Showing posts with label Skincare. Show all posts

Review - SK-II Toner / Lotion - Facial Treatment Clear lotion, Cellumination Mask-in-lotion , Whitening Source Clear lotion

Hello , today i want to talk about all SK-II toner/lotion.

They categories in toners but they named it 'lotion' because most of japan brand name their toner as lotion , so when you see 'lotion' in japan skincare products , that mean toner .


toner/lotion functions
1.Purify the skin, remove dead skin cells
2.Primed skin and prepare for subsequent skin care products.



I have all 3 types lotion from SK-II ,
1.Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
2.Cellumination Mask-In-Lotion
3.Whitening Source Clear lotion

I apart them according to function , because i found that these 3 suitable for almost all skin type, even sensitive.



1.Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
Completes the cleansing ritual by removing residual impurities and dead skin cells.

This effective toning lotion with a mix of AHA and Pitera exfoliates dead skin cells and impurities. Its clarifying formula prepares the face for the rest of your skincare regimen.


This is my 3rd bottle , i always get it in a set with Facial Treatment Essence .
 This is the festival set that SK-II launch during almost every year end ,it contains a bottle of Facial Treatment Essence and Facial treatment essence clear lotion .

Facial Treatment Clear Lotion contains Galatomyces Ferment Filtrate (which we call 'Pitera' in common), Lactic Acid (AHA),Salicylic Acid ( BHA) .
AHA and BHA are a well known ingredients that helps to soften and remove dead skin cell , at the same time it helps control sebum too .

-Water-like consistency and odorless .
-Must apply with cotton , you will notice little tiny yellowish and dirt after wipe .
-Heavy glass bottle with twist lid

Facial Treatment clear lotion contains low percentage of AHA and BHA , which suitable to use as daily exfoliate ,i suggest 3 times a week for those who have super sensitive/dry or people who have not much sebum . I use as daily bases , it doesn't feel sticky or heavy. It boost up effect of subsequent product because it helps to remove sebum and dead skin cell which ease up absorption . It doesn't cause drying but also didn't gives any hydration .
It is a bit pricey for an acid toner but it really do the job and also contains galactomyces (Pitera) , and of course a good classy bottle , i still think it worth the price .
Oh ya because i got it in a set , so it is a lot cheaper XD



2.SK-II Whitening Source Clear Lotion


This light gel toner, is infused with MT Blocker that also contains Pitera™, which gently remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.

This advanced exfoliating lotion controls melanin production to help diminish the appearance of spots. Over time, your skin becomes brighter and more translucent.
-Copied from SK-II official website

Grey-silverish thick plastic bottle with pump , i use 2 pump with cotton pad .
I not sure what MT Blocker is.. so cant comment much with this
But as the name 'clear lotion' , it also function to exfoliate . But it have an unique light gel consistency .


It contains SK-II signature Pitera (Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate). And also contains Ascorbyl Glucoside , Niacinamide which benefit in whitening and brightening .


 Although product name is 'clear lotion' but the contains is not clear or lotion neither lol .
This so called 'clear lotion' is slightly runny light gel consistency with 'rice water' color , scentless .
I can't exactly tell how it gives whitening but i can feel it will gives some help , for long term .
No AHA or BHA , which more comfortably for people who don't like acid type clear lotion . I can feel it gives more moisture than the original Facial Treatment Clear lotion , and doesn't feel harsh while i wipe over my face . It doesn't provide a strong 'clarifying' feature like what Facial Treatment Clear Lotion does .



3. SK-II Cellumination Mask-In-Lotion


Specially formulated with SK-II’s unique whitening complex Aura Bright Cocktail EX that contains Pitera™. This one-of-a-kind mask in the form of a toning lotion immediately brightens and softens your skin, preparing it to receive the full benefit of the SK-II regimen that follows. This mask-like experience reveals your skin’s natural luminosity by lightening the appearance of spots and reducing dullness.

They gives the name 'mask-in-lotion', which mean you able to get moisture face mask effect by just apply few drop of this lotion .
Colorful opal color glass bottle with twist lid ,delicate and sleek .

