Review: L'Oreal Youth Code Pore Vanisher

Hi everyone.  Today I have a quick review of L'oreal's Youth Code Pore Vanisher.  I received a free sample of this product from the company because I have an account at the L'Oreal website.

So first, this is what the L'oreal website has to say about the product:

What is Pore Vanisher™?
Pore Vanisher™ is a fresh, airy cream that instantly minimizes the look of pores and shrinks actual pore size in 1 month.

How does it work?
Pore Vanisher™ works on three dimensions to shrink pores: depth*, number and size. Instantly pores appear virtually vanished and skin feels hydrated. Perlite absorbs excess oil for an all-day, shine free, smooth finish. In one day LHA micro-exfoliates to visibly smooth skin’s surface.In one month pores begin to snap back into shape as our highest concentration of Perline-P strengthens and tightens pore walls to shrink actual pore size. 

When Should I Use It?
Apply as the last step in your skincare regimen, AM and PM. Can be used alone or under makeup.

Recommended Regimen:
STEP 1: CLEANSE L’Oréal Paris Cleanser
STEP 2: TREAT Texture Perfector Serum Concentrate
STEP 3: MOISTURIZE Texture Perfector Day/Night Cream
STEP 4: FINISH Texture Perfector Pore Vanisher™ Cream

Formula Essentials
For all Skin Tones
Universal Tint
Suitable For Sensitive Skin
Non-Comedogenic


Now, what I have to say about Youth Code Pore Vanisher:

I previously sampled L'oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur.  (You can see my review for that here.) And I find this product to be VERY similar to Miracle Blur. L'Oreal Pore Vanisher and Miracle Blur are also similar to many of the other pore-minimizing creams out there, such as Benefit's Pore-fessional.

I used the Pore Vanisher after my usual skincare routine of Missha Chocolate Latte face wash, and Missha Super Aqua toner and lotion. The texture of the Pore Vanisher cream is light and fluffy like a thick mousse.  It is lightly tinted and goes on smooth, creamy, and transparent.  The texture is really smooth and slightly moist.  Because it is a bit moisturizing, Pore Vanisher is more suited for normal to dry skin.  I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with oily skin. 

So, on to the pore vanishing claims... I only used the Pore Vanisher twice, so I can't speak on the long-term pore minimizing claims that they make, but as far as pore coverage, this stuff is awesome!  It reminded me very much of Miracle Blur, as it gave my skin the same soft and diffused look.  It just really smoothed over any imperfections, and it looked almost like my skin had been Photoshopped!  It also worked perfectly as a base for my usual BB cream.  

Overall, I loved this product and would highly recommend it!  I use Benefit's Pore-fessional, and this might sound like blasphemy to the beauty gurus out there...but I would say that L'Oreal's Pore Vanisher and Miracle Blur are actually superior to Pore-fessional!  They go on much smoother, in my opinion, and give a more obvious result.  So, if you have normal to dry skin and are looking for a pore-minimizing cream, L'Oreal's Pore Vanisher is a really great product and a less expensive (and in my opinion, BETTER) alternative to Benefit's very popular Pore-fessional.

So, have you tried any pore-minimizing products?  If so, which did you try, and what did you think?    

***UPDATE: I have been using a full-sized bottle of this product since about July and I still love it.  However, I began to notice this week that the product is separating.  There is a clear liquid that comes out with the makeup and the texture is just not the same.  I feel it still works, so I haven't stopped using it.  I checked it out online, and other women have reported similar experiences in blogs and reviews.  So, while I still think Youth Code Pore Vanisher is a great product, you might want to consider the fact that it does not age well when deciding whether or not to invest in this product.      

***Update #2: I continued to try to use this product for a few days after I noticed it was separating.  However, each day, more and more clear liquid began pouring out when the tube was squeezed. Shaking the bottle made no difference.  The water gushing out was really gross, the makeup's texture was totally different, and the product lost all its effectiveness.  I finally just tossed it.  I was bummed because I had gotten used to using a base with my BB. But since I received this product for free from L'Oreal via Cosmo magazine, it was no big loss. What bothers me is the fact that someone out there paid for Pore Vanisher and had to throw it away!  And this product is not cheap as far as drugstore makeup goes.  I no longer recommend this product! Most internet sources say face products can keep for about a year, so why is this stuff turning to disgusting watery mush after only about 6 months? Furthermore, who's to say if you buy this product it hasn't already turned bad before you even open it? I actually saw numerous reviews where women had that experience.  I had some Benefit Porefessional for about 6 months with no problems.  Moral of the story? You get what you pay for... Don't waste your money on this one. 

