Korean Beauty : Cosrx Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap Review
November 24, 2017 • korean beauty
Happy Friday everyone! It's been a while since I've been active on this space. Juggling work and life has been difficult enough and adding my blog to the mix was just not an option in the past few weeks. I've got tons of new products to discuss so let's start with this moisturizer. CosRx is a K-beauty brand that rarely disappoints with it's products. Their philosophy is clean, simple and effective and that's why I love them so much. I was on the hunt for a new daily moisturizer for the daytime. I needed something simple, not too rich and something that keeps my face moisturized throughout the day.
Quantity: 100ml
Price: $20
Ingredients: Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol,1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Lactate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
The CosRx website suggests that this product is best used along with their AHA and BHA toners and serums. However, I've been too afraid to try those on my sensitive skin. I like using this straight after toner and a serum during the daytime and it gives my combination skin the perfect amount of moisture. The 'Oil-free' claim fortunately doesn't leave a silicone like layer or a stretchy feeling on the skin which I do not like in products. It is infused with 70% birch sap which maintains water under the skin and I think it definitely does what it claims. It sinks in immediately like all korean skincare and gives the skin a smooth glow which actually works very well with any sort of foundation/concealer on top.
I have to give major props to the packaging! Apart from the clean, minimally designed bottle, the pump on it is a life saver. If you're like me and always in a hurry to get your skincare on, you will appreciate the precise pump and save so much product because one pump of this is all you need and I can imagine how much I would end up wasting if it was a normal bottle.
The texture is gel like, with a natural scent. It smells like freshly
cut grass in the morning to me and honestly, I love how it wakes me up. It's
very gentle on my skin and is amazing for reddened and irritated skin. I would
definitely recommend using this after exfoliation or if you use acids in your
skincare routine. Since it's such a lightweight cream, it can be layered with a
lot more products than the ones I use but I generally like to keep it simple in
the mornings because of the lack of time. If you like a few extra products in
your routine, you can layer this under a richer cream as the weather is getting
colder but can ideally be used on it's own during warmer months. I only use it
in the morning as I like to directly go in with a richer cream + facial oil in the evenings. The quantity is
fantastic for the price since other moisturizers in the price range usually
come in 40ml tubes and this one stands at more than double of that at 100ml.
If you have oily - combination skin, you should definitely pick this up. I can see myself repurchasing this when I run out already and I've been only using it for a month.
Places to find it: Style Korean, Amazon, Wishtrend, Soko Glam, Jolse
With another month gone by so swiftly, I barely had enough time to realize that we've finally rolled into my birthday month. This past month has gone by in a whirlwind but what's kept me company on my long commutes and busy days is a stellar playlist with the usual indie pop/rock tunes that I gravitate towards along with some new discoveries like Parachute! I prefer some mellow tunes for a long commute just to keep the journey more relaxing. It was also the month that Taylor Swift sent her fans (me included) into a frenzy by dropping two new songs and 'Ready for It' definitely made it this month's playlist. U2 dropped an amazing new single a couple of days ago and I've been fangirling ever since. I re-watched Me Before You this month and discovered Imagine Dragons have an amazing song on the soundtrack which I had totally missed the last time I saw it and it's quickly become one of my favourites. There's also a spot for my super old favourite song - 'Sweet Avenue' that I listened to after ages and have listened to every single day because of the nostalgia and all the feels.
Here are my favourite tracks of the month:
1. Jets to Brazil - Sweet Avenue
2. Ed Sheeran - Where We Land
3.Imagine Dragons - Not Today
4. Taylor Swift - ..Ready For It?
5. Parachute - Disappear
6. The Shires - Drive
7. Echo & The Bunnymen - The Killing Moon.
8. Rita Ora - Your Song (Acoustic with Ed)
9. Landon Pigg - Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop
10.George Ezra - Blame It On Me
11.The Vamps - Wild Heart
12.La La Land - City of Stars
13.Sara Bareilles - Gravity
14.The Script - I'm Yours
15.U2 - You're The Best Thing About Me (Acoustic)
Let me know your recommendations for a long commute as I'm always refreshing my playlist! x
Kawaii Box September 2017 Unboxing and Giveaway
September 24, 2017 • collection, lifestyle, review
I haven't got a Kbeauty post for this week but if you're into Kawaii culture like me, you're going to love this one. So today I'm sharing a little giveaway and unboxing of my September Kawaii box which is a monthly subscription box of 10 handpicked goodies straight from Japan to your doorstep. They have a couple of related websites called Japan Candy Box (a candy susbscription) and Blippo (dedicated to stationery).
