Today, I’m sharing a K-beauty haul! I made an order from thekshop.ca…even though I have a lot of skincare to try already. Here’s what I ended up ordering:
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser | $18.99
Nacific Holiday-Edition Special Bundle (Cica) – NACIFIC X Stray Kids | $99
Fresh Cica Plus Clear Toner | $23.99
Fresh Cica Plus Clear Serum | $24.99
Fresh Cica Plus Clear Cream | $25.99
Vitamin C Newpair Cream (Spot Treatment) | $16.99
2 x Fresh Herb Origin Clear Spot Patches (18 per pack) | $5.99 x 2 = $11.98
8 Stray Kids Christmas Photocards
8 Stray Kids The Comeback of Hologram Photocards
Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter | $31.99
samples: 3 x Iunik Black Snail Restore Serum
The photocards on the top are the holographic ones. That’s why there’s a rainbow across some of their faces.
All the products in the Holiday bundle add up to $103.94 if you buy them separately. They also threw in the Nacific Salicylic Acid Clarifying Mask Pack ($3.99) which was a nice little bonus. They packaged the products individually, instead of sending them in the holiday box as pictured on their website. I was fine with this because it would be silly to pack a box in another box. Especially when each product also comes in boxes. The photocards come in plastic sleeves to protect them. One thing I was worried about though was that they put an elastic around the cards to secure them. It creased the edges of the plastic sleeves a bit, but the photocards were fine. I think it would’ve been better to package the cards into a larger sleeve/bag to keep them together. You don’t want the photocards to get damaged, especially if you’re buying the skincare set just for the 16 photocards.
I haven’t tried any of the products yet, but I look forward to trying all of them. I wanted to try Cica because I’ve read that it’s good for redness and irritation. My face has gotten clearer lately, but I still have redness around my nose.
Other skincare products I want to try in the future:
Beauty of Joseon Serums
Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
Dear, Klairs – Midnight Blue Calming Cream
KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief
KraveBeauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA
KraveBeauty Oat So Simple Water Cream
I also wanted to get a lip product, but they didn’t have any of the shades in stock:
Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.
HITS
Buxom Lash Mascara – I really loved this mascara when I tried it and seeing the cost per ounce, it’s actually a better price than other high end ones.
Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara – This is an expensive one, but I bought one of those Sephora Favorites kits and redeemed a full size tube of this mascara. The mini size had such a short wand, so I look forward to using the full size wand.
L’Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara – This was one of the first drugstore mascaras I tried. I know the first mascara for everyone would probably be the Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, but I skipped straight to trying this one. It’s still one of my faves.
Benefit Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara – Here’s another mascara that I tried a mini of, but the curve of the wand made it easy for me to apply to my lashes. I would purchase the full size of this one.
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara – I really loved the wand of this mascara and it separated my lashes nicely for a natural look (but with an extra oomph). However, this is the most expensive mascara on this list (cost per ounce).
Essence Volume Stylist 18 hr Lash Extension Mascara – I tried this one out because Tati recommended it. If Tati, someone who tries out tons of mascaras, likes this then you know it’s a pretty good one.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara (read my review) – This is a great mascara that lifts the lashes. I tried the washable one, but I’m sure the waterproof one would be even better.
Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara (read my review) – I know there are probably better fiber mascaras out there, but this is one that I’ve tried and enjoyed. It easily washes off with warm water.
LIKES
Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies Mascara – I tried this mascara before I started reviewing products. From what I remember, this was a great mascara. I’d have to try it again to see if it would get bumped up to my HITS list.
Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara – Maybelline mascaras are some of my faves. This one isn’t my fave out of the ones I’ve tried, but it’s still a good mascara.
L’Oréal Telescopic Intense Lash Length Original Mascara – My friend recommended the telescopic mascara, but I bought the wrong one. I think she likes the black one and I bought the gold tube. This one has a nice, thin wand that’s great for bottom lashes.
Essence The False Lashes Mascara (read my review) – This mascara is not my favourite. While I rated it 3.5/5 in my review, I probably wouldn’t purchase it again. Even at its low price.
Essence Get BIG! Triple Black Lashes Mascara (read my review) – This brush is too fat for my lashes.
Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara (read my review) – While I liked this mascara, I would prefer if the wand was a bit more tapered. It’s quite a fat wand and my lashes aren’t that long.
Clinique High Impact Mascara – I think this was one of the first mascaras I tried. My mom used to buy mostly Clinique makeup and she would buy the makeup during the bonus makeup bag at Hudson’s Bay. The ones that come with eyeshadow, lipstick, perfume and mascara.
Tarte Amazonian Clay Smart Gifted Mascara (read my review) – This is a great mascara for a natural look.
Tarte Lights Camera Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara – I liked this mascara, but I probably wouldn’t buy the full size. There are ones I prefer more.
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara – The makeup artist for my sister’s wedding used this one. If a makeup artist uses this, then you know it’s a good one.
Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara – Benefit mascaras and brow products are some of the best. I enjoyed this mascara and would get it again.
Benefit BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara – I’d say this one is my least fave of the Benefit mascaras, but it’s still a good mascara.
