First Impression: Lush Veganese Conditioner

Hello Princesses!

Today I'm going to be talking about Lush's Veganese Conditioner! I picked up this conditioner at the same time as Happy Happy Joy Joy and Big!

What Does It Do?

"All-round lavender and lemon conditioner for all hair types. Our vegan customers have quite enough to put up with without having rough, dull, tangled hair. The majority of Lush products are vegan, but making a vegan conditioner without lanolin (from sheared sheep’s wool) took us a few years. Helen finally settled on using agar seaweed gel as a hair softener with lavender and lemons for shine. Vegans and everyone with fine hair should choose this one and stick with it." (1)

"Features

• Vegan alternative: Our lightest conditioner is suited for fine, limp hair and conditions without weighing it down.
• Light and lanolin-free: Seaweed gel acts as the softening agent in place of lanolin
• Soothing for sore tops: Lavender infusion creates a soothing liquid that gently cares for scalps." (2)

Veganese smells quite lemony fresh, has a slightly thick and glossy texture and is marked towards people with fine hair, which I definitely do not have!

The first time I used Veganese, I used the regular amount I would use for my normal conditioners (small coin sized). I rinsed it out and found that my hair was entirely full of tangles. I gave up on trying to pull a comb through my hair and just used another coin sized dollop of conditioner. After rinsing again, my hair was still full of tangles. Frustrated, I stuck my hand in the wee jar, and grabbed a decent amount (the rest of the jar) and smooshed it through the tangles, trying to work the knots out with my fingers (not easy with long nails!). This eventually did the trick, but I'm really not used to having to try so hard to de-tangle my hair in the shower, especially since I brush it before getting in the shower! 

Veganese did leave my hair feeling pretty soft and very clean, but I'm unsure if this is because I used the entire jar in one go, or because it was a good product.

Edit: I talked to the Lush ladies, and they said that it didn't de-tangle my hair because it doesn't contain Lanolin (made from sheep's wool). If it had Lanolin, it wouldn't be Vegan, but it's also marketed towards finer hair so I guess this just isn't a very good product for me!

 Would I Purchase This Product?

Probably not. I used the entire tub on the small hand swatch and that one time in the shower trying to get the tangles out of my hair! I don't feel like it had any real benefits for my hair (especially since it's marketed for fine hair), the scent is not especially appealing for me, and it's relatively expensive ($38NZD for 500ml) so I will probably pass on this and try another conditioner from Lush! I've been eying up American Cream and Retread!

Review: Etude House Collagen Moistfull Skin Care Kit

Hello Princesses!

Today I'm going to be talking about Etude House's Collagen Moistfull Skincare Set. I bought this from Roseroseshop last year for only $3, which is such a bargain! The Collagen Moistfull Skincare is one of Etude House's bestselling products, and I've seen so many rave reviews that I just couldn't resist giving it a go! ^.^

The set comes in super cute mini tubes and tubs. This is actually a 6-step set consisting of;  
First essence-> Facial Freshener -> Essence -> Eye Cream -> Emulsion -> Cream

Collagen Moistfull First Essence

Hydrolyzed Collagen Alcohol, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Butylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Benzophenone-5, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxethanol, CI 19140, CI 17200, Fragrance

Etude House Moistfull Collagen First Essence is a hydrating moisture and collagen essence. Baobab Tree extract contains moisturizing properties that penetrate deep for better and longer lasting hydration. Also, contains 90% Collagen composition that increases collagen synthesis, providing a lifting and tightening effect. Promotes a radiant and lustrous glow to complexion.

Directions: After cleansing and before facial freshner (toner). Apply an appropriate amount all over face.

Benefits:
Hydrates
Moisturizes
Increases Collagen Synthesis
Penetrates Deep

I really liked the First Essence! It had a very thin gel texture with a slightly sticky touch. It features the heavy citrus and slightly alcoholic smell like rest of the set. You only need a teeny tiny amount for your whole face, and it absorbs super fast without leaving a sticky residue. I found the First Essence to be fairly hydrating and moisturizing, but I can't really comment on the penetration or increase of Collagen Synthesis.

