What's In My Medicine Cabinet

I don't know about you, but I always enjoy watching "what's in my shower" or "what's in my purse" videos from my favorite YouTubers. So, I though it might be somewhat interesting to show you what I keep in my medicine cabinet and also see what's been a part of my winter skincare routine. The cabinet's a little cluttered right now so I'm probably going to re-organize all four shelves when I get a chance.

Product Empties #7

It's been about two months since my last empties post and I've accumulated quite a bit of products. More finished products = shop for new products to try! So here's everything I managed to use up.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream Extra-Dry Skin Review

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Neutrogena and Crowdtap. I have not received any compensation for writing this post and all opinions are my own and unbiased.

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Currently I have combination-oily skin; it just depends on how cold and dry it is here in NYC. This moisturizer is geared towards those of you out there with particularly dry skin so you're probably wondering why I have been incorporating this product into my skincare routine. Well, I do have little areas of dry patches on my face due to acne breakouts and spot treatments like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to speed up the healing process. It's quite unattractive when you can see dry, flaky patches over foundation so I've found it helpful to use the Hydro Boost Gel Cream on certain areas of my face.

I'm not too crazy about the jar packaging since you have to constantly dip your fingers in and out of the jar. I save all my little spatulas that come with Korean products so I've been using these to get the moisturizer out. You can always use a little spoon if you don't have a tiny spatula on hand. This does remind me of the Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream and Sleeping Water Mask which I have used in the past. They have similar packaging and the same water based gel consistency.

One reason I was willing to try a moisturizer that is geared towards dry skin is because of the thin, gel-like consistency. It's light, cooling, fragrance free, and oil free. How and how much I use of this is dependent on how bad my breakouts are in the lower cheek area and right above my jawline. In the AM I will use the gel cream over most of my face, avoiding the T-zone area. It helps my makeup look smoother, almost acting as a primer. And I haven't noticed an increase in oil production while using this which is an added bonus. In the PM I apply the cream like a sleeping pack over my face 3-4 times a week and it leaves my skin incredibly hydrated and soft the next morning. The cream absorbs quickly into the skin so it won't feel greasy at all.

I've been using the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream for almost a month and have not experienced any irritation to my skin or unusual breakouts. This is a solid moisturizer for all skin types and does exactly what the product claims to do, "instantly quench extra dry skin and keep it smooth and hydrated." Keep in mind this is a product for adding and locking in moisture and doesn't claim to do anything else like anti-aging or brightening. I most likely will not be able to use this in the summer months when my skin is excessively oily but this has been an excellent boost of hydration for me this winter. There is a Hydro Boost Water Gel available so this might be more appropriate for those who don't need the extra dry skin formula. You can find the gel cream for extra dry skin at Ulta for $19.99, Neutrogena for $18.99, Target for $17.09, or your local drugstores. Don't forget to use Ebates to get a little cash back when you shop online!

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Thanks for stopping by,
Jenn

Memebox Haul #5

Blizzard conditions here in NYC and the east coast today. Crossing the street to get to the gym this morning with all the wind proved to be more difficult than I thought it would be.

The view from my apartment this morning. Where's the East River?

I feel like it's been FOREVER since I've done a haul and purchased anything beauty related. This is because I placed myself on a no buy after my last purchase, Dec. 15. I wasn't sure how I was going to do but I held my ground just short of five weeks. I even managed to stay strong during all the Christmas and New Year sales. And the biggest benefit to the no buy was seeing the amount of money I saved in my account over the past month!

Anyway...there were some things from Memebox I'd been eyeing over the past few weeks so I decided to put in an order. I received a tracking number the day I made the order which has never happened to me before. The people in the warehouse must be working at lightning speed or I got extremely lucky. 

Ko So Young on the insert.

Ryo Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo for Oily Scalp ($16)
Troubled over excessively greasy and sticky hair? This must be because your scalp produces an imbalance amount of moisture due to lack of nutrients! Ryo’s hair Shampoo for Oily Scalp is specially formulated with premium herbal extracts that helps regulate the scalp’s moisture levels. This also delivers an abundant amount of nutrients to keep the scalp healthy and clean.

Yes, I have excessively greasy hair at the roots! I've tried "training" my hair in the past by avoiding frequent washings but my hair type doesn't seem to respond to it. I've used other Korean shampoo brands before like Daengimori and Skylake but this Ryo (the brand is under the umbrella of Amore Pacific Corp.) one looks promising. Less hair falling out in the shower is always a good thing. Plus, Ko So Young represents and endorses the brand. She's an actress (although she hasn't been active since she married Jang Dong Gun, another popular actor, and had 2 children), model, fashionista, and has great hair. The shampoo has a heavy ginseng scent which I happen to like but I know there are people out there who dislike the scent.

Tosowoong Dr. Troubex Soothing Mask Pack ($1.50)
Worried about acneic and troubled skin? This mask provides intensive relief to irritated and troubled skin. It contains centella asiatica extract and aloe vera leaf extract which both work as perfect anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents to help the skin recover. It is also specially formulated to aid with redness and keep the skin’s hydration levels balanced.

