Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream No.21 - over 50 botanical extracts!

I really like Missha's products, their skin care is very good quality and their M Perfect Cover was my first ever BB cream, so I was quite excited to try another product from this brand :)

Product description: Combining cosmetics with skin care, this product promotes natural-looking coverage while providing sun protection, treating dark spots, and preventing wrinkles. Skin-friendly Skin Lipids and Amino Acid Complex Peptides strengthen the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) of the skin by restoring its natural balance. Engineered with micro-multi roll-grinding technology to create super fine particles that work with skin-smoothing botanical ingredients for lightweight, long-lasting coverage for up to 12 hours. Contains a skin-regenerating peptide complex, skin-soothing Gingko Leaf Water rich in antioxidants, and a 50-kind botanical complex for intense moisture and nutrition. SPF25 PA++

Product is available in two sizes: 20ml squeezy tube or 45ml tube with pump applicator. I was using just the sample sachets: 

The samples are generous and one sachet lasts for 4-5 applications.
This BB cream is available in four shades: No. 13 Light Milky Beige, No. 21 Light Pink Beige, No. 23 Natural Yellow Beige, No.27 Honey Beige.

This BB Cream absolutely blew my mind with it's ingredients list. The description promises us 50-kind botanical complexes - there is actually 53 botanical extracts (yes, I counted! :P) and some other good ingredients. On the second place on the ingredient list, just after the water, we will find Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract. Ginkgo leaf is a good antioxidant due to it being a rich source of flavonoids that work to prevent cell membrane peroxidation, which is a source of damage that can lead to increased signs of inflammation and ageing. Ginkgo leaf also seems capable of increasing skin's moisture content and reducing factors in skin that lead to inflammation.
Other skin-loving ingredients in this cream are:

• Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu palm) Seed Oil - lightweight and absorbent skin conditioning agent, moisturising and nourishing.
• Sodium Hyaluronate (sodium salt of hyaluronic acid) - is a powerful anti ageing ingredient in skin care. It is naturally occurring in the skin, but as we get older it's level decrease causing our skin to age and sag. It has ability to absorb water up to 1000 times its weight, what makes it one of the best moisturising substances known.
• Amino acids: Lysine, Histidine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Proline, Glycine, Alanine, Valine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Cysteine - amino acids supply nutrients to nourish the skin, hair and nails from within the body. This procedure strengthens connective tissue and keeps the skin smooth and elastic.
• Squalane (or Squalene)- natural organic compound obtained from shark liver oil or olive oil. It’s an antioxidant-rich, age-fighting emollient, that over time can reduce wrinkles, eliminate scars, reverse UV damage, lighten freckles and erase skin pigmentation.
•  Macadamia Seed Oil - contains Palmitoleic acid that is vital for delaying skin and cell ageing, Oleic acid that has regeneration and moisturising properties, Linoleic acid that helps to prevent skin water loss and Plant phytosterols that are calming and healing.
• Beta glucan - a natural compound extracted from plants, that helps to maintain a youthful appearance for skin
• Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Extract - one of the most well-known herbal ingredients used in herbal medicine and skincare. Has strong anti-inflamatory and soothing properties, so it's especially recomended for people with sensitive skin, prone to allergy, eczema.
• Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-yuen (Job's Tears) Seed Extract - have antioxidant effects and might also decrease growth of bacteria and parasites. Can be found in skin care products claiming anti-ageing and whitening properties.
• Panax Ginseng (Chinese Red Ginseng) Root Extract - contains many substances and vitamins that maintain elasticity, vitality, and regeneration capacity of our skin cells. Contains phytonutrients that can stimulate and activate the skin's metabolism and blood flow to regenerate, tone and brighten the skin. It is also thought to promote skin cell regeneration by increasing oxygenation to skin cells and has the effect of boosting blood circulation as well as detoxifying the blood, which is very important to human skin health. Ginseng detoxifies the skin and rids it off the free radicals that accumulate due to daily exposure to sunlight and environmental pollution.
• Scrophularia Buergeriana (Buerger's Figwort) Root Extract - anti-inflammatory
• Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal Skullcap) - used in traditional folk Asian medicine thanks to it's anti-inflammatory, shooting, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. It soothes irritated skin, prone to allergies, rashes, eczema, preventing inflammatory process in epidermis. The extract of this plant tones skin and stimulates natural collagen production. It also showed whitening effect on skin and ability to reduce sun and age induced pigmentation. 
• Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract - contains the ingredients that can reduce melanin production and other beneficial elements, which can reduce free radical and speed up cell regeneration, increasing the thickness of the skin and increase collagen production. The polysaccharide can maintain and regulate skin moisture and restore skin elasticity to make the skin returns moist, delicate, shiny. 
• Rhus Semialata (Chinese sumac) Gall Extract - used in Chinese medicine thanks to it's antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal and antioxidant properties.
• Peptides: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl), Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) , Copper Tripeptide-1 - anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle

and many more extracts including: strawberry, cucumber, coconut, lime, Japanese camellia, apricot, carrot, grape, sweet cherry, mango, guava, walnut, peach, papaya, licorice, dandelion, pumpkin, lychee, soybean... the general message is: moisturising, anti-ageing, soothing. Except the lavender extract, that is widely used in aromatherapy and brings to mind soothing and relaxing properties, however  used on skin may be actually an irritant.

Ingredients: Water, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Arbutin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hydrogenated C6-14 Olefin Polymers, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sodium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Caprylyl Methicone, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mica, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ozokerite, Sorbitan Olivate, Alumina, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hexyl Laurate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylene Carbonate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Lysine, Histidine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Proline, Glycine, Alanine, Valine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Cysteine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Squalane, Glycerin, Ceramide 3, Cholesterol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Oleic Acid, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Beta-Glucan, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Vigna Radiata Seed Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-yuen Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Scrophularia Buergeriana Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Rhus Semialata Gall Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Extract, Linaria Japonica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Oldenlandia Diffusa Extract, Bambusa Textilis Stem Extract, Iris Ensata Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Water, Prunus Avium (Sweet Cherry) Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Asarum Sieboldi Root Extract, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Seed Extract, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit Extract, Bletilla Striata Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Rhizome/Root Extract, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Fruit Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Oenanthe Javanica Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Talc, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Adenosine, Methicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tropolone, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance
Ingredients analysis [HERE]

Now for the performance: this BB has nice, creamy texture and subtle floral scent. It applies easily on the skin, works best patted with fingers. Coverage is medium - evens out skin tone, covers redness, but blemishes are still visible, just a bit tonned. In fact this very similar in it's performance to Missha M Perfect Cover BB, even colour is similar:

Missha Complete is only a little bit more pinkish than Perfect Cover, but both blend well with my natural skin tone. The main difference is that Complete is a little bit heavier on the skin but also more moisturising. The dewy effect is quite strong, mattyfing powder is a must. It also seemd to increase sebum production - normally my face starts to be oily after approx. 2-3 hours, but if I don't have time to blot I can wait a bit longer, in this case blotting after two hours is an absolute must. The lasting is average - not as good as Etude House Bright Fit BB, but better than M Perfect Cover - Perfect Cover was disappearing after 6-8 hours, Complete can last about 9-10.

Price: from £5 for the 20ml or from £11 for 45ml.

Pros:
+ moisturising
+ doesn't roll up in wrinkles
+ choice of four colours
+ No. 21 nicely fits my natural skin tone
+ impressive ingredients list

Cons:
 - a little bit heavy on the face, seems to stimulate sebum production
- it doesn't last for the promised 12 hours - disappears after 9-10.

The Signature Real Complete seems to be Perfect Cover's big sister. A bit more fancy packaging, extended ingredients, extended lasting, richer feel. If I would have to choose between the two I think I would go for Signature, even though it makes my face a bit more oily. However both of them are a decent products, but there are better ones for my skin type out there, so I am not planing the purchase of full size. If you have mature or/and more dry skin this may be worth trying. 

Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

I was looking at this type of product from a while now and finally ordered some samples. And honestly, this is my discovery of the year. I am not sure if I will be able to fully describe how much I love this product xD

Product description: Back to the Basics, a Stepping Stone to a Healthier and New Skin.
Contains 80% Fermented Yeast Concentrate, “FISSIONE", which absorbs into skin instantly to energize your skin. THE FIRST TREATMENT ESSENCE improves fine lines and skin tone. Miracle water “FISSIONE” hydrates, restores, rejuvenates, and gives you a glowing complexion.
How to use: After wash your face, at FIRST step to your skin care routine, use palm of your hand absorb gently and evenly onto your face.*
 * this is an original description form Missha US website. You will often find that description of Asian products are written in "funny English".

