Week 1 check-in | Sample Swag September

This week is the first week of Sample Swag September, a personal challenge to myself to eliminate all of my stash by the end of the month. That might be a pretty lofty goal, so I'll be content if I even get it down to 1/3 of what it used to be.

This week's lineup is from IOPE, a brand under the Amore Pacific mega brand, with a mask from Innisfree in there for fun.

Week 1 | Sample Swag September

This week is the start of a wonderful month! Up this week are several samples from IOPE, a Korean brand under the large Amore Pacific corporate umbrella.

Empties | August

This was a pretty light month, empties-wise.

Three things…that help fight shine

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If you're anything like me, fighting shine is a daily battle one must face.

During the summer, anyway.

Oh well. It's the price we all have to pay for amazing weather. Right?

WRONG!

I'm sick and tired of looking like a shiny round beacon in public. As such, I'm sharing three of my favourite ways to beat shine at its own game.

Three things…that help fight shine

If you're anything like me, fighting shine is a daily battle one must face.

During the summer, anyway.

Oh well. It's the price we all have to pay for amazing weather. Right?

WRONG!

I'm sick and tired of looking like a shiny round beacon in public. As such, I'm sharing three of my favourite ways to beat shine at its own game.

Review | Missha Super Aqua Snail Cream

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For the sake of beauty – and to quell my curiosity – I have put a lot of things on my face and body that are generally not recommended. Nor are they ordinary. In the quest for flawless skin, my face has been subjected to everything from placenta proteins, herbs, DIY treatments, pantry staples and smothered in a variety of oils.

Ranking high up on the weird and bizarre things I am willing to try once is snail cream. If you can get over the "ick" factor, it's actually a pretty great moisturizer.

Who'd have known that a key beauty ingredient was just chilling in my backyard?

Review | Missha Super Aqua Snail Cream

For the sake of beauty – and to quell my curiosity – I have put a lot of things on my face and body that are generally not recommended. Nor are they ordinary. In the quest for flawless skin, my face has been subjected to everything from placenta proteins, herbs, DIY treatments, pantry staples and smothered in a variety of oils.

Ranking high up on the weird and bizarre things I am willing to try once is snail cream. If you can get over the "ick" factor, it's actually a pretty great moisturizer.

Who'd have known that a key beauty ingredient was just chilling in my backyard?

Review | Nature Republic aloe vera 92 per cent soothing gel

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Arguably the most famous and bestselling product Nature Republic has is its 92 per cent aloe vera pots. To be fair, I've seen displays of these pots sell out at other retailers, but Nature Republic pots seem to be the most popular and fairest of them all.

Review | Nature Republic aloe vera 92 per cent soothing gel

Arguably the most famous and bestselling product Nature Republic has is its 92 per cent aloe vera pots. To be fair, I've seen displays of these pots sell out at other retailers, but Nature Republic pots seem to be the most popular and fairest of them all.

Sample Selection Saturday | Etude House Skin Malgem Deep Moist

 

Etude House, I have found, is the shop that gives me the most confusion. A large part of this confusion could be the shop's special lingo for things.

What is a freshener?! What is a smoother?!

Toners, apparently.

This week, I try Etude House's Skin Malgem Deep Moist.

what is it

Part of the Skin Malgem line. If the name sounds familiar, I sampled Etude House's Skin Malgem smoother during a Sample Selection Saturday two weeks ago.

Despite the name, it is also a toner. Unlike the smoother, which was for troubled skin, the deep moist is for those with dry skin.

in brief: the good and the ugly

The Good:

I liked it when I thought it was an essence or light emulsion/moisturizer. It is none of those things.

At least, it's not marketed as one. It's marketed in a line of five toners for five distinct skin types. This deep moist, is clearly for those with dry skin. Very dry skin.

I suppose it would be a good toner for people with that skin type. It's really thick and almost has a creamy consistency. Not liquid and fluid at all.

Anyway! Whatever, Etude House. I'll use it how I want to use it. I choose to use it as a moisturizer.

This provided me enough moisture that I could skip my night cream. Of course, it's muggy, hot and August. So this probably wouldn't work for me in a month or two.

In conjunction with the smoother, it provided enough moisture to keep my skin hydrated throughout the night/day without giving me a shiny face or leaving greasy residue.

I'm really happy that under sunscreen and under makeup, this didn't break me out or irritate my face.

