Tonly Moly

Absolutely adorable packaging!
-Face Mist
-Perfume bar
-Gloss bar
-Sheet masks

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HadaLabo Gokujyun Face Wash

Posted by: Jennifer
This is another product from HadaLabo Gokujuin's simple collection. It is stated to retain your skin's moisture while cleansing, suitable for all skin types. This is an alcohol-free item with no dyes, fragrant and oil. This item also contains hyaluronic acid (you can read about that in Emily's previous post).

Origin: Japan
Product: 100g / 3.5oz

Review:

I purchased this product because of my amazing experience with its best selling hyaluronic lotion from the same collection. Like the HadaLabo Gokujyun liquid lotion, this face wash also has no strong fragrance and does not irritate the skin at all. What I like about HadaLabo Gokujyun's range of products, is the fact that even though it is simple, it does its job. This gentle wash foamed easily with a dime sized amount and left my skin feeling clean afterwards without drying it. I did not experience any tightening to the skin after washing. Overall, this is a wonderful face wash for all types of skin, especially for my acne prone dry/combination skin.

Overall Rating:

4.5/5

Purchase/Price:

Sasa.com $8.50

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Calpis カルピス

Posted by: Jennifer

Calpis is a popular Japanese brand known for its uncarbonated sweet and tangy soft drink. Comes in various flavors such as: Strawberry, Mango, Lychee, and more. They also come in many different styles of packaging as well. Calpis also produce other kinds of foods and beverages such as the marshmallow balls in the picture above.

Origin: Japan

Review/Taste:

Bottled drink - The taste is pretty refreshing and reminds me of those small bottled yogurt drinks that I used to drink when I was a child. But after drinking 5 of those small yogurt drinks (Yalkult or 야쿠르트), have you ever started to taste something behind your throat? Well this is drink does not leave that "feeling" behind nor is it too sweet. It is slightly milky and watery in texture and perfect for the hot weather.

Food: Marshmallow balls, stuffed with other flavorings are also a popular food among Asians. This one in particular tastes exactly like the drink. The marshmallow has the light milky soft drink taste, but as the center filling touches your taste buds, you will taste the tanginess just like the drink itself. Overall, the snack is not too sweet and if you love the original drink, you should also give this a try. But this snack does not make me addicted to the point in which I want to buy a lot more. Maybe occasionally, I would buy this.

Purchase/Price: 

Beverage: $1.99 (regular sized)
Food: $2.79/pk
Item can be found in many Asian supermarkets that sell a variety of snacks.

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Lush Ocean Salt Scrub

Posted by: Emily

Review:

I've been using this product for a several years now, and I have nothing but good things to say about it. Lush is a "fresh handmade cosmetic" brand, which has been growing steadily in popularity. They have shops all over the world. All of their products are made of fresh ingredients, and among them my favorite is the bestselling Ocean Sea Salt Scrub.

Features
-Suitable for all skin types: Ocean Salt is beneficial for combination to dull and oily skin, and works well to occasionally exfoliate dry skin.
-Our most exfoliating cleanser: Ocean Salt contains a combination of coarse and fine sea salt.
-For an invigorating scrub: Salt and citrus oils can cause irritation for sensitive skin types. If you’re quite sensitive, we suggest using a gentler product.
Lush

It helps in softening, brightening, and cleaning your face, and it definitely does all of those. It's a face and body scrub so you could use it wherever you need. I like to use this once a week to clean and remove any dead skin on my face. However, because there is sea salt in it, it could feel a bit rough on sensitive skin. I love the results because it makes my skin feel soft, clean, and glowy.

I usually buy the smaller container because Lush products tend to expire within the next year or so. I never get to finish the big container before it expires. With other products on hand, sometimes I forget about it, and it just goes to waste. However, the bigger one is definitely a better deal if you can finish it.

Overall Rating:

4.5/5 – I love it!

Purchase:

Can be purchased in all Lush shops or online. 

