[Review] Innisfree Pore clearing clay mousse mask

I had the cult favourite Innisfree Volcanic Clay mask for the longest time on my wishlist but for some reason I always used to remove it from my cart at the checkout.  I found the mousse version of this mask by chance so I bought it immediately as birthday gift for myself

Packaging:

The packaging is what piqued my interest. This come in a aerosol can rather than a glass jar. The pump opening is quite wide and has a stopper to prevent the mask from drying. 

Smooth  on this unique volcanic clay mask to instantly feel a cooling sensation as naturally absorbent Super Volcanic Clusters™ from Jeju Island, Korea help draw out excess oil—minimizing the look of pores. The airy mousse glides on cleanly and smoothly to help clear impurities from your pores.

With twice the excess sebum absorbing ability of the original, this light-as-air mousse mask glides on seamlessly and provides skin with instant cooling benefits. Innovative micro clay particles in the mask help deeply cleanse impurities and pollutants from the skin to deeply cleanse pores.

Texture:

The texture is exactly like a mousse. It is  fluffy , creamy and has a light grey color to it. There are minute clay particles running throughout the mousse. This has a typical clay smell. It is pleasant and not overwhelming. 

Ingredients:

WATER, KAOLIN, TITANIUM DIOXIDE(CI 77891), VOLCANIC ASH, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SILICA,ALCOHOL, POLYVINYL ALCOHOL, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE,STEARIC ACID, CELLULOSE, PALMITICACID, BENTONITE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, CETEARYLALCOHOL, ARGININE, SORBITAN STEARATE, JUGLANSREGIA (WALNUT) SHELL POWDER, PHENOXYETHANOL,IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), LACTIC ACID, ZEAMAYS (CORN) STARCH, MANNITOL, MICROCRYSTALLINECELLULOSE, SALIX ALBA (WILLOW) BARK EXTRACT,XANTHAN GUM, GLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA,ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ARACHIDIC ACID, MYRISTICACID, CAMELLIA JAPONICA LEAF EXTRACT, CAMELLIASINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CITRUS UNSHIU PEELEXTRACT, OPUNTIA COCCINELLIFERA FRUIT EXTRACT,ORCHID EXTRACT

Application:

The airy mousse texture makes this very easy to apply. You can use your fingers, spatula or a brush. I personally use a spatula as it is less messy. The pump can sometime squirt out a cloud of product so I suggest using a light hand when pressing the button .

This takes time to dry down completely so you can easily manipulate it across the face. It is really good at absorbing sebum and grime from the face. I usually use this once a week to clear up congested pores and sebum buildup from my face. This can dry out the skin if you leave it on for longer duration. I usually wash this off after 20 mins and then follow it up with a toner /serum to restore the moisture

This instantly brightens the complexion. It can be a little difficult to rinse at times ( specially if you let the mask dry completely ) but it really clear out pores and even drys out acne. This is what I reach out for the most when my skin is very oily, and breaking out a lot in humid weather. 

For 15$  This is quite a steal as you get 100ml of product in mousse formula. 

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MIMO BY M Bright Like A Star Set Review

Around three weeks ago MimoByM surprised all of the Skincare enthusiasts by dropping the ''Bright Like A Star'' skincare line . I have been testing all of the four products for 2 weeks now ( the minimum time suggested by brand to see visible difference) . So I think it is the right time to pen down ( read type) my final thoughts.

Now it is not that often that you see me review Pakistani skincare brands on my blog  because:

1. Most of the brands are not honest about their ingredients list and the use of term 'natural /herbal' just makes it more shady and untrustable

2. The quality is often so poor that the product disintegrates within a few weeks. 

So I was genuinely very curious to try the first ever korean inspired skincare range from a very reliable online store. I totally appreciate how the brand is 100% transparent with the ingredients list. 

