Travel Diary: Melbourne Travel Diary – Foodie Race

Welcome to the second part of my Melbourne travel diary, which also the highlight of the trip! Most of my activities while traveling is trying out local delicacies as well as restaurants to try there. I’ve been researching the restaurants and cafes I wanted to visit before departing. Yes, I researched more about resto and cafes than the point of interest. LOL! I'm missing the foods and vibes in Melbourne, so I decided to post this. But, since I had so much things to do, I couldn't post it on time. Nevertheless, here are the lists of my culinary experience in Melbourne. Enjoy!

MENYA RAMEN

This is one of the most famous Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. They specialized in Ramen, but the most popular menu is their Gyu tan Don or ox tongue rice. They have a large portion, so when you are short of money, you can split the portion for two. The gyu tan don cost for AUD 16. Let me explain you how good this gyu tan. First, they have their special sauce with slices of chili. Second, the beef is melty. The combination of sweet, hot, and salty was beyond perfect. Surprisingly, I finished one portion of it in one seating. Maybe flying took too much of my energy.

Find Menya Ramen at:
437-439 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Price Range:

AUS$3.00 - AUS$18.90

Recommended menu:

Gyu Tan don

FAMOUS HOTPOT AND BBQ

Melbourne in May was chilly AF, especially at night. To warm our body, my brother and I chose to have hotpot. I don’t usually eat Chinese hotpot. I prefer Sukiyaki (Japanese hotpot), because of the broth is mild and they don’t use spices. My brother said that they have the best fish balls and they do have various fish balls. But, I couldn’t say that I really like it, but I don’t hate it either. So, it was a little miss from me. Their most popular broth is the “Drunken Chicken”. I do love chicken broth, but not this one. It has the oriental taste and they use too much MSG I guess. I hurt my throat right after I ate there. Maybe the other broth is probably better? If you like Chinese hotpot, go try for dinner because it is buffet.

Find Famous Hotpot and BBQ at:
113 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Price Range:
AUS$38.80/pax

Recommended menu:
Fish ball with Drunken Chicken base

SIR CHARLES

Hands up for Sir Charles to have the most flavorful brunch menu. Their most popular menu is Sir Charles Benedict. Their hollandaise sauce is rich of flavor and the composition for one person is perfect. The background of this brunch café is Asian fusion foods. So, most of their menu is rich of flavor, not like other western food, which is more plain. The price of this benedict menu is AUD 16. Their interior was cozy and quite instgramable. 

Find Sir Charles at:

121 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
https://sircharlesfitzroy.com

Price Range:
AUS$50.00 for 2 pax

Recommended menu:
Sir Charles Benedict

MESSINA

Done with main meal, it’s time for dessert. Actually, I’m pretty full with my brunch at Sir Charles but, there is always a space for dessert! My friend said in Melbourne there are two type of groups, Mezzina team or Freddo team. She was in the later one. Btw, I tried Mezzina twice when I was in Australia. I couldn’t choose one when I’m in Mezzina because the flavor were too many and I don’t really like weird flavors. I didn’t even remember which flavor I tried but, it was pretty okay. Btw, Mezzina is not an ice cream shop, but a gelato shop. 

Find Messina (Melbourne) at:

237 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
https://gelatomessina.com

Price Range:
Start from AUS$4.00 (Tiny size)

GJ’S GRILL

Ate another type of Asian food. It was my first time eating Filipino cuisine. I am new with pork belly fan club and they have a very nice crispy pork belly. It was crispy but not hard. It was fried and baked perfectly. Their rice is also nice. It has a special fragrance, like Hainan rice. It was not white, but more yellowish. I also like their fried chicken! Oh it’s been a long time since I ate those kind of fried chicken. Asian food is never wrong. It is a must try!!

Find GJ’s Grill at:
 2/243 Franklin St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Price Range:
AUS$30.00 for 2 pax

Recommended menu:
Lechon

WHITE MOJO

I always had the best brunch in Australia! And this brunch place is another thumbs up. Right from the interior to the menu itself. The menu's price are relatively standard for Australian brunch places. I ordered Signature Croissant Burger (23 AUD) and it was a pleasant one! It consist of soft-shell crab, chiptole mayo, smoked eel, pickled cucumber, chroizo crumb, fried eggs and buttery croissant. I love the croissant and the mayo was amazing. If you are not allergic to seafood, I recommend you this one. Well, Big Breakfast is a safe move, so order what you like. I forgot what my brother ordered, so I could only recommend you what I ordered or usually ordered.

