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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