My Winter Skincare Regime

GENIE IS BACK!!!

It's been SOOO long since I've blogged - I did become a little put off by the fact that one of my blogposts was suddenly deleted without my consent, and RSS Feeds stopped working anymore. Since then, I've been really busy with my life with the two kids, trying to find a job, my severe back pain, and MaskGenie. Most importantly, I just lacked the motivation to blog, especially not being able to find something that I really wanted to blog about and something that was worth blogging about.

In this blogpost, I'd like to talk about the products that I'm using now, after having switched to products suitable for the super dry winter climate.

Since November, I've been slowly incorporating richer products into my skincare regime. I've been using products from CNP Laboratory since summer, and it has really helped to boost the water level in my skin. During the home care facial that I had at Shiseido's as a part of the birthday special they offer for VIPs, they used a special device to check my skin, and they found that my face was highly hydrated (all thanks to the CNP Laboratory products I had been using), but my skin slightly lacked collagen.

When winter was approaching, I realised that CNP products were not moisturising enough for my skin (even after switching to a heavier face cream), so since then, I have been incorporating Shiseido products into my regime, though the first night I started using them all (I was too excited to try them all), I broke out on my forehead. This didn't stop me from continuing with Shiseido products though, but I did stop for a few days before slowly adding them back in. During the days that I broke out, I used these products:

CNP Laboratory Hydro Intensive Toner

LJH Tea Tree 90 Essence

CNP Laboratory Dual-Balance Waterlock T/U Serum

CNP Dortoray Intensive Hydrating Cream

I also used a few Dr. Morita masks to help calm my skin and soothe the breakouts.

After recovering from the breakouts, I slowly added the products into my regime, sometimes adding the emulsion, sometimes adding the toner, until my face felt stable and okay with adding them in.

I'm currently using up a random cleanser from Memebox - Awesome Aqua Whip Hug Foam Cleanser. Nothing special, doesn't clean very well and quite drying for the face especially in this weather. Will not repurchase.

 Currently using up another Memebox toner - Tosowoong Timeshift Skin Toner. It's more like a gel rather than a watery type of toner, not so moisturising, but it cleans very well and makes the cotton pad brown after swiping it on my face and neck. Will not repurchase. During the days after my Lipodermis treatment, I use the CNP Laboratory Hydro Intensive Toner instead, as my skin is very delicate then. Will consider repurchasing since this is very moisturising and gentle.

I don't always use an essence anymore (I used to use the IOPE Bio Essence Intensive Conditioning religiously, but stopped during summer), but when I remember to, or when my face reminds me that it's extra dry, I'll use the DM Intensive Hydrating Essence. The essence itself is great, leaves a slight sticky feeling, but the pump sucks. My sister-in-law gave this to me, but I don't know if I'll repurchase since it is kind of pricey. When my face is super dry, I'll apply the IOPE Essence before applying the DM one. This is my second bottle of IOPE Essence, but I'm not sure whether I would purchase a third one, since I don't use it as often anymore.

When I know I'll be putting on makeup the next day or when my face really needs that extra water boost, I'll use the Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate before using my usual serum, followed by the Ultimune Eye for the eyes. I realised that my makeup does adhere better, and my face is less dry after using the Ultimune line, but they are kind of pricey, so I'm not sure whether I would repurchase. I don't use these everyday, so I'm hoping they'll last me for a while before my next repurchase.

As for the serum, I have the most expensive serum that I've ever purchased - Shiseido's Vital-Perfection White Circulator Serum. I started with a deluxe sample, but finished that, and opened up the full size. I use two pumps of this on hubby's face, and his face reacts very well to it (did I mention that he breaks out using most products but not this one?), but I did break out on the first two times of use. I use 1.5 pumps on my face, massage it into my face, and a few times more on my cheekbones (where the hyperpigmentations are). May consider repurchasing but I'll need to save up for it.

