A Haul Before the Storm: Eye candy, Details, First Impressions, & some Mini Reviews

Something is coming, which I will be posting about in the future, but today is not that day.  Today is a day for happy things like hauls, and even better, hauls with friends.

Today's post will include not one, but two hauls, including one that was a joint haul with a friend with impeccable taste; seeing other people's goodies is sometimes even more delicious than getting your own.

Here's the one from Club Clio:

Awww yeah, so much Goodal goodness!

And here is my half of the KoreaDepart group order:

All the colours!

I'll be posting her half of the KoreaDepart order when we can snag some photos, so keep an eye out for updates.

In this post:

Club Clio:

• What I purchased
• Why I bought it
• First impressions & mini reviews

KoreaDepart:

• What I purchased
• Why I bought it
• First impressions & mini reviews

I won't be doing impressions/mini reviews of everything, as I have a methodical testing schedule that you can read more about here, but many of these are repurchases that won't get a full review.

Club Clio

So one of the things I have been interested in lately is exploring more of the US-based K-Beauty vendors, because I realized that they've come a looooong way since I started blogging back in the day.  Some of their stuff is excellent, and once you factor in shipping costs, not that far off from my advanced difficulty rated hauls from Korea.

While I love me the thrill and excitement of hunting and stalking my hard-to-source prey and don't mind waiting weeks on end to grope my goodies, some people just want the convenience of shopping from a verified vendor based out of the US.  I get that not everyone springs a nerdboner at the prospect of using a spreadsheet to calculate cost:benefit ratio, and so I wanted to dip a toe into calmer waters and provide more options to people.

What I purchased, why I bought it, and first impressions & mini reviews

So much less impressive without their box sidekicks, eh?

Yesss, at last I have me some Goodal, which I've been lusting after since seeing it on skinandtonics and fanserviced-b.  Plus, it's all full of fermented goodness and I am so weak to fermented herbal things.  I'm not even ashamed about it.

Here's the goodies, from left to right:

Goodal Waterest Fine Mist 

There's something so soothing about the lotus line's packaging.

• Why I bought it: I need me all the mists; as I mentioned in my post on Science Meets K-Beauty Wisdom: How Keeping Cool May Be Good for Your Skin, my summer routine has been featuring a lot of mists, chilled sheet masks, and not a lot else. 

I was down to my last mist and needed a replacement. I choose the Goodal one because 1. I love fermented things, and lotus things, and I also liked the fact that this was in a spray instead of an aerosol.  As I mentioned in the post Making the Most out of K-Beauty: 5 Simple Hacks,   I like to repurpose my mist bottles to cut down on my multi-step routine effort requirements.

• First impressions:  It's got a strong scent, which is common to my lotus-themed products, but seems to be a nice, refreshing option that I'm enjoying at my work desk during the day.  I am looking forward to testing it long-term and comparing it to the others I own.

• Where to get it: http://clubcliousa.com/goodal-waterest-fine-mist.html

Goodal Waterest Lasting Water Oil

Like most serums, the bottle is quite small, and the texture is reasonably fluid.

• Why I bought it: It's been something recommended by fanserviced-b, although this is the reformulated version.  Correction: fan-b has confirmed this packaging means it's the original.  She swears by the original to balance water and oil in her oily skin, and summer is definitely bringing out the oily side of my split-personality dehydrated combo skin.

• First impressions:  I suspect that Goodal should have followed the adage: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.   It's a serum, and it's not unpleasant, and I only patch tested it for a few days before receiving my PocketDerm prescription which overrode all other concerns.  I'll be going back to this and testing it 'for real' in the near future, but I fear that the reformulation is going to a disappointment.   Update: it's actually the original, which is a huge relief.  Long-term testing ahoy!

• Where to get it: http://clubcliousa.com/waterest-lasting-water-oil.html

Clio Vf21 Volume Brightener

I have terrible natural light in my living room, and it blue washes everything, especially my skin.

• Why I bought it: I didn't actually; it's a long story involving some really excellent customer service on Club Clio's part that I will save for another day, involving the sunscreen. The short version is that there was a miscommunication which was largely my fault, they gave me several options, and I chose for them to send me this instead of getting a refund.  We'll revisit this in the future with some goodies, I promise.

