BEAUTY: Half Year 2016 (June) Empties

Hi All! I’ve posted my second Empties video on my YouTube few days ago. June has passed away like 2 months ago… but, I still post it anyway. I’ve shoot the video on June, but just got time to edit and post it this month because I was still busy with school on July. I hope you understand my circumstance. 

BODY 

Alyssa Ashley White Musk Body Lotion 

Maybe you hardly ever heard this brand called Alyssa Ashley. But, I’ve known it since I was a kid. My aunts used this body lotion for a long time and eventually I was introduced to the brand. I pretty loving this body lotion because it was not greasy and dry pretty quick. The scent was also nice, because they use synthetic musk’s scent. Musk are pretty known for their scent. It contained a lot of product in one bottle. It took me several years to finish it off and the scent was still there. If anyone of you is searching for a regular yet moisturizing body lotion you should have your hands on Alyssa Ashley White Musk Body Lotion. Buy it here.

SKINCARE

It’s Skin 2PM Sunblock

This one is probably the first sunscreen slash sun-block that I’ve purchased. Not because I know that this product is good, but because it is 2PM’s sun-block! Oh yeah, I’m a avid Hottest (2PM fan-base name) and I must have their sun-block and collect their souvenirs from It’s Skin that have 2PM picture on it. HAHA. As I got older, I realized that I must use sunscreen to prevent dark spots showing up on my face. I used this quite often since then. Actually, this sunscreen was finished like years ago, but I just got to get it into my empties video this time. I’ve never want to throw it away, so I will always have it and will put it on my empties video sometime, I thought. Plus, I shoot my first empties when I was in Lombok, so I don’t have this sunscreen with me. 

Well, done with the crap, I really love this sunscreen despite it was 2PM’s sunscreen. It is not greasy and really proven that this formula is effective in preventing sunburn as well as dark spots. It is only SPF 50+ PA+++, but it protect against UVA and UVB. Plus anti-wrinkle and have a whitening effect without leaving white streaks. I’ll definitely back to this sunscreen when I went back to Korea and hopefully they still have the same formula. Buy it here.

Banila Co Hello Sunny Sun Moisturizer

I’ve been mentioned this product several times. So, for more detailed reason why I really liked this product, you can read it here. Unfortunately, this product has been discontinued. TT_TT But, I think if you want the similar product from Banila Co, you may try their Prime Primer Sun. I just know it from the video of Meejmuse. As I scroll down the information on their website, this product is quite similar with the sun moisturizer. 

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Facial Freshener and Cream 

Freshener is the first step of skincare after cleansing. It has the same function of toner. That’s why I often alternate freshener with toner. Both the products from this line are quite good on me. It is moisturizing and gave a Korean glow. The scent was pretty good too. Even though it is moisturizing, it doesn’t feel thick. I think it is quite good for teens whose are going to take care of their skin. It is also quite affordable. Etude House launches another range of products that resemble with this line. They are called Moistfull Collagen Water Jelly. It has “Finding Dory” themed packaging. It is so cute and may be an option for you who are searching for more soothing skincare. Buy it Freshener here, Cream here.

L'Occitane Essence Sublime 

I have a mixed opinion about this product. At first I liked the matte effect of this essence and the scent of it. But then, I realized that this essence is not what I was looking for. I was looking for purifying (get rid of redness) essence like my Lancome. I’ve done some researched about L’occitane best essence, but eventually the one that is the best was not available anymore in Indonesia. So, I bought this product. It was not really a bad product, but it doesn’t match with what my skin needs. I prefer my Lancome Hydrazen Neocalm Gel Essence, which explained next. 

Lancome Hydrazen Neocalm Gel Essence 

My first essence is from Lancome. And I’ve been loving it since then. I love almost everything about it except the price. It does really calming my skin and it can act as a spot treatment also. I’ll definitely going to buy it after I’ve finished my Innisfree one. More review on it, read here.

