Holika Holika Good Cera Super Ceramide Moisture Balm (40ml, $12-15 online)
Before we go any further, I would like to say that this product can be used all over the body (even, apparently, on dry lips). But I personally, due to my drier face, used it only on my face. It is a thick white balmy-cream, which hydrates REALLY well. I especially like using it after a retinol serum, so I can be confident that my skin will not go dry. There is, however, one big-ish problem. Your face is going to feel sticky-- and not for the first 10 minutes, no. For... basicaly...until you wake up the next morning (I use it only as a night cream). Now, many of you wanted me to compare it to the Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Cream (50ml-- so 10ml more than this one), which I did open just for this comparison (please feel free to feel special right about....now). Dr Jart's cream, although thicker in consistency, feels a lot lighter on the skin. However, according to my analysis-gadget, it's not as good of a moisturiser as the Good Cera one. Maybe it's not a fair comparison. After all, the Good Cera range also has a "cream" version, and maybe that would actually be closer to Dr Jart. I might never find out, because I have decided that if I had to repurchase, I would stick to Dr Jart instead. Why? I don't want my face to turn into a sticker. And I also like to put oils on top of my night moisturiser, so Dr Jart+ is more suitable for my needs and wants. But everyone's different...
Product review:
Holika Holika Aloe Soothing Gel (full size 250ml for €8.95)
Okay, before we get into the actual review, let us take a minute to appreciate the design of the bottle/tube. *Silence* Alright, let's keep going. The key ingredients in this product are: aloe (if this is not yet obvious); cucumber; bamboo; watermelon; cabbage. Aloe vera's healing and soothing properties are well known, so it's not important to go through them now. The gel is suitable for both the body and face. It is great after shaving, when you have blemishes or when you suffer from itchy skin (e.g. mild eczema). The gel spreads really well, so you don't really need to use much. It absorbs quickly. Great product. If you are using it on your face, please do not forget to put a serum and moisturiser on after-- otherwise, your skin might feel tight.
Product review:
Holika Holika Hyaluronic Acid Sheet Mask (€3.95)
That could have been a very quick review: "yup, it's moisturising". But no, apparently, that's not enough. Honestly, and that's slightly beside the point, in order to be able to provide you with slightly more number-based review, I have ordered the moisture-level analyst gagdet so we can also see "HOW" moisturising a particular sheet mask is and for how long. You see, a normal sheet mask (of the sort you see in the picture) is only "active" about 40minutes after you take it off. So, I will be measuring my skin before putting the mask on, then straight after, then after 40min, and then after 2 hours. This way, you will see how "actively" moisturising a particular sheet mask is and will be able to make a more informed choice when you buy one. Fair? I think so. But yes, back to the mask. It does what it promises. It doesn't dry out on the skin, and lasts comfortably for the whole 25minutes on the face. Such informative, I know, much wow!
Product Review:
Holika Holika Balancing Primer (35ml for ca. $15)
A dupe for Stila's All in One corrector, for $15? Yes, please, we need to try. The brand says that it is a "multi-colored balancing formula that improves your complexion! Using the three colored petal shaped blending method, it contains green, peach, and violate hues to help make your skin tone even and perfected". When you pump it, it looks very similar to Stila. However, I believe Stila's primer has more green in it, which is better for my skin. Once you put it on your face, you start seeing the difference with Stila (especially if you just wear it as is-- without foundation). This primer is actually drying on the skin. Stila is the opposite-- the moment I put it on, I do feel super hydrated. So yes, if you have oilier skins, Holika Holika's product might work for you, but for me, it's still Stila.
Product review:
Holika Holika V Zone Patch (€5.95) (Korean Skincare)
Normally, chin lifting masks cost around $13-15, so when I saw that this was almost half the price, I was curious (and got two). My dad was the first guinea pig, while I tested it again on myself a bit later (obviously, from the second pouch). However, I will not buy this mask again. There is a technical failure with the mask. It consists of two attached to each other parts. Please see the second photo (the picture of the lady on the right). Normally, the lower part is also attached to the ears in order to create a true "lifting experience". However, here, it is supposed to just stick to the skin. A) it doesn't stick well, and b) because of that, does not provide a bottom chin area lifting experience. Furthermore, because it was constantly getting detached from the skin, I had to tape it to the upper part. Anyway, logistical hassle in a nutshell. So yes, do spend more if you actually want a working product.