February Haul: Missha Goodies

Ahhhhhwww. Finally, this batch just arrived in time. This is actually part of my Christmas shopping for my Korean skin care and just been delivered this month. Sales and promos, I easily get brain-washed with such marketing. Though I ended up almost broke, but it was fun. Hehe!

Ssaera's February haul

Just to clarify it with you guys, I don't spend on products just to make a review on them. I intend and actually use them. Some of the products are actually new to me so I have to be cautious as I have a very sensitive skin. It may take a while before I can try them all (and I can't wait to try them all!) One by one, I will incorporate them on my routine, that way it will be easier for me to see any good and bad reaction. It had to be boxed coz the Missha gift sets won't fit the pouches.

The freebie samplers, pepero and the pouch is a gift. Happy customer here... :) The freebies are addicting you know. I am actually more excited to see what freebies I would get on my orders. Haha!

I have here:

> Missha Pure Source Sheet Masks Tea Tree and Pearl
> Missha Near Skin Firming Peptide Gift Set
> Missha Time Revolution Ampoule and Essence Gift Set
> Missha Super Aqua D-Tox Peeling Gel
> Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream #23
> Missha Time Revolution White Cute Science Blanc Spot Eraser
> Missha M Prism Luminous Mist
> Missha Soothing Care Lip Scrub
> Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel (3 tubs for my hair, mom also uses them too)
> Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder
> And those samplers... which I am so happy to collect. They are very handy during travels.

Missha Near Skin Firming Peptide Set. Ain't they gorgeous?

Missha had a 40% off sale that time so I was like oh get me this and this and this one too and blah.. Aside from that, Missha is my first love on Korean Skin Care products, their products just go pretty well on my sensitive skin. Even their Pure Source Tea Tree Mask is really effective on me compared to Etude House which I had last December. I had a bad break out lately and I am not sure what caused it and I haven't change anything on my routine. Glad the Tea Tree Mask helped me control the redness. And this box came just right on time as I only have one Pure Source Tea Tree masks left on my treasure chest. I will make a proper review on that when I get the chance next week.

So there you have it, my investment for this month! :)

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Missha Pure Source Sheet Mask Tea Tree Review

This week, I'll be reviewing the Missha Pure Source Tea Tree Sheet Mask.

Your Korean skin care experience is not complete without the masks. You always see this on K-drama. This is also a staple for Korean skin care and cotton sheet masks are one of the most common and affordable available in the market. There a lot other types of masks but are a bit pricey, I actually want to try the gold masks too. I think they're quite elegant.

Aside from Tea Tree, I also have a Pearl masks in my treasure chest but I just want to talk more about the Tea Tree.  So lately I had a bad break out on my lower cheeks and jaw part, as in really bad. I am not sure what caused it but it was just bad and had been ongoing since late January. At first, I used Etude House AC Intense Clinic Red Spot Balm but even after a week it didn't help me out. I didn't use a mask for 2 weeks straight as I was afraid I might aggravate it. I thought it that way because of the slight burning sensation I feel when I use a masks. But it didn't help either, my lower cheeks is really red and bumpy and in the morning other bumps have pus in it which makes me so worried. Then I decided I'll just start using the Tea Tree again and to my awe, it actually relieved the redness and helped control my break outs. Right now, I still have bumps and scars on that part but it not as red as it was.

So what is Missha Pure Source Tea Tree Sheet Mask for?

"Relieving irritation
-Pure cotton sheet mask to deliver pure nature
-Pure cotton sheet mask enriched with Tea Tree ingredient, makes your skin fresh and clear while relieving irritations and stress on the skin"

Relieving irritation. Mainly this mask is for your acne. And yeah it did relieved the irritation and help control those red stubborn bumps. Of course it will not treat irritation overnight but as for me, I did actually saw a significant decrease in redness on the affected areas when I woke up in the morning. I have used Etude House AC Intense Clinic Red Spot Balm for a while on the same spot before I used the Tea Tree, but I did not notice same effects as much as the Pure Source Tea Tree did. I think my skin love Missha products. :)

Missha Pure Source Sheet Mask Tea Tree

 In the package, directions states

1. After washing your face, prepare the skin with toner
2. Spread the sheet mask evenly over the face, adjusting eye and nose areas. Lower the eye parts for double covering effect
3. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and remove the mask
4. Gently pat until fully absorbed.

Tip: Apply left over essence on the neck areas. Recommended to use 2-3 times a week.

The masks fits will on my face and it is not that hard to put it on. I use Missha Pure Source Tea Tree Sheet Mask after my Nature Republic The First Essence and leave it on my face for about 20-30 minutes then removed it. I can feel a very slight burning sensation while the mask is on especially on eye part and on bumps that are open, which at first worries me but thankfully, my skin didn't have any negative reactions to that. It will start somewhere after 5 minutes but it will not go on for the rest of the time you have the mask on, around 15 - 20 minutes that very slight burning sensation will start to slow out. I put it on the fridge for 5 minutes just to have a cooling effect when I put it on.

