Beauteque Bridal Bag Haul & My Beauty Diary Review (and freebie with coupon)

I'm really excited to another Asian beauty-related blog post today. You guys probably know that I am a long time fan of the My Beauty Diary face masks, so I'm glad to do a full review about some of their products--including what is in the Bridal Beauty bag from Beauteque. From getting this bag, I got to try two new flavors/types of their masks, and also a wash-off style mask! They let me know that if you use my username (Pescamaryan) you will get a free mask with your order.

For all the details about  the sheet masks, feel free to watch my video. Below,  I'll also write a section about my top tips for using sheet masks.

First, I'd like to talk about the Bridal Bag--it's a collection of Asian beauty products and Beauteque.com sent it to me to review. They are a new online seller of Asian beauty products that is located in the US.

I was a bride earlier this year, so it is easy to relate to how I would use this bag : ). It comes with two My Beauty Diary sheet masks, the wash off My Beauty Diary mask, a hair wrap, eyeshadow, eyeshadow brush, shimmering primer and all in a cosmetic bag. (I'm obsessed with cosmetic bags...! I have toooo many..)

1. Two My Beauty Diary Sheet Masks (Pearl Powder Mask & Red Wine Mask)

My favorite sheet mask from My Beauty Diary is the Aloe one but it was nice to try out these varieties. My skin has been very tired and blah lately so I did these two nights in a row and noticed my skin felt much better. I like sheet masks because they can be rejuvenating for skin and these two in particular say they nourish, repair, tighten and refresh skin. I think this is true, though no tightening as the Red Wine mask says. For me that is just fine.

2. Hair wrap

Hair wraps are good for showers, doing makeup, and also while you are doing your sheet masks. I already have one, but now I can keep one in my bathroom and my makeup area to use all the time. This one is very soft.

3. Eyeshadow & Brush 

I am a big fan of ELF brushes because they are cheap and they work great, though I do have other higher-end brushes. The brush included in this set is really nice! It doesn't have a cheap feel like many others and works well. I think I will be using it often. It's especially nice to have the two ends.

For the eyeshadow, there are two options--a pearly white and a shimmering pink. I received the pink one and I really love the pigment form. It's a perfect color for me. I plan to do a makeup video soon on some kawaii makeup tips I have, and I think powder form eyeshadows will work great for that look!

Look how pigmented it is!! The left is the eyeshadow, with just one swipe of the brush..and the right is the shimmering primer!

4. My Beauty Diary Cucumber Soothing Wash off Mask (Choice out of 3 varieties)

For this one you can choose your wash off mask, and I choose cucumber so it would be soothing for skin. It's a thick consistency with a mild cucumber scent. I really enjoy using this when I'm taking a long shower! If I take off my makeup at the beginning of the shower, I feel my skin tighten and feel very dry. If I take off my makeup, then use this mask, my skin feels much better and I don't feel as rushed to finish up. Of course after rinsing, I still do the rest of my skincare routine as normal.

5. Liole Blooming Shimmer Pearl BaseThe first thing I noticed was the cute packaging! I fall easily to packaging and I wish big brands like at Sephora could get a little more kawaii : ) This product is meant to be a glowing primer for under your makeup. I like the consistency and the shine but I didn't notice too much of an effect--I usually wear heavier makeup so using a lighter foundation or BB cream (as they suggest) may let it show through more. It would be fun for summer. I may use this to top on my cheeks over my makeup and see how that works too. I'm also really pale so its unique for a product to be light enough to use.

The bridal bag is $30 and can be found here. They also offer a variety of individual products and monthly beauty bags.

Check out this post for my tips on sheet masks!

I also have a post about facial massage, and a Shiseido Perfect Whip review post that may be helpful too.

To let you guys know, they sent me this bag as a gift for me to give an honest review. If you have any more questions for me, I'd be happy to answer and offer my opinion.

Also, if you are interested in that translated sheet about My Beauty Diary's full mask line..here you go!

My Tips for Asian Sheet Masks!

1. Have it hot or cold depending on the season!

In the winter, I like to warm up the sheet mask in the sink or tub so when I put it on it doesn't feel cold. In the summer you could also put it in the fridge for a bit or run under hot water if you are wanting to cool down. I heard this tip from Bubzbeauty : )

2. Use the extra product!

After opening a sheet mask, there is often lots of extra liquid in the packet. It's great for the neck and shoulders and even your legs.

3. For Massage!

After I do a sheet mask and take it off, I usually can tell it has absorbed a lot, but still a layer is on the surface. At this time I like to give myself a massage! You can check out my video for a mini demonstration using only your hands, or you can buy a massager from Amazon specially for your face. (Blog post here) Bubzbeauty also has some great tips for massaging the face. Additionally, with that extra product I mentioned, you can use it to massage any part of your body! I have back pain so it would be an added skin-bonus to get a massage with leftover product. : )

4. Miscellaneous...

For me, I try to avoid my hairline so I usually fold down the forehead part of the mask so I don't get oily. Many masks just don't fit my face quite right. If I notice it is dripping in my eyes or feels uncomfortable, I just make some tiny tears in the eye section and it is much better. It's best to do something relaxing while you wear your mask because it is hard to talk, eat or even brush your teeth (I tried).