MAKEUP

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover 

Clinique have several type of makeup remover from this line, such as eye and lip remover, cleansing balm, towelettes, cleansing oil, and cleansing milk. I needed an eye and lip remover at that time, so I purchased this product. At first, I didn’t like it because it quite stings and too much oil. Also, the bottle is such a bothersome. But after few times, I’m getting used to it. This remover helps removed my hardly-removed eyeliner. Since, I wear contact lens whenever I go outside and wear eyeliner on my waterline, the oily feeling from the remover leaves an uncomfortable sight. But even though it perform quite well, but I prefer my Lancome eye remover nowadays (review on my Lancome products will be posted soon!). Buy it here.

Dr. Jart Ctrl-A Spot Cover 

This is also another product that has a bothersome packaging. Even though I really liked the products in this line, but this particular product was disappointing. This product is actually acted like as a concealer. The liquid will come out after we turn the spinner. But after 2 or 3 times uses, it got broken. So, I didn’t know if it is empty and what so good about it. I just want to throw it away. I don't really recommend it, but if you want you can buy it here.

Jill Stuart Makeup Base

I got this product from a set of Jill Stuart makeup few years ago. My mom bought it from Hong Kong. I bet that she bought it just because of the cute packaging. I didn’t really remember the result from using it. The makeup base has a pinkish formula. The product is not empty yet, but I guess it has gone expired. So, it is the time to throw it away.

Tony Moly Expert Triple BB Cream 

I got their trial package and I sometimes liked it. It has a great coverage, but sometimes I feel itchy. It also feels thick and greasy sometime. But it contain SPF 35 or 45 (I don’t really remember it), which maybe the reason why it is a little bit greasy.(the picture above is the new packaging) Buy the full product here.

Thank you readers for reading through my Empties blog post and watching the video too! Don't forget to subscribe and gave a thumbs up on my YouTube channel. Every single thumbs and comment are very appreciated! Love you all. Have a nice day!

P.S: School are starting soon, so I don't think I'll post a lot of blog post and video. But, I'll make better contents every time. Thank you for the support! and for everyone who are going back to school too, Good Luck and have fun!

BEAUTY: EMPTIES 2015 REVIEW

Well, I’ve collected my skin care and makeup empties for several months through 2015. To end this year’s beauty review post, I’m going to do a recap review by doing Empties Review! I’ll try to make a video about it also, but in the meantime, I’ll post the written review first. 

Clean & Clear Essentials Oil-Control Toner

This toner does an amazing job despite it is a drugstore product. It contains salicylic acid, which is good in clearing acne. I have an acne prone skin, so I used this toner when I have ‘that time of the month’. I didn’t recommend it for who have sensitive skin because it contains alcohol too. Even I didn’t use it everyday because it can cause dryness. 

Banila Co Hello Sunny Sun Moisturizer SPF 35 PA ++

This is my skincare must have in my morning routines. Basically, it’s a moisturizer that contains SPF. It acts as my morning moisturizer. I’ve done the detailed review of this product on my Sunscreen Battle here. 

Dr. Jart Spot Out

This is my ultimate skincare product. It is a gel that treats your acne spots. It was quite expensive, but it does worth the money. If you have an acne prone skin or have acne in few times in a month you should give this product a try. This product contains some magic power and will make your acne poof! because, it contains salicylic acid which is good for acne prone skin. 

Lancome Hydra Zen Neocalm

It’s basically a serum/essence for me. But before I used this as a serum/essence, I used it as a spot treatment. At that time I was ran out of my Dr. Jart Spot Out, and when I was strolling around a department store, I was attracted to drop by Lancome’s counter. I asked the sales-woman if they have it. She gave me this and I bought it without asking too much. (Don’t do it okay?) Even though I really didn’t know how the product work, but it does pretty good job. It clarify and sooth your skin. The redness caused by some pimples goes away. Basically, it treats your discoloration. This work also with acnes, but the process is not as fast as Dr. Jart Spot Out to pop out the acne. This product became my favorite product in my skincare routine.

Pond’s Cleansing Wipes

I’ve finished 5 packets of these wipes since last year. I first found it in a supermarket and I fell in love with it since then. I liked it because it’s easy to find and does a pretty good job. I used it to cleanse simple makeup or when my face feels tacky. The only downside is sometimes it became too soapy if you kept it for too long. You have to storage it well and don’t let it get too much sunshine (keep in a cool place). So, if you are the one who are lazy to do double cleansing, I didn’t recommend it if this product has changed to soap-soaked wipes, because the residue might break you out and leave dirty feeling afterward.

