YESSTYLE KOSMETOPIA K-BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR 2019 SPOILERS, LAUNCH NEWS

YESSTYLE KOSMETOPIA K-BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR 2019 SPOILERS, LAUNCH NEWS

yesstyle Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, October 09, 2019

For those interested in the YesStyle Kosmetopia Advent Calendar 2019, here's what to keep in mind:

1.  It launches on Wednesday, 9 October (not pre-order, the actual launch), at 08:00GMT or 00:00PST from here.
2. It WILL sell out.
3. It is, without a doubt, the cutest and girliest beauty advent calendar we've seen this year - ALL products inside are full-sized. Yes, 24 full sizes. You read that right.
4. Try via desktop as well as the app, on different devices - download the app if you haven't already (and login beforehand). There's no telling which will crash first.
5. Go to the website rightaway (not app), and enter your shipping and payment details already. You can delete all the deets a few hours later. That way, all you have to do is add to cart and confirm order, without wasting time entering those details while checking out. This is how I placed my order on the pre-order date (September 25) before the app crashed.
6. Use an influencer code - not necessarily mine, which, for reference, is RENU144; any other code you find on their Instagram or elsewhere will do - to get an additional discount at checkout. Or feel free not to waste time on this step! 
7. You may also want to try a discount code such as ADVENT2019 - this isn't supposed to work on the advent calendar itself, but I've heard it worked for some during the pre-order.
8. There will be at least four or five more restocks, on forthcoming Wednesdays, so if you DO miss this one, there could be another shot - but don't leave it all for the last minute!
9. GOOD LUCK! Fingers crossed for you - come and tell me the good news xoxo

Scroll down for the full spoilers and price breakdown of the YesStyle Kosmetopia K-Beauty Advent Calendar 2019.

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ROSE SECRET BOX: KOREAN MYSTERY BEAUTY BOX UNBOXING

ROSE SECRET BOX: KOREAN MYSTERY BEAUTY BOX UNBOXING

Unboxing Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, July 25, 2019

I've got over men alright, but there's one thing I haven't ever got over - the Memebox. Remember it, anyone? Korean beauty box that shipped worldwide? Best beauty box EVER? Came JAM-PACKED with beauty products, all full-sized, and in myriad themes and variants, from Superfood, Wine and Cheese, and Chocolate, to weird ingredients, colour- and scent-themed boxes, and regular monthly boxes. New here, and don't believe a WORD I say? Go here rightaway to check out ALL my Memebox unboxings. I bought more than 50 (60?) of the things in a span of about a year and a half.
The problem is that Memebox RUINED all other beauty boxes for me. I am no longer satisfied with half-baked samples. Don't give me random scrubs. Or pencil liners. Or old shite that won't sell, and you want to shill. Or anything that's not thoughtfully curated, but is haphazardly thrown in a box.
Rose Rose Shop, a Korean beauty retailer who ships worldwide, used to do sampler boxes. But the samples were small, and you also got things like fashion earrings, which I did not want. I did buy the one sampler - see here for my unboxing. Then, they stopped those.
Recently, RRS has been doing Mystery Boxes! This is their second season of doing these - I missed out on the first box. They promise at LEAST seven full-sized products, WITHOUT counting sheet masks. That was a deal-clencher for me. For $35, including FREE worldwide shipping, that's just about $5 per product! Plus, you also get samples and other things.
I ordered mine immediately, and was pleased to find that I got EIGHT full-sized products, including three makeup. In addition to those, I also got a bunch of samples, and four sheet masks. To know exactly what I received, go straight down!

Scroll down for the contents, review, and unboxing of the Rose Secret Box Season 2, a Korean mystery beauty box that ships worldwide.

Nothing to disclose

Beauty Empties January 2018 + Project Pan Challenge

Beauty Empties January 2018 + Project Pan Challenge

Soap and Glory Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, January 30, 2018

January 2018 marks the start of my 12-month Project Pan challenge. This is a group collab on YouTube, wherein six beauty YouTubers have set themselves individual targets for finishing up products in their stash. These targets vary; in my case, I've chosen the rather ambitious figure of 118 beauty products to be used up in 2018! Of these eight NEED to be makeup products; the rest can be skincare.
The other vloggers participating in the collab are Ashley DeVino, Kirstie of Behind the Scenes, Krista Burtner, Kathleen of Rented Fashion, and Tina Maughan - do check out their channels!
In January, I've managed to use up 14 products, which means I only have 114 products to go in 11 months. Unfortunately, none of these is makeup, but hopefully I can get some cosmetics used up over the next few months.

