After hearing that Ji Hyo (from the variety show Running Man), this was one of the products that I spotted when she was talking about her beauty routine . I have to say that out of all the things she used on that show, this was THE hardest one to spot . Also the hardest name to remember, just the looongest title . @_@

General Overview

This product is advertised as both a sunblock and a make-up primer, so it is good to use this after your moisturising routine and before you put any makeup or bb cream on . But to be honest I can actually replace this for my moisturiser as well ! With that being said though I have sensitive skin that suffers from dryness from time to time, so if you have dry skin perhaps it isn't a good idea to do that . This product also has a sunblock rating of SPF50+ PA +++ which means that it has high protection from the sun (SPF 50+) and the darkening of your skin tone (PA+++) .

It's 30mL and has quite a watery texture . If I remember correctly I used this on a daily basis for around 3 months before the bottle was completely empty . Even though it's a sunblock, it doesn't have that sunblock smell that I really dislike, and it has a light pleasant fragrance that you don't really smell once you put it on your face . The tube isn't chunky and is made of plastic so it's pretty travel friendly . The price for it is $23 USD on average, but, take heed, it is so freaking hard to find it . When I first bought it I got it from testerkorea.com and the next time I wanted to get it they no longer had it . However you can still find it on eBay . On the actual site it's 18000 won ($18 !) for TWO bottles, but everything is in Korean and I have a feeling they don't do international delivery on that site .

Claims & Results

• Water base moisture application yupp !

I guess they made this one of the claims due to the fact that usually sunblock is really thick and creamy . However as the product claims it has a watery texture, but not bad enough that it'll completely drip off your hands when you apply it . It's really light when you put it on but it might take a while for it to dry before you move on to the next part of your skin routine .

• Non-sticky natural fit uh huh .

Looking back on it now I've never had a problem with it leaving this sticky feeling on my hands that moisturisers usually do . And though it does help prevent darkening, it doesn't leave that weird unnatural whiteness on your skin that sunblocks usually do .

• Boost that makes your make-up long lasting YES . YESYESYES .

This feature is what I loved this product for . I use to think my CC cushion was the freaking bomb, and then suddenly, when this product ran out on me my CC cushion was blotting all over my face after 3 hours . Use with this product just made my skin look naturally flawless all day long, and it was actually the happiest I was with my going-out face . I had to learn it the hard way, but it is an amaaazing make-up primer, especially if you were to use any BB/CC cushions on your face .

• SPF50+ PA +++  I mean, I'd hope so .

To be honest I've always used products with SPF in them so using this moisturiser didn't let me know if it did it's job . I've got to say though, that using this product I never once got a sunburn on my face despite the fact that the rest of my body would be an epic red pain and mess . So I do suppose that this product was doing its job (at the time though I used a CC cushion that had SPF35 PA++) .

Ending comments + Would I purchase this again ?

To be honest this would be one of my holy grails if it wasn't so damn difficult to purchase . To me, a product that I use daily that only lasts 3 months isn't a very long time either, so it's difficult to constantly use a product like this . But it is such a good product . Once I remembered I used this once upon a time I was like DUDE I SHOULD DEFINITELY BUY IT AGAIN...but then remember why I didn't repurchase it . T^T

So if I ever have a means to get it, then yes I definitely would . But at the current moment they don't sell the product in Japanese online stores and I don't have a working visa OR mastercard so it is literally impossible for me to get the product . However, if it was more accessible to me I'd definitely want to buy it again . It is such a compatible product to makeup that doesn't last forever, honestly . I used this product during the summer . Even though it was an Australian summer (so the chances of it sweating off would be much lower than where I am right now) it would last me 12 hour days of me going out, even 15 hours . I never once had a problem with how my makeup or my skin was during this time despite the fact that my skincare routine was seriously lacking (I did have my blackheads problem though, but not so much a problem with dryness) .

