his rotten apple

Monday 18 June 2018

REVIEW: Freeman Detoxifying Charcoal + Black Sugar Mud Mask

Posted by a hurricane between the rain on June 18, 2018 in

So here I am reviewing the very popular mask brand: Freeman. It's my first time using Freeman so I can't compare this with another Freeman products.

When it says detoxifying, I can't tell if it really is BUT my face feels clean and smooth everytime I use this, especially after a tired, long day when I exposed to pollution directly. It comes with a big grey tube contains somekind of wet and sticky gel that will be dried out after about 10-15 minutes. Between those times, you would feel your skin is being pulled.

It says for normal to combo skin, but I don't think this is good for normal skin since your skin will feel a little bit dry after washed this off. I have combo skin and I have to apply some moisturiser afterwards and still feel slightly dry (a veeerryyyy bit).

Also don't let it sit on your face more than 15 minutes since the area of the product applied on your skin would start to feel itchy.

The colour is satisfying to look (for me)

Don't be too thick when spreading it

Half-dried

When it's dry

You can see the ingredients safety by clicking this.

And here's my summary.

Pros:
- Skin feels clean and smooth after using, even if you've been exposed to pollution the whole day
- Easy to wash off
- Lasts long if you wear it once or twice a week
- Safe on my sensitive skin
- Doesn't cause breakouts

Cons:
- Not travel friendly since it comes in a bulky tube
- May be too drying for normal skin
- Have to buy it online in my country (Indonesia)

NOTE:
- Do not use this daily otherwise your skin would going to be dry. Use twice or once a week.
- Always put moisturiser after washed this off
- Not suitable for dry skin types
- It is meant to wear after cleansing on a dried face

My personal rating: [4.5/5]

Repurchase: YES.

REVIEW: Banana Boat Ultra Protect Faces SPF 50

Posted by a hurricane between the rain on June 18, 2018 in

Okay so, here's my first review in this year and that's not worth a wow.

Sunblock or sunscreen is a very must for me to go out. No matter if it's just a fifteen-minutes exposure or an-hour. Why you should wear it? According to huffingtonpost.com, in 20 years from now you will regret not having worn daily sun protection because that's when normally people would see the difference between wearing or not. It helps to prevent facial brown spots and skin discoloration, reduce the appereance of facial red veins and blotchiness (for fair skin), and slows down development of wrinkles and aging skin, while your skin also needs protection from harmful rays since the ozone layer is depleting.

So what's the difference between sunblock and sunscreen?

Sunblock is a physical sun protection which its primary job is to protect your skin from UVB (Ultra Violet Burning) rays. Means that this stuff will create a barrier on the outer layer of your skin and reflect all the harmful rays. Since this is a physical barrier, you will find this thick and opaque, oftentimes also leaves a visible white cast. This thing would not comfortable to wear under make up. Its best friend is the beach. If you're going to the beach where the sun exposure will be at its finest level, better choose sunblock over sunscreen. The main active ingredients in sunblock are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

While sunscreen is a chemical sun protection which its primary job is to protect your skin from UVA (Ultra Violet Aging) rays. It's suitable for daily use and comfortable to wear under make up. This stuff penetrates deep into your skin layer to work chemically preventing and repairing any long-term damage to the skin. It has the consistency of a normal lotion, so it gives you a lighter feeling than wearing a sunblock. The main active ingredients in sunscreen are avobenzene, oxybenzene, ethylhexyl methoxynnamate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.

First, Banana Boat Ultra Protect Faces SPF 50 is a sunscreen product, as written on its packaging. Let's just dive into the most important part of a review. Well, my impression is not positive. I don't wear this anymore. Sorry, Banana Boat. It's light, really feels like a lotion, but it's very greasy and oily after applied. If I don't wear any mattifying powder afterwards my face will look like a person who went around the polluted city all day and didn't shower. The only thing I love from this product is its ability to protect from sun exposure, I live in a tropical country and lately I've been studying at an institute in a city where the sun is very devilish, and it always felt very promising when I wear this sunscreen. No slight feeling of worried.

It's white and feels like lotion

But it's greasy and very oily

Look closer at my hand

The other reason why I stop this product because it contains paraben in the form of methylparaben and propylparaben. For those who don't know, paraben is a kind of cosmetic preservatives. In some last weeks prior to my discontinuance, I found around eight mysterious bumps on my jawline. I knew it was going to be acnes like usual, but I'd never got as much as that number. 8!! I have my favourite and really-work cure for acne candidates, and the bumps were deflated a night after I applied the cure, so later I found that the bumps appear to the surface only after I applied this sunscreen! Bad, bad. And that's the end of this product to sit on my face ever again.

