Daily Cleansing Routine

Let's back to basics! Cleansing face properly is a very essential thing to do for everyone. Make it as a top priority and your skin will thank you. I myself wash my face two times a day, in the morning and evening.
In the evening, remember to remove your makeup before cleansing. Double cleanse is needed if you wear makeup or sunscreen, because both of makeup and sunscreen are designed to stay on your face. You will need an extra effort to take this away from your face. For me, I'm using these products to cleanse my face:

Etude House Wonder Pore Whipping Foaming

The popular Wonder Pore line.

"I'm the Wonder Woman for your pores."

It's not Etude House if it doesn't come in such cute packaging.

You can use it as a mask too every once or twice a week.

The packaging comes with a metallic can with a plastic cap. The foam scent smells somewhat better than the Wonder Pore Freshner. It has a menthol formula that stings when it gets around my lips area. I have an oily combination skin so I hate the feeling of cleanser that leaves my skin dry afterwards, especially around cheeks. This one does a good job at balancing my skin, leaving my skin moisturized on the outside (because how do I know if it moisturized as well on the inside?). It does control the amount of sebum. Although, not quite in a large amount 'cause I still have to blot my skin while using both the foam and toner.

Price: IDR 165k per 200ml

Tips:

• When you are in the shower, wash your face last – after you have rinsed off any shampoo or conditioner.
• Pat your skin dry with a clean cotton towel. If your skin is dry or sensitive, leave your skin damp.
• Make sure you have a separate towel just for your face. Especially for those who have issues with acne.

Now let's test whether it can deep cleanse your pores or not.

I have waterproof mascara, non waterproof mascara, lipstick, liptint, eyeshadow, eyeliner, BB cream on the back of my hand.

The foam texture is really soft, it's the softest foam cleanser I've ever used, compared to The Face Shop Blemish Zero Bubble Foam Cleanser and Tony Moly Dr. Tony AC Control Bubble Foam Cleanser. I guess, it's called whipping foam because it's nothing like bubble foam. If you take a closer look of its foam, it looks exactly like a whip cream atop your frappé :9

(left) Before: Running water test.
(right) After: Waterproof mascara, non-waterproof mascara and lipstick aren't perfectly removed.

See the result? That's why you totally need to double cleanse your face when wearing makeup!

Let's move on to the double cleansing, shall we? I do this step before washing my face with the Etude House Wonder Pore Whipping Foaming. However, this step would only be done when I'm wearing makeup or sunscreen.

My duo makeup removing tools.

Maybelline Clean Express Eye & Lip Makeup Remover

Go beyond makeup remover to clean express in a New York minute.

The powerful bi-phase formula instantly breaks down stubborn makeup. It removes waterproof and long-wearing makeup. Dermatologist & allergy tested, and specially formulated to effectively remove stubborn makeup.
Those who love using a waterproof mascara, must also love this product, I've never found such remover that removes my waterproof mascara so easily. It does what it claims. Well, it leaves a very oily residue afterwards, but who cares? I'll wash my face anyways.

Directions: Shake well before use. Soak a cotton pad with the lotion and gently wipe away makeup.

What I like:

• removes makeup efficiently with little force
• inexpensive
• easy to find in any drugstores

What I dislike:

• leaves a very oily residue

Price: IDR 55k per 70ml

Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser

Apparently on my packaging, it doesn't state the ingredients, so I had to take my mom's.

In one simple step, this soothing cleanser creates the sensation of water-fresh cleansing — without the water. Moringa Seed extract gently rinses-away impurities and light make-up with a fresh, non-foaming action. The peach's softening and soothing properties leaves your skin smooth, supple and velvety-soft.
Even though, it's formulated for normal or dry skin, it feels fine to my oily combination skin.

Directions: Apply using a cotton pad and gently sweep over the face.

