Beauty Reviews


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Lioele ~  Pore clean and Tightening Dr Ampoule 

Volume: 40ml 
Claims: "Pore treatment + Firming +Sebum control" 

How to use: Apply evenly at the last step of skin care or before makeup Take an approximate amount and gently pat for absorption especially on enlarged pores.


Nose Strips: 


1. Watsons Hawaiian Volcanic Ash Nose Pore Strips (10 strips)  $19.90
2. Bioré pore pack   (10 strips)                                                       $19.90

I bought both these products from watsons this week. They are both new! Watsons has many new lines including this hawaiian volcanic ash line it includes this pore strip and a sleeping mask. The prices for watsons lines are relatively cheap however if you are getting the volcanic sleeping mask puts you back $200.  I bought these two at $19.90 which is a discounted rate for the Bioré pack which is usually $20.90. I hate how they always include the 90 cents, 99 cents even if there is no such thing!







  Summary: 
Oh! I forgot to mention but when you apply the nose strips they are self heating you will feel your nose go warm and then it will disappear the heat is suppose to open your pores to make extracting blackheads easier! 
After comparing these two products I would definitely recommend the Bioré nose strips as I saw results even the first time I used it! I was disappointed by the Watsons one as I am a big fan of volcanic ash product, I had high expectations and they should really work on the scent! 


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TONYMOLY Eggpore Blackhead Out Oil Gel Review


Volume 30ml 
Claims: Clears out Blackheads and impurities

Location and Info: I recently got this Blackhead Out gel in Sogo ("HK places" page to know more) at the Tony Moly counter. To be honest the the Tony Moly counter was smaller than anticipated, seeing it as a large brand I though they would have had a larger space. I have only used this product once and will just give you a first impression and first time experience. I will keep using this throughout the week and post on this page as an update! 



The Packaging is very unique and eye catching. Its an egglike container that when twisted will expose another lid that contains the product that is very jelly like, with orange grains.  I was disappointed at how little the packaging contains as the egg was big enough to fit in your palm however, as it turns out only the bottom is of use where the top is hollow. This is not all bad because after you finish using the product it acts as a Flower pot! Good for Uni! I could plant a few flowers in it :o

















The Tony Moly Egg pore line actually has 3 products: 
1. Eggpore Blackhead Out Oil Gel     HKD $98
2. Eggpore Tightening Pack               HKD $98
3. Eggpore Silky Smooth Balm          HKD $108

It is suggested that you should use them as a step by step process from the Blackhead out oil gel to the silky smooth Balm. However, if money is tight I would just recommend using 1 and 2. 

Packaging: 3.5/5 
 Pros:   1.The Packaging like I have mentioned is very unique and cute! 
            2. Also reusable, which is important for me as I hate over packaging or complicated packaging 
               (like Chupa Chups haha!).        
 Cons:   1. Very fidgety, when opening it be VERY careful because there is a high chance that it will 
                  spill everywhere. Getting it to close is also challenging because the grains inside the gel
                  get stuck on the outside and its hard to push down.  
             2. The packaging does not come with a spatula! What? I think products last longer if they dont  
                 get messy or come into contact to skin, the gel reacts to sebum on the skins.

Scent: 4/5
 Pros:   1. Personally I love the smell! It smells like Citrus: Lemony orange. Its delightfully refreshing!
                However some people may say that it smells like dish soap, but I'll leave it to you to choose...
 Cons:  1. Not a lot of cons but the scent doesn't last very long. For those of you who have glassess
                 dont use the oil while wearing glassess unless your blind without them haha!  Because the       
                 glassess just slide right off your nose! 

Effectiveness: 2/5
As I said before I have only used this product once and this is strictly my own skin. I have quite a few blackheads so I am not expecting a miracle but we'll see... I will keep you updated on the effects but for now it is a 2.
Pros:    1. Smells pleasant.Didn't see much change but a few were gone! (a good sign) 
            2. Skin is smooth after using it! 
Cons:   None at the moment! 

Sorry for the Longwinded review just want to be thorough!  Photos of the product will be loaded tonight! 

