Unboxing Post: BDJBox June 2015 - Bioderma Exclusive Box

I know it's been a while since I last posted - May 2015, maybe?

This post about the June 2015 BDJBox is a little late, but I do hope you won't mind.

After months of consecutive 'large' BDJBoxes, the 'smaller' box finally steals the spotlight this month. No worries, because it's packed of goodies that you won't find at a cheaper price anywhere else.

So, here, we got some samples from Bioderma, and a Lip and Cheek Stain in full size from The Body Shop.

I'll give you a brief information about Bioderma, in case this is the first time you've heard about the brand.

Bioderma is 'biology at the service of dermatology'. And as its tagline implies, Bioderma aims to imitate its [the skin's] natural biological mechanisms through their components and their modes of action. 

If you made a quick search on Bioderma, you'll soon realize that this is no 'chipipay' brand. It's in the Php 1500 and above price range!

Anyway, let's move on and take a good look at each product included in the box.


The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain (8ml FULL SIZE) - Php 795

This dual-purpose stain from The Body Shop gives your lips and cheeks a healthy-looking glow with one was of color, or builds up for a richer, deeper coverage. Used alone, it’s a sheer strain, but can also be used as a great base for lip and even cheek products for a longer-lasting flush. Its moisturizing formulation helps to condition the skin with Vitamin E.

I initially thought that this is a BIODerma Exclusive box, until I saw this TBS product included. Also, it's the only product that is not in sample size - at least.

Ever since I heard about The Body Shop, I've always considered using any product from their makeup line. Sad to say, though, I don't earn much to be able to splurge on a single lip/cheek tint above the Php 500 mark.

I'm glad that BDJ Box gave me a chance to own one, despite the huge pricetag most TBS products come with. At regular price, this 8ml lip/cheek tint costs Php 795 a pop! And, it's in full size. Mine came in shade #1: Rose Pink.

For now, I couldn't really tell how it would look on my skin, but I'm not opening this one yet.


Sensibio H20 (10ml sample)

Gently cleanse your skin with this ultra-mild, non-rinse micellar water cleanser and make-up remover. Create to suit the needs of those who experience skin irritation and redness, the alcohol-free formula soothes and cools as it cleanses. The cleanser removes impurities using micelles, which micro-emulsify impurities while maintaining the skin’s balance. Soak a cotton pad with the solution, and cleanse the face and eyes. 

When it comes to skincare, cleansing is probably the most important step. Skip everything else, just don't skip the cleansing part.

I have to be honest, one look at these Bioderma products and I personally find them quite unappealing. It's not just about the packaging; maybe it's because of the sizes of these things. Or the derma jargon that is in the description.

Too technical, maybe? Read the rest of the product descriptions and tell me what you think.

But, I think everything included in this box are all good stuff - and like I said, the only downside is its lack of charm...

Or, maybe, it's just me...


Sensibio Light (5ml sample)

This silky everyday moisturizer protects the complexion from eternal aggravators, and works to build the skin’s own tolerance over time with the patented Toleridine complex. Formulated with rigorously selective active ingredients, it is an ideal step in the treatment of sensitive skin.Over time tightness and overheating of the skin is reduced thanks to the restoration of the cutaneous barrier. In its place is a supple, comfortable and less inflamed complexion. 

I absolutely love moisturizers, and I have a feeling that I might actually like this one.

It's formulated for the treatment of sensitive skin. I don't have sensitive skin. Mine is basically normal/combination, but nobody said I couldn't use it!

Photoderm Max (5ml sample)

With maximum anti-UV B and extreme anti-UV A performance, it guarantees optimum protection against sunburn, sun intolerance and premature ageing. Exclusive patented Cellular BIOprotection complex effectively shields the skin against risks of cell damage. The melting texture feels very comfortable on the complexion and is perfectly colourless when applied, leaving no trace of white marks or a greasy film. 

Among the Bioderma bunch, this product is probably the most intriguing - at least for me.

Look, SPF 100, ladies!

I couldn't remember using anything more than SPF50.

They say, the higher the SPF, the heavier the product becomes when applied on the skin. I hope it doesn't work that way for this product.


