Author: Carina

First Impressions: iSOi Bulgarian Rose Blemish Care Serum*

The iSOi Bulgarian Rose Blemish Care Serum* was another skin care item that came in my last BNT box. Fun Fact: iSOi stands for “I’m SO Intelligent.” Here’s a product description I got from EC21: Concept: Intensive, quick and effective anti-spot care — Improvement of uneven skin tone, blemishes and pigmentation (whitening function) While it fills sunken area with moisture, arbutin and natural vitamins from Bulgarian rose oil, as whitening agents, even out and clear up red skin tone. — Quick and gentle soothing serum (anti-trouble care) Natural anti-trouble ingredients including centella asiatica prevent clogged pores and quickly calm sensitive skin. — Continuous supply of moisture (24 hour-lasting skin hydration) Ultra fine rose oil having superior skin penetration and natural skin hydrating ingredients deep penetrate through the skin and keep it soft and supple for 24 hours and increase the skin’s own regenerative power by strengthening the skin barrier. How to Use: After using a tonic, apply 1-2 pumps evenly to the skin and gently pat onto face until absorbed. I haven’t tested this out …

Verikos Deep Cleansing Oil Balm*

Another item in this month’s BNT Box is the Verikos Deep Cleansing Oil Balm* which I did not have very high hopes for. I can’t tell you why, but it was met with kind of a weird, unexciting feeling… At least, initially. I ate all of my “weird, unexciting feelings” after I tried it. I ate all of them! Ahem. The Verikos Deep Cleansing Oil Balm is an “easy make-up deep cleanser of Oil Balm type” that claims to “deep cleanse pores” and “exfoliate” sensitive skin types. Most of the information on the box is in Korean, but I know that it is mainly comprised of Canola Oil, and contains plant extracts and aroma oil. Also, it is a “5-free formula,” meaning it has no parabens, artificial dyes, mineral oil, alcohol, and synthetic perfume. Product Description: “As an oil-free cleansing balm, it thoroughly removes any contaminants and waste stored deep down in pores caused by air pollution. All those organic ingredients in the balm with nettle extract added would dissolve aged skin cells to make …

Stylenanda 3CE Under Eye Flash in #6 African Sunset*

I’m not going to lie—getting 3CE products in these boxes is always my favorite part! 3CE or 3 Concept Eyes is a cosmetics brand by Korean fashion line, Stylenanda. I first heard about them from Wiji, who posted about them nearly a year ago. There’s something really attractive about their branding and identity, and I think it comes across in their campaigns and their products. The 3CE Under Eye Flash* is a liner designed to “brighten and add depth to your eyes.” It is long-lasting, and can be used for definition and sparkling complexity. “EYE FLASH EFFECT”: The name “eye-flash” given to this under-eye makeup is most proper for its soft colors. Retain and brighten up the eyes and adds depth to the eyes for a gorgeous appearance. “LONG-LASTING WATERPROOF EYE LINER”: This water-proof liner is built to last on both moist and oily lids maintaining a smudge-free, clean, neat look all day long. “RICHNESS AND DEPTH OF COLOR”: Maintain a sensual color without having to reapply the makeup due to excellent color fixing ability. …

Sorabee Balancing Aqua Cream*

As you may have gathered, I just got back from Japan a few days ago. I forgot to say “hi” in my last post, so hi! During my time away, I received the last box from my stint as part of the BNT Girls. I have reviewed the Caolion Pore White Cake Pack* already, and this is another skin care item I got this round. The Sorabee Balancing Aqua Cream* is part of a wide range offered by the brand. The packaging is all in Korean so a bit of Google-fu was needed. Curiously enough, this products seems to be the most famous product by the brand as it popped up pretty high up in the options by auto-fill. Here's the product description I found: A luxurious restorative beauty treatment cream formulated with a complex of vitamins to intensively nourish energize and fortify skin in its fight against environmental stress and the visible signs of aging Excellent for all skin types, especially skin suffering from dehydration, dullness or fatigue. Provides intensive nutrients and protects delicate …

Caolion Pore White Cake Pack*

The Caolion Pore White Cake Pack* is one of the first things I tried from this month’s BNT Box. I’m a mask nut, so I was so eager to try this out especially after a few days of traveling. “Where is pore?” I thought this was a cute touch, on the lid. The product itself is very thick. As you can see, it retains its super cute whipped shape even after traveling in a box from Korea to Manila. The mask is opaque and white, with a bit of grainy bits inside. The smell is quite menthol-y, but not 100% refreshing. Near the name of the product, it claims to be “whitening & anti-wrinkle,” but from an online reseller (which is how this seems to be available), here are the product claims: — Tightening stretched pores — Cooling off exhausted pores from the heat — Brightening dark skin tone — Restoring elasticity on the skin There wasn’t a lot of English text on the packaging, which is why I appreciated this little diagram. Even if …

Quickie: One Way I Wear a Bold Lip

Whenever I get the urge to wear a bold lip color, I remember to try and keep my face minimal but clean. What do I mean by that? Well, I mostly use colors and techniques that aren’t bold so that they don’t contend or clash with my already dramatic lip. In this photo, I’m wearing a beautiful, super-opaque vampy red lipstick that has strong purple tones by Addiction called Lady in the Lake. I left my brows natural and defined, kept my eye makeup neutral and defined, and focused on making my base as flawless and spotless as I could. The cheeks are also quite understated, again so as not to detract from the red lip. Et voilà! A easy look done with minimal effort, but one that packs a punch and makes a statement. What’s your favorite way to wear a bold lip? Follow me: Bloglovin' • Twitter • Instagram • YouTube • Facebook

Swatch Post: NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Kauai

I mentioned on my Instagram (follow me: @presidents!) a few weeks ago that I had finally gotten NARS Kauai in the mail, after ordering it in January. Kauai is part of their Spring 2014 collection, High Seize, and is the more coveted one of the two duos released. One side is “gold lame;” the other, “iridescent smokey orchid.” I swiped the leftovers of each shade on top of each other in the third swatch. To be honest, these shadows are pretty buttery and smooth and all of that, but I’m not sure how I can wear them without looking all blinged out. It’s pretty weird that I actually took to China Seas, essentially a blue and purple duo, a little bit better. Here’s a fuzzy swatch: The gold is kind of… flake-y? It’s pretty, for sure, but it’s a bit messy to use, in my opinion. I have to play around with it more, though. The orchid side is really pretty. You can see the undertones via sparkle in this fuzzy swatch. As of now, …