While something can look and feel like water when it comes to skincare that liquid can be far from being so simple. ATOCLASSIC's Real Tonic Soothing Moist Mist boasts no water—just plant extracts and moisturizing components. ATOCLASSIC is based on traditional Korean medicine (hanbang) and therefore strongly believes in curing and treating with herbal remedies. This particular concoction is supposed to help hydrate and ease irritated skin which water alone has trouble delivering on an immediate and superficial level.
Peach & Lily's description:
This refreshing mist features Whangryun, or "golden thread", which is an effective anti-inflammatory used in Korean "hanbang" practice as a fever reducer. This mist is great for whenever your skin feels flushed and hot or irritated and dried out.
Ideal for sensitive skin types.
Appropriate for all skin types.
Directions
Use as needed whenever skin is feeling flushed or dry.
Another option is to use this as a spray toner during your morning and evening skincare routines.
Ingredients
COPTIS CHINENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, GARDENIA JASMINOIDES EXTRACT, PHELLODENDRON AMURENSE BARK EXTRACT, WATER, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERETH-26, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PANTHENOL, ALLANTOIN, CANANGA ODORATA OIL
Mist 150 ml / 5.07 fl oz
ATOCLASSIC (Korean retail): ₩19,000
Peach & Lily: USD $19.00
Packaging
Clear mist bottle with a short spray nozzle. New bottles come fully shrink-wrapped in plastic. I love being able to see through the bottle but would prefer a different spray nozzle. Even though it gives a fine mist, the shorter than normal nozzle means it bursts out at a shorter distance resulting in a smaller mist coverage and therefore requiring more sprays to fully cover my face.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The liquid is colorless and orderless. It feels just like water—no tackiness, no residue. Skin doesn't become dewy or matte, just softer and more hydrated.
How I Apply
In-between skincare steps // Especially between cleansing and toning because I tend to wait a while before toner and my skin gets tight and dry during that time.
Through the day over makeup // Rehydrates my skin when I wear drier finish foundations.
On my dry chapped hands // Helps relieve tightness I get during the cold weather without the residue like with lotion.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I still think it is difficult to tell whether specific extracts and mixes of extracts do my skin any good. As long as it doesn't make my condition any worst off, my feelings toward it will remain positive.
The Real Tonic Soothing Moist Mist, as a whole, works great at providing instantaneous hydration. It does help relieve tightness I may feel but to ensure the dryness doesn't persist a moisturizer is necessary to seal in the hydration. I have to be careful to not overspray because anything that runs into my eyes does cause slight irritations. This is a more common issue than one may think solely because of the way the spray nozzle is designed. Otherwise, my skin doesn't react negatively to the mist.
Sensitive skin and ingredient conscious would probably love this spray as it is free of fragrance, parabens, and essential oils. There is a generous amount of product for the price (150ml for under USD $20). Plus, there isn't a huge disparity between its Korean retail and American retail pricing. I would repurchase when considering only the formulation and pricing, however, there are so many other mists available to try and the spraying mechanism isn't my favorite.
There was a time when I always had a bottle of facial mist in my skincare routine. I think I stopped using them because the ones I tried didn't seem to do much or had a texture I didn't enjoy. Most of the mists I used just felt like glorified, fragranced, and expensive water.
That was then and this is now. I am starting fresh on this mist discovery journey and hoping the new products I try will change my mind towards the skincare category. Lumene's Sisu [Urban Antidotes] Defend & Replenish Antioxidant Mist made some good impressions already as the first contender.
Lumene's description:
Shield your complexion in the polluted urban environment. Infused with Pure Arctic Spring Water, mineral-rich Nordic Birch Sap and Antioxidant Vitamin B3, this ultra-fine mist helps to protect and hydrate to defend and maintain your skin’s appearance of natural luminosity.
Directions
The final step in your skincare regimen, spray all over the face, neck and décolleté to shield skin from the urban environment.
Ingredients
AQUA (WATER), PROPANEDIOL, RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS (CLOUDBERRY) FRUIT WATER, BETULA ALBA (BIRCH) JUICE, NIACINAMIDE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-4, PHENOXYETHANOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ABIES PICEA (SPRUCE) EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE)
Mist 100 ml / 3.4 fl oz
Lumene (USA retail): USD $24.99
CVS: USD $24.99
Packaging
Opaque white mist bottle—pretty standard and nothing to really write home about. The mist the nozzle lets out is fairly fine as long as I commit to the full pump. If I only do a half-press, I get a bunch of water droplets instead of a micronized mist.