As usual it contains SK-II signature ingredient Pitera (galactonyces ferment filtrate) . It also contain  niacinamide and ascorbyl glucoside which helps brightening (because Cellumination is SK-II brightening line ) .Addition hyaluronic acid ,centella asiatica extract , and Saccharomyces Cerevisiae extract to boost up the hydration . Oh ya forget to mention , fragrance . It smell amazing and fade out after a minute .

Although the bottle look beautiful opal color but actually the product itself is milky rice water color, It is thick liquid consistency which make it glide on my face very smoothly ,it gives instant good hydration , plump, and brightening immediately .
I pour a few drops on my palm and apply upwards, i found it needs a lots of product to wet a piece of cotton pad so i prefer to use my bare hand .It absorb in a minute and leave no stickiness , but a healthy glow. For the day i need extra boost of moisture i will apply two or three layer .


Thanks for reading =)

Review : (Essences)SK-II Facial Treatment Essence VS Missha , Hera ,Secret key

Helo everybody =)

Today i want to compare SK-II Facial treatment essence with other watery essences.

If you wonder what is watery essence , SK-II Facial treatment Essence is a great representative.

This ' Treatment essence' is light weight and almost water-like ,high performance and helps to recuperate skin condition.

Because it is watery , the best way to use it is apply this before other heavier/thicker products.

Cleansing - Toning - Watery essence - essence/serum/ampoule(Which thicker) - Moisturizer


I skip the packaging and ingredients list because SK-II FTE  just too well-known.
This is 330ml bottle with pump , which is the biggest size in counter .
I prefer this because bottle is durable and easy to control amount that i need .

This is how they discovery 'Pitera' (The main ingredients in SK-II Facial treatment essence  )

My thought about SK-II Facial Treatment Essence :
-Almost water-like consistency .It smell like saliva and a bit sour ,it doesn't smell good for me,It is because it contains high percentage fermentation liquid , but don't worry the smell will fade out quickly.
-Fragrance-free
- I get 1 or 2 pump onto cotton pad and pat onto my face and neck .( and repeat 2 times)
 *I found this way work best on me . if you worry it will spend too much of product , you can try   with just one layer .
-It doesn't feel heavy or sticky after apply 3 layer , it create a healthy glow.
-It does good job in clarifying , and even out skin tone
-I can definitely feel  my skin turn 'crystal clear' like what advertisement said (in three weeks)
-It doesn't give much in moisture/hydrate, you will still need to apply hydrating serum afterward if you have dry skin
-Why this essence so special for me  , it is because it helps to balance my combination skin . I have a bother combo skin , my T zone is oily and U zone is dry . I get blackhead forest always  and dry itchy on my cheek. I can feel my skin being 'balance' after i use SK-II facial treatment essence , fewer dry and itchy , and less sebum produce . 
This make my skin having less problem and i like it =)

These is all my thought for SK-II facial treatment essence , I enjoy the process and results , and i will always repurchase ( I didn't use everyday but i always come back to this when feel i need )



Before i start to talk about others essences , i wanna share my favorite cotton pad to apply watery essence or expensive lotion.

I found that using cotton pad to apply essence are convenient and evenly . I wet cotton pad with essence and slowly pat onto my skin , and repeat at least 2 times to achieve best results ( I didn't do this way everyday because this will make my bottle finish up quickly)


 Unicharm Silcot Sponge facial cotton 
Make skin amazingly moist with 50 % less lotion

As you see the name ' sponge ' , this cotton doesn't feel cotton , it more like a thin layer of sponge .
It doesn't give silky/soft feeling like others cotton pad when you wipe over your skin , so this sponge are suitable to ' pat' on skin .
Its perfect to use as cotton pad face pack or to apply 'expensive' lotion , because it really need only a tiny bit to wet whole cotton .

 This is the side view of silcot sponge cotton with others cotton . I can tell there are almost 3x thinner than others .

I do a experiment to show how it really spend less lotion , i took 2ml water and spread on different cotton and you can notice the difference ;


These are 3 different type of cotton pad
Left to right
1. Guardian cotton facial square
2. Shiseido facial cotton
3. Unicharm silcot sponge facial cotton

I pump 2 ml water on each cotton , 3rd (silcot ) is almost completely wet with just 2ml .


