Hi Divas!

It is starting to get chilly in Cape Town. I therefore had to change up my skin care routine quite a bit. I have combination skin but during colder months my skin tends to get dry and flaky on my forehead and around my mouth area. The best way to add an extra boost of moisture to my face is through a sheet mask. I love how convenient and super effective they are. I swear, they are miracle skin care inventions. Innisfree is a well known Korean beauty brand. They specialise in skin care products but have branched out into makeup too. Their It's Real range consists of a variety of sheets mask to target specific skin care needs. The manuka honey variant is specifically formulated for dry rough and irritated skin. Manuka honey originates in New Zealand, made by bees through the manuka bush. This magical honey is known to help heal acne and eczema. It is filled with beneficial nutrients that improve skin tone and give vitality to the skin. It is a wonderful healing and moisturising product. I love that I can get the benefits of the honey in a little sheet mask.

Besides the manuka honey, the mask contains jeju green complex which consists of green tea, tangerine and cactus extracts that all aide in soothing and moisturising irritated and dry skin. The mask is packaged in a pretty and classic sheet pack. The cotton sheet is triple layered to hold as much moisture as possible. The pack is filled with essence and the sheet is drenched in it. I love that the cotton sheet has a soft and thick texture. It adheres really well to the face and is soaked in the serum. It fits my face perfectly and I can wear it for 30 minutes and more without it sliding off my face.  The essence has a clear thick serum texture. Even though the mask is heavy with essence it does not drip down the neck area. The sheet is strong enough to hold all the product. The mask feels very comforting and hydrating on the skin. The essence absorbs easily into the skin. I like that it does not sit on top of the face leaving an unwanted film. It blends wonderfully into the face. There is no specific scent to the mask. In fact, it kind of smells slightly medicinal. This is great as most fragrances tend to irritate people with sensitive skin. 

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I can't stress enough how comforting and soothing this mask is. It honestly feels like I am having a spa day when I wear it. It is so nourishing and hydrating. I like to wear it for 30 minutes and pat the remaining serum into my skin. I usually do my sheet masking at night and I wake up with the most moisturised face in the morning. It definitely takes away any dry patches I have along my face. This is a wonderful pick me up and moisture boost product. I usually buy my Korean products on Ebay. These are sold in a pack of three for under R100 ($10). This is an absolute bargain compared to sheet masks sold in stores near me. If you are looking for an affordable alternative, do give this a try. You won't be disappointed.


Thank you so much for reading.
Divalicious kisses.
Xxxx

Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder Review

Hi Divas

This week we will be flying all the way to Korea again for another K-Beauty product review. Innisfree as I mentioned before is a very popular Korean cosmetic brand that offers skincare and makeup. I love this brand too bits as they mainly use natural ingredients, are paraben free, do not test on animals and they use recycled packaging for their products. The Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder is known among K-Beauty fanatics as their holy grail setting powder of life! I wanted to know what the fuss was all about too and decided to purchase one. I am now on my second tub of this and I love it so much. It definitely deserves holy grail status. Here is why....

Firstly, the product is made up of Jeju natural minerals which control sebum production and absorbs any excess oils. Since this is a mineral based makeup product the powder does not absorb into the skin or creep into your pores. Instead it protects the skin from free radicals and acts as a barrier locking in your makeup from outside environment factors. Mineral powders do not smother your face either. It allows the skin to breath, thus giving it a natural non cakey look while eliminating sebum from the skin. The texture of the product is a soft white loose powder. It is very finely milled and if you shake the tub a little too hard the particles can float off into the air. This is strictly a finishing powder and not a foundation powder. It is translucent on your skin and does not interfere with your foundation or blush shades.

 So how does this perform throughout the day you may ask? Well excellently, let me tell you! I have combination skin and can get quite oily in my t-zone during the Summer months. When I use this powder, I first apply all my makeup products then lightly sweep this all over my face with my larger powder brush. The powder gives a smooth finish on your skin almost like a porcelain doll. It blends all your blush, highlight and cream contours effortlessly together. Your skin looks matte but not flat. During the day your makeup stays locked on your face. Usually my blush and foundation around my nose would wear off because of oils, but this product keeps your makeup from fading and melting off your face. Sometimes if it is a very hot day I have to do touch ups but this rarely happens to me. If you set your makeup with a setting spray then you definitely won't have this problem.