Kudos to Lumene for having each box wrapped nicely in a plastic sheet. It provides so much reassurance to know if any individual product has been tested since Lumene is typically found in CVS here in the States (for those unfamiliar people love to open and swatch things at drugstores here as we don't get designated testers).
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The liquid is colorless. It feels just like water and isn't vicious or sticky in any way. My skin isn't dewy after the mist is fully absorbed either; just looks like skin. There is a sweet fruity fresh scent straight out of the bottle. But that evaporates after a bit.
How I Apply
In-between skincare steps // Especially between cleansing and toning because I tend to wait a while before toner and my skin gets tight and dry during that time
Through the day over makeup // Rehydrates my skin when I wear drier finish foundations.
On my dry chapped hands // Helps relieve tightness I get during the cold weather without the residue like with lotion.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I am going to refrain from commenting in-depth on the mist's ingredients because I think I spray far too little, on a day-to-day basis, to really benefit from them. That being said, I was surprised to find the ingredients list short and in addition to some trendy components like birch juice and niacinamide. The mist is formulated without parabens yet still has fragrance.
Otherwise, if I am to be completely honest, there isn't much to mist reviews. It either worked or didn't work and, equally as important, didn't irritate my skin or did. As long as I am on the better end of the receiving stick, things like texture and price are the only things that really set the products apart.
There isn't anything negative for me to say about the Lumene Sisu Mist. My skin instantly feels softer and less tight; it looks less dry and flakey as well. I don't show any bad reactions to the formulation either. I love how lightweight and watery the product is. Even though it doesn't leave me glowy and dewy, it also doesn't disrupt makeup while giving me a more hydrated look. This product seems it would fit well with all skin types.
I am not sure if it is worth the full retail price. USD $25 isn't terribly expensive but still a hefty penny for a mist. Sure it has "Arctic Spring water" and cloudberries but it could all just be for easier marketing. I haven't tried enough mists lately in any price range to compare Sisu Mist's overall value versus effectiveness. But since the Lumene brand is easily accessible via CVS, I won't hold its price against it; especially as CVS offers a ton of coupons and ExtraBucks for those with their rewards card.
A part of me wants to believe there is a more affordable option out there that will give me similar results. Until I find that perfect bottle of mist, I may consider repurchasing another Lumene Sisu Mist whenever CVS has a good sale and/or offers me irresistible coupons.
It's been years since I last used any Shiseido products. Even though my mom isn't into beauty anything, I always associated the brand with a more mature audience since I grew up seeing it fill my aunt's vanity. Especially the thick and rich Benefiance line, which also has a grandma-esque aroma IMO.
Shiseido Pureness Mattifying Moisturizer Oil-Free was one of the first higher-end brands I tried as a teenager as per said aunt's recommendations. She thought it would suit my then skin type well since she very much trusted the brand with their anti-aging products. I might have accompanied it with the Pureness Balancing Softener Alcohol-Free but perhaps I didn't; I don't have any memories of it in particular, good or bad, and I think I know why after using it for the last month or so.
Shiseido's description:
Give your skin power over shine and imperfections.
Bring new radiance, softness, and balance to blemish-prone skin with this refreshing, alcohol-free softening lotion. Lightly rehydrates, leaving skin smooth and comfortable.
For all skin types.Dermatologist-tested.
Directions
Saturate a cotton pad and smooth over face after cleansing.
Ingredients
WATER(AQUA/EAU), DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, XYLITOL, PPG-13-DECYLTETRADECETH-24, PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLPARABEN, SODIUM CITRATE, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), SODIUM METAPHOSPHATE, CITRIC ACID, DIMORPHOLINOPYRIDAZINONE, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, LINALOOL, LIMONENE, MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE, PAEONIA ALBIFLORA ROOT EXTRACT, SAXIFRAGA SARMENTOSA EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT (ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF EXTRACT), TOCOPHEROL, CALCIUM CHLORIDE, GREEN 3 (CI 42053), HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) LEAF EXTRACT, YELLOW 5 (CI 19140), BENZOIC ACID
Toner 150 ml / 5 fl oz
Shiseido (USA retail): USD $24.50
Macy's & Sephora: USD $24.50
Packaging
Comes in a light blue bottle with a pump dispenser and an accompanying cap. A fresh bottle does come with a sliver of a security seal sticker to indicate if it's been opened or not. I have come to appreciate watery toners that come in pump bottles since it controls how much product I use and reduces the chance of creating a mess because of stray droplets.
