The Face Shop | The Solution Propolis Nourishing Face Mask Review

Hi and hello there!

I've been having a bit of a rest week during the last few days since I've been trying to rest plus catch up with other lined up tasks. I think I'm slowly going to be back on track now (so keep staying tuned!). 😊 Anyway, after last week's review for my #MaskOfTheWeek, this week, I will be trying out another kind of sheet mask from The Solution by The Face Shop which is the Propolis Nourishing Face Mask. 

In the last post, I reviewed the BHA Smoothing Face Mask from the same sheet mask line by The Face Shop. (click here to head over to my other review on this mentioned sheet mask 😊)

Since I was (*spoiler alert*) happy and pleased with the previous variant, I was already looking forward to trying this one next. Keep reading to know more details about it all went down.

The Face Shop | The Solution BHA Smoothing Face Mask Review

Hello there!

I'm back on track with another The Face Shop sheet mask for another of this week's #MaskOfTheWeek. This time, I'm trying the BHA Smoothing Face Mask from their sheet mask line called, 'The Solution'. 

These sheet masks are formulated with various kinds of ingredients that help and become the 'right solution for your skin concern'. There are 10 different options to address the different skin concerns which include:

👉 Brightening (with Pearl)                                 👉 Pore Care (with Tannins)

👉 Firming (with Collagen)                                 👉 Moisturizing (with Ceramide)

👉 Hydrating (with Hyaluronic Acid)                 👉 Radiance (with Vitamin C)

👉 Nourishing (with Propolis)                             👉 Soothing (with Madecassocide)

👉 Smoothing (with BHA/Beta Hydroxy Acid)  👉 Wrinkle Care (with Peptide)

The Face Shop | The Solution BHA Smoothing Face Mask

Crazy Skin | 'Today is Baby Skin' Lifting Mask (오늘동안 리프팅 마스크) Review

Hello friends! 

This blog post will be on reviewing Crazy Skin's 'Today is Baby Skin' Lifting Mask.

You might have already seen this mask being reviewed all around the internet these past couple of months, whether it be on Youtube or on Instagram, being dubbed as the "#CrazySkinChallenge" where reviewers would take a video of themselves in the whole process of using this mask kit and letting the audience see how quick you could get results from this product. Crazy, huh?

Also, some of you there may have seen the label on the back of the packaging stating: Oneuldongan Lifting Mask, and be wondering what does the word Oneuldongan mean? Actually, it's just as it is written also on the packaging which stands for Today Baby Skin (or just 'Today is Baby Skin'). 😊 This was definitely one of the reasons I was interested in buying this mask just by seeing it from other reviews. (call me weak, but when it comes to cute packaging and labels, most likely you could already consider me sold 😂🙈) Even by the brand name itself (Crazy Skin) is something I found amusing to see since it's written as 美친스킨 (read as 'michin seukin') which can mean 'crazy skin' when read as is in Hangeul and also has the first character written in Hanja which makes it stand for 'beauty'. 

MINISO x Pink Panther and We Bare Bears Sheet Mask Review

Hello friends! 
There are two cute masks in my stash who also want to greet you and say hello. 👋😍💖

The masks I will be reviewing today are Miniso collaborations with Pink Panther and We Bare Bears which are the:
↳ MINISO x WE BARE BEARS Moisturizing and Glossy Eyes Mask
↳ MINISO x PINK PANTHER 3-in-1 Ultra Hydration Facial Mask

Naruko | Tea Tree Shine Control and Blemish Clear Mask Review

Hello and a Happy Wednesday, friends!
In this post, I will be reviewing the Tea Tree Shine Control and Blemish Clear Mask by Naruko.

To give you a brief background on the brand, first off, Naruko is a Taiwanese eco-friendly and cruelty-free skincare brand which got introduced in 2009. If you could observe from their product labels, they state that their products are made without parabens and artificial coloring. 