The Ugly:

I was so confused when I tried this. I had originally thought this was an essence or very light moisturizer. It has that type of consistency. It works well in that capacity for me.

It was only when I looked at the back that I noticed clues. Freshener, a product in their Wonder Pore line, is a toner. To confirm my suspicions I checked GMarket and it is a toner. One of five in the line.

FYI: I have combination skin and the smoother is a better choice for my skin type, toner-wise. Definitely a better choice now, at the height of summer. This particular toner isn't targeted to me, but aimed towards someone who has very dry skin. As a moisturizer, though, I could get away with using this. Of course this isn't a moisturizer, but a toner.

I didn't appreciate the alcohol smell. It's super strong and really put me off this product.

As far as the sample goes, I hated the packaging. This small tube always makes it hard to get product out, especially if it's thicker than a normal toner. A lot thicker. The packaging, of course, is a lot different than the sample packaging. I'm sure if you do purchase it, it won't be such a struggle for you to get to use it; you did pay for it, after all.

would i purchase?

No.

Etude House Skin Malgem Deep Moist can be found online. 

Sample Selection Saturday | Etude House Skin Malgem Deep Moist

Etude House, I have found, is the shop that gives me the most confusion. A large part of this confusion could be the shop's special lingo for things.

What is a freshener?! What is a smoother?!

Toners, apparently.

This week, I try Etude House's Skin Malgem Deep Moist.

WHAT IS IT:

Part of the Skin Malgem line. If the name sounds familiar, I sampled Etude House's Skin Malgem smoother during a Sample Selection Saturday two weeks ago.

Despite the name, it is also a toner. Unlike the smoother, which was for troubled skin, the deep moist is for those with dry skin.

IN BRIEF: THE GOOD AND THE UGLY:

The Good:

I liked it when I thought it was an essence or light emulsion/moisturizer. It is none of those things.

At least, it's not marketed as one. It's marketed in a line of five toners for five distinct skin types. This deep moist, is clearly for those with dry skin. Very dry skin.

I suppose it would be a good toner for people with that skin type. It's really thick and almost has a creamy consistency. Not liquid and fluid at all.

Anyway! Whatever, Etude House. I'll use it how I want to use it. I choose to use it as a moisturizer.

This provided me enough moisture that I could skip my night cream. Of course, it's muggy, hot and August. So this probably wouldn't work for me in a month or two.

In conjunction with the smoother, it provided enough moisture to keep my skin hydrated throughout the night/day without giving me a shiny face or leaving greasy residue.

I'm really happy that under sunscreen and under makeup, this didn't break me out or irritate my face.

The Ugly:

I was so confused when I tried this. I had originally thought this was an essence or very light moisturizer. It has that type of consistency. It works well in that capacity for me.

It was only when I looked at the back that I noticed clues. Freshener, a product in their Wonder Pore line, is a toner. To confirm my suspicions I checked GMarket and it is a toner. One of five in the line.

FYI: I have combination skin and the smoother is a better choice for my skin type, toner-wise. Definitely a better choice now, at the height of summer. This particular toner isn't targeted to me, but aimed towards someone who has very dry skin. As a moisturizer, though, I could get away with using this. Of course this isn't a moisturizer, but a toner.

I didn't appreciate the alcohol smell. It's super strong and really put me off this product.

As far as the sample goes, I hated the packaging. This small tube always makes it hard to get product out, especially if it's thicker than a normal toner. A lot thicker. The packaging, of course, is a lot different than the sample packaging. I'm sure if you do purchase it, it won't be such a struggle for you to get to use it; you did pay for it, after all.

WOULD I PURCHASE?

No.

Etude House Skin Malgem Deep Moist can be found online. 

Review | Nature Republic UV Lock Flower Non Chemical Sun Liquid

It was on a balmy Saturday that I found myself at a Nature Republic near Ehwa University. I was attracted to the sun and the big ECO MILD in English on the bottle.

A saleswoman came up and helpfully steered me to some more adult products.

Why?

This is for children, she said in Korean. I didn't really understand her because there wasn't a bear on the front. But then I looked at the bottom.

베이비 공용, which translates to baby sunscreen.

Sample Selection Saturday | Etude House Skin Malgem Smoother

I've been outside lately and it's made my skin so raggedy and lacklustre.