I admit I've been lazy with eye creams lately, I think it's because CNP Laboratory products can all be applied around the eyes, so I've been too lazy to apply other things, but seeing it's winter, that's when lines start to appear, so I decided to do something about my dark eye circles and fine lines. I was looking for Christmas presents at Fresh when I decided I want something for myself too, so I got a Christmas Set that came with a Black Tea Eye Cream, a Black Tea Cream, and a Black Tea Sleeping Mask. Despite it being an eye cream, it's very light and easy to blend. It doesn't cause milia. The full-size product is really expensive, so I'm not sure whether I'll repurchase, but if it does do something for my dark eye circles and lines, I will consider saving up for it. Before I started using the eye cream from Fresh, I tried a sample of an eye cream from Shiseido that was really rich, but felt nice and smooth after blending, and really did seem to do something for fine lines, but I bet it's really expensive just by looking at the packaging.

 

As for the night cream, first off there's the one from Shiseido - Vital-Perfection Sculpting Lift Cream. It is rich and moisturising, not oily, but its perfumey scent is really strong. After realising that my face was okay with using such rich creams, I decided to take out my long lost favourite, the IOPE Super Vital Extra Moist Cream. I used to love this cream, but there was a time after I gave birth to my second child, that I couldn't use anything heavy on my face, otherwise I would breakout. I tried it again, and my face loves it again. The only problem with this cream is that if you take too much of it, it does feel a bit oily. I now use the little spatula I got from CNP Laboratory to scrape the top layer of the cream a few times to get what I need, and this ensures I don't get too much, because you really don't need a lot! Out of the two creams, I think I prefer the IOPE one, as it's actually more moisturising, and the scent is more acceptable. As for the price, Shiseido is more than double the price of IOPE! Plus, I still have two more deluxe tubs of the IOPE, so I won't need to repurchase in a while!

I also have another cream sample that I use - A-True Darjeeling Black Tea First Anti-Wrinkle Cream, but because it is actually quite light, so I use it in the mornings instead. Light in the day, heavy at night. The A-True cream actually smells like black tea which is really nice and relaxing. Probably won't repurchase though, since Memebox products are quite hard to source.

Every night, I apply the Fresh Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy followed by the L'erbolario Shea Butter Lip Balm. I absolutely cannot live without this lip balm - this is my second one! I used to have serious flaking lips, and nothing would help except this lip balm! They recently ran out at the shop, so I got their Natural Glossy Lip Balm as a spare, but it's nothing like a lip gloss that you normally think of, nothing in the cosmetic sense, instead it's like a tube filled with different essential oils, and is super moisturising to the lips! It has a slight flowery-herbal scent, but nothing synthetic.

In the mornings, I keep it simple. I wash my face with cold water. That's it, no cleansers or anything, just plain water. Then, I follow with my Tosowoong toner, CNP Laboratory Waterlock T/U Serum, Shiseido Vital-Perfection Emulsion, and CNP Doctoray Intensive Hydrating Cream or A-True Black Tea Cream. The CNP Laboratory Dual-Balance line is my absolute "go-to" for summer - I used the toner, serum, and cream from the same line during summer, whilst hubby uses the A-Clean line!

Next, I apply my CNP Doctoray Real Perfect Sunblock which has a UVA PA+++ and UVB SPF 50+, AND it has a slight tint to it (I blogged about the summer edition before, but that's the post that got deleted), but I really can't tell you enough by words how much I love this! My face is matte and oil-free all day long!

If, for some reason, my skin feels dry during the day, then I'll use a mist spray - I swear by the Recipe By Nature Spray Essence Water, but if I'm wearing makeup, I'll use the Recipe By Nature to prep my skin before applying makeup, and the CNP Laboratory Quick Soothing S.O.S. Mist over makeup. I've lost count of how many Recipe By Nature mists I've used, but it's definitely a lot, and the great thing is that it's free from mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dye, triethanolamine, and parabens! The S.O.S mist is great as not many mists can be used over makeup, and this one can because the particles are very small, and won't leave droplets over your face after spraying. The S.O.S mist also smells of rose, but it's not overwhelming or annoying.

Other products that I use every now and then:

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner
I actually like its predecessor more (I blogged about it here), but this one is still pretty good and convenient to use. Not suitable for sensitive skin.
CNP Laboratory Deep Enzyme Powder Wash (click here for the review)
Absolutely love this powder wash - it's very gentle, yet it cleanses and minimises pores.

