Review: Skin Food Avocado Leave-In Fluid

Hello~~

So this is my first update in months. I've been really busy being a new teacher, and adjusting to my new life in Korea. Anyway, I bought this product sometime in August I think? I've been using it for about 3 1/2~4 months now. I bought it in a Skin Food store in Busan, and got it for about $6.00 I want to say?

I like the packaging. It is plastic, but sturdy. There is a plastic cover that you remove, and the product is dispensed using a pump.

Skin Food Avocado Leave-In Fluid

Size: 110ml

An intensive leave-in hair treatment lotion that contains avocado oil to nourish and moisturize dry, damaged hair.

Description: After shampooing, apply a small amount of elixir daily Leave-In fluid to wet hair. Do not rinse out.

Swatches

Sorry this picture is kinda washed out...still experimenting with my camera

The product feels like a light moisturizer. it isn't too liquidy, but it isn't super thick either.

How I Use this Product

The description says to use it on wet hair, but I prefer using it on damp or slightly dry hair. After I shower, I apply it after my hair is partially dry. I use about two pumps, spread it in my hands, then run it through my hair from roots to tips. I tend to focus the product on the top of my head, where most of my flyaways are.

My Thoughts on the Product?

Love love love. It doesn't really smell like avocado (even though avocados don't have a strong scent anyway). It just smells really, really good. I can't describe the smell, but it has a very subtle clean, fruity smell. It's mild and I like it. The product always applies very well. 

The product spreads easily, and doesn't cake up or get oily. I don't usually like leave-in products because it usually makes my hair feel greasy or something, but this product doesn't do that at all. It leaves my hair looking shiny, feeling silky soft, and really helps tame those flyaways! 

Who do I Recommend this Product to?

Anyone with dry, damaged hair or with a lot of flyaway hairs.

Rating: 5/5

Pros:

- Low maintenance (just spread it in your hair & you're done)

- Smells good

- Tames flyaways

- Leaves your hair looking shiny and smooth

- Affordable

- You only need a little at a time

Cons:

- None

Updates on my Life and Blogging

My Life: Fulbright Korea...

So it's been like what...since April since I last posted? 7 months ago? Sorry for the lack of updates. Things have been a whirlwind since my graduation in June actually. I got the Fulbright, and after going through a lot of changes/adjustments this year...I am happy to say that I am sorta settled comfortably in my new city in Korea.

I'm living in a city called Gumi, in the Gyeonsangbuk-do province. I've been here since the beginning of July, so it's been about 4 1/2 months already. I'm loving it so far, and if you're interested in following my Fulbright Korea journey you can read about it here: http://shadeofjadeblog.wordpress.com/

I update my Fulbright blog frequently (about once every 3-4 days).

Updates

So the question now is...when will I be updating again? I mean obviously the best time to be blogging about Korean beauty/skincare is when I am actually in South Korea. Which is now. I will be here for a whole year and let me tell you...I've tried a ton of new and cool products in the past few months. Reviews are way overdue. 

I actually just ordered a new camera online, so once the camera comes in, I want to start getting into beauty blogging again. There's a lot I've been trying out, so I want to share my thoughts. Hopefully in the coming week or so I will start updating a bit more regularly again.

Look forward to it!~~

Review: The Style Melting Sugar Lip Scrub

Stock Photo

Hello everyone!

Sorry for the lack of reviews lately. I've been crazy busy at school and with various other things. I'm a college senior so graduation is coming up really fast! So today I will be reviewing a Missha lip scrub. I bought a lot of stuff on the website recently, mainly some gifts for my friends' birthdays. So I'll just be reviewing the items I purchased for myself ^^ I got this scrub for $6.30 on the Missha site.

 Love the packaging, it comes in this cute little cylindrical, plastic container with a screw top. When you remove the top there is a small plastic separator with a little tab on it to keep the product separated and sanitary.

Missha The Style Melting Sugar Lip Scrub

Size: 9G

Use the Melting Sugar Lip Scrub for a complete lip care.
The Conditioning Complex in the Scrub contains oils and butter that help retain moisture in lips and give a smooth finish. The natural sugar particles are of various sizes to better reach in between the fine lines and wrinkles in your lips.

