Chuu Beige Stick Foundation

Another month, another foundation, and this one is by Chuu Beige!

Name: Chuu Beige 츄 베이지 Stick Foundation 베이지 스틱파운데이션 21 Light Pink
Price: ₩ 29,000 for 13 g
Made in: Korea

I have said it before, and I will say it again, pink toned foundations are not for me. 21 Light Pink is most decidedly on the pink side of the spectrum and a bit too light to boot! I have half a mind to buy 23 Natural Beige just to ensure my review is in no way biased *shifty eyes*

It is rather thick and heavy which on hindsight, explains the medium coverage. And when layered, I can even get away without using concealer. Only because I am fine with some shadows and discolouration from hyperpigmentation peeking through - I have learnt to accept that my skin is far from perfect, hurhurhur.

Before

After

That said, it has a soft, very glidable texture that makes blending (fingers, brushes or sponges) a breeze. It is long lasting too (without the use of a powder!), which simply defies comprehension but fills this low-maintenance sloth with joy. The matte finish can be a boon or a bust; I like a bit of luminosity to to fake a natural healthy glow (not that I have any business with it once I factor in my oily skin and humid surroundings).

The con for me: it doesn't fill in gigantic pores. This can be easily solved with a makeup base, but I like it when my foundation can do everything. Don't you? Haha! The con for you: it will emphasize flakes and dry patches, so if you struggle with these problems, then this foundation may not be for you.

The Chuu Beige Stick Foundation is available in 3 shades and retails for US$ 35 at en.chuu.co.kr.

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

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Hansaeng Cosmetics Rin Bi-gyeol Soo Essence & Cream

My skin gets along really well with hanbang skincare, so I knew I wouldn't have to worry when the Rin Bi-gyeol Soo Essence and Cream dropped on my desk.

(Source: ihansaeng.com/)

ღ Rin Bi-gyeol Soo Essence

Name: Hansaeng Cosmetics 한생화장품 Rin Bi-gyeol Soo Essence 린 비결 수 에센스
Price: ₩ 46,000 for 50 ml
Made in: Korea

With flower extracts at its core – 10 in all - as well as fermented ginseng, niacinamide and adenosine, the Rin Bi-gyeol Soo Essence works to replenish and restore moisture to the deepest levels of the skin, leaving it dewy and radiant.

It is a watery liquid that packs a phenomenol punch in the moisture department. This serum is one for those who want visible results from the very first application. The morning after saw me with brighter and more supple skin. I was straightaway sold, of course.

The fact it comes 50 ml in a bottle makes this rather good value for money. A sentiment that seems rather silly when it costs ₩ 46,000, but worth saying anyways because a little goes a long way.

The full ingredient list for Rin Bi-gyeol Soo Essence:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Clylomethicone, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cercis Chinensis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Uncaria Sinensis Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Angelica Dahurica Root Extract, Bletilla Striata Root Extract, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract, Amomum Xanthioides Seed Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Vigna Radiata Seed Extract, Gleditsia Australis Thorn Extract, Broussonetia Papyrifera Bark Extract, Nardostachys Chinensis Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Papaver Rhoeas Petal Extract, Pueraria Thunbergiana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Squalene, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Codonopsis Lanceolata Root Extract, Magnolia Liliiflora Bud Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Lecithin, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Polysorbate 80, Tocopherol Acetate, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, CI 42090.

ღ Rin Bi-gyeol Soo Cream

Name: Hansaeng Cosmetics 한생화장품 Rin Bi-gyeol Soo Cream 린 비결 수 크림
Price: ₩ 44,000 for 50 g
Made in: Korea

The Rin Bi-gyeol Soo Cream feels very light in comparison to the other anti ageing products but it is very effective and a joy to use to boot. The light blue colour has something to do with it I suppose, although the more sensible part of me wonders at the need of colourants to an otherwise excellent formula.

I find that this moisturiser really suits my combination skin: it has just the right amount of juiciness to give a face that practically bounces the morning after plus it is not too rich that I break out in hives.

