poshmakeupnstuff: korean beauty

HERA UV Mist Cushion Cover

Hey there, lovelies!

The last cushion product I've reviewed was a high-end brand by AmorePacific. It is the H E R A UV Mist Cushion. Hera is a high-end Korean brand that is said to be comparable to high-end Western brands such as YSL, Dior, Chanel and Hourglass.

For this post, I'll share my thoughts on another HERA cushion which is the HERA UV Mist Cushion Cover. It was launched early 2016 and is said to be similar to the original UV Mist one but with a better coverage. To know more about this cushion, read on for its product details.

Size: 15g +15g (refill)/ 30g

Type: All skin types

Shades: C13 Ivory Cover, C17 Rose Vanilla Cover C21 Vanilla Cover and C23 Beige Cover

How To Use: Open the compact and pick up product with the puff provided. Dab onto the face and apply evenly onto the face. Repeat for desired coverage. Follow the same directions for fixing make up through out the day.

PACKAGING

HERA UV MIST CUSHION COVER 2016 poshmakeupnstuff.blogspot.com

As I've mentioned on my previous cushion reviews, cushion foundations are patented in Korea by a company called, AmorePacific, the same company who released the very first cushion foundation in Korea. That's the reason why cushion foundations are packaged similarly. Brands just basically differ in the formulation of the product and the designs in their packaging.

This cushion is made from sturdy plastic, with its brand and name on its cover. I like that it is made of shiny plastic material because I can easily clean it up when it gets dirty. The simplistic cover also gives the cushion a more elegant look. Compared to the UV Mist Cushion, the sides of this one has a matte finish. Personally, I prefer the old packaging as it looks more elegant with the mirror-finished sides.

DESCRIPTION AND PRODUCT CLAIMS:

hera uv mist cushion cover poshmakeupnstuff.blogspot.com

The whole UV Mist Cushion Line has the following claims:

1. Mineral Clay Water completes a resilient, dewy skin
Combined with a high-molecular hydrating formula, it captures moisture and spreads it over the skin for a healthy, radiant complexion. It also uses Hypertonic Radiance Technology which fulfills skin moisture content for a resilient and dewy finish. Basically, it is a cushion foundation for flawlessly hydrating skin that adheres moisturising radiance to the skin.

2. Powerful antioxidants protect skin from harmful conditions
Upon exposure to UV rays, antioxidants in the Smart Vector UV Complex are activated to create a protective barrier for comforting the skin from harsh external conditions

3. Fine particles flawlessly and delicately adhere to the skin
The Ultra Fine Particle Dispersion Technology has upgraded the texture for a delicate finish without caking.

This particular Cushion Cover Line includes the innovative Post On Powder which provides delicate and complete coverage without caking. It is dermatologist-tested and remains in excellent condition for 12mos after opening.

PRODUCT INGREDIENTS

image via ph.althea.kr

This cushion contains silicone and fragrance so if you're allergic to any of those then don't buy this product.

TEXTURE

Although it appears yellowish in the photo, C23 has a neutral undertone which is typical for a Beige shade. It has a very light consistency thus providing a buildable coverage without looking cake-y. .

I use the cushion puff included because I prefer it to be applied on the skin using patting motions rather than buffed with a brush. It goes on the skin easily, blends like a dream and sets quickly. It does feel hydrating on the skin and doesn't get sticky throughout the day.

SCENT
If you're sensitive with scents, this one may not be for you. It has a faint floral scent which I didn't really notice until I sniffed the sponge. The scent does disappear quickly or my nose probably just gets used to it quickly.

COVERAGE

This cushion provides a light to medium coverage. It doesn't cake up even when I apply several layers to try and cover up my blemishes. When I apply a second layer, it does a decent job in covering my dark undereyes, hyperpigmentation and pimple marks. However, because its undertone doesn't match mine, it does end up looking kinda ashy when layered. Also, despite its moisturising claims, it tends to emphasise the dry patches on my skin.

FINISH AND LONGEVITY

Like the previous one, this product has good sebum control properties. It stays on for around 4-5 hours without touch-ups. However, if you have really oily skin and live in a humid country, a mattifying powder and blotting papers will be your best friends. Compared to the older UV Mist cushion, this one has a semi-matte to satin finish.

