Japanese Beauty Sample Bag Review

Hello! 

A few weeks ago, I ordered a sample package of Japanese beauty products and after trying them all out, I figured it was time to write a review on the ones that stood out and made a good impression on me. 

There were 8 beauty samples in the bag I received and I would use each product for as long as the sample lasted, meaning I didn’t try two scrubs at the same time, because I wanted to see the effects of each product on my skin and decide on whether I liked it or not. 

The samples in the bag were:

SK-II Whitening Source DermDefinition UV Lotion SPF 50 PA+++ (whose review you can read here http://thefriendzyzone.blogspot.gr/2013/07/sk-ii-whitening-source-dermdefinition.html)

JuJu Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Face Mask

Hanskin Super Plus Perfect BB Cream SPF 30 PA++

Sofina Enriched Foam Cleanser

Sofina Beaute Enriched Emulsion

Shu Uemura Fresh Pore Cleansing Gentle Cleansing Oil 

Cure Natural Aqua Gel

A sample of a product called “white science” whose information I couldn’t find on the site :/

Here is a quick review of each product, starting with the ones I liked the most.

- JuJu Aquamoist Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Face Mask

I’m usually not the biggest fan of sheet masks. I have a mixed skin type so usually sheet masks are too moisturizing for the oily parts of my face and that leads to break outs. However, I think I might actually re-order this particular sheet mask: the ingredients are very light and my skin felt relaxed, toned and moisturized. I followed the instructions fully, letting the mask sit on my skin for a good 15 minutes and after removing I massaged my face so that the left-over ingredients would be absorbed. I didn’t have any break outs in the days to follow and my skin looked refreshed at all times. Still, I wouldn’t recommend for mixed skin type people to use sheet masks daily or even on a weekly basis – they’re great for a monthly home spa treatment. 

- Hanskin Super Plus Perfect BB Cream SPF 30 PA++

I was pleasantly surprised with this BB cream. It gives an extremely mat result to the point that if you apply too much it might make your skin dry. None the less, once I figured out the proper dosage, this will easily be one of my favorite BB creams for the months of summer, when the weather is making you hot and sweating and your make up slides right off your face :P It also has more coverage and it doesn’t give that dewy look that most BB creams have, so in many ways it looks like a matte foundations – but it doesn’t feel that heavy. Great for oily or mixed skin types but not so good for skin types that are already dry.

 

- Sofina Beaute Enriched Emulsion

A nice serum-looking night cream. My skin felt very moisturized and relaxed and even had a luminous look to it after application. However, the price of the particular item in full size is a bit high and I can get the same results with a less expensive product.  

- Sofina Enriched Foam Cleanser

- Shu Uemura Fresh Pore Cleansing Gentle Cleansing Oil

- Cure Natural Aqua Gel

- A sample of a product called “white science” whose information I couldn’t find on the site :/

These are the products I wasn’t too pleased or enthused with. The cleansers and cleansing foam samples were very soft and very light on the skin and I didn’t really feel like my skin was totally cleansed afterwards. Maybe it’s because I prefer scrubs over foam or gel cleansers – I feel like scrubs can get rid of more dirt and sebum. The “white science” item was a bit more like a scrub and it even had a heating effect, but the amount in the sample package was so small, I wouldn’t be able to tell you if I think it’s a product worth buying or not. 

Overall, I am really pleased with the sample bag. For a small price, I was able to discover four new products I will most likely repurchase and also learned about what products to not buy (and pay a full price). 

If anyone tried the Korean or Japanese beauty sample, let us know what you thought in the comment section bellow :) 

*S

SK-II Whitening Source DermDefinition UV Lotion SPF 50 PA+++ Review

Hi :)

As you all know, I ordered a few beauty items from yesstyle.com a few days ago and I’ve been testing out the products. I really recommend you try out the website’s sample packs: they come with 8 beauty items from either Japan or Korea and they can be pretty much anything – from beauty masks to scrubs, serums, eye creams, foundation etc. 

Before we get into the review, please note that this is a sample review. This is basically my first impression of using the product and how it felt during the week that the sample lasted. I feel that if I like a product on the first try, it means it did its job and so I will most likely continue using it – your skin not reacting the same way 3 months into using the product doesn’t mean it’s gone bad, it just means that you need to switch up your routine a bit because your skin has gotten used to it. 

With that being said, let’s move onto the first product: SK-II Whitening Source Dermdefinition UV Lotion. 

Here’s the product description, as taken from the site

Formulated with Theo-amino Acid, a potent antioxidant, and Pitter, the WS Dermdefinition UV Lotion delivers the following skin benefits: spot prevention, tone improvement, prevention of sebum oxidation, instantaneous penetration of active ingredients and long lasting hydration. A noticeable improvement in skin texture can be seen after a few days of use, while skin becomes healthier and more vibrant with prolonged use. Use as the last step in a cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine.

This is basically one of those moisturizers that also does EVERYTHING else under the sun :P After just one application, my skin looked smoother, more even, felt moisturized but also looked mat, and the cream also has SPF 50+ protection! Foundation goes on a lot easier after applying this product. Even though it is listed as a lotion, think more of a face cream texture or sun screen (without the stickiness) as it is very concentrated and a little goes a long way.

 If you don’t feel like wearing foundation or even BB cream but have some problems with uneven skin tone, this is definitely a product to try out! 

On the down side of things, it’s a bit expensive (yesstyle has it for €60.82 for 30g of product) so it’s definitely an investment – but a good one, none the less. If you find it anywhere else for less, please comment below so we can all benefit :P 

Stay tuned for more reviews of Japanese beauty products! 

Please follow this blog :) 

*S

A healthy summer snack :)

I recently came across this idea and I figured I should try it out....

As an alternative to ice cream (that can sometimes be fattening), freeze a banana! You can then cut it into pieces and add some other ingredients, like honey etc,  or mush it up until it becomes creamy and you have your home-made, healthy, fruit ice cream that is not packed with calories or sugars.

Enjoy! 

*S

Just received this package from yesstyle.com!!! Reviews on the products coming up :) 

 

 

Also, in the same order was this BB cream! You can read a review here:

 http://thefriendzyzone.blogspot.gr/2012/12/skin79-bb-cream-review.html

 

 

And finally, a lovely summer dress with diamond decorations on the sleeves

 

 

 

The dress is asymmetrical, meaning that the front is shorter than the back. The length  of the front reaches the knees :) 

If anyone is interested, the dress is available here:

http://www.yesstyle.com/en/simple-life-z-jeweled-shoulder-maxi-dress-belt-not-included-blue-one/info.html/pid.1033621480

 

p.s This website is not endorsed by yesstyle.com (or any other company/brand for that matter). I just like shopping there :P

*S

An easy and healthy recipe!!!

Hi all!!!

Here's one of my favorite recipes; easy to make and great for any meal in the day :) 

It's also very healthy and low in calories!

What you’ll need:

✓Two egg whites

✓ Two thin whole wheat bread slices without the crust

✓ 5 grams of Edam cheese (optional)

✓1 tablespoon of oregano

Set the oven to heat up at 180C. Prepare a baking pan and add a cooking sheet to prevent the bread from sticking on the pan while you’re letting everything cook. Place the bread slices in there and then cut holes in the bread with a cookie cutter or anything that will get a decent sized hole. Crack the egg and slice the yolk between the shells until all the whites have slipped through into the holes you cut earlier. 

If the egg whites spill outside the holes, don't worry :P

Add the cheese and oregano equally distributing the ingredients onto the bread and place it in the oven. Let it cook for 10-20 minutes (depending on what type of oven you have). 

Enjoy!!! 

*S