VT Cosmetics Cica Skincare Products Thoughts

 

This product, I received last year around September or October.  I usually share just my initial thoughts since I do test a lot of skincare products but guess what?  I actually "hit the pan" on all these products from VT Cosmetics.

I tested 3 products from the Brand --

VT Cosmetics Cica Cream (Php1,200)
VT Cosmetics PRO Cica Daily Moisture Mask (Php1,290.00)
VT Cosmetics Cleansing Oil (php1,200)

Here's a quick test on the effectiveness of their cleansing oil.  The product is lightweight and does not blur my eyes.  It does remove certain waterproof makeup but as always, I can't get these close to my eyes so I do extra step on cleansing using gentle eye makeup remover for waterproof mascaras and liners.

I usually apply a good amount all over my face with eyes closed.  I gently massage the product all over making sure to be gentle on the eye area.  I lather it a bit by adding a few amount of water and after a few minutes, I would wash them all off!  The product smells good, does not sting and irritate my sensitive skin and does remove approximately 80% of my full makeup.

If I do wear very heavy makeup, I would use the same product to apply on a cotton pad and gently "melt" the waterproof makeup with cotton pad before I proceed to face wash.

Turkish Finds Lambskin Leather Bag (Burnt Sienna)

 

Hello everyone!  Ahh, I have found a super nice leather bag for 2021!  I haven’t shopped any clothing, footwear, bags since the start of 2021.  I mean look!  Where do I usually go?  I can count using my fingers the times I go out and it’s all visit to my parent’s Home.  Ahhh how much I missed them!

But before you go…why would you dress up going to your parents home?  Well, I always do!  Not in a fashionable way —- in my own personal style + FACE MASK!

I love the mom jeans I bought online and the knitted sleeveless top!  I honestly wear them at HOME!  So yes, it was like me wearing home clothes outside!  Why do I dress up even at home?  

Online work!  I have a couple of Zoom meetings or calls every now and then and I want to make sure that I look “ready” and “professional” when the caller would suddenly request for Video Calls.  They usually do not require video calls but out of respect, I guess that is a TEACHER IN ME, I wanted the person to see my facial expressions, my face, just to let them know how important they are to me for me to at least look half decent and meet them eye to eye! :D

 

That’s just my 2 cents.  

My parents and brother had COVID scare so I stopped going there for 2 months.   After testing negative in the Swab test, I finally gave myself a go to visit them once again and look at my excited face behind the mask!

Inside my Turkish Finds Lambskin Leather bag are the following —- Face Shield, Alcohol, Wallet, Shades, Keys and some snacks!

Whenever I am out, I tend not to eat and drink so I make sure I have enough snacks inside my bag whenever I go back to my car and eat while I drive —- well not literally WHITE DRIVING but in between traffic and long stops! (P.S. You only do that when you are very much aware of your driving, if you can’t multi-task, please do not FOLLOW ME!  I have ulcer/GERD so I need to eat every now and then!)

The bag comes in SEVERAL Colors, and I finally decided to go for the shade Burnt Sienna for it’s unique color and texture.  It has a “torched leather” kind of feel to it so this won my heart.

Initial Thoughts on Althea Milk Peel Cream Mask

Althea, my go-to online store for Korean goodies actually came up with their own skincare line.  I was given the chance to try their newest Milk Peel Cream Mask which is meant to gently strip away dead skin cells and keep skin refreshed all day long.

I brought this with me in my recent HK trip and was able to use this 2 times.  So this is just my initial thoughts, things could change and I'll update it here for sure.

Althea Milk Peel Cream Mask

USD9.00 (10% off as of the moment so around $8.00)

Approx. Php490.00

Give your skin a big gulp of hydration with the refreshing peeling powers of Althea's Milk Peel Cream Mask! Containing both AHA and BHA extracts, this gentle but effective exfoliator transforms from a clay to a whipped cream lather, whisking away dead skin cells to prevent flakiness. It’s also formulated with casein protein from milk to revitalize and moisturize the skin. The result is radiantly smooth, healthy skin that's bouncy to the touch! 

