Summer Voxbox 2012 Un-boxing+ First Impressions

  *DISCLAIMER: The following products that will be shown throughout the post has been sent to me by Influenster and other companies such as P&G. Everything in this post will be my honest opinions and first impressions. Now with all that said you can either exit this post if you do not wish to read it or continue to read the post and see what I have to say about these products. Thank you*

For those who do not know what Influenster is, they are a company that sends out free little packages of sample products for people to try. So think of it as a little birchbox, glossybox, glam bag, etc etc. Influenster is 100% free and you can sign up at the Influenster website and complete surveys to gain many different badges. So according to these surveys and badges you have in your profile, Influenster consider whether you are qualified to participate and receive the upcoming Voxbox.  Voxbox's are usually available everyone 2 months or so from what I've seen (Spring Voxbox, Mom Voxbox, and Summer Voxbox).

So without further or do... Let's see what I got in my Voxbox!!!

I've used most of these products ever since they sent me the package, so if you would like me to I can do in depth reviews. Just leave a comment down below saying which ones ;D

Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream No.27 REVIEW

During Memorial Weekend, Missha had a 30% off discount for everything on the website so I made up my mind to finally get a bb cream. I always wanted this bb cream but if I bought it here in NYC then it would be around $30-32 which is more expensive. Missha's bb cream is one of the most famous ones out there but unfortunately they didn't come out with a color suitable for me until last summer which was No. 27.

*Reminder: Missha always has a 40% sale at least three or four times a year so if you can catch it, the BB cream will be on sale for $21. 

First impression:
- sanitary (pump tube)
- big tube, alot of product
- thick consistency
- color was tad bit too light
- very yellow toned
- easy to blend

Pros:
- medium to full coverage for my acne scars
- no cakey-ness despite the coverage level
- less is more :D
- pump tube= sanitary
- can control amount pumped out
- natural/ dewy finish

Cons:
- color was a bit too light (need to mix with a little foundation) <-- next shade up #31 is way too orangey and oxidizes too much
- emphasizes some dry spots if you put too much
- cap gets dirty easily
- oxidizes ALOT to a orange tone

How I Apply?
- Apply sunblock and moisturizer all over face
- Pump 1/2-1 pump onto back of hand and mix in a pea size of my darker foundation (since       the color isn't a exact match
- Dot the foundation all over face focusing on problematic areas
- Warm the B.B Cream with all four fingers together and begin to pat the product into the until absorbed (AVOID RUBBING to prevent it from looking unnatural and remember to blend into hairline and neck!!!)
- Set with Physicians Formuls Mineral Wear Talc-Free SPF 30 Powder
- Dust some Rimmel Stay Matte powder lightly over the T-Zone (my skin is an oil slick by mid-day)

With Flash, left is swatch, right is blended out

No flash, swatches 15 mins later

With flash, swatches 15 mins later

No Flash, swatches 15 mins later

Description (Online):
Blemish Balm, also called BB Cream, is known to have been formulated as an after-treatment cream to help patients who have gone through laser skin surgery to soothe and regenerate the skin.

The M Perfect Cover BB Cream gives an even and natural-looking coverage with the soothing, moisturising properties of a cream. It is suitable for all skin types including acne-prone skin, and can be used as a makeup base or foundation. 

(On the Box): Missha M Perfect Cover B.B cream offers a novel skincare concept with B.B cream, which lightens skin tone by healing visible winkles and blemishes with excellent skin cover ability, and prevents skin aging through effective whitening and anti-wrinkle properties.

Claims (on the box):
It is a multi-function BB Cream with effect of UV blocking, Whitening, and Wrinkle Care, creating perfect cover makeup.

The M Perfect Cover BB Cream makes your skin tone clean and chic by concealing blemishes with excellent skin coverage. It is a multi-functional makeup cream with clocking UV rays, whitening and wrinkle care effects and simplifies makeup formalities. its moisturized application with W/S texture makes sleek skin tone while supplying moisture and nutrition at the same time.  

Ingredients:
Water(Aqua), Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mineral Oil, Phenyl Trimethicone, Talc, Arbutin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Dimethicone, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Squalane, Adenosine, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Beeswax(Cera Alba), Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Caviar Extract, Algae Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Ceramide 3, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance(Parfum), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol
MAY CONTAIN[+/-; Titanium Dioxide(CI 77891), Iron Oxides(CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)]

Color: yellow toned and oxidizes to slightly orangey.
Oil control: horrible! I was oily within the hour because the foundation itself is already very oily and dewy to begin with. 
Staying power: Rubs off like nobody's business and gets cakey after a couple of hours and even faster in hot weather. 
Water test: does not easily wash off with water because of the oily base
Sweat power: starts to get a bit cakey around the cheeks and appears a bit powdery over time. Sweating around the forehead and hairline starts to fade it away. It doesn't do very well when its hot outside. 

