since i use innisfree soybean energy essence, i love how fermented product does to my skin, so i've been searching for affordable option since the price of innisfree soybean is getting higher. i've discovered other good option, but i want to search for more option since the other one is a little bit hard to get. and i've read about purito from christina hello. and i decided to try her recommendation and buy the fermented complex 94 boosting essence.

this is the description from their website: one drop miracle, glowing healthy skin. with the effective penetration of tiny particles, the natural fermentation nutritional essence with 94% fermentation complex boasts high absorption and penetration compared to ordinary products. the essence contains niacinamide which cleanses the skin tone, and adenosine, which maintains firmness with a wrinkle-improving ingredient certified by the FDA safety, and strengthens cell proliferation in the dermal layer.
strong point:
1. the essence completely eliminates harmful ingredients such as phenoxyethanol, paraben and PEG which are common ingredients of expensive fermentation essence. the essence is a safe product manufactured exclusively from a first-class ingredient certified as EWG green level, a reputable environmental accreditation group from the United States.
2. the essence has been certified by the EWG, a nonprofit environmental organization, focused on safety in the cosmetics sector.

the box (the ingredients and directions in english)

a bit description in english but everything else is in korean

the packaging: it comes in a box that i think is made from recycled matter. the ink is also a soy ink just like the one from innisfree. it has description and ingredients in korean and english on the box. the bottle itself, however, is a brown plastic bottle with dark screw cap that's recyclable. it has description printed at front and the back. the description at the back is in korean, but there's a direction in english. the description at front is also in english. it comes in 150 ml which is a standard size for a FTE. and since this is a korean product, as i've expected, it has inner seal on the opening that i have to peel so i can pour the product out.

the bottle

back of the bottle

the scent: although some FTE does have foul scent, this one is pretty scentless.

the inner seal

the opening

the product: it's not like other watery FTE. this is a bit viscous, but it's still runny. they say to use it with cotton pad, but i don't want to waste any product so i just pour some to my palm and pat it to my face directly. ingredients wise, this one has bifida ferment lysate (just like benton) and lactobacillus ferment extract (like innisfree). both benton and this one has adenosine, arginine, butylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin and allantoin, which most of them are hydrating agents, that's why i'm wondering why the benton doesn't hydrate my skin as well as purito one. purito has added niacinamide and a bunch of other extract, so maybe the added ingredients work well together.

the FTE on my hand

after patting it in

the result: it takes a couple of minutes for it to be completely absorbed. it's quite hydrating so i don't do second layers most days especially since it takes quite a while to be absorbed, and time i don't have on mornings. i only use this in the morning because i need super quick routine in the morning, so i only use FTE and hydrating essence and emulsion and sunscreen, and skipping toner. although i skip the toner, this FTE still works well. it's hydrating enough. for the first week, i'd say that it's more hydrating than my previous secret key or even benton. and i was suffering from random breakouts, and i still have several acne scars. and i believe in the first week, i notice it's calming my skin and evened out my skin tone. it's a bit brightening but it doesn't help much in lightening my acne scars, but unfortunately, the lighting is horrible when i have to take the pictures, so it doesn't seem to give any progress.

progression photos

notice the lightening of my scar as well as reduced redness on my cheek

again, toned down in the redness of my cheek

 i definitely putting this one on top of my favorite FTE, replacing my innisfree soybean energy essence and from nature age treatment essence. if you have normal to dry skin, you might enjoy this product, but you will still need other hydrating agents on top. while for super oily skin or those who live in super hot weather, i think you'd prefer lighter FTE. once i've tried using this on my super hot skin (after working out) and the FTE won't get absorbed well. it feels like melting on top of my skin, so yeah.. probably let my skin cool down before using this. definitely will repurchase since i could find it here easier than from nature one. price wise, it's more expensive than benton, but it delivers good result, so i think it's worth the money.

this is another long overdue post. i do need to keep good tab on my stash and use it and then write the review down as soon as i can. i bought this while in japan. i didn't know what scent that i'd like, so i didn't buy any on my first store. but on my second visit to other store, i found a box of mix scents, all 4 scents, so i bought the mix so i can try all 4 scents then decided which one is my favorite. this is a best-selling eye heating mask, which is intriguing since i don't find any other product like this. and many people always recommend buying this product when you go to japan, so naturally, i want to try it myself. so let's find out about this one.