If you're ever lucky enough to come across this product please buy it ! And if you do buy it please tell me where you got it so I can get it too ! LOL . ;3;

Signing out,

-THE TEACOAST .

Like I said in this post, I had a sort of surprise haul in Akihabara and Shinjuku and these were one of the items LOL . I've seen this around before when I was doing more research on other PURE SMILE masks, so I was utterly delighted when I was able to find these ! :DD

General Overview

The PURE SMILE brand is a Japanese exclusive...but the products are made in Korea . It's a bit odd, I know . Kind of makes me wonder whether this brand is available in Korea as well . Anyway, these masks use Collagen, Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E; which is a common ingredient in all of PURE SMILE's masks . However unlike it's other series these masks are twice as hydrating-something I didn't know when I was buying it LOL . OTL

Each art mask has a different scent . From memory the one on the left has a green tea fragrance . Unfortunately, I couldn't read the other one's fragrance . ^^" Either way they both have a scent that I absolutely love and regardless, to me they both had quite a floral scent . Unlike the SNP masks I don't know whether the colouring was FDA approved or not, but it did not irritate my skin one bit when I put either of these masks on . You wear these masks for 15-20 minutes and then you pat dry the excess essence into your skin once you take the mask off .

They're 300 yen (approx. $3) and not always available at your local supermarket, but they're available at bigger chains like Tokyu Hands . I got these masks from Hands Be but when I looked around they weren't available at my local department store or at Loft . They were, however, available at my local supermarket for a limited time . These masks aren't as easily available online as the SNP masks were . But unlike the SNP range PURE SMILE's art masks has quite a variety of different art masks . The PURE SMILE art masks range from Japanese images (like geishas and Funabashi), to animals, to even masquerade masks ! 

Claims & Results

• Moisturises skin: yup . by a ton fold .
  I used these masks in the summer so I had a bit of a breakout after using these masks . And because it moisturises the skin quite a bit it also did the next point quite thoroughly .
• Makes skin glossy: UH HUH
  Like I said before, because it really moisturises by the end of it my skin was a bit glossy . But usually after the use of essence masks, I think the skin in general is glossy anyway ?

Like I said it made me break out a bit, but I mean like I had that pre-bump stage on my cheeks before it becomes a pimple . But the thing is, that usually never EVER happens to me even before my period so it was quite odd . With that being said though these masks have twice the moisture effect than it's normal counterparts, and since I used this in the summer...it's not really a smart move on my half lol . Also it didn't have that nice looking finish my skin has (it's like as though my skin looks brighter) when I took off the masks . However when I wore the masks it didn't irritate my skin and the scent of these masks were sooooo nice . Like, I absolutely loved it . *_* 

Ending comments + Would I purchase this again ?

In general, I think art masks should be worn in novelty, so it's not suitable to use on a weekly sort of basis . I think these masks does less than its drugstore counterparts which also have specialty ingredients that helps the skin in a variety of ways . I think it also does less than the SNP animal masks which at least have distinctive beneficial features . But I like the art of these masks ten times more than the SNP ones . XD""

If the chance ever comes to me, I'd probably buy these again considering that they're cheaper than the SNP masks . But because of the moisturising feature I'd only buy it in the winter months . If my skin needed a major moisture boost I'd probably buy it then . So yes, I suppose I'd buy it again, but I'd probably only use one once a week and then use my normal masks when I use face masks for the second time in a week (since I only use  face masks twice a week) . The variety of the images on these masks also makes them suuuper tempting to buy again lol . *_*

Have you ever tried these masks ? I'd love to hear your opinion on them ! ^^

Signing out,

-THE TEACOAST . 

I'm not too sure if Korean face masks have these, but what I love about Japan is the fact that they have these whimsical sorts of face masks where they imprint an image on the mask . I didn't know these existed until I snooped around and honestly, I didn't really buy these for the overwhelming beneficial features . BUT I REALLY LIKE TIGERS OK . >< Also there was this freaky ass panda character in a game I use to be addicted to, and he was the final boss . So I thought to myself, hmm what's it like to look like a freaky ass panda ? lol .

