JUARA Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Mask #Review

*This post contains affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking my link.*

This is a sample I received in my December 2014 Birchbox. I've never received a mask in a Birchbox before so this was pretty darn exciting for me. This Tumeric Antioxidant Radiance Mask from Juara is made from a white form of tumeric so it won't stain anything, which is a huge plus for me as I have no coordination to prevent staining. Tumeric is a powerful anti-inflamitory and antioxidant - both of which are great qualities to have in a facial mask, for me anyway. This mask is fragrance, paraben, mineral oil, sulfate, and phthalate free. This is the list of ingredients taken from the Birchbox site:

Water/Eau, Glycerin, Kaolin Clay, Candlenut (Aleurites moluccana) Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Myristyl Myristate, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahyrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carrot (Daucus Carota sativa) Seed Oil, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl) Acetate, Hydroxyethylacrlyate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenypropanol, Polysorbate 60.

I ran the list through CosDNA and was not impressed. While two ingredients come up as a harmless one out of five on the acne scale, two other ingredients come up as 3 and 5 on the acne scale and both also come up as a 2 on the sensitive skin irritant scale. The fact that this is a mask meant to purify and soothe the skin, it doesn't look too incredibly promising.

The tub looked a bit bigger than it really was, this whole thing went on my face in one shot.

There is a nice tingling sensation that I personally enjoy. I love being able to feel my skincare products hard at work.

I feel like my face was a little bit brighter and softer after I removed the mask. I tingling turned into burning while I tried to wash it from my face and the skin turned red, but once I stopped rubbing and the mask was removed the redness and burning immediately stopped. It was such an odd experience. Overall, I'm pretty happy with this mask, but I wish there was enough for two uses so I could really tell if the mask was beneficial enough to spend $35 on (as found in the Birchbox shop). What do you all think?

If you'd like to try samples like this one, give Birchbox a try! It's only $10 a month, and you have the opportunity to earn points to spend in their shop by reviewing the samples you receive. I'd be honored if you'd use my link to subscribe: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/gsqs8

Disclaimer: The Glitter Chic blog purchased/received the product(s) mentioned in this post for the purpose of review and evaluation. No monetary compensation was received for this post. The Glitter Chic blog will always provide honest opinions, beliefs or experiences on products reviewed. If you have any questions, please contact me at gothickornchic at gmail dot com. This blog contains affiliate links. The Glitter Chic is not responsible for prize delivery. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

My Skincare Picks of 2014

This year has been a long winding road of ups and downs and a new-found discovery of Asian beauty products that have taken my [once restricted to Western brands] routine by storm. While I still have a special love for products I'm able to find here in the United States, I cannot sing praises high enough for the items that seem to hold some sort of magic on my skin from Korea. This post will pull together my top skincare picks and tell you why I love them so much. Enjoy!

Makeup Remover: Missha Perfect BB Deep Cleansing Oil

I haven't been using this product very long, but it's my first cleansing oil and I'm in love. It's easier on my skin than makeup removing cloths, and doesn't leave much of an oily feeling behind after I rinse it away. It removes even my waterproof mascara! I always follow up with a regular cleanser afterwards.

Cleanser: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin

I found this cleanser after I discovered the importance of using a low pH face wash. By using a cleanser with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5 (my skin actually prefers anything below 6 - but up to 6.5 is the common recommendation for most skin) I've been able to nearly eliminate my acne. This particular face wash contains no irritating ingredients, is gently, non-drying, and still manages to deep clean my skin.

Cleansing Tool: Clarisonic Mia 2

This was my first ever skincare splurge, which was soon followed by the Foreo Luna. I love the Clarisonic because it sloughs away dead skin cells and deep cleans my skin using sonic vibrations. Clarisonic claims it's safe enough to use twice a day, but to prevent over-exfoliation I'm currently only using it every other night. I will note, however, that I never use the lower speed on the Mia 2, and recommend saving the extra $50 by purchasing the Mia 1 if you're looking at this tool for yourself.

Wash-off Mask: 23 Years Old Air Laynic Pore Mask

This mask contains two nose/cheek area strips and a syringe with a special carbonated gel. When the gel is applied to a sheet, it bubbles up quickly and powerfully. It stings the skin slightly, but it's totally worth the major deep clean this mask delivers to your skin. I generally apply one sheet to my nose and cheeks, and cut down the other to apply it to my chin/jawline. After 15 minutes I remove the sheets, massage the gel into my face, and then rinse away. My pores have never been clearer.