So, the story is, that people who were producing sake noticed that their hands, which had constant contact with yeast used for sake fermentation, are looking much younger and healthier than the rest of their bodies. And that's how the yeast extract became a cosmetic ingredient. The yeast in this particular essence is Saccharomyces, order Saccharomycetale, family Saccharomycetaceae. Other popular fungi used in cosmetics in Galactomyces, from the same order but different family (Dipodascaceae).

The whole ingredients list is pretty impressive. Saccharomyces is on the first place, then we have loads of other skin-loving ingredients like:

• Licorice extract - has anti-inflammatory properties and has ability to interrupt the stimulation of an enzyme that activates melanin production, so it's effective for improving dark spots and hyperpigmentation
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - offers multiple benefits for ageing skin- can improve skin's elasticity, enhance skin's barrier function, help erase discolourations, and revive skin's healthy tone and texture.
• Amaranth Oil - Has anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in Squalene, that has ability to lock in moisture and prevent water loss from skin. Contains Omega 3 and 6 which accelerate cell regeneration.
• Elm root extract - has anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties
• Kava Extract - Kava is a psychoactive plant, native for western Pacific cultures. Kava is consumed as a drink with with sedative and anaesthetic properties. Because of it's psychoactive properties kava-based products are banned or controlled in some European countries. In skin care products has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Betroot Extract - Beetroot's pigment, betalain is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and fungicidal. Lycopene found in beetroot juice maintains the skin elasticity and protects the skin from sun damage.
• Centella Asiatica (also known as Gotu Kola) extract - an effective anti-photo ageing agent, mainly due to enhancement of collagen, which amount in skin decreases with age. Listed in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to combat excessively dry skin. Has anti-inflammatory properties, suitable for sensitive skin.
• Portulaca Oleracea Extract (also known as wild portulaca or pigweed) - has many benefits on skin: soothing effect, accelerating healing process, improving skin's elasticity. As a natural source of vitamins A, C and E and the co-enzyme Q10, is an excellent antioxidant, fighting premature ageing and protecting skin from environmental damage.
• Chamomile - well known for it's skin soothing properties
• Rosemary extract - has moisturising properties, supports healthy collagen development to fighting off skin-damaging free radicals.
• Phellodendron Amurense (Cork Tree) Bark Extract - traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat different forms of inflammation and bone pain. Contains peptides with anti-oxidant properties and berberine with antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
• Cassia Alata (Candle bush) leaf extract - has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. Used to treat various skin problems, including syphilis sores, psoriasis, herpes, chronic lichen planus, scabies, shingles, eczema, rash and itching.
• Adenosine - helps prevent wrinkles, reduces UVB sun damage, increases the production of elastin and collagen reducing skin sogginess and improving tone
• Hyaluronic Acid - is a powerful anti ageing ingredient in skin care. It is naturally occurring in the skin, but as we get older it's level decrease causing our skin to age and sag. It has ability to absorb water up to 1000 times its weight, what makes it one of the best moisturising substances known.

Full list of ingredients: Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Propanediol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Niacinamide, Polyquaternium-51, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Raffinose, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Glycerin, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Tromethamine, Water, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Acetic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate
Ingredients analysis: [HERE] 

The idea of beautiful skin in Asia is a dewy, clear complexion, that glows from within. You can see what I am talking about on the picture above. Although this pic is for sure airbrushed this is what a perfect skin should look like and products like this one is supposed to give the skin that beautiful glow.

I had one sample randomly kicking about, a free gift to some e-Bay order. I decided to give it a go when I run out of toner. It lasted for two applications, would last longer but genius Ninja was not careful enough and spilled half of it =.= because I liked the form of product, but couldn't really tell much about how it works after just two uses, I ordered set of 10 samples (1ml each) from e-Bay.

The product has very runny consistency, just like water. So the sachet form of sample is very inconvenient - easy to spill.  Learnt from the experience of spilling the first sample, when I received my 10 samples I decanted them into empty bottle after toner, with spray applicator. Unfortunately I already used it all, so I can't show you a picture, sorry!