MY THOUGHTS:

The quality of this cushion is really good. The coverage is great for a cushion foundation. It makes it seem like my skin looks good without piling on products. The wear and oil-control properties are great as well. However, I still prefer the formulation of the old UV Mist simply because it does not cling on to the dry patches of my skin as much as this one does. Upon closer look, the dry patches and my facial hairs are very visible however, at a normal distance it's not.

Since it tends to the dry patches I have on my face, this cushion would be best suited for those with normal to combination skin types.

I can think of 5 cons for this cushion: (1) it is not transfer-proof (2) it gives a white cast in flash photography, (3) it tends to oxidise (it doesn't turn orange on me but it does darken a little bit throughout the day) (4) it clings on and emphasises the dry patches on my face and (5) it has limited shade range. The shades available cater to light-skinned people with pink and neutral undertones. Sadly, if you have medium to dark skin tone with a yellow undertone, you won't have a shade for this line.

⇹⇹⇹

Have you also purchased this cushion foundation? What's your fave cushion so far? Let me know your thoughts about it in the comment section below.

Have a great day everyone!

0Comments

, by poshmakeupnstuff

In beauty, kbeauty

Review: Korean Bamboo Charcoal Mud Pack

nature republic bamboo charcoal mud pack

Charcoal masks have been popular months ago and I've been seeing girls rave about it on YouTube. I've seen some not so nice experience of girls with peel-off charcoal masks and some failed DIYs and I thought I don't want to put my skin in such distress. Besides, charcoal masks are affordable anyway so I don't see the point of DIY Charcoal Masks and decided to get one instead.

Since I love Korean masks, I decided to get a wash-off typed Charcoal Mud Mask and found one from Nature Republic. Nature Republic is probably popular for their Soothing and Moisturing 92% Aloe Vera Gel which has reached around 30 million sales worldwide. I have tried several of their skin care products so I decided to try this mud pack as well.

I've been using it for months now and finally decided it's enough time for me to come up with a decent review.

PACKAGING:

Unlike other mud packs I've seen in the market, this one comes in a green plastic tube. Since you have to squeeze the product out of it, I find that it is more hygienic and you're guaranteed to get fresh product each use. I am not a big fan of masks that come in jars or tubs for these reasons. However, because it is a MUD mask, it does tend to take a bit of effort in squeezing it out since it has a thick consistency.

When I bought it from the store, it doesn't come with any box so all the information you need is at the back of the tube. Take note that half of the description is in Korean but it is translated to English as well. You get 150g of product for the price of Php375 (around 10AUD or 9$) which is a lot considering I've been using it more than 10x (better bargain than the L'oreal Clay Masks) and I've only used up half of it.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND INGREDIENTS:

Nature republic is popular for using natural and organic ingredients but it doesn't mean you can't get an allergic reaction from them. It's not indicated whether this was dermatologist-tested and they did caution to stop using immediately if signs of irritation or rash appears.

Let's get nerdy (You can skip this):

Main ingredients indicate that it has Charcoal powder, Kaolin and Bentonite. It also has other fruit extracts (such as Cranberry and Blueberry) which probably provides some antioxidant and nourishing benefits as well.

Research claims charcoal to be good in removing dirt and impurities. It is used in water purification systems so if it's good for purifying water then it's good enough for our skin! Activated charcoal powder easily adsorbs (yes, adsorbs) impurities from the environment thus it must be stored in a tightly sealed container. This is why I like how this product from Nature Republic comes in a Tube and not a tub because everytime you open a tub you expose the product into the enviroment (Such as Elizavecca Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask which I think is quite gimmicky...and also the L'oreal Clay Masks).

Charcoal is found to be very beneficial to skin because of its properties. It has the ability to attract substances that are a thousand times its own weight to its surface and hold them there -- a process called adsorption. Because of this process, these harmful substances are rendered harmless or ineffective. To read more about these benefits of Charcoal, click on the link here.

Kaolin can be found in a lot of facial masks for its ability to purify, nourish, soothe and heal different skin types. It can help enhance blood circulation and in the elimination of wastes and toxins. Because of this property, it is good in detoxifying the skin. It is said to be good for both oily and dry skin as it helps reduce production of sebum and at the same time mineralizing the dry areas of the skin. Read more about Kaolin here.

Bentonite just like Kaolin, also contains the mineral montmorillonite--crystals found in volcanic ash. It has been used for its ability to prevent or treat facial blemishes and minor abscesses. When mixed with water and applied on skin, it helps constricts the skin which helps push out the impurities while providing anti-bacterial benefits as well. For more benefits of Bentonite, click here.