Description: Apply appropriate amount onto lips and gently massage with fingertips. When sugar particles melt and lips feel softer, wipe off with tissue.

Swatches

Since my product is new it is a little firm, but if you use it more it will get softer. You can check out the Missha site's close up photos and it shows you an accurate consistency of the product. It is sort of brownish with little sugar particles. It is gentle, with a subtle sweetish smell.

How I Use this Product

I apply some of the product with my finger to my lips. I rub it into my lips in circular motions until it is absorbed/smoother, and then wipe it off with either a paper towel or a tissue. Lastly, for best results, I'll usually apply a lip balm.

My Thoughts on the Product?

I really like this lip scrub. It is gentle, yet gets the job done. After using it, I have smooth and moisturized lips. I found that it generally keeps my lips smooth and unchapped for about 2-3 days after using it. So maybe use it only once or twice a week. It is quick and easy to use, and it smells pleasant and is completely painless. This is a great solution for anyone with chapped lips, or for people who want that smooth and flawless lipstick application.

Who do I Recommend this Product to?

Anyone with chapped lips, or anyone who wants completely smooth lips. It is great for people who want a flawless lipstick application.

Rating: 5/5

Pros:

- Gentle yet effective

- Moisturizing

- Pleasant smell

- Long lasting effect

- Quick, easy, and painless

Cons:

Can't think of any!

I got mine on the Missha website. If you are interested in trying Korean skincare or makeup I cannot recommend Missha enough. Reasonable prices with HQ products-- what more can you ask for? 

Right now, until 4/8/14 is a Friends & Family sale. So everything is 40% off! I already placed two orders, as I mentioned before. They offer free shipping (if you spend somewhere around $35 I think). It was also priority 1 day shipping so I got both my packages within a day of placing my order. Pleasant surprise :D

Missha also now gives you cash back on your orders, then you can apply this money towards future purchases. I don't think you get cash back if you buy during the F&F sale but every other purchase is eligible. They also have VIP benefits if you spend $200 in a calendar year. 

All of this sounds great doesn't it? Check out Missha! Have any of you tried Missha before? Have you used their US website? Do you plan to buy from them? Thoughts? Comments? You know what to do~~

Sorry for my inactivity lately...

Hey guys sorry for my lack of activity lately. Ever since Spring Break I've been crazed with school work and the various other stresses bombarding a college senior. I got the Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster over Spring Break so I have been playing that a lot. Anyway, I should be updating my blog with some new posts really soon. I got some more products from Missha, so hopefully I'll be reviewing them shortly. 

Lately I've been ordering CDs from Mnet America, so any K-Pop fans out there should check out their site. They have great specials from merchandise to autographed CDs, all for a low cost and low shipping rates. So check them out! I just bought a Lunafly autographed album, BTOB autographed album, and a CN Blue autographed album (but only by one randomly selected member). I was excited because on Mnet they also have meet and greets via Mnet's livestream. I won something in the meet and greet with Lunafly! I was so lucky ^^ They are my favorite group. Soompi is also a great shop for autographed/cool merch. I'll put the links below :) See you next post~~

http://mwaveshop.interest.me/index.php/

http://shop.soompi.com/?sl=EN

Review: Missha Two Faces of Beauty Limited Lip Kit (Sensual Smoky Look)

 Hello!

Today I'm going to review my Missha Two Faces of Beauty Lip Kit.

I am loving this kit so far-- so onto the review. My kit is called "Sensual Smoky," while the other kit is entitled "Feminine Grace." The only differences are the colors of the full size lipsticks/glosses. Take a look at my previous post on the haul, it has pictures of the other kit (my sister got the Feminine Grace set.)

 The Lipstick

Color: SBE203

Missha Signature Glam Art Rouge SPF15/PA+ 

Color: SBE203

In Neutral Apricot Beige, the Glam Art Rouge lipstick is great for long-term wear. The lipstick applies smoothly and the color softly melts onto lips.

Missha describes this lipstick as being a "neutral apricot beige" color. I kind of disagree. While it does have an apricot coloring to it, it isn't really neutral. It is really pigmented and reminds me more of a coral-type lipstick. See the swatch below. The lipstick is also scented, it has a subtle sugary vanilla-ish smell to it.

