Review: Sephora Collection Eye Mask and Sleeping Mask

My latest mask acquisitions are from the Sephora Collection: the Marine Algae Eye Mask, Green Tea Sleeping Mask, and Lotus Sleeping Mask. While this can now be ordered online from Sephora PH (this used to be Luxola.com, I think?), I got mine from Singapore at roughly the same price, cheaper by around 2 pesos.

So what is this sorcery?! Here's a quick rundown:

The Marine Algae Eye Mask promises to "enhance skin hydration from within and nourishes skin for deeply plumped, supple and balanced skin".

The Lotus Sleeping Mask is a moisturizing and soothing rich cream-gel textured sleeping mask that "locks in water and reduces signs of fatigue for the appearance of plumper, more rested skin".

The Green Tea Sleeping Mask is a mattifying and anti-blemish cream-gel textured sleeping mask for a matte, clean complexion.

*My Sephora mask experience*

Marine Algae Eye Mask
One pack contains two sheets - one for each undereye contour. It is soaked in the marine algae formula upon opening. Hay nako, don't be like me and wear the protective sheet instead of the actual mask. LOL. The mask is the soft white sheet while the protective sheet looks translucent when put on the skin. Watch the video below and see my booboo! LOL. XD

A video posted by Jen Tan (@missjenausten.ph) on Feb 7, 2016 at 6:04pm PST

The mask is cooling and refreshing on the undereye area and this is coming from someone who regularly lacks sleep. The formula feels so light and was easily absorbed by my skin - no sticky residue! Since I only used this once, I wasn't really expecting any drastic change. I did notice though that my undereye area looked plumper like whenever I get to have a good night's rest.


Lotus Sleeping Mask

Though small at 0.27 oz, I was able to use the Sephora Lotus Sleeping Mask twice. I reckon it can even be stretched up to three uses. The mask comes in a pink gel cream formula which is easy to apply on the face. There's an instant cooling effect on the skin upon application. It really helped in hydrating my skin and similar to the Marine Algae Eye Mask, my skin looked plumper and more rested the morning after.

Green Tea Sleeping Mask

Like the Lotus Sleeping Mask, the Green Tea mask is also cooling to the skin. The mask comes in a green gel cream formula. I don't have as much love, though, for this one since it kind of dried up my skin. Maybe it got too mattifying? Anyhow, this might be good for those with very oily skin.

All in all, I like both the eye and sleeping masks. On a stressful Friday night, putting on this would be a good way to unwind and get a much-deserved relaxation.

15 Hits of 2015 (Part 2 of 3)

Hola, bellas! To continue my post on my 15 Hits of 2015.....

 I am a product junkie, truth be told. I love trying out new products; although I have become more selective now since my skin is really waaayyy too sensitive (madaming feelings eh! LOL) and I have come to know its needs better.

I bring to you my top 5 skincare hits in 2015 (not counting the MAC Lightful Vibrancy Eye Cream), which is basically what makes up my current regimen. This one has worked the best for me so far.

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin Formula 

Don't let its transparency and liquid texture fool you. It's a cooling cleanser masquerading as water in a green bottle. This provides me the cool clean feeling I want after washing. At the end of the day, I think every girl just wants to take off makeup and relax. This allows me just that minus the tight feeling that most harsh cleansers leave.

Murad Acne and Wrinkle Reducer

Adult acne + fine lines + wrinkles = every 20-something's nightmare. It's even scarier than weight gain because you know you can lose fats but those lines look like they're about ready to settle in nicely. Yikes! Apart from drinking lots of water and praying for extra grace to smile even when stressed, the Murad Acne and Wrinkle Reducer is my go-to for decent skin. It has a medical smell, probably due to its Salicylic Acid content, that is tolerable. Don't worry about it being greasy because it's neither gel nor serum type but this is absorbed quickly by the skin and does not exacerbate oiliness.

Shu Uemura Tsuya Youthful Crystal Transparency Lotion

Another wonderful product masquerading as water in an iridescent purple bottle! This is a little more of an indulgence, not really a must-have, but it adds something extra to my regimen. I find that my skin absorbs moisturizer better when I apply this beforehand. I once stopped using this but found myself reaching for it after a week since my skin turned dull.

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream_EX

Ever feel like your skin can use a tall glass of cold water? That's what the Laneige moisturizer is to my skin. I love its gel texture which makes it easily absorbed by the skin. No more greasy face! It also has a faint smell, like fragrant water (seriously, what?!), which is pleasant and non-irritating. Best part that I like is how it leaves a cooling sensation when applied, just what I need at the end of a long day after I take off all makeup and get ready for some zzzzz's. 