Collagen Moistfull Facial Freshner 

Water, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Nat To gum, Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Behenyl Alcohol, Bis-PEG-18 Methylether Dimethyl Silane, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Ethlexylglycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Caprylic/Apric triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, POlyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG/PPG 17/6 Copolymer Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Fragrance

Etude House Collagen Moistfull Facial Freshner is a mild, alcohol-free toner that gently removes makeup residue, oil and grime that cleanser may leave behind. The unique gel texture refreshes and revitalizes the skin  while the toner sweeps away pore clogging residue that may cause blemishes or cause complexion to look dull and lifeless. Fortified with Baobab Tree extract and collagen, skin remains wonderfully hydrated without a tight or uncomfortable feel.

Directions: After cleansing and First Essence. Apply all over face with cotton pad.

Benefits:
Alcohol-Free
Removes Residue
Revitalizes
Refreshes
Hydrates

I really like that this Freshner/Toner is alcohol free! It smells super yummy, absorbs fast without a sticky residue and removes excess makeup and dirt. If feels moderately moisturizing for a toner and is pretty refreshing and revitalizing.  

Collagen Moistfull Firming Eye Cream 

Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Glycerin, HDI/ Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Silicia, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Glyceryl, Sterate, Decyl, Cocoate, Dimethicone, Ceteth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Steareth-20, Ethylhexylgleryin, Octyldodecyl, Myristate, Xannthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, PEG-60Glyceryl Isosterate, PEG-75 Stearate, PPG-5-Laureth-5, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Firming Eye Cream is a gel type eye cream. It’s specially formulated adhesive jelly texture, provides long-lasting contact for better results. Firms surrounding eye area for smoother younger looking skin. Collagen properties increase collagen synthesis, plumping the skin and allowing an increase in elasticity. Baobab seed oil contains abundant amount of nutrients to nurture the dry skin area around the eyes.

Directions: After Essence,  apply an appropriate amount to surrounding eye area. Tap lightly to help absorption.

  Benefits:
Firms
Moisturizes
Increases Collagen Synthesis
Long-Lasting Formula

This eye cream is quite thick and very very sticky. It took a long time to absorb and I didn't notice a difference in eye plumpness or reduction of fine lines. I did notice that when I woke up in the morning my eyes were quite puffy, but this went down within an hour.

Collagen Moistfull Emulsion 

Water, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Hydroganted Polyisobutene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Collagen Limnanethes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dimethicone, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbityl Laurate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyglycerin, Alcohol, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethanolamine, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Disoium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

Etude House Collagen Moistfull Emulsion is a concentrated moisturizer that immerses skin in rich moisture to improve skin health and moisture level. Fortified with Baobab Tree extract and collagen, skin is treated to advanced moisture with a dramatic improvement in texture and tone in as little as a few days of use. Increases skin elasticity and reduces the appearances of fine lines.

Directions: After Facial Freshner (toner), apply an appropriate amount all over face. Tap lightly to help absorption.

Benefits:
Moisturizes
Increases Elasticity
Increases Collagen Synthesis
Retains Moisture
Improves Skin Health  

This Emulsion has a thin jelly texture, absorbs moderately fast, but leaves a sticky film for a good 10+minutes. It feels gently moisturizing, but not too rich, which would make it perfect for day time wear, apart from the 10min wait!

Moistfull Collagen Enriched Cream

Hydrolyzed collagen, water, butylene glycol, cyclopentasiloxane, adansonia digitata fruit extract, glycerin, cyclohexasiloxane, glyceryl polymethacrylate, hydrogenated lecithin, cetearyl alcohol, hydrolyzed adansonia digitata extract, betaine, cetylethylhexanoate, glyceryl stearate, hydrogenated polyisobutene, stearic acid, pca dimethicone, dimethiconol, cyclomethicone, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, silica, dimethicone, polyethylene, sodium polyacrylate, polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, hydrogenated polydecene, peg/ppg-20/15 dimethicone, phenyl methicone, ethylhexylglycerin, ppg-5-laureth-5, carbomer, disodium edta, phenoxyethanol, fragrance, yellow 5 (ci 19140), red 33 (ci 17200)

Collagen Cream: Fight for dryness!! Firming moisture cream with baobab tree and collagen extract improving your dermal structure leaving tight and moist skin.