Find White Mojo at:
115 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000
182 - 184 Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn VIC 3103
83 - 85 Kingsway, Glen Waverley VIC 3150
https://www.whitemojo.com.au

Price Range:
AUS$30.00 for 2 pax

Recommended menu:
Signature Croissant Burger

REPUBLICA

Visiting beach during non-summer days are very novel for me. But I really liked it! Because there is less crowd. Never thought I will be enjoying hot tea near the beach in my life. But, I did that, because it was freakin' windy near the beach. I sat down at this bar/resto. I didn't remember ordering food, so let's skip that one. My brother go to this cafe often, whenever he came to St. Kilda beach areas. The restaurant is spacey and I guess they are very crowded whenever it's summer.

Find Republica at:
10/18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182
republica.net.au

Price Range:

AUS$100 for 2 pax

MELBA AT THE LANGHAM MELBOURNE

Free flow Lobster at discounted price! My brother has been waiting for this day, because they have a special promotion, so we had a little fancy dinner. This restaurant serves fresh seafood, buttery grilled lobster, steak, Asian wok, and much more. All I can remember from this buffet dinner is that I ate 3-4 pieces of lobster, to note that I don't like shrimp and it's family. But I like lobster! Cause I think lobster more similar to crab rather than shrimp. Also, I ate a lot of chunk of steak. Other than that, I couldn't even remember how their dessert looks like. I usually couldn't resist dessert, but I forgot about it, totally. If you have spare money and really could eat a lot, go to try this buffet restaurant. Reservation is needed.

Find Melba at:
1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Melbourne, VIC 3006
https://www.melbarestaurant.com.au/

Price Range:
Start from AUS$97.00 (Adult price)

Recommended menu:
Dinner buffet - free flow Lobster

SHANGHAI STREET DUMPLING

Chinese food is always in the list whenever I travel. Not really a fan of dumplings, because usually my family, especially my mom only eat shrimp dumpling, but as I said before, I didn't really fancy shrimp. But most dumplings are filled with minced pork and chicken, so I tried this out. For few years now, I'm not really picky on food, so if the ingredient is familiar, I will try to eat it. Except raw food. Anyway, this dumpling shop have a very long waiting list, so better to visit this shop as early as possible!

Find Shanghai Street at:
146 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
https://www.shanghaistreet.com.au

Price Range:
Start from AUSS$6.80 - $48.80

Recommended menu:
Xialongbao

SCHNITZ

The best fries I've tried in my whole life! It's not a regular potato fries, it's a thick-cut fries with perfect seasoning! The saltiness is beyond comprehension. Actually, this shop sells other than chips, their main menu is schnitzel (similar to katsu, originated from German) and anything pan-cooked. I haven't try their other menu, but looking at their website and instagram page, it might worth the try. They have several locations throughout Australia, so check it out through the store locator feature on their website. I didn't even took the fries, because I directly ate the fries.

Find Schnitz at:
https://schnitz.com.au/locations/
https://www.instagram.com/schnitzau/

Price Range:
AUS$3.90 - $16.90

Recommended menu:
Chips

JINDA THAI

The most favorite restaurant of my brother. He really recommended and approved this restaurant to be the best Thai restaurant. I'm a Tom Yum Gung and Pad-Thai fan, so whenever I go to Thai resto, I always buy those menu. But, Jinda Thai changed my life. We ordered something other than those food. I never liked any type of curry, but I liked the one from here. 

Find Jinda Thai at:
1-7 Ferguson St, Abbotsford VIC 3067

Price Range:
AUS$80 for 2 pax

Recommended menu: 
Soft Shell Crab Curry Sauce
Crispy Pork Chinese Broccoli
Fish with Tamarind Sauce
Pad See Ew

LUNE CROISSANTS AND COFFEE

Oh la la~! The best croissant in my whole life. My brother brought me home this croissant when he came back to Indonesia for the first time. Even the take-away and have to go through 7 hours flight croissant still taste amazing! And finally I tried the fresh one!!! I'm so happy. My love for the croissant is beyond words and I finally found my soul croissant at Lune Croissants. Their Ham and Gruyere should be your number one list as well as the original one. They made the croissant everyday, so it is fresh and hand made. If they sold all their freshly made croissants, they are going to close the shop. So, better come there early. Before I went to the airport, I stopped by to buy some of this and I had to line because the shop hasn't opened yet. #NIAT I'm that eager to bring that babies to Indonesia. HAHA. Come early, okayyy?

