Product Empties #6

I'm not going to lie, I'm a little overwhelmed writing this post because I've been putting it off. It's been a few months since my last empties so I've accumulated more products than expected. I managed to finish a few more things while working on this post but I'll save it for empties #7. If I've reviewed any of the products mentioned below, I will link it to the review.

SKINCARE
Missha Time Revolution Clear Toner ($16.80 for 250 ml)

This is a fragrance free toner that removes debris and dead skin cells using gentle exfoliating ingredients such as lactic acid and malic acid with a pH level between 3.8-4.8. The toner is normally $28 at Missha but there is a 40% off sale on everything from no until 11/30. I liked this toner but it didn't do anything amazing for my skin. I still had my hormonal breakouts while using this but it didn't trigger or irritate whatever acne I had.
Verdict-would repurchase

The Yeon Jeju Hallabong Energy Mild All In One Serum ($10.63 at Korea Depart)

Infused with Jeju Island organic ingredients like the hallabong, a special type of orange, kiwi, broccoli, and aloe vera and works to replenish, soften, and protect the skin. I loved the scent of this serum which it just like an orange. I had to stop using it around late spring because it was too moisturizing for my skin. It doesn't feel heavy but I noticed the serum was making my skin oily as the weather got warmer. I brought it back out in the fall and it worked just fine with my skin. If you've got normal skin and like citrus scents, you will really like this serum.
Verdict-would repurchase but only in the fall/winter

Unni Recipe Vitamin Recharger Essence ($18)

This is a brightening essence that enriches dull, dehydrated skin with 6 different vitamins, lemon/orange/grapefruit/lime extracts, and niacinamide. Okay guys, I have no idea how to get your hands on this if you're outside of Korea. You'd probably have to order it through Avecko, a Korean shopping and buying service, which I may do in the near future. I reviewed the essence here and still feel the same way about it. It brightens your complexion and did relieve some of the redness in my acne. I was able to use the essence in the summer so this is great for oily skin.
Verdict-definitely would repurchase!

Tosowoong Tea Tree AC-Control Soothing Lotion ($27.90 + $4.99 shipping at Amazon)

Memebox lists the retail value of the lotion for $19 so it is overpriced on Amazon. I had high hopes for the product since it contains tea tree, 65% tea tree leaf water and 3% tea tree extracts. I'm starting to realize tea tree doesn't really do much for my acne. This is supposed to relieve red, stimulated skin while treating acne prone skin overall for a healthier, cleaner complexion. I didn't notice any relief with the redness on my face or a cleaner complexion while using it.
Verdict-would not repurchase

Innisfree Olive Real Oil Mist ($10 at Memebox)

This is an oil balancer, moisturizer, and makeup fixer. It gives the skin an instant healthy glow and claims to prevent breakouts by eliminating pimple causing dirt. While this didn't prevent breakouts for me, I did like the mist. It has a light, lemon scent which is refreshing and lightly moisturizes the skin. The mechanism of the spray is nice because there is a fine mist that comes out. This makes it great for fixing makeup when it looks cakey.
Verdict-would repurchase

It's Skin Lemon Hug Oil Patch ($6.91 at Korea Depart)

These are made from lemon peel and lemon fruit extract, grapefruit extract, and castor oil for various skin benefits. They brighten and naturally exfoliate your cheeks, alleviate dryness, acne, skin discoloration, and fine lines. There are 10 patches in each pouch. I purchased this during the mega Memebox sale for $1.50. The patches didn't do anything for me but I'd prefer to use a full face sheet mask than something solely on your cheeks. I was hoping they would help with fading acne scars on my cheeks but there was no difference after 5 uses. The only thing I remember liking about them is the lemon scent.
Verdict-would not repurchase, especially for $6.91!

Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment (varies between $5.19-$7.50)

I always cut this in half to make sure I scrape out all the remaining product.

