Review: Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot (20ml) [Re-updated]

Description(from the box): Formulated with Salicylic Acid and Hinoki Cypress, AC Clinic delivers trouble care. Pink Powder alleviates trouble swelling on contact to minimize damage. Comes with cotton swabs for application.

Directions(from the box): Do not shake bottle. After facial care, allows the powder to settle at the bottom. Perpendicularly dip cotton swab into bottle to draw powder from bottle. Use swab, coated with powder, to dab onto trouble spots and acne.

The set comes with a bottle of AC Clinic Pink Powder Spot (20ml), a bottle of AC Clinic Daily Spot (15ml) and a packet of cotton swabs .aka. q-tips.

The Pink Powder Spot comes in a sturdy glass bottle with a plastic screw-off cap.

How to use?:

Do not shake the bottle! Allows the powder to settle at the bottom. 

Then use a cotton swab .aka. q-tip and dip it perpendicularly into the powder in the bottle. Pull out the cotton swab/q-tip and apply it to the pimples.

It leaves a pink powder layer upon application. Therefore, I don't recommend you to use it in the day unless you plan to stay at home the whole day. Also, I don't recommend you to wear this under make-up. If you are looking for a spot treatment that can be use under make-up, you can try the day version spot treatment which is also from the Etude House AC Clinic line, called the Etude House AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot. (Review: link)

Consistency and Color:
It has a pink powdery texture.

Scent:
It has a medicated herby scent to me.

Likes:
- contains salicylic acid
- dry up and heal pimples effectively
- no breakout or irritation; suits sensitive skin
- easy to use
- easy to wash it off

Dislikes:
- the powder may stains pillow/pillow case easily (can be washed off)
- the liquid in the bottle finish faster than the powder

Neutral:
- does not treat acne marks/scars
but I'm fine with this since I can treat the marks/scars with Hiruscar Post Acne Gel (Review: link)

Here's my 5 days of 'experiment':

PS: All the photos were taken on different day/time so the lighting may vary. NO makeup or editing... errr... actually..., I did edit... — cropped, combined all photos into one and added in watermarks and dates. That's it. NO major editing though.

During the day, I will use Etude House AC Clinic Intense Liquid Spot (Review: link) and at night, I will use Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot.

Day 1: A nasty, inflamed zit decided to come out to play... 

Day 1 (night): Dab some pink powder spot on the zit. I use the pink powder spot every night until the zit is completely healed.

Day 2: You can notice that the zit got dried up.

Day 3: The layer of dried acne scab has peeled off and there is an open wound.

Day 4: The zit/pimple has gone away but the open wound is not fully healed yet. The wound is barely noticeable though.

Day 5: The wound has healed and it leaves a flat pinkish-red acne mark/scar. It's time to treat the acne mark/scar~

Once the zit has fully healed, I will proceed on to treat the acne mark/scar with Hiruscar Post Acne Gel. (Review: link)

Verdict: This night spot treatment does not treat acne marks/scars but it is very effective in healing zits. It dries and heals zit within a week without causing any irritation or overly drying problem. I absolutely love it sooooo muuuuuuuchh~! Like the AC Clinic cleanser, this has always been in my holy grail skincare product list too! You can read "My Acne Story" page to know why. I can't stress how much I love the AC Clinic line. Their products had helped to deal with my horrible acne. Though back then halfway through the progress there were some drying problem, I don't find the line drying for my skin now. It works perfectly for my skin and I'm loving it!

People who have trouble with acne, you might want to give this spot treatment and/or other AC Clinic line's products a shot! :)

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Review: Etude House AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser

Etude House AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser (150ml)

Description: Formulated with Salicylic Acid, Foam Cleanser removes acne causing germs to keep your skin clear all day. *Non-comedogenic & Dermatologist Tested.*

*'Non-comedogenic' means it will not produce nor aggravate acne. AC Clinic line is formulated without acne inducing ingredients to promote clear skin.

Directions: Wet face and dispense small amount onto hands. Lather and apply foam to face, gently massaging entire area. Wash and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

It comes with a plastic twist-off screwed flip cap and the opening is perfectly sealed with a foil.

The product can be easily squeezed out from the cleanser tube. 

Consistency & Color:
It has a white creamy texture.

Scent:
Err...I'm bad at describing scent... It has a medicated herby scent to me. I don't find it overpowering. I actually quite like the scent.