Color, Texture, Finish & Scent
The watery liquid is blue-tinged and has a light/clean perfumy scent (that doesn't linger long). It doesn't leave any residue or tackiness.
How I Apply
I use 2 pumps of the toner on a cotton round and wipe my entire face and neck, mostly after my morning cleanse...sometimes also at night (but I usually prefer something with AHA or BHA in the PM).
Thoughts & Recommendations
In my younger years, this kind of softener a.k.a. toner would have been the type of product that made me question whether a toner is a necessary step in the routine. For one, it is pricey! It also doesn't seem like it does much other than wipe remaining dirt, if any, off my face.
While those two thoughts don't just change with age, I have just grown accustomed to the act of using a wipable toner...because I like to see that it does pick up stuff sometimes even after a double cleanse. Price-wise I think there are cheaper options available that does essentially the same thing, has a similar ingredients list (i.e. Thayer's Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free), yet still formulated without fluff things like fragrance and color.
I haven't used the Thayer's toners in a very long time so I can't attest to how it'll actually compare.
I didn't have any issues with it; no rashes, no breakouts, etc. Since I don't typically follow-up with my skincare products right after cleanser, my face does dry up between the cleansing and toner steps. In that regards, the softener did what I wanted—refresh and rehydrate my face while picking up any residual dirt and dust. The hydration effect isn't long-lasting but that is what the rest of my skincare routine is for. I could see it suitable for oily, combination, to normal skin types; those with drier skin would probably want something more nourishing.
If my aunt hadn't gifted me with a bottle of the toner, I would definitely not have dropped almost USD $25 on it for myself. The Shiseido's Pureness Balancing Softener is pleasant to use, just nothing spectacular in my books. Having it be alcohol-free and pH balanced is great but then there are things like fragrance and color in it which seem a little unnecessary. I am not sensitive to them but there are people who are. Unless you are someone very brand loyal to Shiseido, I would skip this toner. Maybe it's time for me to revisit Thayers again?
Whenever there is a new hyped up product in the beauty world that I end up trying, I always hope I will love it the same way everyone else does. I can see why there is so much affection for May Coop's Raw Sauce. The essence came up a tad shy of being on my LOVE IT list.
Sephora's description:
What it is formulated to do
This essence helps effective ingredients penetrate into skin, thanks to its unique maple-tree sap base. The innovative formulation is packed with nourishing botanical complexes, along with ingredients possessing antioxidant properties, which neutralize free radicals and support natural skin cell regeneration. This luxuriously silky liquid has a smooth, non-sticky texture that quickly absorbs into the skin for an instant boost of hydration, resulting in skin that's not only healthier-looking, but better able to obtain the benefits from any product applied afterwards. It’s further enriched with unique, botanical, herbal, and floral complexes to intensely hydrate and promote a radiant complexion.
What else you need to know
Maple tree sap particles are almost the exact same size as our bodily fluids (even smaller than water) and enable the formula to easily absorb deep into the skin. The essence intensively hydrates and delivers critical nourishment to skin, creating a healthy-looking glow from within. It also helps prep skin to better absorb subsequent products, such as serums and moisturizers, so that you get the most out of both your morning and evening skin care routines. This product is cruelty-free.
Directions
After cleansing and toning, apply to face and neck in upward and outward strokes with your fingertips or a cotton pad. Pat remaining product into skin until fully absorbed.