The first thing that made my heart race was seeing the line ' A Product of Mimo By M Pakistan' printed on the box. So proud of you MimoByM. I also liked how the brand went along with the soft feminine packaging, Looks so aesthetic . All the products are ''VEGAN. CRUELTY FREE. ALCOHOL FREE. ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCE FREE''. The mild citrus scent is from Lemon Peel Oil ( very minute quantity )

The  Bright Like A Star line consists of :

Bright Like A Star Clarifying & Refreshing Glow Gel Cleanser (150 ml) Retails: 1900

Bright Like A Star Clarifying & Soothing Comfort Toner (150 ml) Retails: 1900

Bright Like A Star Complexion & Texture Enhancing Brightening Serum (30ml)

Bright Like A Star Skin Refining & Regenerating Moisturizer (50g)

Before I begin, allow me to introduce you all to my skin type. I have oily/dehydrated skin , acne prone with some visible crater likes pores on the nose and cheeks. For the past few weeks my skin has been acting out because of the mask and now I have a lot of PIH and closed comedones on my cheeks. I am in my twenties and try my best to take good care of my skin. Now onto the review. 

Bright Like A Star Clarifying & Refreshing Glow Gel Cleanser

The Mimo By M Bright Like A Star gel cleanser thoroughly removes dirt and dead skin cells, making your skin feel fresh and clean. It is a gentle cleanser which effectively removes impurities, including makeup and sunblock, and can be used day and night

I have been using this cleanser three times a day and it is the best I have ever tried. It looks slightly peachy in the bottle but comes out clear gel. The scent is very mild and refreshing. It lather a little bit and washes off easily without any oily residue. This is really good at removing sebum, dust and light layer of makeup ( I couldn't get waterproof mascara off with this ). I personally prefer double cleanse method for removing makeup+ sunscreen but this one is pretty good and can emulsify your foundation, blush, lipstick easily. This is suitable for all skin types because it does not dry out skin. Really happy with this moisturizing cleanser

Bright Like A Star Clarifying & Soothing Comfort Toner (150 ml)

The Mimo By M Bright Like A Star toner has an intensive soothing and brightening formula that helps keep your skin smooth and clear. It helps fight redness and sensitivity, and helps you achieve a smoother skin texture and a more toned and brighter complexion. 

The small plastic lid on the bottle to close the product after use is actually a very smart detail that brand added to the toner bottle. The texture is like water but it is hydrating and refreshing. I usually pat this onto the skin once. Some days I douse a cotton pad with this toner for extra boost of hydration. This contains witch hazel ( astringent ) and calming ingredients like calendula, centella asiatica . There is also arbutin for brightening. 

Before you clutch your face in horror let me clarify you that Witch hazel is actually beneficial when diluted with other skincare ingredients. Dr Dray on YouTube tackles this topic in detail.  Witch hazel is a really good astringent and also calms down redness. It drys out skin when used in higher concentration. 

I really enjoyed the light weight texture. It absorbed easily without feeling heavy or sticky. Moreover it kept my skin happy and controlled sebum production. Would recommend this for Humid weather and all skin types

Bright Like A Star Complexion & Texture Enhancing Brightening Serum

The Mimo By M Bright Like A Star serum helps improve the overall quality of your skin, making it look smoother and brighter. Packed with abundant natural brightening, soothing and anti-aging ingredients, this serum will help fade out dark spots, even out skin tone and brighten your complexion

''The Star'' of the Bright Like A Star line. This is the catalyst which makes the magic happen . Loaded with arbutin this is what lightened my PIH ( post inflammatory hyper pigmentation aka the black pesky marks you get after acne ) . This has a very light texture and has hint of straw color tinge to it. It is not greasy or tacky, very easy to spread and absorbs completely within a few minutes. It wears well under sunscreen and foundation. I had some really bad PIH and discoloration near my mouth and nice. With consistent use this my skin tone even, lightened my acne scar and hydrated my skin . The results have pleased me immensely I will continue to use this. I recommend this to all skin types specially to thoese people who have uneven skin toner abd PIH

MIMO BY M Bright Like A Star Skin Refining & Regenerating Moisturizer

Bring out your inner star with our first ever moisturizer! The Mimo By M Bright Like A Star gel moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated and radiant. Formulated with natural brightening, anti-aging and skin enhancing ingredients, this moisturizer works to increase cell turnover for a brighter, smoother and clearer-looking skin.