Scroll down for the beauty products I used up in January 2018, and for my thoughts on each.

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SNP Sheet Masks for Hydration in Dry Weather

SNP Sheet Masks for Hydration in Dry Weather

Skin care Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, January 22, 2018

I first came across Korean brand SNP thanks to Memebox, back in their halcyon days. The brand stands for "Shine Nature Purity". The sheet masks were gentle and soothing, and they did not break me out at all. Through 2016, I did not use too many sheet masks, because of my battle with huge nodular cystic breakouts.
Recently, I rediscovered SNP and found that they have some neat sheet masks which are actually out of the common, given the ingredients!

Scroll down for more on the SNP sheet masks from Kollshop.

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Beauty Products Used Up in December 2017

Beauty Products Used Up in December 2017

Skin care Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, January 01, 2018

Heigh ho. 2018 is here. It's been a mixed year for me, with the first half being really nice. I got over acne and started scar revision. I got back on YouTube. But then I was laid up with allergies from October, Dad got bitten by a snake, and Gramps's horrible disease (I don't even want to say the c-word) has reared its ugly head again. It makes me weep to think about Gramps.
For 2018, I only wish for good health and happiness for all my loved ones and readers. That's the most important thing.

Scroll down to see the beauty products I used up in December 2017, and for my quick thoughts on each. 

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Beauty Products Used Up in October 2017

Beauty Products Used Up in October 2017

Videos Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, October 31, 2017

I've had a nightmarish last few days - while already nursing a foot injury, I woke one fine morning to an acute allergic reaction to the point of severe anaphylaxis. Apart from bad urticaria and joint inflammation, I couldn't move my neck/head at all, and landed in the ER. They pumped me with 'roids and antihistamines, and the former have broken me out, but as my doctors said, it was a question of priorities. I'll have to navigate my skin through bad acne all over again (long-term readers will remember I battled it for the major part of 2016, and am currently undergoing scar revision). Boo!
And, we don't even know exactly what caused the anaphylaxis - they'll do an allergy test after three weeks of no meds and no hives. They suspected a peanut allergy, but it turns out it wasn't one after all. Good. I adore chilli-and-lime peanuts.
Enough whining. Let me show you the beauty products I used up in October 2017, and what I thought about each one.

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Beauty Products Used Up in September 2017

Beauty Products Used Up in September 2017

The Ordinary Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, October 02, 2017

I was going to do an Empties' video; unfortunately, my studio is still undergoing acoustic treatment. The good news is that there are results and the echo is definitely reduced, but the bad news is that all the acoustic foam and the panels are ruining my walls, although they haven't affected the lighting. So this one is a blog post.
Pity, that - I actually managed to use up quite a bit of makeup this month! I'm very proud of that; I now have a self-imposed scheme. For every 10 makeup products (the same applies to skincare) that I empty, I can buy ONE product. I hope this scheme will help curtail buying in 2018, and help me finish up more.

Scroll down for the beauty products I used up in September 2017, and my quick impressions of each.

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Beauty Empties For August 2017

Beauty Empties For August 2017

Vitamin C Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, August 29, 2017

I only managed to use up a handful of products in August 2017. It has been a distracting month all around. I hope September is more stable.
Among my empties for August 2017 is one of the best facial oils ever, and the best rosehip oil I've tried (out of three different brands). Not much by way of makeup in here, save for the one mini-sized item. You'll see it all below.

Scroll down for the beauty products I used up in August 2017, and my mini-reviews in each.

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Beauty Empties: July 2017

Beauty Empties: July 2017

Toner Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, August 01, 2017

July has been a stressy month for me, with too much to do in my schedule. I'm hoping that August will be a lot more relaxed. It's also my Dad's birthday month; I got him a lovely set of gifts, only to misplace the lot, and I've turned my place upside down and cannot find the slightest peep of the package. Nor can I remember where I put it. So I've just bought a backup gift. The first box will turn up now, of course.
Be that as it may, it's time to show you the empties of the month.

