Holika Holika Pig Nose Clear Blackhead 3-Step Kit

Important announcement: I’ve found my new holy grail for dealing with pesky blackheads!

Holika Holika Pig Nose Clear Blackhead 3-Step Kit

This 3-step kit is “perfect for pore control” and certainly the most effective blackhead removal product that I’ve tried thus far.

From the Holika Holika website:

The first step opens your pores which allow for removing blackheads easily. The second step removes blackheads. The third step [is] to minimize pores.

After cleansing, place step-1 on nose for 15-20 minutes. Remove it slowly and wipe off any blackhead or impurities from pores. Wet nose with water and place step-2 on nose. After 10-15 minutes and slowly remove it from the edge. After step 1 & 2, place step-3 on nose. Remove it after 10-15 minutes and gently tap it for better absorption.

For a full list of ingredients, please refer to the product page.

Packaging: All of the writing is in Korean, but it’s easy to figure out this kit even without instructions. There are also cute illustrations to guide you along. Each step is enclosed in a separate pouch, and the pouches can be detached from one another via perforation. Like regular sheet masks, they are very easy to tear open. Steps 1 and 3–a sheet mask and jelly mask, respectively–are super saturated and packed with extra serum.

Scent: Each step contains lemon extract, so the product overall has a very lemony/citrus scent. The scent is strongest and sweetest in step 1, the sheet mask. I personally really like citrus fragrances, and I did not find this overwhelming at all. In steps 2 and 3, the masks have a more chemical lemon smell–not so good, but not a big deal.

Texture:
Step 1 – The cotton sheet mask is quite thin, but otherwise feels like any other sheet mask.
Step 2 – This is the blackhead removing strip. It is very soft and pliable, with a felt-like texture. Although it is strong, it does not feel grossly sticky at all. As usual, the strip turns rigid after use.
Step 3 – The jelly mask is a little thinner than other hydrogel masks I’ve tried, but it holds together well.

Experience: I am so glad that I ordered a pack of these kits during Memebox’s Cyber Monday sale, and I can’t believe it took me this long to actually put them to the test. After one use, I was in love. I get a ton of blackheads on my nose and chin, so I’ve tried a handful of different products to combat them. Holika Holika Pig Nose Clear Blackhead 3-Step Kit is by far the best one that I have used to date. It removes a majority of my blackheads, while keeping my skin hydrated.
Step 1 – I was doubtful that this lemony sheet mask would be able to open up my pores, but it was surprisingly effective. After 20 minutes of use, I could see my blackheads brought to the surface. I was able to wipe some away with just a cotton pad, before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2 – This blackhead removal strip is amazing. After carefully placing it on my nose, I could feel the adhesive really hug my skin. Once the strip was dry, I gently removed it. It looked totally gross–but in the good, effective strip kind of way. (I would have taken a photo, but no.) Most of my blackheads had disappeared, and my skin did not look dry or irritated at all.
Step 3 – Because the strip was not drying, I don’t think this jelly mask is really necessary; however, it’s still a pleasant and hydrating final touch.

Tip: Use the kit on your chin! I used steps 1 & 2 on my chin, and it worked wonderfully. For this purpose, I actually cut step 2 in half to be economical.

Rating: 5/5, obviously. This kit is seriously powerful, yet great for sensitive skin. I highly recommend it. Goodbye, blackheads!

Have you tried Pig Nose Clear Blackhead 3-Step Kit before? How about other Holika Holika items? Let me know in the comments!

Too Cool For School Egg Mousse Body Oil Review

You might recognize this body oil as one of my favorite items from 2015. I spontaneously purchased it from Sephora last autumn without reading any reviews–risky, I know, but I am very fond of Too Cool For School (TCFS). Upon using the mousse-to-oil moisturizer for the first time, it immediately became my holy grail product for dry skin relief.

Too Cool For School Egg Mousse Body Oil

Description and directions from the box:

Cutting-edge meringue-like mousse hydrator: a new-school lifesaver for dry skin!