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TONYMOLY Eggpore Tightening Pack

Volume 30ml 
Claims: Pore purifying, clears blackheads and impurities

Location and info: Got this one at the same time as the Blackhead Out oil gel. This pack is also comes in the same design package as the Black Oil Gel, but in a different colour. This pack has a clay like consistency and is super smooth. When applied you look like you have applied a thick layer of orange foundation. I read on a couple of other blogs that many people thought that the mask was really tight, however I didn't feel anything, I even forgot that it was there and when you touch the mask it is super smooth!
Tips: Avoid leaving the clay pack exposed because it may dry out!















Packaging: 4/5 
 Pros:   1.The Packaging like I have mentioned is very unique and cute! 
            2. Also reusable, which is important for me as I hate over packaging or complicated packaging 
               (like Chupa Chups haha!).
            3. I thought that the lid was a easier to deal with than the Black Oil Gel. Very manageable.
 Cons: 1. The packaging does not come with a spatula! What? I think products last longer if they dont 
                 get messy or come into contact to skin.


Scent: 4/5
 Pros:   1. Personally I don't mind the scent! It smells like Citrus like the Blackhead Oil Gel but less. 
                But everyone has their preferences of what is considered good or bad scents.     
 Cons:  1. If you dont like the faint smell of citrus then it will be a con.


Effectiveness: 3/5
As I said before I have only used this product once and this is strictly my own skin. I have quite a few blackheads so I am not expecting a miracle but we'll see... I will keep you updated on the effects but for now it is a 2.
Pros:    1. I have only been using this product for 2 days but I have found that after using the Blackhead

                Oil Gel and extracting some blackheads with a tool, then using the tightening pack my pores
                and the widened pores (after extraction) were significantly smaller and the skin is super  
               smooth. 
Cons:   None at the moment! 

 Will keep you updated of the effectiveness after a week!

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Holika Holika White Wine Whitening Care (Wine Therapy)


Volume: 120ml
Claims: Moisturizes and brightens your face through the night
How to Use: Apply after washing your face, apply a small amount (dont go crazy then it will take
                     longer to absorb. Wait 10-15mins or less depending on your skin until a film of moisture
                     is present and SLEEP! Wash off in the morning.
For Dry weather, or dry skin types!

Location and info: Got this one in Hysan Place in Causeway bay (Check HK Places soon for this place!). The Holika Holika counter is on the 6th floor although it says counter 622 I couldn't find a single counter number. I went the day before to browse among their products and found out that they have a wide range of sets varying from Snail essence to Apple Shine! As I am going to the UK, having visited the UK numerous times I have found that it is REALLY dry there, in comparison to HK where it is almost always humid. The UK in addition is cold so I wanted a product that could help with moisture so I picked this product.

There are 2 wine sleeping masks:
1. White Wine (whitening and moisturizing) HKD$128
2. Red Wine (moisturizing) HKD$128

I chose the White wine because it have 2 effects: Whitening and moisturizing.


Packaging: 5/5 
 Pros:   1.The Packaging truly lives up to its title of "wine therapy" because it is shaped as a barrel
               of wine! The plastic even has dark Marbled brown colours to emphasize the colour of
               wood! Very Cool! 
            2. The bottle is not reusable but I guess if you cleaned it you could store stuff in it? 
            3. Easily manageable as there is a film of plastic before you can reach the product!
            4. Bingo! It comes with a spatula! 



Scent: 5/5
 Pros:   1. LOVE the scent it smells like grape candy! It is super sweet and I am tempted to even lick it
                sometimes!  The smell is not extremely overpowering but it is really light!


Effectiveness: 3/5
My skin is naturally quite white so I didn't really mind for the whitening but I let my mum use some and she said that over night she saw a huge difference in her complexion, which is a good thing! 
Pros:    1. My skin was noticeably more moist and smooth even using it in the A/C!
            2. Complexion was more  balanced and a little lighter! 
Cons:   1. Sticky for the first 10-15 mins then becomes a film of moisture on your face. Avoid putting it
                immediately before you go to bed wait around 10-15 mins until it is less sticky or it will go all
                over your pillow!

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Etude House Blackhead Remover Dual Sheet ($75)

Quantity: 5packs of (2 steps)
                Step 1: Blackhead remover sheet
                Step 2: Tightening Gel Sheet (that uses rosemary and natural ingredients to close pores)
Skin type: Black heads on the nose.
Claim: Eliminate Blackheads from the nose            



Location and info: Got this one in near Sogo in Causeway bay, at a shop called "Etude House". This brand is a very popular Korean skincare and cosmetics brand with SHINee and f(x)'s Krystal and Sulli who are the face of their advertising. The shop comes with hundreds of different froms of cleansers, lipbalms, bb cream etc. for almost all types of skin however beware they are pretty pricey. This Black head Remover Dual sheet can be bought in a box with 5pcs or singular pack for about $25.


