Wednesday, May 30, 2012

HadaLabo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion


 HadaLabo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion seems very popular among maybe younger girls.  I've seen this around often so curiosity led me to make the purchase.  I bought this in store so it was a few dollars more than the internet price.  

I find that this is very similar to The Face Shop's White Tree Snow Hydra Advance Emulsion, which I did a review and maybe a lot of readers will hate me for disliking.  (So, I am learning to write better reviews) I find the Gokujyun lotion a little bit better than TFS because it is a little bit lighter or icky, it does not have fragrance and it is much cheaper.  If you have a love for this lotion and overpoweringly stuffy floral perfume, then TFS's version is a fit for you!

I guess I personally do not like these type of texture in skincare.  There's something off putting about these type of texture for face creams/lotion/serum/emulsion.  In terms of hydration, its okay, though, TFS does offer a tad bit of temporary brightening.  

I think that if I picked this up when I was in junior high school I would be adoring it, but I don't feel that it is appropriate for the stage that I am now at.  I would probably suggest it for teens with normal skin type, otherwise, it is a skip.


The Good
  • no fragrance
  • relatively inexpensive
The Bad
  • I think it feels a little icky
  • does not do much for hydration
  • really nothing else benefiting about this product
  • really dislike this type of liquid plastic form of texture
The Skinny

I just don't like the texture and pretty much the whole feeling of this.  I find it a bit better than The Face Shop's White Tree Snow Hydra Advance Emulsion, mainly because it is without fragrance.  They seem like similar products.  If that is your thing, go for it, if not skip.  I have a feeling its better on younger skin 12-16 year olds.  If you are older than that, I would suggest picking a more "grown up", benefiting lotion.  





Monday, May 28, 2012

Wai Yuen Tong Youth Pak Fung Pills for menstruation pain

It is very difficult to give a review on menstruation pills.  Menstruation pains fluctuates by the month.  While off the pills, I can be fine during a month's cycle or I could have major cramps, bloating, feelings of vomiting, and dizziness/fainting spells during my worst ones.   I am trying to keep my reviews a little shorter now.  It's not that I like to write but I have this problem with details... I get so caught up.  I also have a habit of reiterating repeated redundancies  haha. I am so still learning to improve my reviews.  If you have been following my reviews from the beginning, you will definitely notice that I have toned down the language in notches.  I am learning by each post I write.  I find that I should be more mellow with my language and avoid saying, "oh, this product is amazing, it's the best", or "this product sucks, I hate it!".  Rather than that, I should be more descriptive, but I guess a shortened form of descriptive. The review on the Wai Yuen Tong Pak Fung Pills will be updated in the next month because I am on my last box.  I am still unsure if I will be restocking them.   I also have two unopened boxes of Wai Yuen Tong's Bird's Nest Pak Fung Pills, which I will also give a review of when finished.

My sasa.com haul post already described some of the pains I go through during menstruation, such as fainting and hitting into the counter, etc., so I will not be reiterating that. 

I have tried Eu Yang Sang's Bak Fung Pills a few times.  My mom bought them in the Chinese supermarkets here for around $35.99 + tax, which is really pricey.  They don't really keep them in stock anymore and I noticed that sasa.com had Wai Yuen Tong brand ones.  When I was in Hong Kong last year, I saw a lot of retail stores for both brands.  They are usually right next door to each other in the malls competing.  They are both really popular and have a long history.  They both have good websites so you can check them out for yourselves.  My mom told me that my grandfather used to buy Eu Yang Sang Bak Fung Pills for her and her 3 sisters when they were young for their menstruation pains.  Yes, my grandfather was a real cool man.  She told me that back then the pill was one huge pill, not small tiny pills.  Both brands also sell a lot of other Chinese medicines as well as birds nest, etc.  They are both pretty well known in the community.

Other than these pills, my mom always makes "dong quai" (traditional Chinese medicine soup for women) with a hard boiled egg right after my menstruation to restore iron, blood, etc.  