$21.95 - 4.2oz

$35.95 - 8.8oz

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TheFaceShop: Lovely Me:ex Magic Pink Powder Mask

Posted by: Jennifer
This wash-off mask is one out of the other three in the collection (Magic Pink Powder Mask, Grapefruit Moisture Mask and Pore Ghassoul Mask) aimed towards different skin concerns. The one I purchased is for troubled skin consisting of two main ingredients: "calamine and salicylic acid". According to the instructions, you apply it once or twice a week after toner, wait 10-15 minutes and then rinse off.
(You can read Emily's review of the Grapefruit Moisture Mask Here)

Origin: Korea
Product: 65g / 2.2oz.

Review:

So I am finally getting around to reviewing this product - comes in a cute baby blue container with pink product that has a jelly-like consistency. It goes on your skin quite sheer and light and does not harden when dried. This mask is easy to apply and goes on smoothly as well, but no dramatic results! My skin does feel smoother, cleaner, and calmer afterwards though (no whitening effect). I would say this mask is not that bad of a product, but it is not fantastic enough to keep repurchasing. Like Emily said, there are a lot better products to choose from on the market. The mask also has a pretty strong scent that is not too overwhelming.

Overall Rating:

3/5 - Average

Purchase/Price:

Can be found at TheFaceShop stores.

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Miyake Petit Pudding

Posted by: Jennifer
Like any other typical flan, this Japanese style flan contains the main ingredients: sugar, milk, yolk, and topped with caramel coloring/sugar.  

Origin: Japan

Review/Taste:

I was introduced to these by my cousins when I was in elementary school and... it is the best flan I have tasted (as opposed to the Spanish style flans). The Japanese makes these flans so smooth and custardy and the taste... is just very different... It is quite hard to explain, but it is not too sweet of a snack. Although these are made as bite-sized snacks that you can bring on the go, I can literally finish this whole package in a day and so, I deeply wish they can make bigger sized products. The packaging of this is different than the one that existed years ago which came with disposable spoons. Sadly, this version does not come with spoons and it is less convenient to bring your own. (I guess it is meant for you to slurp out of the cup?) The one that I had purchased years ago, also came with 12 pieces of flan but slightly smaller. Although I am unsure, but they probably still have that same packaging, but the supermarkets or distributors stopped ordering it. Overall, I love this delicious snack and if you love any type of flan, then you should give this a try as well!

Purchase/Price:

At a Japanese specialty market - $2.59/pk (6 pieces)

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My Scheming Milk Extract Brightening Mask

Posted by: Jennifer
My Scheming creates various kinds of masks, but I have only tried this product in particular. The packaging states:

Milk possesses abundant butter fat, protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin E and minerals. It can enhance skin's moisture, tend to absorb by skin, prevent skin from dryness, and smoothen wrinkles and lines. The mask is to refine skin, enhance sheen, revive elasticity. It will give your skin softness, lightness, mildness, and fineness.

Origin: Taiwan
Product: 30mL/pack

Review:

This is by far, one of my most favorite masks. I am already on my second box and will continue to purchase this product. Not only does this mask whiten my skin, it also hydrates and brightens after one usage, but of course, not permanently. Although I have been using this product for quite some time, there is not a huge difference in fading my acne scars/marks (hopefully, it contributes to slowly diminishing the appearance of my acne marks along with the other products that I use). Another great factor about this mask, is the amount of product leftover in one package (slightly bigger than a quarter-sized amount) which is great to massage into your skin afterwards or applying it onto your neckline. I did not feel any dramatic tightening sensation and it also did not irritate my skin. Thus, this mask is perfect for dry/sensitive skin. This mask is very thin, soft, and light:

Overall Rating:

4.8/5 - Would definitely purchase again.

Purchase/Price:

I purchased from Sasa.com, but if you trust the other sellers I listed, you can also purchase from them. I hold no responsibility on the qualities/services you receive. Also note that shipping is not included in the prices stated.

