Beauty Haul | June

For the first time after almost a year since I started using South Korean skincare products, I bought stuffs online! Ah~ never knew buying stuffs off the internet could be so much fun, mostly because of the price I think. So what did I get throughout this month? Check these out!

First, let's go to TheFaceShop!

Well, it's always hot here in Malaysia so when an acquaintance offered me to buy a sun care products directly from South Korea and carried them back to Malaysia, I jumped at the opportunity to get the Natural Sun Eco Sebum Control Moisture Sun SPF40 PA+++. To my observation, I haven't seen this product in Malaysian stores so probably it'll arrive soon as its sister products already arrived. I think this is a similar product to the bestseller from the same Natural Sun Eco line, which is the Power Long-Lasting sun cream and both these are actually makeup bases with sun care function. 

If you follow my Instagram, I bet you know that I went to the Opening Sale of the first flagship store of TheFaceShop in Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur last week and bought that Natural Sun Eco Oil-Cut Sun Cream SPF40 PA++ as well. Hopefully these two products work well with my skin. :)

I also grabbed these two, Daily Perfumed Hand Cream in Apple Pop and Berry Mix. I love the scents while I was trying them in store. So cute, right?

Next is Clean Face Spot Corrector. I've tried some samples for cleansing foam, toner and emulsion before and they helped me with my breakouts so I'm hoping this can help me lightening my acne scars. 

I also bought this Lovely ME:EX Pure My Lips in Juicy Peach. I like its texture and scent. :) 

Next, let's go to Etude House!

Beauty Empties 4.0 | June

Lovelies, annyeong! :D How's your summer so far? Enjoying your holiday? It's been a week since I started my short (supposedly optional) semester and.. things rather fun actually as I'm only taking language lessons.

Anyway, today I'm going to share with you guys my June empties or I think it's more like second quarter of 2014 empties as I noticed I used up most of the products within 3 to 4 months since I opened them. As per usual I'm gonna tell you guys whether the impression lasts and whether I'm gonna repurchase or not. :D

Review: TheFaceShop Volcanic Clay Blackhead Gel Oil

Annyeonghaseyo! Happy Wednesday, y'all! It's the middle of the week so cheer up as it's gonna be weekend soon! :D hehe 

As it's still holiday for me, I've been up and about trying out products that has been sitting in my IKEA transparent boxes and one of product that I tried few days ago is this one, the Blackhead Gel Oil of the Volcanic Clay line from none other than TheFaceShop.

If you noticed, this is the sister product that I mentioned in my previous post, that I use before applying my nose pack or nose strips. 

Product Description:

Pore Scrub Gel Oil that is easy to use that contain micro scrubs to draw out blackheads inside the pores.

How to use:

After cleansing, dispense an adequate amount. 

Apply gently on the concentrated black head area. 

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water after massaging

Packaging:

   

Like the siser product, this product too, comes in that soft teal tube with the same packaging style. it's really convenient as it's quite small. not that there's expiration date at the top of tube. 

   

There's also ingredient list at the back of tube. yeah, it has all the parabens in the world. Sigh.

This product is sealed before open so do check before purchase! But unlike the sister product, this comes with a twisting cap but I think it's okay as this one doesn't dried up even if the cap isn't as tight.

Verdict:

As expected, the texture is gel-like, transparent and there are micro-beads in it. I really like it as it's not harsh for my sensitive nose area. 

   

If you can't see clearly, open the photos above in new tab. The left photo is before, and if you noticed, there are some blackheads and after using the product, some of them are successfully removed. :) I think I massaged quite strongly so my nose turned a bit red there... 

I honestly love this product. It's perfect for minor blackheads or whiteheads removing operations. I usually proceed with the nose pack right after this one for better result though. 

My nose area became slightly smoother thanks to those micro-beads. :)

Final verdict: 4/5. Minus point for parabens. I hope I can find similar products without them. 

This product retails at RM39.90 at local TheFaceShop store here in Malaysia. I bet you can get cheaper online though. 

Anyway, what do you think of the product? Will you try it? have you tried similar product? Please do share! 

So that's about it! until next post, take care!