Natural ingredients:

• Peach Essential Water, rich in glucose and fructose: immediately improves skin softness, suppleness and comfort.
• Coconut derivative, a gentle non-foaming cleansing agent: dissolves surface grime and light make-up.
• Moringa Seed extract: neutralises harmful pollution and detoxifies the skin.
• Isphagul and Provitamin B5: soften and hydrate the skin by rebalancing its protective mantle, the hydrolipidic film.
• Honey and Glycerine: regulate and maintain skin's moisture level.

What I like:

• water-based formula
• peach scent
• not oily nor drying

What I dislike:

• only removes light makeup
• pretty expensive

Price: GBP 10 per 100ml

“A recent survey found that while 93 percent of women think wearing makeup to bed will harm their skin, only 6 in 10 women are actually taking the time to clean their face before turning in every night.”

Are you one of them, my bumblebees?

Acne Fighting Routine

Who doesn't want to have a clear flawless skin? Most of adult population have experienced fighting acne, or more like zits. Even though acne is not a life threatening condition, it can impact your life, it can trigger insecurities and self esteem. For me personally, I have suffered acne since I was in university.

My every night acne fighting routine.

However, lately I've got zits and I guess it was because of makeup, bad diet and my poor sleeping schedule. So remember to remove your makeup properly and eat lesser fast food. I don't even eat veggies *sorry, it's a bad habit* I've been a picky eater ever since I was a child. I still remember the days I could spend hours just to eat my meals. Anyway, I am trying to change my lifestyle to eat more green, but not at home! Some veggies that I sometimes eat are like lettuce, broccoli, cucumber, kai-lan and spinach. I eat kimchi too at Korean BBQ. Other than that, I'll have a hard time to swallow T^T

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Water

I bought this altogether with the AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot and 30 pieces of cotton swabs for IDR 135k. This bottle was made of plastic and contains 15 ml of a Caladine-like water. It smells refreshing to me, even if you're new to spot treatment, I bet you can handle this kind of smell. I use this after washing my face and remember to always shake the bottle. Although it's said that it can be used during the day before makeup application, I found that the white powder marked my zits and ended up looking weird because my CC cream couldn't cover it. So I use this during the day only when I just stay at home.

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot

Just like the name, it's really pink! It's a non comedogenic and formulated with salicylic acid and hinoki cypress. It smells like herbal medicine, but honestly, this acne spot treatment has the most tolerable smell from all the similar products I've ever used. Not to mention, it sticks to my skin really well, so it won't stain my pillow the next morning. I would definitely repurchase this item.

A glass bottle and it's for 12 months usage. YAY!

Oh, unlike the water one, do not shake the bottle! Allow the powder to settle and the bottom. That's why you would need a cotton swab to dip it. I use this after washing my face and applying my toner - emulsion - essence every night. This product has amazingly lessen my zits in three weeks. I'd recommend this to those who have acne prone skin.

Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Patch

I actually wrote a review of this kind of product back in 2013, kindly read it here, you can find the review at the end of the post. I was actually shocked when I was at the cashier 'cause I bought this for IDR 48k, LOL. I thought the price would be about the same with The Face Shop and Tony Moly. Despite of the price, it works just the same. The strip contains 14 different size of patches. I don't think I'd repurchase this anymore, it's too expensive for a spot patch. I guess I'd just stick with Tony Moly.

The patch is really clear when I put it to my bare face.

Besides using all the products above, I still use Bedak Saripohatji regularly. I've cut the usage down to once or twice a week, I used to wear this mask every night before sleeping, but I'm afraid it'd make my skin dry. FYI, I am currently using it while writing this post :D

Anyway, fighting acne can leave scars. I have some brown spots on my face because of these zits *sigh* Thanks to makeup we can cover them. However, there are some treatments too to fades the brown spots, such as home remedies or laser. I prefer home remedies, though. It's cheaper, slowly but sure.

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Song of the week:

MBLAQ - Our Relationship.

