Mamonde Rose Water Toner

The Bulgarian roses used in this Rose Water Toner are gathered from the village of Turia in the Valley of Roses of South-Eastern Bulgaria, where the harvest period only lasts a measly 30 days (May 15th to June 15th).

Name: Mamonde 마몽드 Rose Water Toner 로즈워터 토너
Price: ₩ 15,000 for 250 ml
Made in: Korea

Although high temperatures are typically used, Mamonde went for low temperature and high pressure conditions to minimise damages due to heat, thereby maintaining the integrity of the rose hydrosol (a by-product of the steam distillation process). 90.97% of the Rose Water Toner consists of this hydrosol, while solvents, emulsifiers and preservatives make up the rest.

The first thing I noticed was the beautiful scent. Some may find roses cloying. As for myself, nothing makes me happier than to smother myself in this stuff from head to toe. Well, each to their own! I noticed that my skin was getting better at retaining moisture after a week or so. Even the area around my nose, eyes and forehead have ceased feeling tight and stripped.

I have been floundering no thanks to my dry skin because I was not prepared for this to happen - I have always suffered from oily skin, so this is a whole new ballgame for me. I think it is safe to assume that rose water is the remedy for a lot of ailments, between its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturising and soothing properties.

This infusion doesn't curb oiliness or mattify the skin in any way, but it is soothing and calming and provides the refreshment that I need in this hot and humid weather. In fact, my skin feels strangely moisturised after using it so every now and then I have been skipping moisturiser altogether!

Fancy the sound of it? This 250 ml bottle is priced at RM 85 on lazada.com.my.

The full ingredient list for Rose Water Toner:
Damask Rose Extract, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Purified Water, Sucrose, Rosehip Fruit Extract, Indoleacetic Acid.

Read More

Mamonde Moisture Ceramide Light Cream

How was your weekend? I spent mine sorting out my chest of drawers, and realised I had yet to review the Moisture Ceramide Light Cream, which was sitting at the very top. Well, no time like now to share the love.

Name: Mamonde 마몽드 Moisture Ceramide Light Cream 모이스처 세라마이드 라이트 크림
Price: ₩ 29,000 for 50 ml
Made in: Korea

This little pot contains hibiscus and ceramide to fortify the skin's moisture barrier to help hydrate, strengthen and soothe. The light variant is ideal for the warmer months as well as those suffering from a case of the oilies.

While it may not fend off dry patches (that is what the Intense version is for!), it holds up well throughout the day. It is creamy and luxurious and my skin just drinks in the entirety of the blob given to it.

It has silicones, so if that's something you like in a primer, you can skip a step and get away without a primer. Although it does leave my skin feeling the slightest bit tacky, it doesn't cause foundation to slide around.

There is a very pleasant scent to it – mostly floral (with a hint of clean freshness) - which helps to lull my senses. And put me back to bed. Anyway, I digress. Find the Moisture Ceramide range at all Mamonde beauty counters and lazada.com.my for RM 131.

The full ingredient list for Moisture Ceramide Light Cream:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Squalane, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cyclopentasiloxane, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Sucrose Polystearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Myristyl Myristate, PEG-100 Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Fragrance/Parfum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xylitylglucoside, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Anhydroxylitol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Xylitol, Glucose, Hibiscus Syriacus Bark Extract, Tocopherol, BHT, Stearyl Behenate, Sucrose, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Indoleacetic Acid.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Read More

Mamonde First Energy Serum

The World Cup has taken over my life (I have eyebags hanging down to the floor) but my passion for beauty products is still alive and kicking. So, while I am in between matches, please let me introduce you to the Mamonde First Energy Serum.

Name: Mamonde 마몽드 First Energy Serum 퍼스트 에너지 세럼
Price: ₩ 28,000 for 100 ml
Made in: Korea

81.31% of the First Energy Serum is harnessed from 'Flower Vinegar' obtained via natural fermentation of the honeysuckle flower over a year via a technology known as Floral Biotics. Along with antioxidant Lactobacillus, this first serum will keep the skin healthy and less susceptible to external aggression.

