Review: Naruko Facial Spa Massage Cotton Pads

Hi guys!

I am reviewing the Naruko Facial Spa Massage Cotton Pads today. Frankly speaking, this is the first Naruko product that I used from the recent Taiwan Haul. I have previously used the Tea Tree Oil Out T-Zone Blackhead Remover which I bought in Singapore quite a long time ago. I didn't want the opened products to stay untouched too long so that is why I hasn't started on the Naruko items yet.

Okay so I went for facial the other day and my face was slightly red from all the extractions. So I used the La-Roche Posay Thermal Spray, soaked the cotton pad with it so that I can do a short mask-ing session to soothe my skin.

There are 60 pieces in a box, each piece measuring 60mm x 70mm, 100% cotton. Considering the large size, it is very convenient for masking.

You have to completely soak it to make the tearing part easier. I could tear it into 4 pieces. One each on the cheeks and one of the forehead. As the chin area does not require such a big piece of cotton, I tore it into half, one half on the chin and another on the nose. The cotton are surprisingly easier to tear, compared to the Muji unbleached ones. There wasn't cotton bits flying around which you would usually experience with the other cotton pads.

RATING: 4.5/5
Will I Repurchase? Maybe

Review: Browhaus

Hi guys! I'm going to share my experience at browhaus recently.

POSB credit card had a promotion a while ago whereby brow shaping services were 50% off so I thought why not give it a try. I made a reservation one day before and went to the mandarin gallery outlet.

When I went in, I decided to add on a upper lip threading as well. Before the therapist started, I told her I didn't want thin, high arched brows and showed her a picture of my desired brows and she told me she will try but may not be exactly the same. She threaded my upper lip first and it was very fast, like less than 5 mins.

 I guess I have a slightly higher than average tolerance of pain but I must say the therapist is pretty skilled. There is a lot of abrasions with the skin and the skin will start to feel a little hot and prickly. They will put a cooling gel at the end of the threading.

My eyebrows took the longest time. Around 20mins, that is because I have bushy eyebrows and a lot of stray hairs. I went to those facial salons for eyebrow tweezing before but the lady was like afraid of shaping my eyebrows and just plucked away those tiny stray hairs and it was so painful! So this therapist at browhaus was really skilled that I didn't feel pain except for some threading and tweezing near the eyelids. I really love the end result of my eyebrows! The therapist even taught me how I should fill in my brows and explained why she couldn't trimmed according the picture I showed her because my brows are naturally high arched unlike the Korean styled horizontal ones. The cashier did encourage me to take up packages but it wasn't really hard selling. I didn't take up the package in the end as I didn't like paying money upfront. Besides, without the promotion, their brow shaping service is at a pricier side. I will see how my brow grows out but most likely I will be coming back again unless I find another cheaper place where I am equally satisfied with the result.

After I went home, my skin above my brows felt sore though the redness had subsided. It started to break out on the 3rd day onwards, where white little bumps appeared. I had not broke out that badly in a while :( guess the cleaning wasn't done properly and perhaps due to the fact that I have rather sensitive skin. It took slightly more than a week to completely heal. But I am still happy with my brow shape! Many of my friends realised that I shaped my brows and I received many compliments!

Review: The Face Shop Honey Suckle 24 Moisture Body Exfoliator

Hi guys!

I am reviewing The Face Shop Honey Suckle 24 Moisture Body Exfoliator today.
I bought this product in Malaysia for less than S$18. I have not seen this product on Singapore shelves so I am not sure whether they are available here.

So here is the texture of the product. Its beige-brown in colour and there are tiny brown beads to aid exfoliation.When you spread it out to scrub, the colour turns white, something like soap but there won't be any bubbles. Just a tiny amount is sufficient because unlike the sugar scrub from Burt's Bees, the beads does not melt away.

There is a very fragrant smell, similar to that of a perfume. The smell is so strong that I can it engulfed my whole cupboard where I placed it. I would say the exfoliation is decent as I can see the difference in brightness of the skin after I exfoliate one leg and compare it to the other leg which has not been exfoliated yet. The beads are small and very gentle on the skin.

RATING: 4/5
Will I Repurchase: Probably not, not that it is not good but I would like to try on new stuff! :)

Review: Ettusais Acne Whitening UV Ex (Dry Block)

Hi guys!