Packaging: 1/5 
 Pros:   1.Easy to open and use if you are careful. 
 Cons:  1. If you are not careful you could rip the cotton nose piece inside the package so be very
                careful.
             2. Not very original design and nothing too special about it

Scent: 3/5
 Pro/Con:   1. Dont really mind the scent but it isn't anything special or anything that smells bad.


Effectiveness: 3/5
As I said before Blackheads is something I have a serious problem with they dont go away! So after reading some review they said that this really works so I thought "what the heck" and gave it a try! 
Pros:    1. It really works! After using the first step (I use it a little longer than 10-15 minutes usually till
                the cotton is somewhat dry) you can see white dots on your nose. Those are your blackheads
                that have been pushed out! I then use an extractor and it comes right out and my nose has
                less Blackheads! Sometimes none!
            2. The second step does have a sort of cooling effect however dont see a significant different in
                 my pores. 
Cons:   1. The second step does have a sort of cooling effect however dont see a significant different in
                 my pores.
             2. The product does work however only after a short period of time the blackheads reappear!
                 I'm sure you can use it more often but it is quite pricey. I think I will try to find a better
                 alternative.
       
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Holika Holika Aqua Fantasy Line

Holika Holika Aqua Fantasy Toner



Volume:  150ml
Skin Type: All skin types
Claims: Using water from glaciers it has a cooling effect and a moisurising effect on the skin, relieving
             dry and irritated skin.


The Holika Holika Aqua Fantasy line actually has 3 products: 
1. Aqua Fantasy Toner                       HKD $138
2. Aqua fantasy Emulsion                   HKD $138- 168
3. Aqua Fantasy Moisturizer               HKD $138

Got this one in Causeway Bay Hysan Place. Hysan Place is relatively new to causeway bay however it has so many floors full of the top cosmetic brands, Jasons (Supermarket), Clothing stores etc. It has all that any girl could want but be aware of how much you spend because most of them are Labelled brands! Holika Holika is another popular brand in Korea with Park Shin Hye and Jung II Woo as their 2013 spokesmodel/person. This line is one of my favourites from Holika Holika because what your read on the packet is what you get!



Packaging: 3/5 
 Pros:   1.Cute design that represents a drop of water. 
 Cons:  1.The toner is so hard to get out! you literally have to shake it out of the bottle.
            2. Quite heavy but I dont mind!


Scent: 5/5
 Pros:   1. This scent is probably the most refreshing and relaxing scent I have ever used from any
                skincare product! The scent lasts for almost half an hour after using it and is great for sleep if
                you chose to use it before bed. When I am out and about the scent really is invigorating.


Effectiveness: 5/5
Pros:    1. It really works! When applied you get a soothing cool feeling from the toner.
            2. Your skin feels supple and bouncy after using (no exaggeration). Its not sticky at all!
            3. Quickly absorbs into skin and pores are less visible.
            4. To improve the coolness and the closing of pores you can put this product in the fridge!
                 After putting it in the fridge it feels even better! Sit back and relax :)

All in All I love this product and would highly recommend using this product with the moisturizer. I dont really think there is a need to use the Emulsion but that is up to you!

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Holika Holika Aqua Fantasy Moisturiser 


Volume:  50ml
Skin Type: All skin types
Claims: Using water from glaciers it has a cooling effect and a moisurising effect on the skin, relieving
             dry and irritated skin.
           


Packaging: 4/5 
 Pros:   1.Cute design that represents a drop of water.
            2. Easy get the moisturizer out!
 Cons:  1. Careful with the top as it is not a twisting cap like the toner it is one where you have to pull
                on it to open. Highly recommend you dont pick it up with the lid.
            
Scent: 5/5
 Pros:   1. Same the toner it has a refreshing soothing scent that I absolutely adore.



