Empties: Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule Review

Today, I will be discussing the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule!

I had first heard of this product when the online community was buzzing that this was the dupe for the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. I am all about affordable yet effective beauty, so I purchased the trial size of this ampoule to test whether it would work for my skin. I did not have any adverse reactions and thoroughly liked the serum. Then in September 2013, Missha was having a flash sale, so I went ahead and bought the 50ml bottle for $22 when the retail price is $49. That's over 50% off!

Missha advertised that the Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule would moisturize, nourish, firm, and revitalize the skin. I think this product did exactly those things. I had used it every night and did not feel that it was too heavy for my skin. Ever since I have stopped using this ampoule, I feel that my skin is not as supple. However, Missha also boosted of whitening and wrinkle repairing qualities. I did not think this serum lessened my wrinkles or acne hyper-pigmentation.

My last thoughts are that I would totally recommend this product. I have used the ampoule for a year and I feel that it has improved my skin's elasticity. Now, I am really torn over whether I should repurchase this ampoule or try a new serum. I'll be flipping a coin on it since I like to try new products, but the Missha night ampoule is my back-up night serum for sure!

Walmart Beauty Box Contents

Today, my Walmart Beauty Box arrived in the mail! Here are the unboxing pictures below:

The contents include:
Covergirl Glowing Nights Glosstinis in 690 #LaserLight (3.5 ml/ 0.11 fl oz)
Dove Pure Cure Dry Oil with African Macadamia Oil (0.4 fl oz)
Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo (1 fl oz/30ml)
Dove Oxygen Moisture Conditioner (1 fl oz/30ml)
L'Oréal Paris Glossy Balm in Pink Me Up (2.7g/0.09 oz)
Pink Friday by Nicki Minaj Perfume (0.04 fl oz/1.2ml)
L'Oréal Youthcode Pore Vanisher (0.06 fl oz/2ml)
Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid in Completely Clean (1.6 oz/45g)
Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Makeup Samples + $2 off coupon

Not bad at all for $5!!!

Empties: Hada Labo Shirojyun Lotion Review

Today, I am going to do a review of the Hada Labo Shirojyun Lotion since I finally finished the bottle! I bought it in November of 2013 so this 5.7 fl oz bottle lasted me a good nine months. Hada Labo has three main ranges: its moisturizing products, brightening products, and anti-aging products. The Shirojyun lotion is part of the brightening line, and it has the ingredient Arbutin, known for lightening or whitening skin. 

I initially picked this item because I wanted to fix my uneven skin tone filled with hyper-pigmentation. Within a few months, my boyfriend noticed that my dark spots from acne had faded a lot.  To rule out other factors, I did not use any retinol products or other brightening products- just mainly moisturizing products. Of course, time played huge impact in the fading of my hyper-pigmentation but I feel like the Shirojyun lotion may have sped the process up a bit. About a year later, my face is almost clear of all hyperpigmentation! It has come a long way since my skin has always healed very slowly. Nonetheless, I think there are other products that are more effective at fading hyperpigmentation than the Shirojyun lotion, such as retinol.

The Shirojyun lotion is of a liquid consistency that feels nothing like Western lotions. When I poured or shook the product into my palm, it looked like cloudy water. And unlike the Gokujyun lotion which I also have, the texture was not sticky. What I did was pour a few drops in my hand, rub my hands together to warm up the product, and pat it on my face. I did this right after cleansing my face. 

Although the Shirojyun lotion has hyaluronic acid like all Hada Labo products do, it was not moisturizing at all. Granted, I never used this lotion alone, but I wished it provided more moisture to my skin. There are plenty of products that have multi-functions that include brightening and moisturizing. 

I would also like to note that this product never irritated my skin or broke me out. So overall, this was a basic product that fit well into my skincare routine, but I am ready to try other products. For that reason, I would not repurchase.

Bye bye Hada Labo Shirojyun Lotion~

Sale: Ann Taylor Loft Pants!

This weekend, I scored four pairs of Loft pants for only $4.88 each!!! I am 5'4, about 110 pounds, and got them all in 0P/25P. They fit just right!

Petite Modern Trouser in Shallow Blue Wash
Source: Style #338211

Star Anise Print Ankle Pants in Marisa Fit
Source Style #338485

Petite Structured Linen Trouser Leg Pants in Julie Fit Black
Source: Style #332334

Petite Camp Pants
Source: Style #343867

Biore UV Bright Face Milk SPF 50 PA++++

Recently, I went on eBay and bought Biore's UV Bright Face Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ because I wanted to find a better alternative to the American sunscreens/sunblocks I have always used. Sun protection is vital to my skincare regimen especially since I have fair, sensitive skin that is prone to developing moles.

The UV Bright Face Milk by Biore advertises itself as a mattifying sunscreen which has lived up to its claims. Sunscreens generally leave me with a greasy look but the Bright Face Milk made my face matte. It was also lightweight and liquid-y, thus easy to spread. The only drawback is that I have to moisturize well before I apply this product. I have combination skin so my skin is both oily and dry, though more on the oiler side with occasional dry patches. On my initial application, it accentuated my flaky patches. But after my first time, I made sure to moisturize plenty and it hasn't given me any problems ever since.

I also heard Japanese sunscreens were small but I didn't imagine them to be that tiny! I have been using the Bright Face Milk exclusively for my face but I feel like I will whiz through this bottle in no time. After all, it's only 30 ml. I'm definitely stocking up on these in my upcoming trip to Asia! 

Biore UV Bright Face Milk SPF 50+ PA++++

Naked 3 Drugstore Dupe: Wet n Wild Smoke and Melrose Palette

Last week, I searched for Wet 'n Wild's 2014 fall collection and picked up the new 5 pan color icon eyeshadow palette in "Smoke and Melrose." I saw online that select WNW products, including this palette, were on sale for $2 at Walgreens but none of the Walgreens in NYC participated in this sale. Bummers. On top of that, I usually don't get Sunday newspapers where I live so I missed out on the $1 off WNW coupon too. It's not easy couponing in NYC for sure!!! On the bright side, the palette retailed for only $3.99. For a Naked 3 dupe, I think that's a steal. Plus, the colors are pretty and super pigmented. The texture is very silky and smooth too. Thumbs up for this palette!

PS: I did not spot this collection in Rite Aid or CVS yet- only Walgreens and Duane Reade so far.

 Wet 'n Wild Smoke and Melrose Palette

Summer Recap: Best Hunts

This summer I was able to score some pretty awesome deals online! Here's are some of my highlights:

Tilly's Ethnic Print Band Straw Fedora $3.99 shipped

Source: Tillys.com

Sunsets Swimwear Vintage Rose Triange Top $3.26 shipped (from Beyond the Rack)

Source: Zulily.com

KamaliKulture Eric String Bikini Top $3.26 shipped (from Beyond the Rack)

Source: Revolveclothing.com

Roxy By The Sea Hat $7.70 shipped

Source: Roxy.com

Other notable mentions:
-Beyond the Rack sent me a FREE deluxe-sized sample of Pantene Pro-V's Age Defy Advanced Thickening Treatment along with one of my bikinis! This was my first time purchasing from Beyond the Rack so that definitely left a good impression on me and I would totally order from the site again.

-Mani-Pedi deal through Lifebooker for only $7! (Lifebooker had sent me a $10 off code via email.)

Yay to being a #bargainwarrior!