Biotherm Clarifying Exfoliating Gel

150mL, $19 USD

Now that Autumn is coming, our skin is getting drier.
It is very important that we keep our skin hydrated and clean at all times!!

I have been addicted to the smell of the biotherm green line (Aquasource) for awhile ~~
This line is for normal combination skin.
Biotherm also have the exact same product (pink line) for dry skin.

The texture is a light water gel with tiny exfoliating beads. 
It helps to cleanse, hydrates your skin.
At the same time, the exfoliating beads help to remove dead skin cells.
After using it, my skin feels healthy, radiant and fresh.

However, I wouldn't recommend using it every single day, cause your skin doesn't have that many dead skin cells, unless you live in a polluted country then yeah, you can use it every day.
I would recommend using this every other morning or at night. 

It doesn't give my skin any irritation and the cleaning power is quite strong.
It probably won't be suitable for sensitive or dry skin.
I love this product and will get it again and again and again.

One thing to keep in mind is to NEVER use an exfoliator to remove make up !!
I know that some of us are lazy and we don't want to use a make up remover and just use a cleanser instead. Exfoliators are NOT cleansers, they remove dead skin cells by digging into your pores. When used on clean skin, exfoliators will dig into your pores and get the bad stuff out, but when used on "dirty" skin, the effect is opposite... it will dig your make up into your pores.. which isn't a good thing at all!! 

Please remember that this is NOT a cleanser, it is something to remove dead skin cells ON CLEAN SKIN.

It's a good thing that Biotherm changed the price of all their cleanser and toners to be $19 from now on ~~

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam

200mL ($31 USD)

Suitable for dry, sensitive, combination to dry skin, and combination skin.  Those with oily or combination to oily skin might find it not clean enough...

The Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam is the 2nd step of the Sulwhasoo program. Ingredients include white birch and Korea fir tree extract. There is a bit of heat as I was using it to clean my face. This heat helps to increase blood circulation.

A gel like cleansing form, add warm water and it will foam up. There's not a lot of form but its cleansing ability is quite good!! Since the texture is a gel, it doesn't dry up your skin and after cleansing, you will feel hydrated.

In the morning, I only used the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam.
In the evening, after using the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil to remove my make up, I will follow with this cleansing foam to make sure no impurities are trapped in my skin.

Again, it does have a herbal scent, but not too strong, acceptable. 

Steps:
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil --> Gentle Cleansing Foam --> First Care Activating Serum

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil

200mL ($31 USD at Lotte Duty Free)

This is the first step in the Sulwhasoo cleansing process. The product has a strong herbal smell which I am not quite used to. It also acts as a make up remover.

Ingredients include: Jaeumdan, Jaeumboweedan and other Korea herbs

Use ~2 pumps for the entire face, gently massage onto your skin to remove your make up. You will feel a little bit of heat, this helps to increase blood circulation. It is recommended that you use the cleansing oil prior to using the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam in the morning, this will soften your skin before cleansing and help make up stay on longer. 

Let's test for it's ability to remove make up!!

I have eyeshadow on my hand


I used Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing oil and massaged for 15 secs


Rinse with warm water 
You can see very clearly that the area I just washed is very moisturized
It's more radiant than the other areas




Now I have Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 on my hand


I used Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing oil and massaged for 15 secs


The milky mixture is forming...  


Wash with warm water 
The area I just washed is very moisturized


I am quite happy with it's ability to remove make up!!
I have only been using it as a make up remover.
I will get this product again for sure!!

Steps:
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil --> Gentle Cleansing Foam

Mizon Real Soybean Deep Cleansing Oil

200mL, 17000 won

I bought this in Canada at THE FACE SHOP when it was on sale for $7 CAD.
In Korea, this one is 17000 won (regular price).

The salesperson told me this cleansing oil is very strong!
You can use it to remove any kind of make up!

It has a heavy soybean smell !
Just like what the salesperson had said, it does have a powerful cleansing effect!!
It can remove the heaviest mascara and eye make up!
I use ~2 pumps and massage the oil all over my face, add some water until it turns to the milky texture, then rinse with warm water.

