Biore Sarasara Uv Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ Review

This is by far the best facial sunscreen I have ever used!
It is Chemical Sunscreen, which means you need to apply at least 30 minutes before exposure since it takes some time to work.  I find it perfect for everyday wear on top of my skincare and under BB cream.

http://www.amazon.com/Biore-Sarasara-Waterly-Essence-Sunscreen/dp/B004LRO7DO

Pros: Extremely light, very smooth application and super quick absorption.  Very suitable for combination to oily skin.  I think even dry skin can tolerate it with appropriate skincare layers underneath.
It is not mineral sunscreen (which are made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), so there is no powdery residue, no stickiness. Does not break me out. Almost no annoying scent.

Cons: quite pricey for a little tube. ~50g/50ml. Contain some ingredients that might be a concern for certain people. Only a sunscreen, not a moisturizer so you still need to apply your usual skincare before using this sunscreen. (For me, Toner > Serum/Essence > Lotion/Emulsion > Sunscreen > optional BB Cream.   Product of Japan and probably can only be purchased online. Your local Japanese supermarket might have it though.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the ingredients for those who want to know more about it.
http://www.skinandtonics.com/review-biore-uv-aqua-rich-watery-essence-face-sunscreen-spf-50-pa/

Verdict:  I would buy again and again!

The Face Shop - Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil

One word: Buy!

It's 11h48PM and I need to wake up at 5h30 for work, so let's make this short (we'll see how I go about that).

Overview: This is the Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil - Light - 150mL - bought in the official FaceShop store for $19. If you are lucky, and live in Texas, you may be able to find it from their (same official) store for $3 less. Not sure why, maybe The Faceshop likes Texan better.

Impression: Very runny, more like texture of water. Oily to the touch but not heavy with a very light pleasant fragrance. My skin is combination and this Light version perfect. If you have dry skin  you should try the regular version. I don't remember what it's called but the word "Light" isn't in, that I'm sure.

How effective is it: It's awesomeness in a bottle. I have always been a fan of Clinique Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent, and have been using them as my oil cleanser for a long time. Now that I found this Rice water I'm going to jump ship.

Test:

1. Two lines of the same lipstick

2. Left is the Clinique Rinse-off Eye Makeup Solvent. Right is Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil. I quickly wiped each lipstick line once. The result is obvious: Clinique didn't remove much of anything. The Faceshop removed cleanly the middle part of line. 

Verdict: I will buy The Faceshop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil Light again, unless I could find an oil cleanser with a longer name.

How to apply your skincare

Credit to the random Korean beauty mag whose name I of course can't read.

Liolel Lip/Cheek Tint

Not always stay true to my age, I once in awhile wander to the land of teen make-up. That's where I got this cute little Liolel Lip Tint.

Come in a small glass bottle that looks more like a nail polish, this tint is affordable, cute, easy to apply and stay on for a long time. It can be used for both lips and cheeks. While I mostly see it being used as lip tint, I find it's rather dry on my lips, so I often use it in place of my blush. It instantly adds a natural pinkish glow to my cheeks and makes me feel like 18 again. OK, not really the latter, but you get the idea. I like that it literally takes a couple of seconds to apply and dries instantly. Not to mention it blends so well into my skin/makeup base.

1. After applying your skincare and/or base make up, brush some onto your cheek.

2. Use your fingers, rub until well blend

3. Voila, instant glowing cheek! 

Now tell me that's not the easiest way to rewind 20 years of your life...

SkinFood: Parsley & Mandarin Toner

Lately, I have changed up my routine a little bit. Instead of Toner + Emulsion + etc, I change to Toner + Booster + Hada Laba lotion (a Japanese toner) + etc. With my new routine, the Toner step now involves 3 products and is moisturizing enough I no longer see the need of an Emulsion. So, after finishing up my Laneige Skin Refiner, I figured a lighter toner would be good enough. I wanted something that could serve more as a final cleanser and toning solution, yet not too harsh or dry. Most American brands toners are too harsh with much alcohol, while Korean ones, on the opposite, offer too many ingredients and moisturizing elements, thus cost more than what I want to spend on a basic toner. 

That’s when I came across Skinfood Parsley & Mandarin Toner. It’s a simple basic toner that now serves as my first step Toner after cleansing.

(Photo by the Interweb) 

First glace: This toner comes in a glass bottle, heavy but nice and technically safer/better than plastic, with typical organic looking Skinfood glued on label. 160ml per bottle at $15 + tax at my local Skinfood Store. I checked around online and the price is about the same.

