Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel [Review]

I saw many variations of this product when I first arrived in Korea. There was a lot of hype surrounding it, so I thought I would see for myself what the hype was all about. I bought this from Nature Republic in September of 2014 at about 5,000 Won or roughly 4.00 US dollars.

Product Description: "Enriched with 92% aloe vera! Mild formula free from paraben, mineral oil, and artificial colors. This soothing gel with 92% organic aloe vera certified by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) can be used to mildly moisturize various parts of the body such as the face, arms, legs, and hair."
This is described as a multipurpose product. It can be applied as a hair treatment, makeup base, or on the face and body as a daily moisturizer. 

How to Use:  "Apply an appropriate amount to dry, sensitive parts of the face and body often for the best results."

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (92%), Alcohol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Polyglutamic Acid, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Extract, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Carbomer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Parfum, Disodium EDTA.

My Thoughts: I had high hopes for this product considering its massive popularity. The gel itself has a very watery consistency (a little goes a long way). It has a mild cooling effect after application which really helps to calm and sooth the skin. In terms of moisture this product really let me down. When I first applied this to my face it felt as if it would absorb right in, but as it started to dry I felt my skin becoming tighter. My skin felt more dry than it did before application. I realized the product hadn't actually absorbed into my skin later that day when I washed my face. As soon as the water touched my face the surface became gooey. It wasn't until later that I noticed the second listed ingredient is alcohol. This could explain why my skin felt so dry (I have dry skin, so this didn't help much).

Overall:  3/10
I wasn't particularly fond of this product. I no longer use it as a daily moisturizer, but I do sometimes use it on minor skin irritations (Such as bug bites and pimples). I mostly use it for the cool effect not really for moisture. If you have dry skin, then I would look for a heavier moisturizer. Although it didn't work out for me it has become a holy grail product for my friends with oily skin.  

VDL Lumilayer Primer [Review]

I picked up this product while shopping at Ehwa Women's University in Seoul, South Korea. I had read good things about it on other blogs, so I thought I would give it a try. VDL is a relatively new Korean makeup and skincare brand. The Lumilayer Primer is their stand out product making it one of their best sellers. The primer was around 18,000 Won, which is roughly 15.00~16.00 US dollars. 

Product Description: "Violet Lumilayer Pigment specially combined red, which brightens up the skin, and blue, which makes clear and transparent skin, so the light fills the face with its volume and maximizes three-dimensional  make-up." 

This primer comes out of the bottle completely white with lots of visible shimmer. Don't worry! Once it's applied to the skin it becomes sheer and the shimmer becomes less noticeable. The consistency is similar to that of a watery lotion which helps it to glide on smoothly. One pump is enough to cover the entire face.

 

How to Use: "Apply proper amount evenly on the skin before base makeup (Mix VDL Lumilayer Primer and VDL Foundation in a 1:1 ration for natural radiant complexion)." This product can be applied alone or used with foundation.

Ingredients:  Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Sesquiisostharate, Panthenol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Distearyldimonium, Chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Stearic Acid, Tin Oxide, Alpha Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Fragrance

My Thoughts: This product leans more toward an illuminator than a primer. It gives the skin a hydrated glow without looking or feeling greasy. The glow is still visible even after foundation is applied. My foundation applies more evenly when paired with this primer, but I haven't noticed much in terms of lasting power. My makeup still wears out at the same rate throughout the day, but I have noticed a decrease in visible creasing.

Before

After

Overall: 7/10 

I would recommend this product to people with dry to normal skin. Those with oily skin may want to follow up with powder as there is very little oil control. I might consider repurchasing, but its not something I would go out of my way to find.