Signature Croissants

Cruffins

Extravaganza Croissants

Look at that bacon x cheese combi!

Find Lune Croissants and Coffee at:
119 Rose St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065
Shop 16 161 Collins St (enter via Russel St), Melbourne, VIC 3000
https://www.lunecroissanterie.com/

Price Range: 
AUS$25 for 2 pax

Recommended menu: 
Ham and Gruyere

THE CORNER CHICKEN SHOP

Glad my brother take me to visit Queen Victoria Market and let me try his best wings & fries combo option in Melbourne. He really know his sister, proud of you bro! Who can resist it, anyways? The shop itself sell raw poultry as well the ready to eat one. They put on gravy sauce on it and it was amazing! Not too salty and greasy. You can try both the fried wings or the roasted one. Both are amazing.

Find The Corner Chicken Shop at:
Queen Victoria Market right beside the exit to Therry Street

Price Range: 
AUS$15 for 2 pax

Recommended menu: 
Wings and Chips

MC ILROY QUEEN VIC JUICE

While Australia have the freshest fruits in hand, I tried my best to drink as much as juice and smoothies I can there. This shop have fresh juice and it was pretty okay. The price is pretty reasonable. You can have a semi-healthy life when you are in Australia, actually. Any juice shop might use the fresh and juicy fruit, so you can try any shop available.

Find Mc Ilroy Queen Vic Juice at:
Queen Victoria Market
Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000

AMERICAN DOUGHNUTS KITCHEN

Not a fan of filling doughnut, but this one is an exception. Hot strawberry jam filled doughnut covered with sugar are best consumed in the fresh open air, it's like a picnic. Should try this one, cause they don't open for so long. So, come early to get your hand on this sweety. You can see the shop right away because of their iconic van. They sell their hot jam doughnut in a van at Queen Victoria Market along the Queen Street since 1950.

Find American Doughnuts Kitchen at:
Queen Victoria Market
Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
http://adk1950.com.au

Price:
AUS$1.20 each

LAMB ON CHAPEL SOUTH YARRA

Another adventure of filling in my tummy with fries. This time, I tried HSP (Halal Snack Pack), more of a Arabian kind of food. HSP consist of choices of meat (halal category of meat), toppings and sauces, and fries! I kinda copied my brother's order cos he has a very good taste bud. You can order to your liking. Think this like Subway.

Find Lamb on Chapel South Yarra at:

394 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141

Price Range:
AUS$35 for 2 pax

Recommended menu: 

Halal Snack Pack (HSP) with lots of fries

BREIZOZ

Tried the French crepes for the first time I guess. It was a really nice dessert night. Their specialty is the Banana and Rhum crepe, which my brother ordered. Since I don't like banana, I choose my all time faves, chocolate crepe. It was not too sweet, so not so much guilty. All flavour is good, because the base of the crepe is well made and cooked (?) perfectly, not so crispy not so gooey. They also serve Flambés crepe which is amazing to watch those burning flambés. My brother ordered the flambés one, you can see it on my Travel Diary video here.

Find Breizoz at:
Entrance On, 2/49 Brunswick Street, Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Price Range: 
Average AUS$15 each

Recommended menu: 
Banana and Rhum or Chocolate

Liverpool Street Alley

RICE PAPER SCISSORS

My first tapas experience! This house is one of the best tapas restaurant in Melbourne. I liked their Sticky Pork Belly the most. They serve Asian-fusion specialty restaurant, but mostly Thai, Vietnam, and Singapore style of cooking. They have a cute ambience and interior, so it might be in your consideration list! Fyi, they use LOTS of coriander, so if you don't like it, just opt for the safe menu like the one I've mentioned.

