Skin Care Reviews: Jumiso Skin Brightening and Well-Aging Bundle

{PR gift}

I have found my skin to be a bit dull and dry the past few weeks. Perhaps due to not enough water intake, physical activity, or just because I'm getting older. I was fortunate enough to receive this skin care bundle to test from Jumiso and StyleKorean. I've had almost a month to test out the products and I was quite satisfied with the results. 

Let's start of with the Jumiso Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence. This product claims to be non-comedogenic and aims to improve skin texture without clogging pores. This also claims to soothe sun-damaged skin. 

 

Ingredients:

95% Snail Mucin which moisturises and leaves skin plump and firm

5-Peptides for collagen production and well-aging

Adenosine, Allantoin, & Panthenol that hydrate and soothe the skin.

User Experience: True to their claims, this essence did not break me out. Most of all, I have  some improvement on my skin texture. As someone with textured skin and an oily, acne-prone skin type, this essence sounds promising with long-term use. This does not feel too slimy, unlike it's counterparts from other brands. It is absorbed after about 5 seconds of massaging on to the skin and leaves the skin feeling more firm and plump.

Directions for Use: Apply the essence as the last stage of skin care. Use a suitable amount and gently tap on to the skin.

Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This serum is a hydration booster. Claims to be hypoallergenic. Contains both high and low molecular weight HA to instantly hydrate skin.

Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, D-Panthenol, and Ceramides

User Experience: The serum is very lightweight, it almost feels like water on the skin. Easily absorbed and gives instant hydrating results. I've had no adverse reactions to this serum, nor has it broken me out.

Directions for Use: Apply to face after the toner step. Pat gently until absorbed. Can be used twice daily.

Jumiso All Day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing serum

This serum aims to reduce dullness and hyperpigmentation. The main ingredient is 86.14% Vitamin Tree extract, which claims to brighten skin.

User Experience: I found it cooling on the skin and has no artificial nor heavy scents. My skin just drinks it up as it applies just a tad thicker than water. This is non-irritating and the cooling sensation makes it a treat to use.

Directions for Use: Apply 3-4 drops twice a day after cleansing.

Jumiso All  Day Vitamin Pure C 5.5

Ingredients: Contains 5.5 % Pure Vitamin C, the moist powerful antioxidant for brightening, and 2.0% AA2G which boosts the Vitamin C and fades dark spots more efficiently. This product also contains:

Alpha Arbutin which evens out the skin tone

Ferulic acid that boosts antioxidant properties

Tocopherol strengthens the skin barrier

Aronia Extract which is rich with antioxidants and reduces skin sensitivity

User experience: Does not sting nor feels hot on the skin when applied, unlike other Vitamin C products I've tried. It is free from artificial fragrance, the only scent I detected was that citrusy Vitamin C smell. 

Directions for use: Apply 3-4 drops on the skin after cleanser and toner. Follow with moisturiser and sunscreen. Do a patch test for first-time users and for those with sensitive/ reactive skin.

In my opinion, these are not outstanding nor groundbreaking products. However, they deliver on their claims. Give them time to take effect and you will see results.

Available at StyleKorean.com

#StyleKorean #Jumiso #Kbeauty #kskincare #skincare #wellaging #brightening

Skin Care review: Dr. Ceuracle Pure VC Mellight Set

 

{ Disclaimer: I received these products for free from Picky and Dr. Ceuracle in exchange for my honest review.}

The Dr. Ceuracle Pure VC Mellight Set targets brightening and hyperpigmentation with Vitamin C as the active ingredient.  The set I received has 3 products: the boosting essence, cream, and ampoule.

The Pure VC Mellight Boosting Essence (145 mL/ 4.90 fl.oz.) comes in a bubble foam form. A pump dispenses the foam. It is very light and gets quickly absorbed by the skin. It is recommended to use 1-2 pumps after facial cleansing, then pat gently until absorbed.

The Pure VC Mellight Ampoule (8 mL/ 0.27 fl.oz) comes in a package of 4 ampoules. The consistency is akin to water, and thus absorbs quite easily. It is strongly recommended to use 1 ampoule per week. The ampoule is delivered with a glass dropper. The formula is light- and temperature-sensitive, so it is best to use it at night and to refrigerate the opened ampoule. The ampoule is to be used after the essence and before the cream.

