How to fail at being a panda

Hi hi cuties! Do you remember when I blogged about Tony Moly's new Panda's Dream release earlier this year? I tried the whitening cream but didn't like it much >.< But Beautynetkorea recently sent me a whole bunch of the eye patches, so let's see how these faired...

First off, the packaging is a highlight, as is most of the Panda's Dream range, but hello, when it comes to pandas, you can't go wrong with a fat round panda on the packaging :P

I guess we are familiar with eye patches being curved in shape to fit under the eye area where puffy bags and dark circles are, but these eye patches go one step further! 

Continuing with the panda theme, these patches come in quite large rounded shapes mimicking those adorable black patches surrounding panda eyes. Haha, they look like moist pieces of dried seaweed! You may get a shock when you open the packet - the colour and shape is quite unexpected.

If you want to look like a sleeping panda you apply the whole patch evenly over your eye area - you'll need to keep your eyes closed for 10-20 minutes to allow the essence to work its magic. 

However if you want to look like a masked bandit, then apply the patches with the eye opening peeled down so you can continue to see or carry on with essential tasks. The eye opening is quite generous while still being able to be manipulated to cover much of the under eye area. 

It will feel very cooling, more so if you pop these in the fridge beforehand. The patches are generously soaked in essence, with enough to pat onto other areas if you wish. It doesn't sting, irritate, or pull my skin. 

After removal, pat the remaining essence into the skin. It may be a bit sticky for a few moments, but skin looks brighter, fresher, and dewier. I did note some brightening to my dark under eye circles, but not a miraculous amount. 

Overall these patches, while quite silly and gimmicky, actually does provide some short term skin brightening, and are relaxing to use. They won't miraculously eliminate dark circles, however I quite like these for when I want some quick pampering! 

Get them from Beautynetkorea here, if you like the look of these~!

Hope you all had a fab Christmas/Holiday - not too long now til we ring in the new year >.< 

xoxo Tulip

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*the product/s featured in this review was provided for review purposes - but opinions expressed are honest, and still 100% my own. For further information, please see my disclaimer & disclosure policy* 

Banila Co Clean It Zero Review

Hey lovelies, today I'm going to review the Number 1 rated Cleansing Balm, judged by the popular Korean show, Get it Beauty. Described as a whole new concept of oil cleanser, the Banila Co Clean It Zero stands out from other cleansing oils due to it's solid, moist sherbet-like texture, instead of the traditional runny oil. 

Beautynetkorea kindly sent me this to review for you, so let's jump right into the review ^^

Etude House Pearl Aura Review: Brightening Essence & Brightening Essence Lotion

Heya cuties, I'm back with some new Etude House skincare reviews! 

A few months back I blogged about Etude's new Pearl Aura skin brightening products (a brightening essence and a brightening lotion), and Beautynetkorea were kind enough to send me the products to trial! 

I have a bit of an obsession with brightening skincare, as I love the look of healthy glowing skin (as do many of you), and that coupled with Etude's irresistably girlish and pretty packaging made me lem after the range quite hard *_*

Tony Moly BCDATION Review (BB, CC Cream & Foundation in one)

Over the last year we've seen some innovative and exciting trends come about in base makeup - after the huge popularity of bb creams along came cc creams, and then cushion makeup, which sent the Asian beauty blogging community into a tizzy. 

And amongst that excitement Tony Moly released their own unique product - the BCdation. 

It's exactly as it sounds - the BCdation claims to be the new replacement for bb cream, cc cream, and foundation, as it combines all the best qualities of the 3 items into one single formula. 

Sounds kind of crazy, huh? 

I was excited to receive a mini sized sample during a shopping haul on Beautynetkorea, because I had been eyeing it since its release. The full sized product comes in a rounded cylinder packaging, whereas the mini sample came in a squeeze tube, so I won't say much about the packaging. 

Honey

Today's little beauty haul, and the newest fragrance to my collection - Marc Jacobs' Honey. 

Priceline had a two day sale on all their fragrances (30-70% off), and I just couldn't resist popping in after work today. 