Product is almost non-scented. I mean, there is some scent to it, but it's very very subtle and hard to describe. Not bothering at all.
Product has "4 weeks" guarantee - it promises to turn your skin into "new skin" in 4 weeks time. My sampled lasted me for over a week and for the results I experienced - I totally believe in their promise. Every day, in the morning and in the evening I was dispensing three sprays onto my face and gently patting product into skin until absorbed. It takes maybe like 30 seconds to absorb. Using this product I experienced the whole new level of moisture - it leaves skin slightly sticky, but not disgusting, greasy glue like sticky, but well moisturised and supple kind of sticky. I don't know if you know what I'm talking abut, but trust me - it's very pleasant feeling. The product is almost weightless - I can feel that my skin is moisturised, but there is no residue to it. Any products applied after First Essence are still absorbing into skin well.
Because I used it only for week, I cannot tell much about wrinkle improvement - however me skin definitely feels different - it's well moisturised, and this feeling last whole day. Literally WHOLE DAY. Sometimes I can feel in the middle of the day that after layer of sebum there is dried and tense skin. Not with this product. Seriously, this is my moisturising holy grail. So the other name of the product: "miracle water" is very suitable. My skin is slightly brighter, radiant and very nice and soft in touch.

Price: the full 150ml bottle is available on e-Bay from £20. You can also grab 30ml sample bottle for £6 or set of 10 sample sachets (1ml) for £3.

Pros:
+ absorbs fully, no residue
+ well moisturises skin
+ leaves skin soft and radiant

Cons:
- the sample sachets are not very handy and it's easy to spill

I totally love love LOVE this product <3 I am sooooo buying this in the full size!

There is loads of similar yeast-based essences in Korean cosmetic market. The craze was started by posh Japanese brand SK-II. SK-II Facial Treatment essence was the first product called "miracle water", containing Galactomyces - they even patented their main ingredient and called it Pitera. Unfortunately the original SK-II essence is very expensive - the 150ml bottle costs over £70! 

SK-II has 7-day results promise.

Other well known SK-II dupe is made by Secret Key. Their Starting Treatment Essence also contains Galactomyces and can be bought for as little as £11 on e-Bay. There are good reviews about it on different blogs, so if you are on a budget I think this may be worth trying.

Missha Super Aqua Marine Stem Cell Intensive Serum Review

Good morning ^^
Today is International Woman's Day, so dear ladies - all the best! ^^
A quick review for the weekend :)

  
Product description: The Super Aqua Marine Stem Cell Intensive Serum contains Ulvalax from seaweeds to fill in the gaps in the inner layers of the skin and effectively create firmness and elasticity. 

According to Missha's New Zeland website, product is aimed at mid20s ~ mid 30s "Who has dehydrated, rough and dull skin - Who wants richly moist skin care series - Who wants to get moist and firm skin care benefit at the same time".

The full size product is glass bottle with pump, I was just resting out the 1ml sample.

Product has consistency of a light, opaque cream. It has very subtle and refreshing smell. It glides very smoothly among the skin and absorbs quickly and completely, but it leaves skin slightly shiny. I was testing it out in the morning, under BB Cream and it worked perfectly. For AM use on my oily skin it offers just the right level of moisture without feeling heavy.  However for the nighttime, when I would like to give my skin as much moisture as possible, this product wouldn't be enough and it would have to be followed by some cream.

Price of full size product: from £12 on eBay.

Pros:
+ lightweight
+ offers just the right level of moisture for day use
+ absorbs quickly and completely

Cons:
- too light for nighttime use on it's own (but since it's only a serum not a cream it's fair enough)

I am really torn apart by this product. It was nice in use and refreshing and the whole line has such an elegant and fresh look, I just want to buy it all! But it's not the cheapest (in general Missha is more expensive than for example Tony Moly) and I would really want something preventing wrinkles or brightening not only moisturising... but on the other hand my oily skin feels a bit dry recently, so it produces even more oil than usual and this done a good job on hydrating it without oiliness... Maybe I will just buy more samples and see how it goes (there are also samples of toner and emulsion available). If you fancy purchasing some samples I really strongly recommend this product, it's soooo nice! :)

 Official Aqua Marine Stem Cell advertising. Looks very appealing for me :) 

Ingredients: Water(Aqua), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Niacinamide, Silica, Glycosyl Trehalose, Hizikia Fusiformis Callus Culture Extract, Rhizophora Mangle Callus Culture Extract, Chaetomorpha Solitaria Callus Culture Extract, Salicornia Hebacea Callus Culture Extract, Sea Water, Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Sargassum Pallidum Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Triethanolamine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Adenosine, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Sodium Hyaluronate, Octanediol, Lecithin, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance(Parfum), Limonene
Ingredients analysis: http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_fbe0133511.html

Missha Complexion Coordinating BB/CC Cream

Good afternoon everyone and Happy Valentine's Day! :) I hope you had/are still going to have an amazing time! <3

Product description: Complexion Coordinating BB Cream SPF43/PA+++ gives you a clean, even more natural look! No.1 Pure Complexion is a skin brightening white cream that adjusts to a natural tone when applied for clear and glowing skin.

