#Curology Update | 18 Weeks

Hello, 2016! Where did the last year go? We're nearly half way through January of the new year and I figured now would be a good time to finally give another update on how my skin is coping with Curology.

What is Curology?
Due to it's success and growth, Pocketderm has renamed itself as of 9/30/2015 to Curology to represent it's caring, curing, and healing it provides for its' patients. Curology is a tele-dermatology site that allows you to receive a prescription topical cream with three active ingredients to help you with your skin. You simply submit photos of your skin when you sign up, along with any additional information you think your dermatologist should know (and yes, the people helping you really are doctors!) and they review your photos and info to diagnosis your skin issues. Curology will curate a personalized cream for you with three out of the six active ingredients they have to offer for just $19.95 per month. You will automatically receive a new shipment of your prescription every 3 months, but if you need one sooner, you can request one from your provider. Your monthly fee for Curology not only covers your prescription, but also unlimited consultations with your provider. If you sign up using my referral link, you will receive your first month completely free!

In my first post about Curology I showed my face after neglecting it for most of the summer while struggling with depression, and how drastic of a change it made in my face after just 3 days.
My second post about Curology showed a two week update, where I noticed my cystic acne was improving and my scarring and hyper-pigmentation had greatly improved.
My last post about Curology was an eight week update, where I noticed my skin had mostly cleared up and I was only experiencing one or two cysts during my monthly time. At this time I also shared that my script was being changed to include Tretinoin.

I've been using Curology for almost 18 weeks total now, and my current Tretinoin script for 10 weeks.

I was warned by my derm (and the internet) that I would more than likely experience dryness, flaking, and purging. I must say that after two months my skin is still just as oily as ever, but I'm able to manage it with other skincare. My skin is already dehydrated, but I didn't find this dose of tret to be drying. Flakiness? No - I have one tiny spot (smaller than a dime) that peels a little every morning, but it's also an area that I have always gotten irritation, I think it's from my toothpaste and drooling at night. Purging? A little - I stopped using my acids when I started tret, and after a month of adjustment I reincorporated both my aha and bha, and that seemed to give the tret a running start once I applied afterwards, and everything working together seemed to help the remaining problems with my skin purge. My closed comedones have been merging and coming to a head and some cysts have been forming but healing rather quickly. My skin looks a little rough, but the texture is better, and my jawline is really improving.

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 disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Whamisa Organic Fruits & Tomato Fermented Hydrogel [Review]

Whamisa Organic Fruits & Tomato Fermented Hydrogel

33g | Made in Korea

This mask was received as a giveaway prize.

Description: The Whamisa Organic Fruits & Tomato Fermented Hydrogel Facial Mask has been soaked in skin-plumping botanical serum. Drench your face in ultra hydration and nutrition for instantly glowing, clear skin. It works hard and fast to improve skin’s elasticity and firmness. For all skin types. Formulated with 95% organic ingredients, including Tomato, Apple, Licorice and Banana, which are naturally fermented to preserve maximum efficacy. This one of a kind Whamisa sheet mask relies on a blend of fermented fruits and tomato to help rehydrate and calm dry, depleted skin. BDIH Standard Certified. -Glow Recipe

Ingredients: [Cosdna analysis] Water, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Lactobacillus/Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Musa, Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/leaf/stem Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Aniba, Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil

Directions: After cleansing, unfold the mask. Apply the liquid serum in the mask packaging. Then lay the gel sheet mask over your face and press lightly with your fingertips to set it in place. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then peel off. Gently pat any remaining residue into the skin. Discard protective white plastic backing after use.

My skin is oily, dehydrated and acne-prone with hormonal cystic acne from PCOS. It is sensitive to alcohol and propolis.

Performance: The Organic Fruits and Tomato Fermented Hydrogel from Whamisa comes in a plastic package with a peel-back opening. The mask smells like earthy herbs - it's calming and very pleasant. The essence is thick and gel-like, and there is extra in the plastic packaging. You gently pat the extra essence into your skin, then apply the two-piece gel mask over it to allow it to absorb better. This mask felt very cooling and soothing on my skin. I was able to wear it for almost an hour before it felt to thin and dry.

Verdict: This mask felt very cooling against my skin, and it was a very soothing feeling for irritated or tired skin. I felt like this was a mildly hydrating mask, but nothing spectacular. This was a fun mask to try, but not one that I feel merits the price-tag ($9 each) for repurchase.

Purchase:
>Glow Recipe
>Amazon (affiliate)

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 disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

New at Memebox [1/14/16]

Great new for those who like to try before they buy:

Memebox has just released a new sample box!
And there is a cult favorite restock as well!

This post contains affiliate links.