Review: TheFaceShop Volcanic Clay Blackhead Clay Nose Pack

Lovelies, annyeong! How's your week so far? It's only about a week before the semester break ends and I'm going to be busy with packing up my stuffs to move into a new room by the end of this week. Anyone wanna come and help? hehehe

Anyway, today I'm going to do a product review on a nose pack that I've been using for about a month right now, which is Volcanic Clay: Blackhead Clay Nose Pack from TheFaceShop. 

Written on the front of the tube: There are volcanic activities in New Zealand Rotorua area. This activity creates hot Mud Spots. New Zealand Rotorua Mud is one of the best three muds in the world!

The Mud contains: Pore Clear Agent and Natural Mineral

If you don't know (I rather doubt it), a nose pack is basically a product that can help in removing your blackheads and whiteheads just like the nose strips but instead of strips, it comes in semi-liquid form that you apply on your nose area and if you want, your chin area as well. 

Packaging:

   

The product comes in this soft teal in colour plastic tube and as you can see in the first photo, it's quite small compared to regular cleansing foam tubes. 

   

When I first bought it last March, this product was wrapped in plastic wrapper and as you can see from above right photo, there's a label saying its imported by local company and this was sold in local TheFaceShop store. 

Like most beauty products, you need to use it right after dispensed and can be used up within 12 months. 

another good thing about the packaging, this product was sealed before opened. 

it has this very nice cap as it locks in the product quite well. This is important in order to keep product fresh and not dried up. 

Verdict:

That's usually the amount of product that I usually use each time. As I have some blackheads on my chin area as well, I applied the product there. 

leave it on for like 15 minutes before peeling it off starting from the edge. 

  

That's how the product looks like once it dried up. Peel it off carefully. 

I would say, this nose pack works better compared to my previous nose pack also from the same brand. it doesn't leave me with itchiness at least. As I've been regularly use this nose pack so my blackheads and white heads aren't that much compared to before. 

This product comes with several other products in the same Volcanic Clay line and I actually grabbed its sister product which is a scrub that need to be used before applying this nose pack. But in my opinion, it still works okay even without it. But give it a try if you want even better result. 

Final verdict: 4/5. I like it and definitely will repurchase. This product is retailed at only RM22.90 if I'm not mistaken. 

I think that's all from me. What do you think of the product? Will you give it a try? Do you prefer nose pack or nose strip? Tell me by leaving comments below! :D

Until next post! Annyeong!!

Review: Laneige White Plus Renew Emulsion

Annyeonghaseyo! wah~ now is the mid June, it's getting warmer and there's noticeable increase number of bugs and whatnot... sigh. But still, I'm enjoying my semester break with doing things that I haven't been able to do before so all is good. hehe

Anyway, as I previously reviewed my current toner, today I'm going to review the second (in order of use) product from Laneige which is the White Plus Renew Emulsion. 

First thing first, let's go over the basics. Product Description:

Brightening emulsion that adds radiance and expels the dullness of the skin. 

the emulsion is instantly absorbed into the skin leaving behind a refreshing touch while also forming a moisture-locking film over the skin 

It softens and refines the skin while improving and keeping its texture and tone even

It serves as booster for the brightening effects and actions of other brightening products.

It was made with integrated MelaCrusher technology that promotes the self-destruction of melanin pigments, thereby keeping the skin always looking radiant and healthy. 

How to use:

Pump up suitable amount into palm and apply as part of basic skincare routine in the morning and night.

Gently pat cheeks, forehead, nose, mouth and neck, from inside out.

What is MelaCrusher™ Technology?
Also known as melanin bio vacuum cleaner technology, this technology is based on the concept of Auto (self) phagy (consume), that builds up the cell's innate autolysis power against melanin deep inside the skin. In other words, it accelerates the self-purification system of cells that regulate melanin and waste materials that basically contribute to dull skin and pigmentation.
This essential step stimulates a cell to break down melanin and eliminate yellow and red undertones also age spots, resulting in a flawless and radiant-looking skin that is 2 tones brighter.

Also, the entire line of White Plus Renew products provides "4-free" safe brightening care: mild and free of Dioxane (compound that is known that can irritate eyes and respiratory tract), artificial colourant, mineral oil and raw animal ingredients, making the range suitable for sensitive skin types.

