Curvy Faja - Not Your Ordinary Shapewear

It's the first day of September 2023, and where I live it is already the start of the Christmas Season. There would be lots of parties and occasion in the next few months so I would love to stay on shape. I've been contemplating on getting some waist trainers to help me with my body shape. Good thing I stumbled upon this online store called Curvy Faja - which according to their website is a brand that cares deeply about women and their well-being. Curvy-faja is for those who want the look but don't want to permanently change their body for it. 

I have always been a fan of waist trainers and when I learned about fajas shorts, I instantly fell in love with how snug and comfortable they are to wear. I think it's partly because of how they were made and the material used in producing these items, making them more ideal for long term use than most shapewear.

This Tummy Control Shaper Short is an absolute gem because not only does it helps shape your body, it flattens your tummy and shapes your butt too! It comes in Black and Rosy Brown color, with sizes from XS to 3XL. This item retails for $34 only.

Tummy Control Shaper Short - $34

If you want something that will shape the whole body, then you'll find the Body Premium Manga Corta the best there is. Plus, it only costs $40 and you'll get that nicely shaped body you've been wanting. Plus, it comes in 4 different colors too so you have a lot of options.

Body Premium Manga Corta - $40

Their online store has a lot more different styles and colors of faja body shaper, which can cater to different sizes and body shapes. The items are very durable and fashionable, which means you can wear them under your clothing and nobody can even tell you're wearing a body shaper. Here are some favorites from their store which I am looking forward to buying.

I am eyeing the Seamless Stretch High Waist Tummy and Hip Lift Shapewear because of its seamless look and design. As someone who wears tight fitting jeans, I definitely wouldn't want what's underneath to peak so a seamless undergarment is a must for me. It has 5 different colors and is available in sizes S to XL. For $40 only, you get a waist trainer that reduces the waistline creating a slimmer, feminine silhouette.

Seamless Stretch High Waist Tummy and Hip Lift Shapewear - $40

If you need a sign to purchase a new waist trainer, then this is your sign because Curvy Faja is currently running their summer sale promo, with more items on their flash sale section. They are also offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $59 and HASSLE-FREE RETURNS. You wouldn't want to pass on this deal right now, so head over to their online store and get one today.

Review: I’m From Licorice Calming Cream

It has been raining quite a lot daily for the last couple of weeks, and days like this makes me so lazy to go out. The weather gave me more time to clean my room and I also found time to do a couple of product reviews. Today I will be talking about this new product from the Korean brand I'm From called the Licorice Calming Cream. Growing up, I've always been intrigued about licorice because I saw it as a flavor in those jelly belly gummies. Who would have thought it would also make a good skin care product?

This calming cream is a face cream that can be applied daily in the morning and at night. I usually use it in the morning after facial wash and toner, as it keeps my skin moisturized specially now that the weather is a bit colder. It doesn't have a scent, and it's also not too thick so it is very easy to apply and spread all over the face.

PRODUCT CLAIMS:

• calms sensitive and acne-prone skin
• tackle hyperpigmentation & acne scars
• leave skin fully moisturized and brightened

INGREDIENTS:

Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Water(58%), Propanediol, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract(0.05%), Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Panthenol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glucose, Tromethamine, Butylene Glycol, Dimethiconol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate(1,000ppm), Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Phytate, Cellulose Gum, Silica, Cetearyl Olivate, Ceramide NP, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopherol, Kanzou Furabonoido(JPN)(1ppb), Xanthan Gum

Containing 58% Licorice Exosome and 100 million Licorice flavonoids, the cream completely calms down irritated and troubled skin whilst infiltrating and sealing moisture deep into the skin, keeping it moist and hydrated for 24 hours. The calming cream boosts skin radiance and improves skin’s brightness as well as reduces redness and pigmentation scars. Highly effective to soothe sensitive skin and protect skin barrier.

BENEFITS:

- Soothes sensitive and troubled skin.

- Licorice exosome is the key ingredient that is highly anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic, helps calm irritated skin and protect skin barrier from further damage.

- Provides deep hydration and moisture into the skin.

- Non-comedogenic and safe for acne-prone skin.

- Effective for blotchy, pigmented scar care.