I've also been pretty dry, when my skin isn't all shiny, but I've been short on time so I haven't had the chance to tackle these issues. Two issues = two different products = two more things I need to add to my nightly regime: an exfoliator and a toner.

When I thought of this sample, I thought I had stumbled upon the perfect product by pure coincidence.

Sadly, this product was far from perfect. Far from advertised, even.

Sample Selection Saturday | Innisfree Eco Science Skin

The last of the July Sample Selections! Up this week is Innisfree's Eco Science Skin. Unlike last week, Innisfree still sells this line (see?!). Score!

This is pretty amazing, so it would have been a major shame if the line was discontinued.

what is it:

A toner, which took me forever to figure out and which I had to research before I was completely certain that's what it was. This line is an anti-aging line derived from ocean plants found near and in Jeju, a big island off the Korean mainland.

In brief: the Good and the Ugly

The good: 

Strictly talking about the sample, it has a couple days' worth of applications. Twice daily applications. You don't need a lot of product for the face and neck – about five or six drops.

Based on that, the full-sized bottle will go a long way. (As a full-sized product, this is pretty decently priced at 23,000W, which is roughly $23CDN.) I found the toner to be runny, but a little thicker like a serum.

Definitely a toner, though. I found it to be non-irritating, moisturizing and didn't leave a weird finish on my skin. Its scent is awesome, but a bit strong at first. It's fresh and perfect for summer since it smells like a beach day. It has a subtle sea smell.

A personal preference, I really like that this product is EcoCert certified. This "skin" is an "organic cosmetic" and has at least 95 per cent of its plant-based ingredients that come from organic farming. Doubly awesome for my skin!

The ugly: 

The scent is a little strong for my tastes, but it isn't unpleasant. It leaves a subtle scent, but it takes a while before it diffuses.

Would I purchase?

Yes.

Sample Selection Saturday | The Face Shop Intevia Active Original Emulsion

The Face Shop is amazing. I get samples just by going there sometimes. Well, not just by going there, I think you have to hit some sort of quota. Although those baskets they hand out sometimes have a sample just there.

Anyway, this week's sample selection is care of The Face Shop.

What is it?

Apologies, I've scratched most of the writing off the tiny bottle. This is from The Face Shop's Intevia line. Placenta proteins, apparently, were part of the ingredient list.

Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your view, The Face Shop has since discontinued this line.

FYI: The emulsion is a light moisturizer, that typically follows toner and essence/serum.

In brief: The good and the ugly

The good:

It's an okay moisturizer. Light and perfect for the summer, providing enough moisture to the skin without weighing it down.

The ugly:

The smell is a bit off-putting. I don't know how to describe it. Like a foul-smelling flower would be the closest thing comparable.

The texture it left on my face felt a bit weird. After a while, once it dried, I touched my face and it felt as if I had put mattifying primer on top. (I did not). My skin felt moisturized, it was just accompanied by a weird texture. I'm not a fan.

I'm sure the placenta proteins that were in this emulsion was minimal. But that idea of putting something like that on my skin sort of grosses me out. This coming from the girl who slathers on snail cream daily.

Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

Would I purchase?

No.

 

Three things…to beat the heat

My hood is going through a brief heat wave. I love it!

What I don't love is that slightly gross look I tend to sport when I'm out and about in this heat. Shiny face and I feel just a little bit sticky.

Since sweaty and shiny aren't a good look for me, I'm sharing some of my favourite products for staying and looking cool when it's so hot.

1. Etude House Wonder Pore Freshener: It's something I've talked about in the past. While I love its makeup removing superpowers, it also works well as a mist. I don't notice any of the benefits that the bottle purports – deep cleansing, smaller pores, refined skin tone. What I do notice is a nice layer of moisture to my skin right when it needs it.

Pro tip: transfer some of the freshener into a small spritz bottle and mist and refresh your look.

Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner can be found online.

2. Avène Thermal Water This is quite possibly the most frivolous and wasteful thing that I have ever bought, in terms of skin care. Most people will get more out of it if they live in an area that has hard water since rinsing your face with hard water is not good for the skin. Fortunately, I now live in an area with soft water which is amazing for skin and hair.

Now, its only true moment of glory is the month and a half of summer where I spritz myself with some water and mist my skin when it needs an extra dose of cooling and moisturizing love. It's good to use after applying makeup to set it, use throughout the day as a mist and good on sunburns.