Price : $18.20 per month
It comes in a box filled with little trinkets and cute items mainly with Kawaii characters on them. I was so overjoyed to receive this little box, it honestly cheered me up instantly! That's reason enough for me to get this box. It can also be a great gift for someone which I'm sure anyone younger or into Japanese culture will be so glad to receive.
I think it's a great deal for the price because it was packed to the brim with cute little things and not just a couple of things like a lot of subscription companies do which is why I don't go for a lot of these subscriptions unless there's value for money. It has a good mix of stationery, plushies and even a candy from Japan (Omg!) It's like a little treat for you at the end of every month. Although I was a little disappointed to see nothing 'Pikachu' themed which I had seen in another reviewer's box and really had my eyes on, haha.
I think it's a great deal for the price because it was packed to the brim with cute little things and not just a couple of things like a lot of subscription companies do which is why I don't go for a lot of these subscriptions unless there's value for money. It has a good mix of stationery, plushies and even a candy from Japan (Omg!) It's like a little treat for you at the end of every month. Although I was a little disappointed to see nothing 'Pikachu' themed which I had seen in another reviewer's box and really had my eyes on, haha.
September 2017 's theme : Get Kawaii for School. I am not going to school this year but that's no reason to not enjoy cute stationery ( Am I right? lol) I'm going to list down everything I got in my box this month below:
1. Hello Kitty Tin Pencil Case
2. Disney Ufufy Plushie
3. Uranaikko Coloured Pencils
4. Fairy Tale Hair Pins
5. Happy Nikukyu Cat Paw Gummies
6. Kawaii Hand Sanitizer Bottle
7. Korean Diary Deco Stickers.
8. Unicorn Squishy Charm.
9. Little Animals Stationery Set
10. Washi Masking Tape Set
Now a little more about my favourite items in this month's box! I loved the Ufufy Chipmunk Plushie that can be used as a coin purse. The Unicorn Charm is adorable and I'm looking for a place to hang it. The Washi Tape set and Stickers are going to be great for my planner. The Washi Tape is actually great quality and I loved the minimal design with little illustrations, it's unlike any designs I have.
The stickers can be used as bullet points for a bullet journal too since they have so many little shapes and colours for different themes. The Sanitizer bottle is the cutest thing I've ever seen, so naturally it's going straight into my purse and will fit your Bath & Body works sanitizer perfectly(or any other sanitizer of that size will do). Last but not the least those 'Happy Nikukyu' gummy candies were delicious! They look like little bear paws and taste like peaches. I finished them all at once, not gonna lie. I have also kept a couple of bits from this box to give my little cousin who will enjoy these as well.
Can you spot the Gummy candies? |
The best part? Free Shipping to all countries! So if you liked this box or just like the idea in general, enter my giveaway to win an October 2017 box or you can sign up to receive your own box on Kawaii Box! Let me know in the comments, what is the cutest item in the September box in your opinion. Good luck :)
Note: Thank you so much everyone for entering! This giveaway is now closed and the winner is Vildana. Congratulations!
This box and giveaway is sponspored by Kawaii Box but all opinions are my own.
Top 5 Unique Beauty & Lifestyle Youtubers I'm loving at the moment
September 19, 2017 • beauty, lifestyle
I’m the kind of
person who finds a great youtuber and keeps watching them for years and years.