I've had Honey on my wishlist since last Christmas, so when I found it reduced from $119 to $71, I was super excited! 

I like sweet floral scents, so Honey is just about right up my alley. 

Honey is made up of,

Top notes: pear, mandarin orange and punch

Middle notes: honeysuckle, orange blossom and peach

Base notes: honey, vanilla and woodsy notes

It's sweet but not too sweet, and quite fresh, so I'm looking forward to wearing it ^.^

And isn't the yellow bumble bee design just super cute? So bright and cheerful <3

I ended up testing other fragrances while I was in store, which was probably not a great idea because now I have more fragrances to add to my wishlist! Out of curiosity I decided to test Marc Jacobs Oh Lola, and it also smells so good (not as good as Honey), but still nice enough that I might pick it up next time it's on sale. 

I also thought Vera Wang's Lovestruck was nice too >.<

But anyway, this is just a small update today. Hopefully I can get a review up for you tomorrow evening!

What sort of perfumes do you like? 

xoxo Tulip

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30 Beauty Questions Tag

Thanks to the lovely Hailey O MUA for tagging me to do the 30 Beauty Question's tag. 

I don't normally do tags, but I thought some of the questions were interesting, so here's my answers ^^ 

1. Do you remember your first makeup item?

No...if I were to hazard a guess I think it would be a cheap eyeshadow or lip gloss set, that I would've gotten as a Christmas present?

2. Describe your perfect mascara. Have you found one that fits your specifications?

I think I'm asking for the impossible here, a mascara that's smudgeproof, waterproof, curl holding, and extremely lengthening...

And no I have yet to find my HG mascara! 

3. What kind of coverage do you prefer from foundation?

Medium to full, but only because I have old acne scarring and some facial redness. If my skin were better I'd definitely only want light coverage >.<

4. Favourite high end brand?

Have yet to fork out for high brand cosmetics, so Benefit is as high end as I've gone at the moment.

5. What cosmetic brands have you always wanted to try but still haven't?

Yve's Saint Laurent or Chanel are at the top of my list

6. Favourite drugstore brand?

For Western brands I really like Sanctuary Spa for skincare, and as for makeup I'd have to say Essence.

For Asians brands I'd say my faves are Etude House, Innisfree, and Mizon.

7. Do you wear fake eyelashes? 

Yes, though not so much recently. There's something about a wispy, fluttery set of falsies that I just really like! I have a lot, but I'm much too lazy to wear them lately.

8. Is there any kind of makeup you can't leave the house without?

BB Cream, brow pencil, and lip tint as the bare minimum.

9. What is your most cherished beauty product?

Hmm, I'm not sure about most cherished, but BB Cream has got to be the best thing I ever discovered. 

10. How often do you shop for makeup? Do you like to pick up an item here and there or get lots of goodies at once?

A few times a month normally. 

Both, depending on mood or financial comfortability (is that even a term, lol). I'll pick up an essential or repurchase an empty now and then. But I usually like getting a few (or lots!) of goodies at once. 

11. Do you have a "beauty budget" or you spend freely?

Hehe, I'm not at the point where I'm able to 'spend freely'. I try to stick to a budget of within $60 per haul, but some months I might do a couple hauls. 

12. Do you utilize coupons, rewards cards and sales when you shop for cosmetics?

The only rewards coupons I get are from Priceline, and I definitely use those! 

13. What type of product do you buy the most of?

Lip products - I like lipsticks, lip crayons, and lip tints a lot.

14. Is there a brand that you absolutely can't stand?

There's this mineral makeup brand called Bellapierre, that I associate with negatively. Basically because I was so shy and timid when I was younger, I ended up paying $200 plus for a mineral makeup up set. The salesgirl was super friendly but kind of pushy, and I didn't know how to say no after she spent like 20 minutes applying the makeup and telling me all about the products >.<

I can't stand the brand only because it makes me feel so dumb for letting myself be steam-rolled into buying - it's not really the salesperson's fault because she must've been working on commision, but I felt so cheated because the makeup was super overpriced for what it was. Ugh. But it's ok, it taught me a lesson in being more 'tough'

15. Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics like parabens or sulfates?