CNP Laboratory Anti-Pore Black Head Clear Kit (click here for the review)
I absolutely swear by this blackhead set, and would definitely recommend it to others! After using the first mask, all the impurities really float to the top, and it doesn't require much effort to squeeze out the blackheads using a blackhead extractor!

Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask
Started using this recently. There's no need to apply night cream before using this mask, only requires a thin layer, and leaves face feeling super moisturised - probably will not repurchase due to the high price tag.

I also use lots of different masks - sheet masks, sleeping masks, and wash-off masks.

That's a lot of CNP Laboratory products as well as the newly added Shiseido into the family! I must say that my face really does look flawless and has a glow after incorporating Shiseido products into my daily skincare regime! I also have a Lipodermis treatment done every 3-4 weeks, and I've noticed that my skin is back to being flawless, as well as my pores being slightly minimised. The only downside to these treatments is how painful they can be - it's like a facial scrub, but much more intense, and much more painful! Will talk more about them later in another post.

I used to be reluctant to use and eat products made in Japan, especially after the radiation leak, and having heard several stories from friends and families about the side effects and things that happened to their close friends after visiting Japan and everything, but nonetheless, one day I decided to try some of their makeup products since I've heard many good things about their products, and that's when I received some of their skincare samples to try, and I absolutely fell in love with the results! By the way, I love their makeup products too, but those will have to wait for another post.

As you can see, the Shiseido products that I have are mainly in sample sizes. Shiseido gives out many samples to try, and I have yet finished them all, so I haven't purchased anything in full size other than the serum. The only thing I don't really like about Shiseido's products is probably the perfumey smell and the high price tag to them, but other than that, Shiseido is awesome and I'd definitely recommend this brand to friends and family! Shiseido always comes out with these trial packs, and they're a great way to be able to try everything! Shiseido HK also has a VIP programme, so that's even more samples to try, as well as having birthday treats and discounts! What's more is that they even have samples for loose powder and other makeup items! Look below at the photo where the tub on the left is the loose powder in its full size, and the one in the middle is the deluxe size, and the deluxe also comes with a small puff inside the container! This loose powder is the best I've used, like seriously!

Okay, so that's a fairly long post with lots of products and lots of photos. I hope to see you guys soon in my next post, which hopefully won't take another 6 months to write.

Thank you for reading, and have a nice day!

If you guys have any questions about the products, please comment below :)

MEMEBOX SUPERBOX #38 DETOX CARE UNBOXING

I received another Memebox today...

Memebox Superbox #38 Detox Care

This was an okay box for me - the plus side is that it contains a few pore care products which I will definitely try out, but the downside is that many of the products are quite small in size, and Memebox even considered that one nose strip was a full sized product!!! Not so worth the money for the Superbox!!!

For more information on Memeboxes:

http://us.memebox.com/user/geniesfavproducts

Please check out my previous post on promo codes for August:

http://geniesfavproducts.blogspot.hk/2014/08/memebox-august-discount-codes.html

Memebox Skincare Night

So tonight, I decided to try/use some of the products inside my Memeboxes...

1) Grinif Nature Oatmeal Scrub Bar (Memebox Special #4 Whole Grain)

I seldom use soap bars, whether for my face or my body, mainly because they are not as convenient as liquid soap, but I gave this a try anyway because it's 100% natural.

It lathered fairly easily, and the scent was not as strong as I anticipated. It did leave my skin feeling slightly dry afterwards, but I did notice that my pores did appear to be slightly smaller! I probably won't repurchase, but I will try to finish the whole bar!

2) Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose pack (Superbox #11 Before Special Day)

There's no need to talk about the Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Pack, because I've already reviewed it here, and it's named as one of our holy grail products!!!

3) Herbclinic Rice Bran Powder (Memebox Special #4 Whole Grain)

Everyone knows I love masks, but I mainly use face sheet masks or sleeping masks (because of the conveniency), but I decided to give this a try today, also because it's 100% natural!

