Shara Shara Box #Memebox #Unboxing

Shara Shara is a brand that was fairly common in ye ol' days of Memebox, but since US shipping started happening from their US warehouse, I don't think I've seen this fun brand pop up at all - until now, that is. Memebox just reintroduced Shara Shara to the Memeshop, and with it came a Shara Shara branded box! Among the five full size items in the box there was one of their new "Bomb" ampoules - one of either Honey or Berry - and at a retail value of $30 (with a box cost of $32) this box was a steal!

front of info card

back of info card

 Honey Bomb All in One Ampoule $30/250ml
This unique ampoule is a 3-in-1 treatment that can be used in place of a toner, serum, and moisturizer. This suits all skin types as it is fortified with 3 types of honey - manuka honey, royal jelly, and propolis extract. With continued use, skin texture is improved, fine lines are visibly minimized and skin tone is even and luminous.
Directions: On a cleansed face using the included spatula, apply a small scoop of the ampoule onto face in place of a toner, serum, and moisturizer. Then using your fingertips, gently massage the product into your skin in up and outward circular motions. Gently pat the skin until the product is fully absorbed into the skin. Apply a thicker later and use it as a sleeping pack.
Like I mentioned above, there were two possible choices to be received in this box, either Honey or Berry - and I received Honey. I would have been happy with either choice - so I was just excited to finally try this product out. 250ml is a lot of product, so I actually decanted some into a smaller container to avoid any potential contamination or spills. This ampoule smells sweet, has a light gel texture, and absorbs easily into my oily skin. This ampoule is very hydrating, and at first I loved it. But over time I found that it did unfortunately break me out =(

 You can view the cosdna analysis of this products' ingredients here. (submitted by biancardi)

Water Girl's Ice Cream $18/50ml
A refreshing & soothing facial moisturizer in a gel-cream texture that penetrates rapidly into the skin. Contains Alaskan Glacier Water & Panthenol to intensely hydrate skin, and blended with hyaluronic acid to seal in moisture. This cream delivers nutrients instantly while soothing & relaxing skin for a calmer, softer, radiant complexion. 
Directions: Use as the last step in your nighttime skincare routine. Spread onto face and apply in up and outward motions, massaging the product into the skin. Rub hands together to heat up the product and softly place on face for even better absorption. 
This product has a very fresh and cool scent to it. It is instantly cooling to the face, and makes the skin feel plump and hydrated. I've only tried it a few times so far, but it feels nice on the skin and has not caused breakouts so far.

 You can view the cosdna analysis of this products' ingredients here. (submitted by biancardi)

Berry Berry Waterful Cleansing Sherbert $16/75ml
This cleansing sherbert melts onto the skin to remove sebum and impurities for the ultimate cleanse. 
Directions: Scoop out desired amount and massage in small circular up and outward motions until sherbert is full dissolved. Thoroughly wash off with a foam cleanser.
I received this product back in February in a different Memebox and loved it. It reminds me of the Banila Co Clean It Zero, except this smells like berry heaven. This is great makeup removing cleanser and I am so happy to have it in my stash again.

 You can view the cosdna analysis of this products' ingredients here.

Black Source Eye Sunglasses $3
Restore tired eyes with this eye mask that takes dull eyes to bright and energetic! The sunglass shape covers the most important part of the eyes for optimal nourishment.
Directions: Spread mask onto face, fold flaps over closed eyes, and leave for 10-20 minutes. After removing the mask, pat in remaining essence around the eye area using your ring finger.
I love masks - and eye masks are actually one thing I don't usually have a large stock of, so I was excited to try this! However, I am allergic to alcohol, so I'm not sure I'll be risking trying this or not.