Lipstick SBE203 swatch

The color is really pretty, but like I said, it really is more like a coral lipstick than a beige/neutral color. 

The Lip Gloss

Color: SBE01

Signature Glam Art Gloss SPF12 

Color: SBE01

The shimmery gold pearl and beige gloss is great for elegant color, moisturizing, and long lasting wear.

While I disagree with Missha's labeling of the lipstick as being a neutral apricot beige, I agree with that description for the gloss. It is nude, very neutral, and beige. The gloss is mostly shiny, I don't detect much glitter. It has a "cleanish" scent? Nothing like the lipstick's scent.

Lip Gloss SBE01 swatch

Lip Gloss SBE01 on my lips

The Lipstick Palette

(from left to right) SCR304, SBE203, SOR401, SPK101, SRD703 

Signature Glam Art Rouge Mini Five-Color Lip Palette:

Collection of popular lip shades - SCR304, SBE203, SOR401, SPK101, SRD703

So as I mentioned in my Missha haul post, the palette includes the lipstick color from the "Feminine Grace palette," and also includes the lipstick color from this palette. 

While I like the idea of having a lip palette of Missha's popular colors, I was disappointed that the palette didn't come with a lip brush. If you don't have a lip brush, you have to go out and buy one or apply it with your fingers--which is less than desirable. I think they should have included a mini cheap brush. Onto swatches.

(from left to right) SCR304, SBE203, SOR401, SPK101, SRD703 

I really like these colors. They are all within the pink family in my opinion. The boldest/most different shade is on the far right. It is SRD703 which is included in the "Feminine Grace" Lip Kit. I'd describe it as a berry-ish red color with slight pink undertones. I am a big fan of this color. It is so wearable. A bold lip, yet it compliments my skin tone so well. I think this is a beautiful red that would look great on anyone. 

My Thoughts on the Products?

The Lipstick (Missha Signature Glam Art Rouge): A huge fan of Missha's formula. I wrote a post earlier about Missha's High Glossy Lip Rouge, which is a little bit cheaper than this lipstick. This lipstick is slightly upgraded. It is just as creamy, pigmented, and beautiful as the other lipstick, except this one seems to have longer wear time and doesn't seem to wipe off as easily. I have the same complaint of this lipstick as the other one though, it seems to really emphasize your chapped lips. Be sure to wear a lip balm or to exfoliate your lips before wearing this. The color is to die-for, the moisturizing and creamy formula is divine, and I am crazy about the subtle vanilla smell. LOVE THIS LIPSTICK!

The Lip Gloss (Signature Glam Art Gloss): I like this gloss. It is sheer, creamy, and very light-weight. It pairs perfectly with the lipstick, and works great on top of it. SBE01 is a very neutral/nude color and I like that it is shiny, without being too sparkly. I don't really like ultra sparkly glosses. The nice thing about this formula is that it isn't sticky at all. It doesn't have a scent. I can't vouch for the wear-time because I have yet to put it on all day, but I think this is a very nice gloss. 

The Lipstick Palette (Signature Glam Art Rouge Mini Five-Color Lip Palette): I really like this palette. I love the idea of trying Missha's most popular shades. The palette's lipsticks are just a lovely and creamy as the full size. I think that these colors are very versatile and would look great on anyone.

Rating: 5/5

Pros:
- Affordable and inexpensive
- Great value (full size products)
- Creamy lip stick and gloss
- The lipstick is highly pigmented/beautiful color pay off 
- The lip gloss is sheer and very wearable
- The lip gloss isn't sticky at all!
- The lip products are moisturizing
- The lip products have SPF
- Good longevity of wear time
- The lipstick smells amazing!

Cons:
- The lipstick makes your chapped lips obvious
- The lipstick palette doesn't include a brush

Overall, I am so happy about my purchase! I am simply crazy about Missha's lipsticks. Plus, I got my kit for a great price! I only paid $24, while the lipstick is $18 by itself and the gloss is $16. This kit is a real steal. Pick yours up today. It went on sale again, now it is only $20!!!! Head to the Missha US site and check out what they have. See you next post~~~

Missha Haul!