I am reviewing the Ettusais Acne Whitening UV Ex (Dry Block) today. I bought this around a year ago but didn't go around finishing it. Can't believe the words on the packaging actually faded off already. I would say this Ettusais product packaging is below average for a counter brand.

• SPF 24, PA++
• Non-comedogenic
• Fragrance Free
• Colorant Free

 This is more suitable for dry skin types and the cream base has moisturising properties. There is an oil block as well, which has a lighter texture that caters to oily skin. As it is a cream base, it does not spread as easily as the La-Roche Posay one.

After you spread it out, it does not feel greasy but there is a slight white cast. Perhaps, this is the 'whitening' they meant? This serves to be a makeup base so you still need to apply foundation or some loose powder. 

RATING: 3/5

Will I Repurchase? No

Review: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Hi guys!

I am reviewing the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence today.
This miracle water contains more than 90% of Pitera. It started when scientists noticed that elderly japanese workers at a sake brewary had wrinkled face but extraordinary soft and youthful hands. After years of research, they isolated the source: Pitera! The brand is considered a luxurious brand as a whole skincare line can easily set you back at a thousand dollars. 
I found quite a lot of mixed reviews on this products, its either a love or a hate relationship. Some even mentioned that their skin is "addicted" to this product is which when they stop using it, their skin turned worse.

I had been using this FTE on and off for 1.5 years now. I have since decreased to using it only at night to repair my skin. I find that FTE works best when you use the whole SK-II line. My skin was at its peak when I used the Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser - FTE - Repair C - Skin Signature regime. However, I did not want to use such so many expensive productus yet so I switched to other products while still using the SK-II Cleanser and FTE.

The other day, I used the FTE in between my Curel products and had a bad sensitive reaction. My right cheek turned red and itchy and small little bumps appear. I had to stop all skincare products and used only the La-Roche Posay and Avene thermal spray. These products are life-savers!

The Facial Treatment Essence comes in an exquisite heavy glass bottle. The new 330ml one comes in a plastic pump bottle which it is said to be 8% richer in Pitera compared to the usual 150ml, 215ml and 250ml bottles.

The essence is a clear liquid with a fermented smell. I couldn't take the smell at first but grew to like it.
I will pour the essence of a piece of cotton pad and slowly pat on my face as much times as I can. 

I use to have a lot of pimples and bumps on my forehead during my JC days, they all pretty much cleared up now, with occasional pimples here and there. Overall, I would say it really helps to improve the skin if I compare my skin now to back during my JC days. The effects of this Facial Ttreatment Essence can be pretty evident in some people. I have an aunt whose face is really glowing and radiant.
Perhaps I still need to give it more time to see the effects on my skin.

RATING: 4/5
Will I Repurchase? Yes

Haul: August 2012

Hi guys!

I bought some new skincare products recently and thought I would share it here :)

1) Curel Moisture Lotion 2 and Moisture Face Milk

This were bought a few months back and I have started using them. I will do a more thorough review after I finish about half a bottle or more. Stay tuned!

2) The Face Shop Honey Suckle 24 Moisture Body Exfoliator

Bought this in Malaysia, not sure if its available in Singapore though. The store was having 20% discount and considering the exchange rate, this came out to be less than S$18. I couldn't make up my mind to buy this or the sake one but chose this in the end because the SA claimed that it is more suitable for sensitive skin.

3) Kose Mask White

Had been eyeing this for the longest time! Wanted to grab it in the airport in May but somehow I didn't lol! Was too tired from the flight. Happened to see a Buy one Free one promo on newspapers last week and rushed to get it the next day. S$35 for 2!

Review: Skinfood Egg White Pack

Hi guys!

I am reviewing the Skinfood Egg White Pack today.
It comes in a set of 5 pieces of forehead & chin pack and 5 pieces of nose pack.

The forehead and chin pack. So basically you just place the inverted triangle between your eyebrows and another on the jaw as show in the picture. I only saw around 2-3 whiteheads from the chin pack and nothing removed from the forehead, it does remove some fine hair though.

The nose pack. It is slightly smaller than the Etude House Green Tea Nose Pack so it fits me better. The effect is roughly the same as the Etude House one as well, but visual wise the Etude House seems to be more effective because of the green background.

So basically you need to wet the areas you are going to stick on. Wait for it to dry. Around 15-20mins. Peel off from the bottom, in upwards motion.

RATING: Forehead and Chin Pack - 1/5
               Nose Pack - 3/5
Will I Repurchase: No

Review: Etude House I Need You, Aloe! Mask Sheet

Hi guys!

