Emptyland: Jan/Feb 2018

For Emptyland 2018, going to try to shorten posts in the interest of time. It took too long for me to write these last year, and to be honest, it was also something I didn’t enjoy doing very much. Going to put the fun back into it and make it casual! Feel free to ask me any questions; I’m happy to share additional information about the products and my experiences.

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Here’s the rundown for what the stars represent: [ ☆ = Most negative/Not good at all, ☆☆ = Not that good, but okay ☆☆☆ = Neutral/No opinion/No answer, ☆☆☆☆ = Great, ☆☆☆☆☆ = Most positive/Fantastic! ] I’ll also include my experience with each product, but the detail I go into for each product may vary.

Skincare

Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch

You can read my initial response to this product in my first Emptyland post.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes!

Skinfood Trouble Clear Spot Patch – 24 patches

Read more details for this returning item here!

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe!

Tata Harper Clarifying Spot Solution

This didn’t have any negative effects, but I also didn’t notice positive effects. It was really expensive, so I won’t repurchase.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? No

Nature Republic Polynesia Lagoon Water Hydro Eye Cream

This was fine, but the cream felt too light (like a lotion, and it didn’t feel like it had a moisturizing effect on my eyes during the dry cold times).

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? No

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

I’ve used this before, back in college when my mom gave me one, but I hadn’t used it for a long time. Decided to snag this during the Sephora sale since it came in a set with an eye cream and sleeping mask too. It’s a nice gel cream, but I needed to use a lot for it to have the moisturizing effect. I think this would be better in the summer when it’s not as dry.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe!

Kosé Softymo White Face Cleansing Oil

Read the details of why I love this product here!

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes!

Sheet Masks

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There’s really no need for me to review each individual sheet mask, because to be honest, I am really bad at trying to tell the differences among the positive effects of these products. I’m addicted to sheet masks, and will repurchase new ones to try when they’re on sale, as well as old ones I like. Check out my 2017 Emptyland posts for details of individual sheet masks.

Tonymoly I’m Real Tomato Mask Sheet

Tonymoly I’m Real Red Wine Mask Sheet

Tonymoly I’m Real Tea Tree Mask Sheet

Tonymoly I’m Real Seaweeds Mask Sheet

The Face Shop Goji Berry Face Mask

The Face Shop Peony Face Mask

The Face Shop Red Ginseng Face Mask

Hiddencos Latte Mask x2

Innisfree It’s Real Squeeze Mask Bija

Etude House Lotus 0.2 Therapy Air Mask

Makeup

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Hard Candy Makeup Setting Spray

This makeup setting spray is a great cheap find from Walmart, but I took away two stars for the packaging. About midway through the bottle, it became difficult to spray. The spray did not come out in a steady stream and dripped a lot, with large droplets also sticking to my face.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe!

Sephora Collection Retractable Eyeliner

I got this in a set a long time ago, and it took me forever to finish this product because it wasn’t my eyeliner of choice. The packaging was cheap too; as you can see, the other end where the smudging tool was completely broke off when I wasn’t even halfway done with the product.

Overall Rating: ☆☆ // Repurchase? No

Body Care

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The Body Shop Moringa Body Butter

Check out my initial reaction here! I’ve also used the moringa shower gel.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes!

Dove Shower Foam Deep Moisture

I love this body wash, and it lasted me for so long! I will definitely repurchase. I got it on sale from Walgreens and also have another version of this I’ll try next. Great value, and I love that you don’t need a sponge or poof; it foams up automatically so you can just use your hands.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes!

Hair Care

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Garnier Fructis Marvelous Oil

This oil lasted a long time for me, but I’m also bad at caring for my hair and did not use it as much as I should have. It was a decent oil, but I don’t think it did much in terms of moisturizing my hair.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? No

Phyto Color Protect Radiance Mist

I got this on clearance, but it smelled really bad in my opinion. It was a really strong smell, and off-putting. I also didn’t notice any special results from using it.