This is going to sound kind of bad - not really. I try to look at reviews before buying products, but unless I remember reading about it having parabens or sulfates, I don't really search it out. 

16. Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup?

The internet :P

17. Do you like trying new skincare products or do you keep a certain routine?

I definitely like trying new skincare! Part of being a beauty blogger I guess ^.^

And I heard it's good to mix things up so your skin doesn't get too used to the same products. 

18. Favourite bath and body brand?

I'm not really a bath and body person, but I do like Sanctuary Spa a lot

19. If you could only buy from one brand, which brand would you choose?

That's an impossible question to answer! 

20. What brand do you think has the best packaging?

Hmm kind of torn between Etude House and Tony Moly. Probably Etude House? 

Yeah, if you're into 'cutesy' packaging, I'd have to pick Etude House.

21. Which celebrity always has great makeup?

I don't really follow celebs...hmm maybe CL from 2NE1, as she always has dramatic winged eyeliner on ^^

22. Do you belong to any online makeup communities?

Beautyheaven

23. 5 Favourite Beauty Gurus

I can only think of 3 at the moment...

PonyPony (Pony's Beauty Diary)

jungsaemmool
Lisa Eldridge

24. Do you like multi-functional products like lip and cheek stains?

Yessssh, I love multi-functional products! Especially in skincare <3

Anything that saves time, and offers value for money I'll love :P

25. Are you clumsy in putting makeup on?

With eyeliner I can be, and occasionally lipstick too, lol

My eyelids are uneven, plus they're differently shaped (one's rounder than the other) so it's tricky to get both eyes looking similar >.< 

26. Do you use makeup base/primer for the eyes?

No - unless bb cream counts?

27. How many hair products do you use on a typical day?

Three.

Shampoo - Conditioner - Hair Oil

28. What do you apply first, concealer or foundation?

Foundation/BB cream first

29. Do you ever consider taking makeup classes?

Not really

30. What do you love about makeup?

I guess it boosts my self esteem. And also because makeup is pretty to look at, collect, and play with <3

Feel free to the do the tag and comment below with the link, I'd love to read your answers ^.^

xoxo Tulip

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Save the Children x Etude House - Make a Pink Wish Christmas Release 2014

Ahh, time flies fast. I can hardly fathom that it's time to introduce this year's Etude House Christmas collection again - I mean, it feels like I only blogged about last year's collection not so long ago! 

This year is a little different, with Etude House teaming up with the charity organisation Save the Children, for their Christmas collection. 

Make a Pink Wish is definitely a festive collection with it's primarily green, red, or gold packaging. And each purchase from the collection results in a 100W (equivalent of around USD $1) being donated to Save the Children (where the proceeds will go to primarily Africa I believe). 

There are no new products, but instead Make a Pink Wish is a festively repackaged collection of some popular Etude products. I think these would make lovely affordable Christmas gifts for friends, coworkers, and family. 

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First up we have a duo set of hand creams - these Make A Pink Wish Tree Bouquet Hand Creams are mini sized (25ml ea), which are perfect to carry around. Each set contains a   Rich Butter cream and a Rich Collagen variant, which makes them sound lovely for dry hands especially. 

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You can also purchase the hand creams separately, in the full portion size of 100ml if you prefer. 

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This is the Petit Bijou Cotton Snow Body Set, which contains baby powder scented body wash and body lotion. These products contain Aloe Vera and Chamomil, as well as baby powder scent to soften skin and relieve stress. 

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This cute little lip care set contains three 3.5g lip balms in Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry scented variants. With three balms you can keep one in your handbag, one on your desk, and one at your makeup table ^^

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Next up is a skincare item - the Moistfull Collagen Cream, from Etude's popular Moistfull Collagen Skincare range, has been repackaged in tube format for this X-mas collection. 

Formulated with Boabab extract and marine collagen, this is a cream that provides hydration for bouncy skin. 