I was interested in this because I have no highlighting products and I was looking for something with a subtle sheen instead of a sparkle.  I am too old for sparkly highlighters; I want dimension, not my wrinkles demanding attention.

• First impressions:  I decided on this shade because I didn't want the pinker version; my face is already way more red than my very yellow neck and chest and I did not want to ... highlight that. Heh.  Sadly it's actually deeper than my cushions, but I have used it as a sort of semi-concealer and will be exploring how it works for that,  For reference, my skin is about an NC10, and you can see my BB cream megaswatch posts here and here.

• Where to get it: Uh, it's not listed on their website right now, so I'll get back to you on that.

Clio Virgin Kiss Tension Lip in #7 'Some'

No swatch photos, because of tragedy.

• Why I bought it: I already have the Clio #14 Jyuk from an Avecko haul (read about it here) and liked the formula, the pigmentation, but not the colour.  I love berry shades, and like to do a light application of deep tones for a flattering MLBB (my lips but better) look.

Ironically, I tried to purchase the #7 Some from KoreaDepart in the group order, but it was sold out.  This lipstick was actually the driving force behind this haul, which is why I am even sadder that I can't take photos of it.

• First impressions:  Where is the lipstick?  The case is totally empty and clean, was it a factory defect?  *looks inside cap* Oh noooo.  The desert heat melted this and it slid out into the cap, mushing the tip of it and making it totally unsuited for photos.  Remember what I said about Club Clio's customer service?  They're sending me another one, even though it's 100% not their fault, but I've asked them to hold off until later in the year.  The colour is gorgeous though, unf.

• Where to get it: http://clubcliousa.com/clio-virgin-kiss-tension-lip.html

Goodal Mild Protect Natural Filter Sun Cream

• Why I bought it: All-physical sunscreen!!!  AW YEAH!  As you may know if you follow my blog, my hunt for the perfect non-chemical-UV-filter sunscreen is ongoing.  This is the newest candidate.

• First impressions:  Holy florals, batman.  This is like getting punched in the face with a knuckle-and-petal sandwich.  It's a nice scent, but if you are ultra sensitive to fragrance, flee and save yourself.  As a sunscreen, though, it's trotting through it's paces pretty well for an all-physical sunscreen; I still have to long-term test it particularly under makeup as I haven't worn it in all conditions yet.  It will get a full review when the time comes, or a comparison review to other all-physical sunscreens.

• Where to get it:  Club Clio has it on for a 1+1 special right now: http://clubcliousa.com/brand/goodal/goodal-mild-protect-natural-filter-sun-cream-1-1-value-pkg.html

Now on to KoreaDepart!

KoreaDepart

You know that feeling of trying to find a staple product, and all your regular haunts are out of stock?   I was trying to restock my OST C20 Vitamin C, and purchase a full size of the oil cleanser which has finally won my heart, but I was having no luck.  

I noticed both were in stock and a friend asked to hop on my order if I made one, and thus my first ever KoreaDepart haul was born.  

Nothing like the ancipatory tingle of an unboxing first thing in the morning!

I managed to restrain myself and not open this as soon as I got it; I waited until the next morning so I could send her live updates as I unpacked it.  

What I purchased, why I bought it, and first impressions & mini reviews

I somehow totally spaced on taking photos of everything together and unboxed.  Whoops!

Most of this was repurchases, but my routine is a balance between a solid base of faithful products and wild experimentation risks; to pull it off one needs that solid base to rely on.

From left to right:

Shara Shara Smooth Bebe Foot Peeling Mask

• Why I bought it: If you have never heard of foot peeling masks, basically they're a chemical peel for your feet.  They're for very occasional use, and you put on these little plastic booties for anywhere up to two hours (depending on directions) and they bathe your feet in a chemical soup which is rinsed off when the time is up.

Foot peels are pretty popular in the international Asian beauty product fandom, because not only are they more effective at removing hardened calluses and horny heels, they make your feet shed.  I've done one before (a Mizon peel) and was totally fascinated by how over the course of two weeks, my rough foot skin just peeled off in huge sheets and painlessly.   