You can look at its ingredients and theirs safety, click here.

When it says water resistant, it doesn't show it really is. I put some of the product and place my hand under a tap to see how it works. And the area of the products applied turned into milky liquid. I have another water resistant sunblock for body and it would show like some oily molecules sitting on water (very different with this Banana Boat sunscreen).

So, here's my summary.

Pros:
- Ultra protection against sun exposure and UVA UVB rays (and it's very promising I can feel it)
- High SPF
- Lightweight, like lotion
- Leaves no white cast

Cons:
- Very greasy and oily
- Not water resistant as it says
- Contains paraben which can be toxic
- Triggers some acnes and bumps
- Not pleasant smell
- Too heavy to wear daily if you tend to be indoors
- May not suitable for sensitive skin

My personal rating: [2/5]

Repurchase: No.

Sunday 30 July 2017

REVIEW: Korean Dramas [part 2]

Posted by a hurricane between the rain on July 30, 2017 in

9. I HEAR YOUR VOICE

Number of episodes: 18
Genre: Legal Drama, Romance, Fantasy
Starring: Lee Jong-suk, Lee Bo-young, Yoon Sang-hyun, Lee Da-hee
Release date: June - Aug 2013
IMDb rating: 8.6/10
My personal rating: 9.3/10

If you haven't read PART 1, click this to bring you to the page.

This drama gives you some common emotions like the drama W does. But it's more like Pinocchio, I guess? If you think that Pinocchio is great, you'll get excited with this one.

It is a courtroom drama with a touch of grown-up love story because it takes place at the law office, so don't expect a high school fairytale. It is also one of those realistic dramas, which I like. There are many scenes of debating between the attorneys, the judges, and the prosecutors on the court, and they will drive you impressed each time! By that, yes, it is considered as a serious drama.

Compared to the other ones I've watched, the dialogue here is tend to be long. You will see how law works and get to know some of Korea's articles and clauses. It is also my first watched drama that has a quite wide age gap between the two lead roles, and the older is the female.

Jang Hye-sung is a public attorney and Park Soo-ha a high school student with good intelligence who can read people's minds. Then soon they find out that they were related to each other in the past, have the same goals for fighting back a murderer of their beloved ones, but the fighting process doesn't involve much action. Law speaks! But with the cunning nature of the murderer, many trials have to slip away from their hands. The murderer also knows his ability to read people's minds, which makes things difficult and interesting at the same time.

And I'm madly in love with the woman's personality! She's an optimistic hardworker, smart, and is not fearful for a lady.

On the other hand, it's a very amazing drama!

10. INTROVERTED BOSS / MY SHY BOSS

Number of episodes: 16
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Starring: Yeon Woo-jin, Park Hye-soo, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoon Park
Release date: Jan - Mar 2017
IMDb rating: 7.3/10
My personal rating: 3/10

I expected for a delightful relationship and rib-tickling scenes, but the story itself is already a turn-off for me!

First, I hate the female lead role's character. She is simply annoying from the first and acts way too much against her boss, judging that she's new at the workspace but she already speaks informally and even sneaks into his private room, acts disrespectfully. That really blows out of all proportion!!! Plus, everyone in the drama treats the shy boss like he was a criminal. No one in real life would ever do that, what a total shameless fantasy! The boss' "shy" disposition also seems foolish and illogical, not the "shy" in the sweet terms like what I imagined.

Second, I didn't get the plot. I've already got this kind of feeling at the end of Episode 1, but I kept going to Episode 2 just to see how far I could take. As I continued, apparently I was that blind for what they're trying to tell me through the story. Scrambled plots, boring conversations (but they're trying to make it funny), and too many unlikeable characters made me tired. So I stopped at Episode 6.

But one thing I don't understand about this drama:
How
In Earth
The AsianWiki rating is 91%
And many people said this drama is an excellent drama and even highly recommended?????

Maybe they haven't seen piece of gold like W or Chicago Typewriter. For someone who has seen both like me, 3 out of 10 is the highest rating this drama could get from me. Watching this only wasted my time!

11. MY SECRET ROMANCE

Number of episodes: 13
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Starring: Sung Hoon, Song Ji-eun, Kim Jae-young, Jung Da-sol
Release date: Apr - May 2017
IMDb rating: 7.5/10
My personal rating: 8/10

If you're a fan of cheesy, cliche romance dramas, this is for you.