 You can view the cosdna analysis of this products' ingredients here. (submitted by biancardi)

Kissing Sugar Lip Scrub $8/10g
This is a natural scrub made with sugar grain and walnut peel powder to gently scrub away dead skin cells to create soft lips. Contains honey extract and shea butter that offer enriched nourishment to lips and vitamin E for full moisture.
Directions: Apply a small amount of scrub onto dry lips and around the mouth area, massage in small circular motions. Wash off with foam cleanser and water.
It's been a long time since I bothered trying to scrub my lips - I find them to be ineffective most of the time so I just rely on lips masks to keep my lips hydrated and smooth instead. This scrub, however, smells very sweet and delicious, and is more hydrating that rough. I use this to gently massage my lips and loosen up dead skin, then apply a little thicker layer as a mask and wash away after 5 minutes. My lips have been much more hydrated and plumper after use as well. I wouldn't repurchase this, personally, but I'll definitely use this cute little tin up!

You can view the cosdna analysis of this products' ingredients here. (submitted by biancardi)

This Shara Shara Box cost $32 (free shipping at $30 - so that was not an additional cost), and I used a promo code to purchase so I paid roughly $26. I could not be happier with the contents of this box, or how well they work for me. This box is definitely a winner for me! Keep 'em comin' Memebox!

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

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 and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using one of those 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.

August Masks Box #Memebox #Unboxing

I have to admit, I took a ling break from Memeboxes because since they stopped shipping internationally, the box values have been lower but the box prices have been higher. I still order most of my skincare products from Memebox, but the boxes leave me missing the "old" Memebox - no matter how enticing they look online. Until, that is, I saw the August Mask Box.

front of the info card

back of the info card

the contents of the box - 7 sheet masks, and look how amazing these brands look!

Petitfee: Gold & EGF Gel Mask Pack ($7 x2)

Offer your skin a luxurious treat with this Petitfee Gel Mask. This sheet mask delivers spa-like results without the need of ever leaving your home! Formulated with nutritious ingredients like green tea, ginseng and caviar extracts to deliver outstanding results and nourishment. 

Directions: After cleansing and toning, carefully apply the sheet mask. Leave on for 30-40 minutes and remove. Pat remaining essence for better absorption.

There are two of these masks in this box, and the packaging is really pretty! I was very excited to try these masks out, and they unfortunately not an immediate love of mine. The gel these masks are made of is very thick and kind of hard. It was difficult to get it to form to my face, and it really didn't until about 10 minutes in when the gel had warmed to my skin and started to absorb. This mask also felt pretty dry, it absorbed well enough and my face felt plump afterwards, but there was no essence on the gel or in the package either.

You can view the Cosdna analysis of this products' ingredients here. (submitted by biancardi)

PhytoTree: All Day Cheese Essence Mask ($2)
Cheese for your face! We're not kidding - a sheet mask with cheese protein derivatives (whey) to give your skin an extra boost. Whey protein can protect your skin from harmful external pollutants and can act as a mild exfoliant because it contains AHAs. 
Directions: After cleansing and toning, carefully apply the sheet mask. Leave on for 30-40 minutes and remove. Pat remaining essence for better absorption.
This mask looks so fun! I am mildly lactose intolerant, so I'm not sure if that means anything with ingredients applies topically or if they're just ingested. I'll need to research a bit before using this. But I have to say, I love the cheese-shaped packaging!
You can view the cosdna analysis of this products' ingredients here. (submitted by biancardi)

Botanic Farm: Polar Energy Hydrogel Mask Pack Camel Milk ($5)
This hydrogel mask is specifically designed to supply the skin with rich nutrients and then seal them in. The primary active ingredient in Camel Milk Extract (1,000ppm), which is rich in anti-aging ingredients. This mask prevents the development of wrinkles and fine lines by keeping skin firm and supple, and by balancing moisture levels for an all-day radiant and healthy look. 
Directions: After washing and toning, carefully remove the mask from its packaging. Gently place the mask onto your face and leave it for 20-40 minutes. Afterwards, warm palms by gently rubbing them together and wrap your hands around your face to allow for better absorption. 
I've been obsessing over Donkey's Milk masks lately, so this Camel's Milk mask literally made me squeal. The sun has really done a number on my skin this summer, so anything with super-powered anti-aging benefits it on the top of my "to try" list.
You can view the cosdna analysis of this products' ingredients here, (submitted by biancardi)