Not much to say about this without having tried it but I do have acne, troubled skin that needs relief at certain times of the month. Most likely I'll wait for a major breakout to happen and write up a review afterwards.

Bon Vivant Botanical Mask Pack Clarifying & Hydrating Rose ($2)
I was really tempted to break my no buy when I saw these masks released for $1 each on the website. Fortunately for me, they sold out in the blink of an eye before I had a chance to place them in my cart. They reappeared a few days later but with a $1 increase. You can also pick up a box set with 10 masks inside for $15. The retail value is $30 so Memebox may raise the price at some point in the future. *fingers crossed* they don't do this! I bought 2 masks since I didn't want to commit to a whole box without trying one first. As expected, the response on these masks have been positive.

Bon Vivant Botanical Mask Pack Pore Tightening & Sebum Control ($2)
I also purchased two of these which contain tea tree and peppermint leaf.

Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream ($22)
A multifunctional skincare cream that embraces natural oriental beauty by giving you fair, soft and youthful skin. Infused with premium natural ingredients including Korean ginseng and orchid extract, this cream is rich in high quality nutrients beneficial to the skin’s improvement. It provides proper moisture to keep the skin beautifully glowy all throughout the day while also balancing melanin production to enhance complexion. This also serves as an excellent anti-aging cream as it effectively firms and improves elasticity of the skin to diminish appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

I've heard so many amazing things about this cream recently that I had to see for myself what all the fuss was about. You can use this in a variety of ways as a sleeping pack, massage cream, or a makeup base before applying foundation. Of lesser importance, there used to be a pink rice paper cover over the jar which seemed to help with product leakage. I had no issues with my cream when it arrived and everything was intact minus the paper. However many Membox customers who ordered this had spillage issues with their cream upon receiving it. Personally, I think the rice paper serves more as a cosmetic purpose than a functional purpose in terms of protecting the product but the lack of a paper cover has some people upset about it. All I really care about it how the dynasty cream can help my skin.

I also received an extra Tosowoong Pure Green Tea Mask as a sample. I'm always appreciative of free sheet masks because you can never have too many in your stash!

Follow or like me on Twitter and Facebook for updates. It also helps me out a lot!

Thanks for stopping by,
Jenn

Skinfood Royal Honey Cover Bounce Cushion Review (Snoopy Limited Edition)

Product Description: Helps restore a healthy, radiant, smooth skin tone while regenerating the skin, concealing imperfections, and smoothing wrinkles. Royal jelly has antimicrobial properties and honey moisturizes softens and moisturizes the skin. Zinc oxide reduces sebum production, irritation, and inflammation.
There are two shades available:
01 Light Beige
02 Natural Beige

Re:cipe Slowganic Jeju Tangerine Sheet Mask Review

I'm a huge fan of Re:cipe skincare products like their Slowganic Cleanser, Cleansing Oil, and Spray Essence Water so I wanted to see if the brand's sheet masks lived up to my expectations.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector Review

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Neutrogena and Crowdtap. I have not received any compensation for writing this post and all opinions are my own and unbiased.

There are six shades available:

10 Ivory to Fair

20 Fair to Light

30 Light to Neutral

40 Neutral to Tan

50 Tan to Medium

60 Medium to Deep

Neutrogena and Crowdtap were kind enough to send me two shades, #10 and #20.

January 2016 Birchbox

Birchbox is a monthly subscription box ($10 plus tax) of personalized beauty, grooming, and lifestyle deluxe sized samples tailored to your profile. You can accumulate points with each box and redeem those points at the Birchbox shop. If you review all your products in each monthly box, you can accumulate 50 points which is equivalent to $5 and half the value of the box.

Leaders 7 Wonders Himalayan Camellia Pore Minimizing Mask Review

Product Description: This advanced bio-cellulose mask visibly refines pores and smoothes rough texture. Soothes troubled and irritated skin and can be used on all sensitive skin types. Contains a full bottle of serum rich Himalayan camellia. Dermatologist tested.
Available in 5 other varieties:
7 Wonders Caribbean Coconut Calming Mask (read my review here)
7 Wonders Amazonian Acai Anti-Pollution Mask (read my review here)
7 Wonders Tundra Cranberry Anti-Aging Mask
7 Wonders Kalahari Melon Moisturizing Mask
7 Wonders Mediterranean Olive Brightening Mask

Leaders 7 Wonders Caribbean Coconut Calming Mask Review

Product Description: This Caribbean Coconut Calming Mask is an advanced bio-cellulose mask that calms red and irritated skin and leaves skin soothed and refreshed. Can be used on most sensitive skin types. Dermatologist tested. Enriched with nutrient rich coconut from the Caribbean.
Available in 5 other varieties:
7 Wonders Himalayan Camellia Pore Minimizing Mask
7 Wonders Amazonian Acai Anti-Pollution Mask (read my review here)
7 Wonders Tundra Cranberry Anti-Aging Mask
7 Wonders Kalahari Melon Moisturizing Mask
7 Wonders Mediterranean Olive Brightening Mask

Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch Review

I was digging through my skincare stash last month and unearthed the Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch. I received the patches in a previous Memebox but it must have been a box that didn't contain an information card. I keep all the cards so I can refer to them when I use each product. (I know I'm not the only one out there who collects old Memebox info cards!)