Get It Beauty | ceLABrity V Fit Mask Review

Hey guys! Greeting a Happy Easter Sunday to everyone!

In this post, I will be sharing my review on the ceLABrity V Fit Mask by Get It Beauty.

Before anything else, let's talk about what V-masks do and why they've become a part of the beauty trend. V-masks, in a straight-up definition, are masks which aim to achieve that well-defined jawline without having the need to undergo surgical procedures. V-masks function to lift the lower parts of the face while also shaping the chin area. Having that 'V-shaped jawline' has been long part of the list of desired facial features, especially among Korean women. It probably reflects that youthful-looking and glowing skin which targets those who are worried about how to additionally prevent the appearing signs of aging (which include fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin). That tugging and lifting factor that V-masks are made to do are probably what attracts and influences this skincare product to inevitably be a part of an ongoing beauty trend.

QuickFX | Dewy+ Hydrating Face Mask Review

Hello friends! Another face mask review for this week will be on the 3rd sheet mask by QuickFX, the Dewy+ Hydrating Face Mask. 💆 Continue to scroll down and read the whole review below!

Also, if you haven't yet, check the links below to read up on previous reviews on the two other masks from QuickFX:
↳ QuickFX | Liquid Ice Cooling Face Mask Review
↳ QuickFX | Sculpt Tightening Face Mask Review

QuickFX | Sculpt Tightening Face Mask Review

Second sheet mask by QuickFX in the bag! 
Hello again friends!
I will be sharing my review on the Sculpt Tightening Face Mask by QuickFX. Continue reading the review below to know what this mask is about! 😊👇

QuickFX | Liquid Ice Cooling Face Mask Review

Hi, hi, and hello friends!
The next set of masks I will be reviewing in the upcoming days are the face masks by Quick FX. 

Speaking of Quick FX, they have affordable products which range from ones you can add to your skincare routine to those you can use to prep your makeup look. These products come in 10g sachet forms which are for around Php 59-99.00 and 30g tube forms for Php 129-279.00. I still love using their products on the daily, especially the No Shine Mattifier and Sunblock while I had the Pimple Eraser and Tinted Moisturizer during my early college years. They have products which give off a simple, minimalistic feel. Not so much on fancy designs, but does perform well when used. It's what made me want to keep coming back and choosing my faves from the brand when I start running low.

Around January this year, Quick FX released a line of face masks which are made in Korea (as stated on the front label), both sheet and wash-off masks. I haven't had my hands on the two wash-off masks (Black Clay Mask and Dewy+ Sleep Mask which retail for Php 99.00) yet, so I will be doing reviews on the three sheet masks they have. As mentioned, there are three variants which include the Liquid Ice Cooling Face Mask, Sculpt Tightening Face Mask, and the Dewy+ Hydrating Face Mask. 

The Face Shop | MasCream Intense Revitalizing Sheet Review

Hi and hello there!
We're back on track with K-brands as the next mask to be reviewed is the MasCream Intense Revitalizing sheet from The Face Shop.

I'm finally reviewing one of the masks I purchased from them a couple months ago. (Yay! 😄🙌) I was actually one of those who got excited when The Face Shop finally opened shop in the Philippines, especially in Cebu. I kept passing by it every time we would drop by SM City Cebu, but I never got the chance to look around the shop. And so a couple of months ago, I finally got the chance to drop by for a mini face mask haul and picked up a few ones I was curious about. Thus, having this as my first review of anything from the brand.  

The Face Shop actually has two lines for this kind of concept with their sheet masks: MasCream sheet and the MasCream Intense sheet. Two other variants in the same category include the Soothing one which has Panthenol as the key ingredient and Moisturizing which contains Ceramide. For the variant that I will be reviewing, it is the MasCream Intense Revitalizing sheet which contains Madecassocide as its key ingredient. BTW, you can also check other details about this MasCream Intense mask line on their The Face Shop international website.