I put on my arm and silcot sponge cotton able to stay on my skin very well .

And because it is sponge texture , you can always squeeeeeeze out all the remaining lotion in cotton.

If you looking for a cotton pad that able to help you save/spending less expensive lotion , silcot is a great choice , but the downside is it doesn't feel silky soft .




Okie now start off with other watery essences that i wish do comparison with SK-II facial treatment essence .
I would like to call them SK-II essence 'alternative'.
You can pick the one according to your skin needs and budget .


1.Missha Time revolution The First Treatment Essence . 130ml


-Made in korea
-Contains fermented yeast extract 80 %
-Transparent plastic bottle with twist lid
-At the first step of skin care after cleansing
Step : Cleans - The First Treatment Essence - Eye cream -  Lotion - Cream

-Missha essence smell like rice wine for me , ya cooking rice wine
This one .lol . But a lot gentle , no worry it won't make you drunk haha
-Missha gives more moisture , so two layer are enough
-It does soothing , even skin tone , and balance sebum level
-Watery consistency , just a tiny bit thicker than SK-II one 

For me , Missha is more like Robin , Yes the Batman's sidekick  (and of course , SK-II is the batman)
Missha do a good job like what SK-II does, but in mild , slower way .

For example SK-II essence gives 'crystal clear skin' in 3 weeks, missha essence will need to take around 5-6 weeks .


If you looking for cheaper alternative for SK-II essence , Missha First Treatment Essence really worth to try . First the price is a lot cheaper and it gives the 'close to' result too . I use this as a maintain product , as i mention earlier i didn't spend SK-II essence everyday , so i will use Missha essence during the day i didn't use SK-II .



2.Hera Cell Essence -This 15ml mini trial size

-This is my last trial bottle , i got a 5 or 6 bottle of sample when i order something from a korean
 merchant
-Watery consistency ,the color look like barley water
-Smell good and delightful  (in perfumey )
-Gives brighten and even skin tone , i can feel it in two week , my skin is fair and glowing .
-I can feel my pore getting smaller a bit , and skin seem more lively

I like this products , it does a good job but not in the same way with SK-II essence , Hera really brighten up my skin like having a spotlight on top ..lol
I not sure will i repurchase this in future because the scent a bit bothering me , it gives good smell but too intense for me because it doesn't fade right away , and as i layer up other essence and cream , the smell mash up ¯\_(°╭╮°)_/¯ ..



3. Secret key starting treatment essence-150 ml ( Rose edition )

-inexpensive , less than Rm50 including shipping .
-Good glassy and classy packaging , look similar with SK-II essence .
-Give hydration (only )
-I like to layer up to get a good moisture barrier for my skin .Sometime i use this to soak in cotton pad and have a quick 3 minutes mask .
-Mild and natural rose scent
-Contains Galactomyces and others plants extract .
-Alcohol, coloring, fragrance ,paraben free

This is not the best product as an alternative for SK-II essence , because the results are totally different . But it gives hydration and the contains are pure and natural ( you can click on the picture to read full ingredients list) . I still recommend to try since it is cheap ,especially for people who just started spending in skincare and need a lightweight essence .


Thanks for reading
Stay tune for my second episode SK-II essence comparison .

Empties : Skin 1004, Hatomugi ,Lirikos ,Astalift , Piolang , IQueen

Hello =)

Is end of august now , so its time to update my empties record (=^-ω-^=)



1. Skin1004 centella asiatica ampoule 100

Calming ampoule - Trouble care- Skin marks care
-No alcohol , coloring and fragrance
-100 ml 
-Light-weight liquidity runny consistency , just slightly thicker than toner
-Not heavy or sticky after put on second layer
-Gives hydration and calm redness
Calming - Yes
Trouble- No
Marks care-No
-Cheap and huge bottle

It gives light hydration and no bad react during breakout and sunburn , but i can't get any other benefit other than that .