This cream is very sticky and takes a long time to absorb! It has a thin texture and is super easy to spread, but I did find that I needed quite a lot to cover my face properly. This cream feels moderately moisturizing, but nothing like the enriching night cream I was expecting.

What Do I Love

 - Lovely smell throughout the range

- Cute packaging

What Don't I Love

- Made my skin feel rough and rashy

- Not very moisturizing

-Takes so long for each step to absorb!

Final Thoughts

I didn't actually like this Skincare set! I've seen some rave reviews (and it was just soo cheap) so I just couldn't resist buying the samples to try it out! I found that it just takes too long to complete the skincare set morning and night, and it made my skin feel rough and dry (I'm not sure why) so I guess that this skincare just isn't quite right for me! I used it for a week and a half before switching back to my holy grail rosehip oil.

Have any of you princesses used the Collagen Moistfull Skincare Set before? 

Manicure Monday: Fairy Biscuit

Hello Princesses!

Today I have a super special manicure using my very first Star Kin polish by Every Sensory! I was given this mini polish by my sample angel, Lani from Lani Loves, with a bunch of other Korean skincare samples that I am super excited to use, thank you so much Lani!

Star Kin is a New Zealand based brand and I've known the owners for almost a year now through PANZ! This is what they say about their polishes;

"Our polishes are handmade in New Zealand from base, pigments and dyes, and contain two stainless steel balls for ease of mixing. They are tested on ourselves, family and friends, never on animals. The base we use is Big 5 Free, and vegan."(1)

"Fairy Biscuit - the genius creation of Claudine! She created this very pretty polish then asked me to dupe it for the other people who wanted to own it. Super flattered! This polish is a pretty pastel mint creme/jelly with circle glitters in pink, purple, aqua and also iridescent glitter. This polish does need a top coat to look it's best, some of the heavier glitters may settle towards the bottom of the bottle, however none are that heavy and a quick roll or shake will redistribute these." (1)

I absolutely adore this polish! From the swatches I'd seen, I just had to had to have it! I found that the formula was thicker than I had anticipated, because the polish is literally packed with a whole bunch of glitter! I used three coats of Fairy Biscuit because I found it quite difficult to distribute the polish and glitter evenly, and two coats of clear topcoats, (one to stick the gems on, the second to fix them better!), which made the polish look a lot smoother. 

I've been wearing this manicure for 4 days, and haven't had any chipping or dulling, so I'm super impressed! I totally want to buy more Star Kin's! I'm currently lusting after Fog People and their Cuti-Cuddles in White Chocolate Macadamia (and now I'm hungry!).

What do you princesses think of this manicure?

First Impression: Tony Moly Floria Whitening Skincare

Hello Princesses!

Today I'm going to be talking about Tony Moly's Floria Whitening Skincare! I have been putting these in my cart at RoseRoseShop for so long, but I never ended up buying the sample sets because I would always trade them out for other more fun looking sample sets ><

Whitening Capsule Essence

What Does It Do?

Essence that uses 'white flower capsules', which burst on the skin to prevent oxidation and kombucha provides an insulin-like effect on skin diabetes to improve the skin tone. (1) Suitable for women in their 20~30s, for all skin type, for immediate whitening and moisturizing. White flower and natural pearls whitening, moisturizing properties offer clear glowing white watery skin. Special whitening line includes patented ingredient, Kombucha, and water lily extract with antioxidant properties to bring back healthy, clear skin. 