The plot is good, and their acting is not disappointing. Although the female's chemistry against the male is sometimes rigid, but it's still in the OK level. This drama is a perfect choice when you need a relaxing hiatus between heavy dramas like The K2 and Defendant. Because the main actor is terrifically hot! HAHAHA.

I like its soundtrack titled "Same" too!

This drama is about two people who had a one-night stand on a random day, but the girl left the man alone, only to find herself working for his company three years later! Yes, the man is a CEO.

One that you cannot ignore from this drama is, the bromance between the CEO and his secretary!

12. DOCTORS

Number of episodes: 20
Genre: Medical, Drama, Romance
Starring: Kim Rae-won, Park Shin-hye, Lee Sung-kyung, Yoon Kyung-sang
Release date: June - Aug 2016
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
My personal rating: 6.5/10

This drama simply depicts the life of doctors on their duty and day-off. If you're not familiar and are scared of blood, I suggest not to watch this. It consists of uncensored surgery processes in almost all of their episodes.

As I figured out Park Shin-hye is the main actress here, I had a feeling it'd gonna be mediocre, since I found that her acting is awesome, that she can play any roles, but unfortunately romance is not her specialty. From what I examined, any romance dramas that have Shin-hye as the female in it, even if the male role is perfect at everything, the chemistry is still nowhere to be found (as example The Heirs and Pinocchio).

And it turned out to be exactly what I predicted. The doctors vibes are cool (it almost makes me want to be a doctor!), but overall I don't like this drama because:

1. Too many episodes for such a boring plot.

2. The chemistry between the two lead roles IS VERY bad, even the kissing scenes offer no sparks at all. It would've been better if they'd made this a virgin medical drama without any romance atmosphere.

I think it would've been better if Lee Sung-kyung had been given the main role, sorry. I prefer her over Shin-hye.

So, I stopped at Episode 13. It's still far from Descendants of The Sun if you're looking for another romance and medical dramas.

13. CHICAGO TYPEWRITER

Number of episodes: 16
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Starring: Yoo Ah-in, Im Soo-jung, Go Kyung-pyo
Release date: Apr - June 2017
IMDb rating: 8.7/10
My personal rating: 11/10 !!!

Congratulations, Chicago Typewriter! You successfully replaced W for the best Korean drama I've ever watched! (Although the rating remains the same with W because it's just too silly to give it 12 out of 10, what's next, 13 out of 10???)

Seriously.

This is such a BRILLIANT drama. A1. Remarkable. All of their synonyms go with them.

But before checking if it's really 11 out of 10, please note that this drama is not acceptable for everyone from any circles. Those, who have ways of rating a drama as critical as IMDb, would be the ones that agree with me. If you love something like The Prestige, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Memento, or Shawshank Redemption, this one's for you!

If you don't, based on my friend's friend's experience, I doubt that you'll like it because it might be too confusing for you.

It is a mysterious, antique, heavy, and romance drama. Because it encompasses many genres, there are a lot of eye catching elements. The series start with abundant amounts of mystery, and the foreshadows are slowly being revealed. You'd be clueless at first, but soon you'd finally be able to see the light, little by little.

The shooting takes place beyond time and space. 1930 vs 2017. Two different places in different periods. The puzzles of the time-surpassing stories are put together, and people will become more curious and interested as it goes. Yes, it has disordered timeline, that's why I'm saying that not everyone will like this drama.

It tells about a writer that lived under Japanese rule in the 1930's who's reincarnated into a bestselling author living in 2017, and he's compelled by a ghostwriter to finish his currently-written novel called Chicago Typewriter. With that novel, they soon find out about their past lives.

Now talking about the roles. I love Yoo Ah-in's performance! He's an ace at doing both the romance and action. On the other hand, his 1930's look is exceedingly beddable HAHAHA. The female role? I love her straightforward manner!! She never hides any thoughts like what women usually do, and sometimes it's somewhat funny. She's also very great at being emotionally wrathful, makes me feel like I'm the one whom she's roaring at.

My favourite episode is the episode where they're kissing at the corner of the street "for the shake's of their country", and the last episode especially the very last fifteen minutes.

This is a very promising drama!!!

Don't forget to listen to its soundtracks Satellite, Blooming Memories, and Be the Light. [two of them are English!]