Review-Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose: Petal Skin, Serum, and Emulsion

Hi everyone!  Today I have a review of some items from Holika Holika's Bulgarian Rose skin care line.  I received these samples of the Bulgarian Rose Petal Skin, serum, and emulsion when I made a purchase in a Holika Holika store in South Korea.

So, first up is Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Petal Skin

This is what Holika Holika's US website has to say:

Bulgarian ‘damask’ Rose, has been cultivated since the 16th century, it is considered to produce the finest quality essence. Holika’s Bulgarian Rose oil and Rose Water is from the Valley of Roses in the Kazanlak town and is made with the most delicate process. It provides a high-moisturizing effect and provides marvelous beauty to the skin. Bulgarian Rose is the same beauty secret that Cleopatra’s used.

Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Petal Skin is an alcohol free blend of hydrating and toning rose floral waters, enriched with real rose petals. This gentle floral water hydrates the skin and tones complexion. It’s natural aroma adds a mood-enhancing dimension to the experience.

Benefits:

• Hydrates
• Tones
• Firms

How to Use: Every day after cleansing, pour a small amount into a cotton pad and gently wipe over face and neck.

And this is what I have to say about Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Petal Skin:

Well, first and foremost, the thing I love the most about this product line is the scent!  I can't say I'm a huge fan of floral scents, but this smells amazing!  Usually floral-scented products have a chemical floral smell along the lines of air freshener.  Bulgarian Rose, however, smells like a bouquet of fresh roses.  It is soft, natural, and absolutely lovely!

"Petal Skin" is the toner step of this line.  I really liked this toner because it smelled wonderful and did not dry my skin in the least, unlike many other toners I have tried.  It left my skin feeling fresh and clean but not dry or tight.  

Next up is Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Serum.

This is what the Holika Holika website says:

Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Serum has an extraordinary intensive moisturizing effect for normal to dry skin, contains precious Bulgarian Rose Water and rose essential oil that leaves the skin rejuvenated and helps to retain moisture. It is also infused with other ingredients such as Nutritive Oil complex and Manuka honey that revitalize and the nourish skin.

Benefits:

• Moisturizes
• Rejuvenates
• Nourishes

How to Use:

After using Rose Skin, moisturize daily by applying an even layer to cleansed face.

This is what I have to say about the Bulgarian Rose Serum:

My skin is just not dry enough to need both a serum and emulsion, so while the directions say to use toner, then serum, then emulsion, I used just toner and serum, and tried the toner/emulsion combo on a seperate occasion.

The serum was thinner than lotion with a clear-ish white appearance. It had the same awesome scent as the petal skin. I smoothed it on to my face and it left my skin feeling moisturized without being overly moisturizing. I liked the results of just the petal skin and serum. I woke up the following morning with smooth and fresh skin. I would recommend this serum if you have normal to dry skin, especially if your skin is more on the dry side. This line is definitely a moisturizing line and not appropriate for oily skin.

Finally, there is the Bulgarian Rose Emulsion.

This is what the website has to say:

Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Petal Emulsion contains 20% Bulgarian rose water and rose essential oil. It leaves your skin perfectly hydrated, soothes, softens, and prevents skin dehydration. This emulsion does more than just moisturizes, it also firms and provides a better overall skin complexion.  

Benefits:

• Hydrates
• Soothes
• Softens
• Moisturizes
• Firms
• Improves Skin Complexion

How to Use:

After serum/essence, apply an appropriate amount to entire face.

This is what I have to say about the Bulgarian Rose Emulsion:

As I mentioned, I did not use the serum and emulsion together, because I have normal skin and I thought the combination would make my skin get greasy.  The serum was a one-time-use pouch, but the petal skin and emulsion bottles were large enough that I was able to try the product for a few days.