Features:

- Pearl Powder Enriched amino acid, natural minerals diminish the appearance of dark spots, freckles to prolong resilient skin and be against skin aging.
- Evening primrose oil Highly moisturize skin, leave skin soft and moisture with forming a protective layer on skin.
- White Flower Complex A cosmetic complex from petals with concentrated vitamin delivers potent antioxidant benefits. (cherry blossoms, rape blossom, dandelion chrysanthemum, pansy) (2)

Ingredients;

Jeongsesu , Butylene Glycol , denatured alcohol, niacinamide , glycerin, lotus flower extract, jasmine flowers, madonna lily scales stem extract, iris extract, emel Vice flower, rose extract, extract of freesia , daffodil extract, yeast , evening primrose oil, Pearl flour , USA Ipomoea callus culture extracts , macadamia seed oil , watercress flowers, pea extract, extract of near Earth , second Basswood fruit extract, pasqueflower extract, pasqueflower extract, lily flower extract, rise deupeol hydrolase , PEG -60 Hydro Painted jeneyi castor oil , pentyl rengeul glycol , diethylene Betameche konol , betaine, bis- PEG methyl ether dimethyl silane -18 , penta- siloxane cycles , carrageenan, acrylate, arginine , baby, Trojan meta- Min , hydroxy cellulose in the seven , sodium acrylate polrayi , p V M. , Cleveland Cheryl acrylate, 1,2 hexanediol , ascorbyl tetra- iso- palmitate, sucrose dilaurate , hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, propylene glycol , ceramide 3 , car Rick frills , Hydro No. dE Nate lecithin, Western Oil sterols, three test -3, -5 three tests , cholesterol, and PEG -5 grapefruit seed sterols, indole acetic acid , di propylene glycol , sodium palmitate Saturdays, proline , potassium cetyl phosphate , polysorbate 20 , lecithin , sodium hyaluronidase Nate, diagnostics sword, BH tea, disodium this two dt , Phenoxyethanol, potassium Sorbate , Fragrance, mica , Titanium Dioxide

Ok, so the RoseRoseShop description is kinda funny (kombucha provides an insulin-like effect on skin diabetes) so I really wish that the samples had information on them.

The Whitening Capsule Essence is very thin with what seems like little glitter particles and white chunks. I can't feel the white chunks at all on my face at all, and I'm not quite what they actually are! The essence feels very smooth, hydrating and absorbs quickly!

Whitening Cream

What Does It Do?

After using emulsion, apply an amount the size of a pearl to the palm and spread following the skin texture. Use both hands to spread if around the face to let it be absorbed. (3) 

The cream is actually a thick gel which has a matte finish. I can't find out very much about the Whitening Cream, and it doesn't seem to be sold as much as the Whitening Capsule Essence! It absorbs super fast, leaves my face looking matte and feeling lovely and soft! ^.^

Would I Purchase This Product?

Yes! I quite liked using these testers, they didn't give me any sort of allergic reaction and the made my skin feel soft and hydrated! I can't comment on the whitening properties of these testers since I did only try one of each tester, but I would love to try out the full size of these products!

Review: Born Pretty Store

Hello Princesses!

Today I'm going to be talking about my experience shopping with Born Pretty Store! BPS had a Chinese New Year 15% off coupon code running, so I decided to make an order! ^.^ I ordered on the 1st of Feb, and was immediately informed via email that they are on holiday until the 7th of Feb for CNY. I forgot about the order untill the 26th of Feb, when I decided that I would track my order. I was extremely surprised to see that the tracking showed the package being picked up from BPS on the 25th of Feb. 

That means that after the one week holiday for CNY, BPS took three weeks to package and post my wee parcel. I emailed the customer service to inquire why it took three weeks to send the package. Their reply was that they sent it after one week, and that the Hong Kong Post was to blame instead. I have no idea what happened, but the package arrived one week after being "picked up", making the order/shipping time (minis the holiday) almost one month long, despite the actual shipping taking only one week.

I origionally wanted to make an order from BPS because I wanted some super cheap and super tiny bows for nail art! ^.^ So what did I end up purchasing?

