The Wonders of Tea Tree Water

[Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received the product for a review purpose, but the opinions are my own based on my experience.]

Benton Honest TT Mist.

Description: Benton Honest TT Mist is made of tea tree water instead of water. This mist contains hyaluronic acid and various beauty ingredients to help improve your rough and damaged skin from stress and pollution with moisturizing and cooling effect.

Directions: When you spray to your skin directly, spray about 30cm distances and then softly pat your face to help your skin to absorb the product. You can use your palm or cotton pad.

Further information about ingredients and warning.

If you haven't already read my review on the other Benton Honest skincare, you might probably wonder why I use Benton as I was reluctant about the brand before. Anyway, I've been quite interested in this product as I need something that can moisturize my skin without making it oily. Talk about balance! Especially when my skin is a bit oily on the T-zone.

This Honest TT Mist actually claims that it can benefit all skin type, such as problematic skin, dry/ oily skin, and even sensitive skin. With tea tree plant as the main ingredient, we all know how great the healing power tea tree has, which makes it a popular natural acne treatment ingredient. I personally had a bad experience using tea tree oil back then in junior school, my hormonal acne became even worse after religiously applying tea tree oil from The Body Shop to my affected skin. That what made me think twice to try this, but a girl gotta do what a girl gotta do. Skincare is all about trial and error!

Glossy plastic tube.

The spray nozzle.

Packaging wise, I like the fact it doesn't come in a can bottle and the small size is perfect for traveling. The water that comes from the nozzle supposed to be fine mist, but in real life, it's a bit too harsh. I mean if you compare it to Avène Eau Thermale Spring Water, that's how a fine mist should've appeared. They claim about 250 times sprays usage. I've been using this product since January every day and night, and do around 5 sprays each usage, now it still have maybe like 8ml left on the tube.

Scent wise, it has no scent! How surprising. I was expecting something herbal but there's none and I seriously love it. Imagine how weird it would be to spray something scented to your face! Well, I do smell something a very tiny bit that I can't even explain what it is, but I'm sure it's nothing like perfume. Which in the end, makes me really believe there's no added fragrance in this product.

Performance wise, the texture is like water, and I spray it directly to my face, then pat it with my palms. I use it as my secondary toner, my current primary toner is from The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava (which is a nice product, however I'm not going to repurchase). The mist feels soothing on skin and also hydrating at the same time, another great thing is, it keeps my acne at bay *greatest feeling ever* ^^

All in all, although the spray packaging kind of disappoints me, the product works like wonder. I'm absolutely going to repurchase it, because mine is going to run out soon! You can get yours at Jolse.

Price: USD 8.48

P.S: Have you joined my Pre-Spring giveaway? This time, I'm collaborating with Firmoo giving away a pair of sunglasses of your choice. Other than that, there are also 5 $10 vouchers. Hurry go check it out :P

Pre-Spring Giveaway

Happy Valentine's day to all dear bumblebees who are currently reading this post! It's a lovely day so let me spread some more love by giving away a pair of sunglasses and five $10 vouchers from Firmoo for all 6 lucky winners. YAYYY! *happy trumpet music*

Photo courtesy: Stylenanda.

Before moving on to how to win these prizes, I want to introduce you to Firmoo, it's an online optical store that sells affordable yet stylish eyeglasses. There are so many choices of frames on Firmoo, which proves their commitment to make the fashion-conscious consumers’ dream of creating a real eyewear wardrobe.

So here are my picks for you! Click the link to see their detailed information as some of them also have different color selection and trust me, it's difficult to pick only one color LOL. Please note that these sunglasses below are non-prescription lenses.

#CM2622//#CM8058 //#SC1611//

#CM8051//#OMJ8641//#SC1640//

#CM2610//#CM2643//#CM2601//

#CM8020//#CM2609//#CM2629//

To win, you've only got to follow these simple steps:

1. The giveaway is open to residents of these following countries.
2. Fill in the Rafflecopter to entry.
3. Follow me via Google Friend Connect. Kindly find the widget on my left sidebar.
4. Or follow me via Bloglovin' for another point.
5. Let your friends know. Put the giveaway banner + link to this post on your blog. It's also an optional rule for a plus point that you can submit everyday.
6. Leave a comment on which pair of sunglasses you like the most and how do you want to style it!
7. The giveaway will end on Monday, 29 February.
8. I will personally e-mail to notify you and update this post with the 6 winners' name on the first week of March 2016. If you don't e-mail me back in 2x24 hours, then I will pick another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

♡ ♡ ♡ GOOD LUCK! ♡ ♡ ♡

P.S: I want to give a shoutout to my sister who has just released her brand new blog called TreatU, a blog that speaks about beauty, health, and even fashion! Go.. Go.. Let's shoot her some love!