I have normal skin in the under eye area all year round. Sometimes it can get a little oily right under my eyes if it's a particularly hot and humid day. That wasn't really a concern for the month of December although NYC did experience record high temperatures last month. I have some discoloration under the eyes but dark circles are not on my radar right now. As far as eye concerns, I've always had puffy eyes or eye bags and it's definitely gotten worse over the course of my 39 years of existence. And another minor concern is that I'm starting to see fine lines creep in when I smile or laugh.

The patches contain a premium combination of black pearl and pure gold powder which helps to improve blood circulation for a radiant, rosy glow. They are soaked in a blend of green tea, mugwort and tangerine extracts concentrated into a rich essence. These lavish ingredients rejuvenate tired skin and dull eye bags for a brighter and healthier look.

The ingredients list according to CosDNA.

Yikes, carrageenan gets a 5 for a potential acne trigger.

Typically I test out a product for about a month before I write a review to gather my thoughts and form an opinion. I've been using the Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Eye Patch for 20 days on a daily basis. There are 60 patches in each jar for 30 uses so I've used 2/3 of the product, enough for me to have an opinion.

Use product within 2 months of opening the jar.

The biggest downside to this product is the scent! It's pretty overpowering and I can smell it on my face for the next few hours. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to continue using the patches after the first use. I've sort of built up a tolerance to the scent now and it doesn't bother me nearly as much. I'm not sure how to exactly describe the scent but it has a very sweet, strong, floral scent. Stay clear of this if you're sensitive to fragrance and/or you do not like floral scents.

I strongly recommend keeping the protective seal on the product to keep the patches from drying out. I would actually shake the jar/container upside down (you can hear the essence in there) to sufficiently soak the patches on top since the essence is concentrated at the bottom of the jar. The protective seal helps to keep the liquid from dripping out and getting everywhere.

You can see gold flecks in the patches.

You could probably use the eye patches on smile lines but I did not. Since I'm very acne prone on the lower half of my face and there is a pretty high acne trigger in the product, I didn't want to take a chance and risk a breakout.

Don't lose the spatula since the patches are slippery and difficult to pick up without it.

I love how instantly cooling these patches are. I read some reviews where people complained about an instant burning sensation when using these and, thankfully, I didn't experience that. I'm guessing they were sensitive to an ingredient(s) in them so make sure to read the ingredients list carefully before using. I have the most eye puffiness in the morning so it was most beneficial to me for use in the mornings. You can dry your hair, eat some breakfast, brush your teeth, and take off the patches 25-30 minutes later. If you want the patches even colder, store them in the refrigerator. They're also nice to use in the middle of the day if your eyes are feeling tired.

As far as product claims, I wouldn't say this offers intense hydration. It's quite moisturizing for me but it won't provide enough moisture for someone with a dry-very dry eye area in my opinion. You'd be better off using an eye cream. However, the cooling properties of the patches do help with decreasing puffiness and improve the appearance of eye bags for a "brighter and healthier look." It's a temporary solution for eye bags and something you will need to use on a regular basis. Since I used the patches every day I did see noticeable improvement but I'm sure the eye bags will be back with decreased usage.

You can find the Petitfee Eye Patch at Memebox for $18, Amazon for $9.98 with Prime, Korea Depart for $6.33 plus shipping by weight, and RoseRoseShop for 4.91 plus shipping by weight. Wow, that's a big price difference between RRShop and Memebox!

I'd give the Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch a 3.5/5 stars which is not too bad in my book. I knocked off 1 star for the overwhelming scent and 1/2 a star for the lack of intensive hydration. I wouldn't recommend this product for anyone who has a dry under eye area, particularly sensitive to fragrance, looking to decrease fine lines or wrinkles that aren't considered minor, and suffering from dark circles. While I liked what this did for eye puffiness and a little extra hydration, I won't repurchase it again after I finish the product. I'm going to continue searching for eye patches that have the same benefits without the strong fragrance.

Follow or like me on Twitter and Facebook for updates. It also helps me out a lot!

As always, thanks for stopping by!
Jennifer

Leaders 7 Wonders Amazonian Acai Anti-Pollution Mask Review

I've been eyeing the Leaders sheet masks sold at Ulta since they were first released about five months ago. These particular masks are exclusive to Ulta so you can't find them anywhere else. I was waiting for the 20% off your total purchase coupon because there are no restrictions on any brands. The majority of coupon codes available do not include Leaders products. I got a pretty good deal on them which I'll explain in detail down below.

December 2015 Favorites...and fails

December has flown by and it's 2016 already. Happy New Year everyone! It was an unusually warm and surprisingly humid month so I had to switch around my skincare. In the process I found some products that really seemed to work for me.