this one is pretty famous.. if you searched for beauty items to buy from japan, then you will always find this exfoliator listed in most lists. i asked my hubby to buy this when he went to japan himself, and i was planning to buy one more when we went to japan together, but i forgot to buy it.. so i have to satisfy myself with the only bottle that i had.

this is the description from toyojapan.net:
natural aqua gel cure is a remarkable skin care product. cure is a fragrance-free, color free and preservative free product made from activated hydrogen water that prevents oxidation. general chemical peeling use strong acids to dissolve protein. cure, on the other hand, gently catches waste dead skin on surface of skin and remove it. it helps skin metabolism function better. you will be surprised that your skin more smooth. beneficial effects of gel should last approximately 3 to 4 months if used properly once or twice a week. no need to rub or scrub your skin too hard. cure should be the best one you ever wanted. enjoy your new skin.
mechanism: cure only reacts to proteins and removes them. never dissolve or scrub them.
ingredients:
- water 90,77%: activated hydrogen water from purified water is used.
- glycerin 5% : widely used moisturizing ingredient that contains high hygroscopic nature and has been used for long time.
- crosspolymer (acrylares/c -10-30 alkyl acrylate): the same liquid as used by ophthalmologists for eye surgery. we use it for thickener.
- dicocodimonium chloride, steartrimonium bromide: it is to respond to old deadskin. commonly used for conditioner.
- aloe barbadensis leaf extract <1% : an expected ingredient that moisturizes and protects rough and dry skin.
- ginkgo biloba extract <1%: extract from ginkgo, expected to moisturize, to prevent skin mottle and freckles.
- rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract <1%: it has anti-inflammation and antibacterial effects and is expected to solve skin problems solutions.
- butylene glycol <1%: color-free and scent-free moisturizing liquid.
- isopropyl alcohol <0,33%: and ingredient contained in fruits, vegetables, and alcoholic drinks. we use it to blend stearyltrimonium bromide.
directions for use: wash face thoroughly with soap and water. dry face well. pump the bottle 3 to 5 times until you have an appropriate amount of gel on your finger. apply the gel to skin on your face, neck, or other areas that are dry and rough. applying the gel to only part of face is also effective. gently massage when the gel becomes white. rinse well after you see results. use lotion or skin cream that you normally use. for best results, apply twice a week.

the packaging: it comes in a white transparent plastic bottle with a pump with a stopper to prevent accidental pumping. it was sealed when i first bought it, but it doesn't have any other seal other than the outside seal. no english text at all even though there's a long japanese text at the back of the bottle.

the scent: all three items from japan are all fragrance free, but this one doesn't have funny smell like the peeling lotion or the cleansing water. this one is really neutral.

the product: it's a white gel. once you scrubbed it on your face, after a while it will slough off the dead skin on your face. many of you will curious if it's really dead skin cells on your face after you massage the gel to your face. well, i've read in some blogs about the other exfoliator gel that one way to test if it's real is by massaging it to a plate or kitchen top. it doesn't have dead skin cells, so it shouldn't ball up when you massage it. and i've tested it on my sink which made from ceramide, just like my plates, and it doesn't ball up, so i guess the white remnants on my face is really dead skin cells.

the result: i have to agree that it leaves my skin smooth, just like when i tried the innisfree wine peeling softner or my previous skinfood strawberry scrub. and since i used peeling toner and BHA in my routine, i use this once a week to prevent over exfoliating. and when i use this peeling gel i skip the toner and the BHA afterwards. and so far i don't experience over exfoliating with this one, unlike when i used my scrub.

so, i think this one works well, just as promised. and i have to say it worths the money. the only downside from this gel is that i have to buy it online, and the price is more expensive than in japan. and this one has pretty narrow shelf life. once you open the bottle, you have to use it up in 6 months. other than that, i suggest you try this one. this one will suit most skin types, and pretty gentle too for sensitive skin. as for me, i already asked my friend who will go to japan next time to buy me another bottle.

the bottle

the pump

left: product on my hand right: dead skin sloughs off my hand

i was listing all my skincare into their categories and i realized i don't have any exfoliating toner or acid toner. i was thinking about getting the cosrx aha/bha clarifying toner since the mizon one is difficult to get, but i was hesitant. and then i found out about this hada labo mild peeling lotion. and i was curious since i couldn't find it while in japan. apparently not all hada labo products are the same in every country. so, i browsed again and i found out that this particular peeling lotion is available in singapore and malaysia only apparently. so i asked my sister to look for it and buy it for me. i've read so many reviews about this peeling lotion, and most of them like it, so i'm excited to prove it. will it be the same for me?

this is the description from their singapore website: added with gluconic acid to gently soften skin leaving skin feeling fresh, smooth and soft. helps to tighten pores, preven clogged pores and breakouts. mild exfoliation to polish away dullness and helps brighten and even out skin tone. helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and improves skin elasticity and firmness. effectively hydrates and moisturizes skin providing a natural radiant and beautiful matte skin. pH balanced. low irritation. free of fragrance, mineral oil, alcohol and colorant.