General Overview

Both of these masks contain 50% natural coconut juice and 50% coconut water . The face colouring used in these masks are also FDA (food and drug) approved, so if you're worried of the use of chemicals you don't have anything to fear~...for the most part . X) These were around 500 yen each (approximately $5) at Loft, but from what I've seen it's actually pretty easy to order online as well .

Using sheet face masks I've noticed a general difference in quality depending on how 'normal' the face mask was . For example there are the normal drugstore ones, then there are the slightly better quality ones-both having different sort of mask types . For example the common drug store ones still have the eye slits still hanging on where as the more 'higher quality' ones do not . Also the 'higher quality' ones tend to fit the face more nicely . These masks are definitely the latter . This was my first time using SNP face masks but I noticed that unlike other masks these ones were literally dripping in essence when I took it out of the pack . However the essence does dry up fairly well . Also, you keep these masks on for 20-25 mins .

There are other face masks in this range that target different things as well:

• Panda mask: whitens & brightens skin
• Tiger mask: targets wrinkles & makes the skin more firmer
• Otter mask: targets dry skin & gives moisture
• Beijing Opera mask: targets dry skin & gives moisture
• Dragon mask: concentrates on soothing the skin

Claims & Results

The Panda face mask

Man did I look like a freaky ass panda lol .

• A whitening mask that brightens the skin brighten ? yes . whiten ? mm ..
  When I took off the mask I did see that my complexion was definitely less dull . However I didn't really see that my complexion was more even . However in general whitening products take 4 or more weeks of being used consistently so I'm not surprised .

When I used this mask the thing was, it stung a bit . This was surprising but then I remember that the OST serum stings quite a bit as well, and that's a product that's also known for its brightening and whitening properties . So unless you don't mind the stinging, you can go right on ahead . The stinging doesn't last all throughout the 20-25 mins. you have the mask on, and I feel that stinging wasn't detrimental to my skin . When I took the mask off there were no red spots, irritation, or after soreness which are the warning signs of a product that doesn't suit my skin . So it is still marginally suitable for people with sensitive skin . Also, I didn't really like the scent of this mask . I can't really describe it, but all I know was that it was only really just tolerable due to it being faint.

The Tiger face mask

The detail in the tiger face is amazing ! Definitely makes it a lot of fun to wear haha .

• A wrinkle mask that firms up the skin yes !
  After I took the mask of I felt like my skin was more plump and firm . Also after not using my normal face masks for about 2 weeks or so I do feel as though my skin is still clear of those fine lines that I just love to hate . :L

I enjoyed using this mask more, but maybe it's because one of my favourite animals is the tiger ? :P Unlike the panda mask's scent I enjoyed this one much more, it was somehow floral I suppose ? Also this mask didn't sting unlike the panda mask; but because this is a mask that targets wrinkles, I'd be really, really, worried if it did haha .

Ending comments + would I purchase it again ?

It's a fun novelty product, that's for sure . And unlike other character masks I've seen, these masks still have certain ingredients that targets certain things (like wrinkles, whitening, moisture, etc.) which I really like . Other character masks have general ingredients that benefit the skin but like, how about if I want to whiten my skin ? How about if my skin feels a bit dry ? I think this is clever on SNP's part since it gives more of an incentive to their customers to buy this product haha .

These products are on a more pricier end for me to use it weekly . But if I ever have issues with the problems that these face masks target, and I feel a little bored with my masks, I wouldn't be surprised if I purchased this again LOL . I think I used this more for the sake of curiosity, and it's sort of a thing that you feel you should use at least once . I'm actually thinking of buying these masks as a present for my parents ahaha X) . 