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Packaged in gold is the Moistfull Super Collagen Cream, for skin that needs a bit of an extra boost. Formulated with a 63% Super Collagen, this cream makes skin smooth and elastic. 

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And last but not least, the only makeup item in the collection. It's the repackaged Precious Mineral Any Cushion compact. 

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Available in two shades, the bb cushion offers all day radiant and moist skin. The formula brightens, controls sebum, evens out skin tone, and even has anti-wrinkle properties. 

If you're after gift ideas or stocking fillers, definitely check this collection out!

You can take a look at the collection at Cosmetic Love, though I'm sure more sites will be selling it soon. 


Thanks for reading! 

Do let me know what are your thoughts on this Christmas release ^.^

xoxo Tulip

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Mizon's Snail Repair BB Cream

Hi Loves, I'm back with a bb cream review tonight~

Since discovering snail filtrate skincare, and because I was such a fan of Mizon's Snail Repair Cream, I decided to try the bb cream from the range too. I featured the Snail Repair BB Cream in my March Beauty Faves, but it's only now that I get around to reviewing it >.< 

Anyways, it's fairly affordable in my opinion - I got mine off Beautynetkorea, where it costs about USD $11.

Loot of the Day - Priceline 40% Off Cosmetics Haul

Sooo, I just couldn't resist popping into Priceline since it was the final day of their 2 day 40% off all Cosmetics Sale >.< 

Although I kind of prefer their 40% off Skincare sales more, I decided to pop in anyway just to 'browse' and of course since Priceline is like a money sucking vortex, I somehow left the store with a slightly lighter wallet, LOL

Here's my haul!

Essence Silky Touch Blusher in Life's A Cherry ($5.10 --> $3.06) Australis Cray for Colour Lips crayon in Strawberry Shortcakes ($7.95--> $4.77) Face of Australia HD Liquid Eyeliner in Brown ($11.95 --> $7.17)  Essence Powder Brush ($6.15 --> $3.69) Models Prefer Angled Eyeliner Brush ($12.99 --> $7.79)

Total Before Discount: $44.14
Total After Discount: $26.48

I feel like I would've spent more if I had prepared beforehand, searching up reviews and such, but since I went in blind I was more hesitant about what to buy, so I guess I'm happy I was relatively restrained?

Anyways! This is just a short post, and I will have a Mizon BB Cream review up for you tomorrow ^.^

Thanks for reading! 

xoxo Tulip

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Skinfood Black Sugar Perfect First Serum Review

Hey Cuties! Time to jump into another skincare review, this time with a Skinfood serum. It's been ages since I last did a Skinfood review I think. I have very little Skinfood products in my possesion for some reason, but because I read many good reviews on their Black Sugar Serum I decided to give it a go! 

The Black Sugar Perfect First Serum is part of Skinfood's Black Sugar skincare range, using Brazilian black sugar extract. 

It kind of has an obnoxious name, but Skinfood states that the serum is 'Perfect' as it has a number of incredible benefits. Not only does the serum help gently exfoliate dead skin cells away, it also hydrates, brightens, and increases skin resilience as well as fighting wrinkles. All in one single formula.

It is made of glass, and has a screw top lid

I must say I do very much like the packaging! It has a vintage look to it, though it really resembles a bbq sauce bottle to me :P 

Anyway, the serum is quite decently sized - bigger than a lot of other serums I've seen. But yes this bottle of serum lasted me about 5 months!

The small opening controls the amount of serum that comes out

The serum is one of those watery type formulas - it could be mistaken for toner water, but with slightly more gel-like slip in texture. It's colourless, but sometimes the formula crystalises into yellow tinged lumps on the outside of the bottle, which is interesting! 

Scent-wise there's a slightly sweet scent, and it absorbs into the skin very quickly due to it's watery texture.