Lovely Cute Black Rhinestone Crystal Bowknot Bow Tie Adjustable Ring 
1 Pair Lovely Bowknot Black Rhinestone Crystal stud earrings 

These are a super cute earring and ring set! The ring is a perfect size and super sparkly, but I find the earrings a little big and pretty dull in comparison to the ring. :S You can see the difference in sparkle in the middle photo. 

 Beautiful Crystal Flower Delicate Lady Earrings Accessories

 These earrings were so cheap that I couldn't leave them behind! >< They're a little bigger than I initially expected, but the real issue is the backing of the earring. In the middle photo you can see that it has a sizable circular metal bond connecting the flower to the stud, which makes the earring droop downwards while in the ear because they don't sit flush to the earlobe. They're still pretty cute though! I wore them in my guest post at Lani Loves!

Pretty Heart Shaped Necklace Gold Plated Necklace Boho Collar Necklace

This is so super dainty and cute! For $0.89 I consider this a good bargain, although it has that cheap metal smell, and after two days of wear it's begining to fade into a more coppery colour than the bright gold it started life as. But look how teensy and cute it is! ^.^ It also flips over for like no reason!

  Rhinestone Gold Plated Pearl Bead Bowknot Hair Holder Band 

This is SUPER CUTE. I really do wish that the band was a little smaller with a lot more stretch (thick hair problems!) because the band is just a little ugly. I just tie my hair up with a normal hair tie and add this one for decoration ^.^

Multi Candy Colors Elliptic Shape Rhinestones Glitter Nail Art W/Box 5.88*3mm
 400pcs Round Square Fluorescent Lighter Colors Stud Rhinestones Nail Art
500Pcs 1.5mm/2mm/3mm/4mm Black Round Rhinestones Stud Nail Art

I'm absolutely loving all of these nail decorations! A lot of the coloured studs got mixed up on the way over here, which is irritating, but just requires a little organization ^.^

 Gold & Silver 3D Steel Ball Nail Art Glitter Bead Decoration 

Wow, there are so many of these little beads! They came in separate little baggies and I had to pour them into the wheel (super messy) but I still had like 3 bags left, so I'm pretty sure I won't run out of these! They're not exactly the same size, but from a distance you can't really tell.

 Nail Water Decals Sticker Transfer Sticker White Black Flower Pattern
Funny White Cat Printed Nail Art Water Decals Transfer Stickers 

The little lace decals come in black and white, and I totally thought I was getting ripped off because I couldn't see the white decals untill bf pointed them out. -.- The cats are amazingly cute too!

10 pcs Bowknot Shaped Rhinestone 3D Nail Stickers
 10pcs Cute Sweet White Pink Bowknot Resin 3D Nail Art Stickers 
3D Nail Art Sticker Resin Colorful Round Bowknot Nail Decoration 
  100Pcs 2.5mm*2mm Punk Simple Spike Rivet Stud UV Gel Nail Art Decoration 
 10pcs Cute Heart Flower Bowknot Resin 3D Nail Art Stickers 

I absolutely LOVE the little spikes, but they totally need nail glue to keep them in place for more than 5 minutes. Super cute though! The rest of the plastic parts are well made and very cute!

Half of my package was wrapped in this thin wrapping while the nail deco wheels were left roaming around the package. I didn't take a photo because ... well I don't know, I think I was just distracted playing with all the pretty things!

What I Love
- Cheap and super cute products
- Fairly good quality
- Frequent sales and coupon codes
- So many options!


What I Don't Love 
- Notorious for long shipping times


Final Thoughts

I'm not really sure how I feel about shopping with Born Pretty Store. On one had, everything is super cheap and cute and they have a huge range of nail deco, but on the other hand I've heard a lot of stories about the long shipping time. Waiting one month for my package is definitely not the end of the world, you can just forget about it and it's just a nice surprise, but I'm just not sure. I will definitely be shopping with them at least once more in the future, their nail deco is just too adorable! ^.^

Have you princesses ever shopped with Born Pretty Store before, and what was your experience like?