Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Memebox Luckybox #3

I had to dip my toes into the hype of Memeboxes after countless visits to us.memebox.com and seeing the boxes fly off the shelves sell out within days (even hours at times) of going live.

For the uninitiated, Memebox is a Korean beauty subscription service based in the US with three boxes designed to cater to differing needs: Memebox, Superbox and Luckybox. Luckybox contains popular items from past sold-out Memeboxes, and according to the blurb on the site, may contain new favourites that are impossible to resist.

Of course this service is not without its drama. I could go on all day about the dissatisfaction regarding the contents of an older Memebox, disgruntlement that arose when it was announced that shipping to some international destinations would be halted and etc but that is not why you are here right? Haha!

This is an unboxing post and will be peppered with my initial impressions (as it only touched down a few hours ago). Without further ado, let's delve into the contents of the box:





Miguhara B.P. Cream 미구하라 비피 크림 (3 ml ×2) | ₩ 37,000 for 30 ml
Holika Holika Skin & Good Cera Super Cream 홀리카홀리카 스킨 앤 굳세라 수퍼크림 (10 ml) | ₩ 18,900 for 60 ml
Ryoe Jayang Yunmo Anti-Hair Loss Treatment 려 자양윤모탈모방지트리트먼트 (100 ml) | ₩ 10,000 for 200 ml
Dr. Jart V7 Eye Serum 닥터자르트 V7 아이 세럼 (full size; 15 ml) | ₩ 38,000
LJH Dr's Care Vita Propolis Ampoule 이지함 닥터스케어 비타프로폴리스 앰플 (5 ml) | ₩ 25,900 for 15 ml
Lanoa Natural Sulfur Soap 라노아 천연 유황 비누 (full size; 100 g) | ₩ 12,000
Derma:B Daily Moisture Body Lotion 더마비 데일리 모이스처 바디로션 (100 ml) | ₩ 16,000 for 400 ml
Flower Men Energy Factory Moist Boosting Hyaluronic Acid Sheet Mask 꽃을든남자 에너지팩토리 모이스트 부스팅 히아루론산 시트 마스크 (full size; 25 g ×2) | ₩ 2,500 each
HeartFace Ultra Pore Care Sleeping Pack 하트페이스 울트라 포어 케어 슬리핑팩 (20 ml) | ₩ 35,000 for 100 ml

Altogether the box has a value of ₩ 90,183 ≈ US$ 87.30 (prices are taken from the official Korean website for each product and not the card), more than triple the US$ 23 subscription worth.

I am... well... underwhelmed. Why? There are far superior products from previous boxes that I would have liked to see (Gowoonsesang Total Active Dual BB Cream, Cremorlab Mineral Treatment Essence, Secret Key Snow White Cream, MAX Clinic Caviar Massage Oil Foam and Jaminkyung Gokmul Care Creamy Cleansing Masque) and I thought that Memebox team could have included more full sizes instead of these itty-bitty samples. Hmmm... am I nitpicking too much?

Would you pay US$ 23 for this box? And are you interested in reading a review of any of the products listed above?

Friday, April 25, 2014

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++

I have loved Kiehl's for a while now. I told myself repeatedly that I would review items of theirs that I own (a sizable number too!) but I always ran into scheduling conflicts. No longer! At long last, here is a post on one of their offerings, Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++.


Name: Kiehl's 키엘 Ultra Light Daily UV Defense 울트라 라이트 데일리 UV 디펜스 SPF50 PA+++
Price: RM 140 for 30 ml
Made in: USA

Ultra Light UV Defense employs both chemical and physical filters (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Mexoryl SX™, Titanium Dioxide and Mexoryl XL™) to deliver effective UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protection. This oil-free sunscreen helps protect against pigmentation irregularities and premature skin ageing.


The lightweight formula is easy to apply and void of the thick suffocating feel common in conventional sunscreens. Once rubbed in, it leaves behind the slightest bit of whiteness (which helps my complexion appear brighter) and dries to a semi-matte finish.

Basically, you have to be careful of your face becoming a shrine for shine after a couple of hours. I usually apply a mattifying gel over the T-zone area to prevent foundation from sliding off. Of course I do not speak for people with dry skin types for they will most probably find the moisturising effect very much to their liking.



I am not sure whether it will noticeably improve skin tone, but I am content knowing that I am in good hands (I am forced to soak up the hot tropical sun on a daily basis). A sunscreen, especially one as reputable as this is an essential part of my skincare routine.


Without - With

Folks, how great would it be if Kiehl's could come out with a version that could control the oilies?

The full ingredient list for Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++:
Aqua/Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Alcohol Denat, Triethanolamine, Stearic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Nylon-12, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Aluminium Hydroxide, Methylparaben, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Tocopherol, Tromethamine, Ethylparaben, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 80.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Monday, April 21, 2014

MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle

How long has it been since I last tantalised your taste buds with pictures of delicious food? I needed a short break from all things pretty (unlikely it may sound) and I finally got to gorge on this instant noodles to my heart's content.

