SkinFood | iBeautyTip.com

Skinfood Broccoli Sun Cream SPF42 PA+++

Jan 28th, 2010 Leave a comment

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Information stated on the packaging/website:

Waterproof sun screen cream which offers high protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Portulaca oleracea linne, aloe and camomile ingredients protect the skin.

Apply evenly across the face except for eye areas at the last stage of basis skin care.

My say:

This is my first sun protection product from Skinfood, and it has been sitting on my vanity table for like 8 months, in an as-good-as-new condition.

Other than the fact that I do own quite a few bottles of sunscreen/sunblock, I did mention in my earlier post I do not feel secure using sun protection product which I am clueless about its ingredients, and this item is as such.

Therefore, hanging on my belief in wearing stable sunblock, I must have reached out for this less than 10 times. Furthermore, I shouldn’t be using a cream-based product in the first place, it is just not the right stuff for my skin type.

So to be fair, it is neither a yay nor nay, from me.
This cream sits rather heavy on my oily skin, as expected.
I am guessing drier skin type would welcome this, since logically creamy stuffs are created for them.

On the plus side, I like the scent, lol. Also, I do not experience any sensitivity from it.

An added info I read from a local beauty magazine:
Broccoli is another vegetable that helps fight sun damage. Researchers have found the compound sulforaphane, derived from brocolli sprouts, even reduces skin redness and inflammation caused by UV exposure.

Tagged: Cacaopack, Skin Food, Skinfood

Review: Skinfood Rice Mask Wash Off

Jan 28th, 2010 Leave a comment

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Skinfood Rice Mask Wash Off

From The Box:
Rice not only gives plenty of moistures but also brightens your skin.This gentle rice mask,feeling as real rice lifts off any excess dirt and oil leaving skin smooth and clear.

My Skin Type:
Actually very oily, but surpressed with BHA exfoliator. Results in generally ranging from very dry to normal/combo skin. Generally dehydrated, very sensitive, and acne prone.

Packaging:
Cute plastic tub with screw top. Not exactly hygienic, but it’s easy to scoop out the product.

Texture:
Light cream/lotion with soft beads to scrub off dead skin cells.

My General Review:
Humph. This stuff really threw my skin out of balance!

I don’t know why but from the start I was wary of this product; when Skinfood gave me several generously-sized samples to be exact. But the reviews in the other blogs are good…..you can find words like ‘brightening’, ’smoothing’, ‘hydrating’ etc. I saw the ingredient list too; it doesn’t look particularly hydrating, yet it doesn’t really contain potential irritants (other than the fragrance).

So. Curiosity vs wariness. I waited until my skin is more stable to test this out, in case this is really damaging.

Which was a couple of days ago. My skin has stabilized, it’s very smooth and supple and normal. Not oily, not too dry. So I gently massaged this product on dry face after cleansing for a bit, then wash it off. Gah! My skin is drier after I used this stuff. It seems to be slightly exfoliating, as it sheds some of top layer skin.

Three days later, following intense moisturization and masking, my skin hasn’t regressed back to its normal state. It’s still a bit drier and rougher than before. Already calmer though.

Application:
This mask is supposed to be used on dry face. I wash my face first with a gentle cleanser, than gently massage this mask for 1-2 minutes then wash it off with water.

Availability Online :
BUY Skinfood Product ONLINE – Save up to 70%

Ingredients:
Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclomethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Prorylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Butylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Water, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Sucrose Cocoate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Butylparaben, Parfum

Skinfood Online Store with Discount!!!

Review: Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off

Jan 28th, 2010 Leave a comment

Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off

Desciprition:
Black sugar mask with rich minerals and vitamin to provide luster and smoothness to skin.

My General Review:
I’ll make it quick because personally, there’s nothing much to say about this mask. It comes out goopy with a lot of sugar, which supposed to act as the scrubby particles. Unfortunately, the sugar particles are huge and harsh, making my skin irritated. On me, the sugar won’t melt even though I mix it with water. End result is irritated and dehydrated skin, without so much of an exfoliation.

So what’s the point? I can get effective exfoliation from gentle product, such as Cure Natural Aqua Gel.

Ingredients:
SUCROSE, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, GLYCERIN, EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX, MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL, LANOLIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER), LIMNANTHES ALBA (MEADOWFOAM) SEED OIL, SORBITAN LAURATE,B UTYLPARABEN, BHT, CARAMEL, PARFUM

Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

Information stated on the packaging/website:

Black sugar mask with rich minerals and vitamin to provide luster and smoothness to skin.

