Obsession With Cosmetics Bags 

#cosmeticbags #obsessions
 

Dreaming of Phuket......

I am definitely obsessed with cosmetic bags.  I can never turn down a good one when I see it.  These two bags were the results of last-minute shopping at the Phuket airport as we were waiting to board our flight. 

These are just so beautiful and unique...and very affordable - USD $15 (top) and $4.10 (bottom).  I grabbed as many as I could stuff in my emergency shopping bag - my large Longchamp Le Pilage tote - as my boyfriend gave me this bewildered look as in, “where on earth did you pull this tote bag from?”  I also found many other goodies at this airport. I must say, they have some great options for last minute and affordable shopping for a tiny airport. 

If I could go back to Phuket right about now, wouldn’t that be fantastic......

 

Thanks for stopping by!
 

Tatcha Skin Care For the Wanderlusts 

#tatchaskincare #beautydiscovery
 
Tatcha Skin Care in Travel Size
 

Tatcha has impressed me ever since I used my very first product two years ago.  The amount of details the brand puts into everything they do - from product quality to package designs - is out of this world.  An example is from a recent order I've placed for some of their travel size items and deluxe samples.  Even though these are either free sample or smaller-size purchases, Tatcha maintains their gold standard across the board.  I feel like I'm receiving the same user experience as those who have purchased their full-size products.  Comparing that to a recent experience from another luxury brand that has given me deluxe samples placed in cheap plastic jar with incorrect labeling of the product.  I know I can't complain when I'm receiving freebies, but this just highlights Tatcha's commitment to customer service which is at a whole different level!

Tatcha's story is a beautiful one, too.  I want to do it justice, so I won't even try to "summarize" it.  You can read about it here.

 

PURE ONE STEP CAMELLIA CLEANSING OIL

Tatcha Cleansing Oil Available at (full & travel size) - Tatcha, Sephora.  Photo shows 0.8oz travel size.

Tatcha Cleansing Oil Available at (full & travel size) - Tatcha, Sephora.  Photo shows 0.8oz travel size.

I converted from cleansing wipes to cleansing oil about 2 years ago.  The wipes started to burn my delicate under-eye area, so I decided to give the oil a try...and I haven't looked back ever since!  If you haven't tried cleansing oil, I'd recommend it - Another downside of using wipes is our tendency to rub a bit too hard, and rubbing is never good for our facial skin.  On the contrary, cleansing oil application is more of a gentle circular massaging action.  While it does require an extra step (rinsing with water), the more gentle motion is better for our facial skin.

What Does It Do?   This cleansing oil is non-comedogenic and non-irritating and does not contain mineral oil.  It contains camellia and rice bran oils and promises to melt away even waterproof makeup. 

Texture   A clear oil that feels greasy initially, but it quickly emulsifies into a milky form as you gently massage it onto your skin.

Scent  Very light aromatic scent.  You'll notice that many Tatcha products share this characteristic. 

Usage  I use this to remove makeup.  Recommended usage from the brand is that double-cleansing is not necessary when using this oil.  If I'm not wearing foundation (CC Cushion), I'd cleanse with just the oil as suggested.  Otherwise, I'd still double-cleanse to make sure I remove all traces of foundation. 

Results  Skin feels soft and moist (not greasy) afterward. Also, as stated, even waterproof makeup is gone when using this oil. 

Conclusion  This cleansing oil does the job that all cleansing oils do, but the reasons I'd choose this oil over others are:  1) The aromatic scent that is so soothing.  2) It contains a key ingredient - Camellia Oil - that provides skin health benefits - Vitamins A & E (antioxidants), oleic acid (known to seal in moisturize), Omega 3 (known to reduce chemicals produced by our body as part of aging process), and many more. 

 

LUMINOUS DEWY SKIN MIST

Tatcha Mist Available at - Tatcha (full & travel size), Sephora (full size only).  Photo shows 0.4oz travel size.

Tatcha Mist Available at - Tatcha (full & travel size), Sephora (full size only).  Photo shows 0.4oz travel size.