I've tried other spot treatments but I always go back to the Neutrogena one. It contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide which is the ingredient I've found most effective for hormonal cystic acne. Salicylic acid does absolutely nothing for me but would work better for those with drier skin. The Neutrogena treatment doesn't do much for serious cystic acne but if I have smaller acne it does shorten the lifespan of the pimple by drying it out. Since I have oily skin, this does help with decreasing all the oils on my face. I may experiment with increasing the dosage of benzoyl peroxide to 5% in the future.
Verdict-already repurchased

Purederm Tea Tree Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($7 for 30 towelettes)

I received this and the Tosowoong lotion from the Tea Tree Cosmetics box from Memebox. The retail value of the towlettes is from their information card. I did see Purederm Cleansing Towelettes, not this specific variety, at TJ Maxx not too long ago for half the cost. As the name suggests, these contain tea tree extracts, vitamin E, green tea and aloe vera extracts to calm the skin while gently removing stubborn lip and eye makeup in one easy go. There's a strong tea tree scent to the makeup wipes. I used these mostly to remove swatches on my hand or arm and maybe used a few to remove makeup in the middle of the day before a workout. From what I could see, it did remove a good amount of makeup but I would still go in and use a cleanser to be sure.
Verdict-hm, maybe repurchase if I saw this at TJ Maxx

Iope Essential Tone & Wrinkle Care Eye Cream ($15.95 at BeautyNet Korea)

This Iope 25 ml eye cream lasted forever. I don't have a dry under eye area but I am starting to see some fine lines and wrinkling as I creep closer and closer to 40! There wasn't much of a difference with the lines around my eyes despite Iope claiming it's an advanced formula for reducing deep wrinkles. This isn't a heavy moisturizing eye cream which is perfect for me but might not work for someone with a dry eye area. It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a greasy feeling.
Verdict-meh, going to try other eye creams out there

The Orchid Skin Orchid Flower Aqua UV Sun Gel ($15)

This sunblock is non-sticky and is absorbed into the skin quickly. It's made with a flower and plant complex to promote healthy and glowing skin. I LOVED this sun gel. It was from the Memebox SPF Box which I've raved about more than a few times. This is really good for anyone with oily or sensitive skin because it's not greasy at all and has a light texture which absorbs very quickly. It has a pleasant fresh scent as well. The only downside is I don't know where to purchase it. I'll have to add this to an Avecko order.
Verdict-holy grail status, must repurchase!

Vivito Make-Up Starter Intro ($33.11 at Korea Depart)

These are exfoliating peel pads containing citric acid and lavender water which are hydrating and soothing. There are two sides to each pad. The dotted side swipes away impurities and dead skin cells and the flat side moisturizes. You can use them before going to bed or applying makeup. The pads are very gentle and I used them mostly to wipe my face before going to the gym in the mornings. I don't find the pads necessary in a skincare routine and I used them up because they were laying around.
Verdict-would not repurchase

Soy BIO + Fermented Lumpoule ($170)

Wow, these lumpoule are super pricey. 14 of these tiny 5 ml bottles are $170! The name combines two words, lump and ampoule. It's made from real Korean fermented soy bean lump and works to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming while brightening the overall complexion. I received 2 5ml bottles but I gave one of them to my mother. There wasn't quite enough product to fully get a grasp on the product but I did feel it brightened my skin a little. Not sure about the fine lines and wrinkles claim since I didn't use the lumpoules long enough.
Verdict-probably wouldn't repurchase

BODY
Suave Smoothing Lotion with cocoa butter and shea ($2.50-$3.50)

I got a free 2 oz sample of this lotion in the mail. I brought it with me whenever I was out of town since it's the perfect size for travelling. It did moisturize my skin but I wasn't all that into the scent. It smells like a combination of cocoa butter and almonds.
Verdict-wouldn't purchase

Dearberry Ice Cream Hand Cream in Vanilla

This is a good handcream for someone that has normal skin. I don't suffer from dry body skin, even in the winter, so I'm not sure if this would provide enough hydration for someone with really dry hands. It gave my hands enough moisture but, again, I hate vanilla scented products. This was tolerable but I'd rather smell something else on my hands. There are other varieties to choose from but this is the one I received in a Memebox.
Verdict-would repurchase but in a different fragrance

Tony Moly Tangerine Whitening Hand Cream ($12 at Sephora)