How to use:

Mix up 1 spoonful of the rice bran powder with 1 spoonful of oatmeal, black bean, or brown rice. Add an adequate amount of milk until it is slightly thickened. Apply onto your face and leave for 15-20 minutes before washing it off.

I didn't have any milk at home, so I used New Zealand's Manuka Honey instead, however after mixing it, I realised that it was slightly too thick, so I added in a teeny weeny bit of Jurlique's rosewater to water it up a bit. I also couldn't find any oatmeal at home except for the "Oats for Rice", so I soaked the "Oats for Rice" in hot water for a few minutes before draining it and using it for my mask.

I didn't have a brush at home, so I used my hands to put the mask over my face. The oats started falling off my face, and the honey started dripping - everything became so messy! I also didn't like how everything became so sticky on my hands and legs (it dripped onto my legs and clothes too). I'm so glad I was applying it while I was in the toilet, otherwise I would be attracting cockroaches and ants into my room! To avoid the honey and oats dripping everywhere, I had to put toilet paper all over my face...

OMG I FEEL SO BRAVE PUTTING THIS PHOTO UP!!!

After looking like an Egyptian Mummy for 15 minutes (I couldn't stand it any longer, and I'm so glad hubby wasn't home to see this!), I wiped the oats off my face with tissue, and I washed off the mask with warm water using my cleansing sponge. I did realise my face to feel a lot smoother, but it was definitely a very messy experience - I think that's why they suggested using milk (although it would still be quite messy with oatmeal/black beans/brown rice dropping off)! If I were to use it again, I'd need a lot of time and patience, because unlike face sheet masks, I can't walk around or do anything else without the mask dripping off my face!

4) Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Original (purchased from Memeshop)

I purchased this toner because again, it's natural! It is a spray-on toner, and it absorbs very quickly into the skin! I love the smell, and it's very hydrating!

5) W.HOLIC Glutathione Whitening Essence (Superbox #23 Summer Meeting)

Although it's named as an essence on the bottle, it is actually more of a serum, and that's how I've been using it as. I've been using this for a few days now, but I haven't seen any obvious whitening results yet. It doesn't absorb instantly, so it does leave a slight sticky feeling on my face afterwards, but I will continue to use up the whole bottle.

6) WondeRuci Light Light Eye Balm (purchased from Memeshop)

This has a very interesting texture - it feels dry and almost crumbly, but once you warm it up with your fingers, it becomes very silky and smooth, and it's very easy to apply. It didn't seem to do much by itself, but when I use it with my Purederm Botanical Choice Pure Solution Eye Cream, I have realised that my dark circles have instantly become lighter when I wake up in the morning! I only use this at night, as it doesn't blend in too well with some of my skincare products for the daytime. It is faintly scented, and it doesn't irritate my skin!

7) Purederm Botanical Choice Pure Solution Eye Cream (Memebox Global #11)

This eye cream doesn't do much by itself, but when used with my WondeRuci Light Light Eye Balm, I have noticed that my dark circles have significantly become lighter when I wake up in the morning - it's amazing because I've tried so many other eye creams, and nothing does the trick! The other good thing about this eye cream is that it comes in a huge 30ml tube, and it really does last a long time!!!

8) SNP Pore Contraction Whitening Gel Cream (Superbox #13 Pore Care)

This is in the form of a gel cream, and it absorbs very quickly into the skin! There is a citrus scent, but it's very relaxing and soothing! I have realised that it helps to soothe irritated skin, as well as tighten pores! It's also very hydrating and easy to use - perfect for the summer months!

In case you're interested, other than the aforementioned products, I also used these in my skincare regime today:

UGB Peeling Gel - highly raved, very gentle, leaves skin soft

Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque - quite expensive but it really works!

su:m37 Secret Programming Essence - smells fruity, says to tighten pores

Lumene Rejuvenating Neck and Décolleté Cream - neck cream, contains natural ingredients, absorbs quickly

Thank you for reading, and have a nice day!!!

GENIESGIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

Thank you to everyone who participated in my first Giveaway on Instagram!

My Giveaway has finally ended, and it's time to announce the winner!