Mini K-beauty Box 2.0: $16

We know how much you loved the previous Mini K-Beaty kits so we’ve lined up another one! K-Beauty is about more than just caring for the skin on your face and this 2.0 version has got you covered from from head to toe. These goodies will renew, revitalize and refresh your skin and hair so you can look ah-mazing on the go- all day, every day.
This box includes:
>Etude House: Moistfull Collagen Skincare Kit | Sample Set 4pcs ($25 value)
>Holika Holika Aloe 92% Soothing Gel | Sample-Size 55ml ($6 value)
>Holika Holika Aloe 99% Shower Gel | Sample-Size 55ml ($6 value)
>Reen Yungo Hair Cleansing Treatment (Treatment + Shampoo) | Sample Packet ($4 value)
>Tonymoly Tomatox Magic Massage Pack | Sample Packet ($1.50 value)
>Tonymoly Panda’s Dream White Hand Cream | Sample Packet ($1.50 value)
>Enprani Moistfull Booskin | Sample Packet ($2 value)

Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream: $22
This is a restock, and it seems to be loved by many!
A multifunctional skincare cream that embraces natural oriental beauty by giving you fair, soft and youthful skin. Infused with premium natural ingredients including Korean ginseng and orchid extract, this cream is rich in high quality nutrients beneficial to the skin’s improvement. It provides proper moisture to keep the skin beautifully glowy all throughout the day while also balancing melanin production to enhance complexion. This also serves as an excellent anti-aging cream as it effectively firms and improves elasticity of the skin to diminish appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Try coupon code "NEWYEAR2016" for 10% off ~ orders must be above $30 after coupons for free shipping (one time use per account).
New customers may save 20% on your first order using [this link].

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 disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Elizavecca Milky Piggy CF-Nest Collagen Jella Mask Pack [Review]

Elizavecca Milky Piggy CF-Nest Collagen Jella Mask Pack
80ml | Made in Korea
This product was sent to me for review.

 

Description: The combination of collagen and swiftlet nest extract works to lift, moisturize and plump the skin with a gentle peeling-effect mask.

Ingredients: [Cosdna analysis]

Directions: Apply an even layer to clean skin. Allow to dry for ~30 minutes, until it's like an elastic film. Start to peel gently from one end, peel the edges toward the middle of your face - try to peel the mask off in one piece.

My Skin: oily, dehydrated, acne-prone, hormonal cystic acne, sensitive to alcohol, mild anti-aging concerns.

Performance: The CF-Nest Collagen Jella Mask Pack from Elizavecca comes packaged in a tube, and you squeeze out the product through the cap at the base. It has a very light mild scent that disappears not long after application. It's sticky in texture, and I find that this mask is easiest applied with a flat foundation brush to get even application. It feels nice when applied, and it doesn't tighten as it dries or cause any drying or discomfort. I find that it takes about 30 minutes for the mask to fully dry to be peeled off. 

#elizavecca #milkypiggy cf-nest collagen Jella pack mask @elizavecca_ #theglitterchic #beautyblogger #bblogger #bbloggers #skincareblogger #kbeauty #koreanbeauty #koreanskincare #rasianbeauty #abblogger #abbloggers #kbeautyblogger #kbeautybloggers #koreancosmetics #koreanskincare #asianskincare #mymaskstash

A video posted by Samantha (@samantha_blogs) on Jan 4, 2016 at 8:08pm PST

Verdict: When removed, this mask makes my skin look brighter and clearer, and feel softer and more hydrated. The peeling effect gently removes dead skin cells and gently exfoliates as well. This is a great mask for any skin type!

Available on:
>eBay
>Elizavecca
>We Make Price

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 disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

New at Memebox [1/12/16]

Acwell, Gram, and Meme ~ Oh My!

Here are the new additions for today!

Links in this post are affiliate links.

Acwell 5.5 Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser: $20
My review.
A cleanser that thoroughly eliminates skin impurities while maintaining the skin’s pH level proper and balanced. This results to a well-hydrated skin which means there are no worries about dryness or excessive sebum production. This cleanser has a very gentle formula which perfectly treats all types of skin, including sensitive skin, with intensive care. It contains 7 different types of antioxidants extracted from organic herbs including centella asiatica.

Acwell 5.5 Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner: $17
I don't have a review, but this is my current toner, and I do love it! It's very gentle and soothing.
A mild cleansing toner that purifies the skin while also maintaining its pH levels balanced. This toner is enriched with licorice water which boosts up the skin’s moisture and nourishment. This results to soft and smooth skin. Along with licorice water, it also contains licorice root and peony extracts which work effectively together in brightening the skin.

Gram Ban Ban Pack: $24
A unique, multi-purpose face pack that delivers special care for both your T-zone and U-zone. T-zone Pore Pack (Green) - this pack contains a rich blend of exceptional skincare ingredients including volcanic ash clay, green tea extract, lemon balm and applemint extract. It balances out the moisture levels of the skin and controls sebum on the T-zone area which is more prone to excessive oil production. This also eliminates impurities to keep the skin clear and healthy. U-zone Moisturizing Pack (Orange) - this pack contains premium pumpkin extract and sweet almond oil that effectively tightens pores and leaves the skin silky smooth. This contains rich source of nutrients and moisture that helps the U-zone look radiant and youthful.

Memebox I'm Dual Mascara: $7.50
Available in "Ink Black" and "Sepia Brown"
Never worry about spider lashes again. Get that natural lash-extension effect everyday with our dual-ended mascara featuring 4mm fiber content. I'm Dual Mascara combs through your lashes as you apply to separate and coat each individual lash without clumping.
>3-Wands-in-1: 1) Curved side of upper lash brush separates, curls, and lengthens. 2) Flat side of upper brush helps fix the curl. 3) Skinny lower lash brush coats every strand of shorter lower lashes.
>Clump-free, lash extension effect with average length of 4mm fiber content.
>Aqua-Fixer formula prevents smudging.
>Easy removal with warm water.
>Formulated with black food (black beans and blackberry) extract to fortify the lashes

Try coupon code "NEWYEAR2016" for 10% off ~ orders must be above $30 after coupons for free shipping.
New customers may save 20% on your first order using [this link].

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 disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.