Overall Rating: ☆ // Repurchase? No

Pureology Hydrate Hydra Whip Hair Masque

This was a really expensive product, but it also lasted me about 3 years, so I guess I can’t complain! It made my hair feel super moisturized whenever I used it after shampooing. I wouldn’t pay this much for it again though, and will look into more affordable options (unless I spot it at 80% off or something).

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? No

Sample / Travel Size

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Innisfree Youth-Enriched Cream with Orchid

This came as part of a Limited Edition Holiday Skin Care Collection from the Innisfree store in Manhattan. It’s a great cream, but not moisturizing enough for the winter.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Purchase? No

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

This is the moisturizer I’ve been bringing with me when I sleep over somewhere else (like going to conventions or visiting a friend) and don’t want to bring my full-size moisturizer. It does its job!

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Purchase? No (I have so many of these samples…)

Shiseido Ibuki Eye Correcting Cream

A decent eye cream, but I don’t know if I’d buy it. It has a pleasant smell and doesn’t irritate the sensitive skin near my eyes.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Purchase? Maybe

Chanel Allure Sensuelle

It’s a pretty nice perfume, but again, I’ll never pay for a perfume unless I fall in love with it since it’s so easy to get free samples.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Purchase? No

Dior Hydra Life Sorbet Creme

Super nice moisturizing cream! It feels very luxurious yet light.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Purchase? Maybe

Fresh Black Tea Firming Corset Cream

This is a decent cream, but I don’t like the smell… It does not smell like black tea either. Not sure what it is.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Purchase? No

Shiseido Ibuki Refining Moisturizer

This moisturizer is more like an emulsion I think. It’s very light and watery, not moisturizing enough to use alone.

Overall Rating: ☆☆ // Purchase? No

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[JOLSE] HIDDENCOS AMERICANO or LATTE MASK 5Sheet

Jolse selected 30 bloggers to review either the AMERICANO or LATTE MASK sheets from brand HIDDENCOS. I selected to review the latte mask sheet in the hopes that it wouldn’t have a strong coffee scent. I assume Americano would be more harsh in the coffee department, right?

Here are the features of this sheet mask, according to the Jolse website:

  • The premium arabica coffee extract provides rich moisture and nutrition to the tired skin.
  • Anti-aging adenosine and whitening niacinamide tends the skin clear and elastic.
  • Patented Phyto Oligo ingredient protects and tends the skin smooth with moisture.

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The package came in a bubble mailer. If you’ve purchased from Jolse before, you’ll know they package their items really well! I’ve never received damaged items from them before.

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There were 5 sheets to use, so several opportunities to experience this new Latte mask.

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I never drink coffee, but I do like the smell of lattes even though I don’t drink them. When I opened the first sheet mask package, I was surprised by the strong latte scent. It was a sweet scent, reminding me of a mocha frappucino. The scent was a bit off-putting at first since it was so strong, but when I placed it on my face, the essence felt lush and I quickly got used to the scent.

Most sheet masks are relaxing, but this one was exciting and invigorating! Perhaps it’s that sweet coffee scent that wakes you up…! Too bad I don’t have time to use this sheet mask in the morning.

We can’t forget to talk about the packaging. Look how cute it is! I love how it looks like a cute to-go cup for a coffee. The packages were easy to tear open too; I never had a problem opening them up. After using two of these sheet masks in the same week, I noticed my skin felt more moisturized despite its exposure to harsh New York City wind and cold.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆

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Have you ever tried any Hiddencos products? I’d love to hear about your experiences!

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Emptyland: Sep/Oct 2017

I feel like my Emptyland should be renamed as “lateland” hahaha… Yet again, a really late Emptyland post. It’s already December, but it’s hard to find time to write these posts especially since the post cannot be started until the end of a month, and the end of the month is always the craziest for me at work too.