Of there is one thing that I am very picky about it is face cream/mosturizer. I CANNOT STAND A HEAVY, GREASY THICK MOISTURIZER . My skin breaks out immediately moreover the blockheads multiple rapidly.  But this cream just subsided all of my fears. It has a pale pink color and a really cool gel/emulsion like formul. Application feels like a dream. It absorbs instantly and does not leave any sticky residue. I mainly used this during nighttime as a last step because the weather is hot during the day . This contains interesting ingredients like licorice, cactus, arbutin and niacinamide. This one is for all of you who can't stand moisturizers. Please give this one chance I promise you won't be disappointed. 

So this wraps up my very detailed, super long skincare review. I hope my review helps you with your purchase. You can purchase these at 20% off discounted price on MimobyM website

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[Review] Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence

You might have noticed that I don't talk much about Hyaluronic acid on my blog or Instagram . That is because there are very few hyaluronic acid infused skincare products that have actually impressed me. Most of the time my skin either breaks out due to overdose of moisture or it feels super sticky post application

These days many skincare products have Hyaluronic acid in their ingredient list because of its intense hydration and skin  plumping qualities. But hyaluronic acid is like a double edged sword. It adds moisture to the skin from the environment but sometime it can also suck out the moisture from the skin in certain conditions. 

Isntree is no stranger to my blog. I have reviewed multiple items from the brand to my  blog. Today's post is on the latest addition to their skincare line ''Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence ''

Features:

Eight types of Hyaluronic acid of small, medium, and large molecule fully hydrates the skin. Forms a moisture shield, a drop of Opnutia Ficus-Indic a Seed oil and nature moisturizing factor provides and lock in abudant moisture to prevent evaporation. Moist and skin friendly texture with soft application for firming and hydration of skin

Ingredients:

Water · Methylpropanediol · Polyglycerin-3 · Glycerin · Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride · 1,2-Hexanediol · Niacinamide · Sodium Hyaluronate · Betaine · Sodium PCA · Xanthan-Gum · Trehalose · Panthenol · Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil · Hyaluronic Acid · Sodium-Hyaluronate Crosspolymer · Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid · Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate · Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract · Pteris Multifida Extract · Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract · Hydrogenated Lecithin · Ethylhexylglycerin · Pentylene Glycol · Cyclohexasiloxane · Butylene Glycol · Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate · Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate · Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate · Beta-Glucan · Adenosine · Carbomer · Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer · Disodium EDTA · Polyquaternium-51 · Tromethamine

The packaging is stunning. I honestly can't recall having anything so blue and vibrant in my skincare closet. The bottle has a gradient effect going on and is made of solid glass. I personally get goosebumps with glass packaging as I am very clumsy but on the brighter side this glass is actually environmental friendly. Thd dropper is by far the longest one I have used. It works really well to pick up the essence

Since this is an essence it is viscous with a hint of milky color. I dreaded this too feel sticky and heavy on the skin but I was surprised how easily this just absorbed into the skin without any hint of tacky residue.  Moreover it didn't cause any breakout or exaggerate the appearance of pores. This sits really well under sunscreen and foundation. It does not clump nor does it makes the makeup patchy. For my this is suitable for both day and night. I would recommend this to everyone. It is suitable for all skin types gives notable plump to the skin can be used in both day and night skincare routine. 

You can purchase Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence here

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[Review] Atoclassic Real Tonic Soothing First Toner

I rediscovered this forgotten gem in my skincare closet last month and thought about posting a detailed review of this lovely toner that everyone should be talking about.

The Real Tonic Soothing First Toner from ATOCLASSIC is formulated with 12 Hanbang herbal extractions. Even the most sensitive skin can use it as it’s low irritant and skin friendly. It will hydrate and revitalize your skin. It’s composed with Tannins extracted from Pomegranate, along with skin calming Honeysuckle.

I have this in 50 ml bottle which camse in my my Joah Box travel edition. Overall the bottle is made of light weight plastic with a shiny golden lid. The minimal design holds a charm of its own and actually looks quite expensive

HOW TO USE : Apply this toner as first step after cleansing to soothe, balance, and even out your skin tone

Ingredients :

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1.2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, Betaine, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract,Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Solanum Lycopersium (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Codonopsis Lanceolata Root Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, Myrtus Communis Extract, Tropaeolum Majus Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Adenosine, Arginine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil

The ingredients list is long but this is hanbang skincare so a long list of plants extracts is to be expected. I was totally surprised by the subtle yet defined herbal scent of this toner. It is not bitter but rather feels soothing. The texture is what caught me my surprise. I anticipated this to have a thick viscous texture of a hyaluronic acid or propolis but it was light like water.