TEXTURE AND SCENT:

Since it is a mud pack, the consistency of the product is quite thick...like mud 😉. Despite the thick consistency, it is quite easy to spread on the face. It doesn't have any scent to it which is probably because of the charcoal (a natural deodorizer, it tends to get rid of odors as well).

MY THOUGHTS:

I like how this product comes in a tube which is very hygienic and preserves the product inside longer than mud pacts in tubs. I've tried other clay masks in tubs before and find it annoying how the texture changes after several months because of exposure to air. I like that this mask is easy to apply and that its texture and consistency has never changed since I opened it.

I like to prep my skin before using this: I wash my face first then open up my pores by exposing my face to steam (make sure not to burn yourself) before applying this mud pack. It doesn't take long for it to completely dry unless you apply it thickly. Notice that it changes its color from dark gray to ash gray as it dries. As it dries, it gets harder to move your face making you realize how it would probably feel like if you've had botox injections 😉😇.

When it comes to its other product claims I think it's best to refer to the photos below for reference.

Notice the difference on the size of my pores! It does a good job in making my skin feel smoother and sebum-free after each use. When it comes to blackheads removal, it does an average job since it did not get rid of everything. Some still remain especially on the tip of my nose. I guess, that would be the advantage of peel-off masks, they tend to be more effective in blackheads removal.

My skin looks a bit red after each use, either from the improved blood circulation from the Kaolin or because of the lukewarm water I used in rinsing it off 😉. But in both photos you can see the reduction of my pore size.

Overall, I find this product an average mud pack. I would love it if it was more effective in removing blackheads but I find that it is more effective in minimizing pores and controlling sebum. If oily skin and large pores are your problems, then you might love this mud pack.

According to their website, they have recently repackaged this line and reformulated it as a peel-off mask.

If you're into charcoal peel-off masks then maybe you can check the new one out. I think the new line may be more effective in removing blackheads since they're peel-off masks. Personally, I try to stay away from peel-off masks so maybe I'll try other charcoal mud masks. Still I'm quite satisfied with this product which is pretty decent for its price.

Hope you liked this review. Have you tried this mud pact or do you prefer peel-off ones? If you can suggest a good mud pact, let me know on the comment section below. Have a great day!

Get it here! https://buff.ly/2qR8uxR

***

Disclaimer: This blog post is NOT SPONSORED! I do use some affiliate links which means I earn a small commission when you shop. If you are not comfortable shopping through my links you do not have to. Just google the name of the product and I'm sure you'll find sites where to shop them.

8Comments

, by poshmakeupnstuff

In beauty, Bling Bling Eye Stick #10

My Fall Eye Make Up Look (Using Etude House Products)

4Comments

, by poshmakeupnstuff

In affordable matte cushion, beauty

Finally, a Korean Matte Cushion for Oily Skin Gals!!!

Hey lovelies!

I am currently obsessing about cushion foundations and have been trying several products from Korea to America. I must say that I prefer Korean cushions than their American counterpart however, I just don't like how dewy and glowy they are on my already oily face.

Most Korean cushions have a moist, glowy, dewy finish. It's great if you have dry skin but, if you have oily or combo skin, you may not appreciate those cushions.

I think Korean beauty companies have realized the need to come up with a cushion that caters to oily skin gals like myself and came up with several matte cushions. I recently discovered this Korean brand, Chica Y Chico that came up with an affordable matte cushion. Their cushion is more affordable than the cushions from Etude House, The Face Shop, Missha, etc. (610php or around 20AUD / 15$)

PACKAGING:

The cushion comes in a sleek, matte black case. Just like a typical Korean brand cushion, it has 15g of product and comes with a rubicell puff and a built-in mirror. Some brands have a refill included in their product, this one does not. :(

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND INGREDIENTS:

photo courtesy of Althea.kr

SCENT:

This cushion has a bit of a scent. It does not remind me of anything in particular but it does have a chemical-like scent to it that doesn't last long.

TEXTURE

Like most Korean cushions, this foundation has more of a pinkish undertone than a yellow undertone (although it may seem yellowish in this photo). The sponge that holds its cushion is kinda hard when you press down and it doesn't distribute the product evenly on the sponge.