Where I was able to purchase: The Face Shop SM City Cebu branch

Price: Php 195.00 ($ 3.74)

My Scheming | Aloe Soothing Restoring Black Mask Review

Hello friends!
Another mask I will be reviewing is the Aloe Soothing Restoring Black Mask from the Taiwanese brand, My Scheming.

So, a little backstory before we get into reviewing this mask.
This brand started in 2004 and continued to build a strong reputation with its focus on high quality yet affordable products. They have a variety of products aside from face mask sets which include eye masks, night jelly creams, and even an acne combo solution set.

Based on the brand's website:
"'My Scheming' brand was originated from our belief in 'putting action immediately = the motive power of beauty'. All women should enjoy the improvement on their skin texture regardless of their skin nature and the seasonal changes. Here every woman can find the best, unique care for her own skin at 'My Scheming'. Starting from today, let 'My Scheming' reward your overtired skin entirely with special treat using only the most precious extract from the great nature."

My Scheming Website (Made in Taiwan)

Pond's | Wrinkle Correcting and Skin Brightening Serum Sheet Mask Review

Hi and hello again friends!

This is Part 2, a continuation of my #MOTW review on the Pond's Serum Mask set. 

Click here to read on the first part, in case you missed it! 😊

Where I was able to purchase: SM Store Beauty Section

Price: Php 99.00 each

(Also available in sets of 3 in some online stores like Zalora or Lazada for Php 249.00)

Let's proceed with looking into the second mask in this list.
↓↓↓

WRINKLE CORRECTING SERUM MASK.

Pond's | Firming Serum Sheet Mask Review

Hello friends!

Following the Faith in Face sheet masks (which you can read about here), the next set of face masks in focus would be the sheet masks by Pond's. 

Recently, Pond's has released a sheet mask line dubbed as '15-minute miracle serum masks', emphasizing the '30x serum intensity' of the Pond’s Age Miracle Double Action Serum which is packed in every sheet mask (which in simpler terms means that these masks contain up to a 30-time use of this serum in one mask application compared to other regular face serums from the brand). 

The serum in these masks is said to be 'lightweight and water-based' which enables it to be 'quickly absorbed by your skin without clogging up pores' and also works in 'countering dark spots and skin discoloration'. Because of its texture, this serum is lighter to the skin compared to those of moisturizers. Water-based serums are even said to be one of the best options for people with oily skin type as it can hydrate your face better without having to feel greasy after application. Active ingredients which include hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, collagen, and other more skin-renewing antioxidants are the main guys in letting you bring out that glowy skin. Based on the packaging, these masks are also made in Korea. 

There are 3 variants of the sheet masks which include: Wrinkle Correcting (Red), Firming (Purple), and Skin Brightening (Pink).

Faith in Face | Missing Pore Hydrogel Mask Review

Hello hello everyone!

This time, I will be reviewing the Missing Pore Hydrogel Mask by Faith in Face. After trying out two other variants of their hydrogel masks, I'm part excited and part nervous about trying out this last one I have from the stash. I guess excited and nervous are the main feels because I'm expecting to have a different experience from the previous two that I've already tried. What I'm excited about in this variant is also that it focuses on Pore Tightening (including Sebum Control and Pore Care as stated on the pack) which is one of the main things I look for when buying my face masks (esp. with my efforts in trying to balance my Combination skin type 😥). 

Continue on reading to know more about my thoughts on this mask. ↓↓↓

Faith in Face | After Shower Look Hydrogel Mask Review

Hello friends!

We're having another hydrogel mask in focus. In this post, the #MaskOfTheWeek review will be about the After Shower Look Hydrogel Mask from the brand, Faith in Face.

To know more about the previous reviews on other Faith in Face masks, click on the links to read on them:

↳ Faith in Face | Light Effect Hydrogel Mask

↳ Faith in Face | I Need Relaxing Care Pearl Cellulose Sheet Mask

Claims, Functions, and Key Ingredients:

"You do not need a shower every hour to get the after shower look. Just have faith in face after shower and look pure, gorgeous and sexy!"