I admit that during the skin-shedding process, I may have repeatedly shoved my leg out to block the passage of my husband as he walked by, undulating my foot as best I could and making "SSsssssssSSSssssSSssssss" noises and/or hissing "I'm a Sssssssssssnaake!"at my long-suffering spouse.  

• First impressions:  I have not used it yet, but hoo boy am I looking forward to it.  I may not get to it until late August, but I'm excited.  I used the last one months ago and I've not done any sort of appropriately ladylike grooming of my calluses, so it's high time I do another.   Of course, I maaaay have deliberately done that just so I could enjoy the creepy entertainment of snakefeet.  Maybe.

• Where to get it:  KoreaDepart is sold out right now, sadly.  If I find another seller that carries it that I would actually buy from (as in, not yesstyle) I'll update this post.

Leejiham (LJH) Doctor's Care Cleansing Oil

Yesss finally the full size is mine!

• Why I bought it: This, my friends, is one of my 'bucket list' products; a cleansing oil that does not break me out.  *cue glorious harmony pouring forth from the heavens*  Yes, it's finally happened, after 3+ years of searching, and it's all thanks to fanserviced-b, who took pity on my suffering and sent me a decant of her favourite cleansing oil.  You can read her review here. 

• Mini review:  I'm not going to do a full on review of this product, as fan-b has already done so in the above link, complete with ingredients analysis and the whole nine yards.  Ironically, although this product has quite a few triggers on Cosdna, it's the only oil cleanser I have ever tried that does not clog my pores or break me out.  I had given up hope that such a mythical beast existed.

Not only does it not break me out, but it does the job, isn't unpleasant in terms of texture or scent, and best of all, rinses more cleanly off my skin than any other oil cleanser.  It's not the best massaging oil I've ever used, but what's the point in massaging out grit from your pores if the product is going to turn around and cause breakouts?  As I mentioned in the post Updated Multi-Step Korean Skincare Routine Summer 2015: Sheet Masks Galore, this oil cleanser is my bae and I'm ready to weep with joy over meeting it at long last.

• Where to get it:  I got mine from KoreaDepart, and I am investigating whether the 'Cellabel' oil from LJH is the same product, just with a packaging update.   If I find more sources, I will definitely update!  Update: according to Tracy at fan-b, Cellabel is just a name change and it's still the same (great) product. You can find it on Amazon for around $40, and on LJH's US site for $42.

Ciracle Pimple Solution Pink Powder

US quarter and Canadian loonie for scale.

Man this thing is tiny!

• Why I bought it: I have been completely out of the Mizon Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot (review here) for months and am overdue for a replacement.   While I really love hydrocolloid bandages for draining open, active blemishes, they don't help with ones that are still coming to a head.  The Mizon pink powder definitely helped and I want to explore alternatives so I can compare them.  Ciracle is affiliated with Cosrx, and my routine is packed with Cosrx, so I decided to give their 'fancier' relative a try.

• First impressions:  I haven't tried this yet as I am isolation testing my PocketDerm prescription and it's slain any blemish contenders before the pink spot could enter the fray.  I've got some major skin and life stresses coming up though, so it's only a matter of time.

• Where to get it:  It's available on ebay for around $15-$20, and Amazon for a whopping $30-ish.  Considering I paid $17 for it plus shipping from Koredepart, I should have just bought it from ebay.  Tsk.

The Saem Wrapping Tint PK01 Rose Pink & Tonymoly Bunny Gloss No 4

I have finally succumbed to the bunny gloss temptation.

The Saem Wrapping Tint PK01 Rose Pink:

• Why I bought it: I have a purple and a red Berrisom lip mask, but I loathe the taste of them and I find they don't leave a strong stain behind.  If you are not familiar with these lip masks, you apply them on the lips, let them dry, and then peel off the film that forms as they dry, leaving a stain behind.  I like the idea of a long-lasting lip stain and The Saem lip tint I have dyes everything that it comes into contact with, so I thought I'd give it a try.