Instant noodles? Yes! The locally produced Penang White Curry Noodle took the whole nation by storm a few months back. MyKuali just could not keep up with the demand and I even came across them going for exorbitant prices. I know right? This much fuss over instant noodles...


See how saturated is the colour of the curry? I take my hat off to MyKuali's team. It beats the curry noodles found at hawker stalls ahaha.


Shelves are well stocked now that the furor dwindled a little. And so is my cupboard for I am crazy over instant noodles (unhealthy as they may be).

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

O'slee Rosehip Q10 Moisturizing Lotion

If you are familiar with O'slee, of which I have sung praises for some time, then be prepared for a rambly post on one of their offerings - Rosehip Q10 Moisturizing Lotion.


Name: O'slee Rosehip Q10 Moisturizing Lotion 玫瑰果Q10保濕乳液
Price: RM 59.90 for 60 ml
Made in: Hong Kong

Rosehip Q10 Moisturizing Lotion is billed as a daily moisturiser with the antioxidant Q10 to help restore and retain moisture. You read that right, it is in fact a moisturiser and not a lotion (or toner as it is known to some of you).

It is presented in a glass bottle which lends it some heft. In a blind test I would have thought that it belongs on a counter in a department store.


Think the love child of a lotion and a regular cream and you will get the texture of this moisturiser. The lotion aspect lends it some fluidity but in no ways is it runny.

This moisturiser is just what the doctor ordered in this bothersome weather. It is light (I can apply under my sunscreen without making my face an immediate ball of grease) and showers my face with moisture (leaving it softer and more supple).


O'slee has always impressed with their stellar ingredient lists so I was really upset to fish out the following ingredients: Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Methylparaben, Propylparaben and Paraffinum Liquidum. I know some of you are bothered by glycols and parabens (whereas I am not in favour of Dimethicone and Paraffinum Liquidum), which is why they made the list.


Without - With

It is heavily fragranced and that could be a deal-breaker. For those who do not mind, you might find yourself intrigued by the herbal twist to an otherwise average rosy scent. To purchase, visit oslee.com.my.

The full ingredient list for Rosehip Q10 Moisturizing Lotion:
Aqua, Isohexadecane, Rosa Canina Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Glycerin, Cetearyl Glucoside, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Dimethicone, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Leaf Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylparaben, Allantoin, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Propylparaben, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Paraffinum Liquidum, CI 19140.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Mentholatum Water Lip Tinted Color Milky Pink, Raspberry Red & Rose Pink

I start the day with a lipstick and end it with a lipbalm. What about midday when the sun is at its peak? That is when the following products come in...


Name: Mentholatum メンソレータム Water Lip ウォーターリップ Tinted Color 色つきタイプ
Price: RM 13.90 for 4.5 g
@cosme rating: 3.2
Made in: Japan

These limited edition tinted lipbalms protect your puckers with SPF20 PA++. The Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera Extract enriched formula replenishes and retains moisture, while Honey and Collagen increase elasticity. They melt on the lips leaving a nourishing film that lasts for two hours or so (considering I was not snacking or sipping on some beverage).

Milky Pink ミルキィピンク is a shimmery baby pink.



The full ingredient list for Milky Pink:
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyethylene, Diisostearyl Malate, Lanolin, Petrolatum, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Microcrystalline Wax, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone, Alumina, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, CI 73360, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, CI 15850, Mineral Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Honey, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soluble Collagen.

Raspberry Red ラズベリーレッド is a fuchsia pink.



The full ingredient list for Raspberry Red:
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyethylene, Diisostearyl Malate, Lanolin, Petrolatum, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Microcrystalline Wax, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alumina, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, CI 73360, Dipropylene Glycol, CI 15850, Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Mineral Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Honey, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soluble Collagen.

Rose Pink (known in Japan as Peach Gold ピーチゴールド) is a shimmery apricot.



The full ingredient list for Rose Pink:
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyethylene, Diisostearyl Malate, Lanolin, Petrolatum, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Microcrystalline Wax, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Alumina, Iron Oxides, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, CI 73360, Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Mineral Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Honey, CI 15850, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soluble Collagen.

I would not necessarily say that they would be a substitute for lipstick for they lack the colour payoff but they do make a fantastic gloss without the associated stickiness. The only shortcoming is the sheerness of the formula. Even the brightest of the bunch, Raspberry Red, fails to show up on my pigmented lips.


Milky Pink - Raspberry Red - Rose Pink

There are four shades in total on mentholatum-lip.jp, which means that we are missing Baby Beige ベビーベージュ. The hoarder in me would have liked to go all Pokémon Trainer (and collect them all!) seeing the excellent quality.


Dolls, remember to keep your pout in tip top shape with SPF protection!

Disclosure: Press samples.