Ever used a product for the novelty of it ? I'd love to hear about it hehe . ^^

Signing out,

-THE TEACOAST .

During the days I kept having leftover redness after cleansing I decided to buy this mask for the fact that it was cheap, had positive reviews and I didn't know a whole lot about masks either . So let's get started !

much soothing . very impress .

General Overview

This mask targets to soothe the skin, boasting properties of Jeju's green tea, Mandarin, White Lotus, Camellia Flower and Orchid . The instructions say to wear it on your face for 10-15 minutes, and then wash your face . It is 100mL and should be used 1-2 times a week . If you look carefully on eBay, you'll be able to find one for $10-$15 USD .

The Packaging IS made out of glass, however the consistency of the actual product is literally like jelly so you would't really have to worry about it spilling while you travel . On it being like jelly, after you use the product it's all ruffled like jelly that's been eaten, BUT FOR SOME REASON THE NEXT TIME YOU OPEN IT IT'S LIKE YOU NEVER USED IT BEFORE AND THE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AGAIN . absolute and utter black magic . Anyway, the lid is like this tinny or aluminium thing so it's pretty fuss free in terms of opening and closing it .

Claim & Results

• Soothes skin .
  yes . yes it does .

Final thoughts + Would I repurchase it again ?

I mean it's like sure, it soothes your skin, but that's all it really does . Props to it though for using natural ingredients because it really does not irritate the skin . And sure it soothed my skin, from memory . But the thing was that was during a time where I had this whole skincare product haul that seriously fixed up my face, and even with discontinued use of it I'm pretty happy with my face . This product does what it says it's meant to do, but there are a lot of masks out there in the market that can help to improve how your face looks, rather than just soothing it . But with that being said, the product description of this mask says it soothes, has natural properties, and nothing else . Like, I should've thought twice about buying this product if that was the only thing in the product description .

I think this product is good for people with oily skin that need a mask to use without it causing breakouts. I mean this is the same brand that made the very popular No Sebum Mineral Powder (and while being a crowd favourite, it really appeals to people with oily skin for the non-dewy finish). This mask left my skin feeling smooth, without redness but also left my skin feeling quite dry, which was the reason why I didn't really enjoy using it .

So would I repurchase it again ? No, I suppose my skin is sensitive but prone to dryness and this product doesn't do much for my skin . I didn't get redness, but nowadays I no longer have that issue anyway . (and looking back on it I honestly feel like a bit of an idiot for buying it with that product description)

For people with oily skin I'd like to hear your thoughts on the product . Was it your cup of tea or did you also get that lackluster realisation that the product isn't suitable for your skin ?

Signing out,

-THE TEACOAST .

Now when I first got a toner it was some clean and clear product for acne, not like I had a major problem with acne but I had a developing garden of them on the top of my cheeks (and being that 14 year old with poorly paid part time and feeling self conscious teen that I was, I was scared for the worst) . However, it stung my face like a mother chucker and would make parts of my face red so I never touched a toner ever since .

Until I bought this product, that was .

IT'S SKIN's wopping 150mL Collagen Voluming Toner .

Back then I heard that toner was an important part of the routine ('cause Jihyo unnie said so) but because they didn't show what product she used for her toner I had to start off on a completely clean slate .

But since by then I was regularly buying on testerkorea.com I tried something I usually do when I go online shopping for good stuff . I click on the type, and then change the preference to "Most Popular" and ta-da this product came up ! 

General info

This toner is 150mL and from what I recall this bottle lasted me around 6 months regardless of the fact that I used it day and night . The liquid of the toner wasn't clear however when you put it on your skin it does feel very refreshing, doesn't feel your skin feeling sticky, and leaves quite a pleasant smell . It doesn't take a LONG while for the toner to dry, but it's a little longer than expected, I suppose .