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Masks can be great and common knowledge has always told us to use it once a week. I haven't had good luck though with the many sheet masks I've tried. Most have irritated my skin or caused breakouts. Even clay masks can sometimes be harsh on my skin. This is why I've shied away from masks for a long time. Despite the unpleasant experiences, my penchant for trying new products almost always wins and led me to try the Laneige Water Sleeping. Now, this IS the bomb. Seriously. 

If I' not mistaken, sleeping masks are an innovation of the Koreans (who have the best skin, I suppose). The Laneige SA suggested that I partner this with the Water Bank Gel Cream for optimum results. Now, this one is recommended to be used twice a week but I cheat because I actually use it every night! Loving it, though. I sleep better with it since it also cools the skin. Daily use has resulted to more moisturized skin. I wake up to healthier and plumper skin. 

My skin is still far from the ideal state I want for it; I have my hormones my thank (not!). But these products have made the journey less "excruciating" (lol). I wonder how my 2016 skin journey will be. In the last part of 15 Hits 2015, we come to my most favorite part, makeup! Gasp! :)

15 Hits of 2015 (Part 1 of 3)

Happy new year, everyone! I'm typing this in between laundry time, yup I'm trying to be more productive and squeeze in more writing time this year! *fingers crossed* I wanted to start 2016 by taking a look back at my 15 hits among the many misses of 2015. Buying cosmetics is really a matter of trial and error. And you know what they say, you'll never really until you try. So as not to bore everyone, I'm dividing this into 3 posts. Today let me tell you about the products I repurchased within the year (yes, it means I fell in love with it!).

(In no particular order)

Yay for repurchases!

Nippon Pro Blend Sponge Cleaner

The OC in me brought out my diligent once a week habit of cleaning my sponges and brushes this year and I've met my match in the Nippon sponge cleaner! It's a basic liquid cleaner with, I believe, antibacterial properties. I just squeeze a generous amount on the sponge, massage and squish it up to get the foundation residue out, then rinse. I repeat this for usually twice more just to be sure I'm getting everything out. Voila, my Beauty Blender and wedge sponges get all cleaned up in a few minutes!  I cannot emphasize the importance of keeping tools clean and this is my perfect partner for it. 

Accra Kappa Eau de Cologne White Moss

I chanced on Acca Kappa when I went gift shopping in Rustans. I was attracted to its minimalist packaging and fell in love at first sniff (haha) when I spritzed it. It had a really clean and fresh smell, like you just got out of the shower. It's like nothing can change how fresh you will smell throughout the day, haha. I won't exactly wear this on a special occasion (that would call for another perfume for another post) but this is my go-to scent for regular days in the office or casual dates. 

Growing up, I've never worn too much perfume. I actually shied away from it since my father is allergic to most scents (particularly strong ones) and we usually refrained from wearing perfumes in consideration. And so my perfume journey started a little bit late just this year when I realized a good perfume, just like the perfect pair of shoes or a tube of lipstick, can complete an outfit. Hey no harm in being a late bloomer, lol!

Celeteque Acne-Clearing Concealer 

Before I discovered my current favorite and HG concealer, Celeteque's concealer was the bomb for me. So much so that I repurchased it quite several times, I probably bought around 20 pieces of this! It's easy to use - the pointed tip makes it ideal even for small blemishes. Just dab on the spot and pat to blend with either fingers or a sponge then set with powder. I believe this has salicylic acid, which can also help in drying up the pimple. 

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Redness Correcting Primer 

The most random trips can sometimes yield the best discoveries and such is the case with MUFE's Redness Corrcting Primer, which I discovered in a random and impulsive trip to MUFE in Greenbelt. True to who I am, I walked in without any plans of buying and walked out with several items, this included. Lol. A sheer amount of this "green stuff" is incredibly effective in taming the redness of my pimples; concealer just isn't maximized without the aid of correctors. Redness minimized, longevity of concealer maximized. Win!

Nivea In-Shower Skin Conditioner 

Now this is my probably my best discovery for 2015. Perfect for girls who are just too lazy to put on lotion but suffer from dry skin. Hallelujah to this product that moisturizers just as well minus the hassle of waiting for the lotion to dry! It doesn't have a strong scent so you won't have to worry about it clashing with your signature perfume. I just slather it on after body wash and rinse in the shower then I am done with my moisturizing duties for the day. After using it for almost the whole year, my skin has never been softer and healthier. 

I'm excited which products I will discover and love this new year. May we never tire of trying out new stuff and finding wonder in each new discovery.❤️ 

⭐️Happy beautiful new year!⭐️ 

Etude House Super Sale: List Of Items

Reblogging this because this is GOOD news to all makeup junkies! :)
Plus I love, love, love Etude House products. Looking forward to scoring new items to try at half the price!

Haul Post: VMV and Tony Moly Cosmetics

What I'm loving right now: VMV and Tony Moly Cosmetics! :)