The innovative Melacrusher™ Whitening technology in White Plus Renew products is formulated with 3 key ingredients, which are:

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) extract
Mild on skin yet powerful whitening agent, Green Tea effectively inhibit melanin generations and block Melanin bridge. Also, it's a rich moisturising agent.

Truffle Yeast Extract
Originated from mushroom, is a new concept autophagic whitening technology that restores the melanin self-decomposing capacity of the skin for flawless bright skin.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
An effective anti-oxidant that helps to restore healthy colour to the skin by strengthening blood vessels in the dermis and helps block melanin transfer to achieve brighter skin.

Next is the Packaging:

   

Of course, this product comes in its own box and the packaging except for labels, has the same pattern on it. At the back of the box, there's also the simplified product description. This too, can be used up within 12 months and to be applied on skin right after dispensed. 

This emulsion too comes in that pretty bottle! I just love that metallic colour with that transparent cap. But yeah, it's glass bottle so I need to be careful with it. 

   

Unlike my previous emulsion, this one comes in only  100ml so I'm going to guess that this gonna last for at least 4 to 5 months. 

This product comes with this silver-coloured pump. So far the pump works greatly and dispenses appropriate amount of the product each and every time.

At the bottom there's the batch umber and manufacturing date. Scored a less-than-3-months batch. Yay!

Ingredients:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Poly (C6-14 Olefin), Cyclohexasiloxane, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Betaine, Cetylethylhexonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Yeast Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Demithiconol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate Citrate, Polyacrylate-13, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexyglycerin, Polysorbat 20, Stearyl Behenate, Hexanediol, Capryl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxythanol, Fragrance.

In beauty products, cyclopentasiloxane is mainly used as a conditioner, delivery agent, lubricant and solvent.

Scent and Texture:

This emulsion has the similar scent as the toner and it's pleasant to me. It's not strong and dissipates in minutes. The texture of the emulsion is not that runny like water but not that thick like cream. If I were to compare, it's slightly thicker than my previous emulsion. It's not sticky or anything. After it absorbed into my skin after few minutes, only then I dispense my essence. 

Verdict:

As the order of using this product is different to my previous routine (this one is right after the toner), I find it's quite confusing especially during the first week as I always skipped this and applied the essence right away. 

But I started to see the difference when I use this after the toner that my T-zone is less oilier compared to before. So yeah, the balancing of the oil-water level works I guess. 

I really love the texture as it's not really that thick and not only it serves as booster, it moisturizes my skin as well. So yeah, I admit sometimes (when I'm in hurry) I only apply toner and this emulsion during the day and proceed with sun screen. hehe

Judging from my experience for the past 2 months of using the product, I do think that this emulsion works for all skin types. Whether you have oily, combo even dry skin, this works fine. 

I used up the trial set version within 6 weeks and been using the full sized one for about a week now. :)

Final verdict: 4.5/5. I love everything about this product except for its slightly difference in price compared to the toner. This retailed at RM120 (the toner is only RM105 but with 120ml of product) though it's only 100ml. But thankfully, the counter gave away the trial kit so all is good. LOL

To see whether the whole line works or not, I'll post the result at the review of the moisturizer later. So until then, stay tuned!

So lovelies, what do you think about this product? Do tell by leaving comments below! 

Until next post, au revoir!

Bro's Review | L'Oreal MenExpert BB Moisturizing Gel Instant Skin Fixer

Hello, people! How's your week so far? Excited for upcoming weekend? First of all, no... there's no mistake with the title of this post. Indeed this is a review for men out there, or girls who are looking for something for their guys. 

Let me introduce you to this product that I'm going to review today, it's the BB Moisturizing Gel from L'Oreal MenExpert. 

Recently, I noticed that guys are a little bit more opened about skincare products compared to years ago. Even when I opened my Instagram, clicking on hashtags for cosmetics and skincare products, I noticed there a lot of guys out there posted their photos with products they're trying out. For guys in my family, there's only one thing that they care about which is simplicity. Cleansing foam is essential but for moisturizer... it's more like an option. 

As you may already know, there are 3 common skin problems that men (well, us ladies as well..) are dullness, blemishes and dark spots. While trying our best to work our skincare into our skin to improve its condition, it's important to look good on the outside at the same time as well. 