You can have this product in two sizes - 20ml tube or 50ml cylinder container with very interesting applicator. It's sealed from on the top with only a little slot - when you twist the top part small amount of product would be dispensed from the slot. It so cool and must be so comfy to use with foundation brush! Unfortunately I didn't have a chance to use te applicator myself, as I was testing out just the sample sachet.
Product comes in two shades: No. 1 Pure Complexion (white & gold packiging) and No. 2 Flawless Complexion (black & gold packaging). As you can see on pics, I was testing No. 1.
It has high filter: SPF45 PA+++.
This product, althought it only has a "BB Cream" in name, is actually classified as a BB and CC in one. It's one of this products, that change colour during application, like Lioele Dollish Veil Vita BB or Tony Moly Live Aura CC. Even though it's called a "complexion coordinating" it doesn't really magically just change to your skin colour - it contains a colour capsules, that break when you rub it into your skin releasing tint into the cream.

No. 1 is basically white before application. (No. 2 is beige).

When all colour capsules are broken and cream is a bright beige with pink undertones.

On a textured paper a lot of color capsules are breaking at the same time, making it look much darker than it looks on skin.

Now for the performance. I think this product is much closer to the CC Cream than a BB, to be honest. It gives the skin beautifull glow - my face looked so fresh and dewy after application. However this effect i quite strong and because I live in the country where the matte look is still the desired one and I have a very oily skin which has "shine" of it's own, I had to spoil this glow with mattifying powder. Which is a shame, as that's the biggest advantage of the product. It doesn't really offers much coverage, hardly covers some blackheads. And what's worse - after approx. 4 hours it's almost completly gone. It's like my skin sucked it up or something. There were only traces left around my dry patches (had some acne emergency recently, so my skin is dried out in some places), which wasn't looking good at all.

Price: approx. £8 for 20ml or £15-17 for 50ml.

Pros:
+ gorgeous glow, making skin look fresh
+ really cool applicator in 50ml version

Cons:
- very low coverage (but it may be an advantage for someone)
- after few hours it just dissapears from the face
- makes dry patches more visible, rolls up in wrinkles

Well, I guess that if you don't need much coverage and like quite significant dewy effect, you may give this product a go. But I would recommend to use it with some primer, as it just doesn't last. For me it's a definite no-no, sorry Missha!

Ingredients: Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Niacinamide, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Sodium Chloride, Punica Granatum Extract, Sansevieria Leaf Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Jasmine Flower/Leaf Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Iris Versicolor (Blue Flag) Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Rose Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus (Daffodil) Flower Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Achillea Milleforium Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Cowslip Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Tribehenin, Dimethicone, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glyceryl Tribehenate/Isostearate/Eicosandioate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearic Acid, Polyester-1, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Water, Adenosine, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexandiol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Carbomar, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxy Ethanol, Perfume, Mica, Iron Oxides

Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam

Good afternoon!
Today I would like to introduce you to Missha's Refreshing Foam.

Product description: Super Aqua gives your skin radiance with a help from three revitalized water from nature. Containing Sweet Flag Extract and Willow Bark Extract which gives a massage effect with its minute and rich bubbles, Super Aqua cleansing foam gently and completely removes makeup and impurities.

 The full size product is a squeezy tube with 200ml capacity, I was testing out a 3ml sample.

The foam is not a foam itself, rather a pearly white cream, which turns into a foam after massaging into skin. It reminds me my dad's old fashioned shaving cream ;) A little goes a long way - it takes only a pea size to create loads of thick foam and the 3ml sample lasted me for three applications, how good is that?! Another great advantage of this product is very pleasant usage - it has nice and fresh smell, doesn't irritate eyes and leaves face sqeaky clean. Morover - the foam doesn't dry out my skin. I absolutly love it!

Price: from £7 on e-Bay

Pros:
+ nice smell
+ a little goes a long way
+ leaves skin sqeeky clean
+ dosn't dry out my skin

Cons:
NONE!

I really, really want a full size version of this product :D

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Ceteth -20, PEG -40 Stearate, Glycol Distearate, Lauramide DEA, Sea Water, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Amethyst Powder, Pearl Powder, Tourmaline, Acorus Gramineus Root/Stem Extract, Fragance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Blue 1 (CI 42090)

What are BB Creams? Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream Review.