Estee Lauder ANR Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask Review

At this stage of my Blogging career (if I can call it such), okay, that sounds weird, let me rephrase it.

At this stage, 10 years plus of Blogging, I can honestly say, I'm quite confident in knowing what my skin wants/needs.  Let's talk about Face Masks, I've tried a lot of brands through the years, I started out thinking they are just there to add up to my expenses to "I can't live without them!" 

Yes, I am at that stage of knowing and understanding the full importance of using Facial Masks!  I use them weekly (once, twice even thrice!)  and I can vouch on them and honestly tell you that this is honestly my secret to healthier-looking glass skin!  -- I am claiming it today that I sometimes have glass skin! :P

I've tried Php50-Php250.00 worth of face mask and I thought I wouldn't go higher than that!  Then Estee Lauder came out with their own mask called ANR Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask which retails approximately Php1,075.00 each (fine, you can do the jaw drop now!), it took me MONTHS to finally review this because I waited for that "skin moment" when it really needs all the ANR moisture and the day finally came!

Are you ready to read my thoughts about this?

Estee Lauder ANR Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask

Php4,300.00 for a box of 4

Available at Estee Lauder Counters and Boutiques

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask is a weekly treatment mask that leaves skin instantly looking fresh and renewed. The foil-backed sheet mask creates a protective barrier, allowing the treatment to penetrate fast and deep within the skin's surface, and helps lock in moisture. The anti-ageing formula delivers a surge of liquid revitalisation, immersing skin in a double dose of Advanced Night Repair Serum's powerful moisture magnet.

Althea Real Fresh Skin Detoxer Thoughts

A Skin Detoxer set (meaning 2 tubes) for a Thousand Pesos?

That's a steal right?  So I immediately tested Althea's Real Fresh Skin Detoxer in Green Tea and Rose.  I tried mostly the Green Tea variant and recently went for Rose just because...well..read on!

Real Fresh Skin Detoxer Set in Rose and Green Tea

150ml each for Php990.00 a set (Less 10% off as of the moment of checking)

Available HERE

The hustle and bustle of the urban life mean non-stop hectic schedules, but that doesn't mean you can't give your skin the lovin' it needs! Althea's Real Fresh Skin Detoxer is a 10-second, 2-in-1 cleanser pack that showcases real, fresh ingredients and incorporates them into a system that allows a deep, clarifying cleanse while boosting the skin with nutrients and goodness. You’ll get both editions in this set: Rose (made with French rose petals + extract to refine the skin) and Green Tea (contains Jeju green tea leaves + extracts to purify). This product leaves the skin feeling fresh and looking smooth for a healthy, happy complexion!

Dr. Morita Sheet Masks: Which One Is For You?

There are so many mask brands launched locally but one brand I really want to get my hands on and try it out is called Dr. Morita --- it is said to be the number 1 best-selling sheet masks in Taiwan and Hong Kong and known for making affordable yet quality skin care products. 

One of their top selling mask is called the Hyaluronic Acid Essence Mask which surprised me a lot when I learned that it was sold over 100 million to date!  (That's the one in blue box!)  

Let's talk about Hyaluronic Acid, what good can Hyaluronic Acid do for your skin?

Hyaluronic Acid is said to be a powerful moisture-binding ingredient that helps keep skin plump and hydrated. 

Intrigued?  Let me share more information about each variant ----

There's a Craze in Masking!

Thanks to Crazy! Lifting Mask - masking gets more fun in the Philippines!

When I first heard about such product, I got a bit nervous in trying them because you all know how "crazy" and sensitive my skin can be especially when it comes to masks!  The people from CNA Philippines assured me that this product is safe even for me!

Making sure I don't have important plans for the couple of days, I've finally given this a try!

