Empties Week 2 (Part 1)

Empties Week 2 (Part 1)

1) 我的美丽日记高效级净保湿卸妆水 My Beauty Diary Ultra Cleansing Water

Got this for free while purchasing their famous sheet mask set in Taiwan. My Beauty Diary has always been famous for its sheet mask for its high quality cotton sheet and variety of choices for different purpose/function targeting for almost all skin types and problems. I must say I’m surprisingly accepting with their Ultra Cleansing line’s product.

It claims to be a cleanser, make up remover incorporating with the goodness of skincare. (Moisturizing properties of a toner I supposed) So let’s do the CLAIMS dissect one by one!

CLAIMS:

a) Cleansing: Deep cleansing with the ability to penetrate deep into the pores to remove makeup and dirt

b) Skincare Benefits: Moisturizing and skin balancing properties

c) Free of Parabens (preservative widely used in cosmetic products), Colorant, Mineral Oil, Alcohol and Fragrance

Ingredients Dissect:

“Water, PEG-6 caprylic/ capric glycerides, Propylene Glycol, Dipropylene glycol (Moisturizing properties), Phenoxyethanol, Propanediol, Chlorphenesin, Saccharide Isomerate, Broccoli Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (Moisurizing properties), Allantoin (Soothing/Anti-inflammatory), Yeast Extract, Soy Amino Acids, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate”

From the list above, only the BOLD ones (act as preservatives) are slightly worrying for sensitive skin as it might be source of irritant BUT so far so good, no breakout or rashes after use. The ITALIC ones are the pure goodness in the bottle which are quite neutrally promising.

Cleansing properties: This is only for light makeup/sunscreen kinda day. Not for heavy makeup! Waterproof makeup? NOT at all! (But it doesn’t claim to be for waterproof makeup though) Will need at least 8-10 cotton pads to be completely clean which is my usual usage. Overall, promising cleansing properties but not impressive.

Moisturizing properties: NOT AT ALL! I have combination-to-oily skin and still after every use my skin feel slightly tight (dryness). I would say this is ONLY makeup remover and NOT a skincare step.

Texture: Water and NO OIL leaving the skin super fresh and no sticky residue.

Comedogenic: NO

Repurchase: NO. I prefer heavy makeup and this is just not enough for me! Unless you needed something light for sunscreen remover.

Recommendation: ONLY for combination to oily skin. NOT for dry skin.

Overall Rating: 3/5

2) Maybelline Eye + Lip Make Up Remover 70ml (RM16+)

Bought this during Watsons PWP for RM16.11 which I thought might be another option other than my Holy Grail: Loreal Paris Gentle Lip and Eye Make-up Remover (RM20+). I actually bought this just to try this out for YOU GUYS!!

It’s a usual eye and lip make up remover with the biphase, blue layer and clear water layer like the Loreal Paris ones. But there’re a few differences in packaging for example the size of product. Maybelline’s contains of 70ml worth of product while Loreal Paris’ has 125ml of products. Price difference is at it slightest of less than RM10 depending on the discount in different drugstore too.

CLAIMS:

a) Safely and gently dissolves waterproof mascara and eye makeup (NOT really)

b) Completely cleansing without oily residue (NOT AT ALL)

Ingredients dissect: Oil-free, fragrance-free, no obvious irritant

Cleansing properties: Decent but NOT enough for strongly waterproof makeup such as my Holy Grail mascara: Kiss Me Heroine Make Heavy Rotation Long and Curl Mascara (Only this though! Other waterproof mascara seems to remove quite alright). However still able to remove long lasting liquid lipstick and waterproof eyeliner. I usually ONLY need 2 cotton pads BUT with this I need at least extra 1 or 2 more.

Texture: As of the Loreal Paris ones BUT I hate that it leaves a weird oily film on the skin despite claiming to be oil-free. Does not irritate the eye.

Comedogenic: NO

Repurchase: NO. I still prefer my Loreal Paris Gentle Lip and Eye Make-up Remover because I can never give up Kiss Me Mascara! Even though Maybelline’s is cheaper BUT Loreal Paris comes in bigger amount which will last longer. Maybelline’s only lasted me less than 3 weeks.

Recommendation: For those who prefer slightly cheaper eye and lip makeup remover and are not deeply in love with Kiss Me Heroin Make Mascaras. LOL XD

Overall rating: 2/5 (Just my preferences XD)

3) Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX 125ml (RM200+)

All I can say is that I’m completely sold to the concept and results from Sulwhasoo’s products. None of their products I tried so far fail me in any way. I bought this toner in a set after trying out their bestselling First Care Activating Serum EX having thought that they will work better together for better results. And YES THEY totally DID!! BUT why are you so dang expensive Sulwhasoo! XD LOL

CLAIMS:

a) Gel-type toner absorbs to skin with deep hydration and moisture (YES)

The properties of Matrimony Vine relax the skin while Purslane provides hydration, leaving your skin with a delicate veil of moisture.

b) Absorbs quickly to leave skin hydrated and supple without any excess residue (YES)

Spreads smoothly and absorbs quickly, providing long-lasting hydration, soothing the skin, and leaving a clean finish.