I'm reviewing the Etude House I Need You, Aloe! Mask Sheet. Gosh, what a long name. So this is the  mask that made me fall in love with korean masks again after my not-so-good experience with the 'Made In Korea' Watsons house brand masks.

But this Etude House mask totally made me fall in love with korea masks! I just couldn't resist buying them even though I still have around 140 taiwan masks at home. Korea and taiwan masks are quite different. The essence in taiwan masks tend to be more sticky and slightly thicker but korea masks are watery and more runny. I feel that the essence in korea masks absorbs into the skin faster and does not feel as sticky after removing the mask.

My face tends to get red patches easily due to my sensitive skin. So one day my skin was acting up again where my cheek area were reddish. So I took this mask out from my refrigerator and used it. To my surprise, when I removed the mask, the redness was nearly gone and it really soothes my skin.

I use this mask occasionally now, only when my skin feels exceptionally sensitive. Otherwise, I continue with the My Beauty Diary masks.

There are several flavours in this line but I personally favour the aloe one because aloe is more suitable for sensitive skin. I did purchase the green tea, pomegranate and pearl ones which I will review after I tried them.


RATING: 5/5
Will I Repurchase? Definitely!

Review: The Face Shop White Mud Nose Pack

Hi guys!

I'm reviewing The Face Shop White Mud Nose Pack today.
This product was introduced by a friend of mine after telling her my concerns about the blackheads on my nose. Lucky for me, The Face Shop was having a 15+5% discount so I got this nose pack at a little below $10.

This is a peel-off mask type unlike the strips kind. The texture is glue-ish and can be a little bit messy.
Apply a thick enough layer so that it will be easier to peel off later. It takes about 20 mins for the nose pack to dry, depending how thick a layer you apply. I only managed to pull out a decent amount of whiteheads on my third try because the first two tries were either too thin or I pulled it off too early when it has not completely dried yet.

This is what it looks like after you peel it off. I am showing only the front part, not the one with all the gunk haha!

I would say it does removes impurities such as the whiteheads in my nose but it didn't remove any blackheads which I guess were too deep-rooted. I feel that it does it job in removing whiteheadsas well as the Etude House Green Tea Nose Pack, which I will review soon. In terms of pricing, The Face Shop White Mud Nose Pack may be slightly cheaper depending on the number of usage. If you are looking for a fuss-free nose pack, the Etude House Green Tea Nose Pack is more suitable.\

RATING: 3.5/5
Will I Repurchase? Not for now, will consider when the times come!

Review: QV and Cetaphil Body Moisturisers

Hi guys!

I'm reviewing 3 products today. They are QV Cream, QV Body Lotion and Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Moisturiser. As I have eczema prone skin, I need to moisturise my skin often to prevent dry patches and the occurrence of eczema on my body.

So to be safe, I go for brands that caters to sensitive skin which brings me to these 2 brands.
QV is an australian brand while cetaphil is a Loreal and Nestle collaborated brand made in canada. In terms of pricing, QV is more pocket-friendly but the price difference justifies a difference in properties of this 2 brands.

Let me get started with the QV brand first. It is suitable for dry to sensitive skin.
Some characteristics as stated on the QV Skin Lotion (I threw the QV Cream tub away) is :
Perfume-free
Colour free
pH balanced
Propylene glycol free
Dermatological formula
Lanolin free

 I have previously used the cream form which comes in a tub and after finishing it, I tried out the lotion one. I preferred the cream one because it is more moisturising than the lotion one. I usually apply body moisturiser after a bath when the skin is still moist. With the QV Cream, I can apply it every 2-3 days as the moisturiser is very lasting. My skin is still moisturised and smooth on the 3rd day. However, with the QV Lotion, it lasts a maximum of one day or less and my skin feels dry again. So, I actually need to apply it every day in the evening after my bath.