Also this container is made of glass, so it's heavy and a bit big, which isn't really good for travelling (even though I had very little in the bottle left, it was confiscated at Australian customs so do remember to transfer this in a smaller bottle if you do travel !) . HOWEVER that glass is freaking strong . Like, what's it protecting, a kingdom's only princess ? My bottle's dealt with a 1.5 metre drop on more than one occasion and no, it didn't break . So if you're super clumsy this toner is probably a good companion for you .

Claims & Results

• Collagen line provides elasticity and nutrition for your skin. 
  I crossed out elasticity because I don't really feel as though it gave that, but I do think it gave good nutrition to my skin . Whenever I wore the toner it made my skin feel refreshed .
• Allows you to have naturally radiant and smooth skin .
  No . I don't think it's the main reason, and my skin was never necessarily radiant or smooth when I was using this product .
• Work for all types of skin . Well it worked for me ?
  Not once did it irritate my skin . Even though the red patches still continued after some cleanser washes this product wasn't the CAUSE of it and I know that .

Final thoughts + Would I repurchase it again ?

I used this toner all the way until it's dying day until it was confiscated at customs, and even during the days I didn't know the exact functions of a toner, I continued to use it simply because it would make my skin feel less stripped, and more refreshed .

Even though no, it doesn't give you 'radiant, smooth and elastic' skin, I think it does its base job as a toner . The only reason why I wanted to try something different was due to the fact that my skin needed to do a better job in terms of moisturising, which was why I changed to a toner with moisturising properties .

But I think hey, if I'm not happy with that product and there's no current 'it' toner, I wouldn't hesitate buying this again . It's not a bad toner but it's not so dazzling either .

Does your toner dazzle you ? I'd love to hear about it !

Signing out,

-TEA COAST . 

I started using this line when I found out that Running Man's Song Jihyo used this in her skincare routine . she had a segment on a beauty show on the things she used and even though the brands were blurred out i searched the internet like a mofo LOL . it was actually the first product that got me INTO caring more for my skin and I think I was super lucky that I started off with this line, so let's get started !

Clean It Zero samples

if you just want to test the waters you can get a sample of the line first-that's what I did ! these itty bitty tubs are also perfect for travel if you don't want to bring it's bigger brother along in your luggage . do take note though that one of these tubs will only last for roughly a week if you use it day and night .

now it's time for the bigger stage !

The general overview of the line is that it's a mild sherbet type of cleanser that is not only harsh on your skin but will also thoroughly take off makeup and clean the skin . the normal Clean It Zero containers are 100 mL but there is this gigantic 180 mL one too for the original (I use that one right now ! haha) . if you use this product day and night, it will probably last you an average of 2-3 months . you can use it on wet or dry skin, but I feel as though it does a better job if my skin is dry .

specific claims:

(ps. I just added radiance for anyone who's interested !)

Specific Reviews:

• ORIGINAL: I love it ! for the first time in my life I used a cleanser that DIDN'T leave me with weird red marks or leave me feeling itchy . I especially love the scent of this one too, it's this lovely floral and sweet sort of scent .
• RESERVATROL: it did it's job in terms of cleaning, but I'm not sure if it did anything in terms of giving me an "elastic and healthy" face . I didn't mind using it though and has the soft cleansing of the original .
• PURITY: this was a miss for me . not that it didn't do its main job of cleaning my face, but I hated its scent so bad . SO bad . even though I have sensitive skin the original and reservatol didn't give me adverse effects either, so I guess this is for people who has some REAL bad sensitive skin or allergies .

Would I purchase it again ?

considering the fact that I've bought multiple products of this line, yes I definitely did LOL . I currently use the giant original Clean It Zero tub ! maybe I'll use radiance, but for now I moisture isn't really an issue especially since it's summer here .

the main pro of this product is the fact that it DOESN'T make your skin feel dry and tight after the wash, plus it does not irritate (I suppose mildly ?) sensitive skin, so you should definitely try it out !


signing out,

-TEA COAST .