Atoderm Preventive (8ml sample)

Limit the aggravation of very dry skin from birth with a delicate formula created for infants and children. It has been developed to intensively restore the integrity of the skin barrier by strengthening and protecting young skin, ensuring that the evolution from dryness to atopic dermatitis in childhood is prevented. With its quick application and ultra-comfortable texture, skin is soothed swiftly and durably.

This is the very first time I heard of "congenital dry skin".  Of course, I made the term up.

Who knew that dry skin is a problem since birth! I really had no idea!

And this product, is possibly the first of its kind to treat dry skin for babies.

Sebium Pore Refiner (5ml sample)

This targeted daily treatment works to tighten pores that are dilated, prevent imprefections, and mattify the skin both immediately and over the long term, thanks to the astringent and pore minimizer property of Fomes Officinalis (mushroom extract). Antioxidants boost the skin’s radiance and protect it from external aggressors. The lightweight, fluid formula melts into skin instantly, and creates and excellent base for make-up application.

This thing kind of reminds me of Benefit's Porefessional Primer and Skinfood's Egg Pore Primer.

However, unlike the first two I mentioned, the Sebium Pore Refiner promises to work long-term on the skin.

Interesting, right?

Sebium AKN (5ml sample)

This non-comedogenic treatment cleanses the pores in depth while slowing the overproduction of sebum. It also smooths the skin’s texture over time, ensuring that it looks clear and more uniform. Soothing ingredients reduce irritation and diminish the appearance of redness, and hydrating agents to make sure the skin is comfortable and soft. The light texture is rapidly absorbed and makes a great make-up base. 

Here's another make-up base, which claims the following:

• Slow sebum overproduction
• Smooths skin
• Soothe irritation
• Diminish redness
• Hydrates skin

I personally don't have major problems with my pores, but in some occasions, dry skin is a problem. Come to think of it, I sometimes have problems with sebum - thanks to hormonal imbalance. 

Sensibio DS+ (5ml sample)

This is an intensely calming moisturizer with a lightweight texture. Designed for those who have sebhorrhoeic dermatitis, its soothing formula works to relieve high color and smooth the skin using a dual anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory action. It uses a targeted action to boost the skin’s healing process, while the patented natural DAF complex improves the skin’s tolerance threshold,. Its pleasant, non-oily gel-cream texture provides in instant comfort. 

Atoderm Intensive (8ml sample)

When skin is atopic and dry, it can be extremely irritable, itchy and uncomfortable. The Intensive Soothing Emollient Care is created with Bioderma’s exclusive Skin Barrier Therapy complex, which restores the integrity of the skin barrier, prevents the penetration of allergens and enhances suppleness and comfort. Added Zinc and Betasitosterol provide intense anti-inflammatory care, and helps to stop the itch.

These last two products are for people whose skin are waaaay more sensitive than the rest of the population. It's amazing how Bioderma addresses these problems head on!

I don't have major problems with my skin, but I do hope these things could help those who have been suffering skin problems for so long.

OVERALL

This box, in my opinion, is an 'okay' box. To be brutally honest, I didn't really find this box exciting, nor interesting. Like I mentioned, I think the items inside lacked the 'charm' to make us all giddy during unboxings.

But I do commend BDJBox for including these high-end products in this box. To include samples from Bioderma, for one, may be a feat on its own; such products may be very difficult to obtain for the price that we paid for.

We only paid Php 580, but we received much, much more than we deserve!

Thanks BDJBox!

How about you? Are these products worth it?

Let me know by commenting below!

Love,


Marie

[DISCLAIMER] This is NOT a sponsored or paid advertisement.  

MARIE (the author of this blog) chose to buy the said beauty box at her own expense. Please note that the reviews are not by any chance made by an expert on makeup and skincare; these reviews are all based on the author’s limited knowledge, thoughts, and opinions. 

If you have beauty products that you’d like me to review, let me know! 

Do you have any business inquiries? Please send me a message to: newbeeworld31@gmail.com

bdjbox bioderma cleanser moisturizer sensitive skin skincare the body shop unboxing

Posted by Unknown in bdjbox, bioderma, cleanser, moisturizer, sensitive skin, skincare, the body shop, unboxing

Unboxing Post: BDJBox June 2015 - Bioderma Exclusive Box

Review: Missha Aloe Cleansing Foam (150ml)

This cleansing foam from Missha contains aloe, that helps in removing skin impurities caused by external factors. Its mild and gentle, and it's supposed to be perfect for people with sensitive skin.

