Etude House, Skinfood, The Face Shop Haul

Bought more stuff from Etude House, Skinfood, and The Face Shop.

1. Bling Bling Eye Stick in #01 Shooting Star: 4,000KRW
2. Milk Screw in Coconut Milk:  3,500KRW
3. Fresh Cherry Tint in Peach: 6,000KRW
4. Dear Darling Nail Care (to make nails stronger): 3,000KRW
5. Tear Drop Liner in #01: 6,000KRW
6. Eyeliner Brush: 3,000KRW
7. Eyeshadow in OR201: 4,500KRW
8. Eyeshadow in PK003: 3,000KRW
9. Code B Eyeshadow in 03: 4,500KRW

1. The Face Shop Face it HD Perfect BB Cream SPF30 in Shade #01: 14,900KRW

2. The Face Shop Shimmer Top Coat: 3,000KRW

3. Skinfood Milk Creamy Nail Polish in Lavender Milk: 2,500KRW

4. The Face Shop False Eyelashes XOS: 1,500KRW

5. The Face Shop False Eyelashes XLH: 1,500KRW

6. Skinfood Premium Touch Point Shadow Brush: 4,500KRW

I know I just bought a bunch of makeup stuff, but I had a 30% off coupon for Etude House so I bought another haul. Then I stopped by Skinfood and The Face Shop for a few more products that I had wanted to buy.

Time to stop shopping! >.<

Beauty Review: Etude House Dr. Oil Solution Pact

This review is for Etude House Dr. Oil Solution Pact.

The pact opened up with the applicator

The color of the powder

I use Etude House's BB Magic Cream and apply this pact over it as a finish and for oil control. As the product says, it definitely does control oil. The powder helps control your oil for hours. From personal experience, I usually do not have to reapply or only reapply once after about 4-6 hours, unless it's an extra humid day.

I apply all over my face, but especially in the T-zone area and around my nose. This is actually the first pact I've ever used because I was always afraid of looking too powdery and white. But this merely helps add a finishing touch to my BB cream. It doesn't make me look too powdery at all. I also wear this without BB cream and still does not make me look too powdery. Loves it!

The price is cheap since all Etude House products are reasonably priced. This pact is smaller than other Etude House pacts, but I actually prefer the smaller size. It's compact and fits neatly into the little pocket inside my purse. The packaging is cute as always, however not as girly as their other products.

The only downside is that there is only one shade. I have regular fair Asian skin, about NC20, and this shade is right for me. However, I can see that it would be too light for many people. 

Rating: 4/5
This pact is great, but I feel like I can find something better out there. Perhaps something that will not only control oil but provide some extra coverage as well?

Jinny Kim

I recently bought a pair of shoes from Jinny Kim. At first glance at the brand, I couldn't believe how unbelievably cute all the shoes are. They carry all types of shoes, like flats, heels, sandals, and pumps. But they all have the same cute vintage Hollywood style.

I have never heard of Jinny Kim before so I did a little research. Jinny Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea but studied fashion at FIT in Manhattan, New York. After working as an assistant editor for Vogue Korea, she launched her first collection in 2006. Described as "Vintage Hollywood with Modern Flair", Jinny Kim has definitely introduced a brand that is to be remembered!

A few of my favorites:

 

I bought a pair of high-heeled white sandals:

278,000KRW = $229USD at Jinnykimshoes.com

They're so adorable! Apparently they are one of the most popular styles right now. They come in white, black, brown, pink, or light sea green. Also comes in two different heights: 8cm and 10cm. Mine pictured above is 8cm. The 10cm has a small platform in the front to make them a bit more comfortable.

Jinny Kim has a gold label and pink label line. Gold label shoes are at least $200USD while pink label shoes are under $200USD.

These shoes are not only available in Korea, but also available in boutiques in Singapore and California. According to her website, the shoes are also available on revolveclothing.com and Nordstrom stores! 

Definitely check out these cute modern vintage shoes at jinnykimshoes.com!

LV Mahina L in white

Meet my new baby! Louis Vuitton Mahina L in white.