+ Light-as-Air Formula: This decadent, airy mousse instantly calms and hydrates rough skin into cashmere-soft skin.
+ Nutrient-rich Botanical Oils: A cocktail of 5 botanical oils* nourish, enrich and condition skin, penetrating deeply to create a protective moisture barrier without clogging pores.

[How to Use]

Shake the product well. Pump an appropriate amount in the palm of your hand and apply liberally all over your body and massage into the skin. Re-apply any time for extra hydration. Be sure to cover the lid after use.

* The 5 botanical oils are sweet almond oil, avocado oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and marula oil. This product also contains shea butter, honey extract, and milk protein extract. Unfortunately, it is not paraben-free, as methylparaben is listed in the ingredients.

For more details and the full list of ingredients, check it out on the Sephora website.

Packaging: In my opinion, Too Cool For School has some of the best packaging in the beauty industry, especially when it comes to their Dinoplatz line. The outer packaging is a peach-colored box, with illustrations very similar to those on the can. The product itself comes in a pressurized container with pump, similar to shaving cream. The pump requires a fair bit of pressure in order to dispense the mousse and there is a clear cap to protect the nozzle between uses; pump and cap not shown above (sorry), but can be seen here.

Scent: I normally don’t like scented products, but I absolutely adore the smell of this! It reminds me very much of a designer perfume, although I can’t figure out which one. Nonetheless, the fresh floral fragrance is not overwhelming, even when you apply this product all over the body.

Texture: As stated in the description, this is a mousse-to-oil moisturizer. The mousse is very light and airy, kind of like soap suds. When the mousse is spread and massaged into the skin, it instantly turns into oil. The product is super lightweight and leaves skin with a pretty, hydrated glow. It does not give an oily look or feel, which is a huge plus.

Experience: Obviously, I love this stuff. I have extremely dry skin, especially on my legs, and Egg Mousse Body Oil has worked wonders for me. After showering, I liberally apply the product all over my body, and it keeps my skin moisturized until the next day. The formula is amazing and I love that it contains so many nourishing ingredients. I will definitely be purchasing more of this in the future.

Rating: For me, this is definitely a 5/5. However, if you have sensitive skin, beware of the fragrance. The presence of methylparaben also doesn’t bother me, but might be a turnoff for others.

Do you use a body oil? Send me your recommendations!

Announcement: Skinfood x Snoopy Available at Beauty Box Korea!

While writing my Skinfood x Snoopy post, I stumbled upon this value set from Beauty Box Korea. It is currently on sale and includes a limited edition pouch (free gift), one cushion, one lip tint oil, the Royal Honey Good Moisturizing Cream, and the Marshmallow Hand Cream. There is also a second value set that includes the pouch, one cushion, the essential mist, the moisturizing cream, and the hand cream.

Beauty Box Korea Snoopy Limited Edition Value Set
Photo from Beauty Box Korea

I compared the Beauty Box Korea prices to those from Tester Korea and this truly is a great deal, thanks to the 25% off discount. After much debate, I actually ended up ordering a value set, the Snoopy clutch, and some other items. I just couldn’t resist the cute pouches, and the prices!

I had not ordered from Beauty Box Korea before, but I do know from Reddit that they are a legitimate website with good reviews. If you sign up for an account, you immediately get a welcome coupon and gift (10% off coupon + $5 credit). There are two shipping options at checkout: EMS and standard shipping by weight. I chose standard shipping (7-35 days) which cost roughly $14 for my order–highly comparable to the $13 I paid for my Tester Korea haul. I will do a full review on Beauty Box Korea as soon as I receive my purchase.

If you’re still interested in items from the Skinfood x Snoopy collection, I highly recommend that you check out Beauty Box Korea. And hurry, before it’s too late!

Tester Korea Review, featuring Skinfood x Snoopy Haul

Last month, I discovered the limited edition Skinfood x Snoopy collection and totally freaked out. I started furiously tapping on my keyboard, trying to figure out how to get my hands on the products. I even called the nearest Skinfood store (Stonestown Galleria in SF) to ask if the collaboration would be coming to the US. (In case it isn’t obvious, the answer was no.)