It has the freshness of a toner with the nourishment of an emulsion. Because of the thicker consistency, I apply this booster like how I would apply a serum: I use my fingers to gently tap it in.

There is also an Essence variant, which is lighter and more suitable for those with combination oily skin. Although the Serum version is recommended for those with dry skin, I think all skin types will benefit from this - I certainly do, and I have sensitive, dehydrated skin. My post on the Essence is fairly old now but still pretty much represents my view, is here.

Intensely fragranced, this could seriously overload your senses – it is not to be used if you prefer your products to be of the scent-free variety. Both First Energy products retail at RM 112 each and can be purchased at Mamonde's beauty counters.

Note: 0% GST prices.

The full ingredient list for First Energy Serum:
금은화추출물, 부틸렌글라이콜, 사이클로펜타실록산, 나이아신아마이드, 디프로필렌글라이콜, 에탄올, 디에톡시에칠석시네이트, 글리세레스-26, 디메치콘올, 락토바실러스발효물, 화이트윌로우껍질추출물, 정제수, 사이클로헥사실록산, 글리세릴폴리메타크릴레이트, 비스-피이지-18메칠에텔디메칠실란, 폴리소르베이트20, 세테아릴알코올, 하이드록시프로필스타치포스페이트, 피이지-60하이드로제네이티드캐스터오일, 잔탄검, 아크릴레이트/C10-30알킬아크릴레이트크로스폴리머, 글리세릴스테아레이트, 스테아릭애씨드, 하이드로제네이티드레시틴, 카라기난, 페닐트리메치콘, 아데노신, 폴리글리세릴-3메칠글루코오스디스테아레이트, 에칠헥실글리세린, 프로필렌글라이콜, 디소듐이디티에이, 페녹시에탄올, 향료.

Disclosure: Gift.

Read More

Mamonde Calming Hydro Sleeping Mask

The Calming Hydro Sleeping Mask features a magical mix of calendula petals blended with centella, aloe vera and cucumber extracts to calm skin and lock in moisture.

Name: Mamonde 마몽드 Calming Hydro Sleeping Mask 카밍 하이드로 슬리핑 마스크
Price: ₩ 18,000 for 100 ml
Made in: Korea

I was immediately taken by the hygienic double-lid and the inclusion of a spatula. I also definitely appreciated the cheery orange hue of the jar and the sweet, floral scent, which strangely enough, is not overpowering, but in fact quite pleasing.

The gel formula makes for a fuss-free application. I slap on a thick slab to benefit from an instant cooling effect and leave it on overnight to allow the ingredients to get to work. I wake up to a smooth, dewy canvas that's ready for makeup.

Ideal for those who want something a little lighter, this mask leaves zero traces behind, which makes it eminently suitable for those with oily combination skin types. I certainly won't say no to having a residue-free pillow case!

Fancy the sound of it? This 100 ml jar is priced at RM 80 at all Mamonde beauty counters as well as 11street.my and lazada.com.my. If you are looking for something more intensive, may I recommend its sister, the Enriched Nutri Sleeping Mask, also at RM 80 for 100 ml.

Note: 0% GST prices.

The full ingredient list for Calming Hydro Sleeping Mask:
정제수, 에탄올, 프로판디올, 글리세린, 1,2-헥산디올, C12-14파레스-12, 아크릴레이트/C10-30알킬아크릴레이트크로스폴리머, 트로메타민, 카렌둘라꽃, 소듐아크릴레이트크로스폴리머-2, 시트릭애씨드, 에칠헥실글리세린, 잔탄검, 치아씨추출물, 병풀추출물, 어성초추출물, 디소듐이디티에이, 알란토인, 부틸렌글라이콜, 소듐하이알루로네이트, 알로에베라잎추출물, 오이추출물, 메칠글루세스-20, 메칠프로판디올, 셀룰로오스검, 암모늄아크릴로일디메칠타우레이트/브이피코폴리머, 카보머, 향료.

Disclosure: Gift.

Read More

Mamonde Brightening Cover Watery Cushion SPF50+ PA+++

The spring cleaning bug has invaded. I have been furiously purging, scrubbing and organising. Me taking a break by reviewing my brand new Mamonde cushion is an attempt at staying sane throughout it all.