1 box - 10 masks
Sasa.com $13.10
everydaybeautyusa.com $12.00
Ebay.com $9.99

1 mask
loveshoppingholics.com $1.90

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Nail Art:

Posted by: Jennifer

A great and quick way to spice up your nails - paint one color and add some stickers!

For this design, I decided to pair up a neutral turquoise color from Essie, "Turquoise & Caicos," with a touch of white and pink flower stickers to give it nice finish. The combination of both colors are perfect for spring/summer time. And as usual, add a base and top coat to protect your nails and the color/stickers from wearing off. The picture is pretty straight forward and no instructions are necessary to create this look.

Here is a close up picture of the stickers I used:

Products:

Nail Polish - Essie (Turquoise & Caicos)
Nail Stickers - Flowers/Bunny (I bought this from an Asian beauty store a year ago, but you can probably find something similar to the flower designs from sellers on Ebay.com)

Here are some sellers I found with free shipping and floral nail stickers (please note: I have never ordered from these sellers before, so I am unsure of their qualities and services. I am just listing the products relevant to the one I used for this post only.)

Suggestion 1
Suggestion 2
Suggestion 3

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AQUAMOIST Hyaluronic Acid Collagen Moisture Toner

Posted by: Jennifer

If you don't know what Hyaluronic Acid is, you can read about it on Emily's review of HadaLabo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. JuJu Cosmetics is another widely popular Japanese beauty brand and created a similar product to that of the HadaLabo Gokujyun Lotion. This liquid toner contains micro-collagen to penetrate into the skin while hydrating. It is suitable for all skin types, especially dry skin.

Origin: Japan
Product: 180mL

Review:

I love this product as much as the HadaLabo Gokujyun Lotion! I use this product before I sleep to keep my daily routine of incorporating collagen to my skin to prevent signs of pre-aging. It really moisturizes and makes my skin look glowy the next day! The consistency is lightweight, easy application, and with no fragrance and oil. Since I break out easily from extremely moisturizing products (especially cream lotions), I feel these types of Japanese liquid lotions/toners are most suitable for acne prone skin. Thus, this product is perfect and really smooths and makes your skin radiant. Please note, this product did not whiten my skin and reduce my acne scars.

Overall Rating:

5/5 Would purchase again!

Purchase/Price:

Sasa.com: $13.50
Amazon.com: $19.69
Yesstyle: $22.00

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Glico Caplico

Posted by: Jennifer
Glico created this "ice-cream" like snack in various flavors, but I could only get my hands on vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. They come in various sizes, both small (about 4 1/2" length) and big (5-6" length).

Review/Taste:

I suggest everyone to try Caplico because it is just that delicious! (okay, maybe im slightly exagerating a little...) With an outer layer made of cracker and an inside filled with mousse-like textured dried ice cream, it will definitely make you addicted. It's like eating an ice cream that never melts! I would say its sweet at a moderate level and the filling is smooth, but won't instantly melt in your mouth like how "astronaut ice cream" would. I believe the air bubbles in the filling is what makes it light and airy. You would think all of the cones are filled completely with the same flavor, but their not - except for the chocolate. Strawberry and Vanilla stops midway and the rest is chocolate. I am not saying chocolate is not delicious, but I would of loved to continuing consuming the rest of the cone with the same flavor. But besides that fact, if you want to try something new and quite different, you should give this a go!

Enlarge to see the filling in more details.

Purchase/Price:

Caplico Box - $4.49
Caplico Stick - $1.89
Can be found at Asian supermarket.

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Meishoku Organic Rose Moisture Lotion

 

Posted by: Emily

“This super new series Japan skincare enriched with organic high quality of Damask rose water for sebum control, hamamelis extracts for pore refining, skin nourishment and coix extracts.With romantic damask rose fragrance.”