Toner: Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner

All my life I thought of a toner as just an extra product used to remove the excess crud from your skin that your face wash missed. This toner has been like a miracle in a bottle for my skin. It eliminated my cystic acne completely and has prevented new from forming. It doesn't dry out my skin and helps keep it especially clear.

Essence: Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

This essence contains 80% galactomyces which isn't as high as the PureBess 100% Galactomyces (obviously) but I feel like the extra ingredients offer something more to my skin that help brighten as well as prepare my skin for the upcoming goodness my routine has to offer.

Sheet Mask: Meme Mask

This is an amazing two-piece hydrogel mask that delivers superb moisture without increasing oiliness. It plumps fine lines and genuinely makes my face look and feel hydrated and bright. You can read my full review here on my blog.

Serum: Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence

While the name of this product says essence, I find it to be thick like a serum so that's how I use it. When I first discovered this product I felt like it worked great and ordered the rest of the Benton Snail Bee line to use as well. The high concentration of nutrients was too much as once since I didn't ease into them and I ended up having a slight reaction to the bee venom in all the products. After taking a break for a couple months I came back to just this serum and using it daily (without any other products with bee venom) has been a beautiful gift to my skin. It has lightened acne scars and definitely helps fight active acne while slowing new breakouts.

Ampoule: Missha Time Revolution Night Repaid Science Activator Ampoule

I only use this ampoule at night, but it's a repairing ampoule, as the name implies. It is supposed to hydrate and repair the skin, which I feel like it definitely helps with. Most nights I will use this ampoule then skip straight to either a sleeping pack or facial oil.

Moisturizer: Plant Stem Cell [Goddess] Cream - Sebum Control System

This was a recommendation from Tracy at Fanserviced-B for moisturizing acne prone skin and controlling oil at the same time. It minimizes redness and dark circles, it helps fight acne, and protects it from impurities. I use this during the day to help control oil and use it in the evening if I'm experiencing a breakout.

Sleeping Pack: TonyMoly Appletox Honey Cream

This isn't actually a sleeping pack, but actually a moisturizer. However, it's so rich, it works better with my skin type as a sleeping pack. As you can see it's a creamy gel that resembles honey, and it really smells like apples! It's very hydrating - I just love it!

Facial Oil: Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

There are few items I splurge on when I know there are cheaper alternatives, however this argan oil really is, somehow, the best I've ever used. I tried a couple different oils in the past purchased from Amazon and they broke me out terribly. This seems so much more pure which I know doesn't make sense, but even my oily acne prone skin just feeds off the goodness this oil has to offer. I use 3-4 drops when applying at night, and on no-makeup days I apply 2 drops to my face in the morning.


So these are my favorites I've found throughout this year. I know it's a pretty solid skincare routine in itself, but I'm ashamed to admit that there are many more products I alternate with that aren't here. Hopefully I'll have an updated skincare routine post up soon!

In the mean time...

Happy New Year!

Disclaimer: The Glitter Chic blog purchased the product(s) mentioned in this post for the purpose of review and evaluation. No monetary compensation was received for this post. The Glitter Chic blog will always provide honest opinions, beliefs or experiences on products reviewed. If you have any questions, please contact me at gothickornchic at gmail dot com. This blog contains affiliate links. The Glitter Chic is not responsible for prize delivery. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Dr Jart Water Fuse Water-Full Hydrogel Mask #Review

Tis the most wonderful time of the year - for dry skin! As I thumbed through my mask drawer tonight I spotted this mask I almost forgot I had. From a Sephora order a while back - the Dr Jart Water Fuse Water-Full Hydrogel Mask.

This is a two-piece hydrogel mask comprised of 60% water and hyaluronic acid in a "unique gel polymer material" that allows for more efficient absorption and deeper penetration of the active ingredients into the skin. This mask claims to ease dry, rough, dehydrated skin and reduce fine lines and signs of aging - leaving skin soothed and moisturized. The results are supposed to be immediate (yay for no patience!) The ingredients list has already been ran through CosDNA by someone else, so here's a link to the analysis. No acne triggers or sensitive skin irritants, double win!

Before

This is a pretty thick mask, but very pliable. The outside is covered in a soft cottony material.

This mask hugs my face perfectly! I covers everything and doesn't shift one bit.

The nose is a bit long, but there isn't a gap on either side of my nose - so I'm pretty happy!

I found the gel to be very cooling, and it was very soothing while it "hugged" my face. I've never [to date] tried a mask that fit so well and did not sag or shift in any way. There was no real smell to the mask that I could notice either.