Grilled Pork Betel

 Banh Mi (maybe)

Tofu, Cracker, Corriander, Tomato, and more (Couldn't find the right name)

Steamed Pork Bun

Sticky Pork Belly

Find Rice Paper Scissors at:
19 Liverpool St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
https://ricepaperscissors.com.au

Price Range:
AUS$59 (lunch) or AUS$65 (dinner) 
choose 5 dishes for 2 person

Recommended menu:

Sticky Pork Belly

MART 130

Another iconic brunch place in Melbourne. This brunch place is located beside tram railways. It was used as a stationmaster, but it doesn't operate anymore. To revive the abandon facilities, they whip it to a cozy cafe. It also connected to Middle Park, so you can take a walk after eating. I ordered Mart Eggs #1. They already have fixed menu, so you couldn't alternate it. Psst, fyi the word 'mart' is 'tram' spelled backward! So, the station is Tram number 130. #mindblown
P.S: Currently they are temporarily closed.

Find Mart 130 at:
107A Canterbury Road, Middle Park, Melbourne

Price Range: 
AUS$50 for 2 pax

Recommended menu:

Mart Eggs of your choice

BLACKSTAR PASTRY

Got my hands on the infamous watermelon-strawberry cake. Yes, they are awesome. There are few copies of this cake, but the original is always the best. The strawberry was sour, but balanced the sweetness of the cake and the watermelon add crunchy texture to the cake. Amazing combination! We ordered the Lemon Zen too, but not really satisfying like the Strawberry and Watermelon cake.
The Melbourne store is a pop-up store, so you should find it in Sydney.

Find Blackstar Pastry at:
Level 2, 500 George St, Sydney
and 3 other stores in Sydney
https://blackstarpastry.com.au

Price Range:
AUS $4.5 - 10.00 (cake only)

Recommended menu:
Strawberry and Watermelon

ZAB THAI

Low-cost Thai food. We ate at a Thai food canteen for dinner. This place is my brother and my friend's go to for more affordable option of Thai food. They don't have a lot of option, but their main courses are pretty good. If you miss rice, you can come here to have some Asian staple food. #asianbloodFTW

Find Zab Thai at:
1132 Riversdale Rd, Box Hill South VIC 3128

Price Range:
AUS$8.5

Recommended menu:
Spicy Crispy Pork with Kailan

IL DOLCE FREDDO

Closing my tummy with last gelato in Australia. We went to Il Dolce Freddo for dessert. They have durian gelato and I'm a fan of durian, so it's a must go. I don't really liked durian-flavored foods, but the one here doesn't taste like durian, so I kinda like it. Not really recommending that one tho, but it's worth to try if you like durian.

Find Il Dolce Freddo at:
116 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
https://www.instagram.com/ildolcefreddo/

Price Range:
AUS$6.60 (Small cup, 2 flavors)

Recommended menu:
Durian Gelato

That's all that I can record for you all! Hope it help! If you happen to visit Melbourne, you might check the recommendations I've mentioned above. It's all approved by my chef-brother. All of the recommendations are based on my own experience and according to my personal taste. Have a wonderful culinary experience, everyone! #foodforlye 
Sorry for the lack of photos, I'm still shy to take out my camera and take a shot. Some of the food are mostly displayed on my video, so check it out there too!

Thank you for reading till this part! 
Watch the full travel diary on my YT Channel here. 
See you on my next post soon! 

LIFE: KEYWORDS OF 2018

Oh gosh! 2018 is coming to end and I’m not ready for 2019. So many things happened in 2018. I’m planning to do a summary video on my YouTube Channel, but let’s see if I have enough time to edit it. I want to share you my unrevealed days in 2018. So, how’s your 2018? Are your resolutions going well as you planned in the beginning of 2018? I’m going to share how’s my resolution work this year, too.

Same as last year, I’m going to do a reflection post of 2018. This time, I’m going to use keywords to sum up my 2018 journey.

#1 머물어 (Stay)

This one word in Korean is a keyword in most of my favorite K-pop songs. Especially, Wanna One songs. This one word taught me how precious is your loved one, the one who always be on your side and hear you out whenever you are down or up. Also, a reminder to never leave someone you love aside.

“언제까지나 머물러줘

Stay with me until always”

– Twilight by Wanna One

Recommending a song from g.o.d called ‘One Candle’, it was a great song for reminding you that you are not alone.