Here’s a look at the full collection:

Skinfood x Snoopy Honey Hug Me Limited Edition Collection Skinfood x Snoopy Limited Edition Skin Care Skinfood x Snoopy Limited Edition Makeup

I was easily able to find the products online, but decided to order from Tester Korea. This was my first experience ordering from Tester Korea, but I’ve seen several other beauty bloggers order from them so I had no doubts that they are a legitimate retailer. Their prices and shipping costs are also very reasonable.


Review of Tester Korea —

Site navigation: The site is very easy to navigate. Everything is written in English. The prices are listed in KRW, but there are currency exchange rates conveniently provided in the website header.

Shipping: Tester Korea ships internationally and provides several different shipping options (see here). I placed my order on December 12th and chose Registered Small Packets (Air Mail) as my shipping option–one of the cheaper options for my region. The package shipped on December 18th and arrived on January 4th, so it took about 3 weeks from the order date (from South Korea to California, USA).

Packaging: The products arrived in a sturdy yellow plastic box. It was very neatly packed, and nothing was damaged (shown below). I also appreciate the extra packaging that was provided on my cushion, lip tint, and hand creams, each of which already had a box or plastic wrapper. I also received a few samples with my order.

Skinfood x Snoopy Tester Korea Packaging

Rating: 5/5, for sure! I am very pleased with Tester Korea. The prices were all very reasonable and the items arrived much sooner than I had expected. I will definitely be ordering from them again in the future.


My Skinfood x Snoopy Haul —

Skinfood x Snoopy Haul

I totally wanted to buy the entire collection but I am (surprisingly) not that ridiculous or irrational.

Clockwise from the top left:

  • Black Sugar Honey Mask Wash Off
  • Royal Honey Essential Mist
  • Royal Honey Good Moisturizing Cream
  • Marshmallow & Shea Butter Hand Cream
  • Marshmallow & Honey Hand Cream
  • Marshmallow Hand Cream
  • Free samples from Tester Korea
  • Propolis Nourishing Lip Oil (02 Relaxing Snoopy)
  • Royal Honey Cover Bounce Cushion (02 Natural Beige)

Another thing that I love about this collection is its rose gold tone. Just look how pretty the cushion is!

Skinfood x Snoopy Royal Honey Cover Bounce Cushion

The cushion comes with a special Snoopy-patterned applicator (not shown). I am very excited to use this and will definitely post a review soon.

Tester Korea sent me free samples of Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Borabit Ampoule, The History of Whoo Jinyul Eye Cream, and Skinfood Watery Berry Toner + Emulsion. I’ve heard a lot of great things about the Missha ampoule, so I’m looking forward to trying it out.

Skinfood x Snoopy Haul - Free Samples

Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you all. Is there any item that you’re most interested in learning about? Let me know in the comments!

Favorites of 2015

A look at my favorite beauty and lifestyle items from the past year

Snoopy & Lucy - December 31st

Can you believe it’s already New Year’s Eve (and already 2016 for those of you in different time zones)? I don’t know about you guys, but 2015 went by incredibly fast for me. I wonder just how long it will take me to get used to writing and typing “2016”…

Instead of the usual monthly favorites, here’s a list of my favorite things from the past year:

Favorites of 2015 - Skin Care

Skin Care

  • Belif The True Cream – Aqua Bomb — This gel-cream is my new favorite moisturizer and I’ve been recommending it to just about everyone I know. It’s the perfect product for maintaining hydrated, dewy skin throughout the cold winter months. [featured post]
  • COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch — These patches are like little overnight miracle workers. I’ve been using them to tackle all of my breakouts. [review]
  • Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water — As much as I swear by the double-cleanse method, there are some nights when I am just too tired to wash my face. That’s when I reach for a cotton pad and this powerful cleansing water. It’s also perfect for busy mornings.
  • Skinfood Carrot Collagen Eye Sheet — I love pretty much all sheet masks, but these hydro gel eye patches are still my favorite of the lot. They are cooling, hydrating, and brightening. I use them at home whenever I look like a panda, and I also take them with me on trips. [featured postreview]
  • AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel — This papaya enzyme peel feels so luxurious as you work it into a foamy lather. It’s a bit expensive, but a little bit goes a long way. It’s a very gentle exfoliator, so you can use it every day.
  • Innisfree Eco Safety Aqua Perfect Sun Gel — The sunscreen that feels like an emulsion. Yes, really. [review]