Human Nature Mini Haul + Mini First Impressions

(initially published on previous blog on December 27, 2016)

Hello World! 

How has your holidays been so far? There's only around a week left before all formal things such as school and some works will be resuming in January next year. It supposedly should sound like a long time, but looking at the dates on my desk calendar makes me feel a little bit excited and nervous at the same time while waiting for 2017. 

Anyway, in line with the season of Christmas and giving, I went on another mini haul, and this time, it's from Human Nature. A couple of weeks before the 25th, my family and I visited the Human Nature branch in A.S. Fortuna to  purchase a couple of products for gifts and also for our own personal use.

Human Nature branch in A.S. Fortuna, Mandaue (photo cr)

Faith in Face | I Need Relaxing Care Pearl Cellulose Mask Review

Hey guys! 

Second one up for the #MOTW series is the I Need Relaxing Care Pearl Cellulose Mask from Faith in Face. Keep scrolling to see how this sheet mask did for me. 

Claims, Functions, and Key Ingredients:

"Time to take a break! Soothe tired, overworked skin while replenishing moisture and vitality! Your skin will truly appreciate it."

Faith in Face | Light Effect Hydrogel Mask Review

Hey everyone!
This is the first post for my #MaskOfTheWeek series. In the previous upload, I mentioned that I will be starting on a certain series of posts featuring reviews on face masks that I am looking forward to trying. I've had a couple of masks from a few recent purchases, but I guess I haven't really found the perfect timing to add them to my skincare routine (which is why I'm getting a lot hopeful that this will make me be motivated in using them on a regular basis). I was also thinking about how I should go over with this whole thing; so I will be prioritizing the expiry dates (if there are urgent ones which are calling to be used haha), then I guess it's all going to be based on either the interest factor, the collection by brand, or just how I'm feeling that day. For my starters, I chose the Faith in Face masks that I purchased during the holidays last year since I was so excited to finally see them on shelves after coming across them on a few k-beauty sites a couple of years ago. 

Faith in Face masks (L to R): Light Effect Hydrogel Mask, Missing Pore Hydrogel Mask,
After Shower Look Hydrogel Mask, and I need Relaxing Care Pearl Cellulose Sheet Mask 

My Current Sheet Mask Collection and Starting off the #MOTW Series

Hey guys!

From my first few posts, I think you guys can already guess that I'm into face masks. Face masks of any kind, as a matter of fact. There are a lot of types out there (like the ones shown below) which include creams, clay and gel-types, peel-off ones, exfoliating ones, and of course, the sheet masks. Face mask users also get to benefit from various functions that these masks can provide: anti-aging, moisturizing, nourishing, skin brightening, cleansing, and other skin sensitivity issues.

(Top Left to Bottom Right: Kiehl's Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask, L'oreal Paris Exfoliate & Refine Pores Pure Clay Mask, Innisfree Super Volcanic Peel Off Mask 2X, and Tonymoly I'm Real Mask Sheet)

Talking about the most common ones that the beauty community goes on buzzing about would be Korean face masks which are made of different materials like fiber, pulp, hydro-gel, etc. These sheet masks are infused and packed with essences containing active ingredients that benefit different skin types. 

1-Mask-A-Day Challenge (Part II)

(initially was to be posted on my previous blog 'Colors up in the sky')

Hey everyone!

Previously, face masks from Beauty Buffet, Jayjun Cosmetic, and Purederm were reviewed. In this post, I will be sharing about the second part from the 1-Mask-A-Day Challenge. This time, face masks are from SNP, COSRX, and Pretty Secret. You can read about the first part here.

DAY 4

SNP The Sound of Your Heart Buuk Soothing Mask (마음의 소리 부욱 수딩 마스크팩; 25ml) 

"Soothing and vital mask that cares smooth skin by filling a soothing energy to the irritated skin and controlling the excessive sebum."