Name: Mamonde 마몽드 Brightening Cover Watery Cushion 브라이트닝 커버 워터리 쿠션 SPF50+ PA+++
Price: RM 90 for 15 g
Made in: Korea

This cushion delivers a cooling sensation during application, as if it is dousing my skin with moisture. The matte finish was a surprise; I thought that it'd be more luminous with a name like Brightening Cover Watery Cushion.

Well, to its credit, the coverage is rather considerable - it dials down the bits that I can't be bothered by (redness, discolouration and such). For things that really vex me, for example, chronic dark circles and severe hyperpigmentation, this alone won't cut it.

Now on to the part where I have to throw shade: the inclusive waterfit puff causes the cushion to pool in pores, cling to dry patches and look cakey. I can't even begin to describe how horrifying it was to see myself in the mirror!

After a couple of false starts, I had the sense to apply this cushion with my own sponge applicator. Guess what? All of these problems disappeared!

Discard the puff and use something else. It is more trouble than it's worth.

I featured shade No.21N Medium Beige in this post, but I am more of a No.23N Natural Beige. If you are looking for a cushion for the warmer months, then you could do a lot worse than this one. Find all five shades at all Mamonde beauty counters as well as 11street.my and lazada.com.my for RM 90.

The full ingredient list for Brightening Cover Watery Cushion SPF50+ PA+++:
정제수, 사이클로펜타실록산, 부틸렌글라이콜디카프릴레이트/디카프레이트, 징크옥사이드, 에칠헥실메톡시신나메이트, 티타늄디옥사이드 (CI 77891), 티타늄디옥사이드, 사이클로헥사실록산, 피이지-10디메치콘, 어성초추출물, 글리세린, 나이아신아마이드, 라우릴피이지-9폴리디메칠실록 시에칠디메치콘, 메칠메타크릴레이트크로스폴리머, 아크릴레이트/에칠헥실아크릴레이트/디메치콘메타크릴레이트코폴리머, 디메치콘, 디메치콘/폴리글리세린-3크로스폴리머, 디소듐이디티에이, 디스테아디모늄헥토라이트, 멘틸락테이트, 부틸렌글라이콜, 소듐클로라이드, 수선화비늘줄기추출물, 스테아릭애씨드, 알루미늄하이드록사이드, 에칠헥실글리세린, 카프릴릴글라이콜, 트리메칠실록시실리케이트, 트리에톡시 카프릴릴실란, 폴리메칠메타크릴레이트, 폴리포스포릴콜린글라이콜아크릴레이트, 황색산화철, 적색산화철, 흑색산화철, 향료.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Read More

Mamonde Floral Hydro Ampoule Toner & Cream

Commonly blooming white or yellow, Narcissus is one of the rare plant species that survives the harshest winter. It develops from the bulb which stores nutrients and sufficient water necessary for the growth of the stem and flowers. Intensive research on the nature of the Narcissus bulb has led to the development of the Floral Hydro line.

Comprising of four products - Floral Hydro Ampoule Toner (the star of the series!), Floral Hydro Emulsion, Floral Hydro Eye Gel Cream and Floral Hydro Cream - the latest line to join Mamonde's extensive stable locks-in moisture to the skin for long-lasting hydration.

A few pumps of Floral Hydro Ampoule Toner (RM 89 for 150 ml) feeds the skin with moisture (like a drink for the skin!) - perfect if your skin feels tight and uncomfortable post-cleanse - and works to relieve dryness while enhancing the skin's natural glow. Instructions weren't given but due to the consistency of the toner (liquefied gel), I pat it in with my palms versus swiping with a cotton pad.

Floral Hydro Cream (RM 109 for 50 ml) has a silky, fast-absorbing feel and leaves absolutely no residue. The cream sits well beneath makeup without feeling heavy, which makes it perfect for daytime wear. That said, it lacks the nourishing film that I associate with my creams. Then again, those creams are better suited for nighttime use.

The Floral Hydro line is great for all skin types and particularly wonderful if your face feels hot and bothered in this unrelenting heat. It is a little on the perfumed side, so patch test first if you are especially sensitive.