Even though the weather is shifting towards colder temperature.  It is still hot and muggy during the day. And I prefer my light weight skincare products. This actually fits my autumn skincare expectations. It is not too heavy nor too light or drying. The moisture this delivers to the skin is adequate. I thankfully didn't experience any new breakouts or allergic reaction during use.

This really stands out to me as a light weight toner. I would recommend you to try this one. It is affordable, light and based on the methods of traditional korean medicine

You can find this at Bemused Korea website here for purchase.

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[Review] Troiareuke Aesthetic Starter Kit

I wanted to share my final thoughts on this kit as I am so close to finishing it . I ran out of the toner from this kit several week ago. I enjoyed using it but I wouldn't consider buying this because the pump bottle was terrible and the toner was heavily fragranced too ( though I didn't mind the scent much but still it was stronger than what I prefer )

So my review will mainly focus on the cleanser and the cream in the kit

3 -step kit from Troiareuke featuring the best selling Aesthetic series, consists of Oil Cut Cleansing, Skin Complex Toner, Anti Trouble Formula Ampoule (Green) and Recovery Cream, allowing you to enjoy professional skincare treatment at home anytime.

The packaging of the cleanser is quite interesting. It has a plastic bottle with rather large toner inspired opening to dispense the product. Certain oils are notorious for aggrevating acne so this is perfect as it is completely oil free

Oil Cut Cleansing is designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin, this oil-free cleansing gel is formulated with portulaca extract, aloe juice and soapwort to soothe and moisturize skin, plus papaya extract and Usnea barbata for anti-inflammatory benefits.

The cleansershipping is a very flowy transparent gel like consistency . It is really easy to apply /spread on the skin . I havd noticed a faint floral scent as well. What I love the most about this cleanser is that this easily removes waterproof makeup. I know that heavy waterproof makeup is very stubborn and requires oil / balm cleanser for removal but this troiareuke cleanser deeply cleanse the skin. This is very pricey for a cleanser but I will buy a full size of this in future as it is a 2 in 1 product for me

I am very picky with cream products because most of the time they just aggregate my acne. But when I swatched this cream on the back of my hand . I was really impressed by its watery texture

Recovery Cream soothes acne-prone and sensitive skin, formulated with salicylic acid and extracts from Centella, marigold, and portulaca. 

The ingredients list is pretty impressive. This is designed for spot treating problematic spots on the skin.. but I just slather it all over my face. The water like quality enables this to absorb quickly into the skin . This has a faint herbal scent to it. It prefer this for hot and humid weather

I would recommend you all yo try the recovery cream and the  Oil cut cleansing Gel. It is really worth the extra bucks

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[Review] Hello❤ganic Season In the Body Bubble Shower - Autumn Leaves

It is finally September, today's review is on a shower gel from Hello❤ganic ( sister brand of Huangjisoo) . Their products are 100% vegan, organic and pregnancy safe.

Product Feature

Softens & soothes skin / Redness relief / Anti- skin stressed
We invite you into a trail deep inside the woods. Chamomile  calmly comforts irritated skin and the abundant scent of herbs will relax your tired mind & body.

How to use
Apply a small amount directly to your skin, loofah, or washcloth. Massage into a rich lather. Rinse skin thoroughly with fresh water.

All Ingredients

Water, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Lauryl Glucoside, Acer Saccharum Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-yuen Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Flower Extract, Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Silybum Marianum Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Polylysine, Caprylyl Glycol, Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Cetearyl Glucoside, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Extensin, Parfum

The ingredients list is very long but it is mainly plants extracts. This has a very rich Forrest / leaves scent. I honestly haven't smelled anything so lovely as this before.  This body wash foams pretty well. Just two pumps are enough for my whole body. It washes off easily without leaving any oil film behind.

This retails for 16$ . I think the price is quite justified for the quality and quantity you get. I would recommend you to try this it is a treat for the senses

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