Skinfood Black Pomegranate Premium Kit Review

   It is another Skinfood review day my dear readers! Not to mention another way overdue product review. The product I will review today is one of the 2 lines from Skinfood that I love...the black pomegrante line. This line focuses on anti-aging and a little on brightening the skin.

   Months ago, I did a review about the Black Pomegranate Emulsion and since I found it effective, I always wanted to have a regular sized of that or a set if budget permits. Anyway, last December, I was sent 2 boxes of this kit by one online seller that wanted to be anonymous hahaha. When I opened the package I was so happy because my wish came true. 

   
  The Black Pomegranate Premium Kit consists of 4 products from the line: a 10ml toner and emulsion, a 5mg cream, and 8ml voluming serum. We use this set in this order: toner > voluming serum> emulsion> cream. I used these at night time because it is moisturizing. They all have this mild fruity scent.

  First let me talk about the toner and emulsion. Both contains 10ml of product. The toner is watery in consistency while the emulsion is a bit thick and white. The toner claims to give soft and supple skin. Apply it on skin using a cotton pad/ball and pat skin for better absorption. The emulsion claims to make skin soft and plump. IMO, there is nothig too special about the toner. It cleanses skin gently and that's it. I can always use my Wonder Pore toner as an alternative. It is cheaper compared to this toner anyway. The emulsion gave me instant soft and plump skin the next day. That's the reason why I fell in love with this line. I saw and felt the difference.

  The voluming serum is contained in a cute bottle with pump. It is a bit thick in consistency but not as thick as the emulsion. I am not sure if the sample serum has the powder content like its big bottle counterpart. This serum claims to hydrate, illuminate and plump the skin. You need to wait a little for the skin to absorb it before applying the emulsion.

   The last one is the cream. It is stored in a tiny little plastic jar. The opening is big enough for a finger to fit in. It has a thick consistency and it is very oily for my skin so I only use this at night and use only a little amount. This cream claims to give one a luminous and resilient skin and has anti-wrinkle effect. This cream is perfect for dry skin. It gives you a boost of moisture while you sleep. 

PROS:
- live up to its claims
- you can see and feel the effects
- divine fruity scent
- a little amount goes a long way
- nice packaging (both sample and regular sizes)
- non-irritating
- did not cause me any breakouts

CONS:
- (regular size) is pricey
- the kit is hard to find 
- the cream is not recommended for oily skin

  Overall, I would recommend this line for mature or dry skin. This is also suitable for people looking for a moisture boost at night. I am sad that I wasn't able to show you some before and after pictures of my skin. I was really convinced by this product's effectiveness. It made my skin look and feel soft and plump. I saw significant changes with my skin's texture and glow. Each product included in this line costs more than a thousand each. (Like I always say) Skinfood is pricey. You can save 200-300 bucks when you purchase them online. The best one to have on this line is the emulsion. A bottle can last for months because you don't need much to cover your face and/or neck. If I were to choose this line versus anti-aging products readily available in stores, I would still choose this. The price may be a bit same so I would rather go with something that really works fast. I give this premium kit a 5 out of 5!!!!!
   

Innisfree Green Persimmon Pore Dual Kit Review

   Are you one of the many struggling with huge pores? If you are, I officially welcome you to the club! Today I will review a mini kit from Innisfree that targets pores and sebum. It is the Green Persimmon Pore Dual Kit. This kit was one of the many goodies I received from @hellogorgeous17 a month ago. As you already know, skincare products targetting pore and sebum control are my main collection.

   So what's the story behind green persimmons? Unriped persimmons are harvested during summer while they are still green. Though they taste bitter, they contain high levels of tannin that tightens pores. This line from Innisfree helps manage aggravated pores and controls the balance between oil and moisture for skin.

   The pore dual kit consists of 5ml toner and essence which are neatly packed in this earth-friendly box. I used these two during daytime for about 3 days for the toner and almost 2 weeks for the essence. According to their shopping site, the pore care toner is ethanol-free and helps prevent skin infection from excessive sebum and remove dead skin cells that cause skin trouble (pimple or acne). It also keeps the skin in healthy condition of ph 5.5. The essence is free from 6 harmful ingredients: paraben, synthetic colorants, mineral oil, animal-originated ingredients, artificial fragrances, and imidazolidinyl urea. This essence claims to control sebum, tighten pores, promote skin elasticity, enhance moisture level of skin, and prevent disassembling of collagen.

   This particular line's got a lot of claims right? Now the question is did it live up to its claims? The kit includes 2 small bottles so my views are based from my observations during the short span of time I have used it. To begin with, the two products smells citrusy. The toner cleans the skin very well and does not have a sticky after-feel like other korean toners I have tried. It is also mild and I haven't had any irritation nor redness. Sebum control was not "met" by this toner. No pore reduction as well. Disappointing. I would prefer sticking to my Wonder Pore toner. The regular sized bottle is pricey for a 200ml. The essence reduced sebum production a bit but my pore size remained the same. It is not sticky. It is very light to wear during daytime, alone or under makeup. It is also mild on skin. It is also non-drying. It kept my skin balanced. The regular size of this essence is pricey for more than a thousand bucks. 