Retails at $5 (approx. Php 230)

Pros:

• Affordable 
• Refreshing on the skin
• Excellent tube type packaging
• Refreshing scent
• Works well with cleansing brushes, such as Clarisonic and Olay
• Gentle on skin (doesn't burn)
• Consistent cream type formulation
• A little goes a long way
• No breakouts (probably prevents breakouts)

Neutral:

• Doesn't moisturize but doesn't dry out skin either

Cons:

• Brick and mortar stores only available in Metro Manila

Formulation

Cleansing formula is not runny, and you don't need a lot of product to cleanse your facial skin. Since the formula is very 'compact', it lathers so well on bare hands and glides smoothly on the skin. 

I love the scent, though it doesn't give a hint of aloe in it. It's a 'fresh' scent that doesn't overwhelm. I kind of appreciate it because scents heavily affect my mood, especially early in the morning. And with this kind of 'fresh' scent, I'm always very happy to sniff it right after I waking up! 

Effectiveness

It's a very basic cleanser and I guess, it does nothing more than cleanse impurities and probably, moisturize. If you're looking for a cleanser that would deeply clean your skin for impurities, then maybe, this may not be for you. 

I love this cleanser very much because it effectively removes light makeup, and I usually wear light makeup. It couldn't do much on heavy makeup but it helps somehow. 

I don't think it moisturizes, to be honest, but unlike other cleansers, it doesn't dry out my skin and it doesn't sting, too. It is sooo mild. Indeed, it is most suitable for people with sensitive skin. 

Others

I've been using this with my Clarisonic Mia, and it works perfectly! I noticed that it lathers so well on the skin, especially when I use a cleansing device. I have used it with a Clarisonic Mia, a Clarisonic Mia 2 and even an Olay Cleansing Device. I have used it using bare hands, too! Everything was perfect!

And by the way, here's another con for this product: the packaging doesn't contain English descriptions, etc., but I hope it doesn't matter to you. 

I have used this tube for over a month now, and obviously, I am going to toss its empty container soon. I am thinking of buying this again, because it truly does what it's supposed to do. 

Missha, as far as I know, is available only in NCR area. Too bad, because I really find this cleanser very affordable and good for everyday use. 

[DISCLAIMER] This is NOT a sponsored or paid advertisement. NEWBEE (the author of this blog) purchased the said product using her own money. 

Please note that the reviews are not by any chance made by an expert on makeup and skincare; these reviews are all based on the author’s limited knowledge, thoughts, and opinions. 

If you have beauty products that you’d like me to review, let me know!  

Need advertising space? This blog is also open for advertising. Please send me a message to: newbeeworld31@gmail.com

aloe cleanser cleansing foam kbeauty korean skin care korean skincare missha sensitive skin

Posted by Unknown in aloe, cleanser, cleansing foam, kbeauty, korean skin care, korean skincare, missha, sensitive skin

Review: Missha Aloe Cleansing Foam (150ml)

Review: Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System Specialty Cleansing Device (Cleansing Brush)

According to most beauty reviews, Clarisonic works like a charm. However, its hefty pricetag prevents everyone from joining the Clarisonic bandwagon.

The original Clarisonic Mia is priced at $100. The Clarisonic Mia 2 is retailed at $149.

Now, are there other options?

Thankfully, lots of companies nowadays venture into competing with Clarisonic’s cleansing brushes. A quick search would give you a variety of cleansing devices to choose from. There's even a variety from known drugstore brands!

Before I ventured into using Clarisonic for my beauty regimen, I took my chances at Olay’s cleansing brush. It wasn’t as expensive as Clarisonic as it was only Php 1803 (approximately $39). I bought mine from Luxola, and if I remember correctly, I got it on sale – 30% off.

The Box

The Olay set I bought came with the following:

• ·         Facial cleansing device  
• ·         Brush head
• ·         20ml Olay cleanser
• ·         2 – AA batteries

I also got myself an extra brush for about Php 423 (approximately $10). I got a bit of luck because it was 30% off as well.

