cleansing mask to help minimize the appearance of my pores. It doesn't make the look of pores disappear completely, but I think it does help a little. I only use this when my pores look larger than usual. I appreciate that this isn't astringent at all and is very gentle on the skin. Unlike other pore serums, this isn't drying, and it is actually quite moisturizing (without clogging pores, of course). I purchased mine from Peach and Lily's website.

Now, on to some tips that I swear by.

Tips that Work for Me:
1. I generally follow this order when applying these products: Cleansing-> toner/softener --> booster --> essence --> serum(s). Then, I follow up with my moisturizer. If you're still not sure of which order to apply your skincare products, always start with the thinnest substance (which is usually more liquidy) and end with the thickest, most viscous product.

2. I avoid using astringent toners; instead, I look for one that is intended to soften the skin. Astringents tend to be way too harsh for my sensitive skin, whereas moisturizing/softening toners are better at preparing the skin for subsequent products.

3.  I tend to invest more money in my essences and serums because they are meant to be the most effective in maintaining your skin's health, compared to cleansers and moisturizers. Thus, I always try to get samples before purchasing serums and essences before forking over the money.

4.  If you are still young and would like to try a serum, I suggest investing in products that hydrate your skin. Keeping your skin hydrated can help to prevent early signs of aging, as having dry, dehydrated skin creates a terrible environment for collagen growth. I look for hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and argan oil.

So there you have it: Part 2 of my skincare routine. Stay tuned for Part 3, where I will talk about my go-to moisturizer, eye creams, and sun screen for the winter!

So please share: Do you use any toners, essences, or serums? What are some of your favorites?

 Till later,

Eva


FTC statement: This is NOT a sponsored post. There are no affiliate links. The reviewed products were purchased by me, with my own money.
My name is Eva and I'm a skincare addict.

Yes, I'm obsessed with skincare, which is why I decided to post my skincare routine in four parts. This is part 1 of my winter skincare routine series. Here, I will discuss what I do to cleanse my skin. I have sensitive, dehydrated skin. I generally have combination skin; in the winter, however, my cheeks tend to get very dry. My skin concerns include large pores, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and redness.

Now, on to the products:

1. Almay Longwear and Waterproof Gentle Eye Makeup Remover [NIGHT ONLY]: I wear waterproof mascara, so a highly effective eye makeup remover is a must. This is the first step to my skincare routine at night.  I soak up two cotton pads with this product (I use cheap cotton pads from Daiso which work really well), gently place the cotton pads on my closed eyelids for about 1 minute, and wait for this makeup remover to dissolve my eyeshadow, liner, and mascara. You can purchase this from pretty much any drugstore in the U.S., Ulta, and Amazon [affiliate link].

2. Mizon No. 1 King's Berry Cleansing Oil [NIGHT ONLY]: I've written a review of this, which you can find here. This is my favorite cleansing oil at the moment because it is gentle on the skin yet highly effective at removing all my base makeup. This is rich with antioxidants, too! I got my bottle from Peach & Lily.

3. Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser [NIGHT & DAY]: I use this foam cleanser every morning and night. I only need a pea sized amount to make it foam and it leaves my skin feeling clean yet not stripped of its moisture. I usually purchase mine from local Shiseido counters. You can purchase this from Shiseido's online website and Sephora.

4. Japanese Konjac Sponge in Green Tea [NIGHT ONLY]: Normally, I wouldn't recommend to exfoliate your skin more than once a week; however, because of my keratosis pilaris, I need to use a gentle exfoliator three times a week; otherwise, my rough patches of "chicken skin" get out of control. My Japanese Konjac Sponge does such a great job at keeping my skin condition at bay. This is extremely soft and gentle on the skin. I personally like the Green Tea sponge because it is much softer than the charcoal one, and is more effective than their pink one. I use apply a small amount of my Shiseido cleanser on this sponge, and gentle rub it all over my face in small circles, focusing around the nose area. You can get this from their official website.


Tips that Work for Me:
1. I double-cleanse every single night, even when I don't wear makeup. I don't like relying on only one cleanser to take everything off because I've found such products to be way too harsh for my skin. In addition, using an oil cleanser and a foaming cleanser will help to clean out both the water-and oil-based gunk that accumulate on my face throughout the day. I've been double-cleansing for almost 10 years now, and I've found this cleansing method to be the most gentle and most effective at keeping my acne at bay.

2. I much prefer using a gentle exfoliation tool like my konjac sponge to exfoliate my skin regularly, rather than using a granulated scrubs. Granualated scrubs are way too abrasive for my skin, and I don't think they're very effective at cleaning out my pores. I also don't like chemical exfoliators that contain hydroxy acids; even at the lowest concentration, these tend to irritate my skin and leave my face red.