Moisture Test on the back of my hand:

The moisture loss after cleansing is only 0.7% so I concluded that this cleanser is not drying.

I found some sites saying that this cleanser can be used to cleanse off makeup. So let's have an experiment~!:

Make-Up Removal Test on the back of my mom's hand:

Swatches of make-up

Squeeze out some cleanser, add some water and start massaging...

massage...massage...massage

You can notice that the makeup starts to dissolve...

Rinse it off with water and dry with a towel.

Result?: It failed to remove the Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner and the Holika Holika Jewel-Light eyeliner completely. As for the rest of the makeup swatches, it seems to have removed completely. However, to be on the safe side, I will still recommend you to use a make-up remover prior to cleanse with this cleanser. I called it 'double cleansing'~! It is to make sure that all makeup residues/impurities have been completely removed. Well, I'm pretty sure you don't want to get breakout, isn't it? So yeah, use a proper makeup remover in removing makeup before cleanses with a cleanser! Don't be lazy and skip the step. :)

Likes:
- contains salicylic acid
- non-comedogenic
- cleanses well
- able to remove certain makeups
- does not aggravate pimples
- no breakout or irritation; suits sensitive skin
- prevents future breakout
- easy to wash off
- leaves the skin feels clean and refresh
- does not dry up the skin
- the scent

Dislikes:
- none!
There's nothing I don't like... :)

Verdict: This cleanser cleanses well and it isn't drying nor aggravating pimples. It does not cause breakout either. In fact, it helps to deal with future breakout. I absolutely love it soooooooooooo muuuuuuuuuuuchh~! This has always been in my holy grail skincare product list! You can read "My Acne Story" page to know why. I can't stress how much I love the AC Clinic line. Their products had helped to deal with my horrible acne. Though back then halfway through the progress there were some drying problem, I don't find the line drying for my skin now. It works perfectly for my skin and I'm loving it!

People who have trouble with acne, you might want to give this cleanser and/or other AC Clinic line's products a shot! :)

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Review: Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar (#08 Neon Yellow)

Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar (#08 Neon Yellow) (7g)

There are 9 different colors in total. 6 of them are fruity scented and the other 3 are mild, natural scented (pretty much scent-less to me actually...).

And I got mine in #08 Neon Yellow.

More information about the Petite Bunny Gloss Bar~:

Description:

Directions: Twist-up to about 3~5mm and lightly apply to lips.

It comes in a retractable stick. The bottom of the stick is twistable so you can twist the bottom to get more product.

Note: Don't twist up too much product because once the product got twisted out, it can't be twisted back into the stick. You have to push it back instead. -_-

Consistency & Color:

Although it says it's a gloss bar, I find it like more towards a balm, like a tinted lip balm. It's not as balmy as Nivea lip balm though. It leaves a slight glossy look but it's not as glossy as a lip gloss or a lip balm. The color of #08 is pretty interesting! It's yellow in the tube but when apply on lips, it turns into a very lovely shade of pink. The color is pretty sheer(low pigmentation) and can be built up but only slightly.

Here are the swatches:

The color is very sheer however, it is buildable. You can compared the color of 1 swipe with the color of 4 swipes.

Scent:
It's very, very mild and natural scent. Not much fragrance actually...

Moisturizing Power:

I find it not as moisturizing as Nivea lip balm. If you have dried and chapped lips like I do, few hours after application, the color kind of runs into the cracks and makes the dried and chapped lips looks more obvious. That's what happened to me so what I usually do is that I will put on a layer of Nivea lip balm on my lips prior to application of this Petite Bunny Gloss Bar. On a positive note, it's not very drying like a lipstick. The moisturizing level is somewhere in between a lipstick and a lip balm.

Staying Power:

The color does lasts except if you eat or drink. Yes, it does comes off pretty easily when you eat or drink. I usually have to re-apply it after eating or drinking.