“

지치고 힘들땐

(When you’re tired and exhausted)
내게 기대

(Lean on me)
언제나 니곁에서 있을게

(I will always be by your side)
혼자라는 생각이들지않게

(So that you never feel like you’re alone in this world)
내가너의손잡아줄게

(I’ll be right beside you, holding your hand)

“

#2 노력 (Effort)

A word that keep me moving forward this year. I’m extremely trying so many new things in 2018, especially after moving to Korea. But before my days in Korea, I also did so much effort especially in creating good contents with gudang.co (now Goed Studio). I keep on learning that the process, the effort that counts. I just want to share with all of you, that keep on doing effort, don’t give up too quickly. It’s okay if the result is not as good as you expected, but give your 100% for everything you do.

#3 환경오염 (Environmental Pollution)

Really, this year I’m spending myself around this issue. I felt terrible with the fact that this environmental pollution is keep on increasing. Without realizing, this year I created an Earth Day campaign content, one of my life bucket list is being more environmental friendly, created a new product proposal presentation at the language school about recycling and also visited recycling fair. I pretty much involved regarding this issue and I’m also participating in letting others know how important this issue is. Korean Government has banned using plastic cups and straws for dine in purpose. I’m really liking this movement and hope all of the cafes and restaurant in the world will do the same thing. I believe that changes start from the smallest thing.

Sadden by the fact that a whale found dead because of plastic in Indonesia this year. While working on my presentation, I found out that plastic was once a magical material, but it turns out it became the most dangerous weapon. It kills us slowly. So, my dear readers, if you are reading this post, please restrain yourself for using plastic. Eat more real food, choose can bottles instead of plastic bottles, just minimize throwing trashes. There are a lot of benefits if you use tumbler instead of the plastic cup, so go buy a tumbler and brought it everywhere you go.

I really want that the environment is getting better and it can be achieved with a real action. A little sacrifice and inconvenience might happen, but the result will be not disappointing at least in the future. As the citizen of this earth, let’s work hand in hand to create a better earth!

P.S: Kinda not related, but I wanna travel to Findland or the Northern part of Europe cos it still feels so natural. Too much environmental pollution issue surrounding and I need a healing camp to those kind of places, I think.

#4 Peace

This year is a momentum year for South and North Korea. They are finally going to held hands. On this year Christmas, my Cardinal said “peace should be the theme of our live” and they are the perfect picturesque of Peace. Start with having peace with yourself, then with others. Remember that love has many form, and peace is one of it. So, I hope you have a peaceful year ahead!

#5 Thank You

I heard and say a lot of Thank You this year. This year is a year of celebration for me, so I can’t say enough ‘Thank You’. From the beginning of the year I had a lot of things to celebrate. Head over to my Instagram post here to see the complete story of my life this 2018. I want thank you to you guys who read my blogs and watch my videos! And most of all, thank you to my favorite actors and idols to do your best this year, coloring my days in 2018. Special mention to Park Seojun (I could see you twice this year, after ditching your fan meeting 2 years ago), Wanna One (for completing your crazy busy activities. Well done guys, see you on 24 ^th), Park Bogum (for coming to my graduation and came back on screen!), and Song Joongki (for the awesome 10 years Debut Anniversary fan meeting that I’m grateful to be part of your adventure for 9 years).

Edit: FINALLY I SAW BOTH WANNA ONE AND PARK BOGUM ON THE FIRST MONTH OF JANUARY! WATCH MY JANUARY REWIND HERE

I’m wishing you all a Happy New Year! Hope this year all of your dreams came true and only peace and happiness filled your 2019. Thank you for reading my reflection post this year and see you soon on my next post or video!

xoxo,

Facial Cleanser A-Z: Part 2

Hello! I’m back with this series after 2/3 years. I remembered doing it the first time when I was in Lombok doing my internship. Now, I’ve tried another 5 facial cleansers that took some time to try. I’m sorry it took a while, because I finished all the product first before trying the other one. And most of the cleanser has 200ml worth of product so it took a while to finished it. So, let's get started!

F for (The) Face Shop

It was just like your regular cleansing foam. Foamy, creamy, and it has a lot of product in one tube. It almost took a year to finished this product. So, 170ml was a lot guys! At some time, I got bored using this product and wanted to finished this product ASAP. lol. This particular line has several flavor/scent/main ingredient. The one that I used was the mung beans extract one. Mung bean is rich with vitamin and will nourish your skin. I have nothing to complain about this cleansing foam until I found out that this contain paraben. Well, if you don’t mind about paraben, feel free to try this product or the other one. I’ve mentioned it on my Empties 2017 video about this product, but here are the detailed review.

