My Top 5 Most Used Products of 2017

Welcome back fellow makeup lovers!

Today, I wanted to share my top 5 most used products for the year 2017. I have tried so many products this past year that I was able to reach VIB Rouge status at Sephora in 10 months! And that's not counting the drugstore products that I accumulated too since I live near a Superstore (so bad for my wallet LOL 😄). Anyway, these contain mini reviews, but if you wanted swatches or in-depth reviews for any of these, feel free to comment below and I will be more than happy to do so. 

#5 Pixi Glow Tonic

This Glycolic Acid toner helped my skin so much over the past year. It helped me with my breakouts especially during summer and it kept my skin feeling smoother over time. Although this toner is very expensive for something from the drugstore (around $40 CAD!), even with everyday use a bottle will still last you 8 months to a year plus it is effective. Now I know why this is a cult favorite or so many years. 

#4 Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation

This is my go-to foundation since I got this in late 2016 as a gift from my sis when she went to Japan. I could use this on any season (summer to winter) and it will still perform the same. I just need to change my primer depending on what my skin condition is. This is very lightweight (you could hardly feel this on your face!), doesn't break me out even if I use it frequently and it gives the perfect light-medium coverage for everyday use. This also has SPF 25 PA++ which is nice especially since I use Vitamin C on my skincare routine. Shade 213 is perfect for me too which is a bonus since this foundation has a very limited shade range. I don't know what I would do when this run out because it is not available here in Canada.  

 #3 The Balm In The Balm Of Your Hand Vol. I Palette

I know this specific palette is limited edition and that there's a Vol. II now, but all of the items in this palette are in their permanent line so you can get them individually if you want to. This is one of the 3 palettes that I brought with me when I moved here in Canada. I know that I won't be able to bring my whole makeup collection and I knew this would be the best choice because everything I need to create a look is in here. The only item I wasn't able to use much are the lip products and the eyeshadows Lead Zeppelin & Insane Jane. The rest are used on a daily basis even when I have already built a new makeup collection here. These powder products got pigment, staying power and blendability. Consistent good quality performance every time. 

#2 Wet n Wild Megaslick Balm Stains

As you can see in the picture, these are well loved. I have used these lip stains for 3 years now and I keep on repurchasing. They are long lasting, non-drying and very affordable. What more could you ask for, right? If you really wanted a no fuss lip color that you can wear and forget about for a couple of hours, this is meant for you. I never worried about feathering or transferring on my teeth or fading unevenly. That is why this is my go-to lip product if I know I don't have enough time to re-touch and look in the mirror frequently.   

*My fave color is Made You Pink for everyday

#1 Marcelle Micellar Water

I can't count anymore how many bottles I've used up since I came here. This is the best makeup remover I've used! It is so gentle that it doesn't sting my eyes but it is so heavy duty that it can remove even waterproof mascaras. It doesn't irritate my skin or strip it with moisture, no breakouts too. Although this is not cheap compared to other micellar water available at the drugstore (around $20 CAD) but this the only cruelty free brand I can find here and it is so effective that I don't mind paying the price. I just wait for sales and hoard as many bottles I can get haha I never ran out of backups. Love the dispenser too, it makes getting just the right amount of product on the cotton pad faster.

Thank you so much for dropping by today! My next posts would be about my thoughts on the 2017 Holiday Collection/Limited edition releases. I know some of them are already out of stock but there are some that are still being sold at Sephora and on lower pricing too. Please watch out for that, and I will try to upload those in the following days. 😊  

XOXO,

Review: Hada Labo Gokujyun (Red) Lotion

Happy Hearts Day! ~

Today I will be reviewing the Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion. Gokujyun is their red line (lifting + firming) which contains retinol as an active anti-aging ingredient. I have been using this 2x a day since the first week of December and I believe I have tested it enough to give a review.

*Lotion - this is the term used for a facial toner that have a gel texture instead of the usual liquid form.

That being said, having a flip cap is the best way to dispense the product because it gave me control on how much to use every time. Also, this very hygienic :)

This product also came with a free face mask from the same line. I haven't used the mask yet so I don't know how it fares.

HADA LABO is a Japanese brand of skin care that is very famous for being mild, simple and yet very effective. The active ingredient in all of their lines is the Super Hyaluronic Acid which is meant to hydrate the skin better than regular hyaluronic acid.


MY THOUGHTS:

YAY!!!

- This did not broke me out like other anti aging products that I have tried.

- No allergic reactions too.

- Very gentle on the skin. No stinging feeling when applied and I can use this around the eyes too. 

- No strong scent. Hada Labo is very famous for having no irritants on their products.