Ingredients
ACER MONO SAP, ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, PEG-8, SEA WATER MARIS AQUA (SEA WATER), BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, WATER, BETULA ALBA BARK/LEAF EXTRACT, CASTANEA SATIVA (CHESTNUT) BARK EXTRACT, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT EXTRACT, PINUS SYLVESTRIS BARK EXTRACT, RIBES NIGRUM (BLACK CURRANT) FRUIT EXTRACT, VACCINIUM VITIS-IDAEA FRUIT EXTRACT, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) FRUIT EXTRACT, TRITICUM VULGARE (WHEAT) FLOUR EXTRACT, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) EXTRACT, ZEA MAYS (CORN) GERM EXTRACT, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) SEED EXTRACT, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN EXTRACT, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, METHYLPARABEN, CARBOMER, ARGININE, PANTHENOL, CREATINE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE, PHENOXYETHANOL, FRUCTAN POWDER, DISODIUM EDTA, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, PARFUM, SODIUM HYALURANATE, CI 15510
Sephora and Peach & Lily (150ml): USD $43
Peach & Lily (40ml): USD $14
Retailers categorize this as a 3-in-1 product: toner, essence, emulsion. I would only call the Raw Sauce an essence at most. Like I mentioned in the previous Kate Somerville toner post, I associate toners as being residual dirt cleaners and pH balancers (whatever that is supposed to mean). Essences in my books are pat-in and leave-on watery-like products that aim to at least hydrate and better prep the skin amongst other skin benefits. Essences can be a type of toner but not all toners are essences. Emulsions, technically speaking, are when two liquid components that don't normally mix well are combined together (i.e. oil + water)—which would categorize most serums, lotions, and creams as emulsions. In the skincare world, where there are a bajillion and one terms for everything, I classify emulsions as a runnier-type light lotion that tends to be milkier in color.
While I prefer to have a separate toner, essences and emulsions are interchangeable product types in my routine in the sense that I don't have to incorporate both steps at any given point unless I feel like being excessive. Whether I have an essence or emulsion on hand largely depends on the time of year or just how I feel when I go skincare shopping. If I want something lighter, essence. If I want something slightly heavier but still not that heavy, emulsion. My other exception is if I choose to forego a cream-type moisturizer, then I will use both an essence and an emulsion.
Most of the info I found on acer maple water (acer mono sap) benefits for the skin usually references to May Coop Raw Sauce. They all say the sap is small in molecular size which evidently penetrates the skin better. Some articles and blogs say the maple sap also has antioxidants and minerals for better hydration.
*I came across a May Coop Raw series leaflet on the interwebs. If anyone is interested, click here. But take it with a grain of salt since it is their marketing material.
Packaging
Everything about the packaging is luxurious. Okay maybe except for the box and the lid, those can use some improvements. But I digress. The frosted glass bottle is wrapped in a canvas pouch straight out of the box. It is very hefty and doesn't feel cheap at all.
It has a traditional screw-on plastic bottle cap. New bottles will come sealed with a plastic stopper. The spout itself also has a stopper with a small hole to help control the amount of product that comes out. Since the essence is quite runny, it flows out easy enough.
I would personally prefer something with a flip-top to shave off the time it takes to open and close the product. But I do understand why May Coop decided on what it currently has; a screw-on top looks a little fancier and users are meant to take their time to appreciate and apply the essence since it is on the pricier side.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The consistency is thicker than water but not extremely viscose. It is surprisingly not sticky for something made with maple water. The essence sinks into my skin quickly and doesn't leave any residue. This could be due to two main factors: 1) May Coop claims maple tree sap is about the size of our bodily fluids so our skin will naturally absorb it more easily. 2) Alcohol is the 2nd listed ingredient.
There is some debate on the alcohol content though. Peach & Lily says the Raw Sauce is made up of 93% maple tree sap which would imply the remaining 7% consists of everything else, therefore making the alcohol negligible. Some people say the Raw Sauce could not possibly have 93% concentration of the maple tree sap ingredient because then it would practically be pure syrup which, in turn, would be way too sticky. Who's to say for sure which is true but from actual use, the alcohol doesn't seem to be doing harm to my skin (as of now). It doesn't dry me out or make me feel more sensitive.
I don't think the essence has a strong scent. I read many reviews and there are people who say the alcohol is very intense. I have to sniff really long and hard to pick it up. It is there, but I think I apply the essence so quickly and the product soaks in long before my nose is even irritated by it.
How I Apply
Typically I will use around 5 drops (quarter sized amount) per layer that I apply. I prefer to pat in at least a blob of product on my face and do a separate round of patting for my neck. Raw Sauce is a great product for layering (i.e. 7 Skin Method) for those who don't find the alcohol too irritating. My skin seems way more hydrated and bouncier after applying even just an additional layer versus only one—it feels almost as if I have applied nothing when I only apply it once. I would not recommend using this with a cotton pad because it seems like a waste of product. Raw Sauce isn't meant to clean up the skin like traditional toners do.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I used this exclusively when I was recovering from the facial allergic reaction and loved how lightweight and fast absorbing (or evaporating) this was. Because of the itching, I needed moisture but without the feeling of having anything on my face, which this delivered. It didn't provide the deepest hydration though—if there are flakes, continuous use will gradually soften it but it won't magically make it seem less apparent after applying, which is what I was hoping for.