Texture

Texture wise, this product has a creamy texture and lathers easily. It was smooth to your skin and you wanna play with it for some time.

Scent

It doesn’t have a strong scent to it, so for sensitive people out there, it is definitely safe to try this product. I can’t smell the mung bean scent at all. So, I guess the extract was just a few percent.

Result

After using this product, you can find it is brighten your skin instantly. But, after a few hours later, your skin color is going back to normal. It says that it is suitable for all skin types, but at some point I found that this product can be drying too. So, if you have dry and sensitive skin it is better to not use all skin type products. When I have my period, my skin can be a troublesome. After I used this product, my skin feels too tight and drying. So, you better watch out to try this product. But on normal days, I don’t have anything to complain about. It cleanses your face perfectly, but doesn’t leave a squeaky clean feeling at all.

Repurchase?

No, because of it contains paraben. Actually, most of the road shop product does contain paraben. I didn’t realize the ingredients because I’m not the one who bought it. My friend ask for a favor to buy this product for her and I got one from it. I also realized it after this product was almost finished. It doesn’t effect my skin, but I'm on the mission to minimize using parabens to my face and body, even hair.

G for Grown Alchemist

I was scrolling on a beauty site then I came across a post regarding “Indie beauty brands you know need to know”. The site mentioned Grown Alchemist and I found out it’s an Australian brand. I asked my brother to bought it for me and the price is not as expensive as I thought. At first, I couldn’t think of a brand beginning with “G” and actually, I wanted to try Glossier products, but I couldn’t remember it at all. So, I get my hands on this product and couldn’t not to love it. Search on Google and mostly you can only see the good reviews of this product, because it’s that good.

Texture

The best mild cleanser I’ve tried so far! It’s the upgraded texture of Jurlique’s one. It is mild and feels so good on skin. The solution is clear, similar to a water, so it feels so light. The foam is not burdening, but it cleanse your face perfectly.

Scent

Of course, another reason I love this cleanser is because of the scent. It has a calming scent, because it consist of natural ingredients such as geranium leaf, rose bud, chamomile, and much more. The scent combination is so perfect. Not a burdening chemical perfumed scent, but a natural scent feeling that using this product is like you go to a spa.

Result

The picture couldn’t show perfectly how my skin changes, but after using it everyday, my skin feels healthier and pores are getting smaller. Well, at least, it doesn’t get bigger. I used this cleanser while I’m in Indonesia and Korea. I’ve used this during summer, fall, and winter days and it still gave the same result. So, wherever you are, whenever it is, you can always use this product. This cleanser is a true gentle cleanser, because after use it doesn’t feel dry and no squeaky clean feeling. Especially on winter days (yes, I know the winter days struggles), you need a lot of moisture and this cleanser can save your time and your skin care products, because they still leave the good moisture of your skin.

Before

After

Repurchase?

DEFINITELY! Recently, I went to a shopping center in Korea and they have Grown Alchemist shop there! So excited to try out the other products from this brand because it’s natural and smells so goooood!

H for Holika Holika

Remember my super Korean Haul on 2016? Finally I’m finishing that cute novel facial cleanser (even though almost quarter of it spill out when I brought it to Korea). Actually it was nice for the first few times because of the Konyak brush attached on it. At first I used this product once a week, then when I use this everyday, I didn’t find this foam anything special. It does cleanse the dirt with or without the brush but, the more I use this my skin feels tight-dry.

Texture

The texture is smooth yet foamy and light. If you know about Snow Whip from Senka, it was something like that. Senka’s one is creamy foam like a whip cream, but this one is lighter.

Scent

Even though it was filled with artificial fragrance, but I still like the scent. It was more like a sweet and fresh scent.

Result

I don’t have any specific comments for the result. One thing for sure is I have a satisfying feeling when I used the konyak brush. I don’t know why but it feels refreshing. As you can see below, there is no big difference before and after using. But surely, it cleans the dirt.

Before

After

Repurchase?

Maybe no. I don’t really fancy the product solution, so I don’t think I’m going to repurchase this specific product just because of the konyak brush attached. I could use another facial brush if I want the perfect clean skin.

