[REVIEW] Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Sleeping Mask

I can't believe that I haven't reviewed Some By Mi products on my blog! I have been quite active on Instagram in the past six months and TBH, I am lazy to work with my laptop. Remember I mentioned in this post that my USB port holes were not functioning? I eventually bought a new laptop after so many people advised me to. Now, let's go straight to the review~

Packaging

It is stored in a see-through yellow jar with screw cap. Between the cap and the product is an air-tight lid. There is no spatula or tool that comes along to scoop the sleeping mask out.

Key Ingredients

Yuja extract

A citrus fruit that is known for its nourishment, hydration, antioxidant and antibacterial functions. Also known as yuzu in Japan.

Niacinamide

A brightening ingredient which can also rejuvenate the skin.

Other noticeable ingredients

100% Yuja peel extract, glutathione 

Texture

Smooth light pastel yellow cream that can spread out a lot.

Scent

Yuja (duh!)

Experience & Thoughts

Firstly, I think that the air-tight lid is a brilliant idea! If I accidentally dropped this jar, the sleeping mask would stay put inside and there wouldn't be any wastage! Other products I own with comes with a lid without this great function. I also like to push out any air inside the jar before tucking the lid in. Although this makes the lid difficult to be lifted up, I like it this way. However, one thing that Some By Mi should really improve on is adding a spatula or tool. It is not hygienic to dip our finger in because it would lead to contamination and other skin problems.

Next, I love the heavenly yuja scent. I feel that it somehow improves my mood. After checking some information, apparently the 100% yuja peel extract functions to destress and help to relax. So yes, it stands true to its claim~.

Another thing I like is the consistency of the sleeping mask. I wish I could attach the texture video, but I couldn't. It feels really lightweight and refreshing! It leaves my skin looking dewy and no stickiness. You can watch the video on my Instagram by clicking this sentence. Since it is a citrus after all, it did sting some sensitive spots on my face.

Well, in terms of the brightening effect, I really can't judge because I also use other brightening products including the Yuja Niacin serum. All in all, I think this is a nice sleeping mask that I don't mind repurchasing~ Below are some infographic I found~

-vivian-

Disposable Face Towel

Approximately a month ago, I made a poll on my Instagram story asking about this:

As the result shown above, majority admitted that they use two different towels for face and body, and out of 69% of them,

only 2.6% of them would replace their face towel after a single use. A large number would usually replace it after a few days, and some on a weekly basis.

Speaking from a Science perspective, bacteria and microorganisms grow on a damp, wet and moist environment. Towels fulfill such conditions and whether or not you realise, you actually breed them every single day. This contributes to various skin problems including bacne (back acne LOL), rash, eczema as well as pimples. Would you wipe your freshly cleansed face with a bacteria-infested towel? Imagine those who wipe pubic area and then wipe their face with the same towel.

Why don't we approach a more hygienic beauty lifestyle?

I have been using the Beautine disposable face towel for more than a month, and because I like it, I want to share about it with everyone.

If I had to describe it in short phrases or words, here's what I would say:

- made of non woven textile (i.e. tear-proof)

- feels soft like cotton

- gentle on the skin

- low lint (i..e. leaves zero residue)

- great absorbency

- biodegradable

- hygienic (duh!)

The Beautine disposable face towel comes in two types. The above is the Basic type, which contains 50 plain pieces of the towel. 

It costs RM 10 only, which means each disposable face towel is RM 0.20! It was originally RM 13.90 without any discount. The Basic is great for travelling since it does not occupy much space.

The second type is the Premium one, where it has 80 towels with pretty embossed flower prints! It comes in a box akin to tissue paper, and it costs RM 16.50 (originally RM 23.90).

May look rough, but it's actually not at all!

 To be frank, I was initially worried by the thought of constantly "throwing away" after only one use. Of course, its purpose IS to be disposed it after a single use, but what about the environment?