Active Ingredients:
Green Tea Extract, Licorice Extract, Coconut Water, and other plant extracts - It soothes tired skin from external stimuli and controls the sebum to make it calmer and cleaner.

This mask is for Php 129.00. Other variants available from this brand are Sensation Wrinkle Mask, Aebongi Aqua Mask, and Joseok Brightening Mask.

SM Store Beauty Section Face Mask Haul (Doing the 1-Mask-A-Day Challenge Part I)

(initially was to be posted on my previous blog 'Colors up in the sky')

Hello World! 

It's been 9 months since I last posted on this blog. And now, I'm back with another haul. This time, it's with face masks! I have always been meaning to put out a face mask haul as it is one of the favorite things I love about skincare. 

With my regular skincare routine, I just stick with the basics (facial wash, toner, sun protection cream, and a moisturizer). Nothing really that extra. I don't get to catch or hop on the train of other skincare products as those already tend to be on the pricier end (and my lazy self also finds it easier to complete my skincare routine almost every day lol). However, with face masks, it's a guilty pleasure of mine that I'm more hooked to and something that I'm interested in exploring more about. During the first few stages of starting to make myself get used to a certain skincare routine, I might have had a few face masks, but I didn't really have the intention and interest of using it to its fullest potential. Eventually, the queries came in when I started to become more aware of certain product ingredients which would benefit more for my skincare needs. I always find it important to emphasize that when choosing products, especially those to be used for the face/body, it would be better if you could do a self-research first before purchasing them right away. Reading up on user reviews or watching informative videos could surely add helpful insights to your future purchases (and definitely help you save money, too). 

Transferring and Reposting My Previous Blogposts

Hey everyone!

Just composing this entry to let you guys know that a few of my blog posts from my previous blogs will be posted again on this site that I'm currently working on where they will be attached with the label: 'Blogpost Flashbacks'. I won't be putting out all of my previous posts, but only those that I found memorable to write during the past few years. Nearing the first month of this year, I have already closed the previous sites I have created in order to fully focus my attention on this site instead of jumping from one to another. You can also view how these sites previously looked like (in screenshots) through visiting the 'CONNECT' tab located at the right side of this page.

Doing the transfer made me try to consider on how to decide on a few things. I needed the change to be able to focus more on one place and also get to invest my time and attention better. This might not be that of an important notice to put out there, but anyway it's just out for those who might be wondering. 

My Etude House (semi) Haul and My First Haul Experience Story :)

(initially published on my previous blog '반짝반짝' on April 02, 2013)

Hey guys!
So, I decided to post about my first Etude House semi-haul. :)

Considering that the Korean pop culture is really one of my interests, I've grown to love one of the things they are also famous for : their cosmetics (yehey!)
Holika Holika, The Face Shop, Missha, and TonyMoly are to name a few.

But, one of the most famous brands out there is (of course) Etude House.

I have been a fan of a lot of things in Etude House (from their endorsers, their products, and their cute interiors as well).

Well, I have been to a few Etude House branches near where I live (in Cebu). So far, I've known of three branches: SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, and J Center Mall.

Hi there!

Hello everyone!

Welcome to my blog which I decided to call, 'The Gems in Victoria's Notebook'.

Why the title, you might ask? 

It actually had a lot of trial-and-error involved. I really didn't know what to name it at first and resorted to doing some research (which included random name generators and domain checkers, that sort of thing). Taking the words 'gems' and 'Victoria', those two words are closely related to my first two names (the former, being the Italian origin/meaning of my first name and the latter, which is already my other name). For the 'notebook' part, it came naturally as I was scrolling through a list of words said to be 'commonly used to pair with usernames' (still part of the research portion lol) and remembered how I used to collect numerous notebooks since I was in Elementary (even up to this day) just so I could have something to jot down certain thoughts. It was definitely challenging for me to find ways on how to initially put them together or even use either for a blog site title. But, yeah, I guess that's how it came to be.