Quick Skincare Reviews: My Scheming Bird’s Nest Collagen Mask, AmorePacific Moisture Bound Intensive Vitalizing Eye Complex

More reviews for ya!

My Scheming Bird’s Nest Collagen Mask

• Texture & fit: Thin paper masks that contain a ton of serum. As it is very light, it fits on my face well without falling off or peeling in certain areas.
• Scent: Non-scented, great for those of you sensitive to fragrance!
• Price: $16.99 for 10 pieces from Artie Beauty Cosmetics
• Overall: This mask helps to hydrate and brighten the skin. The serums absorbs well without any residue or feeling sticky. There is a LOT of serum so you can also easily use it to moisturize your body as well. I love that this is scent free because as most masks are super scented, this mask gives those people who are more sensitive to fragrances an opportunity to use masks. Highly recommend!

AmorePacific Moisture Bound Intensive Vitalizing Eye Complex

• Texture: Lightweight gel
• Scent: Very faint floral scent
• Price: $125USD for 30mL
• Overall: This product has been a fail for me. While I loved almost all of the AmorePacific products I’ve tried in the past, this one had absolutely no effect on me. It was very comfortable applying this on my eyes as it is slightly cooling and very lightweight, but it didn’t do anything for me.

Quick Skincare Reviews: TRIND Perfect System Hand Repair, AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Vitalizing Masque, Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1

Some more reviews for you! Hope these are helpful =)

TRIND Perfect System Hand Repair

• Texture: Light, fluffy cream
• Scent: VERY strong musky smell (at least to me). I gave it to my friend to try and she loved the smell…
• Effect: Very hydrating, absorbs quickly with no greasy residue
• Price: $23.95 for 75mL at Trind
• Overall: I received this from eBeauty.ca (although weirdly they do not sell this in their online store…) and used it a few times, but I just couldn’t get over the scent. To me it is a very strong musky scent, but I know my friends all really liked it so it is probably personal preference. This is very hydrating though, and it is not greasy at all, so that is a good thing!

AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Vitalizing Masque

• Texture: Creamy gel
• Scent: Strong floral scent
• Effect: Very hydrating, absorbs quickly, no greasy residue/feeling
• Price: $60 from Neiman Marcus or $65-70 at Holt Renfrew counters for 100mL
• Overall: I received a sample of this from Shaly at Holt Renfrew and I must say I love this masque! This is a sleeping masque to be used in place of your usual night time moisturizer. I basically used this as my moisturizer for 10 nights straight and I didn’t think it was too rich for my skin, rather it made my skin very smooth, supple and well hydrated when I woke up in the morning. It didn’t feel like other sleeping masks where it just lies on top of the skin either, rather it completely absorbed and I didn’t have to worry about it rubbing off on my hair, clothes or pillow. There is some alcohol content which I could smell the first time I applied this, but it was very, very subtle and I didn’t feel it on my skin at all. I highly recommend this, especially if you are a) looking for a good sleeping mask, b) looking for a good night-time moisturizer, c) cannot afford any of the other AMOREPACIFIC moisturizers but still want to try one (as they are all magical, plus you get double the amount in this one…)

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1

• Texture: Oily gel, kind of like lanolin oil
• Scent: None, tastes like plastic though… =(
• Effect: Greasy, good protectant, not very moisturizing
• Price: $7USD/$8.50CAD for 15mL from Kiehl’s
• Overall: This is a liquid lip balm that is quite greasy. I mainly use this at night or when I want to stop myself from licking my lips (which I do all the time, I know it is bad >__<). You only need a tiny amount to cover your whole lips. It is not very moisturizing, as I feel it does not really absorb because of the petrolatum, but it is good to protect your lips from the cold or wind. The only thing I really dislike about this is the packaging: you apply with your fingers! I really hope they can change the applicator to be one of those rounded ones that you can just apply straight from the tube…

Facial treatment experience at AmorePacific and…

It is no secret that one of my favourite skincare brands is AmorePacific. You can see the many posts I have written about the products from that brand. I had recently met the counter manager at AmorePacific in Vancouver, Shaly, and I was overjoyed when Shaly invited me to come in for a facial treatment experience at their counter on one Saturday afternoon in July. One of my friends, Caroline, had just purchased the Treatment Enzyme Peel as well, so we went for the experience together.

While the AmorePacific counter was just a counter inside Holt Renfrew, the facial took place in a private room near the HR beauty department. My facial was done by a specialist esthetician who does these facials for AmorePacific every two weeks.