Soybean contains natural anti-oxidant properties, helps brighten skin tone and, provides anti-aging effects.
It also protects your skin again UV rays.
However, just with the cleansing oil along, I don't think I will see how much of these effects...
The cleansing oil is thick & rich and really cleanses well!
After using it, my skin is brightened instantly!!
I feel moisturized and very clean!!

Mandom Corp. Deep Current Facial Wash

100 g, $18 HKD

Mand. Corp is a really big Japanese brand

Price is good, quality is awesome!!

I tried their Charcoal Deep Cleansing Foam and fell in love with it!!

It's makes my face super clean and refreshing!!

This time I bought the Deep Current Facial Wash~

It contains a good amount of water, but it's not a cleansing gel~

like.. between gel and foam...

It cleanses really well yet wouldn't dry my face!

It has a light marine scent and my skin feels a little cool afterwards

I am just not quite happy with the size....

somehow 100g seems too little... 

Next time I will for sure try the other products in the line~

The complete series include....

Charcoal Facial Wash  

Deep Current Facial Wash  

Clay Facial Wash  

Green Tea Facial Wash  

Innisfree Real Olive Cleansing Oil

150mL, 16000 won

Innisfree Real Olive Cleansing Oil is made from Extra Virgin Olives, one of the purest olives of all.

When olives go through their first pressing, water, vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll and etc are being pressed out. 
The cleansing oil is thick and smells gentle and refreshing.
Ingredients include olive water essence which provides hydration, moisture to soften your skin and balances water/ oil.

Let's test its cleansing ability.
On my arm are 4 different colors of eyeshadow & BB cream ~



I put some Real Olive Cleansing oil on a cotton pad and applied it on the bottom.
Its dissolving and deep cleansing ability is quite strong, skin looks radiant, 



The top half I applied Real Olive Cleansing oil directly without using a cotton pad, then rinse with warm water. 



It feels moisturized after cleansing, but I still recommend following with a cleansing foam afterwards. 

I will definitely get this again as I am very addicted to the smell!

Innisfree Olive Real Cleansing Foam

150 mL, 10000 won

The Innisfree Olive series is one of my favourite lines during winter time!!
Made with organic extra virgin olive oil from Crete Island
The scent is mild, refreshing, gentle and.... relaxing!! 
It just makes my skin super soft and comfy~~

Light green in color, it cleanses well, does not dry out my face at all 
It deeply nourishes and retains moisture for healthy skin
I usually use it after my make up remover to fully cleanse my skin.

I happen to bring this along to a few different trips with various weather...
Using this in Hong Kong is a bit too much... it feels greasy.
Using it in Japan is better, the weather is not cold, not hot... feels good!
This is perfect for Korea and cold weather places like Canada!



The correct way to clean your face:

1. wet your face  
2. put a bit of cleansing foam on your hand, add a few drops of water, lather up in foam (adds air into the foam which increases the ability to remove impurities on your skin)
3. put the foam all over your face to allow time for the foam to absorb impurities
4. using your fingers, massage your face in circles, start from the T-zone (impurities will start to dissolve), massage ~15 times
5. rinse with warm or cold water to tighten pores

Skinfood Apple Vinegar Fresh Foam

130 mL, 6700 won

The name makes me wonder how a combination of apple and yucky vinegar smells like... 

well... I became attracted to its lovely apple smell !! 

Really wanna just eat it ha ha ~~

There's no vinegar smell at all!

The texture is a clear water jelly foam which locks the water in honey.

It cleanses and delivers a lot of water to your skin, making it look radiant.

Foams up pretty ok, I wouldn't say it foams up crazy like the Fancl washing powder.

Suitable for all skin types

Usually for water foam, it's ok for dry or normal to dry skin

Since this one contains vinegar, it does a very good job cleansing my normal to oily skin as well

My face just smelled like apple afterwards, there are no vinegar (sour) smell at all~

The price is so good in Korea! only 6700 won, that's like ~$6.2 USD. 