Review:

I picked this up from the shelf because of it’s cute pink packaging. I never heard of this brand before but I tried it on my hand in the store. It was pretty moisturizing so I decided to give it a try, despite that I still have a lot of unopened facial lotions at home. Ultimately I just couldn’t get over the cute girly packaging. I tried really hard to like this product. 

I like the pleasing light rose smell the most other than that it was an average product.There are definitely better lotions out there with greater moisturizing effects. I rotate between using this and the HadaLabo Hyaluronic acid at night, but I find myself reaching for the HadaLabo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion a lot more. Sometimes I don’t have to apply any other moisturizer after the HadaLabo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion but for the Rose facial lotion, I always had to. It’s not as moisturizing as I would like it to be. Also it leaves my skin feeling a bit sticky. It’ll probably be more suitable for the summer. I hope I can finish this bottle. 

Overall Rating:

3/5 - Average, would not purchase again.

Purchase/Price:

$13.95 - Ebay
$13.99 - webichi.com 

(I purchased this around the same price in a store.)

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LoveMore Gold Magic White Power Lifting Mask

Posted by: Jennifer

This "3D" mask extends 5cm towards your neck and hooks behind your ears unlike the usual facial masks. It contains an additional 50% Q10 moisturizer (Q10 is known to be effective as an anti-aging and anti-wrinkling treatment). This mask also claims to whiten and firm your skin, thus brightening your complexion and is suitable for all skin types. Some of its main ingredients are stated as "gold ion, wheat stem cells, royal jelly and bird's nest extraction," all which will regenerate the skin's beauty.

Origin: Taiwan
Product: 35mL/pack

Review:

The mask does brighten and whiten dull skin temporary. It relieves my skin from any redness and stress, giving a healthy glow. It also calms pimples and smoothens skin but does not remove acne scars/marks. In addition, it hydrates and moisturizes without leaving your skin too oily or dry. You can actually notice the difference of your skin afterwards. Also love the fact that the mask also treats your neckline. The lifting effects are not so much visible. There are no tingling sensation nor irritations experienced after removing the mask and leaving the essence on the skin. The mask only comes with just enough essence and not much extras to store or use afterwards. The material of the cloth used is thicker than other masks and quilted as well.

Overall Rating:

4.5/5 - Would purchase again.

Purchase/Price:

Purchased from Sasa.com for $11.00 (1 box, 5 masks), but apparently, they either do not sell this mask anymore or out of stock. 

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Mochi Ice Cream Creme Glacee De Mochi

Posted by: Jennifer
Another Asian favorite... MOCHI ICE CREAM! (Especially green tea flavored) Mochi is a Japanese rice cake that consists of an outer layer made of rice flour and wraps around various fillings like ice cream, red bean paste, etc. It is known to be a Japanese celebratory food that can also be eaten anytime of the year. Mochi is famous throughout other Asian and foreign countries as well. This brand in particular is a product of USA distributed by "Mt. Fuji" under Alice Corporation. It comes in five different flavors: Strawberry, Green Tea, Vanilla, Red Bean, and Mango. I purchased and will be reviewing four different assorted flavors (Strawberry, Green Tea, Vanilla and Red Bean).

Origin: USA

Review/Taste:

The skin of this mochi was neither too thick nor too thin and the ice cream was creamy and tasted exactly as it's flavored. This was actually larger in size than another popular mochi brand (Mikayawa). Personally, I love both brands, but I feel Mikayawa may have a stronger taste (green tea mochi in particular). Although I am unsure rather the "artificial flavor added" statement printed on the Mikayawa box is the reason for the stronger flavoring, but there was no such statement printed on the Mt. Fuji box. Now back to Mt. Fuji, the good part of this product was the packaging. The mochi comes individually plastic wrapped which is convenient to eat without using your hands or placing it on a plate. The downside was that the ice cream melted quite fast. The strawberry had few pieces/specs of tiny strawberry in the ice cream and as for the red bean; there were pieces of red bean.

