New-In: April 2017

New products joining my beauty line-up in April and also additional steps in my routine. I've used hair oils on and off but I've decided to be consistent with it as my hair is really long and needs all the TLC it can get. I also decided to add a Vitamin C serum as well as eye patches for targeted treatment of fine lines.

Most of the items here were either gifted by my sister or gifts with purchase. I only paid for 4 of them. I'm liking everything so far!

Kerastase Elixir Ultime

The Odbo Hydro-Gel Eye Patch

La Mer The Perfecting Treatment

La Mer The Cleansing Gel

Alpha-H Liquid Gold Smoothing & Perfecting Mask

Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate

Cosrx Snail 92 All in one Cream

C20 Vitamin Serum

Son & Park Beauty Water

Pure Smile Snail Hair Treatment

Review: JOLSE HaruHaru Sheet Mask

I recently received a bunch of HaruHaru masks from Jolse to review. These masks contain Mayu (horse oil) and come in 4 variants- Soothing, Moisture, Lifting and Vitality.

The illustration has a touch of dark humour which I find funny- the Soothing mask shows a lady catching her lover with another woman and the Moisture mask features the same lady (?) dunking a guy's head into water for some hydration. 

All the masks in the Haruharu line contain fermented horse fat, I tried the Soothing Mask first as I was experiencing skin redness from the cold winter. The scent reminded me of eucalyptus although it's not listed as one of the ingredients. It did help with my rosacea but I noticed tiny red bumps (which disappeared n the morning). There was a slight residue leftover after removing the masks which took a while to absorb, but once it did- supple skin!

I kept the masks on for 30 mins each night, and although they can be used nightly I would not recommend doing that for someone with combination skin as it might be too much. Drier skins would love it in my opinion.

On the second night, I went with the Moisture Mask. Main ingredients of the include Blueberry Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and Mayu. This has a scent which I can't quite figure out, but it isn't offensive. As with the first mask, I was also left with supple skin and the same residue which took a while to absorb.

I wanted to continue for the 3rd night with another Haruharu mask but I had noticed little red bumps which weren't going away overnight. So I skipped it for one night and used it after my skin had calmed down. The Vitality mask showed the least improvement on my skin, perhaps it's because I've been getting enough sleep and rest so this might perform better on someone with dull skin or lacking sleep. It also contains Niacinamide and quite a number of different plant root extracts.

The last of the series is the Lifting mask, which I used on the next night. This has Aloe, Rose Water, Centella Asiatica and a number of fruit extracts. My face seemed a little more defined but nothing drastic. I also noticed a red bump on my cheek and this also leaves the same sheen which takes a while to absorb. I wore all of these masks for 30-40 minutes each.

After using these masks nightly, stopping and starting again, I am quite sure that my skin can't handle so much Mayu on a daily basis. However, it is a great mask for those with drier skins or during winter when our skin needs more hydration. 

Thank you Jolse for sending over these masks for me to try out!

Wonect Beauty Review: Yunos Wrap Film & Moisture Mask

In the past year or so, I've started to use masks diligently- at least 3 times a week. I find that my skin does look better and is more hydrated, not to mention it helps my makeup go on better too. I really like ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Snail and Aloe as I find they don't irritate my sensitive skin.

One of the items in Wonect's October Beauty Package was the Yunos Wrap Film & Moisture Mask. There are 3 individual packs and these masks can be used hot or cold- leave them in the bathtub/bowl of warm water or in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes. 

This 2-layer sheet mask with beauty essence and wrap-film prevents the evaporation of essence and is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Royal Jelly Extract which provide deep moisturization to the skin. Read more about how this mask works here.

I tried mine out after popping it into the fridge and when opened, I found the sheet mask to be well soaked in the beauty essence. Unfolding it was simple, just follow the illustration above to pull at the "tabs" and it would unfold. After about 20 minutes, I took it off and patted the remaining essence into my skin, followed by my usual skincare routine.

This was how the mask looked after, it was still wet and I could have had it on for at least 30 minutes without it drying out. My face felt highly moisturized and supple, and I did not experience any irritation with this. 

