Laneige White Plus Renew Skin Care Line Review

Finally! My review for Laneige's White Plus Renew skin care line is here! I had been wanting to try Laneige's White Plus Renew line for the longest time but my local Amore stores were taking forever in stocking the new line. I haven't been to the Amore stores for a while but last I checked, they were still stocking Laneige's previous Star White line. I was really hopeful about this line since their Star White line had worked so well for me but alas, it just isn't faring that well on my currently very dry skin.
A little update on my current skin for the sake of this review: I've been able to test Laneige's White Plus Renew line more consistently lately since my skin has been a lot more calm lately. Calm as in not sensitive. The weather in Northern California has been ridiculously up and down lately though so my skin has been feeling very tight more often than usual. These are signs of dryness but I will state that I do not show any physical signs of dryness on my face, I can just feel the tightness.
Onward to the review!
  Laneige White Plus Renew Skin Refiner Size: 120ml
Cost: $25 on evecare.com
How To Use: For your morning and evening skin care, at skin refiner stage, take appropriate amount onto a cotton pad and lightly apply it in the order of cheeks, forehead, nose, lip area, and neck as lightly wiping out from inside to outside.
Pictures:

My Thoughts: From when I first started using it: The texture is more like that of a serum than refiner/toner. It's not very watery but almost jelly like when it comes out of the bottle. I wonder why Laneige didn't incorporate a pump into the design of the Skin Refiner bottle like they did with the Essence. I have to shake the glass bottle quite a bit to get out enough product to cover my face and neck which can lead to a tired arm. Thankfully, 4-5 drops will suffice. You can smell the Satsuma in the product. It smells really nice. :) Application with a square cotton pad was a bit difficult and seems a bit wasteful to me so I most often like to apply this refiner with my bare hands instead.
From recent uses:Originally, I was frustrated with how difficult it was to shake the product out of the bottle but after a few uses, it became significantly easier. Now it's just a matter of not shaking too hard so as to not get out an excess of product. I like the refreshing and moisturizing effect I get after using this refiner. I can go for quite a while before I feel a tightness in my skin and remember I need to apply the next step.

Laneige White Plus Renew Emulsion SPF15 Size: 120ml
Cost: $27 on evecare.com
How To Use: For the morning skin care, at the final stage of skin care, take appropriate amount (1.8 cm in diameter/0.4 ml) and lightly apply it in the order of cheeks, forehead, nose, lip area, and neck from inside to outside.
Pictures:

My Thoughts: I just have to be honest: this is my least favorite of the entire line (what I own of it) because it makes me ridiculously shiny. :( My face looks like how one might look in a really humid and hot area: moist all over, super shiny, and presumably sticky. Aside from that, the emulsion smells really nice like most other Laneige products I've tried and absorbs quickly into the skin.

White Plus Renew Essence Size: 40ml
Cost: $40 on evecare.com
How to Use: For the morning and evening skin care, at the essence stage, pump two times (1cm in diameter/0.4 ml) and lightly apply it in the order of cheeks, forehead, nose, lip area, and neck. Lightly press the palms down onto the face for the better absorption.
Pictures:

My Thoughts: Two pumps are just enough to cover my face and neck. Don't rub your hands together too much or the product will quickly evaporate. Applying this serum after having applied the refiner, my skin feels extra nice and moisturized.

White Plus Renew Night Cream Size: 50ml
Cost: $40 on evecare.com
How to Use: For the evening skin care, at the cream stage, take appropriate amount (1cm in diameter/0.4 ml) and lightly apply it in the order of cheeks, forehead, nose, lip area, and neck from inside to outside. And then lightly press the palms down onto the face for the better absorption.
Pictures:

My Thoughts: From when I first started using it: The first thing I noticed was how thick it was compared to Laneige's Star White Cream which I've previously used. I scooped out a bit too much the first time, double the amount I actually needed. A little goes a long way with this product which is nice since it's one of the costlier items of the line. The consistency of the cream is silky/watery to me. I really like how it feels. Absorbs extremely well after a bit of patting on. I imagine this might be a bit too rich for those with oily skin types though. The morning after I tried the White Plus Renew Night Cream, I noticed one small milia bump under my left eye. I don't know if it's because of this cream or not but I'm not going to risk it so I'll keep this product away from my eyes. Instead, I'll use my CeraVe Cream to moisturize around my eye area as usual. Similar to the Refiner, you can smell the Satsuma. I love going to bed smelling like Laneige. :)
Recent uses in strange cold, dry weather: I can apply a nice amount of this White Plus Renew Cream all over my face and when I wake up the next morning, I can still feel a tightness around my eye area. Yes, I continued application of this cream around my eye area and have not broken out in any milia whatsoever. With that said, I suppose I won't be suggesting use of this cream for those with very dry, thirsty skin.