Again, scroll up to see what I would describe the Beautine disposable face towel.

"Biodegradable"

Huge relief, really. It would decompose and return to the nature in roughly a year's time. Compared to replacing the usual face towel after one use, does anyone really have that many face towel at home? I don't think so. Besides, both the Basic and Premium are really cheap.  With the new norm, you can easily buy them on Shopee and Lazada!

Wait, I have better news.

3 Premium boxes for only RM 39.00!

4 Basic bundles for only RM 31.20!

It's already cheap to begin with, and now with the promotion, there's no reason not to approach this hygienic beauty lifestyle. A few of my friends have already received their parcels, and some are still waiting.

As I am writing this, I am also waiting for my bundles to arrive~ You can head over to Beautine Instagram for more infographic~

-vivian-

Help!

I want to rant a little.

My laptop was fine all along, until the MCO started. All the USB port holes suddenly don't work. I can't transfer my media from my phone to the laptop. There is no problem emailing my photos, but bigger size ones like videos bring me hassle.

I am still posting skincare reviews on my Instagram, and my recent sharings have been receiving love from everyone. I personally love them too! Have you read my reviews?

These images link to my reviews. I hope you can make time to read them.

I hope everyone is doing well and developed some skills over the MCO.

-vivian-

[REVIEW] PURITO Centella Unscented Serum

So back in January, Purito on its Instagram posted about a search for reviewers of their relaunch of the iconic serum which would be unscented. I submitted my application since I had skin troubles since December caused by one of the products I was using. I must say that I was lucky because Purito chose me as one of their reviewers of the Centella Unscented Serum!

The Centella Unscented Serum is a soothing serum that is especially targeted at hypersensitive skin. It contains mild and effective ingredients to combat skin troubles including scars and redness while strengthening the skin barrier. The notable ingredients include 49% Centella extract, 2% Niacinamide, ceramide and peptide. For list of more ingredients, you can click here.

Scent
★★★★★
I can't resist smelling LOL and I believe that the term "unscented" actually refers to the 'free from essential oil and fragrance' phrase. With my sensitive nose, there is actually very faint scent, and it is even more evident when the serum is spread. The faint scent lasts for only a split second and I personally like to think of it as the natural scent of the ingredients.

Texture
★★★★★
Clear liquid that is slightly concentrated yet a little runny. When pumped out, it contains some tiny bubbles. It spreads easily on the skin, and absorbs into the skin very quickly too. Above all, it doesn't leave any sticky feeling.

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚　My Experience　˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊

As early as two weeks, my acne scar has shown positive improvement. Please refer to my photo below. I previously tried the Green Level Buffet Serum, and I definitely like this second version which does not contain essential oil.

I think most people don't notice any improvement until they put their Before and After photos side by side. I'm one of them. It has been a month since I started using this serum and I can say that the serum has helped with the inflammation on my skin. Despite the different lighting in my photo below, I shall let it do the judgment and conclusion.

-vivian-

KOSÉ Sekkisei Clear Whitening Mask

As far I could remember, I have never tried peel-off mask in my entire life. Home Tester Club, a platform that offers anyone a chance to try a free product and then review it, opened a registration for a Japanese peel-off mask. I registered and was lucky to be shortlisted to try it!

KOSÉ claims that the Sekkisei Clear Whitening Mask is their signature peel-off mask that removes blackheads and dead skin cells, controls excessive sebum, tightens pores and improves overall skin clarity. To use the mask, simply apply an adequate amount on cleansed face. Once the mask is dry, gently peel it off.

Watch me demonstrate it~

The mask took about 5 minutes to dry, and I believe it could have been quicker if the wind blew in the direction of my face. It isn't difficult to peel the mask off, especially if you have long nails. The mask did a decent job in removing the dead skin cells on my face, and it did extract some blackheads too. It's oddly satisfying to see those dirt and bumps on the mask.