One box, 40 sachets in each box.  2 capsules in each sachet.
 Take 2 sachets (4 capsules) with warm water each day.

It's difficult to write a review on this because if I wrote this two months ago, I would have said this is so amazing and it has completely taken the pain from me.  But, you really cannot give a review like that for something like this.  I think the best way is to document the months and keep it on going.

I think Eu Yang Sang brand's Bak Fung Pills packaging is more sophisticated and professional compared to Wai Yuen Tong's Pak Fung Pills (BTW, "Pak" and "Bak" is the same in Chinese character).  But Wai Yuen Tong's is more modern and playfully feminine.  It's still clean and professional but in a different way.  More importantly, it is also sealed by manufacturer as well as taped by their company sticker.  

It comes with this tiny pamphlet with information on usage and ingredients.  

What I don't like is that they only list their active ingredients.  I can't remember if EYS lists their entire ingredients. The other Traditional Chinese Medicines make up 43.82% and that is huge to not list.  I do have a feeling that it is to protect their company formula.  Each box will last you a month between cycle.  You can't take this when you are having your period and if you are pregnant or sick.  The dosage is 2 sachets (4 capsules) with warm water each day.  The WYT Youth Pak Fung Pills come capsuled rather then just in its regular form (which is black little beads).  This way it may be easier to consume for one people. (If I remember correctly, the dosage for EYS's is 3-4 sachets a day for 3 days a week, something like that.)  If you deliberately sniff at it, you can still smell the Chinese medicine.  


EYS's come in the form of the black little beads and WYT's Bird's Nest Pak Fung Pills are also not capsuled.  I haven't tried the bird's nest ones yet but just took a look.  





February: Was not on any pills before period.  Major cramps, bloating.  Was in bed the entire day.  Fainting and dizziness.  Heavy period.  Feelings of vomiting/Nauseous.  


March: Decided to order WYT's Youth Pak Fung Pills after February period.  This month was fine.  A little cramp and bloating before and during period.  Didn't have to stay in bed.  Good appetite.  No fainting/dizziness/vomiting/nauseous.  Still heavy/regular period.  


During March's cycle, I thought, it is really really working.  So I ordered two more boxes of the Youth ones and two boxes of the Bird's Nest ones. 


April:  Didn't take any pills after March period going into April cycle.  I wanted to experiment.  I had some cramps/bloating/fainting/dizziness/vomiting/nauseous and heavy period.  It wasn't as bad as February though.


May:  On the WYT pills again for this month's cycle.  The first day of menstruation, major cramps/bloating/fainting/dizziness/vomiting/nauseous and heavy period; about the same as February.


I always follow their usage instructions to avoid being under dosage or over.  I'm still unsure about this.  It didn't really work this month.  I'm hoping that sasa.com will continue to have 15% off on this because I may repurchase this.  Although it is not 100% effective, I have really terrible menstruation pains and I really don't know what else to take.  I avoid western medicine.




So ladies, feel free to comment about what you take/do to relieve your menstruation pains.  And what is your regular menstruation cycle like. 


peary

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Dr. BSC 3D Collagen Regeneration Bio Cellulose Mask + update on Simply Bio Cellulose Mask


The long awaited review of Dr. BSC's 3D Collagen Regeneration Bio Cellulose Mask.  I wanted to wait and test this mask out well before writing a review.  Sometimes I am really excited to try out a new mask and my review becomes a little biased.  I also made an update to Simply's Bio Cellulose mask.  


Just in general - Bio Cellulose mask vs. Regular Cloth mask


I have only tried Dr. BSC and Simply's bio cellulose masks but I think I am comfortable enough to give my thoughts on the differences between bc masks and regular cloth masks.  Written on the back on Dr. Bsc's box is their concept: "Despite that some skincare products are made with the most valuable ingredients or according to the best formulas, they are still ineffective if they cannot be truly absorbed by skin".  Their concept, I would say, is the whole concept of all bio cellulose masks.  When I first tried bio cellulose mask (that being Simply's), my whole focus was on the bio cellulose mask itself.  Without good essence, is a bio cellulose mask still effective?  And if these were just regular cloth masks with the same essence, would they still be as effective, or not?  I took all of these questions and tried to balance out my review on these masks a little more.