Hi everybody! 

As promised, I am updating you on my Missha haul ^^

We bought everything on the Missha US website.

It actually just came yesterday. The shipping was really fast. My sister and I were so excited when this arrived hehe. She picked it up at our on campus Post Office and we quickly tore into the package. I'll be posting reviews sometime in the future, possibly soon, since I've already been trying a few of my products. Now...onto what I got...

So as you can tell from the above photo, we bought both versions of the Limited Edition Lip Kits, referred to as the "Two Faces of Beauty." Mine is the Sensual Smoky look and my sister got Feminine Grace. She also bought an eyelash curler, and the three face masks in front. I also bought a BB cream sampler. The loose samples on the top left and the tall silvery package with an "M" on it are free samples. The tall black matte looking box (top left) is also a free gift :)

Smoky Sensual (left) and Feminine Grace (right)

I was the most excited about these lip kits! The two kits both come with a lip gloss, lipstick, and a lip stick palette with their most popular lipstick colors. The lip stick palettes are identical in both lip kits, but the lipsticks and glosses are in different colors. 

I think it's odd that "Smoky Sensual" has more nude colors, while "Feminine Grace" has more of the bold reds. Is it just me, or should the titles be reversed? Haha.

The Lipstick

Color: SBE203

Color: SRD703

The packaging is so pretty, with cute flowers. The front of the cover is transparent, while the rest is not. The lipstick has a sugary vanilla smell and has geometrical shapes on the actual lipstick.

I tried on the top lipstick, and I wouldn't call it a "neutral apricot beige" exactly. While it does have an apricot coloring to it, it isn't really neutral. It is really pigmented and reminds me more of a mauve color?

The other lipstick, SRD703, isn't quite as red as I thought it'd be. It reminds me slightly more of a berry red color, rather than a "crimson" red as stated on the site.

The Lip Gloss

Color: SBE01

Color: SRD03

The lip gloss looks so pretty! I love the packaging, and the wand for application is also really nice. SBE01 is described as a "Shimmery Gold and Beige gloss" while SRD03 is described as a "Daring Rose Red." I tried the lip gloss on yesterday, and it didn't feel sticky at all. It didn't really have a scent either.

The Lipstick Palette

(from left to right) SCR304, SBE203, SOR401, SPK101, SRD703 

So if you didn't notice already, the lipstick palette of Missha's most popular colors contain the two full size lipsticks already included in the set. I really like the shade SRD703, which surprised me. It is the brightest color in the palette and isn't something I would normally ever choose to wear. It is such a lovely berry red, and compliments my skin tone really well.

The Freebie

A cute and very pink passport cover. It is a free gift that came with our order.

Anyway, that's all for now! Just updating you guys in detail on the haul. So far I am loving the lip sets. I suggest you go grab one now, they are limited edition and on sale! I got mine on sale for $24, but after buying it, it went on sale for only $20!!!! I cannot rave enough about this lipstick formula. So creamy and pigmented. Check them out :)

Sensual Smoky Lip Kit

Feminine Grace Lip Kit

Review: Missha M High-Glossy Pure Lip Rouge

 Hello everyone! This is my first post for March ^^

Today I will be reviewing Missha's M High-Glossy Pure Lip Rouge.

Lately, I have been really into Missha. This lipstick actually belongs to my sister, and she highly recommended it. I borrowed it from her to try for a little bit and decided to review it. I also just purchased some more make up on their website with my sister. So lot's of Missha reviews will be coming sometime in the future! My sister bought this in Korea on sale for somewhere around $10-$11 but it is $15 on the Missha site.

The packaging of this lipstick is very glitzy. It has a pink gradient and is covered with diamond shaped indents on the plastic tube cover. The lipstick tube is very lightweight and so is the cover, yet durable. 

The Color

Missha High-Glossy Pure Lip Rouge (SPF13)

Color: GCR02 Miss Holic

The M High-Glossy Pure Lipstick shines, moisturizes, colors, and protects your lips.

The soft silky texture makes it easy to apply. 

The Skin Melting System helps lipstick apply onto lips, covering and filling the cracks and wrinkles.

Also protects lips from harmful UV rays with SPF13.