I washed off any unpeeled mask and I felt that my face had that radiant glow. However, on my first time using it, it caused redness on some parts of my face. You can look at the photo below to see the redness. On my second time using, it didn't.

Thank you HTC for letting me test this product~

-vivian-

[REVIEW] AKIMIA Electronica Microcurrent Sheet Mask

I first heard of this brand from Carol as she usually writes mask reviews. I was amazed by the use of science and technology in this sheet mask and it contains microcurrent to reproduce new skin cells, minimise pores, reduce fine lines, brighten, smooth, lift and give anti-aging effect. All in 15 minutes!

Sheet Mask
★★★★★

With naked eyes, it looked like a thick tencel mask, but I was surprised when I touched it. It turns out to be a SEMI GEL mask, which is a 100% cellulosic fiber sheet with transparency and feels like gel. According to AKIMIA, the SEMI GEL mask has and is a semi-gel membrane with a water-saturated, and water-repellent elastic film. It is really thin and feels so delicate on the skin as the SEMI GEL is a hydrating type of mask. It also contains microcurrent that activates skin cells and delivers the essential skincare ingredients to the deepest layer of the skin. It comes with a gauze separator and unfolding is really easy.

Fitting
★★★★★

The gel-like fibrous mask adheres and fits the skin based on the skin texture and has an excellent breathability. Although the size is right for my face, I feel that the eyes and nose sockets are a bit small, but it didn't bother me. The essence tends to slip the mask down my face, but that's okay since it doesn't move too much. The mask also didn't suffocate my skin throughout the masking.

Essence
★★★☆☆
AKIMIA was nice to send me a photo of the ingredients list without asking  I uploaded the ingredients list on CosDNA just in case anyone wants to see it. The essence has a slightly concentrated texture and milky colour. AKIMIA suggests to wash the essence off the face after masking if you have sensitive skin.

Scent
★★★☆☆
The scent reminds me of the Garnier whitening lotion. It doesn't irritate me but if you have sensitive skin or allergy to fragrance, this is something you ought to look out for.

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚　My Experience　˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
I like the concept of pulling the separator line to mix the dry and wet prior using. It got me wondering if all the masks out there which are readily soaked with essence are less effective on the skin. Separating the wet and dry ensures the quality and longevity of the sheet mask and prevents bacterial growth. Once the essence fuses with the sheet mask, the microcurrent effect activates and is ready to treat the skin.

I didn't see the effect on my face until I placed the Before-After photos side by side and looked at them from a distance. I don't have it anymore but the photo is nonetheless on my Instagram post~ My pores did shrink a little and my After skin texture looks smoother compared to the Before.

Microcurrent 

-vivian-

[REVIEW] Canmake Melty Luminous Rouge in 03 Feminine Coral

I'm a sucker for Japanese brand. I wish I blogged about this earlier, but I'm caught up with adulting..

Charm Points identified:

Lightweight
Hydrating

Buildable
Smooth texture

and above all, a cute heart.

I forgot how to do gradient lips

*sobs*

Here's the full colouring lips

-vivian-

[REVIEW] Jumiso All Day Brightening Vitamin Clean & Mild Cleanser

I have been occupying myself with other activities, and forgotten to review something. I am trying to kill the time now and browsing my own blog, just to discover that I haven't written a review on this Jumiso cleanser! Oh dear!

This cleanser is from the Vitamin line, and the first product was the serum which I love a lot. When Jumiso announced about this cleanser, imagine how excited I was!

I was also very lucky that Jumiso sent me the cleanser to try and review! I have been using this for more than a month now, and let's read what I have to say about this cleanser!

Key Ingredients

There are three, and one of them is the hippophae rhamnoides extract. It functions to regenerate cell and has both anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties. Next is the salicylic acid, the peeling agent. It helps to loosen old and dead skin to reveal new and fresh skin. It also promotes exfoliation, and has anti-inflammatory ability too. Lastly, the chlorhexidine digluconate. Other than being an antioxidant agent, it is also an antimicrobial agent.

