Review: Bifesta Bright-up Cleansing Lotion

Hello! I'll be reviewing a product that I've been using for a while now, the Bifesta Bright-Up Cleansing Lotion! 

It's a very popular product with many Youtubers and bloggers, and it's often said to be a drugstore dupe for the high end Bioderma SensibioH2O Micelle Solution, and so I had to try it out for myself! 

Bifesta Cleansing Lotions are produced by Mandom Corp., also home to other famous Japanese brands like Gatsby, Lucido-L and Pixy. Bifesta only specialises in make-up removers, though. The Bifesta Cleansing Lotion comes in four variants for different skin types: Moist (dry and sensitive skin), Sebum (combination-oily), Brightup (dull and flaky), and Agecare (mature). 

The one I have is the Bifesta x Disney Bright-up Cleansing Solution, which seems to only be available in Japan. Rest assured, the only difference is that the purple bottle has Tinkerbell's silhouette on it, the product is exactly the same, haha. Trust the Japanese and their marketing strategies... 

PROS

Light, cooling finish-> Unlike many other makeup removers I have used, the Bifesta Cleansing Lotion is one that is water-based, so it doesn't leave behind sticky greasy residues unlike oil-based makeup removers. My skin also feels hydrated and rejuvenated after use, again, compared to oil-based makeup removers where my skin feels "suffocated". [Yes, after years of using oil-based cleansers which my mum claimed to be effective, I've managed to find a good water-based remover which, in all honesty, helps me to wipe off residual make-up without too much hassle! ]


Gentle-> The Bifesta makeup removers help to easily remove makeup without causing the skin around my eyes to sting even after eye makeup removal. Another water-based makeup remover I tried, the Gentle Eye Makeup Remover by Estee Lauder really hurt the skin around my eyes, but this Bifesta one doesn't at all. Yay! This means I can clean the eyeliner off the waterline of my eye easily, without feeling apprehensive of the potential pain (:

Effective-> I feel like regular daily makeup is not really a good way to test the effectiveness of a good makeup remover, so I usually prefer to test out makeup removers on the stage makeup we put on before our performances (I dance in school so there are times when we are required to layer on the foundation and the full works.). Surprisingly, even though it's water-based, the Bifesta was extremely effective in removing even the most stubborn eyeliners (waterproof, non-smudge). It even managed to dissolve some of my eyelash glue so false eyelashes could be removed easily without too much tugging.(Too much tugging is bad for your eyelids in the long run as they'll sag in the future >: )

Pretty packaging-> Sounds silly, but so important to me, because the bottle looks really nice in the tray together with all my other facial products (:

Easily dispensed-> The Bifesta bottle I have comes with a pump, so no worries about hygiene; because all you have to do is to pump the required amount onto cotton pads. Once they are damp/soaked (depending on how you prefer them), you're good to go! No worrying about capping the bottle tightly, super hassle-free!

Eco-friendly-> Yes, as with many other Japanese products, refills are available in plastic packets! I managed to get my hands on refills for the "Moist" Cleansing Solution, so I'll probably be updating with more information once I use it, for a comparison between "Brightup" and "Moist"

CONS

Possibly a lock on the bottle-> So you don't dispense too much at a go accidentally if you don't need it.

A fair bit is required for easy removal-> Personally I like my cotton pads soaked with the makeup remover, so that I don't have to rub my skin too hard. But I guess this is really up to personal preference. Besides, even if you feel like using lots of it is a waste, compared to the Bioderma, I'd say Bifesta will still be friendlier on the pocket!

Rating: 4.5/5.0

I would repurchase this product! (I have refill packs at home waiting for me, anyway :D)

Review: Clean Face Oil-Free BB Cream by THE FACE SHOP

Review: Clean Face Oil-Free BB Cream by THE FACE SHOP

This BB Cream is part of a series of products "Clean Face" formulated to help with acne prone oily skin. The range of products on shelf are all in similar coloured beige bottles, tubes, etc, and they're relatively priced. 

It's said to have chamomile extract, and its quick clear complex treats oily or problem skin more quickly and effectively. 

PROS:
-Nice texture-> BB creams are not simply moisturizers, nor provide the pore-clogging coverage that foundations tend to do. To me, it's important a BB cream is able to blend in and absorb well into the skin, without being too "heavy". I find that this one by Face Shop does a pretty good job in terms of its coverage. It's able to cover up minor blemishes and absorbs well without being too sticky. Because it's meant for oily skin, it doesn't give the type of "glow" that is generally popular and something that many Korean BB creams tend to have. I much prefer the matt look though, because you can always go over with highlighter for a brighter look!