Not much of my subscriptions has changed in the last few years. I’ll occasionally
follow new people but soon, I’ll forget to keep track of them. However, in the
last couple of months I’ve discovered some new beauty and lifestyle youtubers
who are unique, have amazing content and make me want to come back to their
channel every time to catch up. I thought I’d share a list of these beauties
who not only deserve more followers but also, if you are a fan of channels that
are different and don’t just fit into the generic ‘beauty guru’ mould then I
think you’d love watching these. Grab a cup of coffee, a snack and settle in because you may have to binge watch after this post!
#1 Violette_Fr
My ultimate
girl crush, tbh! She is sweet, sophisticated, a talented MUA, has a beautiful French
accent and lives in NYC- the city of dreams. What’s not to love right? Well, I’m
not done yet. Her content is very beautifully curated and photographed. She
usually takes us to different locations in the city, does certain looks there
that are inspired by the place or fit the occasion. She has a unique, artistic
touch to her videos and they are filmed from many new angles that is so
different from the usual camera, ring light, in your room filming videos kind
of setup. I like those too but this channel genuinely gets me excited to watch
it like art. Although she uses mostly luxe brands to create effortless looks,
when she does use an affordable product, you know it’s a good one! She’s
bringing minimal, beautifully done makeup with no instagram brows or instagram
anything. Makeup that is done to only enhance our features. In this world of plastic surgery, lip fillers and crazy contouring, this girl inspires women to love their self and love makeup at the same time.
#2 Freya Haley
Those of you
who like 70's style and lifestyle, her channel is for you. Not only does she have impeccable 70’s
inspired style which is quite like warm colours, bohemian prints, flared pants,
vintage pieces, lot of cool hats etc but she also has a good range of personal
and self growth content. I find her a very artistic person as well and always
pick up little style tips from her videos. She is also vegan and does a lot of
veganism related videos if you’re into that as well. She is from Australia and
does pretty inspiring travel videos too. It’s a good mix of everything I like and her editing is so reminiscent of the 70's as well.
#3 Rachel Maksy
She is also
known as ‘The Pinup Companion’ which is dedicated to all things vintage. She
wears vintage clothes everyday which is so inspiring to see someone following
their passion and doing something out of the norm to find pieces from thrift
stores to put together looks that remind you of an era. Her beautifully
decorated house, her fashion looks, pin curled hair and a dash of red lipstick
will remind you of scenes from a 50’s movie and she has the perfect music to go
with it too. I have always been a fan of
old Hollywood movies. Even the black and white ones! I watch this channel
because I find it so fascinating and inspiring. She’s also quite funny and
casual so watching her videos are a breeze.
#4 Gothamista
If you’re interested
in skincare or want to get into it but the scientific terms, ingredients such
as acids and stuff make zero sense to you then you need to watch her channel.
She also uses a lot of Korean beauty and is based in New York so I find it
quite helpful to discover new products or just keep track of what’s good and
worth getting in the Kbeauty market. Her videos are always short, to the point
and there’s no rambling. She has a good mix of western and Korean products in
her routines but her beautiful, glowing skin is proof that she knows what she’s
doing. I find her voice and videos quite relaxing so it’s something I find
myself watching at the end of the day.
#5 Sarah Nourse
Sarah Nourse is
a sweet, bubbly, American girl who moved to Europe and her videos are centered
around travelling, minimalism, ethical, saving money etc. Her Swiss husband
Mathieus is also part of most of the videos and I think he is very intelligent
and funny and has some great tips. Although she has just moved back to USA, she
has had some great adventures all over Europe. It’s such an amazing channel to
inspire you to save money, build capsule wardrobes, fit your life in a suitcase
if you want to travel the world and many other interesting topics like that
instead of pushing you to buy a lot of things. I know the youtube and blogging
industry is so much about consumerism but the fact that they have taken a
different direction is wonderful to see and they’ve inspired me to view ‘saving
money’ in a different light.
There are a top
5 favourite ladies on youtube and although I say they’re new youtubers, they’re
quite well established and what I mean is I’ve just discovered them and have
been obsessed with them. I’ve linked my
favourite videos by them as well so I hope you check them out and I hope you fall in love
as well x
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)