Texture

The cleanser has a somewhat runny gel consistency that is lemon yellow in colour. There are bubble pops in the gel (please refer to the photo above).  It lathers in bubbles easily and does not foam much.

Scent

Refreshing grapefruit scent~

My Thoughts

I didn't need to squeeze the tube the first time I used it because the gel would run out from the tube itself (it could be due to the pressure that pushes it out too). Seeing the gel flow out easily, of course it isn't concentrated. And honestly, the scent reminded me of the 100+ carbonated drink too hahah It went on for about a week or two until I realised that grapefruit is one of the ingredients.

Being a gel, it didn't foam much but produced bubbles instead. Upon rinsing, I was confused because it felt like it didn't wash off the sebum completely. My face was smooth LOL I wondered if it was because of the sebum residue. I was in touch with Jumiso on Instgram, and apparently it was the work of the cleanser that makes my skin soft and smooth. Now, that explains a lot. The cleanser also didn't leave any tight, uneasy or uncomfortable feeling too!

The cleanser is on the slightly acidic side between pH 5.5 and pH 6.6. It's almost neutral but with grapefruit, it did sting a little on days I have dry patches on my skin. It was bearable and slightly itchy. When the cleanser accidentally got into my eyes, it did sting a bit too.

There is nothing I don't like about the cleanser, and I love using it. It is best to pair it with the Brightening & Balancing Serum for an optimised result. If your current cleanser makes your skin feel tight and dry (after washing your face, pat your face dry and try squinting your eyes), you ought to try this Jumiso Clean & Mild Cleanser. With almost neutral pH, not only does it gently cares for your skin, but it also keeps your skin moisturised.

It is not yet available in Malaysia, but you can buy it on Style Korean. Most Jumiso products there are on 20% off, and some up to 50% off! It's very cheap and super affordable! However, you can still purchase other Jumiso star products like the acne spot cream, AHA toner, snail & centella hydrating cream as well as all the masks online!

They are available for purchase on Shopee, Wynora as well as Lazada!

-vivian-

[REVIEW] AHC Natural Essential Mask Aqua Brightening

Yet another AHC mask review.

I received this mask from the AHC Beauty Ritual Workshop I attended back in November.

Sheet Mask
★★★★★
It is made using Europe's Oeko-tex® Standard 100 Class 1 certified 100% pure and natural cotton. It feels soft and gentle on the skin! It doesn't come with a separator, so please unfold it carefully~

Fitting
★★★★✩
The sheet size and the eyes sockets are slightly big for my face, but everything else is fine. It slips down a little over time.

Essence
★★★★★
The essence ingredients wow-ed me! It contains 7 natural plant extracts to soothe and hydrate rough skin, hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract that is rich in Vitamin C to brighten skin tone and leave a healthy glow, and a blend of 93% natural ingredients including Vitamin B3 derivative and extracts from different berries to brighten dull skin! Being an aqua brightening and hydrating mask, aqua ceramide, the patented moisturising ingredient, is also present to intense hydration without leaving sticky feeling! The ingredients make a clear and slightly runny essence in one pack~

Scent
★★★★✩
Citrus! Only caffeine is listed as a fragrance and although it is rated safest (green 1) on CosDNA, there's no harm to patch test before using the sheet mask just to be safe.


The mask is noticeably drier compared to when I started placing it on my face and some essence, too has absorbed into my skin. I like how my face really doesn't feel sticky after patting the essence into my skin! And it does feel somewhat hydrating, so I enjoy using this mask~

You can see more photos of the mask on my Instagram post~

By the way, did you know that AHC has an indicator at the back of the packaging?

If it shows green (like above), it means that the mask is at the optimum state to be used. So, the face will be able to absorb the optimum benefits from the mask~

-vivian-