Color selections:  #13 (white), 21 (pink-grey), 23 (pink grey), 27 (yellow), 31 (orange)

Availability: @ Missha Website, Ebay, and certain Asian Beauty stores
Price: $29.99 (on the website), $30-35 (in stores), and $15-25 (on Ebay)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 

Conclusion: This is the second BB cream I've tried so far and I am so disappointed. First of all, the color for the BB cream oxidizes from a yellow tone to an orange tone. Second, the oil control and lasting power of the BB cream is very poor. Third, I positive that this BB cream makes me break out in little bumps around my face because it contains mineral oil which everyone should beware of if you tend to break out from it. So far I'm not happy at all with this BB cream and I won't use it again so big bummer there. BUT just because I hate it doesn't mean its a bad product its just that my skin is abnormally OILY AND ACNE PRONE so if you have dry to normal skin then go for it! 

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Thanks for reading this review and if you have any comments or questions just let me know below!

Clarisonic Mia 2 (Comparison Pictures)

*DISCLAIMER: PLEASE CLOSE THIS BLOG POST IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO SEE PICTURES OF PIMPLES AND ACNE SCARS OTHERWISE CONTINUE PLEASE ;D*   


   In a previous post I mentioned how bad my skin was back in February. I wasn't sure if it was stress because it was around the period when I first tried out the Clarisonic Mia 2 and started using it a few times a week every night. I've done my homework and research before purchasing the Clarisonic Mia 2 because a majority of the people reported to be breaking out or "purging" from their first couple of weeks. "Purging" means getting little red bumps on the face or even pimples erupting like someone people said. In my case, I broke out like mad and because I have the worst habit of picking on pimples and trying to pop them, it left my breakouts inflamed and my face scarred all over. BUT, luckily I was able to heal all my acne over the period of only ONE month and by the SECOND and THIRD month the scars were lightening. Lastly, by May EVERYTHING WAS GONE... BYE BYE 




Now with all that aside, HERE ARE SOME PICTURES:

 Mid-February: Red pimples

 Mid-March: Brown scars

 Mid-April: Lightened scars

Mid-May: Minimal scars

 Left--->Right
Mid-Feb, Mid-March, Mid-April, Mid-May

 Left--->Right
Mid-Feb, Mid-March, Mid-April, Mid-May

 Left--->Right
Mid-Feb, Mid-March, Mid-April, Mid-May





So, I'm not saying you should buy the Clarisonic Mia 2 because even though its the mini size it still cost $149+ Tax, but I feel like that money was well spent for me. Not only have I seen a difference in my skin, but so have my family members who come in contact and see me everyday, especially my mom cause she's always the one saying that I should do something about all my acne and scars >_< . 


Anyways I'm not scared to show all of you guys what I've been through and how my skin was able to change for the better with not just this ONE product though because I did use this in conjunction with a bunch of other products to treat my acne and lighten scars. 


So what were your experiences with the Clarisonic? Did it improve your skin like it did to mine or was it a complete failure? Please share your experience in the comment section down below... I'd love to know ;D

My Scheming Mask 我的心機 Bamboo Charcoal Crystie Marine Whitening Double Lift Mask

    


   I got this mask awhile back in January/ February when I was first introduced to this brand of taiwanese masks by saaammage (the youtube guru) on a blog post she wrote long long long ago.... I knew I saw these masks before and didn't think they're were any special and because of the cute packaging I thought it was one of the My Beauty Diary masks. Similar to the My Beauty Diary masks, there are a lot of different kinds of masks within the brand, but I chose the Green Tea& Barely Whitening and this one. 

First Impression:

- Very cute packaging

- 10 packs of mask within one box

- thick diamond quilted cotton masks

- drenched in essence (tip for what to do with extra essence below)

Pros:

- Lots of left over essence

- thick cotton mask that will not dry out even after 30 mins

- whitens and brightens up the face

- leaves face feeling refreshed

Cons: 

- mask is a little over sized near the top

- ear flaps are very small


Tips: (for any cotton mask)
- scrap some essence from the cotton mask as you're pulling it out and put all the essence in the packet into a bottle or container and use it as a serum every night. (i swear it works the same)

Description:

My Scheming Bamboo Charcoal & Cryste Marine Whitening Double Lifting Mask contains bamboo charcoal extract to hydrate, repair and brighten all types of skin. Tea tree and allantoin help tighten pores. It leaves skin brighter and smoother. The 3D elastic mask fabric, imported from Japan, is imprinted with over 600 elastic, rhombus-shaped grids to provide the face and the neck a comprehensive lifting.