I cannot tell if it really does help with the "better absorption of subsequent products." Sure, the Raw Sauce is so lightweight that it doesn't seem like it is creating an extra barrier between my skin and the next step in my skincare routine. However, whether or not my skin takes in the next product better is debatable.
In my opinion, May Coop's Raw Sauce is great for normal, combination, and oily skin types. It just doesn't seem enough for drier & dehydrated skin—people with those skin types would probably have to use way too much product to achieve similar results and most likely wouldn't like the alcohol in it. Considering how much I have to use to get good results and the cost of a bottle, I probably won't buy it again. It was a nice reintroduction to the essence step in the skincare routine for me though. I may look into other pat-in essences with more skin benefits besides just hydration and better absorption and something that is truly formulated without alcohol.
For all that Kate Somerville's Clarifying Treatment Toner is described to be, I wish it was more than just an average item for me.
Toners don't quite mean the same thing it did all those years ago when I first started using it in my skincare routine. Long gone are the alcohol-based astringents that need to be poured onto cotton rounds and swiped across the face. Nowadays, alcohol-free varieties that can be patted into the skin are becoming mainstays in regimes. For the sake of my sanity and distinguishing purposes, I'll refer to the pattable toners as essences.
Maybe because I made that distinction or maybe because I am stuck on old habits, I don't feel like it is an either or situation with the two types of products. I like the extra step of wiping my face after cleansing to really ensure all traces of makeup and dirt are gone. Despite double cleansing, there have been occasions where I miss spots on my face (typically around the outer edges). I also enjoy the lightweight hydration essences provide. Both product types having a place in my routine and I find myself going through them fairly quickly, which is why I would prefer to not spend a lot on either. But there are desperate times when descriptions get the better of me and I plop $20+ on a toner I spend less than a minute using daily.
Sephora's description:
What it is
A results-focused toner that clears and balances oily skin.
What it is formulated to do
This is not your traditional toner! Kate Somerville Clarifying Treatment Toner is indeed a treatment. Its antiseptic power fights bacteria to ward off future breakouts. Effective exfoliating properties remove dead skin that can clog your pores. Lastly, it helps lighten discoloration from acne scarring.
What else you need to know
This skincare essential is fragrance- and alcohol-free.
Directions:
Apply to cleansed skin with a cotton ball. Use twice daily, in the morning and evening.
Ingredients
WATER, METHYL GLUCETH-10, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PHYTIC ACID, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE POWDER, PANTHENOL, NORDIHYDROGUAIARETIC ACID, OLEANOLIC ACID, GLYCERIN, PEG-60 ALMOND GLYCERIDES, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, LACTIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, DISODIUM EDTA, CARBOMER, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, CHLORPHENESIN.
Sephora (150ml): USD $26
How I ended up purchasing the Clarifying Treatment Toner isn't all too surprising after re-reading the product description. It seemed tailored to my persistent skin concerns: prevent future breakouts, remove dead skin, unclogged pores, and lighten discoloration. Plus, Kate Somerville is a highly beloved brand and everyone can't sing enough praises for. My trust was locked, tightly.
I know...this is starting to sound like I ended up hating it or was extremely disappointed, but I wasn't; at least not extremely, just a little. It did its job as a toner fairly well: clean remaining residue. I can count on it to see dirt accumulation and a yellow cotton round after swiping. It didn't break me out any more than before and wasn't drying. I have no way to tell for sure if my pH is balanced or not, but let's just assume it does. The clarifying toner just didn't live up to its other claims. I didn't break out any less after using the toner nor were my dry flakes less apparent. My pores were still clogged and acne scarring discoloration remained. Refreshed from toning, yes; refined and renewed, not so much.
I didn't realize the toner contained lactic acid (AHA) until now. It wasn't a skincare term I paid much attention to before. I would assume that is why they say it has exfoliation and de-clogging abilities. It seems high up on the ingredients list too, perhaps the concentration wasn't high enough for me to see results? Regardless, I would recommend using sunscreen afterwards if using this toner in the mornings.