After

After

After removal my face felt baby soft and hydrated but not moist to the touch. The gel on the mask had become thin and I could tell the moisture and nutrients had been absorbed into my skin. I'm very pleased with this mask and will purchase more for an occasional skin treat. These masks cost $9 each at Sephora (or $42 for 5) which is very expensive, but [as ashamed as I am to admit it] are worth it if you aren't using them often.

Disclaimer: The Glitter Chic blog purchased/received the product(s) mentioned in this post for the purpose of review and evaluation. No monetary compensation was received for this post. The Glitter Chic blog will always provide honest opinions, beliefs or experiences on products reviewed. If you have any questions, please contact me at gothickornchic at gmail dot com. This blog contains affiliate links. The Glitter Chic is not responsible for prize delivery. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Primal Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Treats from Chewy.com #Review

Tis the season for sipping hot cacao, building snowmen, and keeping warm by the fireplace - but what about something extra special for your pet this season as well? Chewy has spoiled Venus rotten this holiday season by sending her something she really enjoys - all natural freeze-dried treats, and from Primal too!

Primal Pet Foods prides themselves in using raw natural ingredients that mimic an animals natural diet in the wild. While our pets are domesticated, their bodies still thrive on this raw and whole nutrition that Primal offers in their foods and treats.

In mid-December we received a bag of Primal's Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Munchies for Venus to try.

Made in the U.S.A. and contain just one single ingredient - beef liver. Nutrition info here. 

For the most part the bag was filled with nice bite-sized pieces for Venus, with a minimal amount of freeze-dried dust that we sprinkled on her food bowl.

As innocent as she looks, she gobbled up these treats like nobody's business! 

Yum! These quickly became a favorite for Venus, and we had to buy more as she's been sticking up her nose at other treats sometimes now too - what a spoiled little girl she is! 

Chewy carries this healthy and yummy bags of treats, as well as more treats and a majority of Primal's food line on their website. You can keep up with current info and sales by following Chewy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also follow Primal Pet Foods on Facebook and Twitter.

Happy Holidays!

Disclaimer: This blog received the product(s) mentioned in this post for the purpose of review and evaluation. This blog is not responsible for prize delivery. No monetary compensation was received for this post. This blog contains affiliate links.

3B Subscription Box #Review ~ Beauty Beyond Borders

Earlier this month one of my favorite bloggers, Tracy at Fanserviced-B, posted about a brand new subscription service whose goal is to "help you discover the most popular Asian beauty products through our curated pouch of deluxe samples each month." 3B (which stands for Beauty Beyond Borders) currently only caters to those with a mailing address in the United States, but I'm hoping for international expansion in the future (if you're outside the US, drop them a line, I'm sure they'd love to know you're interested!). This pouch costs $12 per month, which I think is a reasonable price for a new sub, lining up with Birchbox and Ipsy which cost $10 each month. 3B is also working on bringing a shop to their site to later purchase the full-size of samples you've tried from their pouch.

December was 3B's first month offering a box, and I subscribed as soon as I found out about them. I signed up on December 8th, and my pouch was in my mailbox on December 14th. I imagine this being their first month, they shipped as people ordered - and as next months come they'll ship on a set date. Either way, that's pretty fast service!

I was totally taken aback when I saw this handwritten note in my box. Even being a new subscription, simple sentiments like this mean a lot and really show that a company is interested in the interest of their customer. I like it!

1. Etude House Moistful Collagen Kit (2pcs)
These samples come from a line that I've been looking at for my skincare routine during the winter months. We received the"facial freshener" - which is like a moisturizing toner that can be applied with your hands or a cotton pad - and the "emulsion" - which is a nice thin facial lotion that I love for my oily skin type, because it's almost never too heavy feeling.

Freshener on left - emulsion on right.

Both samples have a light fresh scent that diminishes after application, and they leave my face feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized without adding on any oiliness. I'd definitely buy the full size of these for the harsh winter months.

2. The Face Shop Herb Day Cleansing Wipes
These came in a pack of 20 sheets which I think is a full size. These also have a refreshing scent (I can't quite describe it, but it's not a bad scent!) that doesn't seem to linger. In my opinion, these have the perfect level of moisture - where they're not dripping wet but they're not so dry I have to add water either.

They remove a fair amount of my makeup but they need a little extra help removing my waterproof mascara. Overall not bad!