[Directions] Apply an appropriate amount onto lips.

[Ingredients] Listed here

So this lipstick is in shade GCR02 (Miss Holic). It looks like a bright pink with coral undertones, and has a nice sheen to it. I couldn't find the size of the lipstick...but when you twist the lipstick all the way up, it is a little less than 1/2 an inch in length.

I took fancier photos of it with a white background, but honestly, the color looked too red in those photos. I took photos with it in my hand because the color looks just about the same in person, and so you could compare it to my skin color. It is a slightly brighter shade of pink, but this photo is pretty true to real life.

The color in this photo looks almost exactly the same in real life.

I once again put the lipstick in front of my hand and shot this photo because I found that this was the best lighting/background for making the lipstick appear true to its real color.

I like the shape of this lipstick!!! It had small geometric shapes on it, so instead of being the typical lipstick with one section sunken in/shorter than the rest, this gives you a nice even application and as it wears down, it doesn't wear down in one section of the lipstick more than the other. Mine is used so you can't really see the shapes, but this is what it originally looked like:

 Swatch

This color is a pretty coraly-pink color, and has a very pretty sheen to it. So on the swatch on my hand you can really see the orangey undertones. You can't really see the sheen in this photo, but on my lips (below) you can see it. The color also appears more pink on my lips than on my hand.

The lipstick is also scented, but it is super mild. It has a slight fruity scent, very pleasant and not strong at all.

I applied one full swipe on my lips. The color is gorgeous and has a wonderful sheen. It is also highly pigmented! I get such a bright color pay off with only one application. The texture is creamy and very buttery.

How I use this Product

I swipe it directly onto my lips, and I am good to go. I noticed that if you have chapped lips though, it is probably better to wear a balm underneath the lipstick. It tends to make your chapped lips more noticeable.

My Thoughts on the Product?

Buttery, creamy, highly pigmented, and with a slightly fruity smell. What else could you want from a lipstick? Love this lipstick. The color is gorgeous and the pigment is beautiful. However, I noticed that it tends to not wear well if you have chapped lips (it sinks right into the dead skin and makes it more obvious), and it also wipes off quite easily. I think you need to wear a primer with this, or be prepared to wear a primer if you are eating something etc. And if you have a chapped lips issue, either use a lip exfoliator or wear a lip balm underneath the lipstick.

But, if you aren't touching your lips or touching your lips to anything, this lipstick stays on your lips for a long time. There are easy solutions to the lipstick wiping off-- you can wear a lip primer or just reapply the lipstick throughout the day.

The lipstick has such a high pigment and a beautiful color. One swipe and I have bright and colorful lips. Want a more subtle color? Simple pat on the color or lightly run it across your lips. This lipstick is your go to for both a subtle and bright lip. The choice is yours. 

The lipstick also has a beautiful creamy, buttery, and moisturizing texture. I love how it feels as it glides across my lips with ease. It is buttery and creamy, yet it isn't heavy. It is very lightweight on the lips. Lastly...it has the benefits of SPF13 in it. I didn't even know that lipsticks could have SPF in them? Maybe I am the only one who didn't know? Haha.

Who do I Recommend this Product to?

Everyone! From lipstick newbies to lipstick vets, I highly recommend you pick one of these and add it to your collection. I am pretty sure that everyone will find a color they will like from Missha's High-Glossy Pure Lip Rouge line. You can purchase it from the official Missha US website, or you can find them on ebay. The price may be a bit expensive ($15), but it is such a versatile lipstick and I am sure you will love it every bit as much as I do.

Rating: 4.8/5

Pros:

- Highly Pigmented color

- Versatile lipstick (buildable from neutral-bright lips)

- Creamy, buttery texture

- Moisturizing

- Lightweight

- The geometrical shape of the lipstick

- The deliciously, yet subtle fruity scent

- SPF13

Cons:

- Slightly expensive

- Tends to make chapped lips more obvious

- Can wipe off easily

I had to deduct some points away because of the chapped lips issue, and how the lipstick can wipe off easily. But, overall, I love this lipstick. It is such a beautiful color and has all of the things you expect to have in a great lipstick. I've used lipsticks by Urban Decay and Too Faced and love them, but honestly...I think I like Missha's lipstick just as much. 