Ingredients:

• 【Bamboo Charcoal Extract】activates cells and boosts blood circulation, and acts as adsorbent.
• 【Melaleuca Alternifolia】has antiseptic, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, healing and anti-mould virtues.
• 【Chamomile Extract】has anti-inflammatory, itching-relieving, disinfecting and allergy-alleviating virtues.
• 【Cucumber Extract】has hydrating, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and calming virtues.
• 【Water Lily】has astringent, antiseptic, wound-healing and antioxidant virtues, captures free radicals, calms, 
• 【Glyoxyldiureide】has anti-inflammatory and soothing virtues, and aids in the regeneration of skin tissues.

Conclusion:


   Back in February and March, I had the worst acne I've ever had in my teenage years and they all left me deep impressions and gifts. Honestly, not one spot on my face was not covered with a dark acne scar. Luckily, around that time I was trying out my clarisonic mia 2 and it saved my life (clarisonic mia2 post and pictures in the future), but I was also using the essence from this My Scheming Mask every night till this day. After using the Clarisonic I would put on a acne medication gel and then pat in about 2 pumps of the essence onto my face. Within a month I was able to get all my acne scars to either lighten or completely disappeared and two months later, I was me again!! 
**After 30 minutes of putting on the mask my face is brightened and fresh looking/ feeling.

Price: 

$12.80 for 5pcs @ Sasa.com (shipping from hong kong)
$15-16 a box (10pcs) @ Daigar Beauty (NYC): 7 Elizabeth Street New York, NY 10013 

Rating: 5 out of 5 

So, have any of you tried the masks from this brand? If so, please tell me how it went and which ones you have tried so I know what I should try next. Thank you ;D

Clinique Dramatically Moisturizing Gel

*NOTE: I have combination-oily-acne prone skin. I am oily in my T-zone and around the nose, dry on the side of my cheeks and around the mouth, and acne prone EVERYWHERE ;D*


So I've always wanted to try the clinique dramatically moisturizing gel because of all the good reviews on it and was always an allure product winner. My family always used the lotion form for normal to dry skins (like my mom and brother) but I always thought it was WAYYYYYY TO OILY for me. I finally decided to get it a month ago at macys. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it so I got the small tube size instead for $13+ tax.

First Impressions:
-gel texture
-light weight on the face
-not as hydrating as I would like it to be at first because I'm used to oily moisturizers
-a little goes a long way
-tube was really small

Pros:
-kept face not oily for at most only 3-4 hours
- extremely hydrating
-only need a small pea sized amount for whole face
-does not leave a oily- greasy look
-Great for the summer




Cons:
-expensive for only 1.3 oz
-doesn't help with oil control throughout the day (still very very oily)
- may still feel a little bit dry in some areas

Claims: 
-The oil-free moisture "drink" developed by Clinique's dermatologists to maintain optimal moisture balance for skins comfortable in the cheeks but oily in the T-zone for oily all over. Oil-free formula softens, smooths, improves.
-Skin type - III, IV (combination-oily or oily)


Conclusion:
 I love this moisturizer so much compared to the lotion form!!! I only use it for the morning for about a month now and I've only finished about 1/4 the tube so far. So remember a little goes along way and try to squeeze out only what you need because there's no way of putting any extra back.


Previously, I've tried the Body Shop Seaweed Matifying cream which is another gel moisturizer for oily skin and I hated it because it didn't hydrate the dry spot on the cheeks and around my mouth. Also the seaweed matifying cream had a strong smell and being that I am very sensitive to smells and will get a headache from them, this was not an exception. And it was $16 for the smaller one >.< So I guess for $13, the Clinique one isn't too bad in my opinion. 
Price: $13+tax @ Macys.com (1.7OZ)
           $ 24.50 @ Macys.com (4.2 OZ) 

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Have any of you tried this moisturizer yet? What do you think about it? Please leave a comment down below and tell me what you thought of it.

Physicians Formula- Mineral Wear® Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30 (Translucent)

When Ulta had their 40% off revlon, almay,physician formula and nyx sale I went to have a look and found this baby with a rip off sticker for "$3 off". I remember saaammage raving about how great this powder was so I wanted to give it a try. For those who want to give this a try CVS is currently having a sale, buy an non-clearance item and get $15 extrabucks back and also many people have seen a $12 off PH product in the coupon center on their card. 