So for most guys out there that choose simplicity when it comes to their essentials, this product offers skincare benefits i.e. moisturizer at the same time works as a cosmetic product that'll improve your looks on the outside as well. 

Review: Etude House Wonder Pore Whipping Foam

Lovelies, annyeong!! How's your week so far? For me it's still in the early days of my so-called 'summer' vacay so yeah. All is good. hikhik

One of my girls stroke me with a question before about my blog's name, Le Miel et laVanille, saying why is it in French as in here I'm blogging about Korean beauty products. Honestly, I never thought about it! LOL

What I remember is it's because I love these two things i.e. honey and vanilla, hence they'll remind me of these beauty products that I love so much so yeah. ... it' doesn't really connect??? Hmm.... then should I change the blog's name to 'kkul gwa banila' (honey and vanilla in Korean) instead? 

..maybe I should really consider these things... hmm..

Anywho, today I'm going to do a review on a product that I bought last December. 

Ah, I remember buying so much as it was Christmas promotion. hehe As I already reviewed the awesome toner or better known as freshener which also can be used as facial mist, today I'm going to review another product from the same Wonder Pore line, which is the Whipping Foaming. 

But first, if you didn't know (which I doubt), the brand ambassador, Sulli was using this product in the famous To the Beautiful You drama and there's also a video where she and Key SHINee was demonstrating on products that can be used especially for pore care during this summer. 

   

See the product that sit in front of Sulli? Also when Minho was helping her washing her face. 

Even clearer, here! hehe watching this scene really... eyy. so lucky!! (yeah.. there was a time I'm really into SHINee.. I actually followed their updates up until 2010 then I stopped obsessing with K-Pop altogether.. until early this year I think, I'm back listening to K-Pop)

Here's the video. Credit to the video owner. :)

Review: TheFaceShop Real Nature Strawberry Sherbet Mask Pack

Lovelies, annyeong! How's your week so far? It's been boring these days as for me, either watching drama I'll just updating my SNS all day... I guess tomorrow I need to find something to do.. like doing some sketches or taking photos around the campus? Hmm.. 

Anyway, today I'm going to share about a wash-off mask pack from TheFaceShop, which is the Strawberry Sherbet Mask Pack from the Real Nature line. 

I actually tried the sister product in apple like 6 months ago so do check out the review here.

Review: Laneige White Plus Renew Skin Refiner

Annyeong, lovelies! Did you enjoyed your weekend? I woke up late today, rushing out from my bed, thinking I'm late for Design Studio, then I realized it's semester break already.. hehehe

As promised, first thing to do after I'm back updating this blog is to do reviews on my current skincare products which you may already know, the upgraded (2014) White Plus Renew line from Laneige.

I used up my previous skincare product line around March, the Flebote White Crystal Brightening line from TheFaceShop (you can check out all the reviews from the Review List tab above) and after 6 months of using the whole line, I do feel satisfied with the result but starting 2014, I decided to go for products without paraben so for the whole month of March I was searching for a new skincare line and after trying lots of samples from different Korean brands, I decided to go for this skincare line.

The first product that I'm going to review from this skincare line is the toner which is the White Plus Renew Skin Refiner. 

Product Description:

Brightening skin refiner that instantly soothes the skin and brightens it over time. 

The rich and soft texture of the product instantly soothes and softens the skin and brightens it over time with continuous use.

As a perfect complement to Original Essence, the skin refiner helps to maintain the optimal water-oil balance of the skin and moisturizes just like what an emulsion does. 

The product is made using MelaCrusher™ technology that promotes the self-destruction of melanin pigments, thereby keeping the skin always looking radiant and healthy. 

What is MelaCrusher™ Technology?

Also known as melanin bio vacuum cleaner technology, this technology is based on the concept of Auto (self) phagy (consume), that builds up the cell's innate autolysis power against melanin deep inside the skin. In other words, it accelerates the self-purification system of cells that regulate melanin and waste materials that basically contribute to dull skin and pigmentation. 

This essential step stimulates a cell to break down melanin and eliminate yellow and red undertones also age spots, resulting in a flawless and radiant-looking skin that is 2 tones brighter.