14. THE DAY AFTER WE BROKE UP / ONE MORE TIME

Number of episodes: 8
Genre: Fantasy
Starring: Kim Myung-soo (L Infinite), Kim Gi-du, Yoon So-hee
Release date: 2016
IMDb rating: 7.3/10
My personal rating: 10/10

It's a mini series, only has 8 episodes and 30 minutes for each. And like Chicago Typewriter, not everyone will like this drama since you might find it confusing and is not quite easy to comprehend. The twisted timeline is very similar to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, yet the type of the drama is almost like Adam Levine's Begin Again: musical.

At first you'll be muddled when and why the scenes happen, but as you go further to the end you'll get it. It's neither light or heavy drama. If 0 is very light and 100 is very heavy, I'll go with 40.

Yoo Tan, the leader and vocalist of an indie band called One More Time met Da-In ten years ago, and eventually they got to know each other and soon she joined his band as a keyboardist. At that time before they met, she suffered from a kind of brain tumor and faced too much reality such as the death of her parents, that she really wanted to die. But after joining the band, she fell in love with Yoo Tan and they got official. When the Grim Reaper was in the verge of taking her soul when her time comes, she begged to her not to die that day, said that she was finally able to feel happy with Yoo Tan after those tough times. To fulfill her demand, the Grim Reaper made her tumor gone with a requirement, that if Yoo Tan doesn't love her anymore, she'll die.

After 7 years, they break up. But a miracle seems to be on its way to help them, that Yoo Tan is starting to wake up on the fourth of September—the day they break up—everyday, and can't move forward to the fifth of September.

I don't know why the IMDb rating doesn't even reach 8, but I'll say the storyline is unique!!

15. THE K2

Number of episodes: 16
Genre: Action, Melodrama, Politics
Starring: Ji Chang-wook, Im Yoon-ah, Song Yoon-ah
Release date: Sept - Nov 2016
IMDb rating: 8/10
My personal rating: 9/10

I suggest not to watch this after dramas like W or Chicago Typewriter, or you might get a little headache. I watched this after another Chang-wook's drama, Healer, and had to cut it with some My Secret Romance episodes or else my head would hurt. Because it's very action!!

I always love Yoona's performance, but in this case, you probably won't see her chemistry with Chang-wook that much because it's just an action drama with a hint of romance, not the opposite. The plot is well-written and gives you a thrill, but still is not as much as W, for me. By the way, I prefer Healer for the male lead role's background. But if I look into the core of their main issues, I prefer The K2.

16. HEALER

Number of episodes: 20
Genre: Action, Thriller, Romance
Starring: Ji Chang-wook, Park Min-young, Yoo Ji-tae
Release date: Dec 2014 - Feb 2015
IMDb rating: 8.7/10
My personal rating: 9.8/10

It's a spy story. In this drama, you'll be told what kind of life does a paid agent have. It's very interesting because you'll see Ji Chang-wook doing anything except executing a murder—jumping roof by roof, getting himself in a professional disguise, ordering a delivery meal only by telling the delivery man just to drop the order by the entrance of an abandoned building, and what sort of technology he has to track and hack and crack everything he wants.

In this case, they're not going to be rivals with criminals or terrorists, but with the politicians who are the keys of their childhood gloomy memories.

A decades-old incident involving a group of friends who ran an illegal broadcasting station brings together three different people—an illegal mercenary with the codename "Healer" who happens to possess top-notch fighting skills, a reporter from a second-rate tabloid news website, and a famous journalist at a major broadcast station. In trying to uncover the truth from that 1992 incident, they grow into real, honest reporters, while dealing with the conflict between truth and fate.

It's a mix of Pinocchio and K2 for me. For a person who likes detective-kind-of-thing stuffs very much, this is totally worth it to be on your watchlist!

See you on PART 3!

Saturday 8 July 2017

REVIEW: City Color Oil-Control Matte Setting Spray

Posted by a hurricane between the rain on July 08, 2017 in

So, this is my second product review. Due to my very oily and acne-prone skin, the products I'm going to review here are for those skin types only, and so is this.

Ever had a problem when your make up is done and you're on-the-go but already having tiny oil spots on your nose?
That's how you describe my skin. Imagine how oily it will be for hours when I'm on an occasion where I can't wash my face?
A touch-up? No thank you, that only makes my oily face look like a failed canvas if I'm trying to cover the whole mess with a mess. Also, that might need much time. What if you don't have much?

Well, here I give you my solution.

This is one of my must-have oil control products that actually works for me! (The other one is Innisfree Mineral No Sebum Powder, review's coming soon). If you feel like you can fry some chicken nuggets when your skin is extracted, then you should try this. It comes in a handy, black bottle with a plastic cap covered the spray hole. The bottle says enhanced with aloe vera & silica, long-lasting, paraben free. Contains 75 ml each, it has pleasant scent! It smells like fresh rose, as written on the bottle, is nose-friendly since the smell is not irritating, and absorbs quickly. Somehow I find it smoothes my pores too.

