Empties: July 2017

Already Repurchased:

1. Naruko Tea Tree Night Gelly

2. make remake Cloud all in one Cleanser- I've read mixed reviews on this, not the best makeup remover for me but as a second cleanser, it works well. Made with plenty of grain extracts and the texture is quite unique.

3. Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream

Just recently discovered the Naruko Tea Tree Gelly and I have to say that I reaaaaallllyyyy like it! Ok scratch that, LOVE it. It really helps with minor blemishes (not sure about cystic) and also redness, I always wake with clear and calm skin. Also the scent is right up my alley, minty and herbaceous. Love!! 

Empties- 6

Total Empties- 70

New-In: July 2017

So, what's new this month? They're all replacements for June's Empties, no new steps in my regime.

Clarins Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum (discontinued, my last tube T_T)

Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment- this cute little bottle was part of the welcome giftbag at a close friend's wedding in Capri

Cow Brand Additive-Free Cleansing Oil

Scinic Snail All in one Ampoule

Teien Herb Garden Natural Body Soap- gifted for my birthday this year, I just love the geranium scent! I usually use a fresher or herby scent during the summer months and a sweeter, milkier scent when it's colder so this body wash is just perfect for the humid weather! 

Not a fan of Summer, lost track of the new types of insects I've seen so far in Japan. Can't wait for it to be over.

Empties: June 2017

6 months have gone by, I don't really feel that it has been half a year already if not for doing these monthly posts. I mostly share my thoughts on beauty on Instagram (username: xxenn) these days but I also repost them here.

Already Repurchased:
1. Scinic Honey All in one Ampoule
2. Clarins Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum

Note: I would repurchase the Innisfree Green Tea Scalp Scaler, however it's been discontinued.

Empties- 6
Total Empties- 64

New-In: June 2017

What's new in my beauty routine this month?

Lux Luminique Sakura Dream Shampoo & Conditioner (Spring Exclusive)
La Mer The Tonic
Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence
Naruko Lupin Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Gelly
Swisspure x Le Petit Prince Foundation Pact

Hoping the Benton Snail Essence will be better than the Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence which just didn't do much after a few months.

Empties: May 2017

Came back to Japan with soooooo many beauty products, I managed to lug back 1 whole suitcase full and I have another coming when my family visits in October. Thank goodness for ANA's generous baggage allowance. 23kgs x 2 pieces of luggage per person and I even got to take over Y*'s space, total weight- 92 kilos! Thank you my love!

I have decided to self-impose a no-buy, I most definitely have enough skincare and bodycare to last me for a long time. Starting next month, I will be holding off all beauty purchases until end October (5 months!) cause that's when my family comes for the final part of #MrMrsKomai and we may or may not go shopping and also Y* and I will be heading on our honeymoon, so I forsee that there will be beauty purchases LOL.

Anyhow, on to May's Empties!

There is only 1 item which I've already repurchased- the Clarins Instant Eye Make-Up Remover. This has been my absolute favourite eye makeup remover for the longest time. Ive recently discovered a Japanese drugstore brand which performs just the same, if not better and for less than half the price. Would be switching out after I finish my backups but it's still an excellent product!

I also want to note that the novelty of the Kanebo Evita Rose Whip Soap ran out for me, whilst it wasn't a bad cleanser I just got bored of it and ended up using it as a body wash to speed up usage.

Empties- 6

Total Empties- 58 

Empties: April 2017

Just a quick update! I forgot I had so many half-open products in KL and since I've been back, I've been making an effort to use them all up. So satisfying to see this huge pile of empties at the end of the month.

Already Repurchased:

1. La Mer Treatment Lotion

2. Clarins Contour Body Oil

3. Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Gel

4. Clarins Shaping Facial Wrap

5. Elizabeth Arden Green Tea & Honey Drops Body Cream

6. Swisspure x Le Petit Prince Cushion

Planning to Repurchase (when I run out of a replacement):

1. The Body Shop Raspberry Body Scrub

2. Laneige BB Cushion

Empties-28!!!

Total Empties- 52 

P/S: Super excited that Y* is arriving tomorrow morning!!! #MrMrsKomai in less than a week!!!