Overall White Plus Renew Skin Care Line Thoughts:- Line is much richer than their previous Star White line.- Although, it's still not moisturizing enough for very cold/dry days for those with dry skin.- Did not irritate my skin. Didn't clog pores.- Imo, has a really nice scent but it may be overwhelming to some.- Gorgeous, gorgeous packaging design as always.- The Night Cream comes with a nice little spoon for sanitary reasons. Love it!- Unfortunately, didn't see noticeable enough brightening/whitening results for me to warrant a future repurchase.
For those of you who want to try out the line:YesStyleFacial-ShopSaSaThe Eve Care

Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner Review

Today's post is a guest post by my friend, T!



Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner

Comes in 3 formulas: Sensitive, Light (Combination-Oily), and Moisture (Dry-Normal).
This review is for Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner in Light.

Description: Refreshing skin refiner with purifying and softening effect for clear skin.
Size: 200ml

Product Benefits:
- Eliminates impurities in the pores, and removes keratin for clear and transparent skin.
- Bio Dusali, extracted from fermented seaweed with strong energy of life, supplies energy to the skin and promotes keratin turnover, while the Hyacinth extracts purify the skin from heavy metal, smog, and other harmful materials to leave the skin moist and transparent.
- Niacinamide helps for brightened skin tone with keratin care. Cotton extracts prevents skin damage to refine oily and dull skin for clear and healthy skin

Directions:
1. Dispense appropriate amount onto a cotton pad after cleansing every morning and evening.
2. Gently apply as lightly wiping out from inside to outside

My Thoughts:
- Fragrant scent
- I love how it leaves my skin feeling refreshed and moisturized!
- No noticeable diminishing of pores
- Beautiful and very sturdy packaging (plastic, not glass). Nozzle keeps product from spilling too much if you accidentally drop it.
- Does not irritate my combination/sensitive skin!
- Would repurchase again :)

Where to Purchase:
YesAsia.com $38.00
SaSa.com $22.60

Laneige Strawberry Peeling Gel Review

T got me Incheon Airport brochures with Bi on them. Lol.
Yay! I've finally gotten the chance to try Laneige's Strawberry Peeling Gel! I've tried their Yogurt Pack before and loved the smell. This Peeling Gel is similarly scented but imo, it's not as strongly scented. Love that it comes in a squeeze tube instead of a jar like some of Laneige's other products. Thanks T for getting this for me when you were in Korea!

Size: 150ml

Product Information:
- Gently massage your face with hands, and dead cells will be removed naturally with cellulose. - Experience a clearer and smoother skin the next morning!
- This peeling gel contains strawberry extracts that help keep your skin healthy and moisturized.
- The exfoliating enzyme contained in the red capsule helps to gently remove dead cells deeply buried in the skin, facilitating turnover of the skin and making it vital and healthy.


Directions:
1. Apply a nickel-sized amount (2cm in diameter) on clean dry face, and spread it evenly on the entire face avoiding eyes and mouth area.
2. Massage for 1 minute. Once cellulose brings dead skin cells out of the skin, wash off with lukewarm water.
3. Use once or twice a week. Adjust frequency depending on skin conditions.
4. If you have sensitive skin, massage very gently.







My Thoughts:
+ Instant results. My face feels soooooo soft afterwards~ :)
+ Doesn't dry out my skin. No odd reactions either!
+ Scent of the peeling gel is slightly strawberry like but disappears immediately once you begin rubbing away at your face.
+ Doesn't dry out my skin.
+ Unlike other peeling gels I’ve tried, the “dead skin” that results from using this peeling gel is concentrated on my fingertips versus my face.
- I have to use around 3 dollops to cover my entire face. One isn't enough because the moment you apply it to, say, your cheek area and start trying to spread it around, it quickly turns flaky. A little too quick for me.

Verdict?
Would definitely repurchase if needed. I'd recommend this for those with sensitive skin since the exfoliators aren't abrasive and are very gentle. Mmm I think I'll go treat myself to an exfoliation right now since this Strawberry Peeling Gel smells so good... :)

Where to Purchase:
Evecare.com $20
Cosme-de.com $22
Sasa.com $23
Yesstyle.com $28
EBay

Etude House 55 Kissful Tint Chou Review

I love lip balms, glosses, tints, all those sorts. (Not too big on lipsticks yet. The ones I've tried haven't been moisturizing enough for me.) All the reasons why I decided to purchase Etude's Kissful Tint Chou.