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara – This makes your lashes look darker and not clumpy at all. This is one of the few mascaras where I’ve tried a mini that has a fairly long wand.
Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara – I was excited to try this one because I know a few people who really like it. It wasn’t anything special for me. I’d rather buy a drugstore one that I like more.
Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara (read my review) – This one is cool because you can get two different looks by twisting the brush. It’s not my favourite though.
MISSES
L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara (read my review) – I know this is going to be an unpopular opinion, but I don’t like the shape of the wand. I need a cone-shaped/smaller wand because I don’t have long lashes.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (read my review) – This mascara dries out too quickly (the tubes I’ve tried at least) and I don’t like the shape of the wand.Covergirl Total Tease Mascara (read my review) – While I did like this mascara, I didn’t like the tip of the wand.
Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara – I didn’t love the smell of this one (not that it really makes a difference because you can’t smell it on your eyes). The brush was quite hard and there are better mascaras for a similar price.
Today’s post is brought to you by Urban Juve! I am sharing my first impressions with Urban Juve skincare. I received their Hemp Daily Ritual Kit (Vitalize) which includes 5 products.
Urban Juve makes natural wellness products infused with hemp.
Our approach is based in Ayurveda, one of the oldest holistic healing systems in the world. All our products are formulated by an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner and clinical researcher. Each is designed to meet the nutritional needs of the skin.
They are the first skincare company in Canada to use Hemp Root Oil. Their products contain NO dyes, artificial fragrances, sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, phthalates and other toxic fillers. See the full list of ingredients that their products DON’T contain.
They have three kits depending on your skin type: Vitalize (for Dry Skin- deeply hydrating), Align (for Oily Skin- refreshing) and Balance (for all skin types- soothing and calming). Each kit contains: an Anti-Aging Serum, Lip Balm, Face Mist, Face Moisturizer and Daily Ritual Oil.
As you may know, I am very sensitive to scents. These are all natural and don’t have any added fragrances, but I can detect a scent in each of the five products. Since I am so sensitive to scents, I will rate all of the products based on their performance alone and also identify the key ingredient(s) that I can detect.
I’ve been incorporating the Urban Juve products into my skincare routine and here are my thoughts on each of the individual products:
Face Mist
The ultimate pick-me-up. This spray toner soothes and tones, while helping control excess oil and refresh acne-prone skin. Use throughout the day or as a first step before moisturizer. With a powerhouse combo of peppermint and aloe leaf, this formula reduces the look of puffiness and helps pores appear smaller. We add cucumber skin powder for its astringent properties, as well as our signature hemp root oil, which can help boost absorption.
Key Scent: roses with a hint of spice (probably from the black pepper oil)
This has witch hazel in it which I am allergic to, so I had to pass this one along to a friend. It comes in an aerosol can that sprays more of a spurt than a fine spray. I think it would be great as a toner!
Lip Balm
This all-season balm softens and smooths chapped, rough lips. Made by blending beeswax and coconut oil with hemp seed and hemp root oil, this soothing formula creates a barrier that seals in moisture and protects against the elements. Expect a cool, refreshing feel.
This lip balm has a tingling sensation (like soft lips lip balm). It adds a bit of a sheen to your lips and keeps them moisturized.
Spoons (from top): Face Moisturizer, Daily Ritual Oil, Anti-Aging Serum
Face Moisturizer
Restore radiance to tired, dry skin. This natural formula seals in moisture and helps your skin look plumped and renewed. Made with warming essential oils (think: ginger, cinnamon, lavender, and copaiba), our Vitalize Moisturizer encourages your natural glow. The smoothing, hydrating formula contains ulta-rich jojoba oil and hemp seed oil, as well as gently astringent chamomile flower water.
Key Scents: Cloves and Cinnamon…it smells like Christmas!
My skin feels smooth and hydrated after applying this cream – it stays a little bit tacky, but it’s not oily or greasy.
Anti-Aging Serum
This potent serum smooths fine lines while helping to prevent the signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid acts as a magnet for water, making your skin visibly more plump and hydrated. This youth-enhancing formula also contains sea buckthorn oil (extremely rich in minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids and plant sterols) and our signature hemp root oil (which can help boost absorption).
Key Scent: I can’t identify the scent in this one…possibly the balsam or frakincense?
I love a serum with Hyaluronic Acid! My dry skin needs all the moisture. This serum is very nice and light. It absorbs quickly into the skin leaving the skin smooth and not at all tacky!
Daily Ritual Oil
Hydration at the deepest level. This naturally fragrant body oil seals in moisture after bathing, leaving skin velvety soft—and never greasy. The best part of your day. With a nutrient-rich base of hemp seed, avocado and sweet almond oils, our Vitalize formula regenerates skin as it smooths and firms. Warming essential oils, including ginger, cardamom and cinnamon, stimulate blood flow—and give this daily essential its invigorating scent.
Key Scents: Ginger, Clove and Cinnamon, but the scent goes away after a few hours.