Hello :)
For a good start I would like to introduce you to probably the most populat asian beauty care product - BB Cream.

What is a BB Cream?

BB stands for Blemish Balm. It was first invated for people with post-surgery marks on their faces. Product was meant to hide imperfections and taking care of skin at the same time. Idea was catched by asian cosmetics companies and hit the market, quickly becoming a must-have. Asian beauty philosphy is slightly different from our European vision: in their view perfect skin is bright, clear, smooth and glowy. They don't value dark and tanned/bronzed skin like we do. According to that a lot of BB Creams comes in light shades with promise of lightening your skin tone and all of them are giving your skin glow effect* and thy always contain a SPF. BB Creams also always promise you care for your skin: according to what you need, you can find versions for moisture, oil control, acne prone skin, wrinkle care, pore tightening etc.They are also coming in various levels of coverage, however the main idea is to keep natural look.

* there are some matte versions available, however I find them still a little bit more glowy that European mattfying foundations. 

Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream

The reason why I am starting with this particular review is because that was my first asian product ever. And I loved it! Also I think it's a great example of classic, asian BB cream.

Product Description: Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream offers a novel skincare concept with BB cream, which lightens skin tone by healing visible wrinkles and blemishes with excellent skin-cover ability, and prevents skin aging through effective whitening and anti-wrinkle properties.

I've come along this product accidentaly - couldn't find the right foundation I just gave up make up completly. One day my friend told me about great effect the BB Cream gave her - didn't really know what is it, i just typed "BB Cream" on e-Bay and a lot of results came up with this particular brand. It was quite cheap so I decided to give it a go, as I wouldn't loose much in case it wouldn't work for me. I had to wait a while as it was shipped from Korea - around three weeks.
The product is avaiable in two sizes - 20ml trial size, which I ordered, coming up in squeezy tube. Full size version, 50 ml is tube with little pump.
I am quite pale person (my skin just don't do taning, and I don't like fake tan), so I usually pick up the brightest available versions of foundations/powders. This BB Cream is available in five shades - that's really a lot for BB cream, since most of them got one or two shades - from #13 Milky Beige to #31 Golden Beige. I went for a #13 of course and suprising discover that... it was too bright for me! Honestly, I never supposed it is possible. In general I don't use blusher, but with this BB I had to - otherwise you could take me for some Twilight parody character lol. Because of not matching shade I gave up on product quickly, until I oredered darker shade - #21 Light Beige. And this time it was perfect.

Now to the results: opposite to the name it doesn't give you the best cover in the world. But covers enough to hide blackheads and pores and it does beautiful job making your skin shade even (as an acne harassed person I got all shades of reds and purples on my face, so I know what I am talking about here :P). It makes skin looking smooth and give it a little, healthy glow. It has very nice cosmetical-flowery scent. The consistency is good for both hand and brush applications. However with BB Creams you must be aware of smudges - they will appear a lot - BB Cream likes to be delicately pated into skin. It makes your dry patches visible... but which colour-containing cosmetic doesn't? Fortunately it is not drying itself, I would even say it's moisturising. As for oil control - my skin becomes oily and shiny after 2-3 hours - but that's standart time for my extremally oily skin. Unfortunately this cream seems to dissapear from your face after approx. 6 hours, but at least it dissapears evenly, so you don't look patchy.
Contains high filters: SPF45 PA+++.

Price: between £4-6 for 20ml and £7-13 for 50ml on e-Bay.

Pros:
+ big choice of shades, which contains my perfect shade
+ lightweight and naturally looking
+ good priced
+ two sizes available
+ high SPF and PA filters

Cons:
- disappears after some time
- highlights dry areas
- rolls up a little bit in deeper wrinkles
- smudges during application

Summing up: it's not a perfect BB cream. But it is different than foundation, certainly worth trying. What I like most is that it's weightless - if you don't like to feel your make up on your face, you should give the BB Cream a go.

Ingerdients: Water(Aqua), Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mineral Oil, Phenyl Trimethicone, Talc, Arbutin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Dimethicone, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Squalane, Adenosine, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Beeswax(Cera Alba), Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Caviar Extract, Algae Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Ceramide 3, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance(Parfum), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol
May contain: [+/-; Titanium Dioxide(CI 77891), Iron Oxides(CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)]