TonyMoly: Earth Beauty Kelp Mask ($6)
This sheet mask is made of real sea kelp and soaked in a moisturizing, elasticity boosting essence to reveal beautiful skin. The sea kelp acts as a magnet that attracts harmful bacteria and pollutants to detox the skin, while the essence is rich in minerals and active ingredients that will boost the skin's collagen production so skin can remain youthful. 
Directions: After cleansing and toning, carefully apply the sheet mask. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and remove. Pat remaining essence for better absorption. 
I've been dying to try these Earth Beauty masks, and the kelp looked so intriguing. I'm ashamed to admit that I actually won one of these a while back but still have not gotten around to trying it. It's been so hot here, and my skin has been so oily that I've been saving the more moisturizing masks in my stash for some cooler, drier weather.
You can view the cosdna analysis of this products' ingredients here. (submitted by biancardi)

Goodal: Daffodil Moisture Mask ($3)
This moisture recharging mask delivers a surge of moisture to dry, barren skin. It's formulated with daffodil, green tea extracts, and skin clarifying rosemary extracts to moisturize and soothe dry, uncomfortable skin. 
Directions: After cleansing and toning, carefully apply the sheet mask. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and remove. Pat in remaining essence for better absorption. 
I've savoring this mask for some cold and dry weather too, but I noticed the ingredients list also contains tea tree which is good for breakouts, so I'm torn between saving or using now while I'm breaking out. Either way, this mask looks great!

You can view the cosdna analysis of this products' ingredients here. (submitted by biancardi)

Goodal: Watery Blue Flower Calming Mask ($3)
This mask eliminates skin problems with the gentle, nourishing effect of water-blue flowers. Argan oil, which is gentle on the skin, makes skin moisturized and radiant, preventing the evaporation of moisture from skin by forming a film over skin. The green herb complex (green tea, tea tree, rosemary) intensely moisturizes skin and the sheet is LOHAS-certified 100% pure cotton fabric.
Directions: After cleansing and toning, carefully apply the sheet mask. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and remove. Pat in remaining essence for better absorption.
I feel the same about this mask as I do about the other Goodal mask - that it could probably be used in a transitional season time, when it starts cooling down and I'm still oily. I think the argan oil in this mask will be too heavy for me during the summer, but with the tea tree oil I'd rather use this before my face is too dry in the winter.

You can view the cosdna analysis of this products' ingredients here. (submitted by biancardi)

This box cost $15 (shipping not included).
My first impression of the box as a whole is that I am curious why this is an August Mask Box. Memebox, being in the US, and in California of all places, should know how hot and gross the weather is right now. Not saying that folks with dry skin shouldn't be getting some sheet mask love in the summer, but I'm just surprised this box didn't contain anything with fun cooling ingredients. I'll definitely use all these masks (except possibly the cheese mask, but I may just try it anyway for the experience), but some I may be trying later than others.

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

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 and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using one of those 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.

Skin Update #1

A little over a week ago I decided to finally share a snipet of my story with depression, but also how the way it's affected me lately has really taken a toll on how I cared for myself (or the lack of which...). I know this update seems premature, but the photos in that post are three weeks old, so I thought I would share how things are progressing.

My original pictures can be found in my Starting Over [With Skincare] post as a "Before" reference.

Today:

I have more scarring, but less active acne.

My blackheads are surfacing, and my hyperpigmentation is lightening.

My acne on my forehead has cleared up, and I just have minimal PIH.
You can see how dramatically my right side has cleared up, and how much better my left side looks as well -
I just have one larger pimple that is going down.

My skin has been going through a drastic purging stage lately. It's clearing up now, but all the gunk I allowed to clog my pores has been surfacing in the form of acne and blackheads. The acne is mostly cleared up at this point, but the blackheads are still working out of my pores. It is both disgusting and satisfying to see everyone come out of my face.

Does anyone else think my skin is starting to improve, or am I just trying too hard to be hopeful?

Disclaimer: 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 and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using one of those 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.

It's Skin Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Cream #Review

It's not too often that I feel compelled to revisit a product on my blog. Most reviews I've done here are of products I've received in subscription boxes, where I write up a brief review of my thoughts in the short time I've used something, or a mask of some kind. In this case, I decided to bring up a product I received in the "Winter Skin Revival" Memebox back in February - which is the Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Cream from It's Skin.