I didn't finish whole bottle before it gets expire, i only manage to spend around 80%


2.Imyu naturie Hatomugi skin conditioner

Contains natural plant extract hatomugi (coix seed )
500ml


-Contains alcohol and paraben families preservative

Although it contains alcohol but doesn't make bad react on me , and didn't sting my eye.
Selling price is less than Rm30 which is very very cheap.
You can use in many way, soak with cotton and make a quick mask . Or as toner, mist spray .
It gives lowlight hydration and a tiny brighten effect.
I use it to remove the sheet mask residue on face because i lazy to wash it off . It is light and cheap so i will soak whole cotton pad and wipe .



3. Lirikos Marine Collagen V ampoule

10 ml
Lirikos may no famous in other country , it actually a good brand under Amore Pacific
Amore Pacific all-brands

Ampoules are Lirikos Hero products.There are a lots different type , hydration,collagen,wrinkle,whitening ..


I brought a box which contains 6 bottle ( and i get another 6 bottle for free during event )
Each bottle must be consume in 2 weeks to ensure the product activeness .
Is almost a gel consistency , takes 30 seconds to fully absorb and leave a sheen on face. Non sticky and its okie to layer on other products.
I feel my skin are firmer,good nourishing and pore slightly tighten after finish whole bottle .
It is good for people who started feel outflow of collagen . I recommend it for people who 25-35 to use this because it is light weight and really gives enough power for collagen boosting . But for people who over 35 i suggest to try lirikos wrinkle ampoule .

Oh ya , a big weak point for this products is the scent , strongly fragrance and its definitely not natural .I think because they need to cover up the marine collagen odor (i'm not sure , just give a guess ).



4.Astalift Lunamer brightener

100ml
  • Take an appropriate amount (2 to 3 pumps worth) onto a cotton pad. 
  • Gently glide the cotton pad over the skin to wipe away aged keratin and dirt. (Cotton pad may turn brown after use due to the removal of aged keratin and dirt.)
  • Recommended for use at night, but can also be used in the morning.
The name 'brightener' is not a serum or essence that helps to bleachwhiten your skin , is a product to remove dead skin cell without harsh scrub .
Juicy Gel consistency , it doesn't leave any sticky residue .
Scentless.
I always get dirty cotton pad while apply this,so i think it really do the job .

It doesn't help for the tiny bump on my face so i switch to AHA contains product and i found AHA work better on me .
It is still good for people who want to have mild exfoliate (it doesn't drying which is a plus .) 



5.Piolang 24k gold wrapping mask .

Gorgeous packaging , black heavy glass jar with gold printed word .
contains gold , snail extract , seaweed extract , jojoba seed oil

1.Apply a layer on face and wait it dry .
2.Peel off from bottom to up
 
 Inside is really really 'gold' .It is runny that i thought but still convenient to apply . Remember not to put too much in one time .


Hmm this mask is not hydration,no brightening , no remove dead skin cell ,no improve skin tone... Sorry i cant see any ,even a tiny bit .
I read lots of good review at althea (shopping website ) maybe it just not suitable for me ┐_㋡_┌


6.IQueen Wrapping Mask Ex

 1 box = 5 pcs

2 step mask .
Step 1 : a serum
Step 2 ： a dry transparent mask sheet (yes is dry , like rice paper wrapper but not as hard )
This is the serum in first step , you need to apply half of packet on face ( and keep the rest )

This is what you have in second step , a dry mask sheet . Now place the dry mask sheet on wet face .
Voola ! magic happen , the dry mask started dissolve and stick on face . Now apply the first step serum that you keep in packet .

You will feel it started dry and peel it off after 15 minutes .

It is a interesting mask , gives a little tighten and firming effect after use but doesn't last long . Because the mask are little pricey so i don't think the result worth the money . You can still buy and try because it is fun to use .


That's it for my August 2016 empties review =)


Thank you for reading .

Review : Mamonde First Energy Essence & Serum Sets + Others ! ( total 10 products )

Hello ~
It's me

Lots of products will be in this post , so let's start !