This oil comes in an aerosol can which I find interesting. I’ve only seen oils come in glass/plastic bottles. This is the first body oil I’ve tried and I’m enjoying it. This would be especially great in the winter time when my skin is really dry!
I think this would be a great skincare line for men. Most skincare products have either a floral/fruity scent or no scent. If you like products that have a ‘spicy’ scent like cloves and cinnamon, you will like this brand!
I love that Urban Juve has kits that cater to different skin types. It was a great introduction to hemp-infused products. I think my favourite product is the Daily Ritual Oil. If you want to try natural wellness products, then Urban Juve is the brand for you!
Update: There aren’t any items listed on their Etsy shop.
I’m back with another review! I was generously sent two products from a new skincare brand called KORAI. It’s a Canadian brand that sells on Etsy. They currently sell the Cloud Cleanser and Amber Oil which are the two products I received.
Spoiler Alert: both products are awesome!
Amber Oil
Nourishing, fragrance-free, and multipurpose. Amber Oil can be used from head to toe. A full dropper can melt away a face of makeup or environmental pollutants. 2-4 drops on damp and clean skin can seal in moisture without the worry of clogging your pores.
Ingredients: Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, Rosa canina (rosehip) oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E Oil)
I’ve been using the Amber Oil on my hands and face and they both feel soft and smooth. It hasn’t clogged my pores and it has a very light scent which is great for me. I tried removing my makeup with it, but I didn’t like it. It did remove my makeup, but obviously, it didn’t rinse off very well since oil and water don’t mix. So I will stick to using it as a facial oil.
RATING: 5/5
Cloud Cleanser
• Deep cleansing • Sulfate free • Lightweight
How to Use: Apply 1-2 pumps into freshly washed hands and rub onto dry
skin in gentle circular motions for a minimum of one minute. Rinse with cool water and gently tap excess water into the skin until dry.
Featured Ingredients:
Authentic Ghanaian black soap contains ingredients that carry naturally anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is high in antioxidants, vitamin A and E. These nutrients aid in healing skin ailments like acne, eczema and psoriasis as well as balancing the skin’s tone and texture.
Cold-pressed vitamin E oil can block free radicals and replenish the skin’s natural oils which help slow the process of aging signs. It is also known for assisting in healing wounds, preventing/minimizing the appearance of scars, and moisturizing the skin.
Last year, I first heard about the hair cords that leave your hair dent-free. They were the brand Invisibobble and they sell at Sephora for $10 for 3. I thought that was a bit expensive, so I went on Amazon looking for dupes. I purchased a pack of 3 black and 10 mixed colour hair cords for $6.99. They’re very big (size of a wrist- they look like those cords that people put their keys on) and thick like a telephone cord. When I wrapped it around my hair three times, it’s still a bit loose.
I found out about GummiBands, based in Vancouver, from a blogger group on Facebook. They were had a casting call for Contributors, Partners and Ambassadors. For Partners and Contributors, you need a certain number of followers and they had a limited number of spaces. So, I applied to be a contributor for GummiBand and they sent me a variety of their hair cords. Although I received the bands for free, the following review is my honest and unbiased opinion on the GummiBand hair cords.
Light Pink, Brunette, Clear, Purple, Black, Dark Pink, Teal
They offer Clear, Black, Brunette, Blonde, Light Pink, Dark Pink, Teal and Purple (I received a few of each colour except blonde). They retail for $7.99 CAD for a set of four hair cords and have free shipping in Canada. They gave me a code ‘BONUS38‘ for my readers to receive 2 extra GummiBands with the purchase of a 4-cord pack.
Hypoallergenic (They do not absorb water or sweat so they do not breed bacteria)
Suitable for all types of hair (Long and thick hair? Use 2 GummiBands for extra hold!)
Gentle on hair, reducing breakage and styling damage
Reusable for years. When the cord stretches out, warm it up with hot air from a hair dryer or hot water to return it to it’s original shape!
GummiBand hair cords come with a 1 year full replacement warranty
My hair is quite thick, so I wrap the cord around three times. I love that they’re plastic so if you get them wet, you don’t have to leave it out to dry like you would for an elastic. They don’t pull at your hair and they stay put (unlike regular hair ties where I have to adjust my ponytail after a few hours). After using them for a whole day, they are stretched out, but they get back into shape after a few minutes. When you put them around your wrist, they don’t make an indent around your entire wrist like a regular hair band. Although, they still make some indents from the spiral but it’s not as tight as a hair elastic.
UPDATE (Feb 2018): I’ve been using one hair cord basically every day for a month and a half. I wrap it around my hair three times and after a month or so, it was starting to curl like a figure 8 (but it wasn’t stretched out at all). I filled up my sink with some hot water and soaked it for less than a minute and it sprang back to place. It’s like new again!
UPDATE (Aug 2019): I have since purchased a few packs for myself and family. I had put quite a few of the Gummiband hair cords in giveaways, and found myself with only a few left.
RATING: 5/5
GummiBands are a great stocking stuffer or for birthday party loot bags. I love the variety of colours that they have, they have both fun colours and colours that blend in with your hair if you don’t want it noticeable.
Have you tried hair cords? Do you like them better than regular hair bands?