The facialist first used the Treatment Cleansing Oil to cleanse off any excess makeup or oil on the skin’s surface. Then she used the Treatment Enzyme Peel for a deeper clean and exfoliation. To give my skin back some moisture, she applied Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System, with a cotton pad to provide a base for the rest of the skincare items (for better absorption). She massaged my skin with Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Creme (Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Eye Treatment Gel on my eyes) and then used the Vitalizing Masque to seal in all the moisture. She placed warm, moist towels over my eyes to help me relax better and then waited for about 15-20 minutes for the products to absorb. While she was waiting, she gave me a nice neck and shoulder massage using the Vitalizing Masque. She then wiped off everything with another warm, moist towel and again applied the Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System. She finished off by using the Moisture Bound Rejuvenating series again to seal off everything. The entire experience was about an hour from start to finish.

My skin was glowing by the end. It was very nicely hydrated, not sensitive at all (which can sometimes happen when I use too many products on my face), but also not oily/greasy either (which is another possibility if I have too many products on my face). My skin just felt very comfortable.

While Caroline was getting her facial done, I was sitting by the counter just chatting to Shaly. I learned a bit more about the AmorePacific brand and the waiting time went by very quickly. Shaly uses the AmorePacific line as well, and her skin is amazing: glowing and smooth even with very minimal makeup on.

Overall the experience was wonderful. Again as I have said many times, I highly recommend AmorePacific products. They are expensive but it really works (and a little goes a very long way). And as Shaly said today: prevention is key, don’t wait until you get wrinkles and spots to treat them.

The facials at AmorePacific counters are complimentary with the expected purchase of products (the booking fee is normally $50 and redeemable on products, but to make it easier they just expect you to purchase products at the end instead of charging you money first and then crediting you the amount). You can call to book an appointment at (604) 681-3121 and ask to speak to Shaly at the AmorePacific counter, or visit in person at Holt Renfrew downtown Vancouver.

P.S. Today was my birthday! Happy birthday to moi =)

Review: AmorePacific Natural Protector SPF 30/PA+++

I received the AMOREPACIFIC Natural Protector SPF 30/PA+++ last month after wanting to try it for a while. I’ve really loved almost all of the AmorePacific products I’ve tried, and I’ve heard so much about their Natural Protector, so I was very excited to try it.

What it claims (from press release): Powerful SPF protection meets pure and potent Asian botanicals. This summer, keep your complexion well protected from sun damage and free radicals with AMOREPACIFIC Natural Protector SPF 30/PA+++, a formula that not only saves your skin from future damage but helps reverse current signs of aging.

AMOREPACIFIC Natural Protector SPF 30/PA+++ is formulated with UVA and UVB sunscreens that block potentially life-threatening (not to mention skin-aging) UV rays. The formula contains six year old Korean red ginseng and vitamin E, some of the world’s most effective anti-oxidant extracts, to help boost skin’s natural photo immunity and shield skin from daily stress and pollution. Natural Protector SPF 30/PA+++ not only creats a barrier that blocks the sun’s harmful rays, but also helps the skin increase its own ability to protect itself from the sun, creating a much more comprehensive sun care product. To perfect the complexion, this revolutionary, oil free formula contains perspiration absorbing particles to provide an all day matte finish.

Cost: $65 for 60mL at Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Bergorf Goodman, or by calling their flagship store at (212) 966-0400

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearyl Dimethicone, C12- 15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Caprylyl Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phyllostachis Bambusoides Juice, Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-40 Stearate, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Stearate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Polyacrylate-13, Alumina, Polyisobutene, Zincoxide, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone, Myristic Acid, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, CI77491, CI77492, Fragrance.

Texture & Scent: AmorePacific Natural Protector SPF 30/PA+++ is a thick, light pink-tinted cream. It is very moisturizing and so it can be worn alone or over your usual moisturizer (I prefer it by itself over toner). It smells like the rest of AmorePacific products… slightly floral but very subtle (which I like!). It does not smell or feel like conventional sunscreens though, more like just a face cream.

Effect: I found that it helps to keep my skin matte and smooth if I wear it alone. If I wear it over serum and a gel moisturizer, my face becomes extremely greasy and shiny. I usually apply a pea and a half-sized amount to my face, and another pea sized amount to my neck and decollete.