this is the description from their singapore website: developed with japan's unique and innovative steam heat technology, meg rhythm steam eye mask is a self-warming steam eye mask which produces comfortable steam heat. the abundance of comfortable 40°C steam heat produced gently envelopes your eyes to relieve and relax strained eyes and eases away tensions to soothe your stressful moods.
relieve eye strain and work stress! long working hours and a heavy workload can leave you with strained eyes and feeling stressed out. indulge in a well-deserved relaxation after a hard day's of work!
3 comfort features of meg rhythm steam eye mask: abundance of warm steam, warms up quickly, comfortable feeling lasts 2x longer.

the packaging: since i bought the mix box one, it comes in a big black box with the the same design as the individual scented ones, but this time there's a big text that probably said that there are 4 scents in a box (the text is in japanese). there's also the picture of all 4 scents in tiny boxes. at the sides you can see some pictorial description about the usage suggestion and a bunch of other description in japanese. inside you can find individual packaging, 5 from each scents, so there will be total 20 sachets. for yuzu, you can see a banner with picture of yuzu at the top of the sachet. the other part is totally the same for all 4.

the sachet

the scent: it smells like yuzu. or other citrusy fruit. the scent is definitely noticeable, but not too overwhelming in my opinion. i never try any yuzu products before, so considering this comes from someone who has sensitive nose, i would say that the scent is refreshing and relaxing. you can smell it right after you open the sachet, but you can barely smell it once you put the mask on your eyes.

the product: after ripping off the sachet, you can find a soft cotton eye mask. you need to rip the perforated line at the back so you can separate the ear holes. i don't know what it is made of, but the material for the earloop is really soft. the mask itself has purple quilt pattern at front and from the back you can see the circular heating pad. the mask starts to heat up immediately after you open it and it will reach its highest temperature in about 5 minutes. it will stay hot for about 20 minute-ish (it's hard to remember the time when you have to close your eyes and do nothing for the whole time). then it will start cooling down. the ear loop is quite loose so sometimes i feel i can feel the heat better if i push the nose part down.

left: the mask folded right: you have to rip the midline section to separate the ear loop

the result: it's definitely soothing for aching eyes, but i don't see any noticeable effect. at that time i don't have swollen eyes or anything, so it's just something that you can feel, not noticeable.

i do enjoy the warming sensation since it's relaxing and soothing, plus the scent is also plays part in giving added relaxation sensation. but i don't like how i have to keep my eyes close for the whole time i'm using it. but that's the point of this mask anyway. to give your eyes some rest! so i agree that it's best to use before bedtime, during travelling or break time. i do enjoy the yuzu, so i will try other scent and decide which one i like best. as for the price, i think it's still affordable, but the price might different if you get it outside japan or online. if you found other product similar to this one, let me know so i can try it if i could find it and compare it with this one.

this is a super long overdue post. i've used up the refill pouch, and then i bought the real bottle just so i can take proper picture of the product, and now i almost finish with it too. and i haven't written any review yet. oh dear. so i decided to make time to take picture (life has been hectic lately with my nanny and maid taking turn in getting on leave which force me to do their workload), and write a review soon. i also have tried the speedy version, so if you are curious about that, you can read about it here. but for now, let's find out about the deep version.

this is the description from sasa website: kose cosmeport softymo deep cleansing oil remove all trace of makeup, including stubborn waterproof mascara. cleanse and purifies deep in pores. it washes away sebum that blocks pores. improve blackheads problem. pores are cleared. skin is refreshed, purified and clean.

the packaging: it comes in a yellow plastic bottle with pump head, it's a clear plastic so you can clearly see the remaining products inside. at the back there's a lot of text, but everything is in japanese. there's plastic sealing around the bottle and stopper under the pump that secure the pump so no product is being spilled during transport. there's nothing else unfortunately. the bottle comes in 230 ml. the refill is a big pouch that has the picture of the deep version bottle at front. at the back there's description in japanese as usual. however, the tip of the pouch is something else. usually, my refill pouch doesn't have anything inside the tip of the opening, so when i try to refill the bottle, sometimes it will collapse or go flimsy and it will make the product spills all over my sink. but the japanese has thought about it. they put a short straw-like hard plastic inside the tip of the opening, so when you pour the refill to the bottle, it will go smoothly.

the bottle

the scent: as usual, it's unscented. at first, i use the refill and i don't smell anything. but... when i change into using the real bottle, somehow i smell a bit like DHC cleansing oil. like olive oil scent that makes me nauseous. but as i'm using it regularly, it doesn't smell as strongly as when i just open it.