My say:

This is an exfoliating mask with sugar crystals which work like a scrub, cleanses and revitalizes the face, with moisturizing ingredients like mineral, vitamins and glycolic acid.

It really performs. Pores are unclogged and impurities like dirt and blackheads, removed. My face is deeply cleansed after every wash, and my skin feel super soft.

My only reservation is that the sugar crystals are too coarse and scratchy for my acne skin, especially on those days when I have those huge and painful bumps. Yes, the sugar crystals dissolve rather quickly during application, but I have to add that even the initial minute is really painful to bear, I mean imagine scrubbing on your painful acne? Ouch.

Despite having a love-hate relationship with this, I do strongly recommend it to everyone for its deep cleansing. Those with acne prone skin, skip this on days when you have painful breakouts.

After cleansing – apply a layer of this mask and massage in circular motion as you would with any exfoliating mask/scrub – once the sugar crystals are dissolved, rinse off and follow up with your usual skincare routine.

Comes in a tub of 100g, priced at .50.

Tagged: Cacaopack, Skin Food, Skinfood

Skinfood Sea Vegetable Mask Sheet

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

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Information stated on the packaging:

Sea weed extract controls your skin balance. It gives moistures and controls oil. Leaves a velvety soft natural finish. The results are immediate and lasting all day.

Remove the mask from outer packaging and unfold. Leave on your face for 10-15 minutes. Massage in any excess liquid.

My say:

One word: CAUTION.

I have no idea how a ’sea vegetable’ supposed to smell like, but I definitely know it shouldn’t be anything near alcohol, yet that is exactly what this mask smell of!

When I opened the sachet, an overpowering smell of alcohol gushed out. I wasn’t expecting that and I stood in shock.
All these years I have tried and used so many sheet masks from various brands but I have never came across one that is so full of alcohol content like this. I almost fainted.

You would expect me to throw the mask without using right?
Well, the I-desperately-want-to-have-good-skin thoughts got the better of me, I went ahead to try. Big mistake!

After I placed the mask on my face, I couldn’t put up with the pungent smell so I pulled it off shortly. The whole duration was like 30 seconds the most, and boy, I am so glad I came to my senses fast.

Once I removed the mask, sharp sensation started kicking in. My skin got burned, literally.

The burning sensation did not cease after washing, it stayed on for at least 45 minutes. A hot and pricking feeling, extremely uncomfortable.
I couldn’t imagine what would be the damage if I left the mask on longer.

I bought this mask in a box of 5 pieces, to make sure it wasn’t just a sachet of bad batch, I opened 2 more packs to see, and they are the same. I binned them all. A waste of money. *sob*

I do have a very sensitive skin.
But for that amount of alcohol content, one probably need to have pretty resistant skin to be able to use it without side effects, no?

My conclusion is: either I have gotten all 5 pieces from a bad batch, if not please don’t bother trying this. I say, save your cash.

Additional info from the website:
A refreshing, non-sticky facial mask sheet that provides moisture to skin and controls sebum with sea water, sea vegetable extracts, and minerals, for skin balance. After washing, apply mask gently onto face, wait 10 to 15 minutes, and then peel off. Massage remaining residue into face to absorb.

***I find the essence/liquid sticky.

Tagged: Cacaopack, Skin Food, Skinfood

Skinfood Peppermint Pore Diet Mask Peel Off

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

I went on a trip and guess what I came home with? A face full of clogged pores!

There are numerous white/black-heads and lots of tiny bumps (red and skin colour) all over my forehead and cheeks. At this point of writing, quite a few pimples have surfaced; I am praying hard the breakouts would be under controlled, soon.

The culprit? I am pretty sure it was the faint greenish tap water I cleansed myself with during the trip – something I don’t expect from a 4-Star hotel…

Anyway, I fished for this mask to try.

Product Information:

Peppermint based treatment for oily, pore-clogged skins, clears away debris to instantly reduce the look of pores. Goes on to strengthen pore walls over time, so they snap back into shape. Leaves a velvety-soft natural finish, under or over makeup.

My View:

I usually hold my comments on the product description by Skinfood, but this particular one is extremely ******.
Let me summarise in a simple term: de-clog pores.