Label Description: A refreshing toner with Parsley and Mandarin Extracts, produced using nanotechnology, to soothe and prevent skin troubles caused by external stress factors.

Ingredients: Water, Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Butylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Allantoin, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Ceramide 3, Dimethicone, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Petroselinum Sativum (Parsley) Extract, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Fruit Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Taraxacum Platycarpum Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Cl 15985, Parfum. Petroselinum Sativum (Parsley) Extract (160, 4 mg), Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Fruit Extract (160, 4 mg)

Texture: Amongst all the products in the Skinfood line up, this one didn’t catch my attention at first. I mean, really, Parsley & Mandarin? But I was sold the second I tested it out. This toner is a clear yellow liquid, the color is visible in the bottle but you can barely see it once it’s on your skin. It has a very light texture, as light as water. The smell is light and calming, citrusy with a hint of parsley,  who would have thought Parsley & Mandarin could smell so good together! The toner is very easy to absorb, perhaps the slapping method (i.e patting your face to encourage product absorption) does help, as soon as I finish with my neck my face is ready for the next step.

Effect: As mentioned, I got this one to work as a prep Toner, so I am totally happy with what it has to offer. It gives my face a refreshing clean feeling with the right amount of moisturizing, a perfect preparation for the rest of my routine.

My thoughts: For this price and my purpose, this is totally good buy. This bottle will last me a long time and is a perfect first step preping toner. If you are looking for a regular Korean toner with moisturizing effect, this one may not be a good fit unless you have really oily skin. Please note that this toner has a light scent, which may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Current Korean Skincare Routine by BB

Hi there, I'm BB, the other contributor for this blog :)
Every since my friend (whose skincare routine posted previously) introduced me to the Korean Skincare Regimen, I've been hooked and following it religiously.  I have seen major improvement in my skin condition and would like to share it here.  I believe that all the steps to this routine are helpful and that no single product would have done well alone.  This is the mentality i have taken on since I started taking care of my skin the Korean way.  The products mentioned here are not the best out there by any means. They can be substituted with products of your choice.

Morning Routine
1. Wash face with warm water only.
2. Toner (also called Softener, Balancing, Refiner, Conditioning referring to Korean products.  It is called Lotion in Japanese skincare)  This is the step that prepares your skin for the following products.
3. Booster (this step could be optional but I always include it in my routine)
4. Essence (Serum in US skincare)
5. Emulsion (Lotion in US Skincare, and Milk in Japanese Skincare)
6. Sunscreen
7. BB cream

Night Routine:
1. Deep Oil Cleansing to dissolve make up and dirt impurity.
2. Face Wash with my cleanser of choice to completely clean my face.
3. I combine Toner and Booster to make Lotion Mask and leave it on for 3 minutes. (see explanation below).
4. Essence (serum that target skin concerns)
5. Emulsion (to moisturize and lock in the essence)
6. Cream (to lock in moisture and also target skin concerns)
7. Sleeping Pack (an overnight mask that provides moisture and skincare properties)

Products I am currently using:

Oil Cleanser:
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

To use:  1-2 pumps.  Rub the oil all over your dry face to dissolve dirt and makeup.  Wash with warm water to remove oil residue.  Don't dry your face.  Continue to clean in the next step.

Face Wash:  I have many (thanks to samples!) and use them depending on the day.  If my skin feels a little dry, I would use Cream Cleanser.  If I had a long day and my face feels too dirty, I would use a Foam Cleanser.
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
IOPE Moisture Skin Cleansing Foam
IOPE Moisture Skin Cleansing Cream
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Toner:  I have quite a few.  They are all good in my opinion.

Laneige Bright Renew Skin Refiner  (This toner has watery gel consistency.  Very easy to apply and moisturizing).

Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion Smooth Light (this toner is a Japanese product and thus is called lotion).  This is my favorite at the moment.
To use:  Pour 5-6 drops on your hand.  Rub on your face and neck evenly.  Use both hands to gently pat the toner in until it is no longer sticky.  In about a minute, your face should be soft and smooth.  I use this alone in the morning.  But at night, I use it with booster to make lotion mask.

Booster:
IOPE Bio Essence Intensive Condition
To use: the direction on the box said to use with the cotton pads included.  I use it for lotion mask.
This is the idea of lotion mask and how to make it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0wbX7rjtec 

This is the cotton mask that you can use for this purpose:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008M74HZM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

To use: Soak the cotton piece in water until it expands.  Squeeze out excess water so that the cotton mask is still damp but not dripping wet.  Pour your booster and/or toner onto the mask evenly. (I use both booster and Hada Labo toner) Don't make it soaking wet.  Just sprinkle enough products to cover the mask.  Put it on your face closely to the skin for 3 minutes.  Take it off.  And if you're cheap like me, you can squeeze the mask to get the last of the booster/toner on your hand and further pat it on your face.