Likes:
- 2-in-1, lip balm + tint formula = tinted lip balm
- the color! *gorgeous*
- color is sheer and build-able
- the adorable packaging!
- light, natural scent
- not very drying like a lipstick
- easy to glide on lips
- portable and lightweight
- not sticky

Dislikes:
- lousy twistable function; once the product got twisted-up, it can't be twisted back into the stick!
- not as glossy as Nivea lip balm or a lip gloss
- emphasizes on dried and chapped lips

Neutral:
- moisturizes but not as moisturizing as Nivea lip balm
- color does comes off easily when eating or drinking

Verdict: So, I got the #08 Neon Yellow mainly because it doesn't have too much scent. I actually hate sweet fruity scented lips product. I prefer a mild and natural scented or scent-less lips product~~ Currently, this is one of my favorite lips product. The color is not too bold and it gives a soft natural look which is why I like it so much! Even though it's not as moisturizing as I would like it to be, by applying a layer of Nivea lip balm prior to application of this gloss bar will fix the problem.

People who like a soft and sheer natural looking lip color, you might want to give this a try.

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

The Face Shop Real Nature Mask (Mung Bean) (20g)

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

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

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

Mask sheet well soaked with essence~

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

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

This is how the mask looks like...

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

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

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

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

Moisture Test on the back of my hand:

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

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

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

Moisture gained is 18.1%.

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

which I concluded that this mask is quite moisturizing.

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

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

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

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

Neutral:
- purifies pores
- oil-control

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

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

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Review: Hiruscar Post Acne Gel

Having trouble with pimple marks/scars? Try this! :

Hiruscar Post Acne Gel (10g)

Description: Gel for pimple scars and dark marks. In collaboration with Medinova AG — Switzerland, Hiruscar Post Acne, a scar clear gel, is proven to improve depressed scars arising from pimple and help lighten dark spots and/or red marks. Hiruscar Post Acne contains MPS, Allium Cepa, Pionin (Quaternium-73) and other natural ingredients to improve pimple scars and may help the formation of new pimple scars. It provides fast, easy skin absorption with a pleasant and non-greasy texture. It can be used as a part of treatment regime and also can be used under make-up.

Claims to do:
A Unique Formulation with 3-in-1 Scar Clear Benefits:
1. Lightens dark marks in 12 weeks
2. Improves/smoothens depressed pimple scars
3. May prevent pimple occurrence
* Non-Comedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Alcohol Free.

Directions: Apply 2-3 times a day, in the morning and before bedtime. Use regularly after skin treatment and before make-up for continuous and better outcome for scars management. Always wash hands before and after use.

Composition (Ingredients):
Aqua, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Niacinamide, Sorbeth-30, PPG-26-Buteth-26 and PEG-40hydrogenated caster oil, Quaternium-73, Carbomer, Fragrance, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate and DMDM hydantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin and Mucopolysaccharide (MPS).

Below pictures(Source: link) further elaborate... (please take some time to read them~)

• What is a Hiruscar Post Acne Gel?

• What can Hiruscar Post Acne do and when to use?

• How to use Hiruscar Post Acne Gel?

• The effectiveness:

It comes in a squeeze-able tube with a twist-off plastic cap.

It's easy to squeeze out the gel from the tube.

Consistency and Color:
Light clear gel texture and it's not greasy at all.

Once applied on the skin, it gets absorbed into the skin without leaving any sticky residue/layer.

Scent:
I don't know how to describe the scent... The scent is kind of "unique" though. I personally find it a little pungent. To be honest, I couldn't accept the scent when I first tried it but after a few use, I'm used to it. It's bearable and will not linger after application.

Likes:
- 100% anti-bacterial
- lighten and improve pimple scars and dark marks
- gets absorbed into the skin
- can be used under makeup
- light gel consistency and not heavy
- non-comedogenic
- alcohol-free
- suits sensitive skin
- doesn't cause breakouts

Dislikes:
- takes time to fully lighten pimple scars/marks

This is not my first time using this product. I first used it back in Year 2010.

This is the one I used last time.(2-in-1 formulation)

*The one I reviewing is Hiruscar Post Acne Gel. I think it's their new product. An upgraded version(3-in-1 formulation) specially for pimple scars/marks.

After some time, I stopped using this product and switched to other lightening/whitening products, such as the Skinfood Tomato Whitening Spot Serum & Etude House AC Clinic Red Spot Balm. It's been quite a few years since I last used this and I decided to use it again because of my allergies and sensitive skin. Well, I got a skin allergic reaction to tea tree oil back in August 2013. Yes, I am allergic to tea tree oil and I know it yet I still used it. Am I stupid or what!? LOL.