Buy the powder for $13.49 (price varies) -$12 (coupon)= $1.49+tax and $15 extrabucks. 


First impressions:
- bulky packaging
- nice mirror on the bottom
- feels very thick and powdery
- has tiny shimmers in it, when applied it leaves a slight sheen (almost like a highlighter)
- comes with soft brush but can't be used
- SPF 30?!?!?!


Pros:
- does not leave my makeup completely matte
- sunscreen included (spf 30)


Cons:
- bulky package
- may not look flattering for people in pictures who are oily because of the little shimmers.
- no extra coverage
- only 3 shades (translucent, creamy natural, beige)<--- most of the shades are rather pale


Claims:

Ultra-fine mineral powder delivers impeccable coverage for a flawless airbrushed finish.

Visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores and sun damage.

Hypoallergenic. Fragrance free. Paraben free. Non-Comedogenic. Dermatologist approved.

Conclusion: I personally don't mind the sheen the powder gives when applied because it doesn't make my makeup look matte and unnatural but it can get a little powdery around the T-Zone. I find that this powder is true to its word it is translucent and does not add any color to my makeup unlike other translucent powders that add a white-ish layer on top. It also feels light enough to let my skin breath and make believe like I have no makeup on. Although, this powder is great anyone who would like a little extra coverage and purchases the other two would have a harder time using it because the other two colors are more for fair to medium skins. 


Rating: 4 out of 5


*Did this product live up to your expectations? What did you like or dislike about this product? Please leave a comment below telling me your opinions.

[HAUL] Sasa & SK-II Skincare Products

My Dad recently went back to Hong Kong. While he was there, he purchased few skincare products for my mom and me.  My mom has been using SK-II (a luxury high-end Japanese brand) products for over a year, I noticed that her face seems brighter and has less dark spots now.  However I don't see a significant improvement on her wrinkles and fine lines.  But she said she likes using SK-II products, so Daddy repurchased more SK-II products for Mommy. The sad part is that he only got me one item from sasa. And it isn't organic. Sighhhh. Sorry about the lighting, my canon DSLR ran out of battery.

HERE ARE ALL OF SK-II STUFF:

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence "Holy Water" Limited Edition Bottle:

Skin Signature Moisturizing Cream: 

SK-II Signs Eye Cream:

SK-II Skin Signature 3D Redefining Mask:

ALL SK-II SAMPLES:

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask Sample:

SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C Sample:

HERE IS THE ONLY ITEM MY DAD PURCHASED FOR ME, there are a lot of good reviews on this, i am excited to try this out even though it isn't natural/organic. 

DR.G TROUBLE CARE Spot Repairing Serum:

That's the end of my haul :)

Almay TLC (Truly Lasting Color) Foundation spf 15

Recently, Ulta had a 40% off sale on most almay, revlon and nyx products so I decided to go take a look with my friends since she had a 20% off coupon that was mailed to her. I was looking for a nice foundation and I had my eyes on the Almay Clear Complexion, hoping that it would help me clear up my acne while giving me good coverage. But unfortunately, they didn't have my color so I was forced to pick the Almay TLC foundation that did have my shade which was 280 Warm.


Claims: 

• Last up to 16 hours 
• Will not slip or rub off in heat 
• Contains Green tea, lemon extract and vitamin E to help protect and brighten the skin.
• Hypoallergenic (will not clog pores)
• Oil-free

My Opinions:

• AWESOME STAYING POWER
• waterproof and does not wash off with soap
• Light to Medium coverage 
• Clogs pores and made me break out
• Very thick consistency
• Turns orange when oxidized
• Hard to blend (worst than revlon colorstay)

Conclusion: 

      

     I've only tried this foundation for a few days and about 3-4 hours on each day and I have to say that I dislike this foundation very much!!! It has a very thick consistency for a foundation that only offers light to medium coverage that doesn't even cover my acne scars. The color is a bit too light for my skin and not to mention that it turns orange after drying. Although, I dislike this foundation I cannot believe how well this foundation stands with water and soap because IT DEFINITELY DOES NOT RUB OFF!!!

after the water is rubbed away by my fingers

after being washed with water and soap then dried

Retail: $12.99 (Price depends on what area you live in ;D)
Rating: 3 out of 5


So did this product also break you out when you tried it? Would you recommend this to your friend? Please tell in the comment section below whether you liked this product or not. ;D