I am traveling to Asia soon (i.e. circulated dry air = bad news for skin), so I've been looking for a non-aerosol facial mist that I can put in my carryon.  Since Tatcha was running a 20% off Friends and Family deal, I am trying out the travel size of this bestseller mist.

What Does It Do?   This mist is a spray-on moisturizer that serves as a boost of soothing hydration and promises to deliver dewy, luminous skin.  Key ingredients include squalane (antioxidant), Okinawa red algae (enhance skin's ability to retain moisture), and HADASEI-3 complex (Tatcha's proprietary anti-aging complex).

Texture   This is a milky emulsion that quickly dissolves into skin.

Scent  Very light aromatic scent. 

The milky texture

The milky texture

Usage  I spray all over my face - You can gently pat your face or just let your skin absorb on its own.  Either way works well.    

Results  Note: I have only tested this in a normal setting, ie, not yet on the plane with dry, circulated air.  It's a bit too much hydration for my Combo skin in a normal setting. This would be more suitable for dry skin or for those living in drier climate.  I know my skin definitely gets dry on a plane and I can certainly use some aroma therapy up there, so I'll be able to benefit from this mist at 40,000 feet.    [UPDATE:  Tested up in the air and a total thumbs-up!  I had a crazy travel day on day 1 with multiple flights in a 16-hours window.  This spray helped me keep up with the moisturization exercise and my skin totally thanked me for that!]

Conclusion 

I'd recommend buying travel size for in-flight use if you have Combo skin or Oily skin.  For those with Dry skin, this is a convenient hydration booster that comes in a handy mist form (as opposed to having to apply moisturizer with your fingers while you're on the go and risk ruining your makeup).  Comparing to the Shu Uemura Facial Mist I've used in the past, Tatcha's is much more moisturizing.  I can feel the difference immediately.

Another thing to note - I use CC cushion which already has moisturizing benefits, so I really don't need extra hydration in a normal setting.  However, I do recall the days when I used powder or full-coverage foundation and my skin would get a little dry throughout the day.  In that case, this mist would be a good refresher.

 

INDIGO SOOTHING TRIPLE RECOVERY CREAM

Tatcha Indigo Available at - Tatcha (full & travel size), Sephora (full size only).  Photo shows 0.34oz travel size.

Tatcha Indigo Available at - Tatcha (full & travel size), Sephora (full size only).  Photo shows 0.34oz travel size.

I knew from the get-go that this facial cream would be too rich for my Combo skin, but I am so drawn to the unique color.  I've been seeing this all over social media and, when Sephora offered it as a deluxe sample, I couldn't resist getting it!  Even though it's not suitable for my skin type, this cream contains ingredients that are good for anti-aging as well as certain skin conditions.

What Does It Do?   This is an anti-aging moisturizer that promises to calm and restore skin.  It is also supported by the National Eczema Association as an acceptable product for those suffering from eczema.

Texture   This is an ultra rich cream.  It feels greasy on my face (because of my Combo skin), but feels moisturizing when I use it on my hands and arms.

Scent  Unlike the other two products, this cream has a strange scent.  The best way to describe it is...some flowers have scent that doesn't smell bad, but just not very desirable. It does go away after about 5 minutes, so it doesn't bother me that much.

The beautiful indigo color

The beautiful indigo color

Usage  This is meant to be a facial moisturizer.  Since it doesn't contain SPF, it should be used as a nighttime moisturizer.  I have been using it as a body cream since it is not suitable for my facial skin type and I don't want it to go to waste.  It works just as well. 

The indigo color slowly turns clear as you gently rub onto your skin.

The indigo color slowly turns clear as you gently rub onto your skin.

Results  Results on my facial test won't do justice to this cream since it's not suitable for my Combo skin (or oily skin).  Results on my hands and arms do a better job demonstrating its hydration benefits - My skin feels very moist, but not greasy at all.  Also, don't let the color scares you, the blue color becomes clear once the cream is gently massaged onto skin.  As for the other claims - wrinkle reduction, sensitivity improvement - I can't vouch for those.  If you're interested, check out the product page for some before/after photos here.