I bought it with the intention of ‘taking my cleansing routine into the next level’. After all, Olay promises to efficiently cleanse the facial skin 4x better than manual cleansing (see photos).

I initially thought that this could be an alternative to the costly Clarisonic, but I guess I was wrong. In my opinion, both devices are not even worth comparing because they are very different. The price difference aside, the Olay Advanced Cleansing Device:

·         has smaller brush diameter compared to Clarisonic; hence, cleansing with the Olay brush would take more strokes than the latter 

·         rotates 360 degrees when used as a cleansing device; the Clarisonic ‘pulsates’ and doesn’t even rotate at 360 degrees 

·         Olay uses AA batteries 

·         No timer. You decide when to stop ‘cleansing’ 

·         All of Olay’s brush bristles move during cleansing, Clarisonic’s don’t – at least not all of them. 

·         Olay’s bristles are for exfoliating the skin, and not for cleansing, in my opinion. The bristles are not gentle enough for cleansing. Clarisonic is for cleansing.

Let me repeat. Don’t even compare this cleansing device with a Clarisonic, because they are very different from each other. You can’t necessarily compare apples with oranges, can you?

Now that I’ve made the differences clear, let’s proceed to the actual review.

Build of the actual device

This Olay Cleansing brush is very sleek and easy to hold.

Despite its small size, it’s a rather ‘heavy’ device. The batteries contribute to its ‘heaviness’, but it’s not quite an issue at all. You can still hold it and do your cleansing.

On another note, I find the brushes really easy to replace. You’ll just have to twist and push the replacement brush, and you’re good to go.

without the brush

Batteries

free batteries

battery compartment

One thing I hate about this cleansing device is the battery compartment. Aside from the fact that you’ll have to regularly replace batteries for this brush, the compartment is very difficult to open! It took me around five tries the first time around, and I almost broke the whole thing! It’s the same thing every time I try to open it. It’s always stuck!

Sadly, the battery compartment is the very reason why I bought myself a Clarisonic later on.

Cleansing Device

The brush feels soft and the bristles are fine – not until you turn the device on. Even at ‘normal’ speed, the bristles would sometimes go deep into the pores and hurt me in the process. I wish Olay would just rename this as an ‘exfoliating’ device, rather than a cleansing brush. It really works perfectly as an exfoliator, and should only be used once or twice a week. It might hurt, but using this is worth it.

close shot on the brush

Performance and Effectiveness

I’ve read in some blogs that cleansing devices could sometimes cause a breakout. I believe I did for a few days when I first used this as a cleanser. My face became sooo red, until I decided to use it sparingly in a week’s time. Instead of using it twice a day as recommended, I managed to cleanse with it twice a week at most. I believe this has significantly improved the condition of my skin.

Did I mention that it took lots of makeup with it, every after I cleanse? It’s great, and I believe it does what it promises – 4x better cleansing than with cleanser alone.

Overall

It’s a decent cleansing device because it’s very affordable and yet, a very effective tool in enhancing one’s facial skin features.

However, I only needed a cleansing brush, and not an exfoliating one. It might be good, but I believe I’m bound for something else.

As of this writing, my sister uses it on a regular basis, and she loves it so much! I gave it up because I realized a needed a Clarisonic. (I'll make a separate review on Clarisonic later on.. :) )

Should You Buy It?

If:

·         You’re fine with using the device twice a week at most; 

·         You don’t have sensitive skin; 

·         You’re fine with ‘stiff’ brush bristles; 

·         You’re fine with 360 degrees rotation for the brush; 

·         You don’t mind spending regularly on AA batteries; 

·         You’re fine with a bad battery compartment; 

·         You want to improve your skin's condition; 

·         You’re fine with a device that is water resistant, and NOT waterproof

If you said yes to all of these, then maybe, you should give this cleansing device a try.

And, before I say 'bye bye', here's a snapshot of the Olay Cleanser that this Olya Cleansing Device came with. I haven't had the chance to use it yet, so apologies on that one. 

Bye!

[DISCLAIMER] This is NOT a sponsored or paid advertisement. NEWBEE (the author of this blog) purchased the said product using her own money. 