I for Isoi

Two years ago, I began to know this brand. I had list of brands beginning with “I”, but I’m not into it with the others. Then I search the best facial cleanser on Glowpick (this app will show the ingredients included and tell you if it is safe or not). Then I spot this cleanser. Not their best selling product, but it’s worth the try. I didn’t know that Isoi is almost a higher-end brand, but oh well. I fell in love with the Bulgarian Rose Serum, so I’m expecting a surprising result from this facial cleanser too.

Texture

The best creamy texture in this section. It’s like a fresh cream, white, thick, and feels good on skin.

Scent

They have a bit of calming scent. Chamomile, rosemary, lavender, and many more extract are included inside. I didn’t know the English name of the ingredients unless it is an English name. lol. Anyways, there are like 12 plant based oil and extracts that made up a subtle scent. If you are looking another option rather than the Grown Alchemist one, you can opt for this one. They have a mutual scent.

Result

This product said that “cleaning till the pores, only moisture left” and I couldn’t really figure out the moisture from inside of my skin, but my skin feels like a baby skin after cleansing. It’s also a different feeling when you use a moisturizer. But it’s a good preparation for layers of skin care.

Before (look at that dry hands 😭)

After

Repurchase?

Yes! But I’’l waiting for a sale period to buy this again. Plus, I’m curious with the other products of isoi. They have another type of cleanser but it’s more expensive, so I didn’t end up buying that one.

J for Jurlique

Finally trying out this famous brand from Australia! I’m excited to try this product at first. Since I asked my friend a favor, I didn’t smell or know much about the product. It turns out that I didn’t really like the scent even though it has a rose extract inside. The facial foam is not on a creamy texture side, but a liquid one. I’m rarely use this kind of facial cleanser. Also, I’m worried that it doesn’t form foam like I wanted. But this product has its own charm, it cleanse out dirt on your faces with minimal foam. Most of all, this product is free from paraben and using mostly natural ingredients. YAY!

Texture

As I’ve said earlier, this product has a liquid texture. It forms foam but not as much as creamy texture or the real foaming cleanser.

Scent

I thought I’m going to love the rose scent. It turns out products with rose petals extract doesn’t have a really appealing scent, but still have a nice one. They have a lot of natural ingredients inside, that’s why the scent can changes over time. When the first time I used it on my face, the scent quite strong, it’s quite suffocating. (I couldn’t really describe the scent in words) Over the time, the scent became less strong, but it doesn’t get pleasant.

Result

At first, the result is quite disappointing. Maybe, when the first time I used it, my skin was not capable to receive the effect from this cleanser. I got a very tight feeling skin and I got some bumps on several spots. I thought maybe because it contains alcohol. But, it didn’t stop me to keep on using it. The later I use, it has a pretty good result. It doesn’t give any tight feeling anymore, cleaned my face very well, and no more bumps. It does effective in improving discoloration in the long-run. This product is specifically write to balancing skin. I think it doesn’t mean pH balance, but balancing your color skin tone. Because this product contain alcohol, it can feel tight. But, quite effective in the long-run to even out the skin tone. 

Before

After

Also, I have a bad opinion about the pump head (packaging), which is inconvenient. It is quite short so, it looks dirty and there will be always a leftover on the neck of the pump. But, I think they have a new packaging which is better now.

Repurchase?

Maybe yes. I really like the brand and love to try the other products too. So, this one might come up on my repurchase list. I’ll see my finance condition at the time of purchase, if its fit, I’ll repurchase it.

It’s been 2/3 years since I started the first one (read the A-E part here). It took a while to try out 5 products because I tried to finished all the products first to gave honest and fullest review of each product. Thank you for keeping up to this point and I’m excited to tried other brand’s facial cleanser soon! I’m open for recommendations for K-O brands. Also, if you have tried the products I’ve mentioned before, share with me in the comments section!

P.S: I tried so hard to take the before-after photos, but it's harder than I thought. And I think I need to know more tips and tricks to beauty review shots! So, I'm sorry if I can't show the fullest result. 

2018 is gonna end soon and I’m going to have a reflection post soon on the blog and I’m finally revealing my 2018 Mask Sheet Journey on my YouTube channel. So stay tune!

xoxo,

Jennifer