Crazy! Lifting Mask

Php150.00

available at BeautyMNL.com

A multi-purpose sheet mask that instantly and visibly tightens facial contours and shrinks the look of large pores
Tencel sheet mask provides 8 minutes of crazy-lift without stimulations; lifts sagging skin and boosts elasticity; delivers an immediate pore-minimizing effect; improves oil-water balance to nourish and soften your complexion; brightens overall tone to leave a whitening effect; refreshes and hydrates tired eyes; non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin

Something New: Lululun Face Masks

So you all know how much of a mask sheet lover I am!  I have used only a few brands because I have sensitive skin so not all brands work for me!

As you all know, I have been a fan of Leaders Insolution masks and other Korean branded masks, I recently chanced a Japanese Face Mask brand called LULULUN and I am excited to give this brand a try because it has won several Beauty Awards internationally and it has sold over 300 million masks worldwide!

Now, who aren't interested?

The brand comes with color-coordinated packaging making it simple for us to pick what's right for our skin.

• Pink for Normal Skin
• Blue for Dry Skin
• White for those who want to have whiter & brighter skin 
• Lululun Precious Red Anti Aging Care 
• Lululun Precious Gold Anti Aging and Whitening. 

I easily loved the Lululun Precious Red Anti-Aging Care line because seriously, it is never too early or too late to start with anti-aging products!

Lululun Precious Anti Aging Care Line 

₱1,095.00 for 32 day pack

Lululun Precious Red Anti Aging Care Mask contains Rice Extracts that softens, refines and supports supple skin. The natural ingredients in this Lululun Precious Line revitalizes your skin’s outer layers to make skin feel smoother and radiantly hydrated. Natural ingredients include Rice Bran Oil, Hydrolysis Rice Extract, Rice Ceramide, Rice Bran Extract, Camelia Seed Extract, Plum Fruit Extract and Seaweed Extract. Use daily for that LuLuLun glow!

Lululun Classic Moisturizing Face Mask - 7 Day Pack

Php250.00

Lululun Classic Moisturizing Face Mask contains 3 kinds of Moisturizing Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Acacia Honey and Avocado Extract; combined with 7 Natural Beauty Extracts for a supple, polished skin with a long lasting dewy feel. Use daily for that LuLuLun glow! 

Watsons' Mask Revolution: 7 days with Lindsay Energizing Gold Modeling Mask

So thankful for Watsons Philippines to entrust me with #WatsonsMaskRevolution together with fellow Beauty Enthusiast!  I was tasked to do a do a challenge to achieve K-Drama Girl's glowing skin!  All I have to do is to use 7 masks for 7 consecutive days.

It wasn't a difficult challenge because I have been a long-time face mask fan!  What excites me more is to share this wonderful contest to readers because I know how effective face masks are and I want 3 of them to get to experience and appreciate the benefits of "Mask-ing".

According to Watsons ---

"Mask and You Shall Receive! 

Snap, upload and get a chance to win Php5,000 worth of K-Beauty products from Watsons Philippines.Join your favorite blogger and show us your own take on the #WatsonsMaskRevolution challenge by posting your most creative selfie on Instagram! Tag the blogger of your choice and don’t forget to use the hashtags #WatsonsKbeauty #WatsonsPH and #WatsonsMaskRevolution.See full details on the blogs of our featured bloggers who accepted the challenge."

I challenged my readers via Instagram with the following requirements:

• Follow @WatsonsPH and @AskMeWhats on Instagram.
• Post your own version of the challenge in the most creative shot using the official hashtags #WatsonsKbeauty #WatsonsPH, #WatsonsMaskRevolution and #WatsonsXAMW
• 3 girls with the most creative shot (I will have friends to help me pick) will win Php5,000 worth of sheet masks.
• Chosen girls are eligible to win only once.  This applies to the multiple Instagram picture uploads submitted by any same participants and those who also joined on other Bloggers' contest.
• All incomplete submissions will be automatically disqualified.
• Organizer reserve the right to change the prize without prior notice depending on the availability of the products.
• Organizer and Bloggers reserves the right to change the winner of the contest if the winner does not respond within 48 hours after notification.