3. I avoid using cleansing foams with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is a very harsh detergent that is often used in many cleansers. This ingredient can dry and irritate the skin.

4. When I'm using my foaming cleanser by itself, I use the pads of my pinky fingers to gently wash hard-to-reach areas (e.g., around the nose) in circular motions.

5. When rinsing off my cleanser, I splash my face with water and avoid any rubbing. I do this to avoid any redness and irritation.

Want more information about my skincare? Click HERE for Part 2, where I talk about my toner and serums!

Please share! What products do you use to cleanse your skin?

Till later,

Eva

FTC statement: This is not a sponsored post. With the exception of the Amazon link, the links provided above are not affiliate links.  I purchased all the products mentioned above with my own money.

Mizon is one of my favorite skincare brands. I've found that their products are effective yet gentle on my sensitive skin. In addition, Mizon heavily relies on solid research and development to produce high-quality products. Their Hyaluronic Acid 100 serum is no exception. I decided to pick this baby up because of its high concentration of hyaluronic acid, which one of the best ingredients for hydrating the skin.

Product Details
This serum promises to deliver hydration to the skin, as it has a 50% concentration of hyaluronic acid. The serum itself is a clear substance with a runny texture. It is packaged in a cute, sky-blue 30 mL bottle with a dropper. I purchased this serum for $42.

Ingredients
Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Butylene Glycol, Sclerotium Gum, 1,2-octanediol, Ethylhexyl-glycerin, Tropolone, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Carppyl/capric Triglyceride,Hydrogenated Lecithin, Stearic Acid, C12-c20alkyl Glucoside, C13-22 Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cholesteryl Hydroxystearate, Cholesterol, Ceramid 3, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Betula Platpyhlla Japonica Juice, Portaluca Oleracea Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Amica Montana Flower Extract, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Rasberry) Fruit Extract, Beta-Glucan, Adenosine, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA

How I Use It
I take one and a half drops of this and pat it gently onto my cheeks and neck/dĂ©colletage after my cleanser, toner, booster, and essence. I follow it up with my moisturizer. I apply this both during the day and night.

Results
1. I love how my skin absorbs it immediately after applying. This makes it so much easier to apply subsequent products. Moreover, it does not leave any greasy residue at all.

2. This does an incredible job keeping my face hydrated. My skin tends to get dehydrated in the summer (due to excessive air conditioning) and winter (due to the harsh winds and indoor heaters). I rarely get flakey skin and my skin looks so much more vibrant and much less tired.

3. As I mentioned in my post about my skin condition, I believe that this product has been the most effective in minimizing my keratosis pilaris.  The texture of my skin is so much smoother now!

4. While I can't say this serum caused my skin to appear firmer, I believe that its hydrating effects contributed to the elasticity and firmness of my skin. I'm still relatively young (26 years old), but I find that products that help with firming minimize the appearance of my acne scars and pores. Because of this serum, my skin feels plump, my scars are much less noticeable, and my skin's surface appears to be more even.

5. As with other Mizon products I've tried, this is incredibly gentle on the skin. I had no adverse reactions to this serum.

Verdict: 5 out of 5
After using up two bottles of this, I can confidently say that I love this serum and I will always have this in my skincare stash. If you're interested in trying a serum with hydrating properties, I can't recommend this Mizon's Hyaluronic Acid 100 serum enough. It's suitable for any age and any skin type.

You can purchase this serum from Peach and Lily for $42 (which is where I bought mine) and from some Korean beauty stores. I saw that Amazon sold this for a much lower price, but I am hesitant to recommend it because some reviews indicated that the seller sells fakes. (If you have any thoughts about this, please comment below.)

So please share: What are your favorite serums? And have you used products with hyaluronic acid?

Till later,

Eva

FTC statement: This is NOT a sponsored post. There are no affiliate links. The reviewed product was purchased by me.

Innisfree's Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask was something I just happened to pick up one day when I was looking for something to deep-clean my skin. Specifically, I needed something to clean out the pores and blackheads around my nose. (I swear, my pores were so large that they each could have had their own postal zip codes.)

If I could sum this product up in five words, it would be,  "OH MY GAWRD, SO GOOD." After owning this product for almost two years and repurchasing two tubs of this, I figured it was time to write a review.

Description
This clay mask is intended to absorb excess sebum and clear out the impurities within your pores. The mask itself is a buttery clay substance that is fairly easy to spread on the skin. It has a very faint scent that is fairly pleasant. The mask comes in a plastic 100 mL tub (pictured above).