Ingredients Dissect:

“WATER, ALCOHOL, BETAINE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERYL POLYMETHACRYLATE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, PAEONIA ALBIFLORA ROOT EXTRACT, NELUMBO NUCIFERA FLOWER EXTRACT, POLYGONATUM OFFICINALE RHIZOME/ROOT EXTRACT, LILIUM CANDIDUM BULB EXTRACT, REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT EXTRACT, HONEY, PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT, NATTO GUM, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, BETA-GLUCAN, SODIUM HYALURONATE, GLYCERETH-26, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, PROPANEDIOL, BIS-PEG- 18 METHYL ETHER DIMETHYL SILANE, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PEG/PPG- 17/6 COPOLYMER, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, DISODIUM EDTA, PHENOXYETHANOL, FRAGRANCE”

BOLDED ingredients are possible irritants to some people but not all because I’ve not recognised any skin irritations/allergies after finishing the whole bottle. Alcohol is quite high up in the list so those who are allergic to alcohol might want to think twice. (I’m personally quite sensitive to alcohol-contained products but this has not cause me any redness or allergies which I’m quite surprised) It contains of natural fragrance and essential fragrance.

Texture:

It’s a clear gel, non-sticky toner. Absorb within seconds into the skin leaving the skin fresh and non-tacky. Leaves no residue or film on the skin after absorbed.

Review of functions:

I used this together with the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum EX pre-toner and Essential Balancing Emulsion EX post-toner. It’s moisturizing for the skin but not too heavy for my oily skin. After weeks to months of using this product, I can tell that my skin is getting calmer and balanced as in less dehydration/dryness around my cheek area and also less oily around my T-zone area. Besides, my redness and acne has been getting lesser since the start of this routine. I realised that with this skincare routine, my makeup has hold one better too.

I love using Sulwhasoo’s products with my clean hands which is recommended by the brand. The traditional herbs mixed with a light florally scent is the most luxurious spa you can ever experience twice a day. XD It truly balanced and calmed my mind with every use despite the stress I was experiencing during my final exam.

Comedogenic: NOT AT ALL in fact it reduces my sebum production and hence reduces comedone and acne.

Repurchase: 100% YES! (But the price is just…..) I would say it’s worth the price but then I’m still a student man! LOL XD

Recommendations: For combination to oily skin. Its fast-absorbing and lightweight texture suits these skin types better especially for those who have dehydrated in the deep skin layers but oily on the outer surface. Dry skin types wouldn’t benefit much out of this product unless you add on hydrating serum and thicker moisturizers. I would advise sensitive skin types to try this with a sample first considering alcohol is high up in the ingredient list.

Overall Rating: 5/5

4) Belif Hungarian Water Essence 75ml (RM160+)

I have always wanted to try out this brand: Belif after so many youtubers or bloggers raving about their bestselling Aqua Bomb moisturizer (Review of this in Empties Week 1) which I’m currently hooked to. Since then, I’ve been looking out a lot on products from Belif and hence this one (Thanks to @hermomy). This essence contains the legendary Hungarian Water, the hydration beauty secret of Hungarian Queen Elizabeth.

CLAIMS:

a) Provide cool sensation (NO)

b) Clings to the skin lightly without stickiness (DEFINITELY YASS)

c) Prolonging suppleness and softness (For a few hours but NOT the whole day)

Ingredients Dissect:

“Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Salvia Officinalis(Sage) Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Peucedanum Graveolens (Dill) Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Rose Extract, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, *Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, *Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, *Nepeta Cataria Extract, *Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract, *Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract, *Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract, +Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract, **Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract, **Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, **Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Triethylhexanoin, Tromethamine, Sclerotium Gum, Ammonium Acryloyldimethltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trisodium EDTA, ***Fragrance, Citronnellol, Limonene. *Napiers Original Formula. **Napiers Aqua Formula. ***Fragrances of Natural Origin”

As usual, the BOLDED ingredients are possible skin irritants. (Bear in mind that it’s not the case for every individuals) Achillea Milleform Extract is an anti-inflammatory ingredient but some research does show signs of skin irritation and photosensitivity. (More sensitive to sun/UV rays and may absorb them more than usual causing sunburn easier) Cyclopentasiloxane is SILICONE acting as a lubricant/emollient or deliver products into the skin. It’s a volatile silicone and hence evaporate after doing its job leaving no adverse effect to the body. BUT it can somehow be an irritant to some individuals. Citronnellol is the only non-natural fragrance in this which can be skin irritant as well.

Overall, none of this should be of concern, because so far I’ve not got any issues with this product at all.

Texture: Clear, watery texture. Super-fast absorbing leaving the skin fresh and no residue/tacky feeling on the skin.

Review of function:

I love how it stays to the claim of being lightweight and suppleness. However, never had I feel a tad bit of cooling sensation on my skin during application. Hydration was decent but not amazing despite following the instructions given which is 2 to 3 pumps per use. I would say it lasted me good 4 hours but then after that no more. I did try 4 to 5 pumps (It’s very watery so it doesn’t feel heavy at all) but I felt that it didn’t do a superb job.

It somehow soothes my redness and acne with every use but does not cure it. (Not the claim though)

Comedogenic: NO

Repurchase: NO. I’m in love with the texture but it’s not worth the hefty price tag if it doesn’t keep up to all its claim.

Recommendation: Only for super-oily skin types. Would not recommend dry skin at all. Combination skin types still do-able but might not be enough hydration.

Overall Rating: 2/5