- This tones and moisturizes my skin at the same time.

- Not sticky at all which I am very happy with.

- Dries quickly so I can apply my moisturizer after a minute or so.


NAY!!!

- Not available locally. Buying from local resellers is quite expensive.

- I did not see any anti aging benefits yet even after 3 months. I guess, I should have bought the serum version too so it's more effective since toners are not meant to be treatments.


TIPS:

- Apply 2-3 drops on your hand, warm the product first and then apply it on the skin with patting motion for faster absorption.

- Can be stored inside the refrigerator for a more refreshing feel. 

- Best to be used with other moisturizer as this is not enough even for oily skin.


OVER-ALL RATING: 5/5

I love this toner! This did not irritate my skin and it helps my moisturizer get absorb better. I just hope I can buy it easily since this is quite affordable if bought in Japan.


WILL I REPURCHASE? Definitely! I will probably get the serum too so that it is more effective :)


Have you tried any Hada Labo products? Which one is your favorite? I am intrigued with the shiroyjun (whitening/blue) line and will probably get those next to test out.


Thanks for dropping by!

Review: Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Toner

Howdy! I spent my Monday morning calling all the BENCH branches I can find on the net just so I can inquire if they still have tickets available for the Lee Min Ho fan meet next month...Guess what? They're sold out on the first day (October12)! So when we went yesterday, Upper Box B tickets were the only available ones. Me and my sis still got them but I am crossing my fingers that I can still find Patron Seats ticket or even Lower Box tickets soon :)

Anyway, let's go back to the purpose of this post. I am gonna review my current toner which is actually very famous all over the world -- Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner (yellow label).

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
(front)
non-drying - for all skin types
gently cleanses + conditions pores to maintain clear, smooth and balanced skin
100% natural formula

(back)
Pore Perfecting Power that's non-drying and perfectly gentle.
-Refines pores
-Removes and controls oils
-Soothes irritations
-Locks in moisture

INGREDIENTS:
All natural Witch Hazel, containing natural alcohol 14% and Witch Hazel extract

NET WT: 2 fl.oz / 59ml
PRICE: Php75

MY REVIEW:
I have finished 2 59ml-bottle of this toner and I have used it 2x a day for almost 2 months now so I think I can give my two cents now ^_^

PROS:

- Works great in removing left over residues (soap, dirt, makeup) that were not totally removed after washing my face.

- It is non-drying which is good.

- This sanitizes my skin using natural alcohol. I have acne prone skin so this is helpful in keeping the bacteria at bay.

- No irritations whatsoever.

- Affordable. This small bottle only costs Php75 and the big one costs Php250 (I think). There's 3 size available locally.

- Readily available in all Healthy Options store. 

- This also comes in an astringent form (blue label).

- Cruelty free brand.


CONS:

- I use this up quite quickly because there's no stopper and you can accidentally spill the content.


OVER-ALL RATING: 4.5/5

If this have a better packaging, I will give this a perfect score.  It's just not meant for clumsy people like me hehe so I'll probably transfer it to a pump bottle or something :)

WILL I REPURCHASE? Definitely! I will get the biggest bottle once I've finished up my current bottle so I won't need to buy frequently.


Thanks for dropping by!

Review: Etude House Skin Malgam Toner in Smoother

Hello everyone! I am back with another skin care product review and this time it is a toner from Etude House. I have already used up half the bottle of this product and I apply it 2x a day since I got it last March 2012.

Etude House had launched a new line of hypoallergenic skin toners called Skin Malgam. Malgam is a Korean word that means cleanliness, clarity and purity. This toners are meant to promote clean, clear and pure complexion with moisturizing and pore cleansing formulas. (info found on the box of the product)

This line of toners have 6 variants that will fit normal, dry and oily skin. They also have a moisturizing serum for all skin types under this hypoallergenic line.

I got the variant for oily, acne prone skin which is called Smoother. Skin Malgam Smoother is an exfoliation toner that contains alcohol for disinfecting the skin...or so the speaker at the Etude House event last month said hehe ^_^

 

 This bottle contains 250ml of product and it comes in an opaque plastic bottle.

You can click the picture to see the ingredients list but the first ingredient is water and the second is alcohol.

 Also on the box, it is stated that this toner can be used 4 ways:

1. As a regular toner

2. As spot treatment - you just put some product in a piece of cotton pad and place that on the problematic area and wait for 30 mins.

3. As a refreshing spray.

4. As a mask to be used once a week.

Of course, I was talked into about getting the mask tray so I can try if this will work great as a mask. 

 You just need to get one piece and put it on the tray. Pour around 15ml of product on the sheet. You will see that it will expand quickly like so.