Ingredients
Water, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Volcanic Ash, Glycerin, Silica, Trehalose, Kaolin, Bentonite, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Orchid Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Pvp, Peg-100 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Xanthan Gum, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Zea Mays (Corns) Starch, Sorbitan Stearate, Polyacrylate-13, Mannitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Lactic Acid, Polyisobutene, Menthoxypropanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Polysorbate 20, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol

How I use it
During the summer, I use this twice a week after my oil and foam cleansers. I slather it all over my face, concentrating on my T-zone.  In the winter, I only use it once a week, as my skin tends to be less oily during colder months, and I only apply it to my T-zone. I wait for it to harden for about 12 minutes, then I rinse it off completely.  While it does take a while to remove, I don't think it's as difficult to take off as other clay masks (e.g., Origin's charcoal clay mask). Then I follow it up with my usual toner and pore serum.

Results
1. This does an amazing job cleaning out all the gunk out of my pores; as a result, most of my blackheads are gone and the pores around my nose appear noticeably smaller.

2. It's also surprisingly gentle on my sensitive skin, in that my skin does not react or get irritated by it at all. In addition, my T-zone has gotten less oily since using this.

3. I think it's great at preventing pimples from getting too out of hand. Every time a pimple begins to rear its ugly little head, I use this mask and the zit goes away within a couple days.

Other considerations
1. I probably wouldn't recommend this to you if you have extremely dry skin. I always follow up immediately with my usual skincare because this mask can be a little drying. I would avoid using this product more than twice a week for that reason.

2. If you plan to purchase this with the intention of minimizing the appearance of pores, I suggest you follow up with a pore serum; this clay mask is great at making pores look smaller immediately after you use it, but a pore serum will help to make that effect last longer.  I use the Be the Skin pore serum. That serum does not work to minimize the appearance of my pores on its own, but complements this clay mask really well.

3. This clay mask does not replace exfoliation, despite what some online retailers say.  This is a deep-cleaning mask, but it is not as effective in shedding off dead skin as exfoliating products.

Verdict: 4.5 out of 5
I gave this a pretty high rating because it is one of the few masks that I've used that effectively cleans out my pores without irritating my skin. The only qualms I have are that it is slightly drying and it can't double up as an exfoliator.

You can purchase this at various Asian/Korean beauty websites like Korea Depart, some Korean supermarkets, and Amazon [Affiliate Link].

So do share: What is your favorite clarifying mask? 

Till later,

Eva

FTC statement: This is NOT a sponsored post. The link provided for Amazon is an affiliate link. You are not obligated to purchase the items through this link, and you may purchase these products on their official websites or other retailers.
No joke: I've repurchased Maybelline's Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara six times and it is the only mascara that I own right now. I think this speaks volumes (no pun intended, I swear), considering that I usually prefer luxury makeup products and I tend to try out multiple products at the same time. After trying out various mascaras from various price ranges and brands, I decided to commit to this one mascara.

So why did this drugstore mascara become my holy grail?

1. This mascara is perfect for my stick-straight lashes; because it's so lightweight, it holds my lash curl all day long.
2. Just as its name suggests, it adds fullness to my lashes with just one coat. My eyelashes lack volume and this makes them look thicker without any clumping.
3. Despite its waterproof formula, it does not make my lashes brittle at all. I think the vitamin E helps my lashes stay hydrated.
4. No panda eyes! It stays put on my lashes all day long without any flakes or smudges.
5. I've received so many compliments about how my lashes look every time I wear this. (Not gonna lie, compliments make me feel pretty damn good about myself.)
6. It's fairly easy to remove when I use my eye makeup remover.  I used to enjoy Japanese mascaras because they were able to do the things that I listed above; however, they are such a bitch to remove.

Bottom line is, I love this mascara. The only thing that some people may not like is that it does not add much length; however, I can live with that. If you are looking for a volumizing mascara that is inexpensive and can hold your lash curl all day, I highly recommend this.

You can purchase it at most drug stores, Ulta, or Amazon (Affiliate Link). More information about it can be found on Maybelline's official website.


So please share: Have you tried this product? What is your absolute favorite mascara?

Till later,

Eva


FTC statement: This is NOT a sponsored post. The link provided for Amazon is an affiliate link. You are not obligated to purchase the items through this link, and you may purchase these products on their official websites or other retailers.

As I've mentioned in a previous post, I'm a firm believer in maintaining great skin from a well-rounded lifestyle. This includes eating healthy and obtaining beauty from within. One of my favorite healthy drinks is matcha.

What is matcha?
Matcha (抹茶) is a powdered type of green tea. You whisk it in a bowl with hot (but not boiling) water and it eventually turns into a thick, frothy drink. Unlike other green teas that need to be steeped through tea bags or a strainer, you consume the tea leaves directly.