the packaging: it comes in a big white plastic bottle with a flip top. unfortunately, beside the outer seal, there's no seal at the opening, unlike korean products. there's a label with english text and instruction at the back of the bottle.

the scent: okay. this is another weird thing for me. the other japanese product that i've used is the bifesta cleansing water, and it's scentless but i think it doesn't smell nice. and this one too. it's supposed to be scentless too, but i think it smells a little bit like rotten egg. but very subtle, not annoying. once the product is starting to dry on your face, you can barely smell the scent.

the product: it's transparent, just like water in consistency. easy to spread and absorbed. but i think it leaves slightly sticky feeling afterwards. now the instruction tells to use it with cotton pad, and i do. but some people just don't want to waste the product on a cotton pad, so they just use their hand to pat it on their face. well i guess it's up to you, but i think the cotton pad will help with the exfoliating process.

the result: okay, now i don't have troubled skin to start with. i've been using BHA for awhile, and i don't have visible blackheads. and i haven't had acnes for months. so, i'm having difficulty to measure the efficacy of this product. but let me explain what i feel about it so far. first of all, although this is an exfoliating toner, but this one is really mild. i've used this day and night, with once a week exfoliation with peeling gel, but i don't experience over exfoliation with this product. next, about the dryness. usually if you used acid, then it will make your skin slightly drier than usual. although i feel it makes my skin slightly sticky after using it, but after a while i think it messes with my skin. i'm usually a combination toward oily, but lately, it becomes normal. and lately, i feel that my usual vitamin a and e aren't enough for me. sometimes i have to use sleeping pack almost everyday. which is an indicator that my skin is drier than usual. or is it the aging process? *gasp* all i can say that since i've been using BHA and this peeling lotion religiously for more than a month, i never experience acnes. but my skin is drier than usual since i'm using acids. but i think there are a lot of products that can boost hydration back to my skin, so i have no worry. i can pile up my snail AIO and both vitamin creams and then sleeping pack. and if that is still not enough, i can put mask sheet on my face anytime.

so, definitely will be on my vanity for now, and the probability of repurchase is quite high. i think those who have troubled skin, oily or combination skin will like this peeling lotion. or acid beginner will definitely like this. but for dry skin, since this one tends to dry your skin out, better proceed with caution. unless you're willing to pile your face with a lot of hydrators, i think you should steer away from this. another aspect that i forgot to mention is the price. i think it is very reasonable, considering it comes in a big bottle. slightly cheaper than cosrx toner if you count the price per ml. but the downside is, i can't get this easily. i have to buy it online or ask my sis to buy it since it's only available in singapore and malaysia (so far that i know). but, it works for me and i think it's worth the effort to buy it again.

the bottle

before-after (the first time i used this my cotton pad was way dirtier than this one)

i know i still have a lot of mask sheets at home, but when i saw these character masks in the bookstore which often has sales, i grabbed them. i bought 3 of them. but only one each. considering my previous experience with the character masks, these masks only have fancy picture on them, but not too special on the effect, so i don't have high hope.

this is the description from memebox website:
this unique and adorably cute face mask delivers superior hydration to dry, flaky skin with its rich blend of baobab extract and hyaluronic acid. this makes the skin more supple and healthy-looking while also providing its proper nutritional needs. this mask also contains lotus extract which helps soothe and calm dry, irritated skin. dry skin is usually prone to daily damage that's why this mask also provides an extra layer of moisture to protect the skin against daily exposure from uv rays, airborne chemicals and pollution.

the whole animal masks from SNP

the packaging: it comes in rectangular sachet, blue in color and it has otter's picture at the front of the sachet. yes, there's english text on the sachet, but, at first i didn't read it, but second time i read it, and it was hilarious. i thought they just google-translate it and it was crazy, i don't know what it meant. but quite amusing though.

the scent: yes, it is scented, but i can't specify the scent. but not too overpowering though. i can put it on my face and let it for soooo loonnggg. even longer than the TFS character mask.

the product: it's a pretty thick mask, but not as rigid as the TFS one. i think i prefer the fit of this mask better than the TFS one. although the eyes and mouth holes are big, but it's okay for me. the forehead is slightly taller but i can manage it. the cheek part is narrow. this mask is very slippery so i have to lie down. the essence is a clear type essence and it's pretty generous, but not too much.

the result: i think it's moisturizing but not too much. i think the etude house's collagen mask is more moisturizing than this one. but it takes almost forever to dry up. i used this mask for almost an hour and it's still wet.

i think i don't mind buying this mask again, it's moisturizing enough but not too much. i can stand the scent and the fit, but i think i have to use my daiso mask to hold this mask better if i want to walking around using this mask. i think combination to normal skin will like this, but those who have dry skin won't feel enough with this mask. if you like fancy mask and need something moisturizing, then try this one.

the mask sachet

me as otter, and no difference in before/after pic

this is one of the products that i bought during my japan trip. honestly, i don't know what to expect from this mask, since i just googled it and i saw it being bought by more than 2 people, so i guess it must be something good. i honestly forgot that i asked my sis to buy me the SNP eye patch. but hey..i got a month before getting my SNP one, so probably i can use it up before it then. anyway.. i was looking for a better eye cream or eye mask that helps hydrate my eyes area and keeps the wrinkle at bay. let's see how it turns out.