While UD and Too Faced have better staying power, I like how Missha's lipstick is much more lightweight. I find UD and Too Faced lipsticks to be creamy to the point of being a bit heavy on the lips. Anyway, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this Missha's M High-Glossy Pure Lip Rouge lipstick. Go check it out~~

 

Review: Skin79 Scandal Rose Vanilla BB Pact

The "BB Pact" writing got scratched off...

 Hello! Today I will be reviewing a product by Skin79.

I love Skin79's BB cream, so if you have a chance, check them out. I used up a ton of samples from them, but haven't been able to purchase a full size BB cream yet.

This product, as you can see, is a compact. It is a powder, but I suppose they call it a BB pact because it is meant to complement the Scandal Rose Vanilla BB cream?

I don't own the Rose Vanilla BB cream, so today I'll just be reviewing the pact.

I believe I bought this on GMarket while I was in Korea for somewhere around $10 on sale. I saw it on Amazon for about $15 in the states I think.

When buying Skin79, make sure it has this little silver Korean sticker on it.
This lets you know that the product is authentic.

So as a side note, it seems like a lot of sellers are selling "fake" versions of Skin79's products. This includes their BB Cream. I don't know why they would do this, but do your research before buying. Make sure it has the authentication label.

So the packaging is a standard compact, but I like how there is a plastic separator between the powder and where you place the sponge. It is more sanitary, but this packaging seems to be standard for most Korean compacts. 

My only complaint about the overall packaging, is how easily the writing on the front cover gets scratched off. The "BB Pact" was completely scratched off mine, and even the "n" and "Rose" words are beginning to get scratched off on mine.

Skin79 Scandal Rose Vanilla BB Pact (UV Interception, SPF 30 PA+++)

Size: 12g

- Rose complex

- Coverage + Long lasting + sebum control

Directions: Apply using the puff, which is included, on the entire face evenly at the last step of base make-up.

Skin79 delivers when they call the compact "rose vanilla," it definitely has a floral/rosy smell to it. I don't smell any hints of vanilla though. The smell is pretty subtle, I think it smells alright.

Swatches

I swiped some of the powder on my finger. As you can tell, it is really light. I think this powder only comes in one color.

I swiped the powder onto my hand, but you can't really see it. I included a close up/zoom swatch above so you can compare the color to my natural skin color.

Coverage

Eyeliner, Eye Shadow, Lipstick (from top to bottom)

One application

Two applications

You barely see the difference between one and two applications. In the second application it looks like the eyeliner is covered a bit more, but it doesn't appear significantly different. The coverage is super sheer.

How I use this Product

After applying my foundation I pat this powder all over my face, I mainly use it as a settling/oil control powder.

My Thoughts on the Product

When I purchased this product, I wanted a nice powder-type foundation, unfortunately, this product does not do that. It is a super sheer powder, with barely any coverage. It was really disappointing. While the rose vanilla smell isn't bad, I'd rather have a powder that isn't scented? The idea of patting on some powder foundation that smells like roses doesn't really appeal to me. 

While I don't expect powder foundations in compact form to have a lot of coverage, I expect it to at least have some color to it with a slight amount of coverage. As you can see from my swatches, this color is so sheer, and it blends right it, like it disappears. The compact works pretty well as a setting powder-- it offers SPF benefits and also has pretty good sebum control. It seems to last pretty long, but other than that, I would say the powder does nothing. 

Who do I Recommend this Product to?

People with oily/combination skin. It works quite well for sebum or oil control, but honestly, I can't really recommend this product. If it only cost a couple of dollars, I would say it isn't a bad deal. But considering it costs $15+ in the states, it totally isn't worth it. You can find better compacts. 

Rating: 1.5/5

Pros:

- Sanitary Packaging (but this is standard for most Korean compacts)

- Good oil/sebum control

- High SPF

- Long wear time

Cons:

- Expensive if buying abroad

- Not a big fan of having my compact powder smell like roses

- The text scratches off the compact so easily

- Ultra sheer coverage/does nothing for me

So that is my thoughts on Skin79's BB pact. Thoughts? Feel free to comment below. See you all next post :)