Annyeong everybody, I have a new Korean beauty brand to introduce to you today:
The Skĭn Shop! They are relatively new, being established in December 2007. The range on their site is rather extensive but I'd say they specialize in BB creams.
Albeit new to the scene, The Skĭn Shop was chosen to be one of the sponsors for the 48th Daejong Film Festival (held on October 17th), the oldest film award ceremony in Korea. As the most prestigious industry award program in Korea, it is attended by celebrities that we all know and love ranging from renowned actor Won Bin to the idol group Girls' Generation.
The Skĭn Shop frequently holds events and giveaways on their
Facebook page, and I was lucky enough to win one. Shortly after the winners were announced, a parcel with newly launched products from the Magic Science range reached my doorstep.
Mineral Pact
Name: The Skĭn Shop Magic Science 매직사이언스 Mineral Pact 미네랄 팩트 SPF25 PA++ 21 Light Beige 라이트 베이지
Price: ₩ 23,000 for 16 g
Made in: Korea
Release: August 2011
I'm starting off with my favourite product
♥
We all know what retouching can do to a photo. This compact powder does the same as the smudge tool on Photoshop (feel free to correct me, I'm not an expert in Photoshop). It softens and smoothens the appearance of pores, lines and any other imperfections.
These powder pacts are not powder foundations as they do not offer as much coverage. They're more for setting or touching up purposes and in this case, they also protect the skin from UV rays.
Mineral Pact comes in a snazzy neon pink packaging. The cover has a print of The Skĭn Shop logo and motto. Inside is a flip-top compartment for a flecked sponge that opens to reveal the actual product nestled at the bottom. There isn't a heft to the compact, it very light although it is certainly solid enough.
The powder is silky smooth, light and sits comfortably on my skin. The coverage is pretty sheer - it helps my skin to look more even-toned but it isn't enough to conceal hyperpigmentation. I wouldn't suggest layering it, the finish is matte and you will probably end up looking flatter than a pancake.
They have two shades available: 21 Light Beige 라이트 베이지 and 23 Natural Beige 내추럴 베이지.
I don't know about 23 Natural Beige, but 21 Light Beige is light beige in colour as the name suggests. I noticed that it leans towards the pink ochre spectrum once on, and that makes it look a tad unnatural - the undertones on my face and neck don't match. But other than that, I have no complaints about this powder pact.
Gel Eyeliner
Name: The Skĭn Shop Magic Science 매직사이언스 Gel Eyeliner 젤아이라이너
Price: ₩ 12,000 for 5 g
Made in: Korea
Release: August 2011
Gel Eyeliner comes in a plastic pot with a screw-on lid that houses a small, dome shaped flat bristled brush.
It is wonderfully creamy and pigmented, dipping my brush once into the pot is sufficient for a perfect line. There wasn't any need for me to go back and darken, the colour intensity is the best I’ve ever seen. Mind you, I've not used many gel eyeliners, but even I can tell apart a rotten apple for e.g. the horrible Visee Cream Eyeliner WP and Esprique Precious Matte Lasting Cream Eyeliner (coincidentally both brands are under the Kose umbrella).
It is currently available in a single shade: black.
It doesn't dry instantly since it's so creamy and all. I would suggest waiting for a few minutes before sticking on false lashes or sweeping mascara to avoid any transfer.
Even though it is long wearing, it still smudged a little on me especially on the outer corners. Not many eyeliners stay put on my lids especially in this weather, and when I find something that doesn't budge, you can be sure that I'd repurchase it over and over again. Sadly, this gel liner doesn't quite cut it.
Volume & Curling Mascara
Name: The Skĭn Shop Magic Science 매직사이언스 Volume & Curling Mascara 볼륨&컬링 마스카라
Price: ₩ 15,000 for 7 ml
Made in: Korea
Release: August 2011
Like all Magic Science products, it comes in a neon pink attire. Although the wand isn't unique, it gets the job done - it is so easy to reach every lash without getting mascara all over my eyelids.
The formula seemed to be up to par for the first application, albeit a little disappointing, because my curled lashes began to droop after the mascara had been applied. There wasn't much lengthening, and it only gave my lashes a little volume and thickness.
The second coat was when everything went downhill. I had to deal with scary sticky massive clumps. And to stick another nail into the coffin, it began to smudge before I was out of the door. While it works for weepy films, it won't stand a chance against oil.
The good news is, one coat should be just fine but it's just too natural for me. Natural just doesn't cut it for me anymore now that I've discovered the wonders of wearing false lashes haha~
In order to defeat panda eyes, I won't be using Volume & Curling Mascara on its own. I'll sweep my regular mascaras on top of it. Those mascaras can act as a sealant, provide me with bolder lashes and this way, this mascara won't go to waste.
One thing to keep in mind is beauty products won't be completely alike on everyone due to differing skin types and other variables (e.g. humidity of the region you're at) and while Magic Science Gel Eyeliner and Magic Science Volume & Curling Mascara do not work for me, you on the other hand might just love them. Let me know what you think if you do give them a try!
I hope you enjoyed reading my review and please do check out The Skĭn Shop's
Facebook page for more information on this brand.
(Source: Promotional images are from the-skinshop.com/)
Disclosure: Gift.