Matcha does require a bit of an acquired taste, as it is slightly more bitter than other green teas. I enjoy sipping matcha on its own, though I also like adding a little bit of pure honey sometimes to sweeten it. If you're just beginning to drink matcha and are still a little intimated by the bitter taste, I suggest trying it in a latte (just like the one I photographed above).

 Why drink matcha?
As I mentioned, you ingest the tea leaves directly. This means that you take in more of the health benefits that green tea offers, including vitamins A, B, and C. In addition, one study concluded that matcha has three times the concentration of ECCG--an antioxidant polyphenol that can help to lower risk for cancer and maintain cardiovascular health--compared to many other types of green teas (read Weiss & Anderton, 2003). Matcha can also benefit those who interested in losing and maintaining weight, as ECCG had been found to help suppress appetite and reduce weight in a rat study (Kao, Hiipakka, & Liao, 2000). In addition, matcha contains high concentrations of theanine, an amino acid that can help to calm you down when you're stressed (Kimura, Ozeki, Juneja, & Ohira, 2007), What's there not to like?

How does this relate to beauty and skin health?
Other than the fact that your overall health can be reflected in how your skin looks, matcha is filled with anti-oxidants, which can help to prevent early signs of aging on your skin. Also, anti-oxidants help to protect your skin from inflammation and cancer.

Where to get matcha
When purchasing matcha, make sure to buy it from reputable sellers; higher quality matcha tastes much sweeter and contain more anti-oxidants than lower grade matcha. My personal favorites can be purchased at these sites, though you certainly can buy matcha at many Japanese supermarkets and various tea stores.
Lupicia
THAO <-- They also has a helpful guide for preparing matcha, which can be found here.

Hope you found this post helpful. Feel free to share: Have you tried matcha or any other type of teas?

Till later,

Eva

FTC statement: This is NOT a sponsored post. I just really love matcha =).  None of the links are affiliate links.

Shiseido's Ibuki Eye Correcting Cream is a product that tends to get mixed reviews. I think the effectiveness of the product really depends on the user's skin type and concerns. Fortunately for me, this eye cream worked quite well. In fact, I tried a sample of this product when it first came out, and I enjoyed it so much that I've purchased three tubes of this since then.

If you're thinking of purchasing the Ibuki Eye Correcting Cream and you're still unsure of whether or not it will work for you, read on!

My Skin Type and Skin Concerns
First, it's worth noting what my skin is like. I have combination skin and the area around my eyes is usually not that dry. In the winter, however, my eye area tends to get slightly drier; sometimes, I get dehydration lines if I don't keep it moisturized enough. Aside from occasional dryness, I also am prone to getting puffy eyelids and dark circles, especially when I don't sleep well.

Shiseido Ibuki Eye Correcting Cream's Promises
According to the packaging, has ingredients to help protect the skin's surface from "environmental stressors." It contains vitamin E and Houttuynia Cordata Extract (a type of detoxifying plant) to de-puff the eye area and support "natural cellular metabolism" (whatever the hell that means).  It also promises to lighten up dark circles with its Lempuyang Extract (a type of ginger, which is known to help inhibit the growth of melanoma cells) and a light-enhancing powder. Evidently, Shiseido's claims matched my own interests.

Packaging
This comes in a plastic tube, which is great if you're worried about dipping your hands into a jar. The tube is also really easy to cut open so that I can get every last drop of this.

Texture and Appearance
The cream is not too thick, though I wouldn't say it's runny either. It's fairly light compared to Shiseido's other eye creams. The cream itself has a subtle peach tint to help brighten up the eye area.

Benefits of the Product
The eye cream was effective in de-puffing my eye area and making my dark circles a lot less noticeable, though I think the brightening under my eyes was more of a superficial effect. But I was very happy about how well it minimized my puffy lids. I think it is a great product to use in the morning after a long night. It also wears fantastically well under concealer, as it does not leave a greasy film around the eyes. I also did not have any adverse reactions (e.g., milia, itchiness, burning) to this at all. In terms of its moisturizing properties, I thought this was sufficient during the day, even in the winter. I've found that this prevents dehydration lines from forming.

Drawbacks of the Product
This is not hydrating enough for me during cold winter nights; usually, I use heavier eye creams before I sleep. I highly doubt this would be effective for someone with dry under-eyes. Also, Shiseido's claims about this protecting against "environmental stressors" is so vague. What does this even mean? There's no way I can test out its effectiveness against such stressors because I feel like this benefit was so poorly defined by the company.