The toner also has a very prominent witch hazel scent. I'm not a fan of it but it is better than it being masked by a fragrance. Good thing the smell doesn't linger after applying.
The best thing about the product is its packaging, although not $26 worth. The pump bottle is handy to help control the amount of toner I use. I don't have to waste extra time twisting open bottle caps since this one has a very accessible flip-top cover. I am very likely to keep using this bottle for toners in the future.
Even after a period of not using the Clarifying Treatment Toner, I miss the act of swiping my face more than using the specific product. Perhaps I should stick to more affordable options (under $20) for my next toner? I realize now I only want my toners to do one job only and since it doesn't sit on my face for long I don't need it to have too many extra benefits.
Hada Labo Tamagohada AHA+BHA Face Wash
Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Gently exfoliates skin to remove impurities, dirt & oil trapped within pores
✻ Polishes away dullness & refines skin's texture for visibly clear, smooth & radiant skin
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant
*This product is recommended to be used with a sunscreen product.
Places to purchase:Sasa
Imomoko
Adambeauty
Try your local Asian beauty store.
Packaging:
Very standard cleanser package. Nothing much to complain about. It has the same problem that most tube cleansers have, getting all the product out. I'm probably going to have to cut it in have to finish all of it :P
Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day. Squeeze sufficient amount onto your palm. Lather with water and massage onto face, using gentle circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
✻ When I first started to use this cleanser, I only used it at night. Then every once in a while I'd use it both day and night. I always put sunscreen on anyways so I didn't notice any sensitivity...but then again the damage is probably on the microscopic level so I can't see it (yet). I found that using this with a foaming net was the best. It creates a very nice dense foam that makes it easier to massage around my face. When I foam it with my hands the foam is rather flat (but this is the same for most manual/hand foaming cleansers). I didn't know that Hada Labo recommends a specific way to massage my face...if you're interested click HERE (image is a screenshot from the Hada Labo SG website).
Positives:
-Makes my skin feel very soft and smooth
-Doesn't make my skin feel tight or dry...definitely a first!
-Retail price isn't very expensive
-It seems to help control my acne but doesn't stop the acne from forming altogether. Ever since I've used this my cheeks and forehead have had a significantly less amount of acne whereas my nose and chin area still have the occasional breakouts. If I don't pick at it and such...they tend to go away quickly (without using any other acne treating products)
Negatives:
-Hard to get outside of asia..particularly this specific cleanser. I've seen a lot of the Hyaluronic Acid Cleansers (regular and light versions) and sometimes even the self-foaming version of the Tamagohada Cleanser, but this particular one rarely pops up in the beauty stores in NYC
-Prices can be marked up in stores outside of Asia (Close to double)
-I didn't see too much change with my pores...that was a little disappointing.
Repurchase?
Yes! But not right now...Have a lot of cleansers to finish. I'd definitely want to get a backup of this though if I have the chance to.
Recommend?
Yes
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Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash
Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Hydrates as it cleanses. Helps restore and preserve skin's natural moisture, leaving it silky smooth
✻ Gently cleanses leaving skin comfortably hydrated and refreshed
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant
Places to Purchase:
Sasa
imomoko
Adambeauty
Try your local Asian beauty store
Packaging:
It is made out of a rubbery kind of plastic. Very bendable so it's much easier to squeeze the last bits out compared to the Tamagohada tube.
Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day. Squeeze sufficient amount onto your palm. Lather with water and massage onto face. Using gentle circular motion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
✻ I typically use the same amount as shown in the photo, give or take a bit. I foam it with the face nets and massage the foam around before I rinse it off with water.
Positives:
-Cleanses well, but is a gentle cleanser so it got a while for me to get use it.
-Did not dry my skin out or make it tight!
-Isn't expensive
Negatives:
-Although it is a 'hydrating' cleanser, I don't think it stays in long enough for my skin to benefit from those properties...at most it just doesn't make my face dried out after using it.
Repurchase?
Maybe. If I'm in need of a gentler cleanser yes. But I'm still looking for an HG cleanser that'll also help with my acne.
Recommend?
To those who want something not as harsh. But between this and the Tamagohada one, I'd choose the latter.