back of the bottle

the product: compared to the speedy one, this is still a runny cleansing oil, but a tad more richer and more oily slip feeling. although the bottle is yellow, the cleansing oil is pale gold, if not almost transparent. it spreads easily because of the runny texture and i can massage it all over my face easily without any irritation. this is a cleansing oil that gets emulsified when you mix it with water but don't expect foams or crazy bubble.

the refill pouch

the result: it can remove basic makeup easily, like base makeup, eyeshadow, eyeliner (not easily, though), liquid lipstick and even mascara. but i don't use it to remove mascara because i have separate mascara remover that's easy and reliable, not to mention that i have to rub my eyes a bit harder to remove all the mascara, sooo... no thank you. oh, and not forgetting that it will sting your eyes if you accidentally get it into your eyes. but not crazily sting your eyes, but still.. it stings.

left: bb cream, cream blush, highlighter, liquid lipstick, eyeliner and mascara second from left: after applying the cleansing oil and massage it around (you can see that eyeliner is the hardest thing to clean) second from right: after adding water the eyeliner is starting to fade right: after washing it off and pat dry - nothing is left!

compared to the speedy version, this "deep" version is a little bit rich, more oily slip. but both works well removing makeup, so it totally depends on your preference. but on the downside, both is on the drying side, compared to biore. but my skin could take both even though i've used it everyday. not as drying as innisfree, but not moisturizing like DHC. as for the price, both kose cleansing oil are still more affordable than DHC. if i have to pick favorites, mine would be biore first, then the speedy version then this deep version. basically because i don't like the olive oil scent and the slippery feeling. i honestly can't say whether i would recommend this or not. based on the performance, this is a good and affordable cleansing oil. but other aspect, it's just preference. you should try it yourself. i think you could get it from watsons, or straight from japan's drugstore. or online. this is a widely-known brand, so it's easier to get it. and it won't break your wallet. so try it and let me whether or not you like it.

i've been using my pencil brush to apply eyeshadow to my under eyes, but the tip of the brush is still too big for my under eyes, so sometimes i don't apply it to my under eyes. so sometimes i will look weird. so i've been thinking about getting smudge brush for a while. then i found out that there's brush sale on my usual online shop. i was thinking about getting this set or trying the la girl smudge brush. i also wanted to try real techniques' brush for so long, so i thought this might be a good chance to try it. so i did. i bought the smudge and diffuse set.

this is the description from their website: from subtle to dramatic, our eye smudge + diffuse two pack is paired for easy eye liner blurring. the eye smudge + diffuse brushes are designed for expert smudging and blurring eye makeup.
smudge brush: short, dense bristles help diffuse and blend powders, creams, and gels along the lash line.
first of it's kind precision smudge brush: unique tip helps blur eyeliner along the lash line.
bonus sharpener: ensure the most accurate lines from your favorite eye liner pencil before smudging. removable insert to sharpen your larger pencils.
100% cruelty-free.

the box

the back of the box

the packaging: it comes in a transparent plastic box with a white plastic slider where both brushes are placed a the sharpener under the brushes. at the back of the box there's a description in english. although i don't like that it comes in a plastic box, i think it's necessary considering that it has a bonus sharpener.

the slider inside

both brushes inside

the product: both brushes has purple handle with matte black ferrule. there's brand name printed on the handle and also the name of the brush printed on the other side of the handle. the smudge brush has short and dense bristles, just as described. the diffuse brush has a small round tip but slightly taller bristles, but less dense. it's soft. but i don't like how both brushes has short handle. shorter than my beauty creations's set as well as my MSQ's set.

the sharpener inside

smudge brush

the name of the brush on the handle

the result: i like both brush. the smudge one is a good smudging brush. and the diffuse brush, is perfect size for my under eyes. sometimes i will use the diffuse brush to put highlighter on my inner eyes as well.

the precision smudge brush

name of the brush on the handle

overall, i'm glad i bought this set. both brushes work well, although i hope they have longer handle so they don't get lost in my brush container. oh, and i forgot to mention that i've been using both brushes for more than a month and wash them as well. both brushes don't shed any bristles when i wash them. if you have problems applying makeup under eyes like me or you want to smudge your eyeliner so it appears softer, then you should get this brush set. it's definitely worth the money.

i never thought i would buy a dual ended brow brush, since i always buy pencil eyebrow that has spoolie on the other end. i never think i would need one. if my current one doesn't have spoolie, i'd just use my previous one. but i had no luck this one. i open two eyebrow pencils, and both of them don't have spoolie that i'd like to use. my miniso one has spoolie but it's too skinny and scratchy. my body shop one has brow mascara so i can't use the brush since the mascara is too wet. so, i decided to get one decent brow brush that has spoolie on one end. luckily, it was on sale.