I suggest that you apply some transculent or skin-coloured powder before applying this setting spray for the best result. You don't have to wear full make-up to apply this. As long as your skin is coated with moisturiser and powder, the water will not descend. It also contains niacinamide which will tone up your face for a brighter look.

As you can see below, it was applied on my sunscreen-layered skin (and the sunscreen is oily), but it goes matte after I sprayed the setting spray on it! Felt like I didn't wear anything before that. It demolishes the oil with no potency of making the skin dry. Give it a shot after your make up's done, let it absorb, and you'll be satisfied!

But please kindly take a note:

It only postpones the oil secretion, not to penetrate beneath the inner layer of the skin for stopping it.

Mine's starting to get oily again after 2 hours in hot weather (that's good because it only takes up to twenty minutes without it).

What it is?
A setting spray.

Who might like it?
People with oily and combination skin.

How to apply?
Just spray it after powder or as the latest step of your make-up, 10 cm away from the face, four pumps. Let it absorb. DON'T WIPE.

Sticky?
No.

Greasy?
No.

Result?
Matte.

Does it bother your make-up?
Not at all!

Price?
I got it for Rp75.000 (around $6) on Shopee.

Pros?
- Doesn't make skin dry
- Supples and freshens skin
- Mattifying
- Really "oil-control"
- Paraben free
- Smoothes pores
- Travel sized
- Nice smell
- Not greasy and sticky
- Affordable

Cons?
I'd really like it if it can control my oil for a longer period of time.

Does it work? Yes!

Repurchase: YES.

My personal rating: [4.8 / 5]

Wednesday 5 July 2017

REVIEW: Korean Dramas [part 1]

Posted by a hurricane between the rain on July 05, 2017 in

I used to question my friends who spent their times watching Korean dramas like literally e v e r y d a y when it came to holiday, like, what's in it? Then I got the answer six or five months ago when my friend told me to give a drama a try, and the result was:

They're toxic!
Seriously, don't ever watch a single episode of high-rated K-dramas because you might not able to stop yourself from getting in front of your laptop seven hours a day.

And also, this is another friendly reminder before you go further.

Don't ever start watching a drama before it's completed! Just don't. Otherwise you would end up going insane waiting for the next episode because the ending of every episode IS MOSTLY CLIFFHANGER which is powerful enough to leave you dying mentally.

I've warned you.
I've been through this kind of feeling.

(all of the synopses are taken from Wikipedia or AsianWiki)

1. GOBLIN (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)

Number of episodes: 16 + 3 specials
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
Starring: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, Yook Sung-jae
Release date: Dec 2016 - Jan 2017
IMDb rating: 8.9/10
My personal rating: 9/10

This was my first shot for K-dramas, and also the last day I'm having a healthy mind. Fantasy is not my genre to be honest, but this is a new way to enjoy the things I didn't like!

Kim Shin is a goblin and protector of souls. He lives with an amnesiac grim reaper who is in charge of taking deceased souls. He doesn't want immortality anymore (his age has already reached 900 years!), but needs a human bride in order to end his long life. Meanwhile, Ji Eun-tak is a high school student who despite her painful reality, remains optimistic. She summons the goblin by chance and through various encounters, ended up falling in love with him. Sunny is an owner of a chicken wing shop, and is a bright and attractive girl who is loved by all men. Everything changes when the grim reaper and Sunny meet.

2. WEIGHTLIFTING FAIRY KIM BOK JOO

Number of episodes: 16
Genre: Coming of age, Sports, Romantic-comedy
Starring: Lee Sung-kyung, Nam Joo-hyuk, Lee Jae-yoon, Kyung Soo-jin
Release date: Nov 2016 - Jan 2017
IMDb rating: 8.6/10
My personal rating: 9.4/10

Why 9.4/10?
Because the cuteness of the two lead roles is overload! It's not just a typical cheesy rom-com drama, you have to discover the truest chemistry between Sung-kyung and Joo-hyuk first to get what I mean. And Lee Jong-suk also takes part in this drama, he's one of my favourites Korean actors (even he was only a cameo). From the plot point of view, Goblin is way more exclusive. But if you're looking for lighthearted dramas, this should be on your list! It's also funny and entertaining. I often had to pause it because I kept howling with laughter alone in my room. A must-watch!!