Both the essence and the cream aren't shy on the floral front. It is almost like applying perfume to your face - worrisome really, because fermented products aren't supposed to smell so good artificial - but I needn't have, because these products more than made up for it efficacy-wise.

The full ingredient list for Rin Bi-gyeol Soo Cream:
Water, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cercis Chinensis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Uncaria Sinensis Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Angelica Dahurica Root Extract, Bletilla Striata Root Extract, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract, Amomum Xanthioides Seed Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Vigna Radiata Seed Extract, Gleditsia Australis Thorn Extract, Broussonetia Papyrifera Bark Extract, Nardostachys Chinensis Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Papaver Rhoeas Petal Extract, Pueraria Thunbergiana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Squalene, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Codonopsis Lanceolata Root Extract, Magnolia Liliiflora Bud Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Betaine, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Adenosine, Tocopherol Acetate, Paraffin, Microcrystalline Wax, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, CI 42090.

They are not widely available, though I can't even begin to fathom why. Now, how am I going to get my paws on more once I am done with them??

Disclosure: BNTGirls samples. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

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#AltheaTurns1

How quickly time has flown! Today is your first, and many more are to come. Happy Birthday, Althea! Thanks for making Korean products easier to source, and for this box of goodies too. I love you!

Althea has not forgotten its legions of K-beauty fanatics, and it is offering fantastic deals to commemorate this special occasion:

① Receive a limited edition birthday box & DIY party kit for orders placed from today onwards.
② Free full sized beauty products for the first 1,500 shoppers.
③ 100% rebate offered for the top 12 sellers. Buy any 3 and receive store credit for future purchases.
④ Win amazing prizes worth ₩ 10,000,000 (such as an iPhone 6S, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Canon EOS M10 Selfie Camera) when you wish them a happy birthday with #AltheaTurns1 on Instagram from July 20th to August 15th.

What are you waiting for? Start shopping now!!

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Chuu Beige Eye Shadow #202 Bryonia Orange

Bryonia Orange is rather warmer than what I would usually go for, but to my relief, it actually doesn't cause me or the model in this case, to look as if our eyeballs are hemorrhaging.

(Source: en.chuu.co.kr/)

Name: Chuu Beige 츄 베이지 Eye Shadow 아이쉐도우 #202 Bryonia Orange 브리오니아오렌지
Price: ₩ 13,000
Made in: Korea

I find it really easy to use – it is very blendable, has a good colour payoff and gives a beautiful sheen to the lids. It is also not too dark, so I can just slap it on without worrying about harsh lines.

I pair it with an eyelid primer (my weapon of choice is the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion) to keep it fresh, vibrant and free from creases - all eyeshadows no matter the price gather in the inner corner of my eyes after a few hours...

For once, a warm shadow actually excites me, rather than making me flee to the mountains. Find it at en.chuu.co.kr for US$ 16!

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

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Kicho Ultra Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++

A few months ago I raved about the Sheep Oil Cream from Kicho and now I am back with another one of their offerings, the Ultra Moisturizing Sun Cream.

Name: Kicho 키초 Ultra Moisturizing Sun Cream 울트라 모이스처라이징 선크림 SPF50+ PA+++
Price: ₩ 36,000 for 50 ml
Made in: Korea

Besides the usual suspects to keep UV rays at bay, this sunscreen also contains nutritional bean extracts alongside a patented blend of 7 natural ingredients to soothe and moisturise the skin.

The smell takes me through a vast expense of chemically enhanced greenery - not that I am complaining because it is far better than the typical sunscreen fragrance, haha! The texture is a light, milky cream. It leaves a film on my skin, much like how a facial oil would do.

Ultra Moisturizing Sun Cream is rich enough that I can jump straight into it right after my toner. My face feels very comfortable, and not stripped or tight when this is the only thing I wear. It is not the airiest sunscreen that I have used nor is it as thick as goo... it lies somewhere in between.

The one downside to this sunscreen, for me at least, is the certainty that it will cause my eyes to water after an hour or so. It must be something in the label that I am not meshing with! For now it is remaining in rotation (one of the many perils of having too many things open at once) but I try to keep it as far from my eye area as possible.