If you buy it in Hong Kong or Taiwan.... it's like 2-3x more expensive....

For those who have oily skin, you can use it in the morning. 

For everyone else, I would recommend using this one after your removed your make up with cleansing oil.

This one is considered a medium to strong cleanser, depending on your skin type and what time of the day you are using it.

I will for sure buy it again if I go to Korea =)

Fancl Washing Powder

The washing powder was part of the set I bought.

I have always had trouble using washing powder, it creates a mess.... 

I always just apply to my skin directly with some water, but this was wrong...

After I watched the salesperson at Fancl demonstrate.... 

Put a bit of washing powder on the wash ball 

Put some water on your palm

Rub the side of the ball with powder on your palm in circles

You will see ffeeee foam

Repeat until you have enough foam

The foam is super soft and fine!!!

I can't believe washing powder can create such fine, puffy and soft foam

When I apply it on my face, I feel a layer of cushion between my palm and my face

haha my whole face is full of foam =P

its pH is the same as your skin, the product doesn't contain chemicals toxic to your face

It feels very fresh and clean afterwards!! 

I would recommend using this after removing your make up with cleansing oil.

Don't use it in the morning as it is considered a strong cleanser.

Etude House Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam

170 mL, 6500 won

The Baking Powder series is made for people who break out and has pimples

Pores get clogged mainly because cleansing isn't done properly

Besides baking and cooking, baking powder can also be used to kill bateria

This cleansing foam can deep cleanses, exfoliates and prevents clogged pores 

I didn't buy a full size, I have a 30 mL sample, which is enough to try out the product ~~

contains bits of baking powder, can deep cleanses your pores and act as a micro scrub

smells like tangerine, the foam is fine 

Cleansing foam are NOT for people who has dry skin.

They are more for people with normal and combination skin.

I do not suggest using it in the morning, since cleansing foams are more heavy cleansers than cleansing water/ gel.

I suggest using it after you removed your make up at night.

The whole series include:

Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub (7g x 24) -- 8000 wonBaking Powder BB Deep Cleansing Foam (150 mL) -- 7500 won
Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Cream (170 mL) -- 6500 won
Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Tissue (30 pieces) -- 4500 won
Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam (170 mL) -- 6500 won
Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Powder Wash (60 g) -- 7500 won

Baking Powder Bubble Cleansing Moist (150 mL) -- 9000 won 

Baking Powder Cleansing Foam Moist (150 mL) -- 7500 won

Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil

I bought this set when I was in Osaka, 1000 yen a set, very good deal!!!

In Asia, the Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil have sold over $2.5 million bottles!!

I've read a lot of good things about this cleansing oil, so excited to finally get to try it!!!

Ingredients include white pond seed oil which can dissolve impurities within pores. 

It also contain anti-oxidants that helps to brighten your skin and protect it against environmental damages.  

I do make up on a daily basis, so I do have high expectation for cleansing oil.

If it doesn't cleanses well, impurities get left behind and your skin will have pimples, pores get clogged... skin will become sensitive... 

so cleansing is super super important!!! 

I use a separate remover for lips and eyes, but the Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil is so strong I don't have to use another remover....

It removes mascara and eyeliner without any problems!!!

Rich and thick in texture, it stays on your face for awhile, giving you enough time to massage the cleansing oil and deep cleanses your pores.

However, for waterproof make up (mascara, lipstick), I still recommend using a lip and eye make up remover. 

Removes make up and hydrates your skin at the same time, no dryness or tightness at all!!

SUPER!!!

Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Advanced Formula

150 mL, $31 USD, 450 mL $67 USD

This is one of the best cleansing oils in the market! It can remove even the strongest waterproof and long lasting make up! Suitable for any skin type. The "advanced formula" was derived from the original "classic" formula. I love the original one already, so I got the new one too!! 

