Memebox : Memebrushes set haul !

After having ordered a Memebox and a bunch of other products on Memebox, I decided to try out their own products: they launched a set of make up brushes called the Memebrush Set.

I don't actually have that many brushes, because I like using fingers for my makeup. Nevertheless I'd love to learn how to use my brushes properly, and that's why I caved in and bought this Memebrush set ! (and I won't lie, the visuals completely swept me off my feet haha)

It came in this cute little box; I love the hot pink / black color combination

The pouch is gorgeous, with black sparkles on one side and faux leather on the other. Each brush is encased in its own little plastic wrap, and I find that on top of being hygienic, it's really convenient for traveling.

There's a leaflet accompanying the brushes in the pouch, it's written in korean but the pictures are self explanatory really.

The brushes !

I really like the feeling of the brushes, soft and fluffy. I heard that synthetic brushes were better but there are a few of them that are made of wool… I still have to use them for a little longer to have a definite opinion on them. All I can say for now is that they pick up a lot of product and they're easy to use. Here they are though, so gorgeous !

Thanks for reading !

Memebox 5-2 : review

Memebox is a relatively new Korean cosmetics company located in the U.S. which provides worldwide shipping (they stopped it during one month or so, but now it's back !). Steering away from your usual beauty box subscription system, Memebox offers numerous beauty boxes that you can order whenever you want to, without having to subscribe to anything at all; which undeniably appeals to me. As you all may already know, I'm not that much of a beauty box junkie because when it comes to surprise I'd rather it not be a bad one. However, thanks to the possibility to back away after trying out one box, I caved in and bought the 5-2 edition of Memebox. 

After a few weeks of wait (one problem with the pre-ordering system in Memebox is that you're buying your box approximately one or two months before it's scheduled to be delivered, which can be quite displeasing especially when you can't wait for it to arrive…), my Memebox finally was delivered to my doorstep. What were my first impressions? Well let's just say I was surprised, both in a good and a bad way. 

First, there were ma~ny products: the box was jam packed with deluxe or full sized products, and I was really happy about it ! 

However, I realized that the products were not quite as exciting to me as I had imagined: seeing that I had searched for the previous editions of memebox before ordering this one, my expectations were quite high. Memebox #1, #2, #3, #4 all set the bar so high that I was waiting to be blown away by the box; but it didn't quite happen: Five body products (the Aromatica roll-on, the Derma:B body lotion, the Lipozone firming ampoules, the Panier de Sens shower gel and the Physiogel foil packets), two  base makeup foil packets and one full size l'Oreal Caresse, and skincare products I wasn't too thrilled about (apart from the CNP cleansing gel)… Too many body products for me. 

Thankfully, after trying the products out my opinion changed a bit: it's true I would never have tried some of the products if not for this box, and I found myself liking quite a few of them ! Let's jump right into the review of each product:

*full sizes / deluxe samples*

• Derma:B daily moisture body lotion

100ml, just your regular body lotion

# upsides: really moisturizing and I love the smell of it !

# downsides: none really, does the job as a body lotion ! 

# conclusion: I quite like it, it's nothing really special but then again it's just a body lotion~

• CNP Laboratory cleansing perfecta

50ml, cleansing gel that gets rid of waterproof sunblock and BB cream

# upsides: refreshing and smells good. 

# downsides: doesn't get rid of heavy makeup (matte lipstick and waterproof mascara) 

# conclusion: I use it in the morning, or when I don't wear any makeup at all (yes, I still use makeup remover when I don't have makeup…) because I don't think any gel makeup remover would be able to top my trusty cleansing oils ! But it's still great to use, feels great on my skin and gentle. 

• Nuganic customize pore control essence

30ml (full size), essence that's supposed to help reduce the appearance of dilated pores

This one I still haven't used long enough to have a definite opinion on it. For now all I can say is that I didn't break out from it, and that it feels good on my skin… Nothing concerning the pore control claim as of now, we shall see in two months or so~

• Aromatica tasteless roll on

14ml (full size), aromatherapy roll on to be used on pulse points and temples to relax and calm body

# upsides: I just LOVE the smell of this, it's really relaxing. It somehow smells like chinese herbal medicine? But I guess a lot of people would hate this smell… 

# downsides: the smell of it, for some people. And also, I don't really know when to use it. I mean, I believe it's for yoga or something; but since I don't do yoga I just use it when I'm tired, or sleepy. 