Good news for you: Sung-kyung and Joo-hyuk are dating in real life after doing this drama and it's confirmed two months ago. Another reason why you must watch this drama!!

It's a coming-of-age story about a group of college athletes who are fighting for their dreams, experiencing and finding love in the process, and growing every step of the way.

3. BIG

Number of episodes: 16

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Starring: Gong Yoo, Lee Min-jung, Shin Won-ho, Bae Suzy
Release date: June - July 2012
IMDb rating: 7/10
My personal rating: 7.5/10

I really love the ideas of this drama, really, but somehow some parts are just too boring. It goes exciting at the beginning, a little bit boring at the middle, and horrible, confusing ending. I don't get enough elucidations from the ending. When someone says it has a horrible ending, people often say "maybe you're the one who's not being realistic". Well, I highly appreciate realistic plots, but this one is just too dangling. Maybe the script writer really should've explained this more because many people broke their heads over this ending.

Gil Da-ran is a high school teacher, and is engaged to a kind and handsome doctor, Seo Yoon-jae. It is a fairy tale until one month before the wedding, when Yoon-jae inexplicably becomes distant. At the same time, Da-ran meets an 18-years-old transfer student from the USA, Kang Kyung-joon, who's got an attitude towards everyone except Da-ran. Kyung-joon gets into a fateful car accident with Yoon-jae and both of them drive over the guard rail and into the deep water. Yoon-jae tries to save Kyung-joon but in the process, Yoon-jae ostensibly dies and Kyung-joon ends up in a coma. Kyung-joon soon wakes up finding himself in Yoon-jae's dead body.

Yes, it's about body swapping.

I also read so much about issues with the drama because the young guy was considered 'underage' for the main actress so they gave Gong Yoo a scene where it should've been better if it was him. I hate the character Jang Mari too. She's like the Rachel in The Heirs. But unlike Jang Mari, one way or another I can't growing hatred against Rachel. Jang Mari is unreasonably silly and immature for me.

But aside from that, I profoundly adore Gong Yoo and Min-jung's acting. The chemistry is good. You could give it a look if you're curious, then.

4. THE HEIRS

Number of episodes: 20

Genre: Romance, Drama, Teen
Starring: Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye, Kim Ji-Won, Kim Woo-bin, Park Hyung-sik, Krystal Jung

Release date: Oct - Dec 2013
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
My personal rating: 7.5/10

It is very popular among teenagers whose lives have been drowned into K-dramas world. I believe every single one has already watched this drama, even the newbies. But regardless of its popularity, if someone asked me for recommended dramas, I wouldn't mention it.

The story is overly dramatic, and the fairytale portion is too much. Ignoring the fact that it involves many famous actors and actresses like Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye, Park Hyung-sik, and Kim Ji-Won, it is disappointedly overrated. Too many episodes and weak climax make this drama boring. Family-and-school-life-friendship kind of thing is not my cup of tea. This is why I'm not interested in School and Reply series too.

The series follows a group of rich, privileged, and high school students as they are about to take over their families' business empires, overcoming difficulties and growing every step of the way.

Kim Tan is a wealthy heir to a large Korean conglomerate called Jeguk Group. He was exiled to the U.S. by his brother Kim Won, who tries to take control of the family business. While in the States, he meets Cha Eun-sang, who went there to look for her sister. Despite being engaged to Yoo Rachel, a fellow heiress, Kim Tan soon falls in love with Eun-sang.

But their acting should be appreciated. Suddenly bursting into tears in the middle of the speech or while being angry is a hard thing to do.

5. PINOCCHIO

Number of episodes: 20

Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy, Family
Starring: Lee Jong-suk, Park Shin-hye, Kim Young-kwang, Lee Yu-bi, Lee Pil-mo
Release date: Nov 2014 - Jan 2015
IMDb rating: 8.3/10
My personal rating: 9/10

This is the drama where I was starting to idolize Lee Jong-suk. The romance itself takes many parts in the story, but the aim of this drama is not emphasizing the romance until the two become one.

I was about to give it a higher rating but there's one thing I don't like about this drama: the kissing scenes. I never liked Park Shin-hye's kissing, though. But because Lee Jong-suk is a best one at it, so it doesn't seem bad at all.

As a child, Ha-Myeong grew up in a family with his firefighter father, mother and older brother. A fire at a waste facility though destroys his family. His mother dies a short time later and Ha-Myeong ends up being scooped out of the ocean by an unknown man. The man that pulls Ha-Myeong out of the ocean is the grandfather of In-Ha. In-Ha's grandfather believes Ha-Myeong is his eldest son Dal-Po, who died 30 years ago. Ha-Myeong is then adopted by In-Ha's grandfather and his name is changed to Dal-Po. In-Ha and Dal-Po now live together as uncle and niece, although they are in the same age range.