Though I'm not a fan of MBLAQ, I find their 6th mini album interesting after watching the MV teaser for this song. Do you like it too?

P.S: My sister runs a beauty blog too. She's back to the blogosphere~ Click here to check her blog out!

Skin Care Adventure

I reviewed my own essentials a year ago, and guess what? A year makes a big difference. Most of my essentials has changed. I tried so many different products from different brands. Through testing some other brands, I found some that works well with my skin and those who don't.

On my list, these are the overrated products that I found not effectively working on my skin.

La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream

Not mine. It all belongs to my mom.

Click to zoom the description.

Since it's an extremely exclusive product that costs around IDR 1.7M per jar. I was expecting a fantastic result, but unfortunately I didn't find any improvement on my skin. Meh. I was only using a small sample jar that lasted for a month and then stopped after the first jar, because it didn't do as it promised *sobs* They said, when patting it onto the skin, you'd feel the instant soothing effect. It sounds too exaggerating 'cause I felt nothing close to that.

The smell was tolerable and it's not sticky even on my T-zone.

Meanwhile, on my mom's skin, I noticed a lot of improvement. She has a dry skin, not to mention she's in her early 60s, now her face condition is well-hydrated and some brown spots are disappearing. This product also works on my sister's skin (check out her new awesome blog!). She's been lovin' it thus far. So I conclude, this product perhaps didn't work on me due to my skin type and age factor. My sister is only 3 years older than me anyways :D

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

The product states it was clinically demonstrated to rapidly correct dark spot on the upper layer of the skin and clarify skin tone. For deep visible correction on surface layers. The retail price is IDR 655k per bottle.

Again. Not mine, it's my mom's.

The clinical study of the product that tested on all skin types including sensitive:

• In as little as two weeks, 55% of women clinically demonstrated a significant reduction in dark-spot intensity.

• In four weeks, 69% of women clinically demonstrated a continued reduction in dark spots and 73% of women showed a significant reduction in acne scarring. Reduction in other skin discolorations was clinically evident among 69% of women.

• In eight weeks, 87% of women clinically demonstrated more uniform skin tone to deliver breakthrough clarity.

• With continued daily usage, Clearly Corrective helps prevent the formation of future dark spots and other skin discolorations.

• Free of silicones, parabens, fragrance, colorants and optical diffusers.

Directions: Apply morning and night, before your moisturizer. May be used as spot treatment or over entire face. May also be used to correct visible discoloration on hands, neck and chest.

I tested this product in a 4ml sample, though I couldn't remember how many weeks did it last. I used it almost every night on my dark spots, yet I barely saw any improvement. I even developed some zits.

To my surprise, it contains salicylic acid, but why it broke me out?

Looks like water, yes?

It's packaged in a glass bottle with a dropper built-in cap. Even though it looks like water, the serum consistency is thick and a bit sticky when it absorbs into the skin. It also has an odd scent, I don't like it.

A single drop is enough for my dark spots.

I actually adore Kiehl's since I was impressed in their Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream (it's one of my empties, but I haven't bought a new one yet since I've been testing another cream). Regardless, this was a big disappointment. I don't think the product suits an oily combination skin like mine. Whereas, on my mom's skin, as I stated before, her brown spots are disappearing. She is using this product altogether with her La Mer cream. 

P.S: This is an honest review that's written by me based upon my acknowledgment. As we might have a different skin condition, live in a different environment and do different habits, these products may work differently on yours.

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Meanwhile, I've got this jazzy song on my recent playlist. It's from the Bean Pole outdoor new CF song. Good news is, this song is released for free on Korean website song provider! Bad news is, it can't be downloaded legally in Indonesia. Ugh..

Suzy (Miss A) - Wind Wind Wind.

Don't you feel like you're on vacation and there's a cool breeze while listening to this song? It brings you a peaceful feeling.