I only apply 1 layer every time I use this cushion because I find 2 layers make me look ghostly pale. Make sure that you moisturize your face like crazy prior application because it tends to emphasize the dry areas of your face. It settles quickly so I suggest you apply it on sections of your face first then immediately blend it. Because once it settles, it will not budge.

COVERAGE AND FINISH

Also, although it claims to be a matte cushion, it's not completely matte. It has a semi-matte finish which makes your skin look glowy but not dewy like most Korean cushions. I apply a setting powder on the super areas of my face and it helps tone down the glowy effect of the cushion. I don't apply powder on my cheeks because I like the sheen it gives when light hits my face, making me look like I have highlighter on but I really don't. :)

poshmakeupnstuff.blogspot: chica y chico mat fix cushion

The product has light - medium coverage and has a very faint scent that disappears upon application. It doesn't do well in covering dark under-eyes and pimple scars. Unless you layer it on (which I don't like). There are only two shades available in their range #21 Light Beige and #23 Medium Beige. I bought the darkest shade, which may still look pretty light for those with medium to dark skin tone. My face is darker than my neck so I like how it lightens my face to match my neck. This stuff lasts all day on my face despite sweat and grease.

The photo taken in front of natural light after 1 layer. It looks really light on my face but it oxidizes after some time.

LONGEVITY:

I have been using this product for a month now and I think this is a very good everyday cushion in the summer. Although it claims to have a cooling effect, upon application, I don't notice any cooling sensation on my face. It was around 26C outside and I was sweating like a pig when I noticed my face looking shiny. I didn't have any blotting paper, tissue and powder with me at the time (because I was just out for a quick errand). Good thing the place I went to has a nice cool air-conditioned room, so my body was able to cool down. On my way back home, I took a selfie and that's how my face looked (under natural light) despite the grease and sweat on my face earlier (without blotting).

When I got home, I blotted my face with a tissue and found the pigment transferred on it. But once blotted, my foundation looked nice again. This cushion lasts for hours on my face so I don't really need touch ups through out the day, just a little blotting paper/tissue and powder is enough to make it look good all day.

If you work in a cold environment / work in an air-conditioned office, this cushion will look great all day on you!

Have you tried any matte cushions? I wanna know what matte cushions you have tried and how you find them by leaving a comment below.

If you like what you read and want to be updated on my posts, please don't forget to like and subscribe.

Have a great day, everyone!

If you're interested in getting this product, look for it on any online Korean beauty store or you can check out this site where I ordered it from:

http://ph.althea.kr/matt-cushion

You can use the code: "poshmakeupnstuff " for an additional discount.

If you're outside of Ph. You can get it here: Yesstyle

0Comments

, by poshmakeupnstuff

In asian skin care, kbeauty

My current fave oil-control serum!

Hello lovelies!

Shout out to all the oily skin gals out there. I have discovered a skin care product that helps keep my oilies at bay. I have combi skin type and because of the hot and humid weather here in my country, I usually manage looking like a frying pan towards the end of the day (sans blotting).

I have been dealing with this problem since I hit puberty and I used to believe that long lasting make up is the solution.Until I found out that having awesome skin care routine is the answer to my oily skin troubles. I recently discovered this oil control serum from Skin Food, a popular Korean brand that uses natural and organic ingredients in their products. Seeing the porcelain-like skin of Korean actresses, it was enough to convince me to try out their skin care products (Yep, what can I say, I'm pretty gullible).

I bought this serum together with the toner from the same line (which I have reviewed here) and have been using it everyday since. The serum's packaging is very similar to their toner, twist-off cap and clear, glass bottle that resembles a sake bottle. When you remove the cap, the product is dispensed by a pump, which is nice and hygienic.

Just like you see from the bottle, the serum comes off white, with a gel-like consistency. It gives off a faint, alcohol/peachy kind of scent upon application which disappears after a few minutes. I'm not really a fan of its scent but because of its good oil control properties, I use it everyday.

The serum is very easy to blend and I think from the texture of my skin after application, it probably contains silicone. It makes my skin feel smoother which is good prior make up application. I almost don't use primer anymore and I noticed that my foundation / BB cream still manages to stay on for hours. I think together with the toner, it helps manage my T-zone area. If you use an oil-control primer with the two, your make up will be indestructible!

This serum is pretty affordable too (Php 835 - Php510 + shipping or around $10-$16/AUD30-AUD17) so you get really good bargain for its price.