- Contains oil soluble Licorice extract with a certified brightening effect that reduces redness and pigmentation scar.

- Clinically tested for skin irritation, blotchy pigmentation scar, non-comedogenic and skin moisture improvement.

If you have irritated and blotchy skin, acne-prone and sensitive skin, damaged skin barrier or dull skin due to pigmentation scar, breakouts, and blemishes, then you should definitely give this product a try to see how it will change your skin.

HOW TO USE:

Apply a moderate amount of the calming cream and gently pat unto skin. The calming cream is to be used as the last step of skincare routine.

Since this product claims to lighten acne scars, I am mostly using it in my jawline and cheeks because I am currently getting a lot of breakouts in this area, and it helps with my acne scars. I have not had any breakouts so far since I started using this product, which is a good sign. Hopefully it can fully lighten this area of my face because the acne scars are really obvious. I'll update this post after a month for a before and after comparison of the scars to see if it really works.

Also, this instant acne care product is currently on sale at Wishtrend for only $19.60, so now is really a good time to pick one and try it out since it is 30% off at the moment.

REVIEW: Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Charging Serum

Today I will be sharing another new product offering from a famous brand called Dear, Klairs. They have a lot of different products, but this Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Charging Serum is new and I got to review it right now. I've been using it for more than a week already, so here are my thoughts on this product!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

10% Vitamin C derivative serum that brightens and tightens for radiant, bouncy skin.

FEATURES

• Powerful brightening with the Dual Brightening Complex
• Contains 10% 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C derivative) and Niacinamide that helps improve overall skin tone and pigmentation (melasma, blemish, freckles).
• Brightens and boosts radiance.
• Packed with 5 antioxidants for bouncy, firm skin
• Contains a potent mix of vitamins (C, E, B3, B5) and madecassoside (Centella Asiatica) to target early signs of aging such as dull, uneven skin tone, loss of firmness, and fine lines. 
• Clinically proven to improve fine lines, tighten and smoothen skin.
• Lightweight but Hydrating Formula
• Quick absorption into the skin without leaving oily residue and is perfect for all-year round use and for all skin types.
• Extra Safe, for Even Extra Sensitive skin
• Dear, Klairs’ expertise of mild but powerful formulas that cause less irritation/less heat, making it safe for sensitive skin.
• EAAsy! Easy as ABC
• EAAsy = Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is Easy As ABC. 
• Vitamin C derivative that is easy to use, day and night, and has no warmth or flaring compared with Pure Vitamin C. It also does not have any irony scent and is a non-oily formula, making it sit comfortably even with makeup on. 

Key Ingredients

• 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (10%)
• 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid is a more stable derivative of pure Vitamin C that is soluble in both water and oil, and has brightening and anti-aging qualities. Oxidizes slowly and has the same rejuvenating effect, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid has anti-aging benefits as pure as Vitamin C since it shares a very similar carbon structure.
• Niacinamide
• A derivative of Vitamin B3 that is well-known for its ability to give hydration and brighten skin by disrupting melanin creation.

The product is colorless, like water but isn't too runny. It smells like oranges or Vitamin C, similar to another Wishtrend Vitamin C product. However, the scent on this one isn't too overpowering but you know it is faintly there. Most Vitamin C serums that I've tried are sticky, but trust me when I say this one isn't! After applying it to my face, it doesn't feel sticky at all. It is also easy to apply and blend and you can definitely layer this with other skincare products.

Now here's a before and after photo of my skin using the charging serum. The upper photo shows my skin without the product and the photo below shows my skin after using the product. There might be a bit of difference in lighting but you can see that the photo below looks healthier with a glow.

I have already used another similar product from Dear Klairs, the Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop. Although on paper they might sound and look the same but the vitamin drop is for clear dark spots and pigmentations while the charging serum is for brightening and firm skin. 

This product is available and is launching today, May 1st. It retails for $40 but you can get it at 20% off for only $32 from 2023.05.01 ~ 2023.05.07 CST. If you'd like to try out this product first, you can get a free Freshly Juiced Vitamin Charging Serum Sample Kit from Wishtrend. 