The main difference between the bio cellulose and cloth masks, aside from material is that bio cellulose are tighter and skin hugging.  A condom for the face.  Are they the same latex material? I really don't know, I'm not really a promiscuous chica and I didn't bother to look it up.  It won't side off your face and you really don't need to lie down using it.  Even gel masks will side down, but bio cellulose masks won't.  With bio cellulose masks, you can also get rid of any air bubbles.  


When you remove a cloth masks after use, your face is always pretty drenched and you end up massaging any remaining essence onto your skin.  With bio cellulose masks, you don't really get a wet face and you really don't massage any remaining essence.  With cloth masks, I always let my drippy masks drip into the package before applying it onto my face, but with bio cellulose masks, you want to make sure your mask is thoroughly filled with the essence.  You don't get too many excess essence and it really doesn't drip that much.  


With cloth masks, if you wear them till semi dry or dry, they automatically separates from you skin.  But with bio cellulose masks, you really shouldn't use them till they are semi dry.  I am always tempted to wear them longer because they feel so nice when wet and I wanna use them longer to get my money's worth.  I have worn them "wrong" the first few times, and now I know that you shouldn't wear them till semi dry because when bio cellulose masks dry on your face, they stick to the skin.  Let me tell you, peeling off a dry bio cellulose mask on your face is not good.  Do not be tempted to wear them longer.  You really only need to wear them for 30 minutes most, better quality ones that do not dry as quickly a little longer.  However, you really don't want them to be even semi dry.





Review - My thoughts on Dr. Bsc 3D Collagen Bio Cellulose Mask vs. Simply Bio Cellulose Mask

Dr. Bsc's: Although I always say that I don't care about packaging, its always psychologically more assuring when the packaging is professional and not negatively conspicuous.  Especially when you do not know anything about the company and cannot find a website from them.  The box is sealed in clear packaging and after tearing that, the opening is taped shut with their company sticker.  Overall, their packaging is very sophisticated, clean and professional.  Even better than some very well known companies in the US.  They claim to be made in France (sasa.com says uk), which gives it a plus.  Obviously, great marketing, with words "medical formula", "nano tech", and "2.5% microelement water".  So, even before you open this box and before you use it, you're subconsciously saying to yourself, "this gotta be good stuff". I am not sure if  BSC  (that sells gel masks and supplements) is an extended line of the same company.  BSC stuff are made in the UK, though, I believe. (Updated 5/29/12: just checked my box of bsc gel masks, correction: formulated in Japan) They are also packaged well.  

 




Each box comes with 3 sheets for roughly $4.22 per sheet, which is pretty pricey, but still low compared to other bio cellulose masks in the market.  Like other bio cellulose masks, the actual membrane is sandwiched between two white woven cotton protective sheets.  Squeeze your pack to make sure you spread the essence so that your mask is immersed in essence.  The first time I used it, I didn't do that and (I was taking photos using my dslr which is very difficult) it wasn't wet enough.  The essence is watery clear with a yellow tint and has a light fragrance which is pleasant.  


The three masks are nicely folded.  You unfold and remove one of the white woven cotton protective sheets and apply the membrane side with the other protective sheet onto your face.  After positioning it on your face, carefully remove the other protective sheet.  Use the excess essence on protective sheets for your arms.  






I think that the membrane bio cellulose is a much better quality than Simply's.  When you first put it on it feels thicker and harder than Simply's and it won't rip when wet.  It's definitely a lot tougher and the cutting is much better, there is more room for your eyes, nose and mouth. It does not feel as tight as Simply's because it feels harder and thicker at first, but its still skin hugging and you can eliminate air bubbles.  After use, it feels like it got softer and thinner.  Dr. Bsc's doesn't seem to dry as quickly.  You won't get much excess essence, but you still get a bit and I apply them onto the mask while I am wearing it and onto my neck area.  You can get 45 minutes to an hour for this mask.  