The Pure VC Mellight Cream (20 mL/ 0.67 fl. oz.) is a cream that you can apply on targeted areas due to the nozzle applicator. It is not a heavy texture and glides easily on the skin. I would recommend to use the cream after the ampoule.

My thoughts:

All the products in the set did not irritate my skin nor cause me any breakouts. There was no stinging sensation with application on any of the products. I followed the directions for use and storage, and religiously use sunscreen to for optimal effect. I have noticed a very slight citrus scent on all the products, which is expected as the active ingredient is Vitamin C. It has been easy to incorporate them into my current skin care routine.

Packaging: All the products are in dark packaging to prevent the destruction of Vitamin C. The product description and instructions are easy to understand. Except for the essence, there are no specific instructions as to when to use them in your skin care routine. I hope that next time, companies provide instructions for use and when to use the product.

Ease of use: I found it very easy to use all the products as the packaging and the form they come in are very convenient. The foam essence is especially fun to use.

These products need long-term and consistent use to see the effects on hyperpigmentation. I do agree that they have helped brighten my complexion though. 

#pickyreview

#gopicky

#drceuraclepicky

Starting Over in 2023

 Hello there! It's been 7 years since my last post! Fair dinkum!!! My bub is now a 7 year old and our 2 other kids have joined the family here in Australia in 2016. We have moved twice and now live in a coastal town in regional New South Wales. We lived in a rural country town in Central Queensland back in 2015. We have lived in this beautiful town 4 hours north of Sydney for 4 years now. We are absolutely enjoying the breath-taking vistas and outdoor life, as well as the perks of living in a small town.

I've now been working as a registered nurse for 7 years in Australia. I used to work in general practice, have moved to work in 3 aged care facilities, and am now currently thriving working in rehabilitation in a private hospital. I have now reduced my working hours to 8 days per fortnight, instead of 10 days so I have time to rest and pursue my varied interests. I have discovered K-drama in 2018 and have not looked back. I got into K-Pop (BTS primarily) at around 2020 and am living my best life. My passion for books and makeup still burns hot, now extending to Webtoons and skin care. I now opened Instagram and Tiktok accounts reviewing skin care and makeup products and reviewing books so my impulsive buying can serve a purpose 😂😂😂. I have decided to start blogging again and be more consistent updating my socials and this blog. 

My husband and I have discovered a love for cooking and movies. He does most of the cooking and have only learned to cook since moving to Australia. We have always loved watching movies and series, so have subscribed to Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. These two interests combined have contributed to our massive weight gain 😆😆. But we are happy. 💓

At this time, I'm now 38 years old. I have 3 kids and am married for 13 years (no need to gush about how wonderful my partner is, the fact that we're still together after almost 20 years says it all). We've been a single-income household for 6 years. Since our youngest started school, my partner had started working, so we can now be a bit flexible with our budget. I'm at a stage now where I've bought most most of what I wanted. Now upgrading our appliances, buying better quality, saving for a house, and being more efficient with our finances.

This blog will mostly be a reflection of that journey. Sprinkles of product reviews and recommendations, food recipes, photos of life in this paradise we call home, and just keeping up with our family. 

John Holland Park, Forster

Tuncurry Rockpool

9 mile Beach, Tuncurry

This little pocket of forest in our neighboorhood

Nutri Ninja Slim Review

I bought the Nutri Ninja Slim upon the recommendation of one of my friends. She has lost a lot of weight from making fruit and yogurt smoothies instead of eating full rice-and-viand meals. I was keen on losing my pregnancy weight gain fast and in a healthy way, without having to resort to weight loss pills. What I heard from her was positive.

The Nutri Ninja Slim was reasonably priced and easily accessible-- AUD $69 at Woolworth's. I am very pleased at how powerful the motor was for such a small machine. It can crush ice like nothing. Fruits-- from frozen bananas, nuts, berries, avocados-- to leafy greens are blended easily. Breakfasts are ready within 5 minutes! Just dump a few ice cubes in, some milk or yogurt, and your favorite fruit or greens. Pop the lid on and press to pulse. After it is blended to your satisfaction, just change the lid to one with the sipper and you're good to go.