I hope these little tips are something new! My recommendation for a brand is My Beauty Diary because it is easy to get in the US. You can find it at Asian markets and online at places like Amazon, Walmart online and a website I reviewed called Beauteque.

My video all about My Beauty Diary here!

Asian Facial Massage?

I'm sure you have seen videos on YouTube about all the ways to massage your face to slim and tone. In China and Japan it is common to see facial rollers or ceramic spoons as tools for massage. You can find slimming leggings that you slip on during the nighttime, too. What all of these tools and massage techniques have in common is the fact that they are applying pressure to help create a slimming effect.

I used to think it sounded really silly. Why would rubbing my face (or any other part of my body) actually change the shape?!

Definitely massage is beneficial for things like relaxation and promoting circulation. But does it really shrink you if done the right way?

I learned about why massage may have this effect after my mom had cancer. Sometimes cancer patients have swelling in their arms or legs from missing lymph nodes. They have certain exercises to reduce the swelling and can also wear a compression sleeve or glove.

The exercises, many of which are special massages, help move the toxins and excess fluids into the lymph nodes that work, and the compression sleeves help apply pressure to reduce swelling too.

So when my mom got this (it is called lymphedema), she was pretty frustrated with the idea of doing massages! Seems there should be some other way to fix the problem. But when she told me about it, I realized the principles are basically the same as Asian techniques for facial massage. Applying pressure and special motions to reduce the puffiness and release toxins! It's not going to move fat but it can change your appearance.

I searched online and found some articles that explained the facial massage techniques (You can read one here). The massages are based on the areas that have lymph nodes (from inner eyes down to the corners of your nose, at the base of your skull, and jaw line down to your collarbone). So if you have seen any Asian massage videos, it totally makes sense! Lots of the massage motions incorporate these areas in order to flush the junk out.

I got this ceramic thingy from Amazon that is meant for massage. I haven't been very good about regularly using it, however. Also, I'd like to say that I think round faces look better. I am not really big on the slim face or pointy chin thing. But I do like the idea for the sake of cleaning out toxins and having a nice way to relax!!

Let me know what you think about these massages! If you are looking for a trustworthy face massage routine, I most trust Bubzbeauty : )

♡ My YouTube

Asian Sheet Masks: My Beauty Diary Guide

Sheet masks can be hard to find in the US. My Beauty Diary is a brand of sheet masks from Taiwan that is easier to find. I have seen it on Amazon and even Walmart's website. I usually can get a deal at certain times of the year at my local Asian market. The prices are reasonable too. For a pack of 10 masks, I usually only pay $10. Buying them individually can be a little more expensive, but good if you want to find the kind you like best.

I came across a great chart of all the kinds of masks My Beauty Diary offers. Many times, the packaging is in Chinese, so I always am asking Bo "hey what does this one do? Is it moisturizing?!" And he replies, "Yeah they all do about the same stuff, hydrating, whitening, renewing..." -__-

Heheh.

So, I found this little sign at an Asian Market! It should help a lot.

Aloe: moisturizing, soothing, oil control

Pearl powder: moisturizing, brightening, nourishing

Red vine: moisturizing, firming, repairing

Apple polyphenol: firming, repairing, soothing, oil control

Q10: firming, repairing (probably a focus on Anti-Aging)

Bulgarian white rose: brightening, nourishing

Black pearl: brightening, nourishing

Strawberry yogurt: brightening, nourishing

Japanese cherry blossom: brightening, nourishing, soothing, oil control

Bird's nest: moisturizing

Hyaluronic acid: moisturizing

Arbutin: brightening, nourishing

Collagen: firming, repairing (again probably for Anti-Aging)

Mexico Cactus: moisturizing

Caviar: firming, repairing

Lemon Vit-C: brightening, nourishing

My personal favorite is the Aloe mask. It's the only one I really buy now. I have bought their mask samplers (usually its a seasonal thing, like, "top masks of 2014") but I'm a little picky with smell. Aloe is an ingredient I really like anyway. It is very calming for skin and won't break you out. You can even buy aloe plants and cut them open to use the jelly directly. ^.^ (You can find aloe at asian markets)

So if you are looking to try out a sheet mask, I recommend the Aloe for anyone. It doesn't have a strong smell, it's refreshing, hydrating, and relaxing!

To use, open up the package and carefully unfold the mask. Remove the plastic lining. (Make sure all of your hair is clipped or tied back) Then put on your face for 20 minutes, or however long you like. 

TIP: For summer, (with the packaging still on) rinse in cold tap water to have a cooling effect! Or for winter, soak the packet in warm tap water or put it in the tub when you take a bath. Feels so great!!

♡ My YouTube