How the winner was selected:

1. I opened Iconosquare (formerly known as Statigram) and searched for #geniesgiveaway

2. I opened random.org and typed in Min: 1 Max: 18

3. The result I got was #5

4. I went back to Iconosquare and counted #5 from the bottom up

THE WINNER IS:

@colebiancardi

A big congratulations to the winner!!!

@colebiancardi, please contact me within 48 hours, otherwise another winner will be selected!!!

Memebox Discount Updates

Exclusively for the readers of geniesfavproducts...

From June 23rd to 30th, there will be an ADDITIONAL $3 OFF discount on any orders above $70 (shipping charges not included). The additional $3 off discount for promotional boxes can only applied when you purchase them with more than 1 non-promotional box.

This means...
If you purchase 2 promotion boxes and 1 non-promotion box that add up to $70 in your total amount, you will get $9 off in total! This additional $3 off discount can be applied in conjunction with the $3 off promo codes and 5 referral points (which will be valid until the end of June, so hurry up!)...therefore you will be able to save up to 20%!!

Reminder that the links to the June promotion products where you can get $3 off per item are here. (Valid until June 30th).


Please note that Memebox has made major changes in their Memebox policies:

1. Referral and Welcome Points Policy Change Notification
Starting from today, Welcome points will no longer be given to new customers.
Starting from 1st July, the $5 referral points that were given to customers will no longer be available.

2. Shipping Policy Change Notification
Starting from today, Memebox will charge $6.99 per box ordered for shipping, including any Memebox, Superbox, and Luckybox. This fee will be applied to each box in your order, unless otherwise stated in any particular limited offers.

Please also see my previous post on the Shipping Promo Codes on how to save money on shipping costs!

This post contains affiliate links.

MEMEBOX - the best beauty box ever!

Memebox is a Korean online beauty store where specialists advise customers of the latest trends and the best beauty products to buy. Unlike other beauty boxes out there which are usually monthly subscription boxes, Memebox does not provide a monthly service, but instead, allows you to choose what you buy, and you can buy whenever you feel like it! The brands they include are not everyday brands that you see around, so it's good that I get to try new things all the time!! The boxes are also set at everyday prices, and the products inside are always worth more than what you paid for!!! They also ship to most countries around the world, including Hong Kong!


The types of boxes to choose from:

Memebox
The original Memebox comes packed with 4-8 full sized products and deluxe samples, carefully curated from Korea to give you the best experience and widest exposure to a range of products.
 

Superbox
Superbox was inspired by the Memebox lovers, looking for full-sized products catered to specific needs. Each Superbox series comes with its own theme, designed to target particular concerns.
(click the following photos/links to get $3 off, in addition to the coupon code and sign up points)

Luckybox
 Luckyboxes were created to bring back the most popular items selected from previously sold-out Memeboxes, all combined in one wonderful collection.

Memebox Mini
These boxes are $15 including shipping, and you will get your hands on 3-6 beauty products (deluxe & pouch samples) from Korea.

Nakedbox
All the products inside the Nakedbox are completely revealed, and they ship within 2-3 days after purchase.
 


All the products contained in the Memeboxes, Superboxes, and Luckyboxes, are sourced directly from Korea, including only the best-loved items thoughtfully curated by their cosmetic aficionados at Memebox.


Don't know which box to buy?

- If you are new to Memebox, the Luckybox would be perfect for you! I purchased the Luckybox #5 as my first box, and I have been addicted to Memebox ever since!!
- If you like trying new products as much as I do, the Memebox Globals are awesome, as they contain many deluxe samples (as well as a few full sized products), and you can try the products before deciding on whether to purchase the full size product! They also have a larger variety of products inside!
- Superboxes are all themed, so if you have a particular concern, these are for you! For me, I really liked the Pore Care Superboxes!
- If you don't like buying a box without knowing what's inside, you can go for the Nakedboxes - all the components are exposed!
- If you like trying out new products, but have a tight budget, then the Memebox Minis are for you!

There are many sales going on at the moment!!!

June's Promo Codes:
Free shipping on orders above $50 at the Memeshop (until Sunday 22 June, 2014): FREESHIP50
$5 off on orders over 3 Memeboxes: MEMEBUNDLE3
Create an account and earn your $10 reward points, which can be used as $10 on your first purchase!

