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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The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Light Oil

(미감수 브라이트 클렌징 라이트 오일)

Posted by: Jennifer

A gentle makeup remover made from organic rice and rice water suitable for all skin types.

Origin: Korea
Product: 150mL / 5.07 fl. oz.

Enlarge to see how oily/shiny the product makes your skin.

Review:

Although the product says it is suitable for all skin types, it definitely is not. Since I only use eye make up, I purchased this product solely for eye makeup removal. However, it only dried both the skin around my eyes and on my eyelid. After purchasing, I discovered on the site that it's a makeup remover most suitable for oily skin. Although my skin was not really dry to begin with, this remover was very strong and ended up making my skin patchy. In addition, this product lightly burned and irritated my eyes. I only used a drop of it too! Maybe I was not suppose to use this as a eye-makeup remover?

I actually purchased this because of a similar product under the same collection that was actually really good (Rice Water Bright Lip & Eye Remover / 미감수 브라이트 립 앤 아이 리무버). I didn't think there would be a vast difference between the two.

The texture of the product was very oily but smooth. The fragrance was light and fresh.

Overall I'm very disappointed with this product.

Overall Rating:

1/5 - The one star is for doing its job for makeup removal. Would not purchase again.

Purchase/Price:

About $15.00

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HadaLabo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion

Posted by: Emily 

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

There are waves of Asian skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid. We know it’s good for us, because otherwise why would companies heavily promote this ingredient? Below is what I gathered through some brief research: 

“Hyaluronic acid is a complex sugar, known as a glycosaminoglycan, and is found throughout the body. It is particularly prevalent in connective tissue, the synovial fluid around joints, the eyes, the heart, the intervertebral spinal disks and the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid is also a major component of skin, where it is involved in tissue repair. Topically applied, hyaluronic acid forms an air permeable layer and penetrates into the dermis, thus boosting the elasticity and hydration of the skin.  The protective barrier on the skin locks in moisture, which gives the skin a youthful appearance. As we age, skin moisture can drop significantly, which creates aging like effects on skin appearance as it loses its elasticity.” 

Credit: Organic Beauty and Skin

Review:

Anyone familiar with Japanese skincare would tell you this is one of the best selling beauty products in Japan, and it’s true. According to their website, one bottle is sold every two seconds, so that makes them easily the number one face lotion there. I can see why it’s so popular because it really is an amazing product. I use this every night after I shower and it makes my skin feel instantly hydrated. It’s a fragrance free, water-like substance that can be easily applied and absorbed onto skin. After using this product it makes my face feel smooth and moisturized. It does not feel sticky at all, because it absorbs quickly. This product is great for any skin type as it is fragrance, alcohol, and oil free.  I really can’t think of any cons for this product because that’s how much I love it! 

If you wish to find more information or have questions, below is a very informative source:

http://hadalabousa.com/faq/

Overall Rating:

5/5 Would definitely repurchase

Purchase/Price:

Amazon: $18.36

Sasa.com: $18.80

Drugstore.com: $19.99

(I purchased this at an Asian supermarket for about $22.)

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Senjaku Star Milk Candy 星のミルク

Posted by: Jennifer
Senjaku Candy Land has created these adorable star shaped candies in five different flavors: Strawberry, Peach, Banana, Melon, and Grape.

Origin: Japan

Review/Taste:

One of my favorite kinds of Asian candies include anything with milk. These five fruity flavors are neither way too sweet nor do they make you feel thirsty afterwards. They are hard candies that give off a smooth milky texture.

   Melon Milk - Hint of honeydew flavor with condensed milk.
   Banana Milk - Tastes like the "Laffy Taffy" banana flavor.
   Peach Milk - Tastes like a milky version of the "Japanese Flower Kiss Candies".
   Strawberry Milk - Hint of strawberry with condensed milk.
   Grape Milk - The milk makes the grape taste subtle and smooth.