It's cooling on the skin, and isn't gritty at all. It also doesn't leave my skin sticky afterwards, and I find that it helps my creams absorb better when I use this. There is some brightening to my skin complexion after using this, though not a huge difference in my opinion. I read a lot of reviews that praised this a lot, especially with brightening, but maybe because I already use a lot of brightening products I couldn't see a huge difference o.0

There is alcohol in the ingredients, but I never noticed any negative effects while I used it - it doesn't sting or dry out my skin at all. But, and I don't know if this is related to the alcohol or not, some creams made my skin itch a bit bit when applied over this serum. Maybe I applied the cream to soon after the serum, or maybe the something in the ingredients just don't gel, but luckily the serum is compatible with my main creams and other skincare. 

Overall I like this serum a lot, and have repurchased a second bottle as I like how hydrating this serum is, and how it gently exfoliates the skin too. My skin's also definitely smoother and hydrated with this in my skincare routine. 

If you are on the lookout for a multi all in one serum, rather than an intensive anti-ageing serum (which make up most of the serums on the market at the moment), then check this one out! 

Thanks for reading! 

xoxo Tulip

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EGLIPS JolieBéBé Lip Treatment and Lip Polish

Hi ya! I'm back with more EGLIPS reviews ^^

Last week I reviewed the primer and concealer, so today I have the lip polish and lip treatment to show you. 

Unlike the sleek and trendy packaging of the primer and concealer, these two products have a more girlie packaging instead, with its pastel blues and pinks. 

Both products come packaged in simple squeeze tubes, with a net weight of 15ml. 

The packaging looks slightly childish to me hehe

The JolieBéBé (Jolie Baby?) Lip Polish is essentially a 3 minute lip scrub, able to remove dead skin off the lips, while the addition of shea butter in the formula nourishes and moisturises. 

L-R: Lip Treatment, Lip Polish

Lip Polish spread out

The scrub comes out of the tube as a thick white paste, and once you apply it to the lips you can feel the graininess of the formula. After leaving the formula on the lips for 3 minutes, the lips become softer and then you can start exfoliating the lips to remove dead skin and loose flakes. 

It definitely made my lips feel softer after using it, but I wish it came in a bigger size as you use quite a fair amount to cover the lips in a thick layer - if you apply too little the scrub's not so effective. 

I also would've preferred a more grainy formula - this EGLIPS polish is more for not so dry lips I think. Having a more grainy formula or more bigger size of exfoliating beads would be more effective for the removal of more dry or flaky lips. 

As for the JolieBéBé Lip Treatment, it's described as a pudding gloss type lip treatment for smooth and moisturised lips. It contains shea butter and aloe, and essentially it's a glossy finish lip balm.

Texture wise, the treatment is thick and indeed does have a glossy feel and finish on the lips. It does feel very hydrating, but due to the thick texture it can feel a bit heavy and sticky too. But you can reduce this heavy sensation by using a more delicate touch with the application - I tend to squeeze the tube too hard and often end up with more gloss than needed :P

This gloss also looks great over lipsticks or tints! And you can have both a glossy finish as well as added hydration by layering this over lip products. 

Just a warning to be very careful not to get a taste of this lip treatment - I tried once and it was quite gag-worthy as it tastes like bad oil or grease T.T 

Both items are fairly inexpensive and decent for the price, though to be honest I'm not blown away by what I've experienced from this brand just yet. 

You can grab the lip treatment here, and the lip polish here, on Beautynetkorea if you want to check them out ^^

Thanks for reading lovelies <3 

xoxo Tulip

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*the product/s featured in this review was provided for review purposes - but opinions expressed are honest, and still 100% my own. For further information, please see my disclaimer & disclosure policy* 

Introducing EGLIPS - Multi Unique Primer and Multi Unique Concealer Review

Hiya lovelies! Hope you are all well ^^

Today I'm reviewing a few things from a Korean cosmetics brand called EGLIPS. Bit of an unusual name, huh? I wonder if it's pronounced as Egg-Lips or if it's a play on Eclipse with a 'g'?

Anyway, I believe EGLIPS is not so well known as a brand internationally, but Beautynetkorea stocks them, and kindly sent me a few items as they seem to be gaining a bit of popularity amongst Korean beauty bloggers as a budget friendly makeup brand.