It ranges from RM 89 to RM 109 and is available at Mamonde beauty counters in Parkson KLCC, Parkson Gurney Plaza, Aeon 1 Utama, Aeon Mid Valley Megamall, Aeon Bukit Indah, Aeon Tebrau City and Aeon Queensbay Mall.

The full ingredient list for Floral Hydro Ampoule Toner:
Water, Propanediol, Alcohol, Glycerin, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance.

The full ingredient list for Floral Hydro Cream:
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerylpolymethacrylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polysorbate 20, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance.

Disclosure: Press samples.

Read More

Mamonde True Color Lip Stick #19 For You

I went a bit batty filling my cart with products from Amore Pacific recently and this post will focus on the most exciting purchase (the others are mostly repurchases, haha), the Mamonde True Color Lip Stick.

Name: Mamonde 마몽드 True Color Lip Stick 트루컬러 립스틱 #19 For You 포 유
Price: ₩ 15,000 for 3.5 g
Made in: Korea

This unique matte formula has been developed with a Silk Gel Complex to ensure smooth and vivid application as well as Camellia Oil Complex and Organic Oil Complex (a combination of oils from rosehip, orange and lavender) to provide long-lasting moisture to the lips.

The results? A lipstick that is epically comfortable to wear, gives the tiniest bit of shine (pretty impressive for a matte lipstick) and is amply endowed in the pigment department. There is no need to worry about accentuating flakes or settling into lines. It is probably one of the most wearable matte lipsticks around!

I picked #19 For You, which is one of the three shades worn by Park Shin-hye to promote this lipstick range. Seriously, this lady can sell ice to an Eskimo! I have never been attracted to anything earthy red, so it actually flattering my complexion was mind-blowing.

You should be able to find a colour that you want to live in from the 15 shades brought in at Aeon 1 Utama, Aeon Mid Valley Megamall and Aeon Bukit Indah for RM 69. My love affair with Mamonde continues...

The full ingredient list for True Color Lip Stick #19 For You:
옥틸도데칸올, 폴리메칠실세스퀴옥산, 옥틸도데실네오펜타노에이트, 디카프릴릴카보네이트, 디메치콘, 폴리글리세릴-2디이소스테아레이트, 티타늄디옥사이드 (CI 77891), 마이카, 합성왁스, 적색산화철, 실리카, 디메치콘/비닐디메치콘크로스폴리머, 펜타에리스리틸테트라이소스테아레이트, 마이크로크리스탈린왁스, 폴리에칠렌, 칸데릴라왁스, 폴리하이드록시스테아릭애씨드, 폴리글리세릴-2트리이소스테아레이트, 디이소스테아릴말레이트, 디스테아디모늄헥토라이트, 적색202호, 향료, 청색1호, 메치콘, 카나우바왁스, 동백오일, 카프릴릭/카프릭트리글리세라이드, 로즈힙꽃오일, 오렌지오일, 라벤더오일, 동백꽃추출물, 동백나무잎추출물.

Read More

Mamonde First Energy Essence

The First Energy Essence is made up of vinegar obtained from the fermentation of the Honeysuckle flower over one year via a technology known as Floral Biotics™. Along with fermented Lactic Acid, these antioxidants will keep the skin healthy, firm and supple.

Name: Mamonde 마몽드 First Energy Essence 퍼스트 에너지 에센스
Price: ₩ 28,000 for 150 ml
Made in: Korea

Mamonde has a diagram that says one can either use the First Energy Essence or the First Energy Serum interchangeably, which judging by their names, puts them right after the cleansing step. It falls right into line with all the other boosting products put forth by brands such as Laneige (Clear C Advanced Effector) and IOPE (Bio Essence Intensive Conditioning).

Now that I have gotten its placement in my routine out of the way, I can move on to the serious business (as serious as a blog about beauty can be hurhurhur) and that is the consistency, ease of use, specific skin changes and so on! But before I begin, let me reiterate how practical the plastic bottle is: butterfingers + plastic = an unbreakable combination!