Once removed, I let the essence absorbed for 5 minutes more and then apply the remaining essence from the pack and let it absorbed for another 5 minutes and continue with my ampoule and cream. The essence is clear with a consistency slightly thicker than water and it absorb pretty well on my face. Normally, I will use all the remaining essence on the same day, but this time I saved them so I can use it the next day because it did really well on relieving the irritation going on on my skin. After 3 sheet masks, break out were 75% healed.

see those bumps with white pus popping out?

They started drying out and leaving scars which I am still thinking how to deal with! XD

The first picture was taken before I used the the mask, somewhere first week of February. The next picture was taken after a few days using the mask.  The effects are not dramatic but it was a good thing that bumps started to dry out and leaving. Camera makes it look worst but it is actually not that worst in personal. In the morning, there is less redness and the scars be concealed. XD

Just to make it clear, it will not relieved the redness after 30 minutes of using the masks but you will notice its effects the morning you wake up after your skin have relaxed and recover from a good night sleep. So now I am back with my twice-a-week-mask routine and just also added the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule.

What I like

-effective in relieving irritation

-help eliminates/stop acne 

-moisturizing

-reduces redness

-essence is not too thick and is absorb well

What I don't like

-the slight burning sensation I fell when I put the mask on

The mask is P99.00 on regular price but got it on a discounted price during the December sale. You can pre-order it on Heaven's Bee Hive if you are from Philippines. I also found it on Lazada but of different variety and it's almost 300 for 2 masks.

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Nature Republic Water Tint #02 Pink Review

This time, I am sharing my random thoughts about The Nature Republic Water Tint #02 - Pink. This is actually my current favorite and I use this every day even at home.

This piece is actually part of my December haul and got it from Lazada Philippines. I bought it at P195.50, it was discounted because of the coupon code I used during that time. I think the original price was P230.00 on Lazada.

Let's take a look of its claims from the Lazada product page

"- Tint for adding color to lips and cheeks. With quality ingredients, the color of Tint lasting all day long.

- Spreads gently and gives lips a natural color. 

-Long lasting product without stickiness.
-It will tint your lips like flower petals that will last long."

My thoughts:

The packaging is quite simple, nothing too fancy. I didn't get any box when I received it so I assume it is not boxed. The size of the glass bottle is enough that will fit your kit fine.

The Nature Republic Water Tint #02

Spreads gently and gives lips a natural color. I agree on this one. Application on the lips is effortless. The tip from the applicator help spread the liquid nicely on your lips. Upon application, I can feel that the liquid is cool which gives me a nice feeling though. I have also tried using it on my cheeks and I love how it blends naturally.

Just got lucky I was able to get a proper shot of my lips using my old Sony Xperia Arc.

The Nature Republic Water Tint #02

Taaadaaa! That is how it will look like on my lips. I first applied a lip balm before the Nature Republic Water Tint #02 - Pink and it looks so kissable.. hahahah!  (Just let me be!)

Long lasting product without stickiness. It usually last me for about 4-5 hours before I reapply but if I get something to drink or any liquid that touches my lips, the colors fades and had to reapply again. I use it after my Etude House You Did It Lip Balm so I get that moisture look on my lips. If I use it alone without the balm, the tint makes my lips feels dry and will stain the dry skin on your lips. I agree that it is not sticky which is what I like the most. It doesn't give me the heavy feeling on my lips. 

It will tint your lips like flower petals that will last long. Again, it will tint your lips naturally like a blooming flower but it will not last that long. Application on the cheeks lasted longer though.

Removing the product is quite difficult (for dry lips and from frequent re-application) without the proper make-up remover so make sure to have decent make-up remover. Well, make-up remover is actually a must have if you use any sort of make-up.

What I like

- Sweet smell and cooling effect upon application

- Gives me the natural look on both cheeks and lips

- Blend nicely

- Not sticky

- Price is right and can be purchased online

What I don't like

- Not long lasting

Buying again? Yes of course. This is like a staple on my make-up kit at this time.

I hope my thoughts had help you.:)

Update: 8/15/15
 
I think it has to retire! After some time using this tint, it turned cloudy and and had some whitish particulate formation. Thought it does not cause any harm but for hygienic purposes, it's best to discontinue using it.

After 8 months

It used to be transparent where you can see the applicator inside, now you can't see it.

Despite that, I always love using this product from Nature Republic. I'll just get a new one when it is on sale again.

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Cebu Pacific Accepts Paypal

This is good news for Paypal account holders who love booking at Cebu Pacific. Payments are made much easier because Cebu Pacific is now accepting payments through Paypal. And I love it!