# conclusion: Cool product, didn't expect something like that in a beauty box and I suppose it's a good thing that they're trying to be diverse ! 

• L'Oreal shine caresse in BELLA

6ml (full size), lip tint

# upsides: the color is just perfect for spring, it's fresh and it pops ! Feels really great on my lips too, not drying at all. I like the way it fades away too, unlike some lip tints that just … start to disappear from the inside of the lips and leaving an obnoxious red contour /cringes/ 

# downsides: none really ! Maybe the fact that L'Oreal is not a korean cosmetic brand, but then again this lip tint retails for 14€ here in France, so I suppose it's quite the deal as this memebox only cost me 23$ ! 

# conclusion: Really like this lip tint, I would never have tried it if not for this box and I'm grateful for that (: 

• Lipozone body secrets

5ml*5, body firming ampoules; after 28 days of use, you're supposed to get noticeable results of firmer skin and reduced cellulite 

I don't know what to say about this one… I didn't try it yet and I don't know if I ever will, it's tempting but at the same time I don't know how to feel about it. Have you guys ever tried this type of products?

* foil packets / small samples*

• Paniers de Sens savon de marseille liquide nourrissant : I like the smell of it, nothing special; just a regular body wash.. 

• Physiogel hypoallergénique foil packets : didn't try them out yet, I think I'll include them in my upcoming sample article~

• Leaders Insolution foil packets : same

• Dear Jane foil packets : same

Conclusion
I still have mixed feelings about this box. For a first beauty box it's not that bad, for I have discovered quite a few products I feel happy about but at the same time I feel like it's nothing like the old editions of memebox and I wish I would have purchased the #1 or #2 editions instead of this one…
Because of that I tried my luck again and purchased the lucky box #1 restocked and I will soon write a review on it… stay tuned !
Thank you for reading~ 

Queens House : boutique de cosmétiques asiatiques à Paris

I've always been shopping online for my asian cosmetics: nowadays, there are numerous online shops that sell affordable korean skincare and japanese makeup. Granted, there were times when I found myself envious of people living in the States because they had the opportunity to go to actual, physical shops in order to try and buy asian cosmetics; but I never really gave it much thought. That is, until I stumbled upon this article from the Girls On Fire french blog: what? An asian cosmetic shop located in Paris?! Surprised, excited, and most importantly happy, I decided to pay a visit to the Queens House shop.

Queens House
67 rue de Belleville
75019 Paris

Very etude house like, the shop was all about pink and cuteness, see photos below. Really cute and I like it !

Too Cool For School, Etude House

Sheet Masks Shelf: Innisfree, Leaders Insolution (quite hard to find online!), Etude House, Holika Holika…

The 3 Concept Eyes (3CE) Shelf… Hard to find online as well !

More 3CE

Yeah so apart from the interior decoration and the whole excitement due to having a physical asian cosmetics shop here in Paris, what's my honest opinion on Queens House? 

Upsides:

• Really cute shop
• Possibility to swatch makeup 
• Reasonably priced, however it's cheaper online (be it on ebay, cosmetic love or any other online shop ! Though it's only natural for a physical shop to up the prices because they've got to pay off their rent)
• BUT ! The prices for the 3CE cosmetics are almost the same as the ones on their official website. 

Downsides:

• Cheaper online, especially for brands like etude house or innisfree
• They don't have that much products available yet: while I approve of the products they've selected for a first approach of asian skincare, I don't think it's quite enough for someone who's already into asian cosmetics. Thankfully, I heard they were broadening their catalogue already… Hoping for some new 3CE cosmetics yehet~

Conclusion: While I'm happy to be able to quickly haul some products in Paris in case of emergency, I don't think I'll supply myself there. The prices are higher than what's on the internet, and their product selection is not quite enough yet: apart from the 3CE cosmetics and maybe the Leaders' Insolution sheet masks, I'll continue shopping online for the most part. 