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

Empties: March 2017

I haven't been using makeup on a daily basis since mid last year and it's becoming even harder to finish or even hit pan on makeup items. Will try harder for next month!

Will just be listing down what I've already and also those which I plan to repurchase in the future.

Already Repurchased:

1. The Saem Snail Soothing Gel (sorry still no review, this is my super love!!!!)

2. Clarins Renew-Plus Body Serum

3. Clarins Contour Body Oil

4. Clarins Blue Orchid Face Oil

Planning to Repurchase (when I run out of a replacement):

1. Caudalie Grape Water

2. Naturie Skin Conditioning Gel

3. Fujiko Mayu Tint in Chocolat Brown

There wasn't any bad product in this lot, just that I decided not to repurchase some as I've plenty of replacements in my stash and they weren't exceptionally good. The Cosrx Centella Blemish Ampoule was handed over by my sister, I finished it within 2 weeks but I can't attest to the blemish fighting properties as my skin isn't problematic at the moment. It did however leave my skin smooth and I could apply other serums on top without any issues.

Wedding in about a month! Getting so excited yet nervous at the same time!!!

Empties- 14
Total Empties- 24

Empties: February 2017

Didn't manage to finish anything in January, so skipped straight to February. Haven't been finishing any makeup items lately so I was quite excited to hit pan and also throw out some very old lippies. There's even an item contributed by Y*!

Already have backups of the following:
Clarins Instant Eye Make-Up Remover
ClarinsMen Revitalizing Gel (for Y*)

I would consider repurchasing:
Moist, Diane Oil in Body Milk (review here)
Shiseido Fino Premium Touch

I also managed to finish up/hit pan/disposed of the following beauty items:
Isa Knox x Bambi Micro Foam Cushion Silk Cover- not bad! I still have a refill.
Sportsgirl Lipsticks in Bombshell and Fuschia Splash
Maybelline Lipstick/Gloss
Chanel Bronze Corail bronzer- I've hit pan!! Let's see how long it will take to finish it.

The 3 lip colours were thrown out because I finally found replacements, they are actually VERY VERY old but I kept them around to match with potential dupes.

That's all for February, aiming to live a more simplistic and hoard-free beauty life this year!

Empties- 10
Hit Pan- 1

Current Morning Skincare Routine

This line up is working really well for my dehydrated, acne-prone, sensitive, rosacea skin in the colder months- a little lengthy but they absorb well and don't need too much waiting in between.

My morning cleanser has to be really gentle and non-stripping nor drying, this has been a favourite for years- sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser. It has a very light foam which I took a while to get used to, but it cleanses well and I love the scent. I then prep my face with the La Mer The Treatment Lotion, also another favourite which I have used up a few bottles of. I only need 2 drops for the whole face which I pat in with my hands, so a bottle lasts a long time for me. I do feel a difference in my skin texture when I use it and when I don't, it is softer and more hydrated. 

The Scinic Honey All in One Ampoule comes next, this is a newcomer- I'm still undecided on it. Not quite sure how it's helping my skin but it hasn't broke me out and my skin seems to drink it in (others have reviewed it is a little sticky). I then tap on some eye cream, currently using a deluxe sample of SK-II RNA Power Eye Cream, it's decent, doesn't irritate my eye or cause milia and isn't oily at all. One pump of Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin goes on, which helps the Scinic absorb faster. Followed by a drop of the Hada Labo 3D Hyaluronic + Collagen + Retinol Lifting and Firming Lotion. This one feels a little tacky so I have to keep patting it in. My current serum is the Clarins Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum which has been discontinued but worked well for me, contemplating the Double Serum next.

In winter I usually layer 2 moisturizers, I previously tried just using one heavier moisturizer but it broke me out so I just stuck to layering. My absolute favourite and skin-savior, The Saem Snail Soothing Gel (full review to come). In love with this product! It's a very light and cooling gel which my skin really likes, and then I top it off with the Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream.

