Review: IOPE Air Cushion Sunblock Ex

So, IOPE has released what they say is the world's first cushion type sunscreen. What's even more attracting is that it  contains 35% of moisture rich brightening essence plus the high SPF protection.

Brightening Essence/UV protector Functional Makeup IOPE AIR-CUSHION SUNBLOCK (SPF50+/PA+++)All-in-one cushion sunscreen with four new concepts - Brightening + UV Protection + Cooling + Makeup

• Forming a flexible and protective layer on the skin with a sweatproof complex
• Intense moisturizing & soothing effect with hydromineral water
• Natural finish touch by Cushion Powder and oil degradation enzymes powder (LLCP)

I'll be honest here..... I actually wanted to try HERA UV mist cushion but it's a tad more expensive than IOPE. and I'm pretty new with the cushion BB compact concept so i just wanted to try out~

IOPE Air Cushion Sunblock Ex with refill

The packaging actually looks very similar with HERA UV mist cushion

i think the even the sponge is similar with HERA's

 The "cushion" is actually harder than i anticipated

it's almost like sponge but harder, and when i press on it it actually feels kinda dry. So.... I'm not quite sure how long does it last for.

This is about one deep pat into the cushion.

This is such a new concept to me. I'm usually more used to foundation or BB cream's liquid or creamy texture. But the cushion BB pact is actually "dryer" and only a little comes out of it. It took me quite a while to figure how to put it on..... 

The best way for me is: pat all around face with one application like the picture above. Then use the sponge to evenly spread out to your face. 

Moving on to the effect of it~

 my skin before application

My skin after application

As you can see, it gives a nice dewy glow to my skin. Funny because in reality it doesn't look that pretty. Must be the camera effect ^^ Also in reality it's much more dewy than it seems. You can of course apply powder to make it look matte.

So in terms of oil control and sweat proof, I have my own doubts.... About later to the day, oil builds up and my make up doesn't seem to stay that well. It's really not that hot in here.... a bit chill too, so no heat or sweat. So i can't really imagine how it would be in the summer.....

oil control ain't that great 

make up didn't stay as well I'd hope

So, in the end, I kind of like it and kind of not. 
I like it in terms of its dewy finish and its moisturizing effect. It's also lightweight so reapplying it in the summer would not be heavy at all. I didn't like it in terms of makeup staying power and its sweat proof ability. Coverage isn't great but it's expected because of its very light texture. 


I will continue using it and perhaps it will be better as time goes by....

Review: Scinic Total Cell Essence Water

I actually only know about this brand because of Sasa.com

They were doing some kind of promotion and i bought this and i didn't regret at all!

This is by far my favorite toner, but I strongly suggest that you use this in colder and dryer temperature. It is called essence water for a reason: it is moisturizing and it does feels like it enhance my skin's elasticity right after using it. 

love love love the packaging~

another thing i love is the design of the spraying of the toner 

it is more of a mist type thus toner particles are finer

you may not see it but the toner is transparent and watery

Overall: 5/5

I totally love this toner as you can feel the moisturizing and softening effect right after using it. 

The cell essence water claims that it has anti-wrinkle and whitening effect. However, I don't feel the whitening effect but i feel more like it's "repairing"? It is suggested for mature skin use, but.... whatever~ it's just toner. 

It can be pricey at about US$30++ for just a toner, but do watch out for specials at sasa~ And because it's pricey, i actually only use it in colder seasons and alternate between other toners :)

By the way, Scinic has released a newer (and better?) version of this, called Total Collagen Essence Water. Not quite sure what the differences are, but definitely in my "to buy list".... while watching for specials ~

Review: Innisfree Green Tea Serum

My first review~

my first review will be one of the popular Korean skincare products around, the green tea seed serum by Innisfree. This is Innisfree's best selling product and the product claims that the serum is made of organic green tea seeds from Jeju Island. 

However I believed one of the biggest factors towards its sales is due to the spokesperson for this brand and for the particular product, Yoona from SNSD. Or.... at least that's how i noticed of the brand and product. and yes, I'm a fan of SNSD <3

Yoona's Innisfree CF 

god she's beautiful~

So back to the review, I actually bought this eBay for $25. It's about the same price everywhere. On Gmarket it's definitely cheaper, but shipping adds up to it.... And of course if you are visiting Korea or have friends in Korea, it would be a much better deal.

the product itself~

pump

for me, one pump is enough for the whole face due to its texture.

the serum itself is actually very watery-gel type. To describe it more accurately, i would say it is similar to emulsion, just not milky? 

one thing to remember is that this product is to be used 1st step after cleansing. Before toner and everything. I usually skip toner if i'm using this because it feels kind of weird.... 

Overall: 3/5

As much as i'm excited for this product, it is kind of disappointing. Scent is weirdly strong for they are advertising it as organic, it smells exactly like Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea perfume (yes it's about that strong). The fragrance does runs off after you apply it though.  

Moisturizing wise, it's ok but no "wow" to it. I'm just using it now just because i need to finish it up.

Than again, it's just my point of view~ I've read some other reviews and they really seem to like it :)