Now, before I announce the 3 lucky winners, here's my take on my own 7-day #WatsonsMaskRevolution challenge.

Because I have been a sheet mask user for the longest time and actually missed using "Modeling Masks" (I started with this type of mask way back when I was working in China).  I went ahead and tried Lindsay All-in-One Energizing Gold Modeling Mask for 7 consecutive days.

Unlike normal sheet masks, this you have to add water, mix it and gently apply on your face like a wet cement.  And just like any "wet cement" it dries and turn a bit hard.

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal and Chinese Ginseng & Rice Review

I have always been a "mask sheet" girl because I find it very easy-to-use and mess-free.  With an active toddler around, who needs more mess right?

But after attending an event for the launch of The Body Shop Exfoliators and Masks.  I was able to do some research and read so many positive reviews about them, I've decided to forego my regular mask sheets and tried the 2 variants.

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal and Chinese Ginseng & Rice 

Php1,195.00 each (approx $26.50)

There are a total of 5 variants to choose from aside from the 2 mentioned above, there's also Ethiopian Honey Deep Nourishing Mask, Amazonian Acai Energising Radiance Mask and British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask. 

When it comes to choosing masks, you have to know and understand the needs of your skin.  And it doesn't mean you have to use JUST ONE variant for your whole face.  For me who have combination skin, I like to mix and match.  That is the advantage of using masks like this instead of mask sheets because you can mix and match.

The 2 variants I used and will review in this blog post are ---

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Review

I've said it so many times, if you need hydration/moisture, look for skincare products that focus on keeping your skin's natural moisture at bay.  One brand I literally went gaga for (not because it is endorsed by my girl crush Song Hye Kyo), but because it really works in the hydration department.... is called the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask.  It is indeed a mask-ful of hydration and protection that I can literally call my skin today ---- NORMAL!

The first time I tried Laneige skincare product was year 2011, the most-coveted Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX which received a lot of approval from fellow Beauty Bloggers and enthusiasts worldwide!  

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe they started out with Water Sleeping Pack, Water Sleeping Pack Plus, then Water Sleeping Pack EX (which I reviewed) and today, the Water Sleeping Mask.

I may not be a Laneige expert but I'm sure the change means the formulation gets better and they probably "listened" to the needs of the consumer thus the "evolution of water sleeping products".

This version I got is from the Limited Edition Milky Way Collection last December!  

Housed in a cute snow-inspired packaging, this tiny "add-on" can lift my mood which for me is a nice sensory experience.

Leaders Mediu 3-Step Vitamino Calming Mask Review

So I've been using Leaders Insolution masks/products for a year now!  I am quite confident my skin is well adapted and is "used to" with the ingredients used by the brand!  So on my last Leaders Insolution Store visit at Lucky Chinatown Mall, I've decided to give their Mediu 3-Step Vitamino Calming Mask a try.

When it comes to masks, I know most Koreans would go for several steps, as for me, it's always Mask then go to sleep directly, I don't even follow up with a moisturizer because I'm really scared of my sensitive skin acting up.  I guess my skin has really been acting up for the past weeks I finally raised my arms and say: "What the heck?"  

Leaders Mediu 3-STep Vitamino Calming Mask says ---

"This mask set consists of 3 steps for all-round pampering for a soothing troubled skin. Step 1 is an ampoule infused with Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid. Step 2 is a mask containing Vitamin B5, amino acid complex and ceramide 5., Step 3 is a cream enriched with Vitamin B5 and trehalose."

Kracie Hadabisei All-In-One Sheet Mask Review

Spare my super dry lips, I've taken a lot of lipstick swatch "shots" before I've decided to call it a night and relax with the help of sheet masks!  

You know I've been testing different variants of Leaders Insolution masks for the past months but looking through my "face mask" stash, I've decided to go back to the Kracie All in 1 masks.  I said "go back" because I actually tried the same brand of mask way back when I was still "online shopping" for skincare products that aren't available locally!  (Hello Bonjour.com!)

