The Face Shop 100% Cotton Pad

Gone were the days when the only kind of cotton I used for the face was the balled-up type from supermarkets. As I got more acquainted with the world of makeup, I realized special types of cotton were made especially for cosmetic purposes. The Body Shop's Organic Cotton Pads have been my staple for some years, and although they worked just fine, I also thought they could be better. With some Bench vouchers to spare, it was a good time to try The Face Shop 100% Cotton Pads.

It comes in a sturdy light green box with leafy motif. It has perforated sides for easy and clean opening. The box is designed to be used as a case in itself; it can be closed conveniently to keep the cotton clean of dust and other elements.

I prefer my cotton to be in a separate case, so I got this clear container from Make Room (now switched to Muji's cotton case, which has an attached lid, and two compartments for cotton and cotton buds; more user-friendly).

The cotton is pristine white, cut very neatly.

It has two different sides.

One side has a "weaved" pattern which feels a little rougher compared to the other side. I think this side is used to remove, or "pick-up" makeup from skin. This is the side I use when removing eye makeup.

The other side has a pure soft texture that is more ideal for applying lotions/toners. I usually use this side to remove lip products.

I have absolutely no complaints about The Face Shop's Cotton Pads. These are basic, clean-cut, cotton pads that serve their purpose well. They do not irritate skin. It is also a plus to know that they are sterilized. At P65 a box for 80pcs, I think it is priced reasonably for the quality.

The Face Shop Peach & Pomegranate Fruit Garden Hand Lotion

The Face Shop is one of the first Korean brands brought into the Philippines. In Korea, The Face Shop, Skinfood, Tony Moly, etc. sell for really low prices and are considered to be low-end lines. Here in Manila and other countries the prices are sometimes unreasonably jacked up compared to how much they sell in their home country. This is one reason why I am loathe to spend on these Korean lines (especially Skinfood) locally, since they're not good value for money. Nevertheless, Korean brands are always enticing and attractive because of their fun packaging and unique product lineups. The Face Shop's prices are generally fair so I didn't mind picking up their hand lotion to try.  

This Peach & Pomegranate Fruit Garden Hand Lotion also comes in Mango & Orange. I prefer the tangy sweet scent of Peach & Pomegranate compared to the somewhat cloying fragrance of the other variant. 

It comes in a 70ml tube with a pink screw-cap cover. The tube is smooth and the sticker features two fruits with colorful flower designs. 

The pale pink lotion has a light cream texture that sinks on the skin in a minute or two. There is a slightly sticky after-feel even though the product description says otherwise, but I do not mind this as I use it primarily before bedtime.

The back of my hand is visibly more hydrated after applying this product. It does its job to moisturize, but it is not a deeply nourishing hand cream. My hands are softer and smoother in the morning but would return to their natural state in the middle of a working day. Those who do not want to apply hand lotion every night are better off looking for a more intensive hand care product such as Sally Hansen Age Correct Retinol Hand Cream, which can treat the hands and leave it soft and smooth for around two days. Overall, I would say this is an average lotion that only supplements moisture retention on the hands.