Monday, April 7, 2014

L'Egere Aqua Soothing Essence-In CC Cream SPF20

L'Egere's Aqua Soothing Essence-In CC Cream received love from Taiwanese bloggers even before its mention in the beauty talk show, 女人我最大. I had to cover it seeing that it lacks attention in the English speaking world.

(Source: facebook.com/Legere.beauty/)

Name: L'Egere 蘭吉兒 Aqua Soothing Essence-In CC Cream 水透亮CC霜 SPF20
Price: NT$ 450 for 35 g
UrCosme rating: 5.1
Made in: Korea

It is mind-boggling to see water droplets (I am easily pleased) forming once you begin the blending process. They quickly dissolve and impart a cooling sensation, which in turn minimises the appearance of pores.



As with the majority of CC creams that I have tried, it offers the sheerest of coverage. A concealer is a must in order to camouflage flaws i.e. dark circles and hyperpigmentation. It was pretty good colour wise - I thought that the shade matched me really well. I doubt that it will fit all skintones though... if possible, sample it first before you part with your money.


The finish is almost semi-matte and extremely skin-like. A little bit of dewiness would have been more flattering but I see it being a hit amongst people afflicted by an oily T-zone. It becomes more natural when sebum starts to seep through as the hours tick by.


Bad point? It vanishes. Is it because it fuses to my skin a bit too well? And that is it really. I have no other criticism for it. Then again, I do not wear a primer nor a powder (in my books, CC creams are best for minimal makeup days) so these products might help prolong its wear.


All in all, it is one of the better CC creams that I have tested out this year and you can't go wrong with it (if durability is overlooked). It smells nice too! You can buy it for US$ 29.99 at loveshoppingholics.com.

The full ingredient list for Aqua Soothing Essence-In CC Cream SPF20:
Water, Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Beeswax, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Arbutin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Quaternium-18 Hectorite, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499, Methylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance, Propylparaben, Astaxanthin, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Silica, Menthoxypropanediol, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract, Ceramide 3, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Oxy Deep Cleansing Wash & Oxy Blemish Control Moisturizer SPF15

Oxy skincare products are aimed at teenage skin but it is not to say the rest of us can't have a go. And I am certainly convinced after using Deep Cleansing Wash (not so much Blemish Control Moisturizer SPF15, sorry!).

Deep Cleansing Wash



Name: Oxy Deep Cleansing Wash
Price: RM 13.90 for 100 g
Made in: China

Salicylic Acid and Isopropyl Methylphenol in this cleanser penetrate deep into pores while antioxidant Vitamins C and E neutralise free radicals. Deep Cleansing Wash is the first step in the Oxy regimen to combat acne.

Suitable for blemished skins, this cleanser is thick in consistency and softly infused with a citrusy scent. It forms a rich lather with water to break down impurities, excess sebum and dead skin cells. Rinsing off reveals fresh and clean skin, not to mention spotless too!

It comes in a tube which is very convenient for travelling. At the rate I am going, I will need to replace this tube in a month - a fair amount of time considering the usage frequency.

The full ingredient list for Deep Cleansing Wash:
Glycerin, Water, Palmitic Acid, Butylene Glycol, PEG-2 Stearate SE, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Potassium Lauroyl Glutamate/Water, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Lauramide DEA, Alcohol, Potassium Chloride, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Salicylic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, O-cymen-5-OL (Isopropyl Methylphenol), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Water/Butylene Glycol/Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Chromium Oxide Green (CI 77288), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Lactic Acid.

Blemish Control Moisturizer SPF15



Name: Oxy Blemish Control Moisturizer SPF15
Price: RM 14.90 for 45 g
Made in: China

Salicylic Acid and AC. NET along with Aloe and Chamomile Extracts work together to keep skin clear and moisturised. Props is given to Oxy for including Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate as an ingredient for protection against UVB radiation. SPF15 may seem abysmal to some but it sure beats nothing.

The consistency is a little like sunscreen, where it is runny yet leaves white streaks behind if effort is not placed in slathering properly.

Strangely enough, the light and absorbent formula imparts a sheen. This could be detrimental in a few hours when the glow inevitably turns into grease. Following up with a powder or Oil Control Mattifying Gel reviewed earlier on is highly recommended. Do tote around a pack of blotting films too (just in case).

The full ingredient list for Blemish Control Moisturizer SPF15:
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin/Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer/Propylene Glycol/PVM/MA Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Silica, Polysorbate 60, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Salicylic Acid/Dextrin/Xanthan Gum/Amylopectin, Triclosan, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Water/Butylene Glycol/PEG-60 Almond Glycerides/Caprylyl Glycol/Glycerin/Carbomer/Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid/Oleanolic Acid, Propylene Glycol/Water/Pyrus Malus Extract, Water/Butylene Glycol/Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propylparaben, Fragrance.

Cost-wise, you are looking at shelling RM 13.90 and RM 14.90 respectively at all leading pharmacies and major supermarket outlets nationwide. Who says skincare products can't be both cheap and cheerful?

Disclosure: Press samples.