Jill Stuart Lip Essence UV SPF 18

I don’t know whether it’s a skincare product or makeup, but one thing sure is this is an amazing product. Unfortunately, the one I have is not for sale. I got it as a gift from the other Jill Stuart my mom bought. By the way, Jill Stuart is not available in Indonesia. I got mine from Hongkong. This lip essence is a lip-gloss type that contains SPF! YAY! I think I kinda addicted with products that contain SPF. Since I can’t find this product here, I’ve already purchased another lip sun protection product from Loccitane.

Jill Stuart Mascara

I didn’t know the real name of this product because it is written in Japanese. I didn’t know for sure either if this mascara is waterproof or not. But one thing that I know for sure is I love the brush. It lengthens the lashes. It’s the perfect type of brush for short lashes. And I like the packaging - it’s so princess-y. all of the packaging of Jill Stuart is very classy girl, as if you are a Princess.

Body Shop Body Butter

This is the last empty product. I’m not the type of girl who loves body butter - I prefer body lotion. I used it because I got this as a gift. The smell was okay, but I didn’t really like the feeling after applying it on to my skin. I feel tacky. But other than that, I was pretty okay with this product.

Alright, that’s all I have for my first ever empties 2015. I hope you liked it. I’ll see you on my next post! 

What is your favorite empties skincare, makeup, body care, and hair care for 2015? Let me know in the comments below. Maybe I would like to try it!

BEAUTY: A to Z Facial Cleanser Review!

Cleanser is one of the basic thing in world of beauty. Our body and face is susceptible with dirt everyday. For face especially, we, girls like to put make-up on. Makeup(s) are made with many kind of chemicals, which if we don't cleanse our face, it could give us break outs. It is very important to clean your face and body. 

So, this is my experience for the past few years. I've tried several brands for my facial cleanser and I tried it according to brands' name from A to Z. I will make a review for every 5 alphabets. In this post, I'm going to review the brand beginning with A to E. 

FYI, I just came up the idea of this entry few days ago, so the pictures of the cleanser WAS not my own image (thanks google!). But for the next reviews, I'll definitely use my own picts! 

So, let's jump into the main topic!

A is for Acnes

This is my first specially made cleanser for acne. I tried the Acnes Creamy Wash.  I was afraid at first to tried this cleanser, but it does not makes me breakout. But, it does not make my acne gone away immediately. It does not have any strong scent or medicine-like smell, so it was quite okay. But I prefer nice smell for my cleanser. In terms of price, it is quite affordable because it could be found in every pharmacy in Indonesia. Overall, it is a good product, but I don't think I'm going to repurchase this again.

B is for Banila Co

This is my second Korean Brand facial wash. I was so in love with this facial wash, which is Banila Co Tea Party Facial Foam. I tried the Relaxing and Purifying Peppermint one. The smell is excellent, the price is okay, and the result is so great! I've reviewed this facial wash on my instagram before. In my review I've stated that this product was super great! I really recommend this one (if they still produce it) for people with acne prone skin who looking for soft yet creamy texture facial cleanser. The label itself has told the magic inside the bottle, it does purifying and also relaxing at the same time. Because it contain peppermint, it soothes your skin as well your mind. This is my holy grail product ever! 
 

C is for Clean&Clear

Another drugstore brand that I tried is Clean and Clear Fairness Cleanser. This cleanser has a great result even though it is a drugstore product. For your information, the formula of this brand might be different from the one you have in your country. Some lines in this brand also different from one country to another. Before this product, I've tried the one for reducing blackhead, it was okay but not really effective. For you who look for just okay cleanser, this one might an option for you. It gives you a clean face and some refreshing sensation. It is oil-free and it can be found anywhere! It contains gentle white beads, so it can help you to exfoliate your dead skin and dirt from daily activities.
 