Etude House 55 Kissful Tint Chou comes in 4 colors:
01 Red Chou
02 Pink Chou
03 Strawberry Chou
04 Tangerine Chou

I decided to try out 01 Red Chou.

As per visual directions (since I can't read Korean), all you have to do is apply three dots on your lower lip, pucker up, and you're good to go! Sometimes I add a few more dabs if I'd like some more tint.

Etude's Kissful Tint Chou comes in a nice squeeze tube. You only need to squeeze ever so gently to get a little, which is really all you need. A little goes such a long way with this product!

Etude House 55 Kissful Tint Chou in 01 Red Chou swatch.

Bare lips.

With Etude House 55 Kissful Tint Chou applied.


Pros
- Nice buildable color.
- Easy to use tube application.

Cons
- Staying power isn't that great. Tint doesn't really seem to sink into my lips.
- Not moisturizing but it is just a tint.

Verdict: Would definitely purchase again. I'd love to try the other colors if ever possible! :)

Etude House Dream On Pact Slim & Cover SPF25/PA++ in #2 Natural Beige Review & EOTD

How cute is the packaging of Etude House?? :)

I was able to get this CP'd recently from Singapore. Kind of a bad decision. It wasn't until after I solidified the CP did I find out that Etude House prices in Singapore are super jacked up. :( Anyway, I really wanted to try Etude House and this one was one of the items I decided to purchase. I opted for Shade #2 Natural Beige because I didn't think Shade #3 True Beige would be easy to find. The things you settle for when you're in a rush..



Description from Etudehouseusa.com: The secret to dreamy bright complexion. Compact powder makeup maintains sheer, oil absorbing texture for radiant coverage with UV protection. Contains hyaluronic acid and encapsulated oil control powder to smooth, moisturize, and nourish complexion.



Directions: Use puff to gather and apply pressed powder to cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Gently pat to finish.

The design of the compact is so cute. Makes me smile. :)

Here is the little puff that's included. There is a plastic plate holding it so that it doesn't sit directly on top of the powder.




The day that I did the review was almost a record hot day where I live. I was also doing the review upstairs where all the heat was concentrated so you can somewhat imagine how shiny I was while trying to take pictures for this review. Given these conditions, this may not be the best all-around review but at least it'll give you an idea of Etude House Dream On Pact in "extreme" conditions.

Here is one of three before and afters. Left image shows you the right side of my face before application and right image is after application.

Another comparison picture. This heat is nasty.

The comparison is reversed in this picture. Left side shows the Dream on Pact applied and the right side shows my bare skin.

Again, I should restate that the day I wrote the post was a really, really warm day. Four hours after application, I noticed that the side where I applied the Dream On Pact was a little shiny again. Not as shiny as my left side (Applied no foundation to this side) but it was still a little shiny. I'll do an edit once I test this foundation on a better day.

My impressions on the Etude House Dream On Pact:
+ Nice floral scent, not too strong.
+ Contains SPF 25
+ Flawless finish, no cakeyness (but that could also have been because it was a warm day)
- Oil control doesn't last all day. Lasted for about 4 hours before I had to touch up again. It is, though, a compact powder meaning you can carry it around with you and touch up whenever you like. Perhaps it isn't meant to last all day.
- As cute as the compact case is, it's made out of plastic. For my jacked up price of $23+, I wish it was made of something a little sturdier.

About the color match: Shade #2 Natural Beige isn't the best fit right now since it's summer time and I've tanned a bit. Hopefully, it'll be a better match in the winter time, if I lighten up by then. For reference, I was N30 the last time I was MAC color tested. That was a while back though...

Where to buy Etude House Dream On Pact:
- EtudeHouseUSA.com
- EBay: 031tansango, codinara, zinopark
- GMarket (I can't supply you with sellers yet though since I've never shopped here)

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Thank you to my girls who went far & wide to get me Urban Decay's highly coveted Naked Palette for my birthday! I've put off using it for a few days because it's so pristine and pretty but I finally gave in.

I'm still really new to eyeshadow application but this was kind of a fail. Hah. The excuse I gave myself in the end was that I was going climbing later and didn't want to look overdone.

Colors from the Urban Decay Naked Palette used:
- Sin
- Buck
- Darkhorse
- 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Whiskey (is this the creamiest eye liner or what?? seriously!)