I have used this mask couple of times before posting this review, and my verdict is – useless mask.
On all occasions, not a single white/blackheads were extracted, they are still happily stuck in my pores smiling brightly back at me.

So there, no pore-cleansing effect. Oh well. At least on me.

Its only saving grace is that the mint component gives a very cooling sensation and relaxes my irritated skin.
Upon removing the mask, the red bumps are less angry looking, so it has a calming effect?

This is definitely not on my re-purchase list. I could easily get something better with that price.

If you are trying out this mask, my advices are:

(1) use a pack brush for application, it is a pain washing the thick and sticky glue-like paste off your fingers.

(2) apply an ultra thin layer, otherwise the mask would take forever to dry, way longer than the stipulated 10-15mins.

Tagged: Cacaopack, Skin Food, Skinfood

Skinfood Fermented Pomegranate Whitening Sleeping Mask

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

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Product Information:

Sleeping mask with cosmeceutical skin lightening essence based on Fermented Pomegranate Extracts to brighten your skin during night sleep. Helpful for skin lightening. Evenly apply an adequate amount in a circular motion on face and leave it for absorption. Use at the cream stage of your night skin care routine.

My Thoughts:

To those not familiar with Koreans term of sleeping mask – it is a leave-in mask which comes in a gel-cream like texture, to be applied in stead of your night cream, before you hit the sack. And while you sleep, the mask does its work of respective claims, be it moisturizing, whitening, repairing, soothing, etc. A facial wash is essential on the following morning, but I reckon this wouldn’t pose as a problem at all since it is a routine chore for everyone to wash our face first thing in the morning.

This Fermented Pomegranate Whitening Sleeping Mask claims to provide continuous moisturization overnight and suppresses the formation of blemishes and dark spots, making skin look clear and radiant by morning.

Now, from the product description found on the bottle and website, one would easily be misled into believing this sleeping mask is to be used nightly. No, it is not.

I have checked with several SAs and for once, all of them sang in unison, advising the usage to be strictly twice-a-week, maximum thrice – if your skin can take it. Apparantly, it is thought to be on the harsh side for nightly basis.

So, does it work well? I don’t know. It keeps giving me different results!

When I first tried it in April, I found the cream to be a tad sticky and a layer sat on my face, not fully absorbed. My face was greasy when I woke up the next morning. After a few tries, nothing changes, I chucked it aside.

Sometimes later, I gave it a second shot and unfortunately, I experienced some mild itching on my cheeks. To be on the safe side, I stopped testing.

It was probably in June when I reached for this mask again. Surprisingly, I found it not as rich nor sticky as before. Also, there wasn’t any adverse reaction. So, I continue using this mask regularly for about 2 months and I noticed some sort of radiance! However, the joy didn’t last long as my face broke out when I increased the usage to thrice-a-week. Again, I stopped using this mask.

Lately, my skin has been extremely dehydrated and dry. So I dug out this mask to use and guess what? I actually found it not moisturizing enough. My skin felt taut after application. Thus, I applied my night moisturizer then this sleeping mask and I was surprised to find the combination not potently rich.

I have been applying my night-moisturizer-plus-this-sleeping-mask combination on thrice-a-week basis for a few weeks now, and hey, my skin is accepting it well. Weird huh? Such drastic differences now and then.

It smells very nice but in an overwhelming way. Every time I feel like I am slathering parfum balm on my face! lol.
Thankfully, the scent dissipated in a while.

Tagged: Cacaopack, Skin Food, Skinfood

Happy Birthday To Moi

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

Among all blessings and pressies, I was treated to a Korean Buffet Spread,

a.k.a

food for the skin.

~HAPPY DANCE~

Skinfood Gold Caviar Toner & Emulsion

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

When this Gold Caviar Line appeared on the shelf, I so wanted to lay my hands on them, the packaging is so classy looking and Caviar sounds really promising, no? But I held back for the longest time because of its exorbitant price sold outside S.Korea. Imagine my joy when a gift set came along with one of my purchases sometime back.

Lovely missjulythe14th kept me posted this range turned out too rich for her dearest mom. With that in mind, I set aside this gift set for a better time.

It has been months and my skin has since taken a sharp change. I have never anticipated my skin would one day feel dry… So, it is no better time than now. Gold Caviar, here I come!

… … Oh my, this line is potently rich!

Toner

I have never come across any toner this rich. It does not dry up in any time like a usual toner would. If someone were to have it packaged into another bottle claiming as a serum/essence – honestly, I would have believed. So, you get my drift.