D is for Dr. Jart

Do you catogorize Dr. Jart as a high end product? If yes, this one is my first even high-end brand cleanser. Dr. Jart is a Korean high-end product, which you can only find it on their shopping website or department store. I've never knew about this brand before I search for a brand beginning with D and my friend wanted to buy their BB Cream. I tried the Dr. Jart V7 Cleansing Foam instead their famous line the Ctrl-A (But I do bought some products of this line, you can see my Korean Haul here). This product is very gentle and it works really awesome! I really liked it. They have a lot of product for such a quite pricey price. A tiny amount of this cleanser could cleanse your face entirely. It was amazing! I wouldn't mind to repurchase this again someday. What is more great inside this product is it contain 7 important vitamins. Everything written on the packaging is somewhat true. Definitely worth to try. Remember, buy something according with your skin type. 

E is for Estee Lauder

My mom is a loyal customer for Estee Lauder, especially for their cleanser, foundation, and powder. They are having some promo and my mom suggest me to buy a cleanser here. The one she usually use is the Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean, but I tried the Estee Lauder Nutritious Radiant Vitality 2-in-1 Foam Cleanser. I've been using my mom's for several times but I didn't like it because of the perfume. It is too strong. She asked the saleswoman to give me the cleanser for a young lady and she gave me this one. I was kinda afraid because it is quite expensive and might breaks me out. After I used it for several times, it was okay with my skin. Now, I used it everyday and it does not gives a break out. But, it didn't give me a smooth skin like the other cleanser did. Oh! I just realize that this is 2-in-1 product, which act as a regular cleanser and wash-off mask. I haven't try it as a wash-off mask yet, I'll try it as soon as I get back to Jakarta at the end of this month. I didn't know how to explain the texture, so I'll put the picture below. It cleanse your face but does not make it smoother. So, I will not repurchase this product in the future. I might try the other line from Estee Lauder.   

Well, that's it the A to E Facial Cleanser I've tried so far. Have you ever tried any of the mentioned brands above? If yes, let me know in the comments below about your thoughts. Or will you try one of the mentioned products above? Anyways, thank you for reading through this post! I'll see you soon on my next post. 

xoxo, 

Jennifer

BEAUTY: Sunscreen Battle!

For some part of the world, summer almost come to end. But, in Indonesia, specifically, it is going to be summer all year long. Whatever the season is, sun is going to shine brightly and spread it's UV spectrum. So, sunscreen, sunblock, sun moisturizer, and all of those name is still needed throughout the year. In this post, I'm going to post a sunscreen battle. 

The 'players' are Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream SPF 50, Banila Co Hello, Sunny Sun Moisturizer SPF 35 PA++, and La Roche-Posay Ultra Light 50++.

The Packaging

 

Let's analyze from the outside, the packaging of course! Nivea has the regular Nivea kind of design. The blue and white logo, and the writing about the product. The packaging is a tube kind with orange plastic cap. Nothing special.

While for Banila Co, it is simply cute. White, pink, and orange, the color combination is just way too cute! Nothing too much on the packaging, they use different styles of fonts and a simple sun icon. Love it. It is also a tube, but it come with a pusher (?). So, the product won't came out too much. Very economic!

Lastly, the La Roche-Posay's packaging is way too boring and not inviting. If I went to a store and saw the packaging, I would not buy it. But since my brother who bought it and via online, I will try using it. The color palette is almost the same with the other two which are white and orange. There are a lot's of writing both in English and French. It is more plain than the Nivea's one. But the bottle is a little bit unique because it looks like the old phone, the one with antenna. It also an economic way to save the product inside.

But, the winner of packaging category is Banila Co.

The Price

I did not remember exactly the price for all the sunscreen. But roughly, Nivea and Banila Co have the drugstore price. While La Roche-Posay has the higher drugstore price but not in the high-end category.

So, the winner of price category are Nivea and Banila Co.

The Weight

Both Nivea and La Roche-Posay have 50ml per tube. While Banila Co only have 35ml worth of sunscreen.

So, the winner of weight category are Nivea and La Roche-Posay.

The Consistency

Into the main discussion... The consistency of a sunscreen is really important. It will effect the result of our makeup, also our comfortable level to conquer the sun *lol*, etc. Which means, it will effect all aspect of our life. 