Favorites of 2015 - Makeup

Makeup

  • Bite Beauty Matte Crème Lipstick in Barberry — This lipstick was part of the limited edition Frozen Berries collection. It’s a really pretty berry color that quickly became my favorite shade of the year. [featured post]
  • Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop — There are many reasons why this highlighter is so popular. The rose gold shimmer is stunning on everyone. [featured post]
  • NARS Lip Gloss (shown in Orgasm) — NARS lip glosses are my favorite thanks to their long-lasting, non-sticky, moisturizing formula. [featured post]
  • Urban Decay Naked Smoky — I bought this palette earlier this month (thank you, Sephora holiday coupon) and I’ve been reaching for it almost every day. This is definitely my favorite of the Naked palettes.
  • Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – Original — I have heard a lot of good things about this primer and finally purchased it on sale ($10, old packaging). It makes my eyeshadow last all day without creasing.
  • Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Lip Balm — This lip balm could be in the skin care category because it is so smooth and hydrating. [review]
  • Benefit Cosmetics Fake-Up Undereye Hydrating Concealer — This concealer is another recent purchase that made the list. It is the only concealer I’ve ever used that covers blemishes and hydrates. I also love its lipstick-like packaging.

Too Cool For School Egg Mousse Body Oil

Head & Body

  • Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo (not pictured) — I think dry shampoo is an absolute beauty essential. This one from Herbal Essences works great and is inexpensive. [featured post]
  • Versace Bright Crystal — I am all about fresh and floral scents, and this one is my favorite of the year. I absolutely love it. [featured post]
  • Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb (not pictured) — This fragrance is perfect for special occasions.
  • EOS Shave Cream (not pictured) — The thick and creamy formula is just what I need for soft, smooth, and protected legs. [review]
  • Too Cool For School Egg Mousse Body Oil — I bought this body oil on a whim, just so that I could get free shipping from Sephora (yup, those pre-Rouge days). It turned out to be an amazing investment. I have very dry skin, especially in the winter, but this stuff works wonders for me. It also smells like designer perfume.

Favorites of 2015 - Technology

Technology

  • Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ (not pictured) — I was obsessed with this phone for a couple of months, before finally deciding to get the smaller Samsung Galaxy S6. I love my gold S6, but the S6 edge+ is undeniably stunning.
  • Samsung Wireless Charging Pad — This makes at-home charging so convenient, although I also love Samsung’s Adaptive Fast Charging Wall Charger.
  • Portable Chargers — I use my phone a lot, so I rely on these guys for some extra juice throughout the day.
  • Anker Bluetooth Ultra-Slim Aluminum Keyboard — I originally bought this to use with my tablets, but I’ve since connected it to my laptop (which sits on a raised platform on my desk). It’s quite compact and works great.

Leanne via PeanutizeMe.com

Lifestyle

  • Lifefactory Water Bottles — These glass water bottles are protected by a silicone jacket and have interchangeable lids. They are very durable and leave water tasting fresh.
  • Coloring Books — Adult coloring books were very popular this past year. I used to love coloring books as a child so I couldn’t help but get a couple for myself, plus a new set of Prismacolor pencils.
  • Moleskine 2015 Mickey Mouse Limited Edition Weekly Planner — I used this planner religiously throughout the year. I love its size (5 x 8.25″) and the split planner + notebook format.
  • All things Peanuts! — This year, I rediscovered just how much I love Snoopy and the rest of the gang. I pretty much waited all year for The Peanuts Movie–which I saw on opening weekend, of course–and I also bought a bunch of Peanuts merchandise (Happy Meal toys, Christmas stamps, apparel, movies, coloring book…). Check out PeanutizeMe.com to turn yourself into a Peanuts character like I did above! (I hesitate to admit that this is the fourth one I’ve made of myself.)

What were some of your favorite things from 2015? Let me know in the comments! Happy New Year!