Like I said, with bio cellulose mask, you won't get a wet face after use, so no need to really massage any remaining essence.  But your skin still feels and looks hydrated.  You can fold your mask and apply it onto your neck.  I don't have to use a moisturizer after use and my skin is still hydrated in the morning.At first you might think that its not really effective because it doesn't leave your skin wet and with a layer of essence.  But its actually more sunken in to your skin rather than just sitting on top of your skin and washed off the next time you clean your face. However, although it is good, I think for $4.22, the results are not incredibly impressive.  

The Good

  • Thicker and harder - better quality bio cellulose material, that gets softer and thinner after use
  • Better facial cutting for eyes, nose and mouth
  • Light fragrance
  • Does not dry as quickly
  • Leaves skin soft and hydrated
  • Still a bit cheaper than other bio cellulose masks
The Bad
  • $4.22 a sheet - still pretty expensive for a daily or even weekly mask; good as a special treat mask
  • wish there was a little bit more essence to get more for the buck.
  • results not incredibly impressive.
The Skinny

Good quality bio cellulose mask that does the trick but is still a little pricey for even a weekly mask.  But good to try out and use as a special treat.  This is still a good bio cellulose mask priced well below other competitors.  





Simply Bio Cellulose Mask update


You can read the old post here.


Simply:  My update on Simply's Bio Cellulose Mask. Simply is a Taiwan company.  I really didn't know too much about the brand Simply because the only company I hear about widely with local Taiwan celebs are "For Beloved One",  "Dr. Wu" and "Naruko".  As well as the less expensive drug store brands like "My Beauty Diary" and "Face Q".  I looked at the back of Simply's mask package and realized that they actually have a website written: www.mysimply.com.tw/.  Their website is only in Chinese, however, and their online shop is probably only limited to Taiwan and maybe Asia.  But they actually sell a lot more beauty items, such as cleansers, moisturizers, body creams, and supplements.  They may even be bigger than My Beauty Diary.  So, it is quite assuring after I found their website.  And apparently, they sell their bio cellulose masks in a box of 12, while Sasa.com sells them individual.



This mask has a much greater fragrance, which I dislike, but I can tolerate.  It comes sandwiched between a blue cotton woven protective sheet and a white plastic protective sheet.  You should remove the white plastic protective sheet first and apply the membrane side with the remaining blue cotton one onto your face.  Carefully remove the blue cotton one with the membrane positioned on your face.  You will still need to adjust the mask a little bit.  The membrane is much thinner, softer, slippery and delicate.  I did tear a little bit of it while adjusting it onto my face.  



The essence is a bit thicker and its more clearish white.  I also apply any excess onto the mask and neck area.  This mask seems to dry a little bit faster than Dr. Bsc's.  You can still get 30 minutes to 40 minutes of use and that is really good.  After use, you won't really get a wet face and won't really need to massage any remaining essence; just a little tapping will do.  But my skin is visibly softer, hydrated and brighter.  




On my neck. Unlike cloth masks, when you place bio cellulose mask on
your neck, it really won't slip or fall.


I used two more of Simply's bio cellulose mask using Dr. Bsc's and I can say that my skin looks better, softer, brighter and hydrated.  


I forgot to mention the cutting of the mask is not as good as Dr. Bsc's.  The eye opening is incredibly narrow, its about 1/2inch wide (vertically), which makes it just a slit.  I cannot even open my eyes when I am wearing this mask. I gotta look down.  It goes over my eyelids.  So, that is the big downfall.  Not sure if Caucasians would be able to wear this.  The mouth opening is just a cut which is okay because you can adjust it while wearing it and it is the mouth.  I like the nose cutting of this mask more because it just fits perfectly for me.  