Here I have the Multi Unique Primer and Multi Unique Concealer to show you~

Packaging wise, the concealer and primer look near identical with its sleek black packaging and bold white font. It kinda reminds me of NARS lippies hehe. The only way to differentiate between the primer and concealer is the teeny tiny font on the bottom of the tubes, or simply by taking the lids off. 

Etude House Giveaway + Instagram Winner Announcement

Hi Lovelies, 

Thanks to everyone who joined in my mini Etude House giveaway to commemorate my 3 year Blogversary :P

The winner has been generated, so congratulations to Arian! Please respond to the email I've sent you within the next 48 hours to claim the goodies ^^ 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

As for my Instagram giveaway, the lucky winner is @awesung13 ^^

Thanks again for all your support <3 I hope to bring you more kawaii giveaways soon! 

xoxo Tulip 

4 Mini Korean Beauty Reviews (Etude House, Holika Holika, & Skineye) - Part Two

Hi Lovelies, as promised here's the second part to yesterday's Mini Korean Beauty Reviews ^^ 

Left to right starting with Holika Holika's Aqua Petít BB Cream, Etude House's Proof 10 Auto Pencil, Skineye's Honeycomb Cream, and Etude House's Juicy Cocktail Gradation Nails.

In Part One I reviewed the Holika Holika BB Cream, and Etude House's Proof 10 Auto Pencil, check it out here if you haven't yet. 

Let's continue with the remaining two products! 

Skineye Honeycomb Cream

I'd never heard of this brand until I came across it on Beautynetkorea, and I don't think it's a well known brand either (at least not in the Western/Internation beauty blogosphere). I had been interested in Honey/Propolis skincare for a while, and when I saw the pictures of this cream I was immediately caught. 

The cream has an unusual texture - it has a few stages - it turns foamy when left on its own, and turns creamy when touched, which amuses me greatly (sad to say I'm easily entertained). 

Does this remind you of cotton candy/fairy floss? 0.o

Turns a bit 'chunky' once you scoop it out

Ta-dah! Turns into a rich cream when spread

So the cream is best suited for dry skin types as it's fairly thick and very nourishing. It takes a while to absorb, so if you don't wait for it to absorb in the morning your base makeup will end up looking quite dewy or maybe even greasy for normal-oily skin types. I personally like this cream a lot as it's really hydrating and nourishing on my dryer skin. 

The only con is that the cream needs to be carefully applied as it leaves a white film if you don't massage it in enough, which is time consuming and a hindrance. Due to that I won't repurchase now that I've finished the tub, but overall I would recommend it if you have dry skin and dry patches as this cream is nourishing enough. 

Etude House Juicy Cocktail Gradation Nails in #3 Love Violet

I already reviewed this in #5 Princess Marry in the last mini reviews post here. Love Violet differs slightly though, in that these polishes have a more 'jelly' like texture and finish. The glitter top base (the final glitter layer) is also a bit finer than compared to Prince Marry.

I also really liked this set - I thought the jelly texture just made the nails look really cute, and the gradation effect is more obvious in this set. 

The 'jelly-ness' of the finish doesn't quite come across when photographed, but it's more obvious in real life

Also with Princess Marry I said that you could find suitable dupes for the colours in that set, but I haven't come across any jelly like textured polishes that could compare to the Love Violet set. 

These are great for Summer, and also make cute stocking fillers or gifts too ^^

Definitely recommend this if you like purple and glitter polishes!

Yay, that's the end of this post ^^

I'll be back with longer individual reviews soon, but since you seem to like these mini review posts I'll be sure to do them more regularly. 

Don't forget to enter my two current giveaways if you haven't yet. Only 3 days to go now >.<

Win an Etude House BB Cream and Jelly Lipstick, plus lots of samples! Click here to enter

Win a set of honey sheet masks plus samples! Only on my Instagram @kawaiibeautycorner

Thanks for reading lovelies~

xoxo Tulip

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