Current lipcare in rotation is The Saem Eco Soul Lip Oil. My night routine is almost the same, except that I use a cleansing oil (if I have makeup on), followed by Innisfree Sea Salt Perfect Cleanser. And instead of the Multi-Active Day Cream, I have on the Multi-Active Night Cream. 

Come summer I would probably have to pull back on one or two products, will update again then.

Empties: December 2016

Annazarube Ace Nikibi Acne Cream

Lip Smacker Dr Pepper Lip Balm

The Saem Masterchef Cheesecake Hand Cream

Aesop Purifying Facial Cream Cleanser

I've repurchased the Annazarube Ace Nikibi Acne Cream a few times now for myself and my sister. This is the best Japanese acne cream which I have used! They are especially good on those large painful pimples. I rarely need to use it these days so this was actually finished by my fiancé. Slather some on the pimple and the next day it would subside or dry up making it easy to come to a head. Already have a spare in my stash for emergencies!

I usually go through quite a number of lipbalms but this winter I wasn't as diligent because I've been using an amazing sleeping mask for lips which leaves them feeling so soft and moisturized, and in the morning I forget that I still should apply a balm. Only managed to finish off one, the Lip Smacker Dr Pepper flavoured lip balm. It had a slight red tint to it which made my lips look healthy and also smelled and tasted like Dr Pepper. Not bad but wasn't as moisturizing as I hoped.

My sister and I used to be big time Aesop users, we've probably tried most if not all the products between the both of us. With each purchase, they always give plenty of samples and I am still going through them. I remember trying the Purifying Facial Cream Cleanser in the past but didn't like it. It kinda left a film after washing off. However, this time my skin really felt good- soft and comfortable without any greasy feeling. I'm not sure if it's the weather being cold and all but I kinda want to try a full size now. Used it as a second cleanser, so I can't vouch for makeup removing claims.

I always have one hand cream in my bag and this one from The Saem is from their limited edition Masterchef series- a range of dessert scented hand creams. I picked up quite a few during my visit to Busan, this was labeled as Cheesecake but smelled more like coconut to me. Not bad, moisturized well without leaving my hands greasy and the scent didn't give me a headache (most strong florals do). 1 down, 100 more hand creams to go!

Hoping to finish up more skincare and hopefully some makeup this year!

Wonect Beauty Review: DHC x Disney Marie Essence in Eyeshadow GD-01

DHC's latest release features Marie in a range of makeup- lipstick, cheek cream and also liquid eyeshadows. DHC is primarily a skincare brand but I'm all for makeup which incorporates skincare or some form of benefit so I was quite eager to test this out.

I received the Essence in Eyeshadow in the colour GD-01 which is a soft rose gold, and the sturdy little bottle came housed in a cute box with matching illustrations. How cute is Marie??

The applicator is a doe foot which is great for precise application of the product, and the texture of the eyeshadow is sort of a gel-cream and isn't runny at all.

From their website, it states that the eyeshadow is formulated with 7 types of beauty moisturizing ingredients which help with skin elasticity and wrinkles. These include virgin olive oil and super hyaluronic acid to increase moisture and firmness on the eyelids. In addition, a colour active pearl is also added which gives off a luminous look to the eyes. It is also fragrance and paraben-free!

The official colour is listed as "Orange Gold" but I didn't find it to be very orange-y, just maybe a little bronze and a warm gold which applied very smoothly.

I applied the eyeshadow as shared on DHC's site, 2 dots and blended out with my ring finger by tapping to spread. The formula doesn't dry immediately so there was time to move it around and sheer it out, or you could also build opacity with it. 

Here's both eyes blended out. The colour is actually very flattering and suitable for both day and night use. On my eyes it looks soft and luminous instead of being glittery and shimmery. No discoballs here! Just a nice sheen on the eyelids.

Eyeliner: Clarins Kohl Pencil

Blusher: tarte Sweet 

Lips: Colourpop Aquarius Lippiestix

I added on eyeliner and nude lips for a casual day look, but you could totally glam it up with red lips or even a deep berry colour. The eyeshadow wore very well, I had it on the whole day without any issues. I did touch it intentionally with my finger just to see if it would flake or smudge, but it only transferred the very slightest bit. I have sensitive eyes but did not experience any irritation with the formula. An easy to use product, even for beginners!