From left to right

1.Mamonde First Energy Lucky box  ( Include First energy essence and First energy serum )
2.Mamonde Rose water soothing gel ( sample )
3.Mamonde Flower Essential mask -Lotus
4.Mamonde Honeysuckle lifting Mask
5.Mamonde Floral hydro sample kit (include softner,emulsion and cream )
6.Mamonde Lotus micro cleansing foam (sample)
7.Mamonde First Energy Essence (sample)
8.Mamonde Rose Water toner

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First , Mamonde Lotus Micro Cleansing Foam
-Smell like hand soap , not overpowering and acceptable
-Yogurt-like texture , not foamy after rub.
-Cleans well without dryness

I got this as a freebies while i make purchase at Mamonde malaysia counter , although this product name as 'lotus micro' but it doesn't contain micro beads.
You cant create those egg white-like foam with this products but it cleans well , and didn't leave any dryness behind .
Definitely a good choice if you looking for an affordable ,not drying and effective cleanser, especially for those who don't like foamy cleanser .
Oh ya , the actual size was 175ml and it gonna last for loooong time .

Update : i use ph tester to try on this cleanser yesterday and i found that the ph is pretty high ,around 8 to 9 which is too alkaline :(




2.Mamonde Rose Water Toner 150 ml

-Watery consistency , Comfortable rose scent 
-Plastic handy bottle 
-contains 90.89% rose water 
-Very cheap , i got it at 7800 won for two bottle (Gmarket)
-Gives light hydration and i refill it in spray bottle , make it more convenient



3.Mamonde Rose water Soothing Gel


Talking about rose water toner , another great product from rose water line will be their rose water soothing gel . I got a few pack of samples , and i need 2 packs for all over my face .

This Soothing gel is a multi functional products like aloe gel  , you can use everywhere , anywhere .

For myself i prefer to use it as a mask pack , and it hydrate very well without stickiness .
I found this perform better than aloe vera gel (on me !), because aloe vera gel tend to make my skin dryer after rinse off and this Rose water gel didn't . But sadly the hydration and softness doesn't last long so i recommend use daily .
This is the actual size products , which 300 ml in total .
I think this product mean to use daily that's why they selling such a big jar  =)
-Leave a thin layer on top after absorb , don't worry it doesn't feel heavy or sticky
-Transparent gel consistency
-Strong rose fragrance , for me it doesn't feel very natural
-Perform well in giving skin hydration .
-Cheap and big jar
-Contains alcohol
-Chill before apply will be your life saver during hot summer .



 4.Mamonde Flower essential mask -Lotus

-Cooling and soothing
-I cant understand korean , so i cant tell the what is all about at the back of the packaging
 -No extra essence in the pack , but don't worry the amount of essence are just nice for one usage .
-Light-comfortable flower scent
-Thin and soft cotton , fit my face very well .
-It provide decent hydration .
-Weightless and pleasant to wear everyday .



5.Mamonde Honeysuckle Lifting Mask

This mask come with Park Shin Hye First Energy lucky box
-Thin and Soft material
-Typical Korea floral mask scent with a hint of Honeysuckle
-Lightweight watery essence
-It also provide decent hydration like their flower essential mask
-firming ? hmm no


6,7,8  Mamonde Floral Hydro sample kits ( Narcissus )

I got this from gmarket too , during amore pacific brand event

Inside contains
-Mamonde narcissus floral hydro skin softner
-Mamonde narcissus floral hydro emulsion
-Mamonde narcissus floral hydro cream

First of all , this series smell extremely good .

Skin softener is watery consistency and you can feel the water holding/hydration instantly.

Emulsion will be the least favorite among all ,is in milky texture . Look light weight but quite oily moisture.

I would recommend to get floral hydro cream if you wanted to try this line , it is gel-cream consistency and easy glide on . It suitable for people who have combination dry skin .




If you thinking to buy any Mamonde products and you want to try the texture,the scent , and get professional recommendation .......



Dont worry , because




Mamonde is finally in Malaysia !!