Interested in the Yunos Wrap Mask? Check out the link below!

Shop Here!

Wonect Beauty Review: Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel

Although just recently launched in March this year, the Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditoning Gel has already taken a top spot in Cosme for the first half of 2016. To be honest, this product was already on my beauty radar before the mind-reading team at Wonect sent over September's beauty box. So you can imagine my utmost surprise and glee when I received it!

This multi-use gel is made from Hatomugi seed (Job's Tears- a type of grain) which encourages skin elasticity, has excellent moisture-holding qualities and is famed for its effectiveness in hydrating and soothing the skin. The product is free from fragrance, colouring, alcohol and is hypoallergenic as well.

It comes in a large tub of 180g and can be used on the face or body. The texture is like a watery custard but doesn't drip and once applied it absorbs well without any stickiness or residue. It feels light, fresh and comfortable on my skin.

This product works by creating a protective film over the skin, forming a "micro-gel layer" of water to replenish the skin's moisture content and locking hydration without relying on oils. The official website states that the Skin Conditioning Gel can be used as a beauty cream, a non-oily moisturizing makeup base, or as a refreshing all-in-one product. It keeps skin hydrated all day without interfering with the penetration of other skincare or makeup.

Another tip from Naturie's website is to use it as a mask pack- take two blobs into your palms, and apply the gel thickly on the entire face. Leave on for 5 minutes and pat the remaining gel into your face. 

I have tried the gel on both my face and body; as a moisturizer, it feels fresh and absorbs well. My face felt supple and hydrated without any greasiness, and it didn't interfere with my BB cream. I prefer a moisturizer with more anti-ageing benefits but if your primary concern is hydration this is perfect for you. However, I can see myself layering this gel under my usual moisturizer in the colder months when I need more hydration.

On my body, it felt great too- refreshing and light and so good for summer months as it didn't make my skin sticky. This is my first summer in Japan and it had been so hard to use a body moisturizer until this came along! Even a light body milk made me feel slimy and uncomfortable.

I also tried it as a mask pack- it was a cool treat, I found it soothing and hydrating without leaving any heaviness on my face. My skin is sensitive and acne-prone so anything too harsh, drying or heavy usually causes red patches, itchiness or breakouts. 

If you're planning to use the gel for both your face and body, I would suggest using a spatula or little spoon to avoid contaminating the tub. I did not experience any irritation with this product and I'm happy to repurchase when it runs out.

Interested in purchasing the Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel? Check out the link below!

Shop Here!

Beauty Review: Wonect August Box

Update 3 Sept: Use the code "XEN<3" for 15% off the items reviewed below. Offer ends 8 Sept 2016, Worldwide delivery available!

I've finally tested all the products Wonect sent me for August! Whilst they were sent to me complimentary, all opinions are honest and of my own. 

First up, the skincare products!

I've never heard of morning masks (without the need to pre-cleanse the face) until now! Saborino Morning Masks are meant to be used that way, they are an all-in-one: face wash, skincare (tightening which reduce puffiness) and moisturizer. Just pop one on when you get up or whilst still snoozing in bed. Instructions say to leave on for at least a minute, I had mine on for about 5. So what's in it? For cleansing- apple fruit acid, tightening- peppermint extract, cucumber extract, tea tree leaf oil and grapefruit leaf oil, and for moisturizing- collagen, hyaluronic acid, orange oil, avocado extract and honey.

Saborino masks are folded but do not stick together when taken out. Nothing more annoying than accidentally pulling out 2 sheets and "contaminating" the second when you only need one. The mask looked a little small initially but it does stretch out.

The mask has a light minty-tea tree scent which I found energizing in the morning. On the skin it tingles slightly, however it doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes at all. The scent does linger and it's not as "wet" as other sheet masks which I've used, but then again it's not meant as a moisture mask. Overall, I found it super easy to use, my face was clean and I experienced no irritation at all. Really great for mornings when you need an extra pick-me-up but are short on time, also on long haul flights before landing.