Fresh Start

It's a new year! Hope that everyone's had a wonderful start to 2016. As I want to stick to one of my new year's resolutions which is "Less makeup, more skincare." I've started to change my skincare routine and found this rave on the market, it is from Benton. Yes, when we're talking about Benton, it's not going to be easy since there are mixed reviews and so on. Please rest assured that this post is not a sponsored review at all. I bought the product with my own money and conscience after loads of researching.

I was very skeptical about this brand before, until one day, Alice of W2Beauty personally convinced me to try the samples, I believe it was the Aloe BHA Skin Toner if I'm not mistaken. She explained about Benton background issue and the company's solution to the trouble occurred. So after the reconsideration, I tried their samples, and I was beyond glad I didn't get weird reaction. I mean, my skin was just fine. I'm thankful that Alice contacted me, because if she didn't do that I'm pretty sure I wouldn't test Benton product, not even a single of it. I myself was too biased towards the bad reviews.

This is just my story, to be honest though, skincare is about trial and error in a battlefield. I don't want to jinx, but my skin has been reacting so far so great. This cleansing foam is not the only fighter, I get facial every month, I have my own at-home spa as a little treat to myself at least every twice a week. It wasn't easy nor inexpensive. But at the end, the effort feels super worth it.

Benton Honest Cleansing Foam.

Description: In order to have a healthy face wash, Benton Honest Cleansing Foam cleanses fatigued skin caused by various stress and pollution. This natural cleansing foam not only cleanses your face but further moisturizes your skin to minimize dryness of your skin.

Further information about ingredients and warning.

With a lot of research before buying this product, there were too many mixed reviews about it and somehow made me wonder if it's worth the gambling. Last year there was a hype called "Low pH Cleanser", as if it's a big deal you should get a low pH one in order to avoid dehydration of the skin. 

While I'm already familiar with products that claim "pH balanced" for the skin, I was confused if the low pH ones would do good. Apparently, there's no big difference in using low pH cleanser since it will disrupt our skin acid mantle just as higher pH cleanser will. The surprising fact is, low pH cleanser may consist more chemicals, because it 'needs' chemical to be mixed into the formulation so that the product reaches the desired pH level. Moreover, it's not the pH level that matters, but the ingredients after all. The point is, your skin don't get irritated simply because the pH level is too acidic or too alkaline.

I don't own an at-home pH testing kit, but based on my research, this cleansing foam ranges around 8. It only use natural surfactants that are extracted from palm oil, also consists no harmful ingredients. The product is meant for secondary cleansing, so don't expect it can break down waterproof properties such as tinted eyebrow gel. LOL. Besides, it's 2016, double cleanse, will ya?

Thanks Benton for providing the details in English.

Pearly white cream with non-addition of chemical coloring.

My skin is oily combination, oily T-zone and normal on the rest to be exact. Just so you know, I'm the type of person who dislikes it when my skin feels tight or overly moisturized after washing off. This cleansing foam leaves the kind of feeling in between that, feels so right. It makes my skin squeaky clean without stripping my skin at all. The foam lathers easily too! Thrice a week on the day I wear heavier makeup, I'd wash my face with Pobling Premium Pore Sonic Cleanser, letting all the stubborn excess makeup and dead skin come out.

Scent wise, it smells soapy. At first I needed to get used because my recent one smelt so different (I used up two Holika Holika Volcanic Pore Purifying Deep Cleansing Foam, which was an amazing record for someone like me). I've been considering to use this Honest Cleansing Foam in the long run too. That may difficult for someone who gets bored easily and always tends to explore new stuffs out there. However, if the cleanser will continue doing good to my skin just like now, I think I'll have to stop with the gambling game.

Price: IDR 130k

I've been seriously committed to my new year's resolution. As I said earlier, I'll reduce my expense on my makeup. Not that I'm not enjoying makeup, I just want to have a better canvas, meaning a smooth healthy skin so that my makeup would look more flawless and of course, I'm a sucker for "natural look, but not really". LOL.

Here is my go-to minimal makeup, which is super easy to create. Did I say I've been indulging cream texture makeup lately? I'm giving a special shoutout to Etude House Play 101 Stick. It gives glow to the skin, comes in handy (no pun intended) yet doesn't break me out.