They have their first counter in AEON One Utama ,so we don't need to ask others to buy in korea and bring it back or purchase online 

*This is a sponsor-free post


At first i was worry the price will be huge different with their local price in korea , because a few korea cosmetic brand selling almost double price (Etude House !) when they come to Malaysia .

After i research at counter , i found the price only slightly ( yes just slightly ) higher than gmarket/korea local .

For example , Malaysia counter selling
First energy Essence at Rm119
First energy Serum at Rm 119



 This is the screenshot that i snap from Amore Pacific official store at gmarket
Price for each products is Rm 103.66 ( and you still need to pay international shipping )
So do the math , it is still worth to get in Malaysia counter .

#According to normal market price ,not sure if it having sales.
# i didn't compare all the products , if you wish to know more further , just go to their counter .



I grab a Park Shin Hye First Energy Lucky Box 

Why ?Because I want to meet Park Shin Hye in person!
Now purchase a Park Shin Hye First Energy Lucky Box and you could stand a chance to win a FREE VIP pass to meet Mamonde Brand Ambassador Park Shin Hye

 *Only Malaysia mamonde counter
I took back two leaflet because Park shin hye is just too pretty  to read more information about Mamonde products .


This is how the set look like , a floral pattern box filled with
-Mamonde honeysuckle First Energy Serum
-Mamonde honeysuckle First Energy Essence
-Mamonde honeysuckle firming mask
Rm 238

and.....


Drum rollssssss...

I GOT IT !!!
I was so excited , hand shaking
until i accidentally tear the paper wrongly
lol

 *Please visit their counter quickly if you want to meet her too !



okie okie okie , back to products review 
i'm just.... can't wait to see her , overly excited 


9 & 10 . Mamonde Park Shin Hye First Energy Lucky box set 
Include Essence , Serum and mask 

Firming boosting essence -150 ml
Firming boosting serum - 100 ml 

You can choose the type of booster accoding to your skin needs .

First energy serum -Emulsion type booster for dry skin , nourishing effect .
First energy essence - Water type booster for combination/oily skin . Refreshing effect .
There are some information about how honeysuckle works on our skin but too bad , it is in korean ...

And the products are very fresh , expire on 2019 
But i didn't wait so long, i'm gonna to use it NOW




The first step after cleansing the face . Experience double the effects of the following products used . Leaving your skin smooth and supple on the surface . 


I found this serum are heavy for me on first step , although it absorb quite well but i feel weird . maybe because i haven't used to it yet.

It only takes 20 second to fully absorb and i can feel the nourishing effect immediately .
My skin are well hydrate,supple and soft .
This will be the great product if you're suffer with dryness after cleansing .



Last , my favorite Mamonde product.

 Mamonde First Energy Essence 

Formulated with floral biotics technology, the first energy is uploaded with the new lactobacillus. Blended together with the 1 year old fermented 'flower vinegar' . This plan-derived ingredient can promote skin's immunity, leaving your skin less susceptible and more resilient to external aggression

 . 1 year old 'flower vineger' is used in first energy ,without using a drop of water .

Steps to achieve firmer and healthier skin . 

Nah, i'm so lazy , so what i do is pour a generous amount into my palm and patting onto my face . 

 -Watery consistency
-Smell sour vineger + sweet (honey?)


This is my right side of my face , with only toner 
oil 19.3
water 43.1

Left side of my face , i using First energy essence and toner 
oil   23.5
water  52.3

*i using same toner all over my face , so only difference is i apply essence on my left.




The side with essence  look brighter , less redness , and with a hint of healthy glow . 


I like First energy essence that provide me good hydration , supple my skin without feeling heavy .I can really tell the difference when i'm using it and without .

OH YA , i forget to mention
First energy essence or serum does really helps to boost up effects of the following products ( not double up , maybe 30%?  lol )

Healthier skin have better appetite =) haha


According to Mamonde beauty assistance , First energy should be using right after cleansing ,Before toner .

But for me ,it depends 
I will arrange it accordingly to what toner i used, if i using clarifying toner , i will use First energy essence after clarifying toner because the toner function as second step of cleansing . 

If i using hydrating toner/lotion , i will use first energy essence before that .


Thanks for reading =)
Bye 



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