   After using the kit, I think there is no need for me to purchase the regular sized ones. Aside from the fact that it is pricey, it did not help in minimizing pores which is the main target of this line. The essence, though it helps with balancing oil and moisture of the skin, just thinking of the price makes me instantly choose other products with the same claims. Comparing between the Green Persimmon and Jeju Volcanic line of Innisfree, I prefer the Jeju Volcanic line. The verdict... 3 out of 5!

Sample Review: Skinfood Premium Tomato Line

   I have quite a number of sample products and mini kits here so I decided to do a mini review after I finish using each one of them. A mini review because they are only samples and they may or may have instant or noticeable effects when and while using them. They are also skin care product samples and not make up samples. Make up samples can have an in-depth review compared to skin care samples. 

   I receive a number of samplers with each purchase I make especially online purchases because online sellers are more generous (unconditionally generous IMO) unlike actual stores. But I would have to make an exemption when referring to actual shop this time...the Skinfood kiosk at Wellworth Fairview Terraces. The saleslady assigned there was friendly and generous and not to mention, knows a lot about each product she's selling. I just forgot to ask her name. Anyway, she gave me quite a number of samples and the product I will review today's one of the few she gave- Skinfood's Premium Tomato Line. It includes a toner, essence, emulsion, and cream (used in that order). 

   The Premium Tomato line targets skin whitening. Its main ingredients are tomato extract and vitamin C derivative. The picture above is how the actual sizes looks like. This line also includes a milky face pack (wash-off mask) and a sleeping mask. Those 2 are add-ons to the basic inclusions. Each product has different tomato extract content. The toner has 10%, essence has 30%, emulsion and cream has 20%. 

   The samples I got does not have anything written in English except the name of the product so I had to rely on Skinfood's website for details. The toner included was good for single use but all I can say is that it is effective in removing dirt on my face that I have accumulated the whole day. The amount was so few I was not able to detect if there was any scent present. The only thing I did not like was face felt sticky.The essence has a watery consistency and absorbs quickly. The emulsion was translucent white and a bit thick compared to the essence. The cream was white and thick but glided on skin easily and smoothly. The essence, emulsion, and cream has the same divine scent as the black pomegranate emulsion but only lighter but I like it. The quantity of the product shown on the pictures are the actual quantity I used to cover my entire face. So a little goes a long way don't you think? I also applied a little amount on my neck.

   I used the samples before bedtime because they felt heavy on the skin and they have no oil control claims. They didn't get absorbed easily and felt sticky unlike the other (usual) night time products I use. The good thing about this line was I woke up with fresh and soft skin. After a few nights of using this, I noticed my skin became brighter, softer, fresher, and the pimple marks slightly improved. I also noticed how soft my skin was after rinsing it in the morning using a facial foam. I have not experienced such soft skin sensation with other overnight products I have used. I cannot attest the overall whitening effect though because I only used samples and I was born with a yellowish white complexion so I am not much into whitening facial skin care stuff. 

   I was impressed with the samples from this line. But since I am not into whitening products for my face, I have no plans of purchasing the big ones. The normal sizes are expensive. I guess people looking for whitening products but are on a budget will stay away from these. Well, Skinfood is expensive here and that's the harsh fact we have to accept. My score for this samples? 4 out of 5!

Etude Wonder Pore Toner Review

   Happy weekend everyone! Today I will review one of Korea's well-loved toners- Etude's Wonder Pore Freshner. This toner is one of the few products on the Wonder Pore line. The Wonder Pore toner I bought from Margarita Shop was the latest edition. It has 10 claims now instead of 7.

   Let me start off with the packaging and inclusion:

   

   The one I bought was the big bottle which contains 500 ml of the product. It's got a mild fresh scent. This product is huge and took a lot of space in my cabinet but what the hell it's gigantically cute. It is also available in 250 ml but buying the big one is more practical because it won't cost you twice. It is stored in a blue plastic box with cute details about the toner (most of it are written in Hangul but there's English stuff written as well). The big size includes a free 50pcs cotton pads to apply the toner with. I seldom use it. I prefer cotton balls instead. The back portion of the bottle and box of cotton are in Hangul unfortunately. The bottle has this blackhead meter of some sort...so cute! The manufacturing date's stamped at the bottom. The 500 ml bottle has a pump dispenser while the 250 ml has the usual spout or whatever you call the hole. There is also a mist type of this product in stores. But you can just transfer the contents in an atomizer if you want to use this as a mist during the day. I haven't tried it though and have no plan trying it. I find it unnecessary to use a mist. 