Verdict: 4 out of 5
When I ran out of my first bottle of this eye cream, I really felt like I was missing it badly. It's such a fabulous daytime eye cream for younger people who don't have extremely dry eye areas. If you want an eye cream for the day with some brightening and de-puffing effects, you might enjoy this. But while it wears well under concealer, this won't be hydrating enough for people with extremely dry under-eyes, however. I also do not think this would be effective at all for people looking for something to correct deep-set wrinkles and sagging. I also don't appreciate the lack of clarity in Shiseido's claims about this product. Overall though, it satisfies my needs.

You can purchase Shiseido's Ibuki Eye Correcting Cream from Amazon [Affiliate Link], their official website, Sephora, and at department stores with Shiseido counters.

Hope you found this post helpful. Do share: What is your favorite eye cream and why?

Till later,

Eva


FTC statement: This is NOT a sponsored post. The link provided for Amazon is an affiliate link. You are not obligated to purchase the items through this link, and you may purchase these products on their official websites or other retailers.

Due to my Asian heritage, I am highly prone to getting hyperpigmentation, which occurs when my skin overproduces melanin. When I used to get lots of blemishes, they would always leave really ugly dark spots on my skin that took ages to disappear. Nowadays, I worry about getting hyperpigmentation from photosensitivity.

For me, the best way to avoid dark spots is prevention. Here are some of the ways I prevent hyperpigmentation from forming.

1. I protect my skin from sun exposure.  Based on my observations on my own skin, sun exposure elicits sun spots to form and darken my acne scars. Thus, I always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVB and UVA rays, rain or shine. It is important to apply it even when it is cloudy because clouds do not protect you from UV rays.  Some of my favorite sunscreens include Shiseido's Urban Environment UV Protection Cream, and Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense 50+ . Regardless of what sunscreen you use, make sure to reapply it throughout the day, especially if you are exposed to the sun for long periods of time. Unfortunately, using sunscreen does prevent you from getting Vitamin D; however, I get my daily dosage of vitamin D from my diet (specifically from salmon, fortified cereal, and eggs) and supplemental pills.

2. I use a brightening essence or serum. Every night, I use a brightening essence religiously. I'm currently using Mizon's Mela Defense White Capsule Essence (pictured above), which has worked so well for me. This product is the reason why I rarely get any sunspots and my blemishes don't leave nasty marks anymore. I didn't see any lightening effects until 4 weeks of using this product, but I definitely think this is much better as a preventative measure, rather than as something you use when you have a severely dark spot. I also think this is perfect for my sensitive skin because it relies on gentle ingredients like cherry blossom extract to brighten dark spots.I have not gotten any adverse reactions from this. In addition to the brightening benefits, this makes my skin glow and feel soft to the touch. One note I must add is that when selecting brightening treatments, avoid harsh chemicals like hydroquinone and other bleaching agents; though they do work to lighten dark spots, I personally would stay away from these because they are extremely harsh on skin, particularly on sensitive skin.

3. I eat fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C.  I've been eating food rich in vitamin C such as tangerines, kiwis, bell peppers, and spinach. Intaking vitamin C is great for preventing hyperpigmentation because it inhibits your skin from producing too much melanin. Also, Vitamin C in general is just good to have for your overall health (duh!), regardless of whether or not you are prone to getting dark spots.


So tell me: Is hyperpigmentation something that you worry about like I do? Do share!

Till later,

Eva


FTC statement: This is not a sponsored post. Links provided above are not affiliate links.  Item pictured above was purchased by me.
From left to right: 1. Origins Ginger Body Scrub Smoothing Body Buffer; 2. L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil; 3. Lush Snowcake Soap; 4. Korres Butter Butter in Guava; 5. Nivea Soft Moisturizing Creme
I love the holidays, but one of the worst things about winter is how dry my body gets. Here are some of the things that I use during the colder months to keep my elbows, knees, feet, and everywhere else on my body hydrated!

1. Origins Ginger Body Scrub Smoothing Body Buffer ($37.00 for 21.2 oz). Sometimes, my body just needs a little bit of a scrub to get rid of those unsightly flakes. About two times a week, I use this Body Buffer. The sea salts are really great at buffing my skin. In addition, it's filled with macadamia, kukui, soybean, and sweet almond oil to keep my skin from drying up. Did I mention is smells really good?

2. L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil [Affiliate Link] ($25 for 8.4 fl. oz).  This oil is great to use when I want a little bit of moisture, especially when I shave my legs. It emulsifies with water into a luxurious cream. It's really effective at hydrating my skin when I shower, but I can't say that I feel really clean after using it. Though I enjoy its moisturizing properties and I like how it smells, I don't think I'll be purchasing this again.