The product comes packaged in a 5g mint green tub with a screw on lid. It has a built in sifter and an application puff. I prefer to use my powder brush to apply the product but if you are travelling and limited to makeup brushes, you could totally use the soft fluffy puff to tap on the powder. I love travelling with this when I am overseas because it is so small and fits into the tiniest makeup bag. You can even keep it in your clutch bag for touch ups later on in the day. The best thing about this product is that it only costs $6/R70. How amazing is that? Usually makeup powders are expensive and don't even do what you want it to do. This is so affordable and easy on the pocket. You can purchase it on Ebay and Amazon. You surely won't be disappointed.


Hope you found this review helpful.
Divalicious kisses.
Xxxx

All About Sheet Masks:

Etude House, Innisfree, Beyond and Tony Moly

Hello Divas!

This week on the blog we will learn and explore all about Sheet Masks. Sheet Masks have been all the rage lately. Koreans were the first to pioneer it and the masks have been one of their skincare essentials for years. The Western World has only recently caught on the sheet mask craze. I first found out about sheet masks when I started exploring the world of Korean cosmetics. The first time I saw and used a sheet mask, 2 years ago, I was super scared. I did not know how to apply it and if it will be too harsh for my skin or not. Plus the instructions were in Korean so I didn't know what the heck was going on. I decided to cross my fingers and my toes and give it a go! To my surprise, sheet masks was the best thing that happened to my skincare routine. I am now 100% hooked! In the Asian markets there are hundreds of different types of sheet masks all catering to an array of skin types and needs. Today I will introduce and share some of my favourites with you.

What is a Sheet Mask?

Sheet masks are cotton fibre sheets that are soaked in essences or serums. These serums or essences are usually liquid in texture and contain active ingredients which hydrate, soothe and treat problem skin. Think of it as a facial in a packet! Most sheet masks contain natural ingredients, that once opened you cannot use it again. Each sheet mask is meant to be used once and thrown away as it may expire or allow bacteria to grow on it. Choose a sheet mask that is most suited to your skin type or skin concern. If you are suffering from dry skin, try a shea butter or hyaluronic acid sheet mask to provide extra moisture to your skin. If you have tired and dark spots, then try a lemon or pearl mask for brightening.

How to use a Sheet Mask?
 The application is very easy. All you have to do is tear the mask packet, carefully take out and unfold the sheet mask. Depending on the brand, some sheet masks can be thin and break easily. Other sheet masks are quite runny and can drip on your clothes or down your neck. Make sure you are not wearing your Sunday best when doing your mask. Place the sheet mask on your clean and washed face. You will see holes for your eyes, nose and mouth. Most sheet masks don't fit perfectly as each face shape is different. You can adjust the sheet mask to fit your profile the way you want it too. Once it is on your face, you can leave it on for 20 minutes and have some tea, read a book or just relax. I like to leave mine on for 30 minutes. When the time has passed, remove the mask sheet and throw it away. You can squeeze the excess serum into your hand and gently pat it on your face. Do not wash the serum off. Leave it to soak into your skin for the rest of the day or night. You can go about doing your normal skincare routine such as applying creams and makeup if you want to.


Why Sheet Masks? What's the hype?
Sheet masks are by no means a miracle worker. If you have serious problem skin it is best to visit your dermatologist and get proper treatment. I see sheet masks as a convenient way to give yourself an at home spa treatment. It is a great pick me up for tired and dehydrated skin. Your face will look radiant and feel so good after a sheet mask. It is a temporary solution to your skin problem. I love to wear my sheet mask at night and leave the essence to soak into my skin. In the morning my face feels super hydrated, brightened and perky. If you don't go for regular facials at a spa then this is a great way to give your skin an extra boost or some extra love and care. Plus sheet masking is so much fun! There are many types to choose from and I love trying new things. A lot of Korean sheet masks have cute and interesting packaging which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

My favourite Korean Sheet Masks:

Tony Moly I'm Real Lemon Mask Sheet Brightening: The cotton fibre of this mask is very thin in texture and can break easily. It is also very juicy and has a tendency to drip down the neck if you are not careful. What I love about this mask is the affordable price and the packaging. Everything about Tony Moly is always so cute. This mask is great for dull and tired skin. It contains lemon extracts which brighten and refreshes the face. This is a great and fun pick me up mask! It does not contain parabens and it is not tested on animals. Tony Moly masks are available at Sephora.