3,930,000KRW = $3,305USD at Louis Vuitton.com

I cannot describe how much I am in love with this bag! The perforated LV pattern is fresh and chic. The gold embellishments are classy. The size is perfect. The color is clean and refreshing.

Inside, there is a leather strip that can be hooked across the top to keep the bag in shape and your belongings secure. The fabric on the inside is a soft gray suede. The only disappointing thing is that there is only one additional zip pocket. I would prefer at least another pocket for a cell phone.

On the USA Louis Vuitton website, it is only available in a few colors in XXL, but the Korean Louis Vuitton website has many more colors and sizes in L and XL. I already thought XL was too big so I can only imagine how big XXL must be. 

I absolutely love this bag! The size is great because it's big enough for all your small goods, plus bigger things like a book or a magazine. But it's not too big that it's overwhelming your body. What I love most is the perforated LV pattern. It's a fresh take on the LV pattern and it's subtle enough to slightly blend in with the bag, but not too subtle that people can't see it. 

<3 <3

Beauty Review: Skinfood Milk Creamy Nail Polish in Mint Milk

This review is for Skinfood Milk Creamy Nail Polish. The shade I purchased is BL005 Mint Milk.

BL005 Mint Milk (in natural light near the window)

Excuse my short stubby nails in the pics! 

The color is great. I absolutely love it. It's very similar to Essie Mint Candy Apple. Just like the color says, it's a creamy milky mint color.

The formula is just okay. I didn't expect much since it's pretty cheap. It can be quite streaky if you apply too thin and too gooey if you apply too thick. So I did several thin coats topped with Etude House top coat. 

Although the formula is not great, the lasting power is nice. It's been a little over a week and no major chipping! Only very little chipping on my index finger, but that's it. 

Rating: 3.5/5

The formula can make it a little difficult to apply, but the colors and the lasting power is great! I will definitely repurchase. I've already purchased BL001 Ice and BE002 Coconut Milk. They're a milky light blue and milky vanilla color respectively.

Beauty Review: Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream

This review is for Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream.

On the box, it states:
- SPF25
- Wrinkle repairing
- Whitening
- UV Blocking cosmetic
- Lasts for up to 12 hours
- Made with organic ingredients

 12,000KRW = $9.97USD at Missha.net

There are two shades. I purchased the lighter one (No. 21 Light Pink Beige). The application is smooth and the texture is creamy. I find it just a bit harder to blend compared to the Etude House BB Magic Cream.

The big problem is that this BB cream is too light for me. When applied, it makes me look washed out and too white compared to the rest of my body.  The other shade seems too dark for me. If only they had more than 2 shades... The shade may work for some people, but I already have relatively white skin, so this shade just made me look way too washed out!

The good thing is that it has a better oil control than Etude House BB Magic Cream. Also, I like the packaging because the tube is encased in plastic. but other than that I prefer Etude House BB Magic Cream.

Rating: 2/5
I will not be repurchasing this! I've heard Missha BB Creams are great, but this one was very disappointing.

Beauty Review: Etude House Proof10 Liquid Liner

If you've seen my latest Etude House & Skinfood haul post, you'll know that I've recently purchased Etude House's Proof10 Liquid Liner in black.

I had the chance to use it and I have to say that it is amazing! Even on a hot and humid summer day, the eyeliner did not budge one bit.

 7,000KRW = $5.73USD at EtudeHouse.com

Application is really easy, especially for a liquid liner. The brush can easily create both thin and thick lines with clean and smooth application. Usually with a new liquid liner, it takes some time for me to get used to the brush, but this one was pretty easy from the beginning. I was amazed at how easy it was to use and how clean the lines were from the first try. I usually apply my top liner with wings and with this, it's easy to apply a clean and precise winged eyeliner look.

This morning I applied Proof10 liner on top and my usual MAC Fluidline on the bottom so I could compare the two. By the end of the day, the bottom liner had smudged but the top looked like I had just applied it. It has better staying power than my MAC Fluidline!