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Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleansing Oil
Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ For heavy makeup & waterproof mascara
✻ Formulated with high purity Olive Oil to deep clean and gently remove dirt, excessive oil and stubborn makeup instantly
✻ High cleansing ability even for waterproof mascara
✻ Gentle to your delicate eye area and eyelashes
✻ Enhanced with Super Hyaluronic Acid to intensely hydrate and maintain
✻ It is water-soluble, does not leave an unpleasant greasy feeling
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant
Places to Purchase:
Adambeauty
Try your local Asian beauty store
Directions:
✻ (Website) Keep your hands and face dry. Pump sufficient cleansing oil onto your palm and gently massage onto your face and eye area. Wet face to emulsify the cleansing oil. Rinse thoroughly with water.
✻ I use 1 pump when I'm wearing light makeup (powder & blush) and 2 for anything heavier. It is more than enough with 2 pumps to easily massage around my face.
Positives:
-This cleanser lasted the longest before it finally ended up making my face tight & dry after using it. I remember I was so excited in the beginning because it didn't dry me out. Then somewhere along the line I think my skin got used to it...*sigh
-It removes makeup well. I don't know how it fairs against waterproof makeup since I don't wear that.
-Isn't hard to rinse off & doesn't leave an oily film.
-Inexpensive
-Doesn't contain any added color, fragrance, or mineral oil!
Negatives:
-Difficult to get, but more and more online shops carry this now.
-It leaves my eyes a bit cloudy after using it.
Repurchase?
Probably not. There are still many cleansing oils out there that I haven't tried yet. If my skin didn't get used to it, the chances of me repurchasing this would have been a lot higher...However! If I really have tried many cleansing oils and my skin suffers the same fate for all, I'd probably come back to this one just because it doesn't have any excess additives.
Recommend?
Maybe. I think this tight & dry problems I'm having with cleansing products is just my skin...nothing seems to really work. Other than that point, this cleansing oil wasn't too bad. Worth a try if you have the opportunity to try it.
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Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion
Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Instantly hydrates skin and helps preserve its optimum
✻ Replenishes and locks-in moisture for complete hydration. Skin feels significantly soft and supple
✻ Helps improve dry and dehydrated skin, leaving it silky smooth
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant
Places to purchase:
Sasa
Imomoko
Try your local Asian beauty store.
There are also refill packages available! However, I've only seen those available on imomoko.
Packaging:For the type of product and way we're supposed to apply it, the package is great! You can easily pour the product out drop by drop. Have lots of control!
Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day after cleansing face. Apply on palms and gently pat onto skin until thoroughly absorbed.
✻ When I first got it, I didn't know how to read the instructions. I tried to use 1 drop because of the "1 drops locks the ocean" advertisement/marketing. I felt that it wasn't enough for me, so I upped it to about 3-5 drops depending on how I felt. Most of the time I use about 5 drops (especially in the colder months). I'd rub my hands together to spread the product out and then pat my face. A lot of people said it was sticky and I totally agree, but I found that if I spend just a little more time patting the product in the sticky feeling goes away.
Positives:
-One bottle lasted me a LONG time, I don't remember exactly but I think it was well over 6 months.
-It has multiple uses (toner, maybe a lotion for those with very oily skin but don't take my word for it hehe, mask...using the layered cotton pads or the compressed masks)
-Keeps my face very moist and hydrated. My cheeks have the bouncy feeling whenever I use it. I think this, along with the H2O+ products I used last winter, really helped save me during the cold and allergy seasons.
-Isn't too expensive, if you can get it at the retail place. However, I've seen stores in NYC sell this for up to $22 dollars! =.=
-No extra nonsense (alcohol, color, etc.)
Cons:
-Difficult to get outside of Asia. Now that it's become so popular this isn't too much of a problem (at least in the Asian heavy neighborhoods here in NYC) The bigger problem is the ridiculous price increase.
-It isn't difficult for me to find, but for people living in not Asian heavy communities...it'll be more difficult. Online shopping is your best friend! :P
-Leaves hands a bit sticky because you have to pat it onto the skin, nothing a little tissue or hand washing can't fix. But as mentioned before if you pat a little longer it isn't too big of a problem.
Repurchase?
Yes. But right not now since I've recently bought a new toner and have a set of hyaluronic acid serums I can use. Also as weird as this may sound, I've missed using a toner that I can wipe :X
Recommend?
Yes!