The Nutri Ninja Slim has a 700W motor, so it crushes very, very efficiently. I am not a healthy eater. I have the palate of a toddler and I don't eat vegetables if I can get away with it. The way the Nutri Ninja crushes and blends them makes it very easy for me to get my nutritional needs just my sipping them! It saves me from having to chew and having to taste them bitter greens. Hahaha. As I said, toddler's palate.

Eating my greens this way also ensures I ingest the fibre as well, which are excellent for digestion. And ultimately, aids in weight loss.


Below is how I make a green smoothie:
1. Ice + fresh bananas + greens (I don't forget the name--not my favorite things)

 

2. After 

I love how they are sized in single servings. I make just enough for myself and Jeno (if he wants it).

The Nutri Ninja Slim is ergonomically designed. There are no buttons to press. Simply pop the lid with the blades on, align the ridges, and press to pulse.

Clean up is extremely easy. As soon as you finish, just pass it under the tap. No need to soap unless you used something that doesn't easily wash off with water.

I also use it as a food processor to crush nuts, graham crackers, and Oreos.

Being the naughty eater that I am, I mostly use it to make CHOCOLATE SHAKES! Just a scoop or two (or three!) of chocolate ice cream and some milk and voila!

The Nutri Ninja Slim is one of my most used kitchen appliances. I am very happy that  I listened to my friend. Even though I may have gained more weight than I lost, it's okay. The chocolate high is worth it. :)

Beauty review: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Micellar cleansing waters are a lazy girl's best friend. Originating from France, these are revolutionary in that they are gentle, no-rinse cleansers that leave the skin nourished and hydrated. Models, makeup artists, party girls, and makeup enthusiasts swear by them. 

Bioderma (the brand that pixiwoo and Charlotte Tilbury use), started the trend. However, at $30 AUD (PHP 990) for a 250 mL bottle, it is hardly budget-friendly.

Enter Garnier's Micellar Cleansing Water. At $13 AUD (PHP 429) for the 400 mL bottle, it is the most cost-effective option. Here is a picture of the one I have:

With makeup: 

After using Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Cotton pad used

Verdict: I love the no-rinse formulation. I won't have to worry about sleeping without washing my face. 

You can grab one for Php 340 at LoveLondon  Online Boutique.  https://m.facebook.com/LoveLondonOnline. 

Shadow of Night (Book 2 of The All Souls Trilogy)by Deborah Harkness

“A reluctant witch. A 1500-year-old vampire. A mysterious manuscript known as Ashmole 782. The story begins with a discovery of witches...”  (www.deborahharkness.com)

 Copyright (C) Deborah Harkness

Diana Bishop and her handsome vampire Matthew Clairmont successfully time-walked into Elizabethan England to find her a mentor and to escape threats to her life. They also seek the manuscript in its original form, before the missing pages turned the book into a rambling tumble of nonsense. 

Diana and Matthew are plunged into the chaos of Elizabethan England, and into the company of the enigmatic School of Night.  She meets the daemons, Christopher Marlowe (yes, the playwright Christopher Marlowe) and Thomas Harriot (mathematician and astrologer), Sir Walter Raleigh, and Henry Percy, the Wizard Earl. To complicate matters, Kit (aka Christopher Marlowe) is insanely in love with Matthew and Diana stands out like a sore thumb, despite being a historian. And the most complicated thing is that witches and vampires are prohibited to fall in love, according to rules of the Congregation. They also meet a whole host of interesting characters such as Mary Sidney, Doctor John Dee, Queen Elizabeth I, and King Rudolf II of Bohemia (who had a disastrous infatuation with Diana). 

As they try to trace the origins of Ashmole 782, they need to go back to Matthew’s past as well. For the 14^th century Matthew Clairmont is not the cultured, learned geneticist that he is of the 21^st century. He was the spy, Matthew Roydon, and Matthew de Clermont, distinguished member of one of the oldest vampire clans in the world, grand master of the Knights of Lazarus, and one of the vampires seated at the Congregation in the 1500s. We also meet members of Matthew's family and discover their origins: the De Clermont patriarch Philippe and his inimitable wife Ysabeau, the faithful Gallowglass, and Hancock.

Just as Diana begins to harness her surprising powers, betrayal and scandal find their way to them. With nowhere to go but the present, Matthew and Diana once more time-walk to the present and face their destiny.