Both the Strawberry and Melon reminds me of powdered bubble tea flavors (except without the specs of powder and bubbles of course). One of the ingredients used is "sweetened condensed milk" - which is a key ingredient (and my favorite) in many Asian desserts and drinks. For those who love milk candy like I do, should try this candy out! Within these five flavors, my favorite, from most to least is: Melon, Peach, Strawberry, Banana, and Grape. I would definitely purchase more!

Purchase/Price:

$3.19/pk
Can be found in Asian supermarket.

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Kracie Ichikami Premium Hair Treatment

Posted by: Emily  

"This hair treatment with pure oriental herbal extract instantly absorbs into damaged hair. Contains black rice extract and soy bean/black bean extract to repair and protect hair. The specially formulated traditional and natural hair care ingredients with black grain and soy extract works into core of hair well. Leave hair silky and shiny. The black soy bean essence is extracted from the premium quality black soy bean from Tanba, Japan. Relaxing wild cherry blossom aroma."

Credit: Amazon

Review:

This is the second Ichikami hair treatment I purchased, and probably not the last unless I find a better product. Although hair treatments are usually suggested to be used once to twice a week, I use it every time I wash my hair, which is every other day. I dye my hair every three months or so. Through perming, straightening, and permanent dying, my hair has been greatly damaged by heat and chemicals. Every time I dye my hair I say it would be the last, but I grow bored of the color, or the roots are showing and I head to the salon again. Recently I dyed my hair back to a dark brown-red color in hopes to prevent myself from dying it again. Needless to say, I don't have healthy hair… at all.

I always use hair treatment because it keeps my hair soft and nourished for a longer time, as compared to just using shampoo and conditioner. When using this product I skip conditioner and massage a generous amount of treatment on my hair, focusing on the ends. Ichikami hair treatment has a very strong floral scent, and could be a bit overwhelming. However, it makes my hair smell sweet and floral afterwards so I like it nonetheless.

While I was on vacation in the Caribbean islands my hair was dry, tangled, and knotty. The sea breeze and the sea salt that was drying and tangling my hair gave it nice beach waves but left it impossible to comb through. I washed my hair with the treatment and I was able to easily take out all the knots. My hair was shiny, smooth, and soft afterwards!

Overall Rating:

4.5/5 Recommended

Purchase/Price:

Amazon $21.88

(I purchased this for about $13 at an Asian supermarket, so definitely look around and see if there are cheaper options.)

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Sana Hadanomy Collagen Wash (Foam)

Posted by: Jennifer

Quick Description:

As we are all familiar with, because of time and gravity, our skin will gradually lose its elasticity and firmness. What better way is there to stop the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin, then to start avoiding it at an early stage of life? Well, of course there's Botox... but that's a completely different solution. Sana has a collection of collagen enriched products to prevent from signs of aging. This Hadanomy Collagen Wash consists 1000mg of Collagen to penetrate into your skin while improving its strength and elasticity. This product also contains "Hyaluronic Acid Na, Honey and Acerola extract," suitable for all skin types.

Information about the ingredients listed below are from Sasa.com

• 【Hyaluronic Acid Na】: Great moisture surge
• 【Honey extract】: Hydrate and soften your skin
• 【Acerola extract.】: rich in Vitamin C, whitens and moisturizes your skin

Origin: Japan
Product: 180 mL

Review:

This product is perfect for the morning because of it's light and airy texture. It also has a really refreshing scent is that is not too heavy. In addition, the foam is perfect for delicate skin and a little goes a long way. My skin looks slightly brighter and feels much cleaner afterwards without drying it out. I do not feel any tightening or firming, but if there's collagen, then my skin MUST be firmer... right? As long as my subconscious thinks so, then it works! Another great factor is that it leaves your skin feeling smoother. For those with combination skin or acne prone skin, should give this gentle cleanser a try!

Overall Rating:

4/5 - Would purchase again.

Purchase/Price:

$11.00 at Sasa.com (low price).
I actually bought it at a store for around $13.00 - $14.00.

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