Here's a picture of 2 BB Creams for comparison! Left is the one by Face Shop, Right is the one called "Dream Girls BB" by Skin79 (comes in a purple tube, I do NOT recommend this one!)

 You can just see the difference in formula!! The Face Shop one is much thicker compared to the watery skin79 one!

-Inexpensive-> I remember purchasing a tube (35ml/1.18oz) at less that 10 USD in Korea, so it's pretty worth it given that it can last you quite a while!

-Size-> Whilst some may argue that it's a really small size compared to say the luxurious bottle of Skin79 or the Liole BB Cream (this is almost half the size of the large tube!!) I think it's large enough to carry around in your purse without feeling too burdened! Nice travel size!

-Scent-> I can't place what exactly this smells of, but I LOVE IT! It happens to be the same scent as the air purifier they use in Ion, Orchard (shopping mall in Singapore where I live, haha).
[UPDATE: The scent is Modern Notes home fragrance-- Ginger, White Tea and Jasmine!]


CONS/STUFF TO NOTE:
-Packaging-> Ok, not packaging per say, but more of the way it's dispensed. This tube design is an issue with most of the products I use, though. If too much is squeezed out of the tube then when you close it the mouth of the tube will have leftover traces which to me, seems rather unhygenic!! I prefer a pump dispenser, if possible... Then again, you can't have the best of both worlds because a pump dispenser would be for tubes with more product!

The tube! 

-Coverage-> Coverage is good for the first few hours, and it does its "oil control" job pretty well; I like to blot after some time though as it doesn't keep your face matt all day long. 

-Colour-> As you can tell from the comparison shot I took (see above), it has pink undertones and can tend towards being ashy/greyish-looking, as compared to a BB cream with yellow undertones. It will, however, oxidise into your skin; just take note that it's more suitable for fairer skin tones... It's a bit lighter than my original skin tone(MAC Foundation Colour NC 22), but I think it's alright for me. 

Overall, I think this product is not a bad buy, and worth it if you're looking for something inexpensive to just try out. I have seen reviews online that this has broken some users out, and no product is ever perfect, so some people do have issues with this product. So far, it's been working fine for me; I haven't experienced any major breakouts as I do ensure that my face is properly cleansed everytime I apply make up. (I think it is very important to cleanse well especially once you are home, and give time for your skin to rest~) 

Rating: 3.0/5.0

2013 New Year Resolutions!

So, it's the new year, and for the first time I've decided to do up a list of what I plan to keep up in the coming 365 days (and onwards)... Hopefully after 21 days (apparently that's how long it takes for habits to be cultivated), I will be able to keep this up without too much effort!

One of the main things I'd like to do this new year is to maintain a proper facial routine. Good skin is not just about slapping on as many products as you have, it's not about putting everything and anything on and praying that it'll all work out. As much as it is about application, cleansing your skin well is also vital, as I've learnt after using my Clarisonic Mia 2 for the past month! (Will do a review on it soon!)

1. I will use a makeup remover before actual cleansing of my face. I used to skip this step but a beautician recommended doing this even if I used minimal makeup, as makeup remover will help to take away the oils on the surface of the skin and any dirt trapped superficially.

2. I will cleanse my face with my Mia 2. This step is like killing 2 birds with 1 stone, because not only does this clean my face, it kind-of massages it in the process. If you've ever wondered how Korean celebs keep up their flawless bare skin, I think massaging plays a big role! Many Korean makeup brands are now coming up with Clarisonic "dupes" (I say "dupes" because I don't think they are ever as good as the clarisonic itself), which serve to massage and cleanse the face.

3. Rinse off using warm water first, then cold water. Cold water helps to tighten pores and prevent dirt of getting trapped again after cleansing.

4. Instead of using a towel to dry my face, I will pat my face lightly with clean hands. This helps to retain moisture in the skin, and prevents bacteria from towels from transferring on to the face. Before this, I never really gave much thought about drying my face with a towel, but thinking about the amount of bacteria that accumulates on the towel over a few days, patting dry with bare hands seems like a safer option(:

5. Apply serums and creams as instructed by my dermatologist and to not be lazy.

--

6. (Unrelated to skin care but a new year's resolution nonetheless) Clean brushes and beauty tools after use. This prevents bacteria buildup and ensures clean tools every time I need them! Powder sponges are also included in this list, because powder puffs are going directly in contact with one's skin, and putting on bacteria infested powder is not going to get me perfect skin anytime soon!! ):