I had high hopes for the Bulgarian Rose line...I am a big fan of Holika Holika in general, and I liked the pretty packaging and scent of this product.  Sadly, though, I think I finally discovered a Holika Holika product that is really not for me!  This emulsion comes out thick and white like lotion and has a bit of an oily feel to it.  The first night I used it, it was a bit greasy going on, but it absorbed and I woke up with moist but not quite oily skin.  On the second day of use, my skin felt a bit greasy the next morning.  I really wanted to like this, so I kept going...  By the third day, I was seeing some small pimples budding on my cheeks and had to quit.  The emulsion was just too much moisture for my normal skin.  

Don't get me wrong, everything about this line seemed up to the high standard I expect from Holika Holika, but I would only recommend the Bulgarian Rose to those with dry to very dry skin.  If you have normal skin, but still want to give it a try, I suggest going for the petal skin and serum and skipping the emulsion.  

So, have you tried the Bulgarian Rose line?  What did you think?   

Review-Pond's Luminous Finish BB+ Cream (Light)

Hi Everyone, today I have a short review of Pond's Luminous Finish BB+ Cream in the "light" shade.  I requested a free sample of this product through the mail. 


This is what Pond's website had to say about the product:

NEW! POND'S Luminous Finish BB+ Cream Light

Flawless in Seconds, + More Even Tone in 2 Weeks!

POND'S® Luminous Finish BB+ was created with Tone Perfecting Complex. It works by targeting the source of dark spots on skin’s surface – visibly fading them for a difference you can see. It also delivers a special pigment system designed to blend flawlessly into a variety of skin tones and immediately conceal imperfections with natural-looking coverage.
Available in Medium.

Essential Features

• Superior* Coverage of Imperfections
• Superior* Visible Dark Spot Reduction
• Superior* Non-Greasy Feel, with a Matte Finish
• Broad spectrum SPF 15 sun protection
• Non-comedogenic – won’t clog pores
• Dermatologist tested
• Hypoallergenic

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.49%, Zinc Oxide 5.12%

*Light Shade versus Top Selling BB Cream

What I have to say:

I use BB creams every day, but I have only used Korean products up until now.  I once sampled Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream, but I did not like that product at all.  (You can check out that review here.)  Since the Maybelline BB cream was my only experience with American-made BB creams, my expectations for this sample were quite low. 

The sample came in a fairly generous-sized packet.  I don't use a whole lot of product, so, this sample was enough for me to use twice.

What I liked most about this BB cream was the texture.  It comes out thick and creamy, but the cream is light and airy rather than heavy.  The color blended very well with my skin.  I liked that it had a more golden undertone, as most "light" makeup tends to have very pink undertones that don't work too well for me.

Here's a swatch of the cream before blending: 

It went on smooth and creamy.  At first, because it was creamy, I thought it was going have a dewier finish, but it dried to a soft matte finish.  The coverage was fairly light, but similar to other BB creams I have used.  I'd say it was on the heavier side of light coverage, but not quite medium coverage.  While it was matte, true to its name, there was a sort of luminous appearance to my skin.  It gave my face a soft and diffused appearance.  

This Pond's BB was not as heavily perfumed as Korean BB creams.  It did have a scent, but it was light, fresh, unobtrusive, and faded quickly.

Overall, I really liked this product!  I would say this BB is comparable to the Korean BB creams I have tried by brands such as Missha, Nature Republic, and Holika Holika.  It definitely holds it own and I would highly recommend this one! 

I think the creamy texture makes it ideal for those with normal to dry skin.  If your skin is combination you might be able to get away with this, but it will probably be too moisturizing if you have oily skin.  If you are looking for light to medium coverage, this is a great product for you.  If you need heavier coverage, this might work well as a base to combine with other face makeup.  I can't speak on the claims that this product fades dark spots over time, since I only used it twice.  Still, it is a nice little BB cream and the reasonable price makes it definitely worth a try.   

So have you tried this BB cream? If so, I'd love to hear what you thought of it.  What new skin product are you loving these days?  

Review: Innisfree It's Real Avocado Mask

Photo from Amazon.com

One day, while I was working in Korea, my friends and I took a spur of the moment trip from our small town to the nearest city for a "Sex in the City" girls' night.  We had coffee, shopped, grabbed a few drinks, and talked about guys.  We had so much fun that we decided to do a girls night in as well, so, we stopped at the Innisfree store to pick up some face masks.  Since I couldn't read any of the packaging, I chose the avocado mask because I knew that avocado is soothing and moisturizing.  Unfortunately, our girls night in never happened, and I completely forgot about this mask until I found it just recently, tucked in with a bunch of my beauty samples.  