Top lashes: Tarte 4 Day Stay Lash Stain & Majolica Majorca Enamel Glamour Volume On
Bottom lashes: Hourglass Superficial Lash

Tony Moly Tomato Brightening Mask Review

JH got this Tony Moly Tomato Brightening Mask for me during her trip back to Korea last winter. It's suuuuper cute! My first zakka-esque item. I'll have to find something to store inside the adorable tomato when I'm finished with it. Small jewelry perhaps?

Description from Sasa.com: "Tony Moly Tomatox Brightening Mask contains fresh tomato and vegetable extracts. With the bright red granules of oxygen bubble, it purifies the skin and then provides a large amount of oxygen deep into the skin, instantly leaving the skin fair, smooth and delicate with an even tone.
Tomato is rich in vitamins and minerals. It can get rid of the toxins of skin. The product is especially suitable for sensitive skin. Vitamin A and lycopene, the anti-oxidizing ingredients of tomato, are widely used in the pharmaceutical sector to help control puffiness and relieve chafing.

Therefore, this product is suitable for sunburned skin, skin with accumulated melanin, as well as dull skin due to poor blood circulation or bad living habits."


Directions are to wash your face, apply the Tony Moly Tomato Brightening Mask for 2-5 minutes, and then wash off with warm water. Here are my results!:


This Tomato Brightening Mask has amazing whitening results! It's just too bad that they're only temporary. I did this mask earlier in the day and it's evening now and my skin is back to it's normal color. Still, I quite like the mask. It smells good, doesn't sting my skin, and really does whiten! Even if only for so long. Oh and the tomato is has a dual purpose: tomato brightening mask container and future earrings & rings container. :)

Where to purchase:
Sasa.com $11.40 + S&H
Ebay: 031tansango, kgoodshop, miss-pinkheart

Innisfree Wine Peeling Softener Review

Innisfree Wine Peeling Softener Review



I la-la-loveee this stuff! Ever since I finished the samples J sent me a while back, I’ve been trying to find a bottle online. For a while, I couldn’t find a single place that sold the Korean brand Innisfree (even eBay!) but it has been gaining more popularity lately and I was able to purchase my bottle from sasa.com (prices on sasa are much closer to Korea retail prices than eBay prices are).



Description
From Sasa.com: “Innisfree extracts botanical nutrients and essence from organic plants to correct various problematic skin types. By pure, natural, professional and effective therapy, Innisfree creates healthy and energetic skin and pleasant mood. All products are dermatologically tested. Innisfree Wine Peeling Softener can immediately remove the dead cells on your skin and brighten your complexion.”



Innisfree Wine Peeling Softener comes in 140 mL glass bottle. The softener smells absolutely divine! Just like real wine. I love it! I could probably just sit around with that bottle to my nose and never get enough of it but that’s another story. The consistency is deep, dark reddish-purple liquid with just a bit of graininess.



Cost
$10.30 on sasa.com
http://web1.sasa.com/SasaWeb/eng/product/viewProductDetail.jspa?itemno=103685008001
$14.96 on eBay (031tansango, allatkorea01)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Innisfree-Wine-Peeling-Softener-140ml_W0QQitemZ220422848134QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSkin_Care_test?hash=item335239be86&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
http://cgi.ebay.com/Innisfree-Wine-Peeling-Softener-140ml_W0QQitemZ110400442700QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSkin_Care_test?hash=item19b461114c&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14



Usage
How To Use It (According to sasa.com):
Gently apply on the cleansed face with a cotton pad. (Avoid eye and mouth contour)
2. Rinse off with water
3. Apply lotion to moisturize the skin.
Note: The white particle on the cotton pad is the peeling of your skin.

I really like that it’s so gentle that I can use it everyday. I usually pour the softener into my hand instead of using a cotton pad but perhaps I should try a cotton pad to see if it makes any difference.



My Thoughts
After I wash my face off, my skin is always so super smooth! It’s great! Although I have a hard time believing that all the white stuff coming off is my dead skin (because when I wash the same patch of skin again, “dead skin cells” still come off), I still really love this product. The wine smell itself is already a big purchase incentive to me. They should make this scent into an air freshener or something. Man, would that smell good or what.

Since I just recently purchased this bottle, it seems like it’s going to take me quite a while before I have to purchase another. Even when J gave me two small sample bottles, they lasted me quite a while. All in all, this product definitely stands up to its claim of removing my dead skin cells and bringing me a brighter complexion. My skin is always super smooth afterwards and looks so radiant! Definitely a product worth purchasing again and again.

I can’t wait to try the Wine Sleeping Pack! Has anyone tried this? Comments about it or how to use it?