The Good

  • Probably the most inexpensive bio cellulose in the market
  • Good as an introductory bio cellulose mask to test out
  • very very thin membrane - tighter, even more skin hugging
  • a lot more essence
  • leaves skin softer, brighter, and hydrated
The Bad
  • $2.60, still a little pricey for a one time use mask
  • membrane is delicate, need to be careful not to rip it while adjusting it
  • heavier fragrance
  • cutting design of the mask is not as good - the eye opening is really just a slit about 1/2 in vertical length.  - not for Caucasian fit.  

The Skinny


Overall, good less expensive bio cellulose mask that leaves skin soft, brighter and hydrated.  Still pricey, but still affordable to purchase once so often.  Its good that it is very very thin, just got to be careful not to tear it.  I don't like the fragrance, but some may find it pleasant.  And the big downfall is the eye opening, which is so tiny that it bothers me and will bother you.  You will have to keep your eyes closed wearing this mask.


  

Monday, May 21, 2012

Naris Up Natural Pack - pore removing mask



I noticed a number of bloggers purchasing pore removing strips which reminded me of the Naris Up Natural Pack pore removing mask.  It's a gel-ish mask paste rather than a materialized strip.  

Just in general - Should we use pore removing strips/masks to remove blackheads?

A while back I was reading that we shouldn't use pore removing strips/masks (all forms that pull the black heads out/sebum) because if we are not careful, we may end up tearing our pores open bigger.  Enlarged pores can no longer be made smaller, you can make them appear smaller but once enlarged, the deed is done.  And it is hard to be careful when using any of these pore removing strips/masks.  You can pull slowly, but you can still end up tearing your pores.  How does torn enlarged pores look like? Well, a hole, a crater, and when you have it that is the only thing that you will concentrate on.  

Aside from using pore removing strips/masks, self extraction (steaming your face and squeezing with your fingers) can also tear your pores if you are not careful.  But with self extraction, you're able to handle it a bit better.  If the dirt or whatever does not come out with the first squeeze, leave it alone.  

I have ended up tearing my pores a few times and it takes some time for it to appear less visible.  I do also have the Biore pore removing strips as well, but for these reasons, I do not use them that often. I use them about once every two months.  It's actually usually because I end up forgetting to use them.  

The best way is really prevention of this formation from occurring, which would be to clean your face well to remove any excess oils.  But I also can't help but "pull", so I still use them, but not too often. 




Naris Up Natural Pack- my thoughts I got this at the local Asian drug store for $6.99 a while back, I've noticed they have something similar on Sasa.com from the same company but it doesn't seem to be a 2 step process anymore.  It comes with two small squeeze bottles, the smaller white bottle (0.54 fl oz) is the pre essence lotion which is a clear white light gel and the large purple bottle (1.0 oz) is the mask which is a thicker gooey and sticky black gel.  After cleansing and drying your face, you apply the pre essence lotion onto your nose, or other surface you want the pore removing mask to use on.  Right after the pre essence you apply the black mask over it.  And you just wait for it to dry.  If you use more black mask, it will take longer to dry.  

Top: Step 1 Pre Essence Lotion, Bottom: Step 2 Point Pack Mask

Left: Wet Mask, Right: Dried Mask



It actually takes some time to dry. In my opinion, its longer and a little messier than a pore strip. 
The best thing about pore mask compared to strips is that you can use this on hard to reach surfaces on your face that a strip cannot.  Its better for the corners of your nose and you can spread the mask higher for the bridge of your nose and the area between your eyebrows.  For me, it doesn't pull anything out when I use it in on the skin below my lips.  

After it is completely dry, pull it off in an upward direction.  It hurts a lot more than a pore strip in my opinion because it sticks better and more thoroughly.  Aside from being careful about tearing your pores open, it works well.  It is good in pulling off whiteheads, blackheads (which I read that it is actually not black when you pull them off, but more of a yellow brown color).  It may also pull off a little bit of the outer most layer of dry skin.  You can use water to rinse off any remaining mask.  