Nevertheless, let's not forget about the unavoidable haul section of this queens house post: what did I buy ? Stingy me didn't buy a lot of products because of the prices; but I still did bring some products back home (and 2 free sheet masks thanks to the G.O.F coupon code yey~)

Thanks for reading ! I'll write a review on the Its Skin Arbutin serum soon, stay tuned (:

Narüko: first haul in China

I went to China with my family last year, during the summer time. We visited Xi'An, Guangzhou, Shantou and Shanghai; I really enjoyed my stay there, even though the weather was extremely hot and humid… Aside from visiting touristic areas, I spent most of my time shopping and eating.

In the Zhong Hua Guang Chang Mall in Guangzhou, I stumbled upon a little Narüko shop: surprised yet excited, I entered the store and was greeted by over-enthusiastic saleswomen who tried to force every product onto me… After successfully shooing them away, I got to take a closer look at all the products, new or not so new, from the Narüko shop. I heard of this brand for the first time on Les Beautés Testent and I really wanted to try some of their products; but it's not that easy to find them online… So I was really happy and indeed brought quite a few products home ! Here is my first Narüko haul :

I will write separate reviews on each product after I have finished using them; but here's my first impression for the two products:

# Tea tree oil out balancing serum

• Upsides: Really fluid texture making absorption easier, refreshing feeling upon application~
• Downsides: a little too drying for sensitive skin…

# Rose aqua cubic night gelly EX

• Upsides: Moisturizing, fluid and watery gel texture AND the scent is heavenly~
• Downsides: none, really ! (:

As for the products I bought for my mom, I'll try to collect her impressions on them and maybe write a billet on that later on (: Thank you for reading ! 

11st THE SAEM gift box : overview & THE SAEM aloe sheet mask review

I believe my interest in skincare started 3 years ago, and my first purchase online ever was from the ünt skincare online shop. Since then, I've been searching for more online shops that sold asian skincare at affordable prices (I am going to write an article concerning shops I like and don't like, stay tuned for it ^_^;). 11st.co.kr is one shop that I enjoy shopping on: just like Gmarket, it's an online shopping mall that sells pretty much everything! From clothes to food (and of course cosmetics) they offer international shipping on a lot of products. I also really like the fact that they kept the same pricing for the international shop and the Korean shop. 

I have ordered clothes and cosmetics multiple times from 11st, and their customer service is amazing. I like the fact that they centralize all your orders and then pack them all into one big cardboard box. They also offer a 40.000W shipping discount coupon for first-time buyers, which is amazing !

Today, I wanted to write an article concerning a gift box I've received from 11st: last year, they opened a giveaway event to celebrate their paypal service opening; and I was lucky enough to be one of the winners of the giveaway ! So I received a THE SAEM gift box which included 5 aloe sheet masks, 1 g-dragon sheet mask, as well as the cleansing foam, toner and emulsion from the Hareke range.

It was shipped really quickly, and the packaging was really cute~ 

I haven't tried the products from the Hareke range out yet, but as soon as I have a definite opinion on each product I'll write an article for the hareke line. 

As for the sheet masks, I have already used them all, so here's my review:

# THE SAEM Aloe Sheet Masks

• Upsides:

1. Soothing and calming: I loved these masks because they felt soooo good to put on. It was soothing and calming, and my skin didn't feel sensitive afterwards (Some sheet masks do make my skin feel sensitive and irritated (etude house masks hello…) ! Mostly when they contain alcohol)
2. Great absorption: It was soaked in essence!! Thankfully it didn't drip out but was absorbed really quickly. I enjoyed the fact that it didn't feel sticky afterwards, so it was pleasant to massage the rest of the essence into my skin. 
3. Soft and jelly-like texture: The texture was between a tissue and a gel like texture. It wasn't thick or heavy like the My Beauty Diary masks feel, but rather it was really soft and malleable. Both are great actually, but I might lean a little more towards the The Saem masks… Still pondering on that~ 
4. The sceeeent: It smells sooooo good ! Just like aloe vera leaves. So great to put the mask on and to smell the aloe vera goodness ~
5. Ingredient-list (please credit before taking out):  정제수 (water), 글리세린 (glycerin), 부틸렌글라이콜 (butilene glycol) , 피이지-32 (PEG 32), 트레할로스 (trehalose: plant extract which helps with moisture locking) , 피이지-60하이드로제네이티드캐스터오일 (PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil), 페녹시에탄올 (phenoxyethanol) , 클로페네신 (chlorphenesin) , 카보머 (carbomer), 알지닌 (arginine: anti oxydant), 알로에베라잎추출물(1,000ppm) (aloe vera leaf extract 1000ppm), 하이드록시에칠셀룰로오스 (hydroxy-ethil-cellulose), 프리클리페어열매추출물 (prickly pear fruit extract), 디소듐이디티에이 (disodium EDTA), 향료 (fragrance)

• Downsides: None really. I absolutely looooved them. 

• Conclusion: I'm definitely going to buy some more in my next 11st order! I'd also like to try out other sheet masks from THE SAEM… Maybe some from the hareke range ?  

Thanks for reading ! (: 

SKIN&LAB Dr Vita Clinic K Plus Red-X : review

I believed for a very, very, long time that I had combination/oily skin, and that my skin was prone to growing pimples and having acne. Because of that, I used a lot of oil-free pore and sebum control products… Additionally, I loved using clay wash off masks that dried on my skin: it made me feel accomplished and squeaky clean afterwards (I was obsessed and crazy, sorry about that). In short, my whole routine was focusing on controlling sebum and pores; however, it was not adapted to my skin type at all.

When I began to grow interested in cosmetics, I found out that I had sensitive/dry skin and that I should have used products that focused more on hydration and moisturization. Knowing that, I changed my whole routine and bought products that replenished and moisturized my skin: In the span of 4 to 5 months, my skin had healed and had become much more hydrated, clear, and soft.

Really happy about that, I was beginning to chant about the amazingness of hydration and the wonders it did to my skin~ (ünt aqua deluge I love you, and I'll write a review on you really soon so hang in there!)

However, I still had acne scars left on both of my cheeks, and I was eager to remove them: I began searching for products that could brighten dark spots and acne scars. The SKIN&LAB Dr Vita Clinic K Plus Red-X (which I bought from wishtrend.com) is a treatment cream supposed to get rid of the redness of your skin, for example it claims to help whitening dark-circles or acne scarring. I used it for 2~3 months, and I am very satisfied about this product! It brightened my acne scars as well as soothed the bumps left by my ugly pimples.

# Upsides:

• It really works ! I honestly didn't think the results would be so impressive, because I had the idea that it required much more time for scars to fade, even with the help of brightening products. However, it really did work for me, and in the span of 2 months only, which is incredible ! 
• Easily spreadable: As opposed to the ciracle red spot cream (I'm going to write an article on it as well!), the texture is fluid and creamy with an almost silky finish; that's something I love about this cream!
• Not too pricey: Usually, products that claim to brighten acne scars/dark spots aren't on the cheap side. However, I bought this SKIN&LAB K cream at wishtrend.com for 16.49$ which is  quite reasonable ! 

# Downsides:

• Ingredients: The ingredient list is alright, except that it contains silicone, paraben, alcohol… Thankfully I didn't break out from this cream so I guess it's alright ! 

# Ingredient list (taken from wishtrend.com):

# Conclusion:

I really liked this product, because it helped my skin a lot. I still had a few scars after finishing this cream, but with more hydration, vitamin C (the vitamin C serum from OST is freaking awesome, gotta write a review on that as well !!), and most importantly, time; they slowly faded away. 

If (I surely hope not) I ever need to brighten dark spots or acne scars again, I would repurchase this product, along with the vitamin C serum (stay tuned~~) 

Thanks so much for reading ! 