You can buy the hand cream for almost three times more at Sephora for instant gratification or save money and pay 4720 won or roughly $4.50 at Tester Korea. I wasn't looking for a whitening hand cream since I'm fairly light complexioned as it is. I didn't see any whitening going on but it might be more noticeable if you have a darker skin tone. The texture of this is a little mousse like and very light but moisturizing. Between the Dearberry and this Tony Moly Hand Cream, I'd choose the Tony Moly. I also loved the tangerine scent!
Verdict-would definitely repurchase and in the apple and peach as well

Olay Sensitive Unscented Body Wash (4.97-$5.59)

This is a mild body wash that cleans as well as regular soap but is as gentle on skin as water. I used up a 1.7 oz sample of this. I don't really need a sensitive body wash but it did seem gentle on my skin. This is supposedly unscented but there is a scent to this that is typical of Olay body washes. I'm not a fan of the scent but it's not terrible by any means.
Verdict-would not purchase

MAKEUP
W3LL People Expressionist Mascara ($23.50 at Birchbox)

This mascara has an all natural formula without any harsh chemicals or dyes. The clump resistant wand lifts and separates lashes while the nutrient rich formula coats them with a luxe, glossy black color. I received this in one of my first Birchboxes. I don't wear mascara on a regular basis because it irritates my eyes. I have short, sparse Asian lashes so I definitely could use a little help. Anyway, I like the idea of an all natural mascara but get nervous at the idea of wearing a non-waterproof one. It did lift my lashes a bit but the product smeared all over my under eye area. No bueno.
Verdict-will definitely NOT repurchase!

Iope XP Air Cushion in N21 ($38 at Peach & Lily)

I didn't use this cushion all that much when I first got it, maybe because it made my skin too oily in the warmer months. This cushion does give you a dewy look so I should have known it wouldn't work for me in the late spring/summer months. However, I like the look in the fall/winter when my skin is a little drier and then I set with a powder. For most of October this was a staple for me. I didn't realize there was a C21 and C23 which is for people who want a little more coverage. The N is for a natural coverage. Don't forget to flip over the sponge inside the compact with tweezers when the product seems low. There's more than enough foundation inside and I must have flipped it over 3-4 times before it was time to call the cushion quits.
Verdict-would repurchase but in C21

Recipe By Nature Ice Cream Swing Gloss 01 Very Lovely (8900 won at Tester Korea)

Before I forget, Tester Korea is having a Black Friday sale right now until Nov. 30! There is up to a 30% discount on 28 brands. I already picked up some stuff. The lip gloss is infused with various natural oils to provide hydration to chapped lips and adds a subtle glossy sheen. There are two other flavors, Orange BongBong and Sweet Fiona. I'm not a huge fan of lip gloss but I did enjoy the Ice Cream Gloss. It's a little sticky but the hydration properties make up for the stickiness. I like the fruity strawberry scent. There's a chain to attach on to a key chain which I never used.
Verdict-enjoyed this but there are other lip balms to buy. would not repurchase

HAIR
It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin ($11.99 + free shipping at Amazon 4 oz)

This treatment does 10 things but I won't list all of them. Some of the claims are increasing styling and manageability, replaces lost protein, protects against heat, detangles, defrizzes, and adds shine, and strengthens hair structure. I've been using more hair conditioner and treatments since my hair is quite long. I'm planning on chopping it off in the next few months but It's a 10 products are great for any hair length. This doesn't weigh my fine hair down, make it look greasy and tames frizzy strands. The scent is tolerable but not my favorite. If the product lives up to its claims, I can forgive the scent as long as it's not awful to me.
Verdict-will definitely repurchase at some point BUT I have several hair treatments in my line up already from Memeboxes.

Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil ($39 for 3 oz at Sephora)

This is a clear, lightweight hair oil that works for all types of dry hair. It detangles hair, helps strengthen against breakage, reduces frizz, contains UVA/UVB filters, and protects against heat styling. I received a little sample of the hair oil and was pleasantly surprised by this. I have greasy roots but the rest of my hair is normal. The ends are slightly drier now that my hair is quite long and I colored it about six months ago. The oil made my hair really smooth without adding oiliness. I like that it protects against the sun and heat styling as well. I think $39 is more than I'm willing to spend for a hair product, although 3 oz of this would last forever.
Verdict-conflicted, I really like this but not willing to spend $39

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Thanks for stopping by,
Jennifer