Face:

• Laneige BB Cushion in natural beige
• Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer
• Etude House Play 101 Stick Contour Duo
• Etude House Play 101 Stick in #12
• Holika Holika Sweet Cotton Pore Cover Powder

Eyes:

• EOS Rainshower in gray
• The Face Shop Designing Eyebrow in gray brown
• Koji Spring Heart Eyeshadow in mocha
• Innisfree Eco Gel Eyeliner in brown

Lips:

• Peripera Peri's Tint Water in pink juice
• Peripera Peri's Tint Milk in milky pink

Lucky Holiday

Merry Christmas, dear bumblebees! Perhaps if you haven't heard, I'm currently holding a mini giveaway. Go click the link because the deadline is only a couple of days away :P So now the festive season is here, you know I can't help but getting myself a treat of limited edition thingy such as this BB cushion from Laneige. It's my second BB cushion after purchasing Too Cool For School Dinoplatz U.F.O Multibox that was actually a spontaneous buying because back than I should've bought their Sparkling Party edition. Anyway, I'm finally trying this out!

Laneige BB Cushion Lucky Holiday Edition.

Description: A new concept cushion-type BB with five active ingredients for whitening + sunscreen + sweat-proof + soothing + makeup contained in the cushion to maximize the refreshing and soothing sensation.

As expected from Laneige, sleek design on the outside yet informative in the inside.

I bought the #21 in natural beige, I noticed there is another #21 shade called pink beige and though I have neutral undertone, I just don't want to risk it. Yup.. Talking about playing on the safe side. Then, moving on to the packaging, I like this year's holiday collection compared to their PLAYNOMORE or pushBUTTON collaboration. The design is not as simple as Sparkling Party nor the original. It has clubs pattern in red and transparent with accent of gold that adds classy impression I suppose. The mirror inside is very useful too, especially when my touchup time reaching.

Excellent theme for year-end holiday.

Based on the leaflet, the puff that comes altogether with the BB cushion is designed to deliver refreshing cooling sensation as it absorbs moisture less than ordinary puff. Usually I press down the cushion two times to get the desirable amount, application is quick because it blends right away as I repeatedly pat the puff on my face. Although I might have to disagree with the statement it has cooling sensation.

The swatch on my skin.

This BB cushion somehow has similar scent to Tony Moly BCDation that makes me wonder, do they belong in the same parent company? Apparently Tony Moly isn't under AmorePacific corporation. The scent has a hint of floral and powder, but nothing too exaggerated.

I'm glad I picked this shade as it compliments my skin tone once it oxidizes. True that it leaves white cast because of its SPF 50 PA+++, but I'll be neutral here because on the other hand, I need high SPF in my life. If it's going to be a picture day, I'd rather grab my Bourjois foundation. It has dewy finish and one notable thing is it might be leaving sticky feeling, but putting on translucent powder will do the trick. Coverage wise, it can cover some spots, therefore evens out my skin tone. I like how it brighten my complexion, plus it's also sweat-proof! I once tested it during my gym session which included 30 minutes treadmill and cycling, and all I could see my complexion was still fab. LOL.

Frankly speaking, the only downside of having a cushion is that I need to invest either time or money on the puff. If you think washing a beauty blender is a pain in the neck, wait until you meet a cushion puff like this ;)

Price: KRW 37,000

My Kind of Beauty Mask + Mini Giveaway

Though a sheet mask a day challenge may come overwhelming, I believe there are many benefits a sheet mask may offer. In order to achieve a healthy glowing skin, there must be a lot of efforts in it, one of them is using a face mask routinely. My regime isn't that complicated, I wear these masks right after I cleanse my face and dab my toner (with a cotton pad) before putting it. Just never use any kind of face mask on a dirty skin! That's something that always irks me whenever I see beauty vloggers demonstrate face mask on their full of makeup skin. What's the point?

Primera Clear-Up Seed and Sprout Energy Mask

I honestly never tried any other Primera products besides its sheet mask. There was this 10+10 promo when I visited the store in Myeongdong, so I bought it. Turns out it's so good and I regret not buying more. They use an unbleached organic cotton sheet. Performance wise, after leaving it for 15-20 minutes, it left my face smooth and hydrated, even for the following day.

Innisfree Trouble Care Skin Solution Mask

The trouble care uses propolis as its main ingredients, and I thought it would leave a sticky feeling afterwards. However, thankfully it's not despite the honey properties. What I like about Innisfree mask is that they use unbleached pure cotton just like Primera since it's an eco-friendly product.

Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack

I am not a big fan of sleeping mask because they tend to excessively moisten my oily-combination skin, but this one is an exception! Not only it has a powdery scent, it makes my face smooth, and feels light on my skin overnight, really. I don't wake up with so much glow either.

The Face Shop Red Ginseng Real Nature Mask 

Korea is well-known for its own red ginseng which is very healthy for the body. Apparently, this mask sheet contains extract of six year-old Korean red ginseng rich in saponin, a supplement to care for tired and languid skin. How great is that? It's just I have to warn you that the mask has a strong woody scent and the essence isn't transparent or white like in the usual face masks you may find. It has brownish tinge, so I suggest you to wash your face after you're done with it.

Beyond Beyond The Real Tea Tree Mask

And the most favorite tea tree mask sheet award goes to Beyond! It smells refreshing, fits my face perfectly and thankfully we have the physical store here in Indonesia though I am not sure right now if I'm going to stock them since the price would be quite high. Sigh...  

Nature Republic Snail Hydrogel Mask Sheet

It's true that Korean has such an impressive beauty rage, snail slime is only one of them. I think it's early this year that snail slime has become the hottest ingredients in skin care. Yes, apparently snail has healing properties and anti-bacterial benefits for the skin. The essence from this mask was abundant, there was some leftover so apply it on my neck and hands, plus the mask didn't even dry out after 20 minutes.

Innisfree Intensive Ampoule Mask [BHA]

I think I'm a bit attached with Innisfree when it comes to skincare. Well, BHA is a great companion if you have particularly oily, acne prone skin. It is well known that BHA has anti-inflammatory action. So that's why I befriend with it.  This mask is pretty unique as there are 2 part of it, one is the ampoule and the other one is the mask sheet itself. I noticed my irritated skin was looking better after application. Such a great thing to stock on. Too bad I didn't buy much back then in Korea.

Holika Holika After Sauna Mask Sheet

Actually, the shape of this face mask a wee too big for me, and I wish the nose part could be made longer to fit me well. However, I really love the packaging, especially the back side where I can put notes, and it will be a cute gift for anyone. Because they have so many themes for this mask, such as before an interview, before a date (LOL), after drinking, after taking a trip, after hard study, and whatnot. This after sauna mask is supposed to be a pore care, I spot cucumber extract as one of the ingredients.

The Face Shop BeBe Lip Mask

Having chapped lips won't flatter any lipstick I wear, so once I'm done scrubbing my lip (I use e.l.f Lip Exfoliator), I'll just apply this on my lips. It'll make my lips more moisturized than wearing just normal lipbalm.

Annie's Way Lavender Relaxing Jelly Mask

Uh, I really want to know where you guys can get this mask in Jakarta! Its jelly texture makes me don't want to take off the mask. The cooling effect is just what I really need for a morning mask. Maybe anyone of you bumblebees know where I can get this?

*coughs* 'Cause you know, sharing is caring and Christmas is also around the corner, feels like a perfect time for a giveaway, right? I want to share some of my favorite mask with you, I hope the prize would be interesting enough for you to join :D

My mini giveaway banner. Do save and share ^^

What's in it?

• Primera Clear-Up Seed and Sprout Energy Mask
• The Face Shop Red Ginseng Real Nature Mask
• The Face Shop BeBe Lip Mask
• Etude House Pearl Aura Brightening Essence Lotion (sample)
• TonyMoly Panda's Dream White Magic Cream (sample)
• Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack (sample)
• Too Cool For School McGirly Come Clean Facial Wash (sample)

You've only got to follow these simple steps:

1. The giveaway will only be sent to Indonesian address only.
2. Fill in the Rafflecopter to entry.
3. Follow me via Google Friend Connect. Kindly find the widget on my left sidebar.
4. Or follow me via Bloglovin' for another point.
5. Let your friends know. Put the giveaway banner + link to this post on your blog. It's also an optional rule for a plus point that you can submit everyday.
6. I do want to know what kind of face mask do you regularly use or find it interesting. Tell me on the comment below as I want to explore new stuffs :D
7. The giveaway will end on Thursday, 31 December (GMT +7).
8. I will personally e-mail to notify you and update this post with the winner name on the first day of 2016. If you don't e-mail me back in 2x24 hours, then I will pick another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

♡ ♡ ♡ GOOD LUCK! ♡ ♡ ♡