The good: This is a moisturizing product; it definitely can be applied alone for a quick bit of moisture and sun protection before leaving the house. The amount of product I apply definitely helps it to spread and glide easily over my skin. There is some oil control as my skin is matte and soft during the entire day (if I wear it alone or just over toner). It definitely does not feel like you are wearing sunscreen though, not like the conventional sunscreens you get in North America.

• Moisturizing, can be worn alone
• Skin stays matte and smooth
• Glides easy over skin
• Does not feel or smell like sunscreen (yay!)

The bad: It does not absorb as easy as I would have hoped. It can also leave my skin looking shinier than usual even if it does not feel greasy. I’m not a fan of the packaging; it is housed in a sleek white tube with a screw-on bottom. What bothers me is that the bottom is not flat, rather it is rounded, which means this tube does not stand up. This might not be a problem for most people, but I would have preferred it to be able to stand up by itself (I currently rest it between two jars of cream so it can stand). Also the price really high, making it not too affordable for most people.

• Absorbs slowly
• Skin look shiny (but not oily, unless I apply it over moisturizer, which then turns my skin oily)
• Packaging is a little bothersome as it does not stand up by itself (even though it is sleek and looks nice)
• Expensive

Overall: While I enjoy using this sunscreen (I have been using it since I received it early June), I just find that it might be too thick for me. Even though I have pretty dehydrated skin, this can still turn my skin greasy if I wore a moisturizer under it. I have already found my HG sunscreen, which is the Biore UV Moist Face Milk SPF 50/PA+++ (available in Japan and Singapore… thank you to Evie!), so to compare the two, I still much prefer the Biore over this because the Biore absorbs almost instantly and feels very light and milky (and also much cheaper too). I feel this sunscreen may be better for more mature skin that requires more moisture. I like it, but I do not love it.

Product: 15/20
Packaging: 4/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 22/30 | B
Repurchase? Probably not until I get older, or for my mother.

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Favourite Skincare Brands Feature: AmorePacific

The second brand I would like to feature in my series on my favourite skincare brands is AmorePacific. Here is a little snippet I wrote of them back when I reviewed their Treatment Enzyme Peel.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with AmorePacific, it is a brand owned and operated by Amore Pacific, a Korean chemical and cosmetic giant which also owns Laneige, Mamonde, IOPE, Innisfree, Etude, etc. AmorePacific is Amore Pacific’s “mid-luxury line” of skincare (Sulwhasoo is probably their luxury line), kind of like how Shiseido is the “mid-luxury line” of Shiseido Inc., but they also own other brands like Majolica Majorca, Cle de Peau and Maquillage.

The first time I tried this brand is when I received a deluxe sample of the Treatment Enzyme Peel from Sephora, and I’ve been addicted ever since. So far I’ve tried and reviewed their Time Response Skin Renewal Creme, Moisture Bound Rejuvenating series including the serum, eye treatment gel and the creme, and of course the Treatment Enzyme Peel. I am also currently testing out their Natural Protector with SPF 30 and PA+++, and their Treatment Cleansing Foam, both of which I love. Out of all of their products that I have used, I’ve absolutely loved almost all of them.

I love this brand for a number of different reasons. In being in contact with their PR team and product specialists at the flagship store, I felt that they were very knowledgeable about the products they were promoting. They also responded to my inquiries quickly and always offered a solution or answer to my questions. I love that they use bamboo sap instead of water as their main ingredient (which also means the products are more concentrated as they are not diluted with water), and I also love the scent of their products.

The down side is that this brand is on the expensive side, being among some of the most expensive skincare products I’ve used (their Time Response Skin Renewal Creme is $400USD for 50mL, most items are around $60-150). However you really only need a little bit for it to be effective (and it is VERY effective), so in the long term, it contains more value compared to some inexpensive skincare brands. If you are reluctant on splashing so much money on their products, I highly recommend that you go to a counter to ask for samples, or if you don’t live near a counter, you can contact AmorePacific’s NYC flagship store through e-mail or through the phone at +1-212-966-0400.

“Favourite Brands Feature” is a series focused on Sheila’s favourite skincare brands; these posts were not sponsored by the brands mentioned, but some of the products may have been provided for review purposes. As always, reviews and thoughts are done critically and I will never give a positive review just because the product was provided to me without charge.

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Don’t forget to enter my GIVEAWAY for Dollywink, Hello Kitty x Maybelline, MAC, AmorePacific, masks, falsies, and MORE!