Last night, I decided to finally give the mask a try. So, I thought I'd do a quick review.

The mask is one of those white paper masks that is covered in beauty essence.  I applied the mask, then went to scare the bejeezus out of my sister with my new Jason-inspired look. (hehe)  

The essence was clear, yet a little thick, and had a slightly greasy feel.  The scent of the mask was pleasant, yet unremarkable.  It was not overpowering and smelled fresh, if anything.  The instructions said to leave it on for 10-20 minutes.  I left the mask on for about 15 minutes.  I removed it and rubbed the remaining essence into the skin on my face and neck.  At first, I thought it was too moisturizing for my normal skin, but the essence promptly soaked into my skin.  Still, it seemed a little too heavy for me, and I predicted that I would wake up with oily-feeling skin.  However, I was surprised when this was not the case this morning.  My skin feels smooth and good, not at all greasy.  Overall, I am pleased with the results of this mask and I would use it again, although only during winter months.

I'm glad I didn't use this mask when I originally intended to use it: during the oppressively hot and humid Korean summer.  Even though I was happy with the results, I think this mask is best-suited for drier skin types.  It worked fine for me because my skin is somewhat drier during the winter, but I would advise anyone with combination or oily skin to steer clear of this one!  It is gentle, yet quite moisturizing, so if you are looking for a treatment to calm dry irritated skin this mask should be perfect for you.

So, do you like to use special treatments such as facial masks, or couldn't be bothered?  What is your favorite deep treatment product?  
    

Product I love: The Ped Egg

Today I just wanted to review a product that I recently tried and LOVED!  I know that the Ped Egg has been around for a long time, so I'm a little late to the party, but this thing is so good that I wanted to share my experience with those of you who have never tried it.

I'm not exactly sure when things started going downhill with my feet...As a teenager, my sister and I used to laugh about the fact that on more than one occasion random creepy guys on the street told me that I had cute feet.  We used to joke that I should get a foot modeling job.  Back then, I used to do my own simple little weekly pedicure that consisted of exfoliating my feet and painting my toes-nothing fancy.  But, based on the reactions of the random creepers, I guess it was working for me at the time.

Fast forward a number of years later and I was living in Northern Florida.  Except for the coldest part of the winter, I practically lived in cheap Old Navy flip flops.  I had a pair in every color imaginable and I used to make treks all around town in them.  It was somewhere around that time that I noticed that I was starting to look less like a foot model, and more like Fred Flintstone's body double.  You would think I would have gone back to my old pedicure routine, but I just didn't care that much.  I always kept my toenails painted, but that was about it.  Once my sister started working in the beauty industry, she occasionally did her service to humanity by buying me "Mr Pumice" blocks at the beauty supply store. Every now and then I would give my feet a half-hearted scrub, but as a busy grownup, sitting around pampering my feet was the last thing I felt like doing.

About a week ago, though, I decided that my feet were a mess and that I needed to put some thought into this part of my appearance.  I tried to remind myself to buy a pumice stone or foot file on my next shopping trip, but somehow I seemed to forget every time.  Then, lo and behold, while at Ross Dress for Less, I happened to see the Ped Egg on clearance for only $3.99.  Who hasn't seen the commercial for this "As Seen on TV product" where women happily scrape their feet with an egg-shaped contraption that resembles a cheese grater, then open the egg to reveal piles of the disgusting powdered foot skin they remove. Ewwwww...  Pretty gross!  But, the metal blades made the Ped Egg seem like the kind of serious tool I needed.  I was debating whether the thing could possibly work, when I noticed endorsements from a number of top Beauty Magazines on the packaging.  I decided that, for such a low price, I'd give it a try.

When I took it home and put it together, the blade part seemed pretty sharp.  Not knife-sharp, but definitely cheese-grater sharp.  There were even some warnings on the package.  You should use the Ped Egg only on calloused skin that is not wet or damp, and also be careful to not press too hard.  My sister looked at the glinting silver blade of my Ped Egg suspiciously and warned me to be careful...