3. Lush Snowcake Soap ($7.95 for 3.5 oz). I will admit that I think most of Lush's bath products are overrated; however, I enjoyed using this soap.  The scent is quite good, just like sweet almonds, marzipan, and a little bit of Play-doh (?). Though not as luxurious and hydrating as L'Occitane's shower oil, this doesn't strip my skin of moisture (despite the fact that SLS is one of its ingredients). It also does a better job at cleaning (and taking off my deodorant...). Keep in mind that Snowcake is only released during the winter, so you might want to grab your piece of it before it runs out.

4. Korres Body Butter in Guava ($29.00 for 7.95 oz). As I mentioned in a past post, I have a skin condition called keratosis pilaris (or KP), which looks like dry patches of chicken skin (sexy, right?). This body butter is excellent at minimizing  this problem! I love how a little goes a long way. It's quite thick and spreading it might be a little difficult, but I think it's totally worth it considering how effective it is. Though it is highly moisturizing, it doesn't leave a disgusting greasy film. I like it! FYI, this body butter has shea butter, sunflower oil, almond oil, and avocado oil.

5. NIVEA Soft Refreshingly Soft Moisturizing Creme, 6.8 Oz [Affiliate Link] (~$5.32 for 6.8 oz). My feet are the saddest part of my body in terms of moisture. (I feel so bad for the pedicurists at the nail salons who have to deal with this pair of crusty crusts). So far, I've been quite happy with this moisturizing cream. Every night, after I shower, I take a huge dollop of this cream, smack it onto my feet, and put socks on. The next morning, my feet are in a much better state!

So there you have it: my favorite body products for this winter! I would love to hear about your favorite products that keep your body moisturized during this cold season.

Till later,

Eva

FTC statement: This is NOT a sponsored post, but the links provided for the L'Occitane and Nivea products are affiliate links. You are not obligated to purchase the items through those links, and you may purchase these products on their official websites or other retailers.

When I was in high school and college, my skin suffered from moderate to severe acne. My lower cheeks, neck, and forehead were speckled with red, inflamed spots that left unsightly post-acne marks. I was frustrated and couldn't understand how to make the hot mess on my face just go away!

There is no doubt that stress and the harsh skincare products I was using at the time may have aggravated my skin condition. But I later realized that poor digestive health was a possible contributor to my acne. A dermatologist I saw actually suggested that I re-examine my dietary habits and make sure that I was taking care of my gut. This makes sense to me now; in fact,  some evidence suggests that "gut microbes," along with other factors (like stress, low fiber, and a high fat diet) may have implications for the development of acne (Bowe & Logan, 2011; Katzman & Logan, 2007). When we get stressed and or fail to eat a healthy diet, the good bacteria in our stomach change and decrease, and more unhealthy bacteria form. This eventually releases toxins into the bloodstream, which leads to inflammation.  This whole process may lead to breakouts on the skin, mainly for people who are predisposed for getting acne.

For five years now, I've been doing everything I could to make my skin look and feel better. I've been exercising to decrease stress levels, using higher quality products on my skin, avoiding processed food, and increasing my intake of fiber. But I believe the most significant change that I made to my lifestyle was eating yogurt regularly and taking probiotic supplements. Based on my own observations, I believe this made such a big difference not only to my skin (as I rarely get pimples now), but to my overall health and well-being. My stomach has been feeling very happy and my skin has never looked better! 

If you're experiencing acne and or digestive health issues, talk to your doctor and see if taking probiotics is the right thing for you. I'm happy to say that it worked for me, and I hope it will work for you, too!

Till later,

Eva


FTC statement: This is not a sponsored post. Links provided above are not affiliate links.  Item pictured above was purchased by me.


Double-cleansing is one of those habits that I've been doing for about 7 years. It's a step in my skincare regimen that I cannot skip, especially when I wear makeup and sunscreen. I can confidently say that it has been one of the factors that has greatly reduced my acne and the appearance of my pores.

When I double-cleanse every night, I always use an oil cleanser as my first step, like Mizon's No. 1 King's Berry Cleansing Oil.  Prior to purchasing this product, I've been using DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil religiously. Though it has worked for me in the past when my skin used to be oily, I found that DHC's cleanser stripped too much of my moisture during recent uses. I knew I couldn't use this now, especially because I live in such harsh and dry winter climate. So I decided to turn to No. 1 King's Berry Cleansing Oil.

So, how did Mizon's No. 1 King's Berry Cleansing Oil perform on my skin?

Pricing and Size
Right off the bat, one advantage of this over DHC's is that you get more bang for your buck. Though $38 sounds like a lot, this bottle is HUGE  (about 410 mL) and will surely last me a long time. I paid $28 for DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil, but that was only 198 mL.