pic from rakuten

description from global.rakuten.com: diminish the appearance of tired looking eyes! intensive care for improved firmness and elasticity.
eye zone care - reduce fine lines and wrinkles from dryness. fortified with coenzyme q10, collagen, hyaluronic acid, pearl extract, the masks sealant effects ensure that the rich serum agents and moisture are thoroughly absorbed into the skin helping to restore elasticity and luster for a bright, rejuvenated eye zone.
masks made out of soft, thick bemliese (non-woven cupra rayon) - soft bemliese eye masks fit comfortable under the eyes caring for the delicate eye zone all the way to the outer corners of the eyes.
gentle on skin - mildly acidic, fragrance-free, colorant-free, mineral oil free. formulated with priority on damage free skin products.
coenzyme q10 - can be found in every single cell of the human body and is said to be a necessary substance in the production of energy. the amount of coenzyme q10 in the body reaches its peak during a person's 20s and gradually decreases with age.

how to use: after washing face, first apply toner, moisturizer, etc. before using the mask. open the flap and take out each mask individually. unfold and place under eyes for approximately 10 minutes. recommended usage of 2-3 times a week, however, more effective with daily use. individuals with especially dry skin are recommended to use the masks twice daily in morning and night.

the packaging: it's exactly like the picture above. the eye masks are inside the sachet, with a sticker that can be opened and closed to get the eye mask. just like wet tissue. the sticker is pretty sticky luckily, or i will have to use this everyday to lessen the probability of these eye masks getting dry. one concern though, hygiene. since all of them is placed in one sachet, there's a chance of bacteria brooding since you have to open and close it so many times to get the stuff out. but, luckily, i don't experience that. so perhaps the key is to use it all up as quickly as possible.

the scent: okay, eye mask probably shouldn't have any scent at all since it might be irritating for the eye, but i think it has a wet tissue scent when i sniff it. but not too overpowering. when i put it under my eyes, i don't smell a thing.

the product: the eye mask comes in a crescent shape. it fits comfortably under my eyes. but i once put it too close to my eyes and it stings. ouch! the mask is indeed soft and have enough essence, but i always make sure to turn it upside down a couple times to evenly spread the essence to all the leftover masks inside. it dries quickly though. about 10 minutes, but here's the weird thing. it's dry on my face, so i take it off. but then i can still feel the essence on my fingertips. it moists my cuticles. so, this is what i do, after taking it off, i wrap it over my cuticle and then massage it. and it will leave my cuticle moisturized.

the result: okay, i know that the mask is pretty cheap, and many people say that it's pretty meh. well, i have to admit this one is not too impressive, but it's not a waste at all. it does moisturize my under eyes skin. i have use this mask two ways, one after toner and before eye cream, and the second one is after everything else just like the instructions. and i have to say it moisturizes better the second way. i don't know if this mask only act as added hydration mask like daiso silicone mask, but it seems that way. and i have to agree that frequent usage will give you visible result, and if you have dry skin, daily use is highly recommended. as for the other promise, i can only tell you since my under eye skin is well moisturized, somehow the fine lines are slightly disappeared. but again, after numerous usages. this mask has no effect on dark eyes. weird thing though, sometimes i can feel slightly tight feeling when i first put it under my eyes.

so, i'm not too disappointed yet, since it helps with the moisture property. but not too greasy. with frequent usage i can see that my fine lines is slightly disappear. but i don't think i will buy it again since it takes numerous times of usage before i can see the result. but considering the price, if you're on tight budget and not dealing with aging problem yet, then you can try this mask to boost hydration for your under eyes. plus i think it will be handy for travelling. you can put this one while on plane, and perhaps if you don't want to bring your usual eye cream with you, then you can substitute it with this mask. it will be fuss-free especially if your trip require you to packing-unpacking couple times.

the outer package

the sachet (just like wet tissue packaging)

eye masks on me

i've just realized that i haven't updated about my routine for a long time. and it has evolved a lot since then. and i'm quite late in updating this, so perhaps in a couple months there will be another changes again. so, let's discuss my current routine for now.

my morning routine (my cleanser is not pictured above)

this is another post japan trip buy that i did through my sister. i was looking for cleansing water when i was in japan, but i didn't look carefully. i knew i wanted to try bifesta, even though i found bioderma easier everywhere in japan. but i didn't know that they called it cleansing lotion! i thought lotion is toner, so i hesitated quite a few times when i saw bifesta product. i google-translated it, and it read cleansing lotion that's why i didn't buy any of them. and then i found out that they also sell it in singapore, so i asked my sis to buy it for me. there are 4 types, and i think the bright up one is suitable for me. but my sis called me and told me that there was a promotion, buy one get one free, so i chose bright up and moist.

the bottle (sorry, i didn't take picture when the cover was still on)

1. lipstick, pencil eyeliner, gel eyeliner, cream blush, and bb cream 2. after one swipe - all of them removed except for the pencil and gel eyeliners 3. second wipes - the eyeliners started to fade 4. third wipes - everything is gone