3. K-Palette 1 Day Magic Liquid Eyeliner
I love eyeliner, and I've heard good things about the brand "K-Palette" so I was very exited to try this out! The tip is very fine but flexible like a brush.

You can see on the "Chic" that I wrote more with the side of the pen, that it's thicker but not as dense as the writing with the tip.

This is quickly becoming my favorite liner. It dries and sets very quickly without smudging.

4. Nature Republic Nail Polish
This is a nice reddish-orange color which I have none of, and I've never tried an Asian brand of nail polish either, so this was super exciting for me as well!

One Coat.

Two coats.

This polish has excellent shine, dries quickly, and looks smooth and beautiful. I feel like I've been missing out all these years, I hope we get to try more nail polish like this in the future!

Overall, this was an awesome first month with 3B, and I highly recommend them. This month was filled with new products I've never tried before, but were easily incorporated into my beauty routine. You can find out more about 3B and sign up by visiting their website.

Disclaimer: The Glitter Chic blog purchased the product(s) mentioned in this post for the purpose of review and evaluation. No monetary compensation was received for this post. This blog contains affiliate links. 

The K-Beauty Beginners Mask Kit #Giveaway #kbeautygiveaway

*This post contains affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking my link.*

Welcome to the K-Beauty Giveaway Blog Hop!

We are a group of bloggers joined together to bring you some of our favorite items found on our ever-growing Asian skincare journey. I hope you enjoy the giveaway I've put together for you in this post, and will visit the additional blogs found in the linky below. 

It took some time for me to decide what I would love to share with you in this giveaway. Since I started my adventre with Memebox, I've been exposed to so many new and innovative Korean beauty items that I would have never found had I stuck to my usual Western skincare brands (sorry Neutrogena, I've met someone else...). My first thought was a some nice snail mucin products, then I remembered how so many people reacted when Memebox first released their Snail box, and realized that even though snail mucin is like a holy grain ingredient for my skin - it doesn't mean it would be a satisfactory prize for all of you! So I landed here....

I've decided on a staple comprised of items I've found through Memeboxes, and personally love: a Korean Beauty Mask Set! This prize consists of the following items featured in this photo:

Ettang Modeling Take-Out Cup Pack:
A cute Asian take-out style box filled with 7 modeling powder cups. Each cup is a different type of modeling pack that might moisturize, control oil, or just calm your face. You add roughly 3 tablespoons of water to the cup, mix it up with the spatula inside, then apply it to your face and neck with the spatula. You let it harden to a rubbery finish, then peel off and toss in the trash. Your skin will be soft, moisturized, and refreshed.

Skineralism Ice Whitening Bubble Pack:
This is a mask packet from the Bubble Pop Cosmetics box that I love. You apply it to your face and let it bubble up for 3 minutes, then rinse. It moisturizes and brightens your skin.

Tosowoong Help Me Neck Patch:
This is a sheet mask for your neck designed to smooth out lines. I received two in the My Mask Box and purchased more after I used the first one. You apply it to your neck, and lay down while it works it's magic for 15-20 minutes, and it smooths out lines and wrinkles. It's also very hydrating.

Brilliant LoveHeart Sparkling Powder envelope set:
This is another love of mine from the Bubble Pop Cosmetics box, but this is more of a rinse than a mask. You fill your basin with 5ml of water (I just filled mine half-way) and add envelope A. Swirl the water a bit then add envelope B and mix until dissolved. The water will carbonate, and you dip your face into the water repeatedly for 3-5 minutes. It sounds tedious, but it's like magic for your pores.

A'Pieu NonCo Tea Tree Spot Patches:
These are actually not from Memebox, but recommended by another blogger in this hop, Fanserviced-B. She put together an amazing post comparing several blemish spot patches, and these were a good choice. I love them!

Skinfood Royal Honey Mask:
This is a sample I received from a generous gal in a package I received, and after I tried the first one, I had to purchase the full size. This is a nice soothing, hydrating, honey based mask that is great for any skin type. Just smooth it on and rest for 10-20 minutes, and rinse off.

Purederm Wrinkle Reducer Gel Patches:
These are another item from the My Mask Box that are amazing for lines and wrinkles, but these are for under the eyes. They brighten the undereye area as well as smooth it out after 30 minutes. You can also leave these on overnight if you wish.

Benton Snail Bee High Content Mask Pack:
These are becoming one of my favorite sheet masks. They are cooling, soothing, acne-reducing, and just plain packed full of goodness for your skin.