As soon as I slid the Ped Egg across the bottom of my heel and felt it working, I knew I had found a great tool.  The Ped Egg REALLY works!  I absolutely love it!  As I mentioned before, I have never invested a great deal of time or money on foot care, but this thing is better than any pedicure product I have tried in the past.  If you have dry cracked skin and calluses on your feet, you will amazed by the wonders this product can do!  I have been using it over the past week, and while I wouldn't  say I'm anywhere near "foot model" status yet, my feet are much softer and smoother than they have been in years.   

If you are looking to buy one, check out your local Ross store.  The classic one that I bought was on sale there for just $3.99.  They also had colorful "designer" Ped Eggs for $5.99.  This is a really good deal.  Target is currently selling their Ped Egg for $14.99.  

So, do you do your own pedicures, or do you leave it to the professionals?  Have you ever tried the Ped Egg?          

Reveiw: Holika Holika Petit BB Moisture

Today I have a long-overdue review of my current BB cream... 

Holika Holika's Petit BB-Moisture

Here is the product description from Amazon.com:

Product Description

Holika Holika Moisture Petit BB Cream 30ML with Hyaluronic Acid SPF 30 PA++

Moisture petit BB helps make skin smooth and glossy. Hyaluronic Acid condition dry skin and make skin youthful while effectively protecting against UV-rays.

Moisturizing Effect - Clean and Clean Skin tone Elastic Enhancement - Anti-Aging and Wrinkle Improvement Smooth Skin Texture Hyaluronic Acid moisturizes the skin and enhances elastic fibers with collagen while supplying nutrients to the skin cells.

What I have to say about it:

I bought the Petit Moisture BB from the Holika Holika store in South Korea.  It was on the inexpensive side.  I believe I paid about $7-$8 US for this product.

I am already about halfway through the bottle.  The Petit BB line comes in 5 different varieties.  I have "normal" skin but chose the "moisture" formula because some of the names seemed like they might be shimmery or for oily skin, and a couple I wasn't sure what they were for.

As I have said on my other Holika Holika reviews, I thought that because this company is geared towards younger women that the products would be more about marketing and packaging than quality, but with the Holika Holika products that I have tried, that has not been the case at all.  All of the items I have tried have been surprisingly good quality, and this BB is no different.  

The Petit Moisture BB is somewhat thin and watery coming out of the tube and offers a lighter coverage than some others I have tried.  It spreads really smoothly and evenly.  It comes in one color, which is a light beige with a golden undertone.  It blends quite well with my skin.  It is not overly pale like some BBs that I have seen, but I don't think this would work well for deeper medium to darker skin tones.  Here is a swatch so you can get an idea of the texture and color of the product.

I started using the Petit BB back in the late winter/early spring when the weather was colder.  Previous to that I was using a Nature Republic BB.  The Holika Holika Petit BB gave a lighter coverage and dewier finish than my former BB cream.  While the finish was not matte, I did not find that it made my skin oily or my face shiny.  I used it through winter and spring weather, and I thought it was great.  However, since the summer began and the heat and humidity have kicked in, it is proving to be too moisturizing for my skin.  I don't think this is a fault of the product, but rather due to the fact that my skin is oilier in the summer.  Since I started using BB cream 2 years ago, I usually switch to a powder compact over the hottest part of the summer.  So far though, because this product has fairly light coverage, I have continued to use it.  Now, I just finish it off with a touch of powder compact makeup from Clinique to get rid of the shine. I really like the results.

The scent of this BB is pleasant.  It is fresh with a slight floral undertone.  One thing to note is that, while it isn't a strong scent, I feel like I can smell it on my skin longer than the fragrance of other BB's.  So I guess that could be a pro or con depending on whether or not you like the scented nature of BB cream.         

Overall, I like this product.  It is not my favorite BB of all time, but a good product none-the-less and worth a try if you are considering it.  I think it would work well for people with normal-dry skin, especially if your skin is more on the dry side.  It will probably work best for those with lighter to light-medium complexions.  I would not recommend it for anyone with oily skin, a darker skin tone, or who wants a totally matte finish.

Although Holika Holika produces some very nice skin care products, I do get the impression that this line is designed with youthful skin in mind.  The brand seems as if it is geared towards polishing already good skin rather than correcting unwanted skin issues.  If you need intense moisture or want to hide imperfections, I don't think you will get that result with this BB.  But if you just want to make the skin you have appear prettier and smoother, this is a good one to try!