You will then spread the mask sheet soaked with the product and put it on your face like so.

WARNING: scary! 

I suggest you avoid placing it around your eyes coz it might sting and dry the sensitive skin of your eyes. I got this based from experience.

Wait for 20 minutes before removing the mask. And here's the finish result.

I have not noticed any redness or irritation after the mask. I will discuss the effect on my review.

PROS:

- This is hypoallergenic.

- Cleanses very well. I really love toners that cleanses my skin thoroughly.

- Doesn't sting. Even though this contains alcohol, I have never experienced any stinging on my skin.

- The packaging is very nice. I love that it is not a brittle type of plastic and it doesn't spill if  bring it on trips.

- It helped in smoothing my skin. I have a lot of small bumps on my skin before I used this and it is now gone after 1 month of continuous use.

-  I believe it helps in controlling any breakouts because I did not get any acne or pimples even during my period.

- I love the fact that this line of toner can become essence mask too (the moisturizing variants)

- I love how my skin feels cleansed and refreshed after use.

- I like the scent too. Very very mild and fresh.

- Available on any Etude House store.

CONS:

- Can be a bit drying sometimes because of the alcohol content.

- Do not use the Smoother toner as a mask coz it is very drying especially around the eyes. My skin became wrinkled after I removed the mask sheet so I did not repeat it to test any effectiveness. I think it is better to use the moisturizing variant for mask use instead of this one.

- This is not suitable for someone with normal to dry skin. I have combination-oily skin and my cheeks became a drier with this. CHOOSE THE RIGHT VARIANT FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE.

OVER-ALL RATING: 4/5 - I love how this cleanses my face from dirt and oils that I accumulated throughout the day. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and primed for moisturizer.

WILL I REPURCHASE? I might try another variant to compare. I wanted the one for normal skin if it would work great on me too since I have combination-oily skin. But if I would not like it that much, I will repurchase this for night time use and the variant for normal skin during mornings :)

TIPS:

- Choose the best variant for your skin type.

- Don't forget to apply moisturizer after toning.

- Use just a small amount of product...just enough to wet a cotton pad and not soak it.

I am looking forward to getting the moisturizing serum under this line. I wanted to try it since I am oilier this summer and my current moisturizer is becoming too heavy for me now.

Thank you for dropping by! ^_^

Review: Laneige Pore Trouble Skin Refiner

Good day everyone!!! How's your week? It's already Friday here in the Philippines and it's a very hot day.. I'm so excited right now because it's already a "-ber" month and Christmas is nearing so hopefully the cold season will come very soon and my suffering will end haha :)

So, for my first review after my comeback, I will talk about Laneige Pore Trouble Skin Refiner. This is a toner from Laneige's Pore Trouble line or their skin care line for acne prone skin.

This is what it looks like:

It's a beautiful bluish-green glass bottle that is 7.5 inches tall and it contains 160ml of product.

At the back of the bottle, it says there "Dermatologist tested" and that it's made in Seoul, Korea.

It has a screw type lid which is very secure so you don't have to worry about spilling. It has a stopper so you get to control the amount of product to be dispensed in your cotton pad.

Here's my take on the product after finishing it up ^_^

I LOVE THIS BECAUSE...

- It smells good. It has no strong scent of alcohol that other toners have.

- It doesn't sting my eyes if I accidentally placed it near my eye.

- It didn't cause any irritation or breakout in my skin.

- Cleanses any trace of dirt and makeup left.

- It helped in controlling my oiliness because it doesn't strip my skin dry so my skin doesn't produce more oil.

- It comes in a very pretty packaging. It's so nice to look at on top of my dresser hehe ^_^

- The rubber stopper has the perfect size of hole so I don't waste a lot of product every use.

I DON'T LIKE IT BECAUSE...

- It's quite pricey. It cost around Php1,500 (sorry I can't remember the exact price) for 160ml of product.

- The glass bottle is not travel-friendly coz it might break. SO this might be a con for some. But you can just transfer some product in a travel size spritzer that you can bring when you travel, that's what I do :)

OVER-ALL RATING: 5/5. This is the best toner I have tried ever! I think this is my HG because I can't find anything wrong with it except for the price but I don't mind paying a little extra if I get the results I want.

WILL I REPURCHASE? Yes! But not now coz I'm gonna try other toners from Laneige and Etude House next. But I'll definitely buy this again if that doesn't work as great as this :)

What about you? What's your favorite toner? Share them in the comment box below. I love trying out products. If I can find something as good as this one but a lot cheaper , why not? Right? ^_^

Till my next post. Bye!!