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This beautiful little thang became one of my holy grails regardless of the fact that I haven't finished my first bottle yet . So I decided to do a more in-depth review of it ! This product comes from WishTrend, a sort of mini cult or hipster part of Korean skin care . They offer up products from some rather decent but not very famous skin care brands .

Here's my Wear White Finisher~

Claims:

• brightens skin tone
• whitens skin tone
• 'upgrade' skin tone
• helps blemishes and wrinkles to fade out
• can be used as makeup primer
• instant brightening effect that can last for 12 hours

Now for anyone who doesn't know what whitening means in the skin care universe this means to even out your skin tone . No it does not mean to make your face literally whiter . Even though many people make these terms interchangeable, from what I've learnt, brightening is different for the fact that its makes the general complexion look better . Often some people may feel as though their face looks 'dull' and brightening is often used in terms of this sort of context .

Part in Skincare: moisturiser &gt; this product &gt; makeup (can also be used in your night time routine as well !)

How long can it last ?: This product is 60mL and I got this product March of this year . I used it once everyday until recently (to which I now use this product twice a week) and it still hasn't finished yet . With this product a little definitely goes a looong way .

Results:

• brightens skin tone -YES !
  Even though this product was used with conjunction of a lot of new skin care products in my routine, I do believe it did play it's part in not making my skin look dull . And if it gives an instant brightening effect how could it NOT play a part in brightening the skin tone ?
• whitens skin tone -Yes .
  Like I said before this product was used with conjunction of other new skin care products, but I do think it played its part .  I'm confident that my skin doesn't have uneven skin tone any longer and I do believe this product plays a huge part . Not only does it even out skin tone I am also pretty sure it literally makes your face whiter (for anyone who wants that added bonus too .)
• 'upgrade' skin tone- ...
  I don't really know what this means . But if you want me to be completely honest I don't count this product super important for things such as revitalising the skin .
• helps blemishes and wrinkles to fade out half ?
  If anything it makes blemishes less noticeable once applied, but I don't really think it did anything for the wrinkles .
• can be used as makeup primer with caution
  I mean, you can . But I don't really think it keeps your makeup on as long as it claims it does . During this time I'd use a CC cream compact though so I would have to pat on my makeup (if you can call CC cream makeup) and perhaps it didn't go too well with this product . On average I probably wear makeup 8 hours a day and when I came home my makeup did not look like it lasted at all . Also if I put this product on in the morning, but then apply makeup to it hours later there would always be this sort of weird residue that would come off my face . It's hard to describe, but it sort of seemed like dust coming off ? But that's only if you apply makeup MUCH AFTER putting this product on .
• instant brightening effect that can last for 12 hours yes !
  It's true . The effects . are literally . instant . It's fascinating stuff . Also it makes your skin look really nice and doesn't have the same sort of heavy feel that makeup does, so you can use this on long flights without any makeup on top of it if you really wanted too (AND you wouldn't hate yourself so much without the makeup on too) . You don't have to worry about it smudging off and whatnot . I mean, I do prefer BB cream over using this finisher for a work day since it makes your face look both flawless and dewy, but hey just take away the dewiness and think more about natural flawless and this is basically what this product is .

And the result is... ?

Would I repurchase this again ?

Most certainly ! The product does have it's flaws, but one of the really importantly strong points of this product is the fact that it is plausible to wear it as a replacement for your makeup for the extreeeeemely long days that some people unfortunately have to encounter in this life time (*hand up) . It also doesn't make my face feel really bad and I don't have to worry about it melting off which is perfect for plane flights or night outs . Not only that but I do feel as though it played an extremely important part in the whitening of my skin tone

So yes, when my bottle becomes empty I'll repurchase it again, but that's because I use it strongly for whitening skin tone and comfortable wearing for flights or long days .

That's it for me ! You can buy it on the wishtrend site or find floating around somewhere on eBay ~

signing out,

-TEA COAST .