Oh, talking about Suzy. Let me talk about her partner on the CF too. Especially to those who still could not move on from My Love From Another Star series (post-drama syndrome is still in me), here I'll share you one special OST that was sung by Kim Soo Hyun!! Remember the proposal scene by the beach? They really make this happen, guys! I miss Do Manager and Cheon SongYi. They're my most favorite on-screen couple.

Kim Soo Hyun - Promise.

You might want to check the Cheon SongYi makeup tutorial that I posted a couple of weeks ago. Don't forget to join my giveaway too! It opens to all my Indonesian readers.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, HAPPY WHITE DAY~!

Rosy Blossom

Hello my bumblebees, can you believe it's March already? Time flies so fast because I've literally got nothing to do everyday. LOL. However, I'm starting my academic writing class soon.

Well, well, well, I've got this new fave lippie product. It's from Etude House. This is from the &Rose Makeup Collection, the product is called Rosy Tint Lips. The one that I bought is shade no. 8, After Blossom, which comes with such a beautiful girly packaging. As the face of the range, Sulli f(x) wore this shade.
I bought this from an online shop for IDR 95k.

Can't help but to fall in love with the packaging!

Now let's talk more about the product. It is a lipcream, that leaves a matte finish. The sponge tip applicator is a downside for me, I'm such a hygienic person when it comes to makeup, so this thingy is just meh. However, I do love how the color turns out! What a huge dilemma!
The staying power just so-so. If I don't feel like going out with matte lips, I'll just apply my Woo Baby Plumping Tint for the glossy finish. Unlike lipsticks, this lipcream doesn't dry my lips crazily. There are seven other pretty shades that you might want to check them out. Which one is your most favorite shade?

The sponge tip applicator supposedly will help you make the gradient or two-toned lip easier.

Honestly, I prefer the usual applicator T^T

Before applying it, I always apply a lip balm first, so that my lips won't get dried. Mine is from a brand named Lotta Luv, who makes a bunch of candy and food flavored lip balms and glosses. It's just cute, isn't it? Anyone likes Froot Loops cereal? I love it because it's so colorful and somehow brighten up my mood for breakfast since I am not a morning person. LOL.

Wanna get this flavored lip balm? Join my giveaway, here!!

To apply the lipcream, I'm using Masami Shouko mini lip brush, which is very travel-friendly and hygienic 'cause it comes with a cap!

Let me know if you have a preferred brand for brushes.

Here it is! My final look with Rosy Tint Lips no.8 ^^

Featuring a cute hand fan from Korea! Gumawoyo, Vani-ssi~

For the first time ever, I won a giveaway! This giveaway was held by Vani Sagita, (go check out her blog) she posts a lot of beauty reviews and tutorials!

Other products that I used:

Face:

• Etude House Baby Choux Base in mint
• Etude House CC Cream in silky
• Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in light medium
• Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer in #4

Eyes:

• Za Ever Brows in #4
• The Body Shop Brow & Liner Kit in #2
• Etude House Color My Brows in #4
• Revlon CustomEyes Shadow & Liner in naturally glamorous
• Mizzu Eyeliner Pen in brown
• Etude House Dear Girls Cute Eye Maker
• Yukkiyuna Sweet Look Series in sweet angel

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Songs of the week:

Standing Egg feat. Park ShinHye - Break Up For You / Farewell For You Not Yet For Me.

Not a new song, but it's on my recently played playlist. Took me awhile to realize it's Park ShinHye's voice! She sang it really well. This song has actually 2 versions. Though I can say this version is my most favorite, it doesn't mean that I hate the other version that was sung by Han SoHyeon (of 3rd Coast).

Standing Egg feat. Han SoHyeon (of 3rd Coast) - Sunlight Hurts.

Her voice is amazing as well! K-indie jjang~!

Until next post, my dear bumblebees!

Picture Perfect

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

One should feel beautiful, feel good, feel pretty and that's what the world will see. If you feel ugly, that's what people will see. Try to look as good as you can. There are ways to live in beauty without being obsessive about it.