Here’s the rundown for what the stars represent: [ ☆ = Most negative/Not good at all, ☆☆ = Not that good, but okay ☆☆☆ = Neutral/No opinion/No answer, ☆☆☆☆ = Great, ☆☆☆☆☆ = Most positive/Fantastic! ] I’ll also include my experience with each product, but the detail I go into for each product may vary.

Skincare

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Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch (x2)

When will this item not appear?! You can read my initial response to this product in my first Emptyland post.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes!

Shiseido Ibuki Purifying Cleanser

This was a really nice cleanser, and it also lasted me a long time. I’ve been using it since my senior year of college, although during college, I did not use it daily.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Mary Kay Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover

This was part of a graduation gift from my friend Arien! This eye makeup remover works really well on most eye makeup, although it doesn’t get off my false eyelash adhesive (and is sometimes tricky with eyeliner). I have to peel that stuff off myself, which is no fun, but at least that means the glue is really sticky. Back to the makeup remover though: it stings if it gets into my eyes, which sometimes happens when I try to remove eyeliner.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Blistex Five Star Lip Protection

Another appearance in Emptyland! I’ve been repurchasing this same lip balm since high school, I believe. Might as well bump it up to 5 stars with this realization… I guess I am brand-loyal sometimes! Check out its first appearance in this Empties post.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes

Crabtree&Evelyn Lily Ultra-moisturizing Hand Therapy

I like this hand cream, but the packaging isn’t my favorite. It’s the perfect size to stick into your purse for travel, but the cap is flimsy and broke after putting it in my purse for only a month. This scent is delightful, and the cream is decently moisturizing but not as creamy as I would have liked.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes, if it’s on sale

Sephora Express Cleansing & Exfoliating Wipes

I did not like the exfoliating side of this wipe, but the smooth side worked just fine for removing the makeup on my face.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes, if it’s on sale

Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

The mild fragrance of these wipes was definitely calming! It was relaxing to use these to remove makeup at the end of the day. I still had to use eye makeup remover separately, and I have yet to find a makeup remover wipe that can remove eyeliner without it smudging everywhere.

 Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Sheet Masks

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Leaders Coconut Gel Mask with Broccoli (x4)

So much fun to use!! There’s 3 layers, so you peel off the outside layer, put it on your face, then peel off the layer on the other side. The sheet of this mask is smooth and sticks to the face exceptionally well. It’s my favorite texture out of all the sheet masks I’ve tried! The essence in the packet is also super generous; there’s enough to scrape out and apply to your entire body.

 Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes

A’PIEU Coconut Milk One-Pack

This was a decent sheet mask, but I wasn’t crazy about it.

 Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe (if it’s discounted)

The Face Shop Lily Face Mask

Another nice sheet mask! The scent is very mild, and it’s a pleasure to use.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

The Face Shop Brightening Character Mask

This is a fun mask, and I enjoyed the dog character printed on it. It looked a bit creepy… but it’s all good! I wouldn’t pay the full price for this mask though.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe (if it’s discounted)

The Face Shop Green Tea Face Mask

I love anything green tea… Drinking green tea, eating green tea flavored things, and yes, even green tea beauty products!

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Leaders Coconut Gel Mask with Tomato

This is essentially the same as the Broccoli one you see above, but with Tomato instead. It’s just as fun to use, but I didn’t buy a big box of them like I did for the Broccoli one.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes

The Saem Natural Skin-fit Mask Sheet: Lemon

The masks from The Saem do not fit my face shape well, even though this series is called “Skin-fit.” Did not notice any brightening, but you probably need to use the masks more often to see an effect.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

The Saem Natural Tea Tree Mask Sheet

I was hoping this sheet mask would help calm irritation from acne, but I didn’t notice any effect. It was pleasant to use though! Maybe you need to use it a few times a week to see the positive effects against acne.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Sur. Medic Pore-less Carbonic-Peel Mask

I didn’t like how sticky this sheet mask was… It also smelled weird to me.

Overall Rating: ☆☆ // Repurchase? No

Tonymoly I’m Real Tomato Mask Sheet

Love these Tonymoly sheet masks!