Scroll down for a look at the beauty products I used up in July 2017, and for my mini reviews.

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Benton Papaya D-Sun Cream SPF38 Review

Benton Papaya D-Sun Cream SPF38 Review

Sunscreen Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, July 27, 2017

Have you seen my post on Six Ways of Incorporating SPF In Your Makeup Routine? I mentioned Benton's Papaya D-Sun Cream there; it is Benton's first product to incorporate both physical and chemical sunscreen. Such hybrid sunscreens are my favourite kind - better safe than sorry!
This sunscreen has SPF 38 and PA+++. The PA+++ indicates protection from UVA rays, while the SPF indicates protection from UVB rays. For those who came in late, the former causes ageing while the latter causes sunburn.
The product contains 55% papaya fruit extract, and papaya seed oil (5,000ppm) - did you know that Christopher Columbus called the Papaya the "fruit of the angels"?

Scroll down for more on the Benton Papaya D-Sun Cream SPF 38/PA+++.

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Beauty Products Emptied in June 2017

Beauty Products Emptied in June 2017

Vitamin C Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, June 26, 2017

I'm going to be travelling from the second week of July, so my mid-year makeup haul will be from Selfridges, Boots, Harvey Nicks, and so on. As I have been on a shopping ban for a while, I'm making a rather large list of makeup to get. Recommendations welcome.
But all that is a good month away. Here's what I used up this month - featuring my favourite Vitamin C.

Scroll down for thoughts on the beauty products I used up in June 2017.

Benton Cacao Moist And Mild Cream Review

Benton Cacao Moist And Mild Cream Review

Skin care Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, June 19, 2017

Any K-Beauty fan knows their Benton. I've reviewed their entire snail range here. Fast-acting healers for distressed skin, the lot.
For K-Beauty newbies, Benton was inspired by the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, where the protagonist grows younger with time. Benton aims to take your skin back in time, restoring it to peak condition.
Recently, they launched a Cacao Moist and Mild Cream for the face. It is fragrance-, alcohol-, and colouring-free.
A bit of trivia for you: Cocoa's scientific name comes from Theo (God) and broma (food). What woman is not going to agree that cocoa is the food of the gods?  

Scroll down for more on the Benton Cacao Moist And Mild Cream.

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Beauty Products Emptied in May 2017

Beauty Products Emptied in May 2017

Toner Cosmetopia Digest   Wednesday, May 31, 2017

I'm due for Microneedling/Infini RF on Thursday and am understandably nervous after reading all about grid marks and months and months of downtime. A sudden onset of three new pimples has not helped. On the other hand, I read horror stories about subcision, and that wasn't a painful procedure, so I'm hoping this one will go as smoothly as well. Stay tuned for updates.
I've been "building up" my skin to withstand the aggressive procedure, with plenty of TLC. Here's what I used up.

Scroll down for a closer look at the beauty products I emptied in May 2017.

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Beauty Empties: April 2017

Beauty Empties: April 2017

Zelens Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, May 01, 2017

What are you getting your Mum for Mother's Day? I've got mine a book by her favourite author, and a couple of beauty goodies, including a Laura Geller Fifty Kisses liquid lipstick - review of this range coming soon.
Among my April 2017 beauty empties is a Swedish product that I've fallen in love with. There are two or three cult favourites that are staples in my cabinet. All of that further below.

Scroll down for a closer look at the beauty products I used up in April 2017, and my impressions of each.

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February 2017 Beauty Empties

February 2017 Beauty Empties

Treatment Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, March 03, 2017

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 1.00%. That's the hero of this empties post; it is also the one product I will be repurchasing consistently, for a long time ahead.
The name of the product sounds weird. You'll know what I'm on about as you read my empties post.

Here are the beauty products I used up in February 2017, and my thoughts on each.