The only downside is that it is a bit difficult to take off. I use Clinique Take the Day Off, which easily takes off most makeup since it is oil-based, but even with that, the Proof10 liner was a bit difficult to remove. I guess that just further proves its staying power.

Rating: 5/5
I will definitely repurchase and stock up before I leave Korea!

UPDATE: I wore this eyeliner for 10 hours while I went to see the Korea vs. Argentina world cup game. Not only was it hot and humid, but there were thousands of people to the point where it took me at least 30 minutes just to exit the subway station. By the time I got home at 12am, the eyeliner was still perfect! No smears, no smudges. Even the double wingtips I applied in the morning were still perfectly shaped. The eyeliner didn't even smudge onto my top lid as it usually does with other eyeliners. Amazing!!

Skinfood & Etude House haul

Since I arrived in Korea last Sunday, I've been literally shopping nonstop!
Here's my Skinfood & Etude House haul...

Skinfood Avocado Leave-in Fluid

5,500KRW = $4.50USD at TheSkinfood.com

A leave in fluid, applied to wet hair directly after shower. Moisturizes dry hair. I like this so far! The smell is nice and I've noticed my hair to be less dry in this summer heat.

Skinfood Black Sesame Hot Mask

8,600KRW = $7.04USD at TheSkinfood.com

This mask is much thicker than the previous one I've purchased (banana yogurt mask), but I like that it is a hot mask. I thought the smell of sesame might be a bit weird, but it smells nice. Haven't seen much results yet since I've only used it once.

Skinfood Milk Creamy Nail Polish

2,500KRW = $2.05USD at TheSkinfood.com

I love all the colors in their milk creamy nail polish line! Tested the application in the store and it seems to be okay. Haven't used this one yet, but if the application is nice, I will buy all the colors!

Skinfood Green Tea Foot Buffer

4,800KRW = $3.93USD at TheSkinfood.com

Just bought this yesterday so haven't used it yet. But I was debating between this and the orange & mint foot scrub, but I chose this because of the better scent.

Etude House Base Coat

3,000KRW = $2.46USD at EtudeHouse.com

Bought this because I'm in need of a base coat! The bottle is super cute (:

Etude House Proof10 Liquid Liner in Black

7,000KRW = $5.73USD at EtudeHouse.com

Heard the liquid liners are Etude House are pretty good. I bought this one to try it out. I might get the Code B gel liner later as well.

Etude House Hello Kitty Mini Hand Lotion

4,000KRW = $3.28USD at EtudeHouse.com

Mini Hello Kitty hand lotion! It's citrus scented. Bought it because it's so adorable!

  Etude House Dr. Oil Solution Pact

7,000KRW = $5.73USD at EtudeHouse.com

 This hot weather and daily use of BB cream has not been helping oil control for my face! So I bought this pact in hopes of a solution!

Etude House Proof10 Jewelry Eye Pencil

6,000KRW = $4.91USD at EtudeHouse.com

This pencil is great for adding sparkle to any eye makeup look! I bought this pencil in gold to add sparkle to my nighttime looks.

Look forward to more detailed reviews for all of these products!

Shanghai tea cafes

The thing I love about Shanghai is that tea is everywhere. It's available as an option in basically every restaurant, there is a tea market to buy all types of tea, and there are many tea cafes.

My favorite tea cafe is called rbt. It's from Hong Kong, but has a Korean cafe style feel. The interior is adorable, complete with a few bench swings as chairs.

Their food is cheap and good. My favorite drink is the green barley with aloe. For food, I've had paninis, toast, waffle with ice cream, and pastas. The paninis are the best I think.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee at rbt

I went to rbt all the time during my stay in Shanghai. It's a great place to meet a friend or to just study. Another great tea cafe is Chamate, located just about everywhere in Shanghai. Definitely should go to either if you're ever in China or Hong Kong!

Beauty Review: Etude House BB Magic Cream

BB cream... if you haven't heard of this yet, you need to get on it asap! It's been the hottest thing in Asia for a little while now. Here's my review on one of the most popular: Etude House BB Magic Cream.