In-Ha has a Pinocchio Syndrome. Whenever she lies she gets the hiccups. In-Ha and Dal-Po get along well until Dal-Po learns that In-Ha's mother is the reporter that covered the waste facility fire that destroyed his family. Dal-Po tries to distance himself from In-Ha, but he also develops feelings for her. Years later, Dal-Po and In-Ha's family are now living in Seoul. In-Ha attempts to become a reporter like her mother. Dal-Po is also driving a taxi to support their family. One day, Dal-Po meets In-Ha's mother and decides to become a reporter so he can reveal the truth behind his father's death.

6. W (TWO WORLDS)

Number of episodes: 16

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Suspense, Thriller
Starring: Lee Jong-suk, Han Hyo-joo
Release date: July - Sept 2016
IMDb rating: 8.3/10
My personal rating: 11/10 !!!!!

THIS DRAMA IS UNBELIEVABLY A HOLY GRAIL.

It is not easy for me to rate a drama 10, but the number now reaches 11. I've watched 20 K-dramas the moment I'm writing this, and W is still my number one (but I think the one I'm currently watching right now will replace it, wait until I'm finished and I'll do the review for you). The characters, the plot, the acting, are all marvelous!

It's an action-packed drama with romance and is rich of fantastic plot twists. You WOULD NEVER be capable of guessing the ending even when you've reached the 13th episode! All of your high imaginations about it WOULD BE CRASHED DOWN the moment you discover how it truly goes.

It's almost full of cute love story half the total episodes, then it goes up and down, up and down, and you would experience a rapid roller coaster of emotions. In its cute-love-story moments, I believe you would be out of breath seeing Lee Jong-suk's performance! He's never looked that sexually attractive in his all previous dramas. No English word could ever define the view of him winking at you!! My eyes were not okay with this.

And an advice for you:
Prepare for sleepless day(s) because it's very hard not to click on the next episode. My favourite episode is Episode 7, and I dare you not to like it too (you can't, by the way).

Overall, this drama really leaves you speechless. If you're looking for serious dramas with a hint of romance, then this should be on your list. A very very very must-watch!!

p.s:
you should listen to its soundtrack titled "Where Are U".

7. DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN

Number of episodes: 16 + 3 specials

Genre: Romance, Drama, Action
Starring: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Jin Goo, Kim Ji-won
Release date: Feb - April 2016
IMDb rating: 8.6/10
My personal rating: 9/10

This drama is famously known for being the golden gate for K-dramas to be successful as ever. Many sources said after this drama was aired, the percentage of international streaming had spiked up.

Though its plot has military background, I think it's not suitable enough to be categorized as an action drama. Basically it is very romance. The acting and chemistry between every character are legend! No wonder why the "Song Song couple" are getting married in real life on October soon! I am very happy with this.

But, to be honest, the plot isn't that catchy. If it isn't about the characters' incredible chemistry, I doubt that it would be as damn hell popular as now. As I continued to the next episode I always wanted to drop this drama because it was starting to get boring, but I ended up just went forward to the not-boring parts.

To sum it up, it's still highly recommended! Try this.

8. STRONG WOMAN DO BONG-SOON

Number of episodes: 16 + 1 special
Genre: Fantasy, Thriller, Action, Romantic-comedy
Starring: Park Bo-young, Park Hyung-sik, Ji Soo
Release date: Feb - April 2017
IMDb rating: 8.4/10
My personal rating: 9.8/10

I give it a high rating because despite its simple plot, it's super funny and not boring at all! Another cute lighthearted drama since Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo released. The romance, comedy, and action are balanced, and the two lead roles are extremely cute. The action scenes are also not the heavy ones (not as heavy as W). The proportion of this drama is just perfectly on its place!

I really love the sparks between Park Bo-young and Park Hyung-sik. They should gain that "Park Park couple" label in real life. Please go dating!

Bong-Soon was born with superhuman like strength. Her strength is hereditary and passed along only to the women in her family. Her dream is to create a video game with herself as the main character. One day, Bong-Soon helps out a bus driver who is being attacked by a thug. Soon, a small mob of thugs attack Bong-Soon, but she is easily able to wipe the floor with them. During this time, Min-Hyuk drives up to the scene of Bong-Soon beating up the group of thugs. Min-Hyuk is the CEO of video gaming company Ainsoft. He has recently received anonymous threats and even followed by an unknown person. Min-Hyuk believes Bong-Soon would make a great bodyguard with her amazing strength. Besides offering Bong-Soon high pay, he even offers her the chance of working in the planning department of his gaming company if she does well.