Aside from the latest in sheet masks, I also got to try a top ranking cleansing product- Kose Softymo Honey Whip Cleansing Foam. I've seen it many times at drugstores but I never picked it up as I felt it would not be suitable for my skin (sensitive, acne-prone, and I prefer natural/no parabens). Looking at the pink and adorable packaging, I just assumed it was laden with synthetic and drying ingredients. Oh, how wrong I was!

This foam claims to be a makeup remover and cleanser all in one, you can use it with dry hands and after massaging the foam in, rinse it off thoroughly. Key ingredients include- 5 types of 100% pure honey (lavender, damask rose, lycium, orange blossom and lychee) and glycerin for rich moisturizing properties.

My skin is sensitive-normal, and I can't use cleansers which are too harsh or drying. The best cleansers for me are low-foaming and which provide some moisture. I tested this cleanser in the morning on my bareface, and also with makeup swatches below:

Top to bottom: Eyebrow powder, Maybelline Gel Liner (love this! super black, long-lasting and doesn't smudge), Clarins Kohl Pencil Liner, Clarins BB Cream, RMK Lipgloss and Chanel Joues Contraste Blusher in Rose Tourbillon.

The liquid pumps out as a dense foam, sorta like whipped cream and pillowy to the touch. I massaged it in with ease and rinsed off with cool water. As you can see, it took off the powders without difficulty but the eyeliners still remain as well as a hint of the BB cream. That said, the eyeliner is crazy hard to remove (water-based doesn't work, it only moves with oil) and if you use light makeup, this could function as both your makeup remover and cleanser. On days when I use a compact powder instead of BB cream, I don't even need to double cleanse.

I like that the Softymo Honey Whip Cleansing Foam is free of preservatives(parabens), mineral oils, silicones, ethyl alcohol and colorants. Even the floral honey scent is natural! I would never have guessed that this was a "gentle" cleanser based on it's packaging. Because gentle and natural products are usually housed in more basic/generic packaging. I have been using this for 3 weeks as my morning cleanser and also nightly second cleanse (after cleansing oil). Very gentle, no irritation and soft skin after each wash.

Next up, the 2 makeup products! The first is the Fujiko MayuTint in 01 Chocolat Brown which is very popular (saw it on many Japanese instagrammers page). Whilst my eyebrows aren't sparse, I still need to fill them in, else I end up looking unpolished and incomplete. I can step out of the house without eyeliner but definitely not without filling my brows.

The liquid is thick but spreads well and is not gloopy or runny at all. Instructions say to wipe off any oils on the brow area, paint the tint on (it dries in about 15 minutes) and leave it on for at least 2 hours before peeling off. It has a nice floral scent and the brush is a good size and easy to paint with. Check out my before and after below:

The end result was so much better than I anticipated! At first I was worried it would be too dark, but the colour was definitely natural, even and matched my hair colour well (medium brown). It was so easy to use and my brows lasted for 5 days before completely fading off. I highly recommend this as it saves time not having to do my brows daily, and on top of that I look polished even sans makeup. Love!

Lastly, I also received the RMK Lip Jelly Gloss in 04 Orange Pearl. This lip gloss is one of the top ranked beauty products on @Cosme for the first half of 2016 (read more here).

From their website- "A colour whose tone is so sheer, so pure, it positively bursts with lustrous juiciness! Our newly developed spatula allows you to apply a highly concentrated moisturizing gel in great abundance for full and captivating lips." The applicator is rather unique, it's a silicon foot which is kinda shaped like a spoon. It makes for easy application and I can easily clean it.

I wore it on bare lips and I found the formula to be moisturizing and whilst it was glossy it didn't feel tacky or overly sticky. I liked that it made my lips plump and juicy, and there was micro-glitter (you can see it in the swatch above) but wasn't visible once on unless I stared really closely. I could not detect any scent nor taste in the RMK Lip Jelly Gloss.

Hope you found the reviews helpful, you can purchase these items at most Japanese drugstores or department stores (for RMK) and also online:

Saborino Morning Masks 5 sheets
Kose Softymo Honey Whip Cleansing Foam 200ml
Fujiko MayuTint in 01 Chocolat Brown
RMK Lip Jelly Gloss in 04 Orange Pearl

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