Innisfree It's Real Squeeze Mask Black Berry: Innisfree is my absolute favourite Korean skincare brand. All their products are amazing. The Blackberry sheet mask contains jeju complex which is green tea, cactus, tangerine, camellia leaves and orchids all rolled into one. This mask promises to give clear and bright skin while adding extra moisture. It does not contain parabens or test on animals too.

Etude House I Need You Vita Complex: This is another affordable brand with cute packaging. It does not contain parabens or test on animals as well. This mask contains vitamins to brighten and create skin vitality. The most important ingredient is niacinamide also known as vitamin B3 which is known to clear acne prone skin, facial blemishes and discolouration.

Beyond The Real Pomegranate: Pomegranates are known for their anti ageing benefits on the skin. This mask contains pomegranate extract, B1 and B2 vitamin complex for a firmer and more energized skin tone. The cotton fibre is thicker than other masks and it fits quite snug on the face. It has a great smell and the serum absorbs quickly into the skin. It does not contain parabens nor test on animals.

I scared my grandma!!!! 
Yes indeed! I literally scared my grandma. I crept up on her while she was sitting at the kitchen table and gave her the biggest fright of her life! Lol ;-D I love sheet masks and will buy them over and over and over again. There are many great western sheet masks available at Clicks and Dischem stores in South Africa now. I haven't tried them yet but will soon. I purchase all my Korean sheet masks from Ebay and they are available on Amazon too. Maybe I will do a follow up post and compare a western brand one to an Asian one. I think that would be a great idea.



Let me know if you tried any sheet masks below
Hope you found this LONG review helpful ;-)
Xxxx

Hi Divas!

This week I have another one of my holy grail Korean products to share with you. Like I said before these products are not easy to get your hands on but I am doing reviews on them any way. It is fun to share and learn about skincare and makeup products around the world. The Innisfree brand is well known among Korean skincare fanatics. They are famous for their eco friendly products, using natural ingredients and recycling their packaging. All their products are free of parabens and mineral oils, and are suitable for sensitive skin. I love their environmental and natural approach to skincare. From this brand my favourite face cleanser is the Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam. It is made up of tiny pieces of scoria, which come from Jeju Volcanic stone. These stones are native to the island of Jeju and are recognised for their skincare benefits such as being anti bacterial, removing dead skin cells and having moisturising properties. They are known to create clean and smooth skin.

I am sorry for the blurry photos. They were taken on my old phone and I had already thrown the tube away. So I couldn't take new pictures. My Bad! Xxx

The foam cleanser comes in a whopping 150 ml squeeze tube. My favourite face cleanser from Clarins only comes in a 75 ml so I love the fact that you are getting more product for your money from the Innisfree cleanser. Most of the writing and instructions are in Korean of cause, but there a few English instructions. Plus there is always Google if you need to find out more about the product. On the tube it says that this is a purifying pore cleanser, that removes dull skin and excessive sebum thanks to the Jeju volcanic clusters. The actual formula of the product has a creamy milky texture with small specks of the volcanic clusters. The cleanser has a strange smell. It has a slight sweet smell with a hint of a milky scent. It is rather weird. It is not at all bad or repulsive. I have never smelt anything like it.


This is a everyday cleansing foam which I use at night to cleanse my face and take off all my makeup. I usually wet face and then apply a peanut size amount on my hands and start washing my face. The cleanser starts out milky but once it hits water and you scrub your face it starts foaming up. The little cluster beads exfoliate the face by removing dead skin cells and cleansing the pores. The cleanser does an excellent job in removing all dirt and makeup from my face. Even the toughest gel liner and waterproof mascara gets removed in one wash. I love that it deep cleanses my face without it being harsh. I do use this everyday but if you are someone with sensitive or dry skin the deep cleanser might be a bit too harsh for you to use every day. I would recommend using it twice a week as an exfoliator.


I love this product and will definitely purchase it again. I think it does a great job in cleaning my pores without stripping my skin of moisture. The little clusters do burn the eyes though. So be careful in your eye area when washing your face. For those who have combination skin like me and wear makeup everyday you will enjoy this cleansing foam.


Thank you for reading, Beauties.
Much love!
Xxxx