Ddung Wash-Off Vitamin Mask Pack:
I tried a similar product from this line a while back and loved how moisturizing (without exacerbating my oiliness) it was. This particular mask came in my Miracle Masks box and I think it is the perfect quick mask pack for this time of year. Spread it on, let it soak in for 10 minutes, then rinse.

Purederm Cucumber Eye Pads:
These also came in my Miracle Masks box, but I tried the orange variety from my Mask Box #4 and they were soothing and brightening. These cucumber ones are supposed to add moisture and be extra soothing for sensitive eyes. Keep in the fridge for extra puffy-eye-reduction.

Meme-Mask:
This, my k-beauty friends, is my current favorite sheet mask. It's a hydro-gel mask that moisturizes any skin type and leaves your skin feeling pretty much perfect after use. I wrote up a whole review here on my blog if you're interested in learning more. I apply the mask and rest for about 20-30 minutes, then remove the two pieces.

These are all items I hope anyone with any skin type would enjoy, and now is your chance to win them!

This giveaway is open worldwide, but please note that if the winner is outside the US, the prize will not ship until January 28th - I am not responsible for prize delivery!

This giveaway is open through January 12th @ 11:59 pm cst, and you may enter using the the Giveaway Tools form below. 

Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Have you tried MemeBox? Get Korea's hottest beauty products delivered right to your door in collaborated boxes packaged in pink! Pick the box you want, whenever you want: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=V35f2DhFZw0&subid=&offerid=364504.1&type=10&tmpid=17362&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.memebox.com%2F

Find current Memebox discounts here: http://bit.ly/ZUZp6r

Already love Memebox? Want to learn or enjoy even more? Join the "Memebox Addicts" Facebook group: http://on.fb.me/1tdBafP

Disclaimer: The Glitter Chic blog purchased the product(s) mentioned in this post for the purpose of review and evaluation. No monetary compensation was received for this post. This blog contains affiliate links. The Glitter Chic is not responsible for prize delivery.

#Memebox "I'm Eyeshadow" & "I'm Blush" Looks ~ Super Pic Heavy!

*This post contains affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking my link.*

I recently swatched my new duo eyeshadows and blushes from Memebox, and I wanted to throw them together on my face so you all could see how they looked! So, here we go!

#01 Sunset "I'm Eyeshadow" & #02 Sheer Pink "I'm Blush"

#01 Sunset: Metallic Pink & Golden Orange

#02 Sheer Pink

 I applied Metallic Pink to my lids, Golden Orange in my crease and under my eyes, and Sheer Pink to my cheeks.

#02 Wonderland "I'm Eyeshadow" & #01 Petal Pink "I'm Blush"

#02 Wonderland: Golden Orange & Perlized Beige

#01 Petal Pink

 I applied Golden Orange to my lids, Perlized Beige to my crease and undereyes, and Petal Pink to my cheeks.

#03 Fallen "I'm Eyeshadow" & #04 Bright Coral "I'm Blush"

#03 Fallen: Warm Ivory & Golden Brown

#04 Bright Coral

I applied Warm Ivory to my lids, Golden Brown to my crease and undereyes, and Bright Coral to my cheeks.

#04 Soul "I'm Eyeshadow" & #03 Rosy Peach "I'm Blush"

#04 Soul: Deep Wine & Wine Brown

#03 Rosy Peach

 I applied Deep Wine to my lids, Wine Brown to my crease and undereyes, and Rosy Peach to my cheeks.

#05 Queen "I'm Eyeshadow" & #03 Rosy Peach "I'm Blush"

#05 Queen: Chocolate Brown & Deep Wine

 With this eyeshadow I used the same blush as with Soul, the Rosy Peach. I applied Chocolate Brown to my lids, Deep Wine to my crease and undereyes, and Rosy Peach to my cheeks.

Any colors you like best?

I'm by no means a professional, but I hope you enjoy the colors as much as I do, anyway!

You can find "I'm Memebox" cosmetics here!

Have you tried MemeBox? Get Korea's hottest beauty products delivered right to your door in collaborated boxes packaged in pink! Pick the box you want, whenever you want: http://bit.ly/17gBGSi

Find current Memebox discounts here: http://bit.ly/ZUZp6r

Already love Memebox? Want to learn or enjoy even more? Join the "Memebox Addicts" Facebook group: http://on.fb.me/1tdBafP

Disclaimer: The Glitter Chic blog purchased the product(s) mentioned in this post for the purpose of review and evaluation. No monetary compensation was received for this post. This blog contains affiliate links.