I love how Deborah Harkness introduced each character despite having a lot of new characters and putting her central characters in a whole new setting. She injected flaws into otherwise austere characters like Christopher Marlowe and Rudolf II. Her character development for Philippe and Matthew was just exquisite that readers understand the complexity and depth of their relationship. I find myself devouring each piece of information about the characters and mentally try to fit them into a puzzle. The author meshes magic and history exquisitely, giving us a glimpse of life in the 14th century yet teach us about magic and spell weaving at the same time. Her descriptive prose transports her readers in the setting of her choosing, be it Oxford, New York, Bohemia, or Elizabethan England.

Shadow of Night is a rich and intricate of tapestry that weaves together alchemy and genetics, magic and history, passion and honor.  A riveting book that will leave you craving for the next one.

Bookworm Wednesday: The All-Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness

A Discovery of Witches (The All-Souls Trilogy Book 1)
by Deborah Harkness

"A reluctant witch. A 1500-year-old vampire. A mysterious manuscript known as Ashmole 782. The story begins with a discovery of witches..." (www.deborahharkness.com)

The All-Souls Trilogy is a beguiling and compelling read. I could compare it to Twilight but for grown-ups. It would be unfair to say that it is on the level of Twilight, however, as this trilogy is so, so much more than just the Romeo and Juliet of creatures. The All-Souls Trilogy surpasses Twilight in every aspect (Sorry Twilight fans!).  It is intellectually stimulating, sensual, sexy, and just generally deep. The humor and references are really quite intelligent, and if you are not a widely-read adult, you won't really get them. Of course, as the characters are both erudite, you would expect no less. I love how Deborah Harkness captured that.

The love story between Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont starts out aversely, with her being initially wary, then exasperated with him for stalking her. Matthew Clairmont, in his defense, was only doing his best to protect her from creatures that want to harm her. This develops as they both spend more time together, out of necessity. It is good to see an adult romance that does not start with them hopping into bed together. Instead, their intellectual compatibility draws them to each other while they tread softly over their burgeoning feelings. The suspense of how the romance will progress resonates on a very real level, and that is one of the reasons why I love this trilogy. It is also noteworthy to say that this is not a tawdry romance, with them going at it all the time. The few love scenes portrayed are key to the storyline, and they are not described in explicit detail. What is explicit is how they feel about each other as they make love.

Deborah Harkness seamlessly introduces her readers to a whole new world of alchemy and magic, history and genetics. She captivates her reader into plunging head-first into the world she wove and makes us want to stay.

For those who seek adventure, The All-Souls Trilogy is a must-read. You will learn about creatures (vampires, witches, and daemons), time-walk to the Renaissance era, get intimate with royalty and historical behemoths, and experience the otherworldly love of a vampire and a witch.

Let's start with the first book, A Discovery of Witches: 

                              Copyright (C) Deborah Harkness

A Discovery of Witches starts with historian Diana Bishop unearthing Ashmole 782, an alchemical manuscript, from the Bodleian Library in Oxford. Unknown to her, this ancient manuscript has been bewitched so that only she may find it. This discovery sets off a series of events that throws her in danger and into the arms of geneticist Dr. Matthew Clairmont. 

Diana, who is orphaned of both her parents in childhood, was raised by her aunt and her partner, who are both witches. Being a sub-par witch herself (she later discovers she was spellbound), Diana immersed herself in a successful career as a historian. So imagine her bewilderment when Dr. Clairmont explains creatures to her and the relevance of Ashmole 782 to all of them. Humans, unknowingly, live alongside creatures for ages. These are almost-immortal vampires, powerful witches, and creative/ destructive daemons. Ashmole 782 holds the key to the beginnings and the future of all creatures.

Matthew Clairmont gently eases Diana into their world, as their growing awareness and regard for each other deepens. What also escalates is the threat to Diana's life as other creatures go to desperate measures to get their hands on the elusive manuscript. As she frees herself from being spellbound (her parents locked her powers so she won't be killed by their murderers), Diana discovers a wealth of extraordinary powers that she inherited from her parents.

The book sees Diana and Matthew time-walking to Elizabethan London to find her a teacher and to elude capture from their enemies. Will they make it there?

Stay tuned to next Wednesday's review of Shadow of Night (Book 2 of The All Souls Trilogy).