Are you going to brave this sunscreen? It is sold at Whole Foods Market in Time Warner Center New York, SaSa outlets in Singapore, Lotte Department Store (Gangnam Branch) Seoul, and kichoshop.com.

The full ingredient list for Ultra Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++:
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Octocrylene, Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Silica, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycine Soja (Soybean), Phytoplacenta Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Eruca Sativa Leaf Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Sprout Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Sprout Extract, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Leaf Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Behenyl Alcohol, Glycerin, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Allantoin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol.

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

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Clinelle PureSwiss Thermal Spring Water

Name: Clinelle PureSwiss Thermal Spring Water
Price: RM 20.05 for 50 ml
Made in: France

The base of the mist is thermal spring water, sourced from Bad Schinznach in Switzerland which is supposed to have incredible effects on the skin due to its mineral-rich composition.

mg/L	µg/L
Sodium 474 Calcium Carbonate 308 Sulphate 177.5 Calcium 4.8 Potassium 3.05 Magnesium 0.141 Nitrate <0.06 Phosphorus 0.01	Lithium 238 Strontium 151 Aluminum 91 Iron 30 Gold 20 Molybdenum <20 Zinc 14 Manganese 13 Barium 11 Selenium <10 Titanium 4 Copper <4

This ticks all of my facial mists criteria and some: refreshes, soothes, moisturises and it does all of that without leaving a lingering residue.

The nozzle produces the finest cloud of mist - it is so easy to go overboard since it is very light. The way to use a thermal spring water (or even mineral water) mist is to let it sit for a minute or so, and then gently pat off the excess. Patting it off is the key if you don't want your skin drier than it was prior to spritzing.

My only moan is the funky aroma. I have been to the Roman Baths complex in the English city of Bath and it was not a pleasant experience sensorial wise (I am assuming all hot springs are an acquired taste). In this case, I am most likely getting a whiff of Bad Schinznach's Aquarena without having to fork for the entrance fee (price here).

PureSwiss Thermal Spring Water is recommended for all skin types including sensitive and is available in stores at all leading pharmacies and online on clinelle.com in three sizes: 50 ml (RM 20.05), 150 ml (RM 41.25) and 300 ml (RM 62.45).

The full ingredient list for PureSwiss Thermal Spring Water:
Aqua (Swiss Bad Schinznach thermal spring water), Nitrogen, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate.

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Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cream

Formulated to restore hydration to the skin with combines 4 types of Hyaluronic Acid, the Hada Labo Hydrating Cream is also enriched with encapsulated Vitamins A, C and E to infuse the skin with essential nutrients for a supple, smooth and radiant finish.

Name: Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cream
Price: RM 69.90 for 50 g
Made in: China

This cream gives off skincaretainment vibes because of the yellow microbeads. They literally melt as I rub the cream in. They certainly amp the cream's appeal; I just wanna reach for it over and over again, haha!

My face can feel a little tacky or sticky immediately post application but I just need to let the cream sit a while... and be pleasantly surprised at how velvety everythang feels when I accidentally touch my face afterwards.

For me at least, it is not powerful enough by its lonesome (I mean sans serum). I need something heavier for PM use, so this would be perfect AM material if it sinks in a tad faster. Banging this post out at an unearthly hour (I get some of my best ideas when I am in zombie mode) made me realise that I could mix in an oil to crank up the richness level.

Now, over to you. What are your thoughts on it?

The full ingredient list for Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cream:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalane, Lactose/Cellulose/Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose/Jojoba Esters/CI 77492/Tocopheryl Acetate/Ascorbyl Palmitate/Retinyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Silica, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Tocopherol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Water/Biosaccharide Gum-4/Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Carbomer, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Propylparaben Xanthan Gum, Portulaca Oleracea Extract/Propanediol/Water, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Helichrysum Italicum Extract/Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate (Medium-size HA), Sodium Hyaluronate (Nano HA), Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate (Super HA), Sodium Hyaluronate (Large-size HA).

Disclosure: Press sample.

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