this is the description from their website: angled tip is ideal to define & line brows while spoolie gently brushes and blends brow color for a finished look. L.A. girl pro brushes are hand crafted by skilled brush masters, featuring custom glistening lacquered handles made of authentic birch wood from sustainable forests. exceptional, high quality, soft synthetic hair provides excellent pickup & payoff for precise application. cruelty free and vegan friendly.

the box

description at the back

the packaging: i have to say that although the packaging is sturdy and well-made, i think it's excessive for a brush. it comes in a cardboard box with transparent window at front so you can see the brush inside. at the back there's description in english. inside, there's a plastic slider which has the upper and bottom part, in which you can get your brush. it's pretty excessive compared to elf packaging. they just put the brush inside a plastic bag and that's it. although this way they assure you that the brush will get to your in their mint shape, i still think it's a bit excessive.

the plastic slider

the brush inside the slider

the product: just like the name, it is a dual ended brush. it has angled tip on one end and a spoolie at the other end. the handle is black wooden with gold ferrule. the angled tip has a dense bristles which is good. and the spoolie is big and soft, just like i wanted.

the angled tip

the result: now, i don't use the angled tip, but i guess it will work well. i only use the spoolie and i like it. it's big enough so it's easier and quicker to brush my eyebrows with it and it's soft so it doesn't scratch my brows.

the spoolie

i definitely glad i buy this brush. it's a good and sturdy brush and affordable. if you're looking for a cruelty free or vegan brush, then you should check la girl brush line. i would try another brush if i don't have any brush set already. if you're looking for a brow brush, then i could say you could put this one into consideration. it's well made, i've washed and used it for more than a month now and it hasn't shed any bristles. definitely worth checking out.

we didn't go to japan last year, so i'm low on my stash, especially on my face wash since i use it everyday. so we were going to singapore, and luckily, there's muji store near our hotel. i didn't get the chance to go to muji store in japan, so i guess it's time to try some muji products. i bought some minis as well as full size products, but i honestly have no idea what i was buying. let's hope that some will work for me

this is the description from their little booklet as well as their US website: skincare series that uses natural water from japan kamaishi prefecture. made of low stimulating ingredients that is suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. this cleansing foam lathers up into creamy bubbles and contains 100% botanical ingredients. fragrance free, coloration free, mineral oil free, paraben free, alcohol free.

the packaging: japan products are always minimalistic, and it applies to muji too. all of their products doesn't have fancy or colorful packaging. they do have color coordinated to separate the products into categories, but they're muted color. as for the sensitive line, all of their products come in white packaging. for the face foam, it comes in white plastic tall bottle with pump head that's covered in transparent plastic cap. it has label at the back with description in japanese and ingredients list, but there's a tiny label attached at the bottom side, which includes a brief description in english as well as ingredients list. it comes in 200 ml which is super generous, considering most face wash/foam comes in 150 ml.

the bottle

the scent: this is fragrance free, and when the japanese said that it's fragrance free, it's really fragrance free.

the description and tiny label at the back

the product: this is similar to hada labo face foam that i tried just before this one. when you push the pump head, it will instantly pump the face foam. you can control the amount of the foam by controlling how much pressure you put onto the pump head. the foam is different though. the hada labo one is fluffier and not easily disperse, while this one is a bit thinner and easy to disperse. when you pump it onto your palm and let it sit for a minute or two, you can feel it's slowly disappearing. that being said, i use full pump with this face foam, while for hada labo, i could get away with using less.

the pump head

the result: first thing first, this is not as hydrating as hada labo one. when i wash it off my face, i can feel my face is squeaky clean, like the feeling that you get when you wash your dish with super strong oil-fighting dish detergent. i was afraid that it might be too drying for my skin. but surprisingly, i don't experience any problem after using this regularly.

the foam on my palm

i think it's okay for sensitive skin considering that i don't get any breakouts even though this leaves my skin squeaky clean. but if i have to compare this with hada labo, i will definitely repurchase the hada labo instantly, but this one... i don't like the squeaky feeling afterward, but if i couldn't get the hada labo one, this might be my back up. it's easier to get since it's available easily in singapore, but the price might be doubled. if you're thinking to try their sensitive line, i think the foam is a good thing to put in your basket, but if you don't like the squeaky feeling, then you could skip it.