Etude House is marketed towards teens and early 20s, so all their products have very attractive packaging and good prices. This BB cream was only $9USD at the duty free store.

It's quite easy to apply since the texture is not thick, but coverage is medium. It won't cover up any big blemishes or dark spots, but it'll give you a nice glow. It's good for people who already don't have many blemishes and just want smoother looking skin.

I feel that this BB cream makes my skin look a bit oily throughout the day, especially in the hot summer time. People with oily skin should stay away, but this will work well with combo and dry skin.

Overall, I do like this BB cream. I love that it gives a nice glow, but I just wish it didn't make my skin look a little oily sometimes and that it gave a bit more coverage. I love trying new products all the time, so I won't repurchase right when I run out, but I will probably repurchase before I leave Korea.

Rating: 4/5

Change of plans...

I am now in Korea! Big plan changes... instead of interning in Hong Kong, I'll be interning for KPMG consulting in Korea. I'm so disappointed that I won't be going to Hong Kong! >.< But a summer in Korea should be interesting.

I'll be doing a lot of shopping and hopefully travel back to Shanghai and Hong Kong sometime. And since internet here is way faster than it ever was in China, I'll be updating more often than before!

Uniqlo jeans

This is my last post while in Shanghai! I'll be leaving for Korea tomorrow afternoon. I'm not sure when I will update again since I'm not sure how long I will be in Korea and whether or not I will have internet again. But at least I don't have to use a VPN to access Blogger! (:

I know I've only posted travel updates and beauty reviews lately, but this is just a fashion rave. My latest "thing to own"? Uniqlo jeans!

I know Uniqlo has been around for awhile, but I've never even thought about buying their jeans. Since I don't live in Soho, NY (where the only US Uniqlo store exists), I took full advantage of the ubiquitous amount of stores in Shanghai.

When I saw they had skinny tapered, I bought two pairs of jeans - one dark washed skinny tapered jeans, one black skinny straight jeans. The black ones I bought for casual wear at work. They are both fabulous! Fit comfortably, look great, and are a good deal.

The best part about their jeans is that they have so many different styles and colors. They even have jeans in purple, red, green, pink, etc. And styles range from skinny tapered, skinny, skinny straight, boot cut, flare, etc. My favorite style is skinny tapered. I've been looking for another great pair of skinny tapered jeans ever since I discovered Levi's skinny tapered.

The dark wash skinny tapered were 299RMB (approx. $44USD) while the black skinny straight were 199RMB (approx. $29USD).

Go to a Uniqlo asap and check out their jeans !!

Beauty Review: Missha Sun Protect Cream SPF30

Because I didn't want anymore sun spots, I bought a sun cream a couple months ago from Missha called Sun Protect Cream SPF30+. It is a Korean brand, but I bought it in Shanghai. For anyone who is in the area, there is a Missha store in Zhongshan Park at Cloud Nine shopping mall.

I couldn't find this on the US or Korean Missha website, only the China one - so it may only be available in China. Or it could be discontinued elsewhere or only available in stores in Korea.

120RMB at Missha China website (approx. $18USD)

The cream is more like a cream rather than a sunscreen. It is thicker than my Chanel UV Essentiel SPF50 cream, so it feels like a lotion. I do prefer this rather than a milky sunscreen feel. Although thicker, it feels light on the face, but perhaps that is because it is a lower SPF than my Chanel cream.

After weeks of applying this every morning, I noticed my sun spots getting slightly darker, but no new sun spots were discovered. Therefore, I've moved on to Chanel SPF50 cream. However, I do still use this for days when there is low/no sun.

If you're looking for basic sun coverage, this may be right for you. I find that it is hard to find SPF moisturizers above SPF15 in the states, but in Asia, it is quite easy to find high SPF since many Asian girls prefer white faces. This cream, although SPF30, feels almost as light as many creams in the states that are only SPF15. The tube is 50ml; should last you barely a few months if you use it almost everyday.

Rating: 3/5
I like the formula's consistency, but it is not enough sun protection for me.