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Why Cooled Down Green Tea May Not Be Good For Your Undereyes



We've all heard of it, the goodness of Green Tea.  The health benefits and powerful antioxidants that have allowed us women, to consume it and to apply it topically.  Once in awhile I would use cool downed green tea bags or refrigerated/frozen green tea poured onto cotton pads to de-puff my under eye area.  I would do it once in awhile, not often because I do find it a hassle.  


I was watching a Taiwanese program the other day about some local celebrities that go through a full makeup removal before the screen to show off or not their true beauty.  There are many Taiwanese programs of this sort and can be entertaining.  One of the guests was a Caucasian Taiwan-based celebrity (I really do not know who she is, but I am guessing they are are known locally) who spoke wonderful Mandarin btw,  had noticeably dark under eyes.  She described to the hosts and beauty consultant that she liked to use cooled down green tea bags for her under eyes.  The beauty consultant, who was 40 years old but looks much much younger than that said simply that the dark green color of green tea would cause or add to the dark under eye bags.  


Seems to make sense.  Green tea stains the cup, stains the teeth... and may "stain" the under eye area with continuous long term use.  

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask



I'm guessing Ren decided to change the name of this product.  It is no longer called "Gylcolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask", but called, "Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask".  


What it is:
A potent bioactive complex that reduces fine lines and dramatically improve tone, firmness, and radiance.

What it is formulated to do:
This treatment safely and effectively resurfaces the skin, without causing irritation. Its four-fruit-acid-complex (lactic, glycolic, tartaric and citric) and papain enzyme create a gentle-yet-potent exfoliating action that leaves skin glowing and healthy.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals

What else you need to know:
This mask is particularly recommended for congested and mature skin; it works well on post-acne scarring, blemishes, blackheads and sun-damaged skin. It is not suitable for sensitive skin types. This skincare essential does not contain T.E.A, D.E.A, glycols, silicones, or PEGs.


Suggested Usage:
-Apply a generous amount to clean skin.
-Leave for 10 minutes.
-Pat and "lift" with fingertips to raise up the exfoliated layer of dead skin cells.
-Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Precautions:
-Do not use on irritated skin.
-Discontinue if irritation occurs.
-Consult doctor if irritation persists.
-Avoid contact with eyes.


-Lactic, Citric, and Glycolic Acids: Help loosen dead skin cells.
-Papain: Helps to gently exfoliate.
-Omega 7: Improves skin appearance and reduce redness.
-Omega 3: Soothes skin and helps boost cell turnover.

Polysorbate 60 (Source Rape Seed Oil), Glycerin (Source Coconut Oil), Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Water, Lecithin (Source Soybean), Lactic Acid (Source Wheat), Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Alcohol denat. (Source Grape), Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum (Source Corn), Maltodextrin, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Parfum (100% Natural Fragrance), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Phenoxyethanol (Source Aromatic Ether), Sodium HydroxymethylGlycinate (Source Amino Acid), Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Berry Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E).




Pump bottle

Need at least two pumps of this size to cover your entire face,  minus neck area

I think this is the layered thickness of mask that works better,
which would require more .

Or a thinner layer.


I think I am nearing the remaining 35% of this mask.  When I first bought this and used it, I believe, if I am not mistaken that it was a little lighter in color and a little bit thicker in texture.  Now, the formula has gotten a little bit darker (looks lighter in the photos, however) and a bit runnier.  


I'm pretty sure that this is the same product as the one they now sell with a bit of a name change.  I guess they corrected the usage of "glycolactic" and my theory that maybe its not strong enough as a peel?


I think this mask is alright; slightly above marginal average.  It's quite pricey, at $55.00, its a pretty small bottle.  You need at least two pumps of the size that I have photographed to cover your entire face, not including neck area. What I found works better is if you use a bit more and lather a thicker layer.  