Texture and Moisture
Compared to heavier cleansing oils (like DHC's and Kose's Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil), the texture is slightly more lightweight; however, I found this to be much more moisturizing. It did not strip away too much of my natural oils, so my skin didn't feel taught after using it. As always, I follow up with a gentle foaming cleanser, so I don't really worry about this being too oily.

Scent and Reactions
Though not fragranced, it does have a slight berry scent that I'm not entirely fond of; however, I am happy to say that my skin did not react negatively to it.

Performance
So, was it good at taking off my makeup and sunscreen? YES. Definitely.  I was already happy with how DHC was able to clean my skin, and I can say that this product performed just as well with respect to taking off all the makeup. I take 1-2 pumps of this, spread it on my face, and gently massage my skin to take everything off. When I do this, the oil emulsifies into a milky texture and I can easily feel all the disgusting gunk in my pores (especially around my nose) start to loosen up and come off.

Ingredients
This product contains the following ingredients:

Black chokeberry, bamboo leaf, papaya fruit, gypsophila paniculata root, portaluca, lavender oil, Japanese plum, lemon, orange, sunflower seed, sugar cane, A. saccharum, olive oil, shiitake mushroom, jojoba seed, natural vegetable oil (Sunflower seed, meadow foam seed, jojoba seed, camellia, lavender, lavender, olive, evening primrose)

 As you can see, the first ingredients listed are from fruit. I appreciate that Mizon did not include artificial colors, alcohol, added fragrances, or parabens and decided to use high-quality ingredients instead.

Verdict: 5 out of 5
Without a doubt, I will repurchase this. I am very happy with how well it took off my makeup and waterproof sunscreen without drying out my skin. In fact, my skin feels so soft and supple after using this. If you're a cleansing oil fanatic, I recommend you to try this out. 

Mizon No. 1 King's Berry Cleansing Oil retails for $38.00 (on Peach and Lily) for 410 mL.

Share your thoughts! Have you tried this product or any other cleansing oils?

Till later,

Eva ;)


FTC statement: This is not a sponsored post. Links provided above are not affiliate links.  I purchased the reviewed product with my own money.
As the title suggests, this post will be about a skin condition called keratosis pilaris (or KP), which is something that I have. According to the Mayo Clinic's official website, KP leads to dry, rough patches on the skin that look like very tiny red or white bumps. Some people compare its appearance to chicken skin. The reason why the bumps form is because too much keratin builds up and blocks the hair follicle openings. No one really knows what exactly causes KP, but some experts hypothesize that it's partially due to genetic factors. KP also tends to be more common during harsh winters, when the air is dry.

KP isn't a serious medical condition. But let's face it: KP ain't pretty. And it could be really annoying. Most people with KP often get these rough patches on the back of their arms, their legs, and bums. Some, including myself, get KP on their face. My bumps tend to appear right around my mouth and lower cheeks, especially when the outside temperature drops below freezing. As a result, my cheeks look dull and feel rough.

Luckily, KP disappears as you age. But being the impatient person I am, I can't wait that long. Thus, I've committed to a few habits that have minimized the appearance and severity of KP. These are the things that helped me:

1. Exfoliating Gently
I use exfoliation as a preventative measure. As I mentioned, KP occurs when there is too much protein build up around the hair follicles; thus, I rely on gentle exfoliation to prevent the keratin from building up excessively. I emphasize the word "gentle" because harsh exfoliators can really aggravate your skin and worsen the appearance of KP. My favorite way to exfoliate is to use a Japanese Konjac Sponge (affiliate link) every other day. This is a really effective yet gentle tool that I can use on my sensitive skin. This has really helped to prevent KP from rearing its ugly head.

2. Using a Gentle Cleanser
I avoid using cleansers with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), because this ingredient unnecessarily strips away moisture, which can really aggravate the dry patches on my skin. I've been using Shiseido's Gentle Cleanser for about a year and a half, and it's been working amazingly well for me. It makes my skin feel clean without feeling taut and dry. Other cleansers that I like are HABA Squa Powder Wash Cleanser with Papaya Enzymes (affiliate link) and cleansing oils like Mizon's No. 1 King;s Berry Cleansing Oil and Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil (affiliate link). Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (affiliate link) is also a great option for no-makeup days.


3. Retaining Moisture in My Skin
I use products with hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture in my skin, which is an ingredient we naturally have in our bodies. The reason why I use products with hyaluronic acid is because it is a hydorphylic molecule (i.e., it loves water); in fact, it is known to bind up to 1000 times its weight in water (see Fessler, Liselotte, & Fessler, 1966). My favorite serum is Mizon's Hyaluronic Acid 1000, which contains 50% of this awesome ingredient and is designed to absorb well into the skin and facilitate the absorption of other skincare products.  In addition, I also make sure I use a highly emollient face cream, day and night. My current favorite for the winter is Shiseido's White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Cream W; not only is this super moisturizing, but it has ingredients that help with skin's cell turnover (i.e., dead skin cells get replaced with new ones).  This seals in all the previous products I apply and makes my skin feel incredibly soft.