Overall Review:

Delicious and convenient packaging, although it did not WOW me, but I still love it and would purchase again.

Purchase/Price:

$4.99/pk (8 pieces - 4 flavors, 2 each)
Can be found in any Asian supermarket.

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TheFaceShop: Lovely Me: Ex Waterful Grapefruit Mask

Posted by: Emily

Review:

Who could resist such cute packaging? It’s conveniently packaged, adorable, and smells great. When Jennifer and I saw it at a new Face Shop location, we were sold. I purchased the pink one which has moisturizing properties for dry skin, meanwhile she bought the blue one that calms troubled skin. (She should be reviewing it soon.)  Anyway, outside of the cute packaging we didn’t really expect much from this product. To be honest I have yet come across a product from The Face Shop that I was impressed with. However, I’m really interested in their Chia Seed line that was launched recently.

According to the directions, you could either wash this mask off after about 10 minutes or leave it on overnight. I usually leave it on overnight because I feel like that would be more beneficial. The mask is clear, smooth, and easy to apply.  The scent is not too heavy and really does smell like grapefruit. It does moisturize my skin and leaves it softer the next morning. I bought this for the winter when my skin was really dry and needed some hydration. The results aren’t wowing and I would say any other mask I use makes my skin feel the same way. 

Overall, it’s not a product I would repurchase. I don’t use it often because I have better masks to choose from. 

Overall Rating:

3/5 – Average product 

Purchase:

I purchased this for about $14 at The Face Shop. You could probably find it on Ebay for a similar price.

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TheFaceShop White Tree Snow Exfoliating Foam Cleanser

 (화이트트리 스노우 엑스폴리에이팅 폼 클렌저)

A gentle scrubbing cleanser infused with white fine beads to remove any dirt or dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, leaving it smooth and refined. Suitable for all skin types.

Origin: Korea
Product: 140mL / 4.72 fl. oz.

Before Foaming

After Foaming

Review:

Although this product looks like it will guarantee whitening, I did not see any dramatic whitening effects. The cleanser only slightly foams, but not into huge bubbles and it is not a creamy type of cleanser. I purposely bought an exfoliating cleanser to remove dead skin cells and the appearance of acne scars. As a result, this does make my skin look smoother without having to dry my skin or break me out. I have used this product for a few months already, but there is no drastic changes in my skin (in whitening or fading acne marks). The scent is soft and smooth on a low note with a velvety texture.

Overall Rating:

3/5 - Just a regular scrubbing cleanser, nothing spectacular.

Purchase/ Price:

TheFaceShop Stores.

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Lion Ramune Soda Kids Candy with Xylitol

Posted by: Emily 

Package of Japanese hard candy with 6 flavors: Grape, Apple, Lemon, Orange, Cola, Ramune

“The original ramune flavor is lemon-lime. The word "ramune" is derived phonetically from the English "lemonade" - Credit: Wikipedia

I’m usually not much of a hard candy eater but the packaging was so cute so I couldn’t resist. I haven’t ate soda candy in a looongg time too. The shape of the candy is exactly the same as the cartoon on the bag. As like any other soda candy, when you put it in your mouth it fizzes as though you’re sipping on soda. I was so wowed by that as a kid.

The great thing about this candy is that it contains xylitol.

“Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits and vegetables. It is extracted from birch wood to make medicine.
Xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in "sugar-free" chewing gums, mints, and other candies. However, sorbitol is the most commonly used sweetener in sugarless gums because it is less expensive than xylitol and easier to make into commercial products.
Xylitol is added to some chewing gums and other oral care products to prevent tooth decay and dry mouth.” - Credit: Webmd

So its not a candy you would feel guilty giving to kids.

I won't be buying another pack of these for myself though. The flavors were true to taste, but none were particularly memorable.My favorite flavor was grape.

Purchase/Price:

$2.69 at a local Asian market. 

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