Ingredients:
Camellia oil - famous ingredient in Japanese products for its restorative, anti-oxidizing and moisturizing properties

Deep Sea Water - found from 200 meters under the sea, provides hydration and moisture, improves skin quality and enhances skin transparency

Ginger root extract - uses an ancient herbal formula, oil is extracted from ginger roots

Advanced hpo system - new generation hop system which combines 4 different kinds of oil to dissolve long lasting and waterproof make up

Cleansing oils are usually for people with normal or oily skin. Those with dry skin are better off with cleansing milk or cleansing cream. Some cleansing oils are more runny, whereas others are thicker in texture. I like to use the thicker cleansing oils, cause it can stay on my face longer without running everywhere. Most cleansing oils can at least remove your face make up, such as foundation, blush, highlights. Some stronger ones like the Shu Uemura cleansing oils can also remove eye and lip make up. 

Directions:
Pump 2-4 times on dry hands.
Begin massaging the oil into your face. This will remove make up, dirt and other impurities. 
Using slow and firm motions massage the oil deeply into your pores. Take time and focus on problem areas (such as your T-zone and chin). You want the oil to dissolve all your blackheads.
Add a few drops of warm water to face to emulsify (oil will turn milky white).
Rince with warm water.

As a make up remover: pump 1-2x on a cotton pad and wipe gently and thoroughly on eye areas with make up

What I like about this one is that it's super clean and takes off make up fast!! You don't need to follow up with another foamy cleanser, cause it does a really good job cleansing by itself. But if you want, you can still use a foamy cleanser to feel more clean.

H2O Face Oasis Cleansing Water

243 mL (~$24 USD, ~$32 CDN)

For the next 2 weeks, I will be reviewing different kinds of cleansers, such as cleansing water, oil, gel, foam, washing powder, and make up remover. Cleansing is such an important step and if your cleanser doesn't do a good job, your skin suffers!!

Ingredients:
Sea Mineral Complex, Wakame, Sea Fennel, Sea Lettuce, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Provitamin B, Glycerin

Cleansing water can deliver lots of hydration to your skin! 
It's suitable for any skin type.
It can be used as a cleanser and as a make-up remover. 
I use it as a cleanser in the morning cause during this time, you skin is not so dirty and you are really only removing your night time skincare. 
You would definitely want to stay away from a strong cleanser, such as foam or washing powder. 
A strong cleanser in the morning will dry out your skin and cause tightness.

The H2O Face Oasis Cleansing Water has that face oasis smell...
it helps to balance water moisture on your skin, makes my skin fresh, soft and smooth. 
My skin feels hydrated!! feels like as if I don't need to follow with a toner after that too... 
as a make up remover, it cleanses OK... 
you still want to use something strong such as a foam cleanser after that. 
However, for mascaras and eye shadows, you are better off using an eye and lip make up remover.

Skinfood Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser

130mL, 5300 won, $105 HKD, 330 NT

The Aloe Vera series is aimed for normal to oily skin. It contains aloe (helps soothe your skin), cucumber (provides hydration), Chlorophyll and Vitamin C.

As I squeezed it out, I noticed that it's already half foamed up, so just add a bit of water and it foams up easy.

It feels gentle, mild, suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The foam is fine and smell is fresh. The most important thing is it feels clean!

The Aloe Vera Series also contain the following cleansing products:

Aloe Vera Bubble Cleanser

Aloe Vera Cleansing Water

Aloe Vera Cream Cleanser

Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser

Skinfood Oat Cinnamon Rich Foam

130mL, 7200 won, 420 NT

Skinfood Oat Cinnamon Rich Foam is only available in Korea and Taiwan, not available in Hong Kong.

Contains wheat seed, helps to exfoliate but not irritate your skin. Since there's not a lot of seed, it works as a gentle exfoliator and can be used everyday.

Rich soft foams are more suitable for dry skin, but it cleanses very well on me (I have normal to oily skin). It feels so soft and fresh afterwards!

The foam is soft and silky, easy to foam up, cleanses well and yet still keeps your skin moisturized. I feel that every single one of my pores is clean.

I personally don't like cinnamon, but the smell in this foam is light.

The price is great, but I'll probably try some other Skinfood cleansing products next time. Skinfood has so so so many different products.