ZOEY'S

Hello peeps! Another review post and this time I'm reviewing the famous Annie's Way Arbutin & Hyaluronic Acid Brighting (nope it's brighting not brightening I did't get it wrong) Jelly Mask which is kindly sponsored by Mini Sweets ,thanks! Before I proceed with the review I think it's reasonable to brief you on some basic things about the product itself.

Annie's Way  is an infamous mask which is founded by Annie Wu in 2009 and is raved in countries such as Taiwan and Hong Kong. This mask was recommended by two of my favorite youtuber,Bubzbeauty & Hana Tam and they themselves claimed it worked wonder. You pretty much can get this product on any website but on different price range,which is ridiculous. More detailed infos of this brand can be found on their own website. There's a pretty wide range of section of this jelly mask that you can choose from according to your own skin type and requirements.

Let's start with the review shall we? Quick reminder this is an authentic product. 'll also include how to differentiate between authentic and fake product.

Main Ingredients:

Arbutin Extract
''Beta-Arbutin is often referred to as just Arbutin. As a natural extract found in bearberry (Uva Ursi) plants, Arbutin also provides a skin lightening effect on the skin by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. Though arbutin is a natural derivative of hydroquinone, it does not possess the same risks or side effects. Arbutin has been shown to be a very safe ingredient and does not break down into hydroquionone very readily. Though it is cheaper to manufacture than Alpha-Arbutin, the skin lightening effect is much less than that of its counterpart. For this reason, many new skin whitening products now use Alpha Arbutin as opposed to only beta-Arbutin.''

Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is able to penetrate the skin’s upper layers to improve and benefit the skin when applied topically. Hyaluronic acid is a major component of skin, where it benefits tissue repair and protection. When applied in an HA cream or serum, hyaluronic acid forms an air permeable layer and penetrates into the dermis, thus boosting the elasticity and hydration of the skin. The protective barrier on the skin locks in moisture, which gives the skin a youthful appearance.

Packaging wise: The packaging is pretty simple with the brand description sticker on each side but honestly I don't really mind about it. Somehow I kinda like it after owning it for a couple days hmm.

250ml & comes with a spatula with a butterfly imprint

Original product that comes with a void sealing sticker

Beautiful butterfly imprint on the spatula provided

Texture Wise: The texture is jelly-like,which is why it's a jelly mask and it's transparent.
Scent Wise    : Can't describe the scent of it very specifically but it's smells like a clear jelly? I'm the worst at describing scent.


Usage: 

1. Cleanse your face thoroughly
2. Apply toner as a base for the mask
3. Using the spatula,apply jelly mask onto your face with a thickness of approximately 0.3-0.5 cm
4. After 30 mins,remove mask by scraping gently,wipe off any excess & rinse with water
5. Continue with your regular skincare routine

For first timer,it is recommended to apply a dollop of the mask onto the back of your had and see if your skin will have any allergy reaction toward the mask before using it on your face. If you are applying it onto your face,rinse off directly if there is any reaction such as irritation etc on your first 15 mins. I personally don't have any allergies toward this mask and my skin type is combination skin so I used this mask for 30~40 minutes then scrap it all off.

Here are some photos during application;

 High concentration of stubborn blackheads on my nose and some on the bridge of nose,a few acne and uneven skin tone. Another thing is please excuse my eye bags,I'm gifted with horrible bags.
The photo on the left was after I applied the mask btw.The mask also gives a very cooling and soothing sensation when applied and it made the waiting and the whole process so much better.

Now here comes my verdict,this mask didn't work like miracle on my very stubborn blackheads but it certainly did managed to cleanse and moisturize my face in the same time. Most of the whiteheads I have on my face are scrapped off together with the mask and some blackheads too,my skin feel supple and hydrated after rinsing. If you have not-so-stubborn blackheads and looking for a mask that would cleanse and brightens your face then I would definitely recommend this mask. After rinsing,my face indeed felt brighter which is a good thing.

Overall, this mask works pretty well and would I repurchase (actually purchase*) ? Why not.

Not to forget about how to differentiate between authentic and fake product,be careful before you click that add to cart button.

CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTO

Original

• Both manufacturing and expiry date are provided
• Authentic logo is engraved on the bottom of the container
• Wording on labels is clear
• A transparent protective cover (I assume it's a cover)
• Sealing sticker is in silver color and will show the words 'void' after you peel if off
• Authentic products comes with a FREE spatula

Fake

• Either one of the date will be provided
• No logo will be engraved on the bottom of the bottom of the container
• Wording on labeling is blurry
• Polystyrene like seal is provided instead of a transparent cover
• Transparent seal sticker is adhered instead of the silver one
• Fake product do not provide spatula and you have to pay separately for one

Now that that's cleared up,time for some good news!
3 lucky winners get to win some Annie's Way goodies!










Contest duration: 12/11/2014-25/11/2014

Mini Sweets is also doing some promotions go check them out:

As promised,this post is going to be beauty-related.It's regarding my 'recent' visit to Herbaline Facial Spa with a friend of mine.Before I start sharing about my experience,I would like to apologize for the low quality photos as I was too excited for the treatment and end up rushing while I took photos.

Photo credit to Herbaline website

This is how the building looks like from outside,not very promising but I guarantee that you'll be WOW-ed by the interior design of the spa.It is luxurious inside and extremely comfortable.Staffs there makes you feel welcomed as they speak to you in a very polite manner and are generous with smiles.

Before I begin with other photos that I took there,I would like to explain slightly about the RM38 promotion that they have as stated at the billboard at the side of the road.The promotion only opens to first timers at Herbaline which mean if you're going there for the first time, you'll only be charged RM38 for the facial treatment.The promotion only valid during weekdays as they only do facial treatments for those who booked appointments on weekends (unless you have the voucher from people who have been there before).
During weekdays,it is recommended that you call first before paying a visit as it may be full or closed.

The moment you walks in you'll be greeted by lovely staffs and they'll sit you somewhere and ask you to fill in a form.Then they'll also serves you a hot cup of tea which is lovely but don't rush your sip or you might burn yourself.

 Afterwards,they'll lead you for a foot bath.Foot bath is self service though.You'll be seated once again and you'll be asked to take your shoes off and be given their own slipper that you'll be wearing around later on.Below is the foot bath 'station' and the sink look alike thing is where you'll be soaking your legs in.They'll provide some sea salt if I'm not mistaken to sterilize your filthy legs,just joking.You'll be left alone here by yourself or with whoever you're going there with for 5 minutes.


Please ignore my ugly feet and focus on the flowers pls.The staff will provide you with a brush to help exfoliate your feet to get rid of dirt and some of the dead skin cells.Afterward,you'll dry your feet on the cloth that they have placed on a wooden block as you can see in the photo below.
 The shoe rack.

Beside the shoe rack.

Oh another grotesque pixel of my feet,excuse me and yes those are the slippers that you'll be wearing.

The whole foot bath area.
Ensuing foot bath,you'll be lead to your very own spa rooms.The entrance to the spa rooms is at the end of an aisle.Unfortunately it is dark right after entering the door to the spa rooms so I didn't take any photos cause I'm too shy to switch on my flash light.Therefore I'll have to leave how it looks like to your imagination.
Before you enter you treatment room,you'll be asked to breathe in lemongrass scented pot for some purpose that I've forgotten.

Breathe in and breathe out

They'll clean your face and do their thing with your face,gentle enough except the part where they squeeze out your blackheads,pimples and impurities from clogged pores if you have any.I shed tears during that process and it was a torture but it was sort of worth it since my face feel ever so smooth afterward.If you have sensitive skin,your face will certainly be reacting differently after that process but it's nothing and it will be alright.

Not to forget to mention about the oh so comfortable face,shoulder and back massage.I literally fell asleep during the massage session.

Took this right after my treatment is done while drinking my ginger tea.

The spa room.It's messy for an obvious reason.

Lastly after you're done with your treatment,you'll be lead to... FISH SPA!



The little fishes can sense your presence there and automatically swims towards you in seconds!Which sounded terrifying but it's not.I'm not very sure of how long you'll be doing the fish spa but I believe it's around 10-15 minutes.Your legs will feel extremely soft (only areas that the fishes can get to though).


 Before I end this post,I'll post multiple photos of the gift/member cards I've got.
 Products description brochure,gift card (for friends and families) and appointment card.





That's all and thank you for spending your time here.
Read more about their services and treatment here: Herbaline (English)