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Hada Labo Shirojun Arbutin Whitening Lotion
Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Contains Arbutin to fight dark spots. Smooths & clarifies to optimize skin's radiance & translucency
✻ Vitamin C helps skin recover from accumulated sun damage while reducing the appearance of dark spots to give clearer, fairer skin
✻ Contains Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate intensely, keeping skin soft & supple
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant
Places to purchase:
Imomoko
Try your local Asian beauty store
There are also refill packages available! However, I've only seen those available on imomoko.
Packaging:
Again, the package is great! There is so much control and you can get it drop by drop. I was a bit OCD and always counted how many drops I used :X
Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day after cleansing face. Apply on palms and gently pat onto skin until thoroughly absorbed.
✻ I tried this after using the Hyaluronic Acid version for a while so I knew better & how much to use, ~5 drops. The texture and feel are very similar to the Hyaluronic Acid Toner. The only differences are 1) this whitening toner felt a bit liquidy in consistency 2) it was not as sticky as the Hyaluronic Acid Toner. But if I don't pat enough, it'll still leave a stickiness on my hands. So if anyone gets this...make sure you pat pat pat!!
Positives:
-Hydrates my skin well. But definitely not as much as the Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion does.
-I've only used this together with the Milky Lotion so I can't say how it will fair when used alone. But the set does make my skin look and bit brighter than usual. It helps a with my acne scarring, but not all.
-This could probably be used for a mask as well (I haven't tried it though).
-No unnecessary ingredients add!
-Lasts a long time
Negatives:
-Is not hydrating enough for the winter time. Especially when I rub my nose a lot and it's all cracked...
Repurchase?
No. It was great while it lasted. But nothing really special makes me want to buy it again.
Recommend?
Maybe. Try to look for the mini set! I've seen those around youtube and blogger a few times. Good way to try it without the big commitment of the full bottle :P
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Hada Labo Shirojun Arbutin Whitening Milky Lotion
Product Description/Claims (from Hada Labo SG's website):
✻ Contains Arbutin to fight dark spots & re-balance skin tone for visibly fair & radiant skin
✻ Enhanced with Vitamin C for a more uniform skin tone & reawakens the appearance of dull skin caused by UV rays
✻ Preserves skin's natural moisture. Smoothes & clarifies to optimize skin's translucency
✻ Skin pH balanced. Low irritation
✻ Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant
Places to purchase:
Imomoko
Try your local Asian beauty store
There are also refill packages available! However, I've only seen those available on imomoko.
Packaging:
The bottle is the similar to the toner, but this one is a bit shorter and contains a little less product. I didn't particularly like or hate it. It's just ok. The product flows out of the bottle pretty well since the lotion is pretty liquidy. However, sometimes it creates this weird crust at the top of the cap when the product dries there. Bugged me a lot :X But that could just be me hehe When I got to the very last bit, it became difficult to get the product out, especially with the cap on. I have to stand with the bottle upside-down for quite a while before the product drip out.
Directions:
✻ (Website) Use twice a day after applying Whitening Lotion. Apply on palms and gently pat onto skin until thoroughly absorbed.
✻ I applied this in a similar way to how I applied the toners. It is harder to control how much of this lotion comes out of the bottle because the opening is much bigger and the consistency of this is a bit runnier. I just eyeball a quarter-size amount onto my hand, rub my hands together, and pat it onto my face until my skin absorbs it all.
Positives:
-Very light. Didn't break me out or clog my pores.
-Similar to the lotion. My skin felt brighter when I used it but nothing dramatic. My acne scarring did seem to go down.
-This was enough moisture for my skin in the summer.
Negatives:
-The size is a little smaller than the lotion which I felt was strange.
-Difficult to get all the product out when you get towards the last few uses.
-Once the cooler winter came and my nose became cracked and dry from rubbing it too much, this just wasn't enough.
The whitening line just didn't wow me.
Repurchase?
Nope.
Recommend?
Maybe. Again, try to look for the mini set! This would probably be better for those who don't live in dry places or when the weather isn't as dry.
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Now with all that said, I love Hada Labo as a brand. Especially because they don't add the bad stuff in. Always good to steer away from those as much as we can. Also, there are some pretty good products...granted I have tried all of them (but will, hence "partially fulfilled craze").
Disclaimer: I am not associated with the brand or any of the websites that I've shared. These are just how the products worked for me and my opinions. If you tried it any the product had bad effects on you, I'm sorry! But everyone's skin is different...to each their own! >__<;;