Emulsion
Laneige Bright Renew Emulsion
To me, Korean Emulsions (lotions in US Skincare) are much lighter than the US products.
It provides just enough moisture without being heavy.

Essence:  I use both of these.
OZ Naturals Vitamin C/Hyaluronic Acid/Vitamin E Serum  (this serum is very light and has watery consistency.  It goes on smooth and is the fastest absorbing serum i have ever used).

IOPE Brightgen Ampoule Essence  (a thicker serum that works to brighten your dark spots).

Cream:
IOPE Brightgen Intense Cream  (this cream is very thick.  Although it is a little greasy, I like the moisture it provides.  I only use this at night).

Sleeping Pack:
Laneige Water Sleeping Pack (a mask that you can apply on your face and leave it over night for extra moisture.  It has a very pleasant scent and texture).

On the next post, I will share some of the exfoliating products and weekly masks i have used.

Cheers,
-BB

Routine #1

I’m following the Korean skin care routine with several steps, as follows:

-      First Cleanse with Oil Cleanser – If wearing make-up (before bed)

-      Second Cleanser with any cleansers (before bed) or Water Only in the morning when I don’t want to rub off all the goodness I put on the night before.

-      Basic Toner (generic/ light toner to further clear up the face and enhance products absorption).

-      Booster (special toner with moisturizing and softening ingredients)

-      Emulsion (or lotion in U.S term)

-      Essence (or serum in U.S term, targets different skin concerns)

-      Cream (targets skin concerns)

-      Sunscreen, or sun block or make-up base with SPF 30+

That is the Basic skincare routine I put on my face twice a day, 1^st time when I wake up and 2^nd time before bed. When I can manage I do it 3 times - morning, after work and before bed - even though this is more for my own my vanity than anything else.

Products I use:

Oil Cleanser: The FaceShop Rice Water Cleansing Oil Light http://www.amazon.com/The-Face-Shop-Bright-Cleansing/dp/B00809ERAM

Use: Pump a small amount onto your hands, rub against your (dry) face until make-up “melts” and the clear oil turns milky color.  Wash face with lukewarm water.

Foam Cleanser: IOPE Brightgen Cleansing Foam http://www.amazon.com/Amore-Pacific-BRIGHTGEN-Cleansing-5-4fl-oz/dp/B0057BBEA2

Use: Squeeze a very small amount onto your hands and rub against wet face until foams form. Wash face with very warm water.

Note: I usually rinse my face with very warm water to help my pores open up getting ready for the next steps. On the flip side, some believe this is just a superstitious because your pores don’t really open and close that easily. So do whatever you see fit.

Basic Toner: (I’m using use 2 different toners for different purpose. For simplicity sake I am listing here the more basic one, the alternative will be explained later): Power Essential Skin Refiner http://www.laneige.com.sg/product/detail.jsp?prdtCd=214149009&gnbPageCd=020202

Use: Pour couple drops on cotton balls and wipe clean your face.

Booster Toner: The FaceShop White Tree Snow Clarifying Booster http://international.thefaceshop.com/english/product/productView.jsp?ctgr=ctgr&search=ca&prdidx=556&prdtype=0

Use: Drop some on 2 fingers, massage onto your face until fully absorbed (dry).

Emulsion: http://www.laneige.com.sg/product/detail.jsp?prdtCd=214149009&gnbPageCd=020101

Use: Lather on your face until absorbed

Essence: Essence targets different skin concerns. For me it’s uneven skin stone and dark spots, so I opted for IOPE Brightgening Ampoule Essence http://www.amazon.com/Amore-Pacific-BRIGHTGEN-Ampoule-1-6fl-oz/dp/B0057BBED4

Use: Lather on your face until absorbed

Cream: SkinFood Tomato Whitening Cream http://www.amazon.com/Skinfood-Tomato-Whitening-Cream-Skin/dp/B007GOD8G6

Use: Squeeze a small amount onto your fingers and massage until absorbed.

Sunscreen: Anything will do, preferably spf 30+ . I’m using IOPE Primer with SPF 50+ but can’t find the correct link so I will post this later :D

For questions, email us at sleepyskin@gmail.com