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.

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Althea Green Tea & Rose Real Fresh Skin Detoxer

An exclusive collaboration between popular Korean TV programme Get It Beauty and Althea, the Real Fresh Skin Detoxer is a dual-purpose facial cleanser-slash-mask (cleansing mask for short) formulated with botanical extracts (such as oat, artichoke and amaranth) while steering clear of nasties (including but not limited to mineral oil, sulphates and silicones).

As a second step cleanser, I leave this skin remedy on my clean (and dry) face for 10-seconds. Then I add water, massage the resulting lather in circular motions for a bit and finally, splash it all off.

As an intensive mask, I do the exact same steps as above but I let it sit for 10-minutes. Yes, 60× more - ample time for the ingredients to work their magic and also because I refuse to let it sink down the plughole so quickly 😳

There are two variants:
◆ Green tea
6,000 ppm Jeju green tea leaves and extract help rid the skin of impurities.

◆ Rose
3,400 ppm Grasse rose petals and 1,000 ppm rose water tackle dullness and roughness.

Proceed with caution if your skin is on the dry side. Don't leave them for too long - your skin could feel parched afterwards. You want to be a juicy grape, not a raisin!

They lift my mood (love the smell!), and at the same time, give me healthier, fresher and clearer looking skin. They are such a joy to use that this time-starved urbanite reaches for them even after hitting snooze once too many. To purchase, go to my.althea.kr. Only RM 43 for a 150 ml tube!

The full ingredient list for Green Tea Real Fresh Skin Detoxer:
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Pteris Multifida Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-51, Beta-Glucan, Betaine, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol.

The full ingredient list for Rose Real Fresh Skin Detoxer:
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Pteris Multifida Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Rosa Gallica Flower Powder, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-51, Beta-Glucan, Betaine, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol.

Disclosure: Althea Angels samples.

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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.

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Mentholatum Lip Pure Lip Balm

Lip Pure seals in moisture to solve the problem of chapped lips thanks to an impressive blend of naturally-derived botanical oils and American shea butter. What's more, the experts at Mentholatum made this lip balm so gentle that it even suits those with sensitive skin.

From left: Lip Pure Botanical Oils, Lip Pure Fragrance Free

Name: Mentholatum Lip Pure Lip Balm
Price: RM 18.50 for 4 g
Made in: China

Keep it in your car, house, office or throw it in your bag – it sits brilliantly under lipstick and prevents the colour from feathering. There are two variations: Lip Pure Botanical Oils and Lip Pure Fragrance Free.

They possess the same fatty acids to restore the lips' moisture barrier, namely olive oil, macadamia oil, meadowfoam oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, oat oil and sunflower oil. The minute difference lie in a couple of ingredients: Lip Pure Botanical Oils has antioxidants avocado oil and argan oil as well as soothing canola oil, whereas Lip Pure Fragrance Free combines antibacterial coconut oil, polyphenol-rich grapeseed oil and emollient squalane to give parched pouts instant relief.

From left: Lip Pure Botanical Oils, Lip Pure Fragrance Free

Impossible to pick one right? I say go for both! They each only retail for RM 18.50, sometimes even lower when they go on sale at your local pharmacies. Look no further if you are in need of a hardworking daily lip balm with impeccable credentials.

The full ingredient list for Lip Pure Botanical Oils:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Avocado Oil, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Beeswax, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Microcrystalline Wax, Canola Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Phytosteryl Oleate, Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Tocopherol, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Royal Jelly, Honey.

The full ingredient list for Lip Pure Fragrance Free:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Beeswax, Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Microcrystalline Wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Phytosteryl Isostearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Squalane, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Honey, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Royal Jelly.

Disclosure: Press samples.

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Mentholatum Tsum Tsum Face Masks

Fans (or even non-fans) will go gaga over the Tsum Tsum collection by Mentholatum. I am a HUGE fan, so I died a little inside when these masks showed up. They are nice to look at and they also improve various skin ailments; nothing not to like about them!

Dull and fatigued condition... I use the Honey Revitalizing Face Mask (RM 7.90 for 22 ml). It harnesses the power of honey to soothe while tranexamic acid and vitamin C brighten, leaving my skin refreshed and energised.

Dry and sensitive condition... I use the Lavender Soothing & Hydrating Face Mask (RM 7.90 for 22 ml). Drenched in hydrating superstar hyaluronic acid and enriched with calming lavender oil, this sheet mask gives my face a boost of dew-like moisture within minutes.

Flaky and dehydrated condition... I use the Rose Deep Hydrating Face Mask (RM 7.90 for 22 ml). It is missing standout ingredients the others have; but even unadorned, it has a hydrating dream team of four sizes of hyaluronic acid molecules to boost moisture levels in one application. My skin laps it up, taking on a plump and pillowy appearance.

Oily and clogged condition... I use the Tea Tree Oil Controlling Face Mask (RM 7.90 for 22 ml). Stuffed with a suite of potent actives the likes of witch hazel, tea tree, heartleaf houttuynia and coix seed to effectively cut down excess oil and unclog pores, thereby keeping my skin smooth and clear.

Available at Watsons, Aeon Wellness, Caring and SaSa, the Mentholatum Tsum Tsum collection includes fruity lip balms, hand creams, as well as face washes.

The full ingredient list for Honey Revitalizing Face Mask:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglycerin-6, 1,2-Hexanediol, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Panthenol, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (small-size HA), Sodium Hyaluronate (medium-size HA), Tranexamic Acid, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Fragrance, Flavor, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (large-size HA), Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Saccharomyces Lysate, Honey Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Succinate, Phenoxyethanol, Valine, Threonine, Glycine, Glutamic Acid.

The full ingredient list for Lavender Soothing & Hydrating Face Mask:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglycerin-6, 1,2-Hexanediol, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Panthenol, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (small-size HA), Sodium Hyaluronate (medium-size HA), Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate (large-size HA), Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sorbitol, Saccharomyces Lysate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Succinate, Valine, Threonine, Glycine, Glutamic Acid.

The full ingredient list for Rose Deep Hydrating Face Mask:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglycerin-6, 1,2-Hexanediol, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Panthenol, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (small-size HA), Sodium Hyaluronate (medium-size HA), Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Fragrance, Sodium Hyaluronate (large-size HA), Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, PEG-8, Saccharomyces Lysate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Succinate, Phenoxyethanol, Valine, Threonine, Glycine, Glutamic Acid.

The full ingredient list for Tea Tree Oil Controlling Face Mask:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglycerin-6, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hamamelis Virginiana Flower Water, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Panthenol, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (small-size HA), Sodium Hyaluronate (medium-size HA), Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Flavor, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (large-size HA), Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Alcohol, Methylparaben, Saccharomyces Lysate, Disodium Succinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Valine, Threonine, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid.

Disclosure: Press samples.

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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.

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