WISHBOX 14 : overview and review

I have always loved the concept of beauty boxes. Who would say no to a box full of samples/full size products prettily wrapped up and delivered to you right in front of your door? However, what worried me and deterred me from subscribing to a beauty box program was the idea of receiving things I didn't want, or didn't like. I hear you, surprise is part of the charm of beauty boxes; but spending money on things I'd end up throwing is a definite no-no for me. I found the idea endearing, but being the cautious person I am, I was afraid and preferred to stay away from this trend. 

However, the wish box program offered by wishtrend.com appealed to me: knowing all the products included in the box, and having a beautiful little package that looked like a beauty box delivered to me (except having no surprise as for the products); that's what I wanted. Today, I am here with the WISHBOX 14 which I have recently purchased: it's no regular Wishbox as the price is significantly lower than all the other editions of Wishtrend, and consequently the number of products (and of full sizes) was also decreased; but for one who's just getting acquainted with such a concept, it's a way to discover the world of beauty boxes without spending too much money!

# WISHBOX14 - overview :

• Price: 9.99 USD
• It was packed in a little black string bag; to be honest I was somehow disappointed by the packaging, as previous editions of wishboxes were wrapped up in pretty bags and pouches. But still, it was decently packed; and the whole thing was sent in a regular cardboard box.
• I'll write an article later focusing on wishtrend which is a website I enjoy shopping on! Their customer service is great, shipping is quick and they give out a generous amount of samples with every order. 

# PRODUCTS - quick review: 

As of now, I have tried the MUA star cream, the SKINMISO nose pack, the BRILLIANT sparkling powder and the HELLO EVERYBODY vita berry set. As for the samples, I will write an article focusing on samples I've used/loved later on, so stay tuned ! 

#1 - MUA STAR CREAM

• Upsides:

1. The roll-on tip: Made of metal, it instantly refreshes areas where you use the cream. The fact that it's a roll-on also helps with wrinkles, as it massages the skin. 
2. 7-free: no mineral oils, no paraben, no alcohol, no artificial coloring, no benzophenone no steroids and no petrolatum.

• Downsides:

1. The price: when you purchase it separately, it's priced at 19.99USD which is quite expensive for only 20ml of cream.
2. Disappointing effects: I'm not at an age when anti-wrinkling ingredients matter to me; but I do have laugh lines near my nose which I want to erase. That's why I thought a roll-on that could bring a dose of wrinkle-care on targeted areas was THE thing to add to my routine, and I was quite excited to use this cream. However, it didn't really work for me, the effects I was supposed to get didn't happen even after 4 weeks of use. I know miracle creams don't exist, but I was expecting at least a little improvement on my skin… which didn't happen, unfortunately. 

• Conclusions: 

I bought the wish box 14 because of the MUA Star Cream, and while I don't regret buying the wish box 14 at all, I was still disappointed by the MUA Star Cream. I won't repurchase it. 

#2 - SKINMISO pore beauty nose pack 

• Upsides: 

1. No stimulus: I have used numerous nose packs that required some type of scratching or peeling that irritated my skin afterwards. For the SKINMISO nose pack, there won't be any unwanted stimuli on your skin; except for removing the blackheads that already got out of the pores thanks to the step 1. 
2. Soothing and calming: step 2 and the application of the silky essence help soothing the skin and firming the pores after they've been opened.
3. IT REALLY WORKS ! (all caps, because it's a miracle) To be honest most nose packs I used didn't work. This time, I have actually been able to disgustingly remove the blackheads that had gotten out of my pores… ew. I didn't take any pictures in fear of scarring your eyes (it really is disgusting) but if you really want to watch the SKINMISO pore beauty nose pack in action, take a look at the pictures here, because it's pretty much what happened to me as well… 

• Downsides:

1. The price: again, it's not the cheapest nose pack set! Thankfully the 21.99 USD set will last you for quite a while: you get 10 sheets of each step, plus the essence. So, 10 weeks of use, more or less.