REVIEW: Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydra & Whitening Face Wash

This has been sitting in my drafts for a year now and I only got the chance to post this review today. I don't have a lot of Japanese Skin Care products but I do have a few from my Japan trip way back 2019 and I really loved them. So when I saw that a famous Japanese brand is available at my local Watsons, I immediately went there to see what they got. I purchased this facial wash from Hada Labo and here's my of the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydra & Whitening Face Wash.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Combines natural cleansing properties with superior hydrating ingredient of super hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and moisturize skin as it cleanses, skin feels fresh, soft and supple.

INGREDIENTS

Water, Lauric Acid, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Glycol Distearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamide DEA, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sorbitol, Resveratrol, Sargassum Muticum Extract, Fucus Serratus Extract, Gellidiela Acerosa Extract, Hypnea Muscifomis Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

HOW TO USE

1. Squeeze a sufficient amount onto your palm
2. Lather with water
3. Massage into face with gentle circular motions
4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water

Honestly, I was really excited to use this product because its a Japan brand, and they've always been great with skin care. Plus, I love the other Hada Labo products I've tried in Japan. Initially, this product was for me, however I am currently using other facial wash/foam at the moment and still have a lot of bottles left unconsumed so I gave this to my sister - she just turned 13 and I figured if she wants to start her skin care, it would be best if its something gentle or not so harsh. 

At first it was okay, she was getting breakouts and we thought its just part of adolescence, however when she stopped using this and switched to a different product, the breakouts stopped as well, so we figured this was causing her breakouts. My mom once tried this facial wash as well and she complained the next day about the tiny tiny bumps on her forehead, when she never had any breakouts in her life. And so, I asked the to stop using it for the mean time because of the breakouts. I am sad that this happened because I really had high hopes for this product but maybe its just not for her.

REVIEW: By Wishtrend Clear Skin Shield Patch

Today I will be reviewing an item I got from Wishtrend's Team Acney Box. I posted about the whole package March 2022 and I am now posting a review on the By Wishtrend Clear Skin Shield Patch. 

This brand has always been pretty popular when it comes to Acne products, and I was so excited to see they now have pimple patches too! I've been using this product lately as I am getting a lot of acne breakouts specially on my right jawline. Is it as effective as the most popular CosRX Pimple Patches? Let's find out.

 By Wishtrend Clear Skin Shield Patch - $10.00

This pimple patch contains 39 patches in 3 different sizes. According to their website, this is made for all skin types. The sizes and dimensions of the patches are as detailed below:

2 Shapes: Circular, Oval

3 Sizes: 10mm, 12mm, 14x23mm

39 Patches in 3 Sheets: 10mm * 15 Patches, 12mm * 15 Patches, 14x23mm * 9 Patches

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

This hydrocolloid acne patch protects the skin against dirty water, dust and physical contact. The thin, breathable fabric quickly absorbs impurities while naturally covering problem areas. Irritation-free spot care for breakouts and pimples.

HOW TO USE:

1. Clean and dry the problem spot before use.
2. Select the right patch for individual problem spots.
3. Gently press the adhesive side of the patch over the problem spot to cover it completely.

For reference, this is the pimple that I will be covering with this pimple patch. As you can see, there's something inside (pus, maybe?) the pimple and it looks like it is about to pop out lol.  You can wear the patches overnight or up to 12 hours. Just replaces them when they have been worn for an extended period of time.

There are 3 sizes for the patch and I used the bigger circular patch since the pimple I'm trying to cover up is just a small one, but I reckon the smallest patch would be too small too. After putting it on my pimple, it does a good job of hiding it as it doesn't look as bad as the before photo without any pimple patch. From afar, it doesn't look that visible too, which is a good thing.

After leaving the patch on for hours, I have removed it and it looks like the pus has all come out and all that's left is just the pimple itself. The patches help absorb impurities and quicken the healing process and reduce the size and severity of the inflammation as you can see. For continuous healing, I will be using Clindamycin which I will soon be reviewing as well.

Overall, this pimple patch is a good alternative to the ever popular CosRX Pimple Patch. And although it is a bit more pricey, but you get a lot more patches for this brand too. Would I repurchase? Well, if it is on sale I'd definitely buy this again.