So, have you tried any of the Holika Holika Petit BBs? What is your go to BB cream of the moment?

Review: Olay Fresh Effects Shine Shine Go Away Cleanser

I snagged my sample of Olay Fresh Effects Shine Shine Go away cleanser from an online sample giveaway.  First, I must say, one of the most awesome things about this sample was its generous size.  

This is a picture of my actual Fresh Effects sample from a previous sample haul post.  See how big it is compared to others?

Many skincare samples are single-use, and while that does give you some idea of how a product performs, it is much easier to decide if you like a product after a few uses.  So, kudos to Olay for the ample sample!

What Olay says about Shine Shine Go Away:

Add this cleanser to your morning regimen for a fresh and deep clean:
• Removes 2x more dirt, oil and makeup vs. basic cleansing
• Kaolin clay lifts away impurities and helps minimize shine
• Deep cleansing action for a fresher feel 

What I say:

Well, when I requested this sample, I noticed the Olay facial cleanser part, but failed to notice the "Shine Shine Go Away" part.  My skin is normal, but slightly sensitive.  When I use products that are too moisturizing or too drying my skin gets mad at me.  I was disappointed when I recieved the sample and realized it was a product geared towards oily skin.  Even though I was slightly concerned that it would be too drying, I was still eager to give this product a try.  Olay has a good name in skin care.  I have heard that their anti-aging products often rank up there with high-end skin care lines, and that their clinical research is well-regarded among dermatologists.  Since it was the start of summer, which is a hot and humid time here in Philadelphia, I figured it was the perfect time for a cleanser called "Shine Shine Go Away".

The cleanser comes out of the tube in a thick and silvery cream, very much like my Missha Strawberry Latte Cleanser.  Ever since spending time in Korea, I have fallen in love with Korean skincare products.  Korean facial cleansers produce the thickest and most luxurious foam.  I'm hooked and I've brought back a good supply, so, I am very prejudiced when it comes to facial cleansers from the US.  To my surprise, the Olay cleanser not only looked like my Missha cleanser coming out of the tube, but it also made a comparable thick sudsy lather. The Olay still fell slightly short compared to Korean lather, but it came pretty darn close! Impressive.  The scent was fresh and pleasant.  My skin felt clean and it did not produce the tightness or dryness I worried about.  The sample lasted over a week, so I was able to see how my skin reacted over time.  I was completely satisfied with this face wash.  In the end, I found that the Olay Fresh Effects was probably even gentler on my skin than my beloved Missha Strawberry Latte face wash!  (It didn't smell nearly as good or foam up quite as luciously, though.) 

My verdict is that this is a good little face wash for anyone with normal-oily skin.  Don't be afraid to give it a try.

So what is your current favorite facial cleanser?  What is the most important feature in a cleanser for you?  

Review: L'oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur

I recently tried a single-use sample of L'oreal Miracle Blur, so I thought I'd do a little review.

I actually recieved 2 single-use samples of this product.  I requested one from the company, and the other sample came on a card in Siempre Mujer magazine.  

So, first let me tell you what L'oreal's website has to say about this product:  

What Is Miracle Blur?
It’s NOT a moisturizer, NOT a foundation, MORE than a primer; it’s the first of-its-kind Instant Skin Smoother.

What Does It Do?
Miracle Blur instantly erases the look of lines, wrinkles, and pores. Skin instantly looks and feels smooth, leaving a velvet soft matte finish that lasts all day.

When Should I Use It?
Miracle Blur should be applied daily after moisturizing as the final step in every woman’s skincare routine. Wear alone for a matte finish, or wear under makeup for smoother application and wear.

What I have to say about Miracle Blur:
Although I am always eager to try a new sample, I automatically assumed this was a product that was just not too useful for me.  My makeup routine is pretty no-frills.  I don't use primers or other extras, so just by reading the packaging, I didn't have high expectations.  As I was getting ready to go out on Saturday night, I flipped through some of my skincare samples and decided to give the Miracle Blur a go.  

First, the texture of this product coming out of the package was really unusual.  I expected some sort of cream, but the product was thick, had a light beige-yellow color, and it felt sort of dry and fluffy.  I was like hmmm...