You wait 10 minutes and rinse.  For me, it does not sting except in certain sensitive areas such as the skin above my lips.  What's included with the bottle of mask, is a towel for rinsing.  Without it, its a little difficult to rinse off the mask.  After rinsing, my skin does feel fresher, a little smooth, brightened and radiant.  However, other than that, its not very dramatic and I don't think it is very long lasting.  I'm guessing that is why they changed the name from "Renewal Peel" to "Renewal Radiance" because it does that.  It provides some renewal and radiance.  


The Good
  • Nice citrus scent
  • easy to apply
  • no petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, etc
  • lots of fruit ingredients
  • makes skin fresh and brightened
The Bad
  • Kind of pricey
  • Need to use a good amount
  • Small bottle
  • Light renewal and radiance, results not amazing enough
The Skinny

Not bad, but not very impressed.  Its not that I don't like it but, mainly because I think its too expensive for what it is. 


I like the fresh citrus scent and I like that it has no petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, etc. I like that there are a lot of fruit ingredients.  


Thanks for reading,


Peary

Monday, May 14, 2012

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream








If you live in the US, you've probably heard of it.  Used by Madonna and other celebrities, Egyptian Magic has developed a cult like status with beauty enthusiasts.   


I first heard of Egyptian Magic a few years ago and it was already pretty widely known to internet beauty communities.  After reading raves about this, I decided to give it a try.  I got it from Egyptian Magic's official market place on Amazon.com.  It's around $33.00 for the 4 oz tub.  It may sound expensive (which, I have thought before making the purchase) considering that it's so cult-ish looking but the texture is really thick and it really lasts for a long time.  


But do not be fooled by the packaging! It's quite an amazing cream!


This all natural - all purpose skin cream consists of 6 ingredients: olive oil (Clea Europoea Oil), Beeswax, Honey, Pollen, Royal Jelly, and Propolis Extract.  


It does have a natural smell.  At first you might get put off by it.  But, I've grown to it.  I don't think its bad because its a natural smell, rather than a chemical or synthetic fragrance added in, which I cannot stand.  It's basically the smell of all those ingredients put together. 


How to Use?


This very thick yellow cream is even thicker and more dense than vaseline.  The directions to use it is to take a moderate amount and rub in your palms until it takes the form of oil.  In the photos, I used a pretty great amount for photo purposes.  Believe it or not, but that was good enough moisturizer for both my hands and one arm.  You really just need a very small amount. 


How I use it?


This all purpose cream is good for the body and face.  I don't use it as an all over body cream, I use my Bath and Body creams for that.  But, I do like to use the EM for my hands and any rough areas/patches on my body. Good for people who have eczema.   I usually like to use this as a moisturizer for my neck once in awhile.  For the face, some users have compared this to La Mer moisturizers.  I personally have never tried La Mer's line before considering the hefty price tag but for the user who says that it works like La Mer's, they are quite lucky because this is so much cheaper.


I do use this for my face once in awhile when my face is feeling dry.  Depending on your skin type, it may be amazing or it may be too thick and oily.  When I do use it for my face, I usually use it on top of my toner, serum, and moisturizer as a sort of sealant.  After rubbing a very small amount in my palms into the form of oil, I pat or more like print my palms onto my face, over my other moisturizers that is.  And in the morning, my face isn't dry.


The Good 

  • All natural ingredients
  • Very thick consistency, only need to use very little
  • Great moisturizer
  • Lasts for a long time
  • All natural ingredients
The Bad
  • Some may be put off by the smell - though it is an all natural smell of the ingredients
  • May be too thick and oily for some people



The Skinny


I really like this cream because it is all natural.  I like to keep a tub of this in handy even if I do not use it everyday.  I've had my first tub for a few years, and its still the same.  Considering that I only use very little, its not that expensive.  I don't use it very often for my face because I do have my argan oil, which admittedly, I really like much much more, but is more pricey.  


Overall, just very good to have a tub of this in your drawer. 


Thanks for reading,


Peary




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