Banila Co has a moisturizer texture. It has a white light-weight cream. Usually, in the morning I changed my moisturizer to this sunscreen. 

Nivea has a regular sunscreen texture. It is stated that this sunscreen is not sticky, but it feels tacky. Yuck! The texture is very thick and sticky. 

La Roche-Posay has the most light-weight from all of the sunscreen. It feels like putting water onto your face. It is very light-weight, not sticky, and does not feel tacky at all! The packaging wrote that this sunscreen is ULTRA LIGHT. And that is right! Super true.

So, the winner of consistency category is La Roche-Posay.

The SPF Spectrum

Both Nivea and La Roche-Posay have SPF 50, but with different PA level. La Roche-Posay only have 1 +, while Nivea have 2+.  While, the Banila Co has only SPF 35 PA++.

Even though Nivea has a better SPF, but it feels greasy and thick. So, I have to choose the winner is La Roche-Posay for the best SPF Spectrum.

The Ingredients

I've learned that to know the ingredients inside your beauty products is very important. It could save us from marketing scam and also skin cancer! You should be aware with Paraben, Perfume/ Fragrance, Alcohol, and the list goes on. But, the most important it should be free of Paraben. So, I will let you know which one is the best worth and safety product. 

Since Banila Co is a Korean Brand, I have a hard time to read and understand what is inside the product. They don't write the English translation like the other brands. Anyhow, I figured out some important facts. This product consist of "3 Super Fruit", which are KaKadu Plum, Acerola, and Acai Berry. Kakadu Plum functioned as a protection from stress. Acerola is rich of vitamin C so it works to protect the skin. While, Acai Berry works to improve skin texture and elastisity. But it also contains perfume inside. Well, can we just see the good side only? It has a lots of good natural extract inside this 30ml product. 

I threw away the box of my Nivea Sun which in result I didn't know the ingredients inside this product. But, I surf to their official website and I found it! There are a lots of chemical name that I don't really know by heart, but the good news is this product is Paraben free and no fragrance added! Good to know, Nivea. 

Lastly, the product that written it proudly that it does not contain any Paraben and Fragrance, La Roche-Posay. By far, this product really impressed me a lot! You can guess the winner, right? I choose La Roche-Posay as the best ingredients product.   

The Water Resistant Level

For water resistant level, La Roche-Posay has the longest one. Nivea also have a good one, but I have to mix it with BB Cream with low SPF, to make it less greasy. When I used the Nivea Sunblock only, I feel like want to clean my face all the time. 

Usually, I used the Banila Co sunscreen when I have to go out for a while and I have a lot indoor activities. Well, the product does not mention about water resistant, so this product has the lowest level of water resistant.

So, the best one goes to La Roche-Posay. 

The Smell

Well, smell or fragrance is one of the point to consider when we buy make-up, well at least for me. As it is stated that Banila Co has berry inside, so it has the best smell. La Roche-Posay has really drug smell. It smells like a prescription lotion you got from a dermatologist (even though I've never used those kind of products. lol). Nivea has the regular sunblock smell.

So, the best smell goes to Banila Co.

Overall

Well, if I have to choose from all of those 3 products, I will choose 2 of them. I will definitely repurchase Banila Co Sun Moisturizer (I've done that though). Because it works really good for morning moisturizer because it has SPF! Best invention evaaa. Unlike other moisturizer with SPF, this product has enough SPF, which is SPF 35. (Even though there are a lot of tinted moisturizer out there now, but I haven't tried it, so this is the best by far).

For the greater SPF product, I will like to repurchase La Roche Posay because of it's light weight texture. But since it is hard to find this brand in Indonesia (my brother who bought it from Australia), I might purchase a similar one later on.

I would like not to repurchase Nivea one just because it is very thick and greasy. I feel hot and greasy when I used that product. In other word, it is uncomfortable. I rather choose the light-weight one with the same SPF level. Even though, this product could be easily found all over Indonesia.

This review is waayyy far from perfect or great review, but I tried my best to share my experience from using those product. This is 100% my opinion and it might different from others' experience. Hope this is hopeful. :) Thank you so much for reading my review from the beginning to the end. I will try my best to improve my blog. :)

XOXO,