Photo Source for QV Cream: http://www.google.com.sg/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mims.com/resources/drugs/Singapore/pic/QV%2520Cream_49377.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.mims.com/Singapore/drug/info/QV%2520Cream/?type%3Dfull&h=300&w=276&sz=40&tbnid=ufqlhgez_9_lEM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=83&zoom=1&usg=__h_tV7SuaHO6HQ-46suL8HPymp_k=&docid=2WPakC4JkSO92M&sa=X&ei=Pi_tT5rOE8TUrQe0_ei9DQ&ved=0CFsQ9QEwAw&dur=464

QV Cream 
Pros: Very moisturising, can apply once every 2-3 days
Cons: Texture too thick and sticky, absorbs very slowly

RATING: 4/5
Will I Repurchase: Yes

QV Skin Lotion
Pros: Light-Weight, absorbs into the skin quickly
Cons: Not very moisturising compared to QV Cream

RATING: 3.5/5
Will I Repurchase: No

Now to the Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Moisturiser. This is a relatively new product, launched in Sept 2010. It has been awarded the National Eczema Association (NEA) seal of acceptance .It contains a patented Filaggrin technology and ceramide technology that provides hydration to very dry skin. The pros of the Cetaphil Moisturiser is that it combines the pros of both the QV Cream and QV Skin Lotion. It is very moisturising yet comes in a creamy lotion form that absorbs very well into the skin. It is 3/5 the volume of the QV skin lotion but twice the price of it if I did not remember wrongly. 

Characteristics of Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Moisturiser:
Hypoallergenic
Preservatives free
Fragrance free
Fast absorption
Easy to spread

RATING: 5/5
Will I Repurchase: Yes

COMPARISON PICS

Review: La Roche-Posay Anthelios W (Sunscreen)

Hi guys!

I'm reviewing the La Roche-Posay Anthelios W Sunscreen today.

Here are some useful information on sunblocks:
SPF stands for Sun Protection factor and shows the protection against UVB. SPF 1 means that the person can stay in the sun for 10 minutes without getting sunburnt. So, a typical SPF of 30 means that the person can stay in the sun for 300 minutes before she needs to reapply the sunscreen again.

In asian cosmetics, we usually see a PA grading system on top of the SPF. PA stands for The Protection Grade of UVA. While a sunscreen with an SPF prevents you from getting a sunburnt, it does not prevent you from getting tanned. As asian females are very hardworking in their whitening regime, most asian sunscreens includes the PA grading system. Unlike SPF, PA goes by the number of '+', with the maximmum being three '+'. PA+ corresponds to delaying the tanning time up to 2 to 4 times, PA++ is 4 to 8 times and PA+++ is more than 8 times. The western sunscreens do not have the PA system but do indicate the protection against UVA.

• SPF 30
• High UVA/UVB protection
• Non-perfumed
• Paraben-free
• Very water-resistant
• Non-comedogenic

The texture is not very thick and spreads easily.

It does not leave a white cast but will have this glossy surface. I usually wait for a while after applying the sunscreen and use a tissue paper to gentle press on my face to reduce the greasiness. It does require sometime for the skin to absorb the sunscreen and the face will not feel greasy anymore.

What I like about this sunscreen is that it is very lightweight on my skin. There are sunscreen that are  thick and does not absorb well and thus pose burden the skin.

RATING: 4/5
Will I Repurchase? Yes

Note: SPF is not cumulative. For example, if I use a foundation with SPF25 and a loose powder with SPF 20 to set the makeup, the total SPF is NOT 45. You can only take the highest one, which is SPF25.

Review: Etude House Green Tea Nose Pack

Hi guys!

I am reviewing the Etude House Green Tea Nose Pack today.

This is the same line as Collagen Eye Patch and Charcoal Chin Pack with this adorable girl on their packaging. I believe its cute packaging is one of the major factors why Etude House is so popular.
This nose pack cost $0.90 in Singapore which I believe is constantly out of stock in Singapore. I bought this in Taiwan when they were having their 4th Anniversary promotion. It retails at NT30 for one and it was going for a 'Buy 3 Free 3' promotion. So it comes down to $0.66 each. I only bought 2 sets since I wasn't so sure if it was good or not. Now I regret not buying more :(

It does not smell green tea, just a chemical smell. Not sure how to describe it thought, just that it is no  where near you regularly fragrance-ed beauty products. I don't mind the smell though, as I have never been inclined to sweet-smelling beauty products.

You are suppose to wet your nose area, then tear off the plastic film and paste the green part onto the nose. This nose pack is quite big though, stretches quite a bit off the nose. I do some folding at the nose tip so that it sticks well. wait for it to dry ~10mins and peel off from the bottom upwards.
This nose pack is useful in removing the regular whiteheads (quite a fair bit) but it didn't removed any of my blackheads :(

RATING: 3.5/5
Will I repurchase? Yes

Haul: Taiwan

Hi guys!