Thankfully, The Kracie All In 1 sheet masks in bulk are finally available locally, Beauty Bar to be exact and I can easily repurchase without having to wait for weeks or months!

Kracie All-In-One Sheet Mask Says --- 

If You Need Serious "Control" For Your Skin!

Whenever I visit Leaders Insolution store at LCM (Lucky Chinatown), I always ask for "What's New" because I have this need to try out ALL their masks in store because it is NO surprise that Leaders Insolution is a brand of mask that my skin can finally accept and I can actually see and feel positive results!

One of the more recent line that I've tried is called the "Control Mask".  I'm not sure how they categorize as I'm no Leaders Insolution Expert.  All I know is that whenever I need to target specific needs for my skin (which changes every now and then), I rely highly on these bright masks and it isn't difficult to spot because they are housed in a bright colored packets!

Let's start with my most favorite!

Bright Control Mask

Php98.00

This works for my skin type because I have Dry skin and this is a perfect mask because it does not only hydrate, it also gives that brightening effect after every use!  

I'm not implying this mask is only for "Dry" skin, combination and oily skin can also use this because it doesn't leave your skin feeling oily.

Added tip, this is a perfect mask to try if you have dark spots around your face as this helps lighten up certain spots.

Believe in the Power of Tea with Rituali Tea

I have always believed in the power of Tea, especially since I lived in China for 3 long years!  I've been to a "tea" factory and had expensive tea sessions with my students and learned the importance each tea variant gives!  That's why I am NOT surprised when Beauty Companies tap on the power of "tea" to beautify us not only on the inside but also on the outside.

Origins have recently launched their RitualiTea face and Body mask range.

Ritualitea Powder Face Masks (Php2,400.00)

Ritualitea Cleansing Body Masks (Php1,850.00)

The face masks come in a tin can while the body mask comes in a squeeze-type tube!  Each variant is color-coordinated and each variant has a specific function meant for specific skin types.

Origins Rituali Tea 

If You Need An Instant Whitening Boost...

Try Leaders Insolution Premium Care line particularly the Bio Medi-Curing Mask in White Dressing!  I have been out and under the sun for the past 3 months waiting for Kyle Nash in school.  I find myself forgetting sunscreen at times so I have this uneven spots around my face and body!  For the body, I am going back to using Lightening soaps while my face is extremely sensitive to use whitening products, I went for the safer route, my favorite Face Mask route.

This comes in a "jelly-type" mask that is extremely relaxing to use!  This mask is intended for Dark Skin, Black spots, Uneven Skin Tone and Blemish which I'm recently suffering from too much caffeine, late-night sleep and work!

Unique Find: Leaders Insolution The Gold 24 Secret Mask

It all started when facial centers start to offer "gold" in their facial services.  Then, a skincare brand came up with "gold" as key ingredients of their products!  Then, I was able to try "gold in a foundation" (Royal Gold 24K Foundation review)

Who would've thought I'm giving "gold" as a skincare ingredient another try?  This time, as a mask called The Gold 24 Secret Mask from Leaders Insolution.

You probably understand how obsessed I am with Leaders Insolution Masks after Vita Bright!  I went from Vita Bright to trying out almost all the variant!  So I'm at the stage of going in a Leaders Insolution store (My favorite at Lucky Chinatown Mall) and automatically ask for "What's New"!

The most recent visit, I didn't even get the chance to open my mouth to ask when the SA happily exclaimed: "We have something new! You have to try it!"  

And so I did!

The Gold 24 Secret Mask

Php248.00 per sheet

Now why am I addicted to Leaders Insolution masks and why do I religiously use them at least once or twice a week?

THEY REALLY WORK!  And THE GOLD 24 Secret Mask is NO exception!