Pro tip: Keep it in the fridge for extra cooling powers.

Though if anyone is interested, I did live in an area with hard water before and I used a full bottle of this thing and my skin stopped having crazy breakouts.

Pro tip: If you live in an area that has soft water, what you could do to save money is DIY. Hit the dollar store for a spritz bottle and fill it up with regular water. I don't know how it'll set your makeup but it should be a pretty comparable alternative.

If you live in an area with hard water, have skin and hair that is sensitive to it and/or want the makeup setting benefits, just bite the cost and head to the drugstore for any thermal water.

Avène can be found in Murale and select drugstores, including London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart.

3. Nature Republic Aloe: I haven't reviewed this yet, but just know that I love it. It's a perfect allover moisturizer for the summer: cooling and soothing to the skin, it's light but delivers an ample amount of moisture. It's also multipurpose! It can soothe sunburns and act as a nice, light face mask.

Nature Republic Aloe can be found online and at T&T Supermarket.

Three things…for the days when you can't be bothered to cleanse

Attaining – and maintaining – good skin isn't rocket science. It requires a good diet, adequate sleep, hydration and daily cleansing.

But there are some days when I can't be bothered to cleanse properly.

Just like there are some weeks where I can't be bothered to post.

Life happens. Sometimes you stumble home late at night from work or a party. Sometimes you collapse into bed after work for a nap, only to wake up at 2 a.m. and can't be bothered to get back up.

Those days happen!

I've stocked up on some heavy-duty cleansers and makeup removers, in preparation for those very days.

While these three products can't compare to my regular skin care routine, these do fine in a pinch.

1. Bioderma Créaline: Créaline isn't the only cleanser of its kind, but it's the one that is shown the most love. Bioderma offers this cleanser in two forms, though Créaline (Sensibio) is definitely the one to get. It's gentle on skin, yet powerful at removing makeup and cleansing. Arm yourself with some cotton rounds, cleanse to your heart's content, and be prepared to see how much comes off. An added bonus – no rinsing required.

Runs for $22CDN for a 250mL bottle and available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale and London Drugs.

2. Etude House Wonder Pore freshner: This "freshener" from the Wonder Pore line can do a lot of things, cleansing being one of them. Wonder Pore is similar to Créaline, with a few exceptions. It contains alcohol and is a teensy bit harsher than the Créaline. It also has a convenient pump – something lacking with Créaline. In similar fashion to Bioderma, arm yourself with cotton rounds and prepare to wipe off all that makeup and grime. Again, no rinsing is required.

Find this online in a variety of sizes.

3. Olay cleansing wipes: I reserve these for especially lazy days when I can't be bothered to use cotton rounds. Or, for that matter, find them to use with the other two cleansers. These are pretty good, despite the heavy alcohol smell. Oddly, my skin doesn't feel at all taut or dry afterwards. The sheet is pretty generous and it's possible to use both sides – great if you're wearing a lot of makeup. Its texture reminds me of a Swiffer cloth and it's just as effective at catching dirt and makeup. This is strong enough to easily take off eyeliner, ditto Créaline and Wonder Pore, but I have to tread gently while taking off my mascara.

Still possible, though!

Olay wipes come in a pack of 30 and retail for $8CDN and can be found at London Drugs.

 

Review | The Face Shop New Zealand Volcanic Clay Blackhead Clay Nose Pack

Phew. That's certainly a mouthful, isn't it?

Blackheads are annoying, aren't they? Since I was 11, I've been plagued by them. Annoying black freckles scattered all over my nose.

I've made it one of my missions to find a way to banish them for good.

Enter The Face Shop's New Zealand Volcanic Clay Blackhead Nose Pack.

Review | Nature Republic Pearl de Caviar Silky Foam Cleanser

I was really excited to receive – by way of a Nature Republic promo – a deluxe sample of this cleanser with my sun cream.

I mean, wouldn't you be with "caviar" in the description?!

Haul | Nature Republic

Let me start by saying: I'm not a huge Nature Republic fan.

(I'm more partial to Innisfree, and that's not just because Lee Min Ho is their spokesman.)

But, summer is here and I really, really love its sun products.

I stocked up!

Below is Nature Republic's aloe vera gel and the eco-mild sun liquid. Both of which I'm big fans of.

And samples! I love samples!



Reviews to come soon!