Back then, I had an event coming up and I just wanna get rid of about 6 to 8 zits(ranging from small to big) that were on my chin before the event. Despite knowing that I am allergic to tea tree oil, I still took the risk and used it. I actually had a plan in mind... I planned...if an allergic reaction occurs, then I will just don't attend the event. As simple as that. It's not really important anyway. So yeah..., allergic reaction really occurred and I left with even more zits and scars. 

During and After the allergic period, my skin on the chin belonged to the VERY sensitive skin type. Therefore, I decided to get back to this Hiruscar Gel because I know it's sensitive skin friendly~ It's clinically proven, safe to use, non skin irritant, even safe to use on sensitive skin.

By the way, it takes time to notice the results so don't expect an instant miracle from this product. The recommended treatment must be at least 2 weeks to 2 months. But I will recommend to use this for at least 3 months. With continuous usage, you will probably see visible results in 2 weeks on fresh pimple scars/marks. Do take note that the treatment period and results may vary depending on individual's condition, such as the condition of the acne wound and also how fast your skin repairs itself.

Here's my 8 weeks and 3 days of 'experiment'~ 
PS: All the photos were taken on different time so the lighting may vary. NO makeup or editing... errr... actually..., I did edit... — cropped, combined all photos into one and added in watermarks and dates. That's it. NO major editing though.

(Before): I had these patches of redness, bumpy/pimplish skin after using tea tree oil. It was a skin allergic reaction as I've said. Actually, it was much redder than in the photo and it was hell itchy! >< The itchiness and redness took about a week and a half to heal.

PS: I started using the Hiruscar Post Acne Gel on 6th September 2013. So...

Day 1: As you can see, I have a lot of scars/marks left by the allergic reaction...

6 weeks & 2 days: Oops, sorry. Wrong angle. lol. Anyway, you probably still be able to notice the difference huh?

(After) 8 weeks & 3 days: There are still some very faint pimple scars/marks, I don't know if you guys can see... However, the marks are greatly faded! On a side note, please excuse that Nexcare Patch~ lololol. I have a nasty zit there. It popped itself this morning and I just pasted the patch over it to help suck out all the pus. :x

By the way, I apply the gel 2 times a day, in the morning and at night, after my toner and before my moisturizer.

Okay, enough said. Whether the product works in fading scars/marks, you will be the judge~ :)

People who have trouble with pimple scars/marks, you might want to give this a try.

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Review: Etude House skin mal:gem (Fresh; Oil Control Toner)

Etude House skin mal:gem (Fresh; Oil Control Toner) (250ml)

Description: 맑음[mal:gem] — the Korean word for cleanness, clarity and pureness. Skin Malgeum hypoallergenic toners promote clean, clear and pure complexion with moisturizing and pore cleansing formulas.

*Fresh: Controls excess sebum while providing enough moisture to keep the skin matte. Bamboo extract and sebum control ingredient keeps the skin clean and fresh.

Directions: Dispense solution onto toner pad and use pad to wipe all areas of face and neck.
*can be use as a facial mist or facial mask
(PS: I won't make any comments about the facial mist and mask method since I have not tried it.)

The toner comes in a matte bottle with a plastic twist-off screwed cap and the opening is perfectly sealed with a foil. The fluid can be easily pour out from the opening of the bottle.

I usually moisten a cotton pad and gently swipe it all over my face. It gets absorbed into the skin after a few minutes without leaving any sticky residue.

Consistency & Color:
Light and watery. Colorless.

Scent:

It smells citrusy when sniff directly from the opening of the bottle. But when pour it out on hand and sniff it, there's a mild hint of floral scent to it. I might be wrong though... lol. I'm bad at describing scent. hah. :x It does not smells bad anyway.

Oil-Control:
It DOES control sebum but of course, not to the extend that you will be totally free from oiliness the whole entire day. My skin still feels oily throughout the day and I still need to blot my face with oil blotters however, I noticed that the amount of sebum has been significantly reduced compared to what I would normally get.

Moisture Test on the back of my hand:

Before applying the toner, my skin moisture level measures 33.3%
After applying the toner, my skin moisture level measures 41.2%.
After 10 minutes later(toner got fully absorbed), I took the measurement again, it dropped to 40.6%

Moisture gain is 7.9%.

The difference on moisture loss after 10 minutes is only 0.6%.

which I concluded that this toner is pretty moisturizing.