That's all for now! Ta!

x
m

Review: The Benefit Boi-ing Concealer

Review: The Benefit Boi-ing Concealer 

Price: USD 20.00 on Sephora.com

The Benefit Boi-ing concealer is an "industrial strength concealer".
It's said to camouflage dark circles, shadows, and discoloration without creasing or fading. An added bonus? This formula is now available in a full range of shades from light to deep so gals of all skintones can be imperfection-free. (from Sephora.com)

I purchased mine quite a while back, and I was shade 02-medium. Based on the sephora website, they've come up with in-between shades, which is perfect because I always believe that a concealer should be as close to your skin tone as possible, even if you are going to wear foundation over it. What I look for in a concealer is its staying power and ease of application, because it's no point really, having a perfect formula and lousy packaging/difficult application of the concealer. 

PROS
-Good formula->it has pretty amazing staying power, but there is a catch. I've realised that layering it on BB cream is not very effective as the concealer tends to rub off after a while--maybe something to do with its oil based formula? What I do is to wear BB cream first and then powder before putting on the concealer so it sticks better. Besides, the concealer has a matte finish so it doesn't draw extra attention to that hateful blemish of yours. 

-Colour->I find that the colour 02 matches my NW22 (MAC foundation colour) skin almost perfectly when blended in. It doesn't leave my skin looking grey (as some other stick concealers have done). 

CONS

-Drying and cakey-> This is after all, a heavier consistency as compared to a liquid concealer, and for some this can be rather drying for the skin. For those with oilier skin (like myself), I find that this concealer tends to cake up on the area after some time-- if it hasn't rubbed away, causing skin to look blotchy and even worse than before. 

-Unhygenic-> This comes in a pan rather much like eyeshadow and for concealer, I'm not sure this is the most hygenic way it can be packed. The best application tool when using the Benefit Boi-ing, I've discovered, is your God given fingers. You can rub your fingers on the palette and tap gently on the blemish to fade it away... That being said, this would contaminate the pan and is not ideal. I prefer to use my fingers to apply my concealer (after washing them, of course), and I'm not sure why, but over some time, my pan of concealer had a greyish look on the top like it got contaminated. I'm very sure it's not mould, but still this grey patch is quite troubling. 

-Difficult to apply-> Other than using one's fingers, you would need a small concealer brush. Your fingers are able to cover up bulging pimples, but as for more severe acne scars on dents in the skin, your finger isn't going to be able to reach into the tiny cracks and fill them up with concealer. The second best option would be to use a concealer brush, which would cause the area of skin to be cakey. Blend it out patiently to achieve a more even skin tone. 

-Packaging-> I'm not sure I love the packaging... It could have been better if it were in a lipstick tube, or at least a case that flipped open rather than a screw lid. For the record, screw lids could potentially go missing and leave you with a lid-less pan of concealer. Bacteria heaven. 

In general, I quite like the benefit concealer, because I don't have many more deep acne scars, basically some discolouration of the skin and the occasional zit or two. It does an okay job for what it;s suppposed to do, especially the fact that it isn't too grey(: 

Rating: 3.0/5.0




Would I repurchase? Maybe not. I say maybe, because the colour does match me quite well and it isn't too grey(one of my pet peeves wrt concealer!)

Kimchi-Land Adventures, Day 4 ( 남대문 Namdaemun and 광화문 Gwanghwamun)

So, if you are looking for some food (spices, ginseng etc), hanboks or wholesale items, head down to Namdaemun! It's the market area in Seoul and full of hidden gems! As food is a window into a culture,  a street market is a window to life in a country... I really enjoy visiting local markets when on holiday; there's a whole lot of sights and sounds not to be missed! Picture above is where the taxi alighted us. 

The market name is literally "Great South Gate", and Namdaemun is the largest traditional market in Seoul. It the oldest market in the city itself as well, dating back to 1414! As you can see from the map below (Retrieved from KBS World: Seoul Tour with Yorae), you can probably find whatever you want in the market! Do note that having a map with you is advisable as the market is large, there are many gates and similar looking buildings and shops! 

Ginseng store-- the prices range slightly from store to store so just take note(: And try not to get ripped off. 

Pictures above all taken at street level. As we wanted to get hanboks (sis and I), we were directed into an airconditioned building and on one of the levels (Level 4 if I'm not mistaken) all the hanbok shops are there! There's lots of variety, especially for wedding hanboks, which were all very beautiful... We were attracted to this particular shop run by an elderly couple, as they had some nice display pieces(: They were so patient with us and so friendly! The old grandmama was very experienced and helped me to pick out a lovely turquoise piece (suitable for young girls like me, she said!)