• Conclusions:

This was unexpectedly the product I liked the most in the wish box 14 ! I still had another sample of it that came in with a previous wishtrend order, and after trying it one more time, I really fell in love with it. Like, where can you actually find something that helps you get rid of your blackheads SO EASILY?! (all caps again because I'm excited) Despite the price, I'll buy it again, and again, and again…

#3 - BRILLIANT sparkling powder

• Upsides: 

1. Concept: It's such an innovative concept ! In those two little packets you get a SPA treatment that you can carry everywhere with you; at home, on a trip… Yeah, it really is brilliant.
2. Pleasant feeling: Surprisingly, it does feel good to rinse your face with sparkling water. It's a feeling you should experience at least once in your life, in my opinion. 
3. Brightening effect: As claimed, this sparkling powder does have an instant brightening effect on your skin: I used it on a dull-skin day, and it really did change my skin condition to a plumpy, glowy skin. 

• Downsides:

1. The brightening effect doesn't last long: I guess it's an effect that comes with the excitement of splashing cold, sparkling water on your face. But it lasts for less than 1 hour, especially if you follow with your usual routine afterwards. Thankfully the calming effect stays for the whole day ! 
2. Two packets, 5L… Such a waste : I feel that using two packets and 5 L for one deep cleansing is a little bit excessive, especially when you rinse your face for no more than 5mn. Why does it feel like I'm wasting product, and water ? Maybe it's just me … 

• Conclusions:

I have tried it, and I have loved it. It feels really refreshing to use BRILLIANT's sparkling powder, and it does give a deep cleansing. You will see the effects of the product, and even if the brightening effect doesn't last long, I guarantee you'll feel the calming and soothing effect afterwards. However, I'm still contemplating buying another set of these… As I mentioned before, I always feel a little broken hearted when I have to pour the whole bowl of sparkling water down the sink after I've used it. 

#4 - HELLO EVERYBODY spa vita berry set

• Upsides: 

1. The smell: IT SMELLS SO FREAKING GOOD ! (so excited) The smell is incredible. It really, really, really smells like you're washing your hair with some type of heavenly-scented berry; I'M NOT EVEN KIDDING. I can't express with words how good this smells. You have to smell it to know it. I'm sad I can't magically make you guys understand how great this smells but just… you have to believe me, it's freaking incredible. It's the type of smell that makes you go HALLELUJAH~ while you're alone in the shower. Kind of, in a Moses Hogan type of way. I kid you not.  
2. 7-free: Ingredient wise you get a  relatively clean list of products and you'll notice that the 10-berry complex comes quite high in the list !
3. Smooth hair: I used this travel sized set when I went on a ski trip with my school; and it was a sudden hair routine break for me: I usually wash my hair with the Shiseido Tsubaki range once every two days, but during the trip I had to wash my hair everyday because of the snow… And I also didn't bring my Aussie mask care with me (I've got to make an article on these masks because I swear they're just the BOMB) so… I was expecting to get horrible hair because of that. I even took a bottle of argan oil with me just in case. But, surprisingly… It didn't make my hair go all frizzy or scrunchy, and it's all thanks to these little babies here. 

• Downsides:

1. It's not as good as the Shiseido Tsubaki range: I know some of you guys don't like it, because it's like, silicone in a tub, but for some reason it does magic on my hair; and I really, really felt the difference when I came back home and used it again. My hair was alright during the ski, but it just doesn't compare to my silky smooth hair after using the Shiseido range.
2. Silicone: As you can see, the 10-berry complex comes after a bunch of silicones, so people who dislike using hair products stuffed with silicones won't like it. As for me, I break out from skincare with silicones, but I don't have any problem concerning hair products with silicones so I feel okay with the ingredients of this set.

• Conclusions:

It's a nice little kit to have with you when you travel; but not an ultimate favorite of mine. If not for the smell, I don't think I'd repurchase it. (But since it smells soooo heavenly, maybe I'll buy the full size kit and then make a little berry shampoo party at home! Yehet~)

I'm really satisfied with this beauty box! It gave me the opportunity to try out new products that I never would have bought otherwise: the skinmiso pore beauty nose pack and the brilliant sparkling powder being my two favorites !
Because of this box, I felt more at ease with the idea of beauty boxes, and I gave it a try : I recently purchased the 5th-2 edition of the MEMEBOX. Stay tuned for a review on that too!

Thanks for reading~