• First impressions:  I have only swatched this and sadly my camera died before I could take a shot; by the time it was recharged the light was gone and thus this will have to wait another day.  It's a pretty colour, but what really matters is how fast it forms the mask film, and how deep/long lasting the stain is.

• Where to get it:  No need for high shipping costs and long waits from KoreaDepart, because it's available on ebay with free shipping.  If you are hauling from KD anyway and want to throw this in, here's the link.

Tonymoly Bunny Gloss No 4

Did I choose the one with the "are you kidding me" expression solely for the expression?  Maaaybe.

Ah, the ubiquitous Tonymoly bunny glosses; so many people think K-Beauty is all about cute packaging and mediocre products, but there's so much more to it.

• Why I bought it: I've resisted getting the TM bunny glosses for a long time, mostly because they have such a bad rap; in terms of performance I was expecting them to be trash- cute trash, but trash nonetheless.  Still, I was already committed to a shipping bracket and was looking for light, cheap, fun little things to throw in, and figured I might as well grab one after avoiding them for so long.

• First impressions:  To my surprise, I actually quite like it!  I was expecting it to be a flavoured gloss with zero pigmentation, but it's actually more like a tinted lipbalm.  Sure, it's not an ultra-pigmented hydration powerhouse, but if you want a delicate but visible wash of colour along with a standard lip balm, this does the job.  And it's super cute while it does it.  I want more.

• Where to get it:  They are available everywhere, including Amazon for about $5 with shipping, ebay for $5 or less with shipping, and just about every K-Beauty retailer in the US, Korea, and probably elsewhere.  I would not spend more than $5 on it (I got mine for $3 from KoreaDepart but again, shipping is the killer there if you are not already hauling anyway.)

Mediental Balhyo Jinjeong Troubled Skin Healing Mask

Yes, I bought 10, and I don't even regret it.

• Why I bought it: These are a repurchase. As I mentioned in the post I'll link below, these are my HG winter/heavy duty masks, and KoreaDepart had them on sale. I did say in that post: "If I ever find them under $2 including shipping, I'm just going to set fire to 6 months' worth of my skincare budget and stock up." and well, KoreaDepart had them for around $1.50 ea and came in packs of 10, and I was hauling the LJH oil anyway ... it was meant to be.

• Full review:  Already done, check out Sheet Mask Roundup and Holy Grail: Spring 2015, for a full review and ingredients!

• Where to get it:  Sheet masks are expensive to ship because they weigh so much, so keep that in mind.  I got mine from KoreaDepart here, due to the aforementioned "I'm hauling anyway, YOLO!" reasons, but you can get them on ebay for $13 for 5 with free shipping, on Imomoko for $3 (yikes!) and on Amazon for ridiculous prices.  Eeeesh.

OST Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum

I have no idea where the other boxes are; probably packed away in a box full of boxes, making a philosophical statement.

• Why I bought it: This picture is pretty self-explanatory; one of these is a replacement for my mother, bringing the total number of OST C20s I have purchased up to 5.  I've emptied two and hooked my mother on the PIH-lightening anti-oxidant powerhouse known as OST.  Or C20.  Or both.  Name changes are a pain.

• Mini review:  I know it's not the best, most stable formulation out there, but dang if it's not a little firecracker of a product, volatile or not.  It oxidizes very easily so I keep it in the fridge, away from light and heat both.  It fades my mother's age spots and fine wrinkles, she says, and it fades my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and I'm going to keep on buying it.  At least I will until Holy Snails launches her Vitamin C DIY Co-op and takes my breath and money away.

• Where to get it:  This is fairly widely available, it's on Amazon for $18-$20, from ebay for $16 with free shipping, and I got mine from KoreaDepart for $12 plus shipping.

And with that, we're done!  Phew.  Now back to the real work!

All the best,

-Cat

**Disclaimer: All products mentioned are 100% purchased with my own money and my thoughts opinions are entirely my own ... or my mother's.  Heh.  This blog contains  both affiliate and non-affiliate links, and clicking the former before you shop means that this blog will receive a small commission to assist in this blog supporting itself.  Please see my Contact Info & Disclaimer policy for more information.