I'm not one who commits to a moisturizer easily - I prefer to shop around and try new ones every chance I get because, lets face it, if it's not working out, why not try something new, am I right? Moisturizer and my oily acne-ridden have never gotten along. I briefly found pure argan oil to work well overnight, but after a while even that stopped "doing it" for me and I stopped using it completely.

When I first started using this Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Cream I admittedly felt a bit underwhelmed by it, but continued to use it because it didn't seem to break me out. That's an instant win right there as far as my relationship with moisturizers go. Since I cracked this jar open I've gotten a few other moisturizers and sleeping packs that I wanted to try, but the story with those was the same - I used them a few times and simply didn't like how they worked with my skin, and I'd return to the HAMC. It was roughly six months of using this cream on a semi-regular basis before I realized I'd nearly finished the entire jar.

So what is it exactly that I like about the It's Skin Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Cream?
I Like That It...                                          I Don't Like That It...

...absorbs quickly.                                     ...has a perfume scent to it.

...feels light on my skin.                           ...comes in a jar container.

...doesn't break me out.

...provides light but lasting moisture.

I also like that the ingredients list doesn't have anything too terrible as far as acne triggers or skin irritants, as far as the information I received when I plugged the list into CosDNA (a site designed to analyze product ingredients and give you an idea of what ingredients may cause potential harm to your skin, and what the ingredients contribute to the product itself). 

Dimethicone (a silicone-based moisturizer) comes up as a 1 out of 5 for a potential cause of acne, and Triethanol Amine (a pH adjuster) comes up as a 2 out of 5 - both fairly low. Carbomer (allows the oil and water components of this product to mix) comes up as a 1 out of 5 as a potential sensitive skin irritant, and is far enough down on the list where I don't see this being an issue unless someone knows they are sensitive to this.

image borrowed from ebay seller cosmeticmarket2012

*you can view the cosdna analysis of this products' ingredients here*

This is a great moisturizer that would work for any skin type. You can find the same 50ml jar at Memebox (if you live in the US) for $14. Or you can find it on TesterKorea for ~8,640won.
Find current Memebox discounts here: http://bit.ly/ZUZp6r

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 and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using one of those 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.

Natural AHA Peeling Giant Cotton Swab from Lucy Beauty Market #Cupidrop #Review

In one of my recent blog posts I shared with you all how much I've neglected my skin this summer, but rest assured I'm making a come-back! One of the biggest steps I'm taking right now is finding good "actives" to purge all the grime I've let build up in my skin, and help speed up my skins' turnover to fade dark spots and scarring. Cupidrop recently sent me a couple products to try out, and one of them was an acid!

Who/What is Cupidrop?
Cupidrop is an online Asian beauty retailer based in New York City, offering products from Korea and Japan to help with most any beauty solution to fit your needs. They offer products that fit the latest trends and innovations of the Eastern beauty realm, which is what really made them stand out to me. They offer free US shipping on orders over $50, and currently are offering 10% off your order of $30 or more with code 'HOTSUMMER'.

Today I'm going to share with you the first of two products Cupidrop sent to me, which is the Miss Wang Peeling Bong swabs from Lucy Beauty Market. Cupidrop names them the Natural AHA Peeling Giant Cotton Swab on their website, because personally, if I saw Miss Wang Peeling Bong, I wouldn't know what to think. So - now that we've established what these things are for, lets look a little closer at them!

These swabs (despite the translated name) contain both AHA and BHA. They do contain both lactic and glycolic acid, but they also contain manuka honey as well as many plant and fruit extracts.

Ingredients:
Purified water, lactic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Citrate, Citric acid, Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Kiwi Extract, Honey Extract, Blackcurrant Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexandediol, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Western Dandelion Leaf Extract, Evening Promise Seed Extract, Western Canola Sprout Extract, Rose Mallow Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol
*CosDNA analysis*

The swabs come individually packaged in a foil envelope. This may seem impractical for daily use, but these are very handy when traveling. These are definitely a new favorite when I'm staying the semi with the hubby. They are very easy to use; just tear the packet open, remove the pre-soaked swab, and gently swipe across your face and neck after cleansing and toning. The swab is essentially an oversized, single ended cotton swab with a plastic wand. I give my face and neck a once-over, but go back and rub the solution onto my nose and chin a few extra times since they are my real problem areas. Afterwards I simply just toss it in the trash.