When I smoothed it onto my face I expected it to keep the dry consistency, but it actually spread well.  Alone, it did add a sort of soft glow to my skin.  I applied my Holika Holika BB cream on top, but it was pretty hot and humid, and my skin seemed a little too dewy for my liking.  I patted on a little compact powder to make my face less shiny, and afterwards my skin was nice and matte, not at all shiny.  I'm not sure if the matte texture was due to adding the powder, or if the product became more matte after setting.  When I looked at the end result, there was a noticeable diffused effect, a warm glowy softness about my skin.  I was really impressed-this stuff is legit!   

As I said, I didn't expect much from this product.  I am not one for piling on the makeup and wasting time and money on unnecessary steps, so I did not imagine Miracle Blur finding a place in my routine.  However, I liked the results so much that I would definitely consider buying this one! 

This product adds a soft and sweet glow to your skin, I think it could be good for just about anyone.  I have "normal" skin and I did feel as if this was a little greasy when combined with my BB cream.  If you have skin that is on the oilier side, and you use cream face products such as BB's or foundations, this might add unwanted shine. If you are someone who is trying to cover major skin issues, I don't think this would be all that helpful.  But if you just want your skin to look smoother and prettier, as if it is being hit with good lighting, you might like this as much as I did.  One reviewer on L'oreal's website summed it up really well by saying that Miracle Blur was like "photoshopping your face." 
  

I also noticed that a Benefit Pore-fessional sample that I received but haven't tried yet, seems like it is a similar product.  Now I'm even more excited to try that one out! When I do, I will review it and let you know how these two compare.  

 So, have you tried Miracle Blur or Pore-fessional yet? What did you think? Do you use any other products to soften the look of lines or pores?

Review- Holika Holika The King of Bean Cleansing Foam

Today I have a brief review of Holika Holika's King of Bean Cleansing Foam.

I got this cleanser as part of this adorable little "Travel Special Kit" that I bought at the Holika Holika store in South Korea.  I got the kit thinking it was a great way to try out a variety of products, but then I tucked the set away with some other travel items and forgot about it.  When it turned up again, I was really happy to realize that I actually owned some of the Holika Holika products that I had previously sampled and liked. 

The travel kit contains small-sized versions of the following products:

• Aqua Fantasy Toner
• Aqua Fantasy Emulsion (check out my review HERE)
• Miracle Real Skin Finish (check out my review HERE)
• Bath Girl Candied Rose Body Wash
• The King of Bean Cleanser 

The kit features some drama or movie actors...K-Drama fans, I hope you will forgive me for not knowing who they are!

So, now onto my review of the King of Bean Cleansing Foam with Black Bean.

Since the packaging is all in Korean, I tried to Google some info about this product for you, but what I came up with was such a terrible English translation that it was just a waste of time to post it.   It said the cleanser contained "King Kong" extract. (OMG-WHAT IS IN THIS STUFF I'VE BEEN WASHING MY FACE WITH?!)  I'm hoping something was lost in translation there and that no enormous gorillas were harmed in the making of this product... 

Aside from the, er, unusual ingredients, this cleanser is what I have come to expect from a Korean facial cleanser.  It comes out of the tube thick and white and creates the lush and frothy foam that I know and love!  I am so spoiled by the richness of Korean facial cleansers that I think I will never go back to American products.  This cleanser is gentle but gets the job done.  I do not use a whole lot of heavy face makeup, other than eyeliner/mascara (which I remove with eye makeup remover) so the King of Bean effectively removes my makeup and leaves my face feeling fresh and clean.  If you wear a lot of foundation or other heavy makeup, you might need some additional makeup remover.  I find this cleanser to be gentler than my previous Missha Creamy Strawberry Latte Cleansing Foam.  The Strawberry Latte always left my skin feeling a little tight, but the King of Bean leaves my skin clean without drying it out.  So, I would recommend this product for those with normal-dry skin.  The scent of the cleanser is mild and pleasant.  It is mostly a light soapy smell mixed with a hint of sweet/yummy aroma.  Overall, the product isn't anything unique or outstanding, but I really like this basic facial cleanser and would highly recommend it.  Because of the youthful trendy vibe of their marketing, I assumed that Holika Holika products wouldn't be as high quality as other Korean brands, but I have been proven wrong! From my experience, all of their products have been stellar.  Holika Holika is a brand that I would buy without reservations. 

So what is your favorite facial cleanser? Why do you love it?