Plus, lately I noticed that if you opt to pay via payment centers, you still have the option to pay via credit card in case you were not able to catch up with the cut off time for your preferred payment centers. This is also an advantage if you are still undecided with your flight schedule. Book now, pay later though you should pay within the day or else it will be cancelled.  I am not sure if this works if you are not a registered user.

To retrieve back your booking, simply go to Manage Bookings > All Bookings > locate your pending flight and click on View Itinerary. Then you will find this on the mid part of the page.

After clicking on it, you will have the option to pay through credit cards, Paypal and Alipay. 

Theses upgrades are making my life easier. (Buhay nang taga book nang flight nang buong clan! Hahaha)

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2014 Korean Drama Review

So I got tired making a review on each drama after I watched them. Lazy me, I know. For this year, I just decided to put them into one page. I am not a heavy drama watcher as my schedule won't just permit me to watch everything. I only watch what interest me though.  But I hope I can get too watched more than I usually do.

Gals, hope you enjoy reading!

1. Birth of a Beauty

from wikipedia, credits to the owner

Ahjuma and Doctor, I'm going to miss this duo. This is one cutest couple I have ever watched this year. And I must admit, Han Ye-seul is really pretty here. A perfect beauty I must say. Aside from that Joo Sang-wook is so handsome in this role. I didn't notice Joo Sang-wook from the other dramas I've watched it's probably because mostly it's historical. But with Birth of a Beauty his so handsome. What I like the most about this drama is that it was never boring to watch it. I and my friend are actually excited every week to see what's going to happen with plans/love story. Not a dull moment with these two cutest couple for this year. So if you are looking for a fun filled romantic drama, this must be on the top of your list if you haven't watched it yet.

2. My Lovely Girl
 

from wikipedia, credits to the owner

I already sensed that this drama will be a melodrama (which I am not so fond of) after watching the trailers but still I decided to watch it though coz Crystal Jung was there. I became to like her at The Heirs, she's just so adorable on that drama. And yeah, this is a melodrama, but I did not shed tears on this though. It's a story about a man who witnessed the death of his girl right in front of his eyes. And later on fell in love with his dead girlfriend's little sister and so so. It's a 16 episode drama but I still find it long and sometimes boring to watch. I am not sure if it’s the arrangement or the characters but that just that. I skip some scenes too. I also find the actors emotionless, like they display the same emotion throughout the drama. If you are a melodrama fan, this can be a good one to watch. Actually, L (Shi Woo) is cute here, probably the reason why I was able to finish watching this.

3. It's Okay, It's Love
 

from wikipedia, credits to the owner

This one is a medical drama in Psychiatry Department. I enjoyed watching this drama Gong Hyo-jin is really loveable in here. And we missed Jo In-Sung so I and Nikki watched it. I love how the actors in this portray their characters very well. Special mention to Lee Kwang Soo. It's a very light drama, romantic and not boring.

4. Surplus Princess

Now this one is most surprising drama I have ever watched. I was actually really enjoying following this drama and suddenly, BAM! It ends after 10 episodes. And I was what? That's it?

It started our pretty well, funny, cute, romantic, and funny again. It was really fun watching this and I was really excited how the love of Aileen and Hyun Myung would develop. Though it ended so unexpectedly, I was happy watching this one. Too bad they decided to cut it off so early. If you want to watch fun and romantic drama, this one is perfect. But the ending is pretty shitty. But it was fun watching it series.

5. The Three Musketeers
 

I love CNBlue and because Jung Yong-hwa is here, I just can't wait to watch it. I admit that the acting from the past dramas of Yong-hwa weren't that good, but he was actually improving in The Three Musketeers. I can feel emotions on his character here. The action scenes are cool and drama is not too heavy and maintain a good sense of humor which make it more fun to watch. In short, not boring. I wonder when the 2nd part will be released. It says January but I can't find any news confirming it though. I just can't wait what will happen next with their history.

6. You Are Surrounded

Not that bad or good, just an okay drama for me. The newbie police officers are too funny I can't believe how they became a police or they exist in really life. Haha. But it's just for entertainment though. I love Lee Sung Ki since the Gumiho, but here it was just an average performance. Still, the King2hearts was his best drama ever for me. Ah, Ahn Jae-hyun, the very white guy from Man from another star is a cute kid though. Hihi.

7. Empress Ki

Ohh, I love this drama. This the most tragic, heartbreaking, action filled, intense, tearful what else...? This is my best drama for this year. Though I hate how the emperor ended but his love, or maybe obsession to Empress Ki, was the best. Protecting his girl any means he can under his power. It was never boring watching this drama though it was a quite long series but the time I have spent watching it was all worth it. Even right now while writing my thought’s, I can feel my heartbeat racing remembering how intense this drama is. You better watch it if you haven't yet.


8. Emergency Couple 

One of my favorites for this year, started out funny and ended pretty nice. Action speaks louder than words and you can really prove it on this drama. I love both lead actors, they are so great and adorable. You will really enjoy watching this.

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