Emulsion

The most moisturizing emulsion I have ever tried. In fact, this emulsion is also richer than any cream from Skinfood I manage to try thus far. Yes, cream, you read it right.

This emulsion never seems to get absorbed by my skin. I waited and waited, 30 mins later, there was still this thick layer of greasy sheen sitting on my face, making my skin feel ‘breathless’. I had to resort to tissue-blot it.

Conclusion

Usually, I would review a product only after several tries and in most cases, minimum 2 weeks. However, one time usage is surely enough to set me on this entry; this line is not for me. Not even to be used as night care.

I could see these moisturizing products doing some great softening works when I am much advanced in age, or should my skin gone over to the very dry stage (I pray not!). But for now, I celebrate that my skin is still young to undertake its richness.

Note to self: relegate to neck care.

Tagged: Cacaopack, Skin Food, Skinfood

Skinfood Agave Cactus Toner / Serum / Cream (Light)

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

Categorized for Dry & Sensitive skin type, and marketed as — containing extracts from Agave, also known as nature’s reservoir, rests skin with abundant moisture and nourishment for a more vibrant texture.

This Agave Cactus line sounds promising to my current skin type; it has recently gotten over to the drier side yet remains as sensitive and dehydrated as it could be.

Being the new kid on the block arrived just a few months ago and both giant plants are known to provide intensive source of hydration; I was expecting this line to perform better than the Lettuce & Cucumber Series.

So, does it impress me? Not quite, I ended up with some sorts of disappointment.
Wait, don’t get me wrong, not that the products failed miserably.
Umm, how should I put it, lets just say I was expecting more.

Toner

A watery consistency found typically in Toner. A tad sticky but it doesn’t really bother me since I have to slather on more products. Has a mild and pleasant scent, nothing sweet or pungent, although it doesn’t mask the alcohol smell but the latter dissipated fast enough within seconds so thats fine. Face stays moist a little longer than other toners.

Serum

A milky lotion, rather runny for a serum I say. Its consistency is that of an emulsion but it doesn’t seem to have any moisturizing factor. I feel a little bit of hydrating effect and that’s about all. It goes on light, gets absorbed fast; but there is this very thin film which sits on the surface of my face. Like the toner, this also gives a bit of stickiness.

Cream (Light)

There are 2 versions and mine is Light. The other one is said to be richer in texture, named Hydrating?
Now, I really wish I have gotten the other one instead.

Perhaps, normal to oily skin might like this light textured cream but for whatever reason I just can’t seem to feel its moisturizing factor.
It is really puzzling, isn’t it meant for dry skin?
Like the serum, I feel a little bit of hydrating effect but that’s about all too.
My skin feels taut even after 2 layers.
I do not see any brightening effect as well, despite its claim.

That said, I do appreciate how light the gel-cream texture goes on without that greasy-heavy-feel a normal cream moisturizer would give me. Surprisingly, it is not sticky.

I could only conclude this cream is not for me…

Tagged: Cacaopack, Skin Food, Skinfood

Skinfood Honey Black Tea Jelly Foam

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

A very runny jelly-like texture, foams up very easily upon contact with water, which makes the cleansing process effortless.

Thus far, every foaming cleanser, other than the bubble version and not taking the Fresh Celery into consideration, has a certain degree of drying effect on my skin; this does as well – although milder. That aside, it does not sting my eyes nor itch my skin, which is good.

The powdery scent is a little annoying for my nose, though.

*DRUM-ROLL*

Ready?

This cleanser broke me out. I don’t blame it, to be fair, I was fore-warned.

The SA did try to dissuade me from getting this.
According to her, it is not recommended for my acne-prone and sensitive skin. Boy, was she right!

So, couples of acne have since flared up, all thanks to my but-I-still-want-to-try attitude.

Tagged: Cacaopack, Skin Food, Skinfood

Skinfood Salmon Brightening Eye Serum

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

The Salmon Brightening Eye Line claims to contain plenty of eggs and oil from the Hokkaido Salmon, well known for its omega-3 fatty acid, aids in alleviating dark circles.

I was both excited and disappointed when this line was launched. Excited over a new eye product for me to try and disappointed that this line targets solely at dark circles – which I do not have.

Still, being desperate to get rid of my goldfish-eye-bags, I went ahead to try this serum as it claims to improve blood circulation. One can always hope, right?