Conclusion 

Given its richness and its ingredients, this is a good candidate for dry skin, sensitive skin or those looking for an anti-aging nighttime moisturizer.  Its active ingredient - Colloidal Oatmeal - is known to treat, sooth and prevent dry, rough, scaly, and itchy skin.  Aveeno, a drug store brand, also uses this ingredient in some of its products, including the eczema therapy line.  Another noteworthy ingredient is Indigo Extract, which comes from the Japanese Indigo plant, has the ability to heal wounds and provide anti-inflammatory relief.  This cream packs some skin-healing power in a small jar.

The full-size is at a whopping USD $135 - ouch - but not to worry, the $30 travel size I've purchased has a very generous portion that will last quite a while.

 

Final Thoughts

Tatcha is worth the splurge, but I still get a sticker shock every time.  Good news is that the brand offers a good variety of their top sellers in travel size, and these travel size items have enough content for continuous use for at least a month.  While you do pay more on a per ounce basis, it's a cheaper way to try out a new brand. 

I hope you'll give Tatcha a try! Do share your unique experience with the brand...what are your favorites so far?

MORE FROM THE SKIN CARE SERIES

Current Skin Care Routine

My 8-Steps Skin Care Routine for Daytime and Nighttime...

Current skin care routine

 

✔️ DOUBLE-CLEANSE with...

Cremorlab T.E.N. Cleansing Oil (I) and Fresh Soy Face Cleanser (B).

✔️ PREP SKIN with...

Mamonde First Energy Essence (D).

✔️ TARGET CONDITIONS with...

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum® Vitamin C Collagen Booster (H) and Natura Bisse Oxygen Complex (A).

Learn more about my experience with the Nautra Bisse Oxygen Complex here.

✔️ MOISTURIZE EYE AREA with...

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate (Sephora Sample, C).

✔️ MOISTURIZE FACE with...

Estee Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Antioxidant Lotion SPF 15     (Daytime, G) and Natura Bisse Oxygen Cream (Nighttime, F).

Learn more about my experience with the Nautra Bisse Oxygen Cream here.

✔️ MOISTURIZE BODY with...

Aveeno Positively Ageless Skin Strengthening Body Cream (E).

What are your skin care routines and favorites?  Please share with me!

MORE FROM THE SKIN CARE SERIES

Nature Republic - The Body Care Edition 

#naturerepublic #exploreseoul #beautydiscovery
Reviewing Nature Republic Body Care Products:  Body Scrub, Body Cream

I hear so much about facial skin care from Korean beauty brands, but I rarely hear about their other skincare lines such as bodycare.  When I was in the Nature Republic store in Myeongdong, Seoul, I finally discovered this whole "new" side of K-beauty that are just as fun.  While my wallet won't thank me for that, my body surely will!

 

Bath & Nature Body Scrubs

Nature Republic Bath & Nature Body Scrub in Tangerine and Green Tea

The packaging of this NR line is simple and to-the-point.  I love the large image of each item's star ingredient on the front - It's a visual stimulation that creates excitement before I even use the products.  I also have the in-store testers to thank for discovering these scrubs - The scent is amazing!  I've always been an advocate for having testers available at the shelves...because even with the most imaginative souls among us, it's pretty tough to know what the scents would really smell like or how the texture would really feel like.  As soon as I pop open the lids of these body scrubs, it was sensory overload, in a good way. 

Scent  The Tangerine scent is so intense that it feels as if I'm actually eating one.  This sounds bizarre even as I'm typing it, but science does prove that smell and taste work together to help us recognize flavors.  On the other hand, the Green Tea scent doesn't quite remind me of green tea.  I suppose the true smell of green tea isn't fragrant enough, so NR added some more to it.  Nevertheless, it smells heavenly. 

Texture  I typically stay away from scrubs because most feel too harsh on the skin.  This one is different.  The initial feel on the skin does seem a bit harsh where I can feel the larger particles.  However, once it is mixed with water, most of those particles dissolve leaving just the right amount to give my skin a mini-exfoliation session.

Left: Green Tea.  Right: Tangerine.