Trivia Time!!

I did some research on benefits of sake for our skin and here are some of the things I found out:

1. It has antioxidants and anti-aging properties.

Sake is said to contain Ferulic acids. Ferulic acids are a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are chemicals that inhibit the oxidation process. Oxidation leads to breakdown of our cells, something that normally occurs as we get older. Antioxidants then help delay this process. Ferulic acids can inhibit Lipid Peroxidation. Lipids are important in maintaining the youthfulness of our skin thus,inhibiting its oxidation can lead to delay in skin ageing.

2. It can prevent allergies.

People with atopic eczema have dry patches on the parts with eczema. Sake has moisturising ingredients that can help relieve the effects of eczema.

3. It helps moisturize the skin.

Sake is found to contain ingredients such as Glycerol and amino acids. These ingredients are often found in cosmetics and skin care. It is said that it is not yet found which substances are responsible for this effect. However, the interactions among hundreds of nutrients in Sake such as Amino Acids, Organic Acids, Saccharides, Vitamins, Nucleic Acids and Esters are said to be attributed to it.

4. It helps whitens the skin.

Sake is said to have ingredients that controls the effects of Melanin, the skin's natural pigment. Melanin is responsible for our skin color, sun spots, age spots and freckles. That's probably why brewery workers have smooth, white hands!

5. It helps prevent rough skin.

In Japan, sake has been used as a skin toner for centuries. It contains plenty of saccharides and amino acids found in most skin care products. Some researches found out that it contains α-Ethyl Glucoside (α-EG). This α-EG, which gives the bitter taste of sake, treats rough skin through cornification of epidermal cells.

Reference:

http://www.sake-talk.com/sake-health-benefits/

Skin Food Toner

Hits:

Fancy sake like packaging

Lots of organic ingredients

Makes skin smoother after application

Good oil control properties

Misses:
Inconvenient to open and might be easily broken
Strong fragrance

Packaging: 4/5 (-1 for the twist cap)

Ingredients: 5/5

Product claims: 4/5

Price: 4/5
Overall rating: 4.25/5

Here are some online stores I'm affiliated with that sells this serum. You can use my discount codes at the sidebar for additional discounts.

zalora.com

http://ph.althea.kr or http://althea.kr

Or you can try ebay or your fave online Korean stores that sells it. ^^

Hope you like this review. I also made a review of the toner from the same line which you can read here. Comment below your fave oil control serum or if you have tried this product.

Have a good day, everyone!

2Comments

, by poshmakeupnstuff

In althea, althea beauty box

Get Authentic and Affordable Korean Products: Althea Beauty Box Unboxing

Althea is an online beauty shop that provides consumers with authentic and trendy Korean products at a very low price. The reason behind their best price policy is because they work directly with the Korean brands and have no middle men involved in their transactions thus passing all their savings to the consumers. All their packages are sent directly from Korea straight to your doorsteps.

They only sell authentic Korean products and guarantees the quality of the products they send by fulfilling the 5 point quality assurance check for all their items. And in case you are not satisfied with any of the products you receive, they guarantee a 30-day unconditional return policy as well.

They also offer free shipping when you reach a certain minimum worth of purchase:

Philippines -- P1500.

Malaysia -- RM150.

Singapore -- S$50

Indonesia -- Rp500,000

This is my Althea Beauty Box which I received within 5 days since I ordered my products.

I received a Scrub Foam freebie from the Saem. Yay! ^^ I ordered Angel Factory's Under-arm Perfume Peeling Pads which the site claims is a trendy item in Korea.

I also ordered Chica Y Chico's Matt Cushion in Shade 23. This one is something I am really excited to try since all cushions I've tried so far have a dewy finish. I have to admit that being an oily-faced gal, I am not a very big fan of the dewy look especially in the summer. That is why I am very excited because this is the first cushion that I will try that claims to have a matte finish.

I also bought an It's My Cushion puff and some It's My Brushes and lastly I bought Witch's Pouch Selfie Perfect Concealer.

I really like how this site has introduced me to other Korean brands that haven't reached mainstream in my country yet. That's why I highly recommend that you check out their online stores which I have links below. Click on which country you are from and it will take you to your respective country's link. You can also use my discount code below upon your checkout. Enjoy shopping!

Discount code: poshmakeupnstuff