There are Box Value Sets now too which come with a free upgrade to express shipping when you just pay for normal shipping!! :D
PLUS weekly sales at the items at the Memeshop (this week, it's the products from HOPE GIRL - they have such cute packaging!!)

What are you waiting for? Order yours now and get up to $28 off your first purchase (google for coupon codes and blog referrals)!!!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

MEMEBOX SUPERBOX #20 UNBOXING

My All-In-One Superbox arrived in the mail yesterday, and I'm actually pretty impressed!!! This is now one of my favourite boxes from Memebox!!!

Thank you for watching, and have a nice day!!

MEMEBOX GLOBAL #11 UNBOXING

I received my fourth box from MEMEBOX...

MEMEBOX GLOBAL #11

These boxes cost USD23, and contain 4-8 full sized products and deluxe samples, and vary from hair & body products, to skin care & cosmetics.

I was really satisfied with this box, and am already thinking of purchasing more Memebox Globals!!!

I will be posting a more detailed review on the items in this box later!

But for now, thank you for watching, and if you have any questions, please feel free to comment below! Have a nice day!!

REVIEW: OGCE BLACKHEADS ALL CLEAR NOSE PACK FULL SET

Blackheads and enlarged pores are a major concern of my face (actually it's more of a concern on hubby's face, because since using the Clarisonic Mia2, I have had less blackheads stuck to my nose!), so I recently purchased the Memebox Superbox #13: Pore Care, so I'll be posting a lot on pore care from now on!!

One of the products I received in my Pore Care Superbox is the O'GCE Blackheads All Clear Nose Pack + Pore Tightener Full Set, retailing at a price of USD11 at the Memeshop. It is a two-step system that is designed to remove existing blackheads and whiteheads around your nose, as well as tightening up the pores to control oil product and prevent the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads.

I like how it's a two step product, so after opening up the pores and extracting the blackheads, it also comes with a serum to apply afterwards to help shrink the pores (other products on the market only come with the pore strip, but doesn't teach us how to shrink the pores afterwards!). But like other pore strips, it can be quite a painful experience when peeling off the strip off your nose!!

Inside The Box:

7 x Charcoal Pore Strip

7 x Pore Tightening Serum

How To Use:

Use on a cleansed face.

Wet nose. Remove the pore strip from the plastic film and stick onto your nose.

I wasn't very pleased when I applied the pore strip, as there were no slits in the strip unlike the ones from Bioré, and the strip had a very overwhelming charcoal/smokey smell!!!

Remove the pore strip after 10 minutes or until it becomes completely dry, starting from the ends. Yes, it was quite painful, but the results were quite good!!

Rinse your nose with lukewarm water, and apply the pore tightening serum. 

The pore tightening serum comes in a cute syringe-shaped packet, smells really nice of honey and the camellia flower, but it feels SUPER STICKY (even stickier than glue)!! After 5 minutes after application, the serum dried on my nose, and it even felt like dried glue on my face - considering how sticky it was and how it dried up on my nose, I actually thought they gave me glue instead of serum!!!

(Please note that the instructions on the Memebox Information Card stop here, but there is actually more to it!!!)

I really wanted to leave it like this, because the glue-like-serum tightened my pores, and my pores were no longer visible anymore, but it was so tight that it felt really uncomfortable on my nose, and it was so uncomfortable that I couldn't help peeling the "glue" off my nose...

It obviously didn't feel right, so I did my own research, and apparently, after 5-8 minutes after application, you are supposed to wash it off. If you leave it on for too long, your nose will become slightly red and irritated.

So, if I had followed the instructions on the Info Card, I would have had to sleep with the glue-like-serum on my nose ~ eww!!!

Repurchase?

It was quite a good product, but I think I'd use the rest of the pack on hubby, as he has more blackheads on his nose that can be extracted easily using pore strips (he accepts this method more than using the blackhead extracting stick anyway)!! We would probably repurchase :)

Thank you for reading, and if you have any questions, feel free to comment below!