4. Using a Humidifier
When winter hits, people love to crank up the heater in my office and apartment buildings. While I do prefer the toasty temperature to the harsh winter cold, heaters actually dry out my skin and make KP much worse. This is why I decided to buy a humidifier, like the EWARE Mini Ultra-sonic Humidifier (affiliate link). I turn this on while I sleep, and the next day, my skin is soft, supple, and full of moisture. This humidifier has been working well for me, and I love how cute and compact it is.

5. Keeping Myself Hydrated
Last, but definitely not least: I drink LOTS of water! I can definitely tell if I'm dehydrated just by looking at my skin; it appears dull, dry, and tired. I am a believer in facilitating beauty from within. So even if you don't have KP, I highly suggest that you keep yourself hydrated.

So there it is folks--my personal favorite things to do to keep KP at bay. If you have KP or any other skin conditions, feel free to share your habits and products below in the comments!

Till later,

Eva

FTC statement: This is NOT a sponsored post, but some of the links are affiliate links (and they are indicated above). You are not obligated to purchase the items through those links, and you may purchase these products on their official websites or other retailers.
Winter weather can be so unkind to our hands and cuticles. During the winter, my hands get so cracked and dry, especially when it gets down to negative temperatures. So, what are my favorite products I use to treat my hands?
 
 SHISEIDO Advanced Essential Energy Hand Nourishing Cream, $24 (3.6 oz)
Every time my fingers get scaly from the dry, cold weather, I always use this. A dime-sized amount is enough to moisturize my hands, fingers, and wrists. This absorbs so fast and is really effective at making my skin feel baby soft and making that softness last for hours (even after I wash my hands). In addition, this hand cream makes my dull, winterized hands look brighter. It does not have any greasy residue, which is awesome because I can easily twist doorknobs and open jars without looking like a slippery idiot. It does have a floral fragrance, which can be a problem for people who prefer not to use scented products; however, I find myself coming back to this when my dry hands desperately need some help.

 KIEHL'S Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (affiliate link), $15 (5.0 oz)
Though not as creamy and luxurious as the Shiseido hand cream, this product does an amazing job of keeping my hands moisturized in the cold weather. I recommend trying this product, especially if you don't like perfumed scents in your beauty products. It's not artificially fragranced, though it does have a light and pleasant medicinal scent. I love packing this on flights; because it does not have an offensive scent, I don't feel embarrassed about applying this on planes. This is a great hand cream for men with tough hands who want an effective hand cream that doesn't smell feminine. In fact, my fiancé, my dad, and my uncle all love this product.

 ESSIE Apricot Cuticle Oil (affiliate link), ~$8.50, (0.50 oz)
 I always use this oil every single night and also as my last step when I do my own manicures at home. This keeps my cuticles nice and soft and prevents my cuticles from ripping. It has a very light apricot scent that is pleasant and inoffensive. I applied this one time on my fiance's cuticles, who has the driest hands known to mankind with painful and annoying hangnails. He won't admit this publicly, but this oil really improved the state of his fingers.

Now that I shared my hand care favorites, please feel free to share yours in the comments below!

Till later,

Eva

FTC statement: This is NOT a sponsored post, but the links provided for the Kiehl's and Essie products are affiliate links. You are not obligated to purchase the items through those links, and you may purchase these products on their official websites or other retailers.
Hello, and welcome to The Beauty Bib!

The Beauty Bib is for women and men who want to gather information about beauty products before purchasing them. Here, you will find in-depth reviews on luxury and drugstore skincare and makeup products, as well as a few posts on health and skin care advice. Because there are many blogs and YouTube videos that feature tons of reviews on popular products, I'll try my best to stick to brands and products that aren't featured as frequently on social media. In addition, I'll also write posts that focus on skincare and health. As someone who used to suffer from severe acne, I'd like to share my experiences with you all to show what methods and products worked for me. Perhaps some of you may find the information I will provide useful.

I believe beauty consumers have the right to know how products truly perform. I value integrity and objectivity. Thus, my goal is to provide detailed reviews and beauty-related tips that are based on my own experiences from testing out the products, the conclusions I draw from reading articles and research on the products, and my honest thoughts about the products. So if you are looking for thoughtful reviews and discussions on skincare, then The Beauty Bib may be the right place for you! I hope you enjoy reading my posts!

Till later,

Eva