Also, the entire line of White Plus Renew products provides "4-free" safe brightening care: mild and free of Dioxane (compound that is known that can irritate eyes and respiratory tract), artificial colourant, mineral oil and raw animal ingredients, making the range suitable for sensitive skin types.

The innovative Melacrusher™ Whitening technology in White Plus Renew products is formulated with 3 key ingredients, which are:

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) extract

Mild on skin yet powerful whitening agent, Green Tea effectively inhibit melanin generations and block Melanin bridge. Also, it's a rich moisturising agent.

Truffle Yeast Extract

Originated from mushroom, is a new concept autophagic whitening technology that restores the melanin self-decomposing capacity of the skin for flawless bright skin.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

An effective anti-oxidant that helps to restore healthy colour to the skin by strengthening blood vessels in the dermis and helps block melanin transfer to achieve brighter skin.

Packaging: 

As you can see, the product came with its own box and later on you'll know that all the boxes from the same skincare line has the same style of packaging. The box is white with blue pattern on the side and if you notice, there's the circle with turquoise pattern on top of the label, which means it belongs to White Plus Renew line. I saw other skincare line from the brand before and it's different colour for different line.  

   

To my knowledge, Laneige labeled their product differently according to regions, as I heard the ones in the South Korea and US have different names. Here in Malaysia, this is how it's labeled, the skincare line's name (White Plus Renew) first, with the product's name (Skin Refiner) comes after that. I got samples from South Korea before, and it's labeled the other way around and of course the descriptions are in Korean language. 

From the back of the box, it says there that the product need to be used up within 12 months and right away after dispensed. There's a product leaflet included in the box as well. 

This is bottle! It's soooo pretty, right? Well, it is to me! hikhik I think it's glass though. The cap is transparent with silver coloured dome-like inner cap that basically just cover the opening of the bottle.

The soft turquoise colour at the bottom that seems to dissipates towards upward~ and it's actually metallic which makes me love it even more. I think you can see it from below photos. 

   

As this is the full size product, it has 120ml of product in it. My previous toner is 150ml so I think this gonna last for about 3 months of continuous use (day and night). 

Good thing is, before using the the product for the first time, I found the opening was sealed so do check before purchase. 

There's a product series number at the bottom with the manufacturing date as well. As I bought this in March, it was nice as I got a fresh batch of product with only about 3 months after manufactured. 

Ingredients:

Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Yeast Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexyglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethylhexanoin, Palmitic Acid, PEG-20 Glyceryl, Isostearate, PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Coplymer, Potassium hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxythanol, Fragrance. 

Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It’s made by combining Vitamin C with Glucose basically it is an antioxidant. When applied on the skin, it breaks down into L-Ascorbic Acid (pure Vitamin C) which has powerful antioxidant properties and inhibits the synthesis of melanin.

Scent and texture:

Well, as it contains fragrance, it smells like floral to me. It's not really that strong and it dissipates in minutes. The texture is watery but it's milky as well. Absorbs into my skin quickly as well.

Verdict: 

To be honest, I've been using this toner for about 2 months but not the full size product, as I have the trial set version with 50ml product in it along with one 15ml trial kit, and as I just finished them, I have to say, I really like its texture and how it absorbs into my skin quickly. 

  

The trial set version in on the right. 

Verdict:

How do I apply this toner? By dispensing it on my hands and apply it directly on my face. No need cotton pads! 

This toner or to be exact Skin Refiner, is supposed to work well with the Original Essence from the same skincare line. Its function is to prepare your skin for the essence to be easily absorbed. 

Final verdict: 5/5. Fully satisfied with the product! Definitely repurchase!

As you may already know, up to April haul, I bought all my skincare products from local store here in Malaysia but this is the first time I bought from a counter in a departmental store. I got this from Laneige counter in Parkson KLCC with a retail price of RM105. 

Update on 2nd October 2014: So I guess one bottle could last for about 4 months. :)

I guess that's all about the product. Do share if you ever tried this product or just tell me what do you think. 

If you're curious about the result, stay tuned as I'm going to share about it soon in another review for another product from the same skincare line. 

Until next post, au revoir!