Effectiveness: 5/5
Pros:    1. It really works! When applied you get a soothing cool feeling from the toner.
            2. After applying using the toner tap the moisture onto your face and rub in! Your skin
                will be quickly absorbed and your skin will be left supple and bouncy.
            3. To improve the coolness and the closing of pores you can put this product in the fridge!
                 After putting it in the fridge it feels even better! Sit back and relax :)

In total I think the Aqua Fantasy Line is successful in closing pores cooling your face and moisturising! Love it! But if you are under a strict budget just purchasing the toner and the essence/ moisturiser is good enough! There is the option to get the emulsion for maximum moisture however I feel that it is just and extra. Up to you though!

For those of you who love the Aqua Fantasy line as much as me but want more you can purchase their Aqua Fantasy Whitening line! Not sure how this one smells like but I heard that everything is the same except that it helps you brighten and whiten your skin!

Below is an image of the line! Found on Holika Holika website!



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Holika Holika Pig Nose

The Holika Holika Line Pig nose line has 5 products currently:
1. The Blackhead 3 step
2. The Pig nose Black head Steam starter  $68
3. The Pig nose Blackhead Peeling massage Gel  $68
4. The Pig nose Blackhead balm Deep cleansing

(Not necessarily in that order)

I must say that the Blackhead pig-nose 3 step is the most popular products that Holika Offers. I was drawn in by the numerous reviews online.  Before you buy it make sure you read the summary below and make sure if it is right for you.

                                                                       (2nd picture I found on the internet)

Review:  Pig-nose clear blackhead steam starter                                                                                    


Volume 30ml
Skin Type: Blackheads on nose
Claims: to open pores using heat and extracting blackheads on your nose.

Directions for use: After cleansing, apply a small amount to areas with blackheads and massage for 3 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.




Packaging: 3/5
 Pros:   1. Small and easy to use.
            2. Cute polka dot design. Kind of quirky design. 
 Cons:  1.The volume is quite small if you think about it
             2. No english/Chinese instructions on how to use it.


Scent: 2/5
 Cons:   1. The scent isn't really unique it is kind of citrusy but nothing special. It isn't unbearable.


Effectiveness: 2/5
Pros:    1. It does heat up when applied to the skin making the pores open but does little to make the
                blackheads easy to extract.
            2. It makes your blackheads visible so you can use an extractor to remove the blackheads.

Cons:   1. Doesn't get rid of blackheads like claims it should. Besides the self heating properties it does 
                not help the blackheads, and it makes them more visible. 

Summary: 
This product has not lived up to my expectations or the reviews I have found online. All in all I wouldn't recommend buying this product. Personally I believe that it didn't live up to it's claims. It is a bit over priced.

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Review: Pig-nose Clear Blackhead Peeling Massage Gel



Volume:  30ml
Skin Type: Blackheads on nose
Claims: Moisturizes and smooths skin. Minimizes pores and blackheads.


Directions for use: Apply to skin where blackheads are present. Let dry for 5 minutes. Rub off gel. Wash off any excess.



Packaging: 3/5
 Pros:   1. Small and easy to use.
            2. Cute polka dot design. Kind of quirky design. 
 Cons:  1.The volume is quite small if you think about it
             2. No english/Chinese instructions on how to use it. 

               

Scent: 2/5
 Cons:   1. The scent isn't really unique it is kind of citrusy but nothing special. It isn't unbearable.




Effectiveness: 1/5

Cons:   1. Make sure to apply a small amount on your skin or it takes longer than 5 minutes to dry. 
            2. Even after rubbing off the gel there is no difference to the skin, the blackheads are still                  

                present and are fairly visible. If you are going to use an extractor avoid using it because the
                skin is very thin and will leave you with red marks.


Summary: 
This products reaction is similar to the steam starter that I previously tried it is suppose be used one after the other however the results are far from the claims. I wouldn't recommend it.





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2 comments:

  1. Hi Rachel, i am considering buying Holika Holika Aqua Fantasy line but still wonder if it is suitable to use at night or day? i mean will it make me tanner if i use it in sunny days? can i use it as make up base? Thanks.

    Hannah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hannah, I've been using Holika Holika's Aqua Fantasy for over a year now and I must say that it can be used both day and night. I personally use the toner and moisturiser after washing my face and leave it on for about a minute to soak into my skin. Afterwards, I apply a some SPF bb cream (it leaves your skin looking so smooth!) . I would really recommend using some sunblock or SPF as it doesn't really offer any protection from the sun. Hope this helps!
      Rachel

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