I bought everything. affiliate

Skincare With Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin, Essence, Lotion and Steam Cream

Skincare With Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin, Essence, Lotion and Steam Cream

Toner Cosmetopia Digest   Friday, January 06, 2017

After all the Holiday excesses and sleepless nights, it is time to heal and rejuvenate the skin. I have been using Benton's Snail Bee High Content range - firstly, it contains neither dead snails, mucus/bogey, urine nor crushed bees. The "snail mucin" in question is the lubricant that the gastropods secret from their legs as they glide around. I have a scary story about snails further below.
My other favourite Korean brands, Mizon and CosRx, have provided documentation saying they do not harm the snails while collecting the lubricant. Benton say they have been certified cruelty-free.
Although I had heard a lot about Benton, I was put off by some mentions of the smell - it was supposed to smell like something I won't mention here - because you are going to puke and then call me names afterwards. To add to my apprehensions, I had heard horror stories about product contamination about two years ago. But I received a couple of samples and opened them - there was no smell! Neither pleasant, nor unpleasant. I bought the lot pronto in November, and here are my thoughts.

Scroll down for my post-Holiday skincare routine with Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin, Essence, Lotion and Steam Cream.

Beauty Products Used Up in December 2016, Link Party

Beauty Products Used Up in December 2016, Link Party

Soap and Glory Cosmetopia Digest   Tuesday, January 03, 2017

Because of all the Holiday fun, I forgot to show you my December empties. 2016 has been one bittersweet ride. Not as bad as my personal annus horribilus, which was 2012, but still among the top three horrible years of my life. I spent eight months on antibiotics. I spent almost five months in HIDING because of cystic acne. I missed my parents' wedding anniversary dinner for the second time ever. I didn't celebrate a bunch of other joyous events.
The bright spots? I spent more time with my grandparents (even THEY flinched at the sight of my face). I learned about and began adhering to a proper skincare regimen. I began learning two new languages and signed up for two other study courses. 
Hopefully 2017 will be a fresh start.
Before that, however, let me show you the trash of the month.

Scroll down for the beauty products I used up in December 2016 and for my thoughts on each.

Last Minute Gift Ideas: Beauty Box Subscriptions That Ship Worldwide

Last Minute Gift Ideas: Beauty Box Subscriptions That Ship Worldwide

Korean Cosmetopia Digest   Thursday, December 15, 2016

It's almost Christmas, and you couldn't buy a gift? Beauty boxes are the answer.  
Why beauty boxes, and why ones that ship worldwide?
If you are looking for an unforgettable and special gift for a beauty lover, or a lasting treat for yourself, look no further than a beauty box subscription. It is a gift that keeps on giving; the recipient will remember - and thank - you each month as they get a lovely surprise box. Prolonged pampering. 
One opinion I get in my inbox regularly is that very few beauty boxes are available outside of the USA. Not true! Many countries have their own (my own has at least four of them that I know of), and there are even more beauty boxes that ship worldwide. So you get half a dozen or so beauty products from another country, from brands you have not tried before, and come to understand beauty trends and the industry, and the market, in those regions - what is not to love about that?

Scroll down for the best monthly beauty box subscriptions that ship worldwide.

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Beauty Products Emptied in November 2016 + Link-up

Beauty Products Emptied in November 2016 + Link-up

Zymogen Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, November 28, 2016

My Gramps is down with bad knee trouble, to the point where he cannot walk. It has been going on for a month now and he has been stubborn about not investigating it, so I will be dragging him to doctors and tests from tomorrow. I've managed to forget my camera, so you'll have to make do with iPhone photos until Gramps gets a clean bill of health.
Over the last month, I have been diligent about hair care - I underwent a grand chop, donating 19'' of my locks, back in September. My hair is a lot healthier, and easier to manage. And, hair care products take longer to use up. I wish that was true with skincare - my skin seems to guzzle up product.      

Scroll down for more on the beauty products I used up in November 2016.

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Beauty Products Emptied in October 2016 + Link-up

Beauty Products Emptied in October 2016 + Link-up

Yardley Cosmetopia Digest   Monday, October 31, 2016

In October, my skincare routine has been more regular and diligent than it was in September. I have been going through a multi-step routine for the face every morning and evening, including double cleansing on most evenings, and have moisturised all over twice daily. I've used AHA/BHA acids and Vitamin C almost every day. See here for my 10-step skincare routine.

Scroll down for the beauty products I used up in October 2016, and my quick thoughts on each.