   Now to make things easier, we will go through each of the products claims and let's see if it does its purpose okay? I have been using this toner for almost 3 weeks so I guess it's time to attest its claims.Please note that the effects of this product may or may not be the same as mine. 

DEEPLY CLEANSES PORES- in an average way I would have to agree to that. I use this day and night and is effective in removing dirt especially those nasty traces of make up. 

MINIMIZE APPEARANCE OF PORES- after almost 3 weeks of using this toner I noticed my pores got smaller. Especially every morning I notice my pores are not that huge anymore.

CONTROL A LARGE AMOUNT OF SEBUM- really? I don't think so. It does regulate sebum production but in a big way? Next please.....

MOISTURIZE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF SKIN- this toner has alcohol BUT I have not experienced any dryness, sting nor irritation. It's like I am using an alcohol-free toner. It balances my skin and I love it.

COMPLETE SMOOTH GLASS-LIKE TEXTURE- hmmmmm....with the help of other skin care products this is possible.

BALANCES SKIN'S IDEAL pH LEVEL- I really can't tell because I don't have an apparatus to test this claim. But I find this toner mild and may suit any skin type.

REFINE SKIN TONE- in a way yeah my skin tone has improved (not with JUST using this product alone of course) and the red spots has lessen.

KEEP THE ELASTICITY OF PORES- uhmmm...what does Etude House mean by that?

REMOVE THE SKIN SURFACE'S DEAD SKIN CELLS- in a way yes because it removes the dirt on face. I notice this effect during night time because it is when we remove all the excess dirt and stuff that has accumulated the entire day.

CLEANSE PORE INSIDES WITH COOLING EFFECT- I agree. This is refreshing to use but not much cooling sensation. 

   After writing my opinions about its claims, again, it may or may not be the same as other people's views and experience. But all in all, I love this toner because it is big and worth the money. It may contain alcohol but it is still mild on skin. It does not sting at all. I can attest to this because I have used quite a number of toners (with and without alcohol content). It targets people with oily skin but this (IMO) is also suitable for people with normal to combination skin. 

PROS:

- mild

- controls/regulates sebum production

- minimizes pores (with continued use)

- refreshing on skin

- no sticky after feel

- deep cleanses

- refines skin tone ( in conjunction with other products)

- big bottle

- lasts a long time 

- pump is convenient to use

CONS:

- expensive

- may consume space in one's cabinet

- cotton pad included is not that durable

   I am still keen to try out the foam wash and clay mask from the Wonder Pore line. I am still in search of the perfect products for my war against oil and pores. It's not that the others I have here are ineffective. They are effective. Oh well, maybe it's just my insatiability that's causing this quest. Once I get a hold of the other Wonder Pore babies, I will review them right away. My score this giant is a 5 out of 5! 

Innisfree Fest 3: Jeju Volcanic Pore Solution Kit Review

    We are on the last part of our Innisfree Fest but I hope there will be more Innisfree products to come to my possession. Hihihi. Who knows?! Santa might grant my wish this X'mas right? 

      

     Anyway, today our part 3 will be the Jeju Volcanic Pore Solution Kit. The contents of this kit are miniature versions of the line's toner, lotion, and emulsion. Koreans are not into shortcuts when it comes to skin care. I mean facial wash, toner, and a moisturizer is enough right? They are into multi-step beauty routine. Like the facial wash, this kit is focused on controlling oil and pore care.

     I got this kit from hellogorgeous17. I don't exactly know if this kit is still available in Innisfree. I have read that Innisfree sells testers and tester kits. Cool right? I mean if you are a fan of Innisfree you are aware how much their products costs. This line is one of their best sellers and one of the expensive line (huhuhuhu...). It is a nice idea that you can use not just one of  the line's product at a fraction of a cost or for free.

Here's how the big ones look like. And I want to have them all!!!!

     I don't use the kit like everyday because it is so small. I just use it when I plan to go out (`1st step before makeup) for oil-control. To be honest I saw/felt its effect on the first use. I used it after taking a bath and it really kept oiliness at bay. I mean, of course there will always be a little production of oil on the T-zone, chin, and nose. But everytime I use this the secretion's cut in half. Like really!!!! And because of that I am sooooo hoping to have the big ones this X'mas. Ummmmm....ok the lotion and emulsion and masque are fine. Hahaha!

     (Again) this product is meant for individuals with oily or combination skin. Peeps with normal or dry skin's fine to use this but there are Innisfree products which are more suitable for you guys like the Green Tea line. Innisfree's got products for every skin concern. I would love to have them on my X'mas stocking (am I overemphasizing this or what?). But since the big ones are not budget-friendly, I am still weighing things down and seeking help whether to buy this or the Green Persimmon line which is almost the same as Jeju Volcanic line but instead on focusing on sebum control, it targets pore reduction (yessssss!!!). I give this baby a whopping 5 out of 5 rating. A freakin' must try!!!!