Even after washing my face, I can see all the extra grime these swabs are picking up and cutting through on my face. After use I allow the acids to go to work by letting them sit for 15 minutes before continuing with my skincare routine. But I can tell my face is smoother and looking brighter after each use. With a pH of 2~3, these swabs really do a nice job of exfoliating.

Overall, I think the Miss Wang Peeling Bong cotton swabs are a very easy way to exfoliate your face - whether you're looking for an occasional at-home treatment or for an option while traveling. You can find these peeling swabs on Cupidrop.com for $2 each.

Connect with Cupidrop: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram & Pinterest.

Disclaimer: The Glitter Chic blog 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 and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using one of those 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.

Freeset Donkey Milk Sheet Mask Trio #Giveaway #Kbeauty

Donkey Milk has been all the rage in the Asian beauty world lately, and I've gotten myself hooked on these Donkey Milk sheet masks from Freeset. Donkey Milk is rich in Vitamins B3, B5, B6, C, E & bio-polymers to hydrate, brighten, and heal your skin. While I haven't gotten any formal reviews posted here on the blog yet, I'm just itching to share the opportunity to share these masks with you. I've been stocking up all these three masks from Memebox; Aqua, Whitening, & Healing - and am offering one of each to one lucky fan of The Glitter Chic. Just check out the entry form at the bottom of this post.

• This giveaway to open to anyone in the world where USPS will ship to. 
• The Glitter Chic is not responsible for prize delivery - once shipped, the package is out of my control.
• The Glitter Chic will pay for for shipping of the prize, but the winner is responsible for any customs charges or import duties that may be implemented by their country. 
• The Glitter Chic is not responsible for adverse reactions to product(s) or ingredient(s) in prize.
• Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
• Please, if you would, share a photo of your prize to my Facebook page once received =) 
• Giveaway ends September 31st at 11:59pm cst.

Entry-Form

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 and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using one of those 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.

Starting Over [With Skincare] & A Peek Into What's Been Going On In MyPersonal Life

I'm sure there are others out there facing the same problem as I am, but we all re-vamp bits and pieces of our skincare routine at one point or another. We try a new product in place of an old one, we add a step, we take one away.

I've mentioned in posts over the past few weeks that I recently had a bad run-in with my depression. I was stuck on the thought that I just wasn't good enough to be a part of this world, and with the help of my online friends (most of you are even reading this blog - the amazing girls from Instagram and the "Memebox Addicts" Facebook group) and the fear of what would happen to my son if I took my own life, I was able to coax myself back into reality. It was a long month that I went on feeling like this - I barely slept or ate, and I certainly didn't care about myself or my skin. For a whole month I went as far as only rinsing my face with water when I took a shower - there was no routine, there wasn't even a face wash - I just didn't have it in me anymore.

I was blessed to have a few friends send me care packages to help me feel better, and to help me jump back into caring for my skin when I reached out for something easy to start with again. I have a "mask stash" again, that you've all been seeing in my weekly post (that has really helped keep me occupied lately too). I've also been blessed with a rather large package of exciting skincare products to try.

So what does that have to do with this post? Well, as I get back into finding a new skincare routine, I plan to start documenting my skin on my blog. My skin has taken a real beating, and it shows. The sun has been my biggest enemy, and my acne was on a rampage not too long ago as well.

My skin is still suffering from breakouts, but as my skin slowly gets better, I hope to publish a new post at least once a month with photos of my skin for comparison, along with documentation of the products I've been trying out.

For the record, this was me on my wedding day on 2/2/2015, with a light bb cushion and some eye/lip makeup:

Below are pictures of my face taken on 8/7/2015, where you will see sunburn, dark spots, cyctic acne, whiteheads, blackheads, scarring, and PIH.

I hope you'll stick around and follow my footsteps in this new journey, while I try to get my face back to how it used to be <3

Disclaimer: 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 and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using one of those 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.