While I could not offer comment whether does it alleviate dark circles, below are my findings on other areas:

It goes on light weight on skin, no oily feeling, no stickiness too.
Its texture is pretty runny, so it gets absorbed pretty fast and well.
Of a perfumy fragrance, I like!

However, it doesn’t diminish puffiness for me. Thus far, no eye product I tried could as well. I really hate looking like a goldfish. Dark circles could be concealed with makeup but these extra fats at my under eye area couldn’t be hidden in anyway. I am constantly sporting that swollen-eye/worn-out look!

Anyway, because of its light texture, I don’t mind continue using till the last drop, but I wouldn’t do a re-purchase. For now, I am just treating it as an extra step of hydrating care. I read it is water-based by the way.

Most importantly, this serum beats Snow Tea Eye Serum hands down.

Tagged: Cacaopack, Skin Food, Skinfood

Skinfood Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

Information stated on the packaging/website:

A fresh foaming cleanser with Aloe Extracts to soothe and hydrate the skin. Keeps the skin soft and calm after cleansing. Apply an adequate amount to damp hands. After making sufficient lather, massage your face gently following the skin’s own texture. Wash off with lukewarm water.

My say:

I had the opportunity to have it CP-ed direct from S.Korea when it was launched few months ago. Beside the excitement of owning/trying it before it reaches our shore, the other kick is paying for it in Won pricing, I saved ! (read: shiok!)

These 2 months, I have been relying on tea tree to better my breakouts’ marks so I was not using this on daily basis, but I just read that it actually aids skin in healing and prevent acne too. This does make sense since Aloe Vera is rich in vitamin c, and has always been known for its soothing and hydrating effect, which are also perfect for sensitive skin.

Every time I use this, my face feels remarkably calm and hydrated, there is not a single tad of tautness on my face. By the way, this line is specially formulated for combination and oily skin.

This definitely suits me well, so I am switching to it “full time” and see how it performs in long run, I just got hold of a backup tube 4 weeks ago. I am quite curious to know the end results; do I have to go back to tea tree?

p.s. I am waiting for the arrival of Aloe Vera Bubble Cleanser and Aloe Vera Cleansing Water!

Tagged: Cacaopack, Skin Food, Skinfood

Skinfood Fresh Celery Soft Foam

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

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Information stated on the packaging:

Freshly applied foam cleanser with celery extracts which thoroughly wash off unclean-ness and makeup residue from every part of the skin with whipping cream.

Take an appropriate amount and make enough foam, carefully and softly apply to face as if to massage. Rinse off with warm water and finalize cleansing with cold water.

My say:

I honestly have no idea how to categorize this, it is like a cross between cream and foam cleansers. Having said that, I am concern on how well it could cleanse and in which way.

You see, in foam cleanser context, it is the foam that does the cleansing, not the dispensed cream on its own. So it is vital that we lather up substantial foam for application, otherwise we would end up with a face not properly cleansed.

So, if I were to treat this as a foam cleanser as Skinfood named it, then I do expect it to foam up reasonably, at least like the Apple Vinegar Fresh Foam. However, this doesn’t seem to foam for me, all I get is a liquify cream.

Yet, I don’t think it make sense for me to treat this as a cream cleanser either. It doesn’t have that oily and rich whipped cream texture which requires wiping off with cotton pads prior to rinsing with water.

Personally, this cleanser is one I will not re-purchase, I don’t like the bugging thoughts in my mind wondering is my face thoroughly cleansed. Although I quite like the pale green colour, lol.

A point worthy to be praised: due to the lack of foam, this cleanser is not as drying as the usual foam cleanser, good news for some ladies?

It would be best to stick to the rinsing instruction. I experimented and felt this very thin waxy film if I rinse off with just cold water but no such feeling if I do the warm water first.

*Edited: I forgot to mention I experience slight sting on eye areas whenever I use this cleanser. Not sure is the cleansing agents too harsh or my sensitive skin is acting up, again. Anyone encounter this issue?

Tagged: Cacaopack, Skin Food, Skinfood

Skinfood Oat Cinnamon Rich Foam

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

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Information stated on the packaging:

Foam cleanser with oat seeds to scrub softly and with cinnamon – containing compact and dense foam to provide moisture and smoothness to dry skin full of keratin.

Take an appropriate amount and make enough foam. Carefully and softly apply to face as if to massage. Rinse off with warm water and finalise cleansing with cold water.