She let us put it on even though it was pretty inconvenient and we were taking such a long while to choose our favourite! This is the one I got in the end. It's really beautiful. 

Another place to visit for accessory lovers is the accessories wholesale building in the market! (Near Gate 6/7) It was just rows and rows of panels, and each space owner has 1-3 panels of space to themselves, and a little working area. The aisles are narrow and it's pretty claustrophobic, but the accessories there are cheaper and of the same quality as you'd find on the streets, for this is the place where they get all their supplies from! You can even see some aunties glue-gunning the bling onto hair ties, flowers onto hair bands, making ribbon hair clips, e.t.c. Undoubtedly one of my FAVOURITE places in Seoul!( I didn't find pictures of this accessory wonderland, because I think I got to excited to take any ): Will definitely update if I find any!)

Nature Republic store in Namdaemun was playing DB5K's Share The World Japan Performance T.T

Hopped into a cab on the way to Gwanghwamun! 

We managed to catch a procession that they used to do in the past to change guards for the palace! Super cool! Everyone was in traditional garb and there was so much to see! An eye-opening experience that made all the korean period dramas I watched come to life, haha.

Guards taking a break in the bushes (quite literally).

It was autumn, and so the trees were very very beautiful!! All the different shades of yellow!
But it was also quite cloudy so no strong sun, but at least it was quite nice relaxing weather!

Autumn could possibly be my fav season of the year!

Pretty fountain that seemed to be in the middle of nowhere! There were some clueless ducks waddling around the area, though not visible in the picture.

Aren't the golden leaves gorgeous! This is the beauty I love about Autumn, also because the weather is just the right temperature, not too hot but not too cold so everyone can still look pretty and keep warm without wearing penguin suits!

Signing off for now,

x, m. 

Kimchi-land Adventures, Day 3

Day 3 was all about Gangnam-gu, which is not only home to all the flagship stores of international brands, but also where many offices are located. 

The captivating autumn colours amidst skyscrapers. 

So this was where the G20 Seoul Summit was held. You can see the reflection of the little maze its in! The maze was full of chrysanthumun flowers and there were so many bees collecting pollen amongst the blooms~

We went to the underground COEX mall which is the biggest underground mall in the world. Managed to get stuff we wanted, and visited the large Korean bookstore in there. Sorry, no pictures D:

Look the trees here are mostly green... I really love how this city is so clean!

Went to visit one of my bestest friends at Daechi-Dong (대치동). We met up at Burger King near her school! Was really touched that she bothered to take time off to meet me even though she was preparing for exams! It was interesting how Daechi-dong is an "elite" area for students, so many students who want to get into good public schools stay in the apartments around. The education in Korea is so intense and competitive that there were tuition centres which don't close in the night for students to stay up and study :O Was really shocked. 

We went to Apgujeong a little later. This mall houses all the designer brands. Korean ladies are very particular about their street style, especially branded goods, so there is a wide selection of designer counters here. It's a popular shopping mall with celebrities(:

We managed to find "Gorilla in the Kitchen", a concept restaurant by superstar Bae Yong Jun. It promotes "healthy eating", and was a real treat. Nice refreshing change from the traditional Korean food we'd been eating all trip. It serves Western food, and we enjoyed ourselves. 

Crunchy Tofu Salad with Sesame Dressing

Gorilla's Tortilla Pizza- Herb Crumbed Chicken Breast

Beef--but I can't remember exactly what this was.

King Prawn Rice

Truly a dining experience worth it if you are in the area!

The exterior of the restaurant.

We headed over to Garosu-gil (가로수 길) in Sinsa-dong (신사동), Gangnam-Gu (강남구). The name Garosu-gil is loosely translated into Ginko nut tree street. It's similar to SoHo in London, as it has many popup stores and small boutiques that have unique items! Many celebrities frequent this line of shops, very evident when you walk into a shop and see autographs all framed up(: In the day, it's relaxing to curl up with a cup of coffee and dessert at one of the cafes along the way. A very nice place to people watch if you had the time (and chance too). There were several popular cafes we wanted to visit, but they were closed for renovation/ closed for the day etc. 

Really narrow shop space that could probably only accomodate customers in a single file. 

Saw this while walking along on the way and was amused. 

Well, I guess that's about it for Day 3 of our trip! More soon!