**Above result is just for the application of a toner.**

With application of a moisturizer, I believe the skin will be perfectly moisturized!

Likes:

- 5 free formula: Free of Paraben, Artifical dye, Benzophenon, Mineral oil, Animal material

- controls sebum

- pore cleansing

- moisturizes

- gets absorbed into the skin

- not sticky at all

- does not cause breakouts

- leaves skin feeling clean, fresh and cooling

- the scent

Dislikes

- does not help to shrink the pores...

Seriously, there's nothing much I dislike about. :)

Verdict?: I have already finished using this toner and it does works as what it claimed to do — "controls sebum yet at the same time provides moisture to the skin". It leaves the skin feeling clean, fresh and cooling upon application. On the downside, I don't think it helps minimizing the pores though...I didn't see a difference in the size of my pores. 

Anyway, this toner is perfect for Summer season, for people who live in hot and humid country and also for people who have oily skin. 

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Review: Etude House Baking Powder B.B Deep Cleansing Foam

Etude House Baking Powder B.B Deep Cleansing Foam (150ml)

Description: Formulated with Baking Powder to penetrate and cleanse deep within pore to remove makeup and residues.
*Ideal for BB cream removal. 100% natural & Dye-Free
Active Ingredients: Baking Powder.
Directions: Apply to wet face and lather. Massage thoroughly and rinse with warm water.

The product actually comes well-wrapped with a plastic sheet/wrapper? (whatever it's called...). I ripped off the plastic sheet/wrapper before I start taking pictures. :x

It comes with a plastic twist-off screwed flip cap and the opening is perfectly sealed with a foil.

It contains really fine and mild scrubbing particles and it's not abrasive. The scrubbing particles will melt away during massaging. 

Moisture Test on the back of my hand:

The moisture loss is only 1.7% so I concluded that this cleanser is not very drying.

Consistency & Color:

Soft and white creamy texture with really fine and mild scrubbing particles.

Scent:

It has a citrusy, lemony-orangey scent which smells really niiiicee~

Likes:

- the baking powder formula

- 100% natural and dye-free

- remove all traces of makeup!

- mild exfoliation; not too harsh nor abrasive

- deep cleanse; unclogging pores

- brightens up the skin

- skin feels smooth to the touch after use

- lathers up well

- not very drying

- easy to wash off

- makes it easier to extract blackheads

- does not cause any irritation or breakouts

- the scent

Dislikes:

- for sensitive skin... probably not suitable to use it daily

Makeup Removal Test! (Demonstration on my mom's hand~  ) :

Sorry for the messy "wordy" picture... ><"

Squeeze out some cleanser, add some water and start massaging...

massage... massage... massage.... 

You can notice that the makeup starts to dissolve...

continue massaging...

....massage... massage... massage....

and rinse it off with water

.

.

.

Dry with a towel~

TA-DAAA~

All traces of makeup, even waterproof makeup, has been removed!

It literally brightens up the skin and leaves the skin feels smooth to the touch!

Verdict? Well well well..., I absolutely love this cleansing foam! It deep cleanse and exfoliate the skin, removing excess dead skin cells and unclogging the pores without overly drying the skin. The mild exfoliation does makes blackhead extraction easier. I might do a post on blackhead extraction in the future...

As I have combination skin(oily on the T-zone, dry on the cheekbones and sensitive skin), I don't use it daily. I use it twice or max. thrice a week, alternately, and use only when I wear makeup. Oh and..., only at night. I use a different cleanser in the day. Anyway, despite the scrubbing particles are fine and mild, I don't think it's good to exfoliate everyday. So I personally suggest to use it twice or max. thrice a week, alternately. :)

As I have mentioned, I will use this cleanser only when I wear makeup because as you can see from above pictures, this amazing cleanser cleans off makeup super effectively. However, I will still use a makeup remover prior to deep cleansing with this cleansing foam. I called it double cleansing~ lol. I use a makeup remover just to make sure that all the makeup is completely removed. Then I will use this cleansing foam to deep cleanse thoroughly, dissolving and removing all the remaining unseen impurities/makeup residues within the pores which the makeup remover can't remove.

In general, I love this product and would recommend this to people who wears makeup~ BUT, I don't recommend people to use this to remove eye makeup! The skin around the eye area is the most delicate so I personally think it's a little abrasive. Furthermore, if the product gets into your eyes, it does stings like a bitch! ><"

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