This beautifully put together essence is a great choice if you are looking for a boosting product that is light in texture and easy on the wallet. The watery lotion absorbs almost instantaneously into the skin yet feels really nourishing. My face feels firmer, the texture looks better and there is even a blooming tinge of clarity to it!

Unlike most of Mamonde's products, the First Energy Essence doesn't smell insanely nice. The vinegar scent (albeit with a flowery trace) takes some getting used to but at least it doesn't bear traces of being overtly fragranced like some of their products can be. I know, I know, I am a hard customer to please, haha!

So, what are your thoughts on this boosting product? Want it? I bought mine at global.gmarket.co.kr with a 20% off coupon!

The full ingredient list for First Energy Essence:
금은화추출물, 부틸렌글라이콜, 글리세린, 에탄올, 나이아신아마이드, 락토바실러스발효물, 아데노신, 글리세레스-26, 비스-피이지-18메칠에텔디메칠실란, 시트릭애씨드, 피이지-60하이드로제네이티드캐스터오일, 잔탄검, 소듐시트레이트, 에칠헥실글리세린, 디소듐이디티에이, 페녹시에탄올, 향료.

Read More

Mamonde Rose Honey Sleeping Mask

The Rose Honey Sleeping Mask by Mamonde (a brand that is working up its way into my heart!) is infused with Rose Extract (113 mg), Honey (107 mg) and Rosehip Oil (0.04 mg) amongst many other beneficial ingredients to lock in moisture and restore elasticity to all skin types.

Name: Mamonde 마몽드 Rose Honey Sleeping Mask 로즈 허니 슬리핑 마스크
Price: ₩ 15,000 for 80 ml
Made in: Korea

Don't expect anything fancy like whole rose petals because you are only getting chunks of some strange substance (it could be anything, mayhaps even rose petals?). Anyways, it is the thought that counts, right? Haha!

It has the viscosity of honey and what seems like bits of pink jam floating around. This unknown substance dissolves into nothingness once it touches the skin. When used in moderation, the mask sinks quickly into the skin leaving a canvas that practically overflows with moisture.

It can be sticky if I slather too much on (I am still finding a balance between too little and too much). I suppose I can say that I am used to all the tackiness seeing as the sleeping mask that I was using prior to this (Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX) also left me with a shine that lasts for days (an exaggeration but you get the gist!).

It smells like a vat of real roses, which is a delight because so many brands get this basic scent wrong. I would have hooted out loud last month if I even thought about associating elegance with a mask but this is where Mamonde excels at. I equate all of their things with elegance; there is something about the brand that has a polished air to it!

Anyways, as I was saying before I got derailed by the e word, the anti-ageing sleeping mask exudes a relaxing quality that sends me straight to dreamland. When I finally decide to alight from the comfort of my bed to potter over to my mirror in the mornings, I am greeted by refreshed, plumper skin. The Laneige mask that I mentioned earlier on had a heftier price tag but also gave me similar results!

Nothing not to like really (aside from the greasy film), it is a win all-around!

The full ingredient list for Rose Honey Sleeping Mask:
정제수, 부틸렌글라이콜, 글리세린, 글리세레스-26, 하이드로제네이티드폴리 (C6-14올레핀), 장미추출물 (113 mg), 로즈힙꽃오일 (0.04 mg), 꿀추출물 (107 mg), 한련초추출물, 드럼스틱나무씨오일, 오렌지오일, 라벤더오일, 테아닌, 에피갈로카테킨갈레이트, 녹차꽃추출물, 캄페롤, 연꽃추출물, 매실추출물, 암모늄아크릴로일디메칠타우레이트/브이피코폴리머, 베헤닐알코올, 잔탄검, 호호바에스터, 피이지-60하이드로제네이티드캐스터오일, 카보머, 카올린, 트로메타민, 소듐폴리아크릴레이트스타치, 에칠헥실글리세린, 아데노신, 카카오추출물, 덱스트린, 카프릴릭/카프릭트리글리세라이드, 에탄올, 피탄트리올, 폴록사머 407, 카페인, 디소듐이디티에이, 페녹시에탄올, 향료.

Read More