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes

Tonymoly I’m Real Red Wine Mask Sheet

It does not smell like wine, but that’s probably for the best, right?

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes

Leaders Vita Brightening Renewal Mask

This was a nice mask to use with generous essence in the packet. I wonder if all Leaders sheet masks have so much essence inside…

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Leaders Illuminating Treatment Mask

Didn’t notice any difference from this one and the one above.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Leaders Pore-Scaling Black Aqua

I’m pretty sure I got this as a free sample somewhere, a long time ago. The sheet mask was a weird texture, but it was a generally pleasant experience.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Makeup

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Charlotte Ronson Lip Gloss

I’ve had this lip gloss for way too long… Since the beginning of college, I believe. It has lasted a long time, and I love it! The pink is very sheer, and the shine is not too much. It’s a nice natural-looking gloss with a bit of glitter. It doesn’t feel sticky, and doesn’t dry out my skin either.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Holika Holika Wonder Drawing Skinny Eyebrow

I didn’t like this one that much, but I used it all up. The spoolie it came with had really short awkward bristles and got clogged up with the eyebrow product within the first week. The pencil part of the stick was hard and this made it difficult to apply. I felt like I had to keep using a tissue or cotton swab to fix it.

Overall Rating: ☆☆ // Repurchase? No

Body Care

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Tonymoly Panda’s Dream White Hand Cream

I’m not gonna lie… I bought this because of the cute packaging. But the product inside is super-moisturizing and creamy! It smells so nice too. I’m keeping the empty container, washing it, and using it to store trinkets.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Yes

The Body Shop Smoky Poppy Body Butter

This body butter smells so nice, and it’s luxuriously creamy!

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

The Body Shop Moringa Shower Gel

This is a really nice shower gel, and you can use it with a pouf or just with your hands. I loved smelling it, and it didn’t dry out my skin.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Repurchase? Maybe

Sample / Travel Size

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Korres Black Pine Night Cream

This night cream was super moisturizing! I don’t think I’d buy it at full price though.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Purchase? No

O Hui Snow Vitamin Ex Brightening Foam

I couldn’t even finish using this… I’m not sure if I got a defective product or if it’s supposed to smell like this, but it smelled disgusting. Like stale crackers and plastic.

Overall Rating: ☆ // Purchase? No

O Hui Snow Vitamin Ex Brightening Cream

A huge contrast from the foam, this cream was lovely! Moisturizing and smelled relaxing. If the foam was defective, then it’s really strange since it came in the same set with these other Ex Brightening items.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Purchase? Maybe

O Hui Snow Vitamin Ex Brightening Serum

This container was so tiny… It only lasted me 2 weeks, and I only used it at night and just a tiny bit each time. I didn’t notice any positive effects from this.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Purchase? Maybe

The Face Shop Mango Seed Facial Butter

I usually love creamy face products, but this felt too heavy on my skin. It was definitely moisturizing though!

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Purchase? No

Tonymoly Floria Whitening Cream

I used to be scared of using whitening products, but I found out from reading K-Beauty blogs that most of the time, “whitening” just means “brightening,” and can be beneficial for fading acne scars, dark spots, etc. I didn’t notice any brightening effects from this, but also only used it for one day (morning and night).

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Purchase? Maybe

Tonymoly The White Tea Brightening Cream

This was a pretty nice cream, although the scent was nothing like white tea. I prefer the Floria cream over this one.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Purchase? No

Tonymoly The Black Tea London Classic Cream

I honestly couldn’t tell the difference between this cream and the one above. I used them two days in a row too.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆ // Purchase? No

Versace Bright Crystal Absolu

This is a very fresh scent, a mix of floral and fruity. It’s more elegant than fun, and I like it! I have a bajillion fragrance samples and don’t think I’d ever buy a fragrance unless I’m absolutely in love with it (or receive it as a gift).

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ // Purchase? No

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