Let's talk about the mask sheet first!  Just like any Leaders Insolution masks, the quality of the mask sheets are extremely good and durable!  It was no surprise for me that The Gold 24 Secret Mask really is in GOLD!  It is almost "rubbery" and texture and can be stretched to fit your face!  I heard a bit of chuckle from photographer hubby when he mentioned how I look like a superhero when I wore half of the mask!  Okay, I think he meant Phanton of the Opera :P

What's unique with The Gold sheet is that, you get 2 parts, one for the upper portion of your face and the other half for the lower half.  As much as I am happy with sheet masks in ONE piece, I actually like the idea of this because it fits your face almost like a glove!

I would say the mask sheet has the right "wetness factor".  It's not heavily dripping but you get a good amount of the product that your skin happily accepts within the 15-20 minutes period.  

After removing the sheet, I like to gently pat the product until it evaporates.  My skin does look brighter, plump-looking at the same time, my skin feels so smooth like a baby's bum!

Once A Month, I Have A Secret!

And no, it's not about my period!  *laughs*  Well, closed enough though!  I break out once a month and my skin goes bonkers!  Funny how I never get that when I was younger, but now that I'm older, my hormones are like from that of a teenager!

You probably think I don't break out, you're wrong!  I'm just good at hiding them and most of the time, I'm working from home so I don't show to the world the bad skin stage!  One of my ultimate secret that I've shared in this blog so many times is the use of The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil to spot heal!  But, there will always be days you just can't understand your skin anymore!

That's when I whip out my Leaders Insolution AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask!

Photo taken by : Tony Moly

Coming from someone who swore not to use treatment mask, coming from someone who will NEVER use a mask for oily skin --- look at me now! I've finished 3 cycles of AC-Dressing (meaning, 3 masks in 3 months!) 

Now what does an AC-Dressing mask do?

Leaders Insolution Masks To Try For Starters

For someone who has tried mask sheets for years!  I can't believe there will come a time I'll turn into a "walking advertisement" for a specific mask brand!  Seriously, follow me on Snapchat (@AskMeWhats) and you'll see how much of a mask fan I am!  It is my "me-time" when the little one goes to bed and I get a kick of choosing the specific variant to use for the night.

That is an easy task for me because I did my researched and knew what my skin type is and what my skin needs!  But for a particular reader named Karen, who emailed me telling me how confusing it is to visit the Leaders Insolution store!  How overwhelmed she felt with all the different variants and lines --- point taken!  Not everyone is a facial mask nerd as I am so I'm sharing a quick tip on how to spot the Leaders Insolution Mask for YOU if you are a first-timer!

Number 1 rule: Know your skin type.  Talk to the SA who is in store because she knows all the Leaders Insolution masks by heart!  

But if you are the type who would like to go "low key" and just give this brand a try before investing your time and attention on it....you may start with these Leaders Insolution regular masks (priced at Php148.00 each)

These are my top 4 picks for starters!

Something New: Vedette Clay Masks, Peel Off Masks and Mask Sheets

Several years ago, when I came back from China, I bought with me loads of facial mask sheets and powder masks from Watsons and I always prepare a "facial spa" session for my family!  Everyone was giving me this puzzled look because facial masks back then aren't popular at all!

Given a few more years around year 2008 when I started blogging, everyone's been blogging about my now favorite mask brands --- My Beauty Diary, Etude House and Leaders Insolution.  

Now, with all the brands coming up with "at home facial treatment" products, I'm glad we are given more choices!  And looks like I"m adding up another brand to be part of my favorite list!

VEDETTE

The brand is new to the ears because it is indeed quite new even for me!  Vedette is a Vietnamese brand and it has been around for quite some time.  My beauty blogger friends So Loverly blogged about the brand during their Vietnam visit 7 years ago so that gave me an assurance that the brand is quite stable.

Just for reference, the brand does not only offer Mask Sheets but they also have Clay Masks and Peel Off masks!  You can choose depending on the needs of your skin and of course your lifestyle!  I am always a facial mask sheet girl because it is very easy to use and I only have a couple of minutes left before I sleep!  BUT, after trying out the other variant (CLAY), I am starting to fall in love with it because it seems more effective for my skin!  Will share more when you read further down.

Vedette Yoghurt Mask Sheets and Whitening Masks