Wearing makeup, for instance, if it helps you to increase your confidence, then why not? Here I have some tips to enhance your natural look, hope it helps!

For a healthy skin look:

Etude House Sweet Recipe Baby Choux Base

As I get my facial routine once in a month, it leaves redness on my skin. Usually, I'd just stay at home for three days because the redness is scary. Sometimes even after three days, the redness won't get away that easy, and neither CC cream nor BB cream can perfectly cover them.

It's like a pastel green colored that when it's blended perfectly, it'll cover the redness on your skin.
Not to mention, the SPF 25 PA++. What a bonus!

How I use it: After applying toner and emulsion to my skin. I apply this Baby Choux Base, blend it properly and follow it with a CC or BB cream.

Price: IDR 125k

FYI, this is actually the new packaging of Baby Choux Base, the old version came in a glass jar which was not travel-friendly and hygiene, I think. The reason Etude House changed the original packaging into a tube was because some batches in the glass jars would develop “grains” and it got lots of complains. Nevertheless, I think the jar one looks cute but it's inconvenient because you've got to use a spatula, right?

There are three shades available; Mint Choux for acne problem skin, Berry Choux for pale skin and Peach Choux for darker skin.

For perfect eyes look:

Etude House Color My Brows

I got my hair dyed, and I felt like it's kind of weird to have a black eyebrows (my natural hair color) with an ash brown hair colored. I did use a light brown brow kit from The Body Shop, but it still didn't cover my black eyebrows. I actually got my eyebrows bleached, but when the bleached hair starts to fade away, this eyebrow mascara or let's call it browcara always comes in handy. Therefore, I bought this in no. 4 Natural Brown which is the most matching color for me.

How I use it: After filling my eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil or kit, I brush two or three strokes the browcara to my eyebrows.

Price: IDR 75k

Good news, this browcara has five choice of colors to match your hair! A top make-up artist once said this, "Your hair color and eyebrows should not be a perfect match. A slight contrast is good." So, don't hesitate to try change your look even if you don't dye your hair. Because, it somehow can soften your look.

For fuller lips look:

Etude House Woo Baby Plumping Tint

What I love about this plumping tint is the menthol cooling sensation once you applied to your lips. It has a silicon tip and plumping effect to volume up your lips. This plumping tint leaves a natural glossy looking.

How I use it: Adjust amount of contents on the tip, start applying from inside to outside of lips naturally to make gradation. Sometimes I use this after using lipstick or liptint too.

Price: IDR 86k

This product contains Menthol that stimulates blood circulation on lips for fuller look and Meadow Foam Seed Oil with Peppermint Oil to let you have healthier lips.

Other products that I used:

Face:

• Etude House CC Cream in silky
• Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer in #4

Eyes:

• The Body Shop Brow & Liner Kit in #2
• Urban Decay NAKED Basics
• Mizzu Eyeliner Pen in brown
• Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express

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Finally, the long wait has ended. The girls' comeback! Let's dance if you like this too. I love their makeup in here. I think I should learn how to make a winged eyeliner like that, yes? So tell me, my bumblebees, who is your bias? For me, it's too hard to choose one!

Girls' Generation - Mr. Mr.

And, who else got so excited when watching the Running Man with CNBLUE episode? These guys... Really.. Looking more and more handsome than ever. I've loved YongHwa since We Got Married episodes of him with SeoHyun SNSD, he was too sweet, right? Then I like JongHyun because he's the most good looking member. I mean, look at his pimples OMG! Then I like MinHyuk because he's so adorable as ChanYoung in The Heirs. While JungShin, I don't know, he's too skinny, that's what I notice about him :P
But, when I see their newest MV for the 5th mini album. They are all super good looking! And GAH. Jung YongHwa, why are you so handsome? :O Your voice is killing meh~

Don't chu wanna cuddle while listening to this song?

Don't forget to join my first giveaway...! It's open to all Indonesian residents ^^