I am going to share my Taiwan Haul today! Well, unlike my May 2012 Taiwan Haul, this July haul is a virtual one in that I wasn't physically in Taiwan. I mentioned in my previous post that online shopping in Taiwan is so convenient, you just need to set up an account (super fast and easy, they don't ask for too detailed information), add the items to your cart and choose the convenience store you want to pick up your items from and that is all! You don't have to pay anything until you collect your goods.

Some of the online shopping websites that I have tried before:
Payeasy
Pchome
Naruko
Kingstone

Let me know if you guys want more detailed write up on the steps for the above websites!
The items came in neatly packed boxes (my bro threw them away cos it was too bulky :( I like receiving the boxes because it's like getting presents!). I did asked him to help me take pictures of the packages first to show you guys :)

Naruko Package 1 and Payeasy packages

 Naruko Package 2

 Kingstone Package

So here are my hauls! :)

Naruko

1) Raw Job's Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Mask

2) Marjoram and Lavender Brightening Eye Cream

3) Rose & Snow Fungus Classic Hydrating Night Gelly

4) Narcissus Total Defense Night Eye Gelly 

5) Raw Job's Tears Supercritical CO2 Whitening Night Eye Gelly

6) Naruko Facial SPA Massage Cotton Pads

7) Taiwan Magnolia Whitening and Brightening Mask 

Taiwan Magazines 

Magazines Freebies

Beautymaker Starry Eyeshadow/Liner Pencil

Agnes B. EyeShadow

The mini tub on the right is an Agnes B. rose moisturiser mini sample which is an add-on (NT1)

Deary Shea Butter Nourishing Repaired Lip Balm

One of my all time favourite lip balm, gotta stock it up!

Not a lot of stuff but they are pretty heavy, especially the magazines haha! The magazines are around half the price of what you get in Kinokuniya, there's freebies as well! I ordered the magazines from Kingstone which is priced slightly lower than retail. It saves time to hunt for the mags. A point to note though, freebies varies according to different convenience stores and bookstores. For example, for the same magazine you bought in 7-11 and Family Mart, the freebies are different.

Well do a review on the products soon!~

Review: My Beauty Diary Natto Mask

Hi guys!

I'm reviewing My Beauty Diary Natto Mask today. My Beauty Diary is inevitably one of the most famous mask brand from Taiwan. The prices are really affordable and tourists usually stock up boxes of them as gifts or for own use. My Beauty Diary has evolved and ventured into other lines such as cleanser, moisturiser, makeup remover etc. Below are some pictures of the range of products they carry.

Natural Key Line: Basic masks with the cheapest price

Luxury Line: Fragrance free, Alcohol free - Priciest masks in the line

Flora Expo Limited Edition

Lift Stretch Mask: With ear hooks to provide lifting effect

Facial Mist and Sleeping Pack

Afternoon Tea Time Range: Masks, Cleanser, Face Scrub, Makeup Remover

2 Step Mask Pack: Mask + Moisturiser

Photos Source: http://www.beautydiary.com.tw/main.htm

Alright, now back to the main lead, Natto Mask. This mask isnt the most raved one like the black pearl mask or red wine mask. It doesn't have a distinctive aroma like the apple mask or chocolate mask but yet it is one of my favourite mask because of it's hydrating properties. 

Some of the main ingredients (info from http://www.beautydiary.com.tw/en/allmask.htm)

isoflavones- postpones ageing, restores skin's firmness and resilience

natto extract- stimulates and activates cells for hydration

extract of seeweed from deep ocean- offers skin adequate moisture content

The mask sheet is really thin and tears easily so be careful when you handle it. It adheres very well to the skin but is not wide enough at the nose area. I usually put on the mask for about 20-25mins. The mask is still soak with essence when I remove it and I will use it to wipe my legs and arms. The essence on the face requires time and some patting before it can be absorbed into the skin. Remember to apply moisturiser to lock the moisture in!

After using this, my skin feels smooth the next day and the pores on my cheeks are not as visible.

RATING: 4.5/5

Will I Repurchase? Yes, I had purchased 2 more boxes on my recent Taiwan trip.

PS: My bro is in Taiwan now and I ordered some items from the Naruko Taiwan website. Can't wait for him to bring back my haul! Love how user-friendly are Taiwan websites for foreigners! Besides my usual payeasy buys, I tried online shopping on naruko and kingstone taiwan websites this time round!