Meanwhile, crimes against women take place in the neighborhood where Bong-Soon lives. Detective Kook-Doo also lives in the same neighborhood. They have been friends since they were kids. Bong-Soon is also madly in love with him, but he has a girlfriend. Kook-Doo tries to solve the case and Bong-Soon is determined to catch the culprit after her friend was targeted. Under the help and training from Min-hyuk, she manages to control her strength to use it for good causes. Min-hyuk and Bong-soon find themselves and their relationship growing into something more.

If you enjoy Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, you'll love this too.

Friday 30 June 2017

REVIEW: Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence

Posted by a hurricane between the rain on June 30, 2017 in

I faced a trouble uploading pictures to this blog, I copied the link from my Flickr but it wouldn't attached so I had to paste the HTML code here and the size turned out to be soooo big and I didn't know how to get them smaller. Please accept my apologise.

Now I come with my first review.

Acnes have been my enemies since I was a fifth grader. They used to be all over my face like forever, but year by year they disappeared and only popped up several times (hormonal ones), but then they would shrink again. By interpreting my short explanation you should be able to guess what problem I'm having right now.

Yes, acne scars.

The scars aren't covering my whole face, but enough to waste my time on applying concealer. I also have to apply some green corrector too and sometimes it feels like my face was a cheesecake, having layers of cream. I hate that. I am not the type who would like wearing too much layers of make-up. So instead of purchasing extra make-ups for the best cover, why don't I repair it?

Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence is the answer!
(It's a Korean product)

I discovered this product after surfing the internet. They always gave positive ratings, so I decided to give it a try. I don't regret it!

The product comes up in a tall box and a pump. This is absolutely a plus point since the texture is like a gel. It's odorless, so those who are sensitive to fragrance don't need to worry. The pump bottle and the plastic cap will keep it hygienic. It has snail secretion filtrate and bee venom as their main ingredients. Snail secretion filtrate or snail mucin has been known for its power to fight acne scars. It also soothes, hydrates, and improves rough and damaged skin.

It says essence, so it should be used after toner and before sunscreen. While the box says hydrating, well, the truth is that it isn't that hydrating. But people who have refinery on their faces like me will prefer this. Yes, it's perfect for oily or combination skin. It's enough if you don't apply any moisturisers again. But if you have dry skin, especially the very dry ones, you might need to since this product will not fulfill what your skin needs. My skin is super oily, so I always skip moisturiser but it felt a little strange having nothing on the face except sunscreen. I use this essence twice a day, sometimes once. Whenever I left it overnight, it's always satisfying to look at the mirror after double cleansing. My face looks brighter.

But please take a note.
When I say it's perfect for oily skin, it doesn't mean that it will make your face oil-free. Your face will get oily too (mine after two hours), but comparing to the basic moisturisers I used (which would make it oily in less than half an hour) (I know, my face is that super oily!), this product is worth repurchasing. This picture is my second bottle and I will continue keeping this products as part of my daily routines.

It contains 60 ml, and mine ran out after 1.5 months.
They said Benton doesn't have an official offline store in their homeland, but it's very easy to find it online.
I bought it for Rp145.000 on Shopee.
Just for your information, they also have Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream, which is the same product but it's the cream version and comes in a thick texture. Since it might not suitable for my oily skin, so I chose this. For dry skin owners, maybe it's better than the essence.

See? No dewy look.
It's like a gel so it glides easily and a bit runny.
Just put a pump on your finger for each section (left cheek, right cheek, forehead, nose + chin).

Does it work?
YES!

Pros:
- Acne scars and hyperpigmented spots are slowly vanishing
- Reduce redness
- Perfect moisture level for oily skin, not too oily and not too drying
- Repairs uneven skin tone
- Not sticky
- Very light
- Doesn't cause breakouts
- Good longetivity for one bottle
- English explanation both on the box and the bottle
- Travel friendly

Cons:
- You have to buy it online
- If you have dry skin it might be not enough hydrating

No dermatologist's creams were ever able to do that against my skin! Just don't expect an instant result because this takes time. Also, don't expect this would work on active acnes. I use a different skincare to treat that.

So, overall, here's
My personal rating: [4.8/5]

Repurchase: YES