Please note that the reviews are not by any chance made by an expert on makeup and skincare; these reviews are all based on the author’s limited knowledge, thoughts, and opinions. 

If you have beauty products that you’d like me to review, let me know!  

Need advertising space? This blog is also open for advertising. Please send me a message to:newbeeworld31@gmail.com

brush clarisonic cleanser cleansing device drugstore olay skincare

Posted by Unknown in brush, clarisonic, cleanser, cleansing device, drugstore, olay, skincare

Review: Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System Specialty Cleansing Device (Cleansing Brush)

Review: Etude House Happy Essential Foam Collagen

If you've been following this blog, you'd know by now that I have some sort of addiction to skin care products, particularly from known Korean brands.

As for facial cleansers, I know I've tried Missha; I've tried Skin79; I've tried Etude House; I know I've tried quite a lot already and I do have mixed emotions about trying them all. Some were great; they were extremely effective and great to use! While others, are not so great - some performed even worse than expected.

Anyway, today's review would be about a cleanser, once again from Korean brand - Etude House.

It's called the Etude House Happy Essential Foam Cleanser. Would it really make us happy - as the name suggests? Let's see.

Apparently, there are 5 variants of the Etude House Happy Essential Foam:

Yellow: Vitamin C - Turn into bright skin!
Pink: Collagen - Turn into elastic skin!
Blue: Hyaluronic - Turn into Moistfull Skin!
Light Grey: White Clay - Bye Oily Day, Hello Smooth Skin!
Dark Grey: Witch Hazel - Turn into Clean, Smooth Skin!

As you could see, I got the pink one, which is Collagen. It promises to improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

Take a look at the photo below to know what it does/promises:

Yep, Etude House prints English on its products

Manufacturing date embedded at the top of the tube

Packaging

Obviously, packaging is your typical facial cleansing tube - except for the extra cute graphics - that makes me wanna smile every time I see it. I have no problems with it, and it seals well, too.

Formulation 

One thing that really makes it different from all the other cleansers that I've tried is its texture. Its texture is not runny. Extracting some product from the tube takes some time, too, but it lathers really well on the skin.

It also has a subtle powdery scent to it, which I happen to love. The scent goes away after you lather it on your palms.

Effectiveness

Although the packaging states that the formulation contains 40% of moisturizers, the foam, every time I use it, leaves my facial skin dry. I also suspect that it has caused the appearance of red spots on my skin. They almost look like pimples, but they are not. Just red spots that are annoying to look at. Maybe, it's just a reaction to the cleanser.

Honestly, I'm not really sure if this particular cleanser delivered its promises. There appears to be no improvements on my face. No improvement on elasticity, and no improvement on firmness. I don't feel that tightening effect though, so maybe it's a good thing.

Maybe, just maybe, this is NOT the right cleanser for me.

Rating:

Packaging - 5.00 out of 5.00
Formulation - 4.50 out of 5.00
Effectiveness - 2.00 out of 5.00

Overall Rating: 3.83 out of 5.00

Pros:

• Smells great 
• Cleanses impurities well
• A little product goes a long way
• No tightening effect
• Didn't cause any breakouts
• Lathers really well
• Very easy to use

Cons:

• Dries skin
• May have caused appearance of tiny red spots
• No visible improvements on skin 

Repurchase?

For this particular variant? No. 

I might want to try Hyaluronic, though.

The Etude House Happy Essential Foam Cleansers retails at Php 248.00 at Etude House stores. 

What do you think?

Don't be shy! Just let me know by typing your comments below!

Love lots,


Newbee

[DISCLAIMER] This is NOT a sponsored or paid advertisement. NEWBEE (the author of this blog) chose to buy the said product at her own expense. Please note that the reviews are not by any chance made by an expert on makeup and skincare; these reviews are all based on the author’s limited knowledge, thoughts, and opinions. 

If you have beauty products that you’d like me to review, let me know!  

Need advertising space? This blog is also open for advertising. Please send me a message to: newbeeworld31@gmail.com

cleanser cleansing foam collagen etude house korean korean skin care

Posted by Unknown in cleanser, cleansing foam, collagen, etude house, korean, korean skin care

Review: Etude House Happy Essential Foam Collagen