My say:

This cleanser is categorized for dry and sensitive skin, so logically, I expect it to be more moisturising than those meant for combi to oily, but wrong, it is drying for my skin type! Weird huh? I am guessing it is because my oily yet dehydrated skin couldn’t find a balance with it.

That said, we all know how a product could wow or disappoint different people right? Another Skinfood lover – Hime, on the other hand, loves this cleanser. She mentioned it does a great job on acne skin and she wakes up with less pimples! Cool. This is why I love to read reviews, it never fails to amaze me how our skin reacts so differently.

While I didn’t get to experience the goodness it does for Hime, I am happy to say the oat bits are soft and gentle on skin. No irritation at all.

A decent cleanser which works as a mild exfoliator too. A pity it doesn’t wow me and you would have guessed by now, this is indeed not on my re-purchase list.

If you are with the exact skin type as me, do ask for a sample pack to try first. Who knows, this cleanser might love you more than me! LOL.

Tagged: Cacaopack, Skin Food, Skinfood

Skinfood Honey Black Tea Jelly Foam

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

Tagged: Cacaopack, Skin Food, Skinfood

Review: Skinfood Red Ginseng Firming Base

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

Skinfood Red Ginseng Firming Base

From The Box:
This makeup base contains Red Ginseng to moisture skin texture. This is very light and fluid with tightening effect that smoothes out wrinkles and tones down signs of tiredness. It has a very natural finish.

My Skin Type:
Actually very oily, but surpressed with BHA exfoliator. Results in generally ranging from very dry to normal/dry skin. Generally dehydrated, very sensitive, and acne prone.

My Skin Tone:
Some said I have very fair, Casper-ish complexion. Frankly speaking, that’s what you see in my FOTDs, but I personally think I look (much) darker in person than in those photos. Still, yes, I’m quite fair.

Bottomline: my skintone range is lighter than MAC NC/NW15 to NC/NW20.

I have neutral cool undertone.

Packaging:
Weird plastic bottle with pump. Weird because the pump doesn’t have a pipe! So I stored mine upside down.

Color Selection:
Only 1 color is available, and it’s very, very pale with pink undertone.

Texture:
It’s creamy out of the pump but once it comes in contact with skin it becomes rather fluid.

Coverage:
Totally adjustable. From sheer to medium; you can build it as you like.

Blendability:
No problem. It spreads well, but it dries down quite quickly so beware.

Finish:
Semi-matte. The pink undertone brightens my skin well. It’s has glow, but not overly so at all.

Oil Control/Lasting Power:
It seems to be pretty good on my t-zone. It doesn’t feel oily or heavy. Instead, it seems to bring down a bit of the oilies. A surprising feature, since I was thinking that this product is something marketed toward more mature skin (with its ‘firming’ claims etc).

My General Review:
I bought this just out of curiosity, because Skinfood has pretty packaging and their BB creams are not bad at all on my skin. And this product surpasses my so-so expectation!

At first I used this on its own. It comes out in a liquid-cream consistency, but melts into a liquid when it comes into contact with skin. I can build it up to cover my red post acne marks beautifully. The pink tone brightens my skin, gives me a satin glow too. Plus, it glides on smoothly on top of my pores, making it tighter. Perfect! The only thing is the color match. It’s sooo pale, it can look unnatural even on my fair skin! My younger brother gave me thumbs down on my makeup one day, because it’s unnaturally pale and pink.

So I tried to use it underneath a BB cream. I don’t know why but my mind said that this will pair beautifully with Skinfood Gingko Green BB cream. And yep, it does! It improves the BB cream in every way. It neutralizes the slight yellow tone on Gingko BB. The pore tightening effect also comes intact, making the Gingko BB looks better than ever. Ginseng base also imparts slight glow to the Gingko BB, giving the illusion of healthy skin. Yum. For all that effect, I only need a thin layer of Ginseng base.

Unfortunately, as a base, for me it doesn’t increase ease of BB cream/foundation blendability. On my hands when I tested it, I know that it smooths out my skin to some degree, but I prefer my base/primer to give extremely slippery silicone-y finish, and this one doesn’t.