Left: Green Tea.  Right: Tangerine.

After mixing with water.

After mixing with water.

Occasion  As with any skincare products that have exfoliating benefits, it is performing a scrubbing action against our skin.  While it's good to have dead skin removed, it's not good to overdo it because our topmost skin layer serves as a protective barrier.  Too much disruptive actions such as scrubbing will cause the skin to become more sensitive to UV rays.  All of you beauty enthusiasts out there know how much damage UV rays can do to our skin, so it's best to curb the scrubbing to a maximum of once a week. 

When Not to Scrub  The most obvious one is when you have open wound or cut as the scrub will aggravate the injury and burn the skin.  Another scenario is when you have dry flaky skin.  Scrubbing dry flaky skin will cause it to become very sensitive and it's best to skip the scrub and moisturize instead.  The last scenario is during winter months in cold & dry climates.  Skin tends to be drier during this time under such climate, so it's better to pamper your skin with deep moisturization or switch to a brown sugar scrub instead.

Pricing & Where to Shop  I paid 8,800 Won each in Korea, which is approximately USD $7.42.  In the U.S., some online options are RoseRoseShop ($6.29) and KoreaDepart ($7.16).  Surprisingly, there's no markup for these scrubs. 

[Please Note]  I did not order from these sites, so please proceed with caution and read all fine prints.  Also, these sites do not start with "https", meaning any information (personal, payment info, etc.) sent from your browser to these sites is not secured.  However, it's possible that once you get to the payment page, it may change to "https".  Just be aware as you online-shop.

Bath & Nature Body Cream

Nature Republic Bath & Nature Body Cream in Apple Mango

The packaging is again simple and to-the-point.  I smiled as I saw the image of the crisscross-cut mango on the label - It looked so juicy and I couldn't stop thinking about eating one!  I of course wanted to buy more than one scent, but I knew my luggage was dangerously close to the airline weight limit, so I opted to try the apple mango scent.

Scent  To be honest, this smells more like pineapple coconut than apple mango!  Either way, the scent is lovely.  It is a pretty strong fragrance, so I wouldn't recommend this to those who are sensitive to fragrance.   

Texture  When I see "cream" in the description, I picture something thick.  This body cream is in fact thick.  At the same time, the texture feels more like a mousse or souffle.  It feels a little fluffy as I try to scoop up the cream from the jar and once it's on my skin, it feels very moisturizing.

The body cream has a consistency of a mousse or souffle...

The body cream has a consistency of a mousse or souffle...

Once it goes onto my skin, it is thick like a cream.

Once it goes onto my skin, it is thick like a cream.

Occasion  Because of its mousse-like or souffle-like texture, I think this body cream can be used all year long and any time of the day.  While it is thick and very moisturizing, it doesn't feel greasy or sticky on the skin.  This may just become my go-to body cream for traveling! 

Pricing & Where to Shop I paid 12,000 Won in Korea, which is approximately USD $10.00.  In the U.S., some online options are eBay, Amazon, and KoreaDepart, but the price ranges from USD $14.00 to $35.00.  Another option is to visit a Nature Republic stores in the U.S., where the markup is less, at the price of $15.00.

Pamper Your Body Too!

Nature Republic store in Myeongdong, Seoul.

Nature Republic store in Myeongdong, Seoul.

I've been a fan of Nature Republic and was so excited when I finally got to shop at NR in its motherland.  What I love most is their simple, no-fuss labeling that allows me to quickly and easily understand what I'm buying and using.  And then of course I love the wonderful scents from their products.  And these bodycare items are no exception. 

Often times we focus so much on taking care of our facial skin that we neglect what's below the neckline or by the time we're done with our multi-steps facial routine, we're ready to move onto our busy life.  These heavenly-scented scrubs and cream remind me that my body skin is as important as my facial skin, and taking care of both is a must for our complete skin health.  I hope you feel the same way, too!  I've also bought a few other NR products on this trip and will share them with you soon.  In the meantime, tell me about some of your favorite Nature Republic products...would love to hear from you!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

MORE FROM THE BODY CARE SERIES