Interested in the DHC x Disney Marie Essence in Eyeshadow? From now until end Jan 2017, cart out with the code "XEN<3" on any of the Wonect Starlets' reviewed items to receive 15% off!

Shop Here!

Empties: November 2016

CHANEL Hydra Beauty Gel Creme

CHANEL Hydra Beauty Micro Serum

CLARINS Extra-Firming Eye Concentrate

CHANEL Eyebrow Pencil in Blonde Clair

KOSE Softymo Honey Whip Cleansing

I have finished full sizes of both the CHANEL Hydra Beauty Micro Serum and Gel Creme and whilst I did like them, I didn't think they were awesome for the price tag. Love the scent, but having tried less expensive hydration products which perform just as well, I would not repurchase. However, if you are interested in the brand, do give their hydration products a go.

I've finished travel sizes and also full sizes of this CLARINS Extra-Firming Eye Concentrate, and it's my favourite eye cream. This 3ml size lasts me for more than a month with daily use and you only need a grain size each time. No oil seeds nor irritation and it keeps my eyes smooth. Okay my first favourite is actually the Super Restorative Eye but it is significantly more expensive (and not intended for my age range, its targeted at women in their 50s). Will keep repurchasing.

This CHANEL Eyebrow Pencil has been in my makeup case forever, glad it's finally finished because I sort of forgot about it. I really liked it but kept "saving" it, as I do with many of my brow products. I used to hoard brow products (and then open them to test it out) so I don't have to worry when one of them finishes. The eyebrow pencil was a good match for when my hair was very light and even now in a darker shade, Blonde Clair still matched it. Easy to use, but I prefer brow powders now so I would not be repurchasing.

KOSE Softymo Honey Cleansing Whip was sent over by Wonect (full review here) and I used it as my morning cleanse and also at night if I have minimal or no makeup on. This lasted me for a good 4 months, a nice gentle cleanser which foams up when pumped out and removes all traces of light makeup. Still have many morning cleansers in the testing queue but I wouldn't rule out repurchasing this.

Wonect Beauty Review: maNara Hot Cleansing Gel

Cleansers are a must in my daily skincare, I might skip on lotions or eye cream when I'm lazy but never my cleansing step! I have to cleanse twice a day, once in the morning with a light gel or foam, and once more at night to remove the day's makeup and buildup.

I've always favoured cleansing oils to remove my makeup as I find the slip of the oils as I massage away the grime to be enjoyable and gentle on my skin. A perk for me is dislodging little oil seeds or bits of dust as I massage away (regardless of brand used). 

maNara Hot Cleansing Gel isn't new to the market but I was wary of picking it up despite the raves as I was concerned the heat produced would irritate my sensitive skin. But guess what, again I am proven wrong! I don't usually type in caps but I LOVE THIS!!! I REALLY DO!!

Wonect sent over a trial pack of 6 sachets, but because I am on a cosmetics & beauty ban (I have enough cleansers to last me another year) I can't even buy it!! I really love this product so I'm saving the last 2 packs for when my skin needs a little TLC.

This gem here is formulated with 91.4% of serum-like hydrating ingredients- Collagen, Ceramide, Royal jelly extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Honey and Grapefruit extract amongst other things. There is zero Paraben, Mineral Oil, Petroleum derived agents, Ethanol, Synthetic colour or scent. 

Many high-end brands boast nutrient rich ingredients but I've never really felt any of them to live up to the claims not even La Mer's Cleansing Oil. So I don't buy into expensive cleansing oils anymore and instead started trying out more drugstore brands as they all did the job. But this, this is LOVE! I definitely felt the ingredients nourish my skin and it felt so soft after!

The orange gel which gets it's colour from carrot extract squeezes out thick and has a orange scent to me but apparently it's 100% grapefruit. As I massaged it on my face it turned into a oil-like texture which spread easily. It also got hotter but never to an uncomfortable stage. I was initially worried I would end up with a red face because of the heat but I didn't experience any redness nor irritation. It removed my makeup perfectly and it felt like I had a mini-facial. I couldn't stop stroking my soft face after! Read more about how this gel works here.