Oh well, but I’ll accept that because my BB still glides on top of this (albeit not as nice as when I use super silicon-y primers). The end result is still great And I know for fact that some people doesn’t prefer slipper silicone-y finish

What Else You Need To Know:
I don’t know anything about the anti wrinkle and firming claim. I know for a fact though, that wrinkles can’t be cured totally with a topical product. Firming too, no topical ingredient can really firm your skin permanently.

So for me, personally, I’d dismiss those claims.

Application:
This seems to dry pretty fast on your face, so do it one section at a time, and you’ll be fine

Price:
Not too expensive, typical Skinfood product. I believe I got it at around IDR200,000 (~USD20)?

Availability:
It may still be available in local Skinfood stores, but last time I checked it already missing from the Singaporean web. Is it discontinued already?

Ingredients:
No full ingredient list, unfortunately Even if it’s there in the label, I wouldn’t have been able to read it since everything apart from the description is in Korean

I hope it doesn’t contain alcohol and such But I know for sure it contains fragrance though! It smells slightly like herbal.

Overall Rating:
4 out of 5. Brightens, gives pretty glow, and works very well on my huge pores. But color may be too pale for some people, and I prefer highly silicone-y primers.

BTW if you have uber pale, pink toned skin (like around NW5-10), I believe this will make a great foundation for you

*This review will be cross posted in www.makeupalley.com under username Crescent_Shadow.

Skinfood Lettuce & Cucumber Matte Finish Gel

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

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The sheer pearl feel hydrating primer absorbs sebum to impact matte finishing soft skin.

My say:

It is official. This is my new fave primer!

Although I do prefer the Tea Tree Clear Base’s subtle tinted shade which aids in making my scars look a little brighter and less visible, sadly it has no oil control for me, it is a must to follow up with oil control loose powder or compact.

Whereas, this primer not only absorbs excess sebum, it gives an instant smooth and matte finish look upon application, and when I say instant, it is really instant!

The whitish gel goes on clear on skin and transforms into a thin layer of powder, no more yucky sticky feeling. And despite the instant matte finish, my skin does not feel tight or dry, so the hydrating claim is also true, no?

It would be a Perfect 10 if this primer incorporated a tinted shade like the Tea Tree Clear Base, then it would be like a 2-in-1, primer+foundation. Oh Skinfood staff, are you hearing your customer’s voices?

So, there, did you see how torn am I between these two? I am proclaiming this primer as the winner because it really delivers every single claim as stated. I am especially impressed with how instantly it produces the matte finish, even my other pricer brands like biotherm and such, could not do so.

In regards to the mentioned “sheer pearl”, do not be concern over this, it will not make you a disco ball. In fact, the so called “pearl” is barely there, I can hardly see it, unless under super bright lighting then will I see a glimpse of it, and still that is extremely subtle, yes, it is really so sheer, LOL.

Comes in a tube of 45ml. Worth getting it, if it works for an oil slick like me, it will, for you. I highly recommend it.

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Skinfood Tea Tree Clear Base

Jan 27th, 2010 Leave a comment

Information stated on the packaging/website:

This makeup base contains Ginger to moisture skin texture and natural Tea Tree for superior anti-bacteria properties and natural powder for excess sebum control. Helps skin stay blemish-free. Controls oil, minimizes pores. A soft matte and velvety finish.

My say:

My fave primer of the year!

This comes in a tinted pale beige colour. If you are blessed with blemish-free face, then all you need is this primer to smooth out your face, put on your loose powder and lipstick, and you are all set for a casual and naked make up look.

Although this is tinted, do not expect it to provide heavy coverage as a liquid foundation does, it is after all a primer – which is a light texture layer to smooth out our face like a canvas base and acts as a barrier between our skin and foundation.

The “tint” gives a subtle skin colour coverage similar to a tinted moisturizer – it aims to even out skin tone and minimize pores, not concealing

My acne scars are a little less visible with this, in comparison to a clear primer. There is a difference.

Oil control is so so, on its own. It does not absorb excess sebum for me, but well, I am an oil slick to begin with, and I usually follow up with powder which has oil control anyway.

Scent-wise, not sure is it my nose, but somehow this does not have the same level of tea tree scent compare to the rest of tea tree products I have tried. Neither can I tell of any ginger scent in in too, I can’t define the scent.

I have quite a few bottles/tubes of primer and yet I keep finding myself reaching for this, does this say something?

Comes in a bottle of 30ml.

***While many have raved about Tea Tree working wonders, there are some people having allergy to it, so if you are not sure which category you belong to, please do a patch test, to be safe.