I never thought a makeup remover or cleanser could be SO GOOD! Love the scent, the texture, the deep cleansing from the heat and the softness I experienced after is like no other. I highly recommend this product!

I've really discovered many new Japanese products through Wonect, thank you to the lovely team for the carefully curated and prettily wrapped packages!

Interested in the maNara Hot Cleansing Gel? 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!

Review: Kanebo Evita Rose Beauty Whip Soap

New in stores! Just picked up this recently launched foaming cleanser and immediately tested it out. Pretty roses when doing something as mundane as washing my face? Yes, please!

The Kanebo Evita Rose Beauty Whip Soap is targeted at more mature skin types but I prefer more moisturizing cleansers anyway so I didn't hesitate to pick one up. Plus I found the novelty of creating roses each time I washed my face quite appealing.

Ingredients include Royal Jelly Extract, Collagen, Rice Extract, Hyaluronic Acid and Damask Rose Water. Simple instructions to dispensing the foam are illustrated on the back of the can.

It took me a few tries to create the rose shape, the key is to pushing it slow and steady- the first few times I pressed down too hard resulting in oddly shaped "roses". 

The foam was really thick and dense, the most dense I have ever come across. It's like a thick melted marshmallow and the scent is so lovely- not an old rose but a more fresh and light version of the flower. 

First impressions, I like the texture and scent and after washing it off, my face felt a teeny bit taut but so soft! I also got Y* to use the foam (I made one too many roses) and I could definitely feel softness after he dried off his face. I used it as a second cleanser, after removing my makeup so I can't say if you're able to use it solely to remove makeup. Will update once I have used it longer. 

Overall, not bad for a "gimmicky" product!

Empties: August 2016

I'm back with Empties reviews! Living in Japan these 2 months has led me to discover so many new products, and I would like to share my thoughts on them.

My beauty regime is currently made up of a mix of Western and Asian brands (Clarins, Shiseido, sukin, La Mer, etc) and though they are working well for me, some products are not readily available here in Japan and I will soon have to look for substitutes. Exciting (yay, new products!) and unnerving at the same time (what if I breakout???).

However, I am positive and looking forward to discovering new loves. This month will be a tiny Empties post:

MAYBELLINE Lasting Drama Gel Liner

CLARINS Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum

CLARINS Extra-Firming Eye Complete Rejuvenating Cream (Travel)

KOBAYASHI Keshimin Lotion (Travel)

MAYBELLINE Lasting Drama Gel Liner (comes with a good quality brush) is an oldie but a goodie. Long lasting, super black black, smudge-proof and every bit as good as Bobbi Brown's Gel Liner but without the hefty price tag. I have oily lids and sensitive eyes, this gel liner checks all my boxes have repurchased and will continue doing so.

I've been using this CLARINS Serum for a few years now, I like this as it doesn't irritate my skin, is light and absorbs quickly. This serum was marketed as an anti-ageing for 25+ year olds who don't need intense treatments yet. However, this has been discontinued so you can't get it at the counters anymore (apparently Double Serum has taken over) but I do have a few backup tubes to last me until next year.

The CLARINS Extra-Firming Eye Cream was a gift with purchase, it contains 3ml of product which is great as the actual product is 15ml and you only need a grain size each use. Mine lasted for a whole month! This eye cream is good for sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers and absorbs well. Not bad, however I actually prefer the Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate which is not for my age group BUT! it leaves my eye area soft and moisturized and I never had any problems with oil seeds.

I received the Keshimin Lotion as a gift with purchase of the Cream,  this is a Vitamin C medicated toner for melasma, freckles and dark spots. It also contains hyaluronic acid to moisturize whilst brightening the skin. I like it as it has no fragrance and is a slightly thick water-lotion but absorbs well. I could be mistaken but my skin looks brighter and no breakouts. Am thinking of purchasing the full size.

That's all for August!

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

http://wonect.com/sg/special/featured-by-the-wonderful-starlets.html