i always confused whenever i was in japan, i didn't know what hair care products to buy. there are a lot of them, and if i don't browse in japanese, sometimes i can't even find the product description. there's also this problem.. people nowadays prefer to review products in tiktok, instagram or even youtube. while i prefer to read a whole length of narration of a product's description. and it's not data saving either if i have to watch a video just to find out which one to buy. anyway, this time, i decided to watch some videos beforehand and make a list of products that i want to try. one of them is this hair mask. i've seen this mask before a lot, but i never try it. i've heard some good stuff about it, so i do hope that it will work for my hair as well. 

this is the description from their website: an elegant, comfortable, transparent grace floral scent. 6 types of serum ingredients. penetrates inside the hair and approaches each hair problem. leads to hair that is filled with the inside of the hair. 

- rich moisturizing royal jelly EX

- continous cohesion trehalose + sorbitol

- cuticle tightening PCA + weak acidic base

- internal repair phytosteryl derivatives

- shiny effect squalane and pearl peptide

- coloring lasts glutamic acid

damage search function - finds even the slightest damage to your hair and repairs it intensively. for smooth hair from roots to tips. 

the packaging: it comes in a giant silver plastic tube with red screw lid. the red-silver color combo is so iconic since all of their products use the same color combo. there's description at the back of the tub but in japanese. the size is quite big.. it comes in 230 gram but the actual weight might be more than that. so if you're buying this online, you must consider the shipping cost. anyway, i have no problem with the packaging, aside from its big size.

the scent: this one is definitely scented, a bit floral? but the scent is very subtle. for me, i don't mind the scent since it's relaxing. it makes the experience of using this mask more enjoyable.

the product: it's a pearly white gel cream type mask. it's quite thick but you can just scoop it out with your fingers. i've read the reviews and there are two ways you can use this mask. one, on damp hair. on towel dried hair, apply this mask evenly especially on the tips and leave it for 5 minutes before rinsing it off. two, on dry hair, mix an equal part of hair mask and hair oil and apply it from mid-length to hair tips and leave it for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off and shampoo your hair as usual. 

the result: i use this hair mask in replacement of hair conditioner. so i use this after shampooing my hair. however, i can't put it on for around 5 minutes because i don't have the luxury to take a shower for that long. so probably i only put it on for 2-3 minutes top. when i use it after shampooing, my hair feels soft instantly. after blow drying it, the top part (which is all natural) looks better and glowing. but the bottom part, which is the part that is dyed, still looks dry. however, i think the result is better than when using it on dry hair. i feel my hair is still coarse and dry with this method. even though putting it on dry hair ensuring me that i get that 5 minutes time needed before rinsing it off and start shampooing. anyway, i can say that no matter what method i use, my hair goes back to dry and frizzy once i start working out, because of all the sweat. i can say that my hair ends turn frizzy instantly when it comes in touch with sweat.

honestly, i can see how this can be so viral and how it doesn't work for me. like i don't put it on fro 5 minutes before rinsing it off. may if i put it on for 5 minutes, it will tame my frizzy hair better. i do think this mask worth a try. if you see it around when you're in japan, or in singapore (i think there are a lot of japan products available in singapore now), you should grab this. i forgot how much i pay for this one since i tend to just buy in bulk whenever i go to japan but you get a lot of products, so i bet it'll worth the price. as for me, i had just bought a lot of hair care products from korea, so until i finish them all, i won't buy anything new.          

this is the translated description from their website: c bright serum, a very stabile vitamin c serum, which is ethyl ascorbic acid. to brighten skin and to inhibit melanin production. equipped with pollution protection to protect and shield skin from pollution. 

benefits:

- brighten skin

- inhibit dark spots formation on the skin

- moisten skin

- protect skin from pollution until PM 2.5

the packaging: it comes in a light yellow/white box with description on the sides and back in indonesian as well as the full ingredients list. they seal the box with seal sticker. the serum itself comes in a transparent plastic bottle that looks like glass, but it's not. it has white plastic dropper to dispense the serum. i have my doubt when i see the packaging because they claim that they use EAA but they don't use the usual dark packaging to preserve the longevity of the serum. anyway, the serum comes in 30 ml, which is the usual serum size, but for local brand, it's more than usual since local brand only sells 15-20 ml size.

the scent: this is scentless. or at least it doesn't have that acidic scent that most vitamin c serums have.

the product: it's a pale yellow serum. it's very runny, almost like water, but there's a bit consistency into it so it doesn't drip out of the dropper instantly. since it's runny, it's easy to spread it around. i usually use a drop per face area. and two drops for my neck. then it will depend on my skin's condition. if i feel my skin is a bit dry, then i will drop two more onto my cheeks. after watching dr. idris's youtube videos, i'm using my vitamin c twice a day now. and even though the bottle is transparent, the serum stays the same even though i don't store it in the refrigerator.

the result: i have to say that i'm quite surprised with the result. yeah sure, i've upped my usage to twice a day now, but i didn't expect anything from this serum actually. after using this serum, i notice that my skin is well moisturized and it also helps with evening out my skin tone. in combination with light exfoliation, it also helps fade my acne scars. even the new ones, i can see it starts to fade in just a week or so. 

i'm glad this one works for me. i can see that it can works for all skin types. and it's gentle. i don't feel any tingling whatsoever with this serum. if you're looking for an affordable vitamin c serum that's gentle, i suggest you give this one a try. plus, it's really affordable considering it comes in 30 ml. since this is a local brand, it's easy to get them especially if you're buying it from them straight. as for me, i still have my doubt with that transparent packaging, but i will keep it in my list for now.

this is the description from their website: exfoliates and resurfaces skin lifting away dead skin cells for soft, smooth skin. this non-abrasive treatment gently boosts your skin's natural exfoliation process to reduce the signs of aging and improve the appearance of pores. skin is left glowing and youthful looking.

hero ingredients: 

- natural papaya enzyme : superfood rich in antioxidants that dissolves dead skin cells

- lipohydroxy acid (LHA) : works on the surface of the skin and has a larger molecule size vs AHA making it less irritating.

material: dual-sided pad, embossed textured side for enhanced exfoliation, smooth side for gentle exfoliation in sensitive areas, sized (67 mm) to cover wide area, rounded corners for the perfect fit on skin.

the packaging: it comes in a red/silver box with the picture of the tub at front. there are descriptions at the back and sides in korean and a bit in english. the pad itself comes in a container that is sealed at first. once you open the seal, you can place it inside the white plastic tub and it's good to use. you can lift the top and there's a plastic tweezer tucked on the top for hygienic purpose, so you don't touch the pad with your bare fingers to keep it uncontaminated. all the pads are stacked inside. there's a little bit excess of essence, but not much. if you turn it upside down, it will completely soak the pads, unfortunately, soak the tweezer as well, so yeah.. if you saw the suggestion on tiktok or instagram, i'd tell you it's not a good idea to turn it upside down. it comes in 90 pads so if you use it every day for day and night, you can finish it in a month and a half. the full ingredients list are printed on the box as well. 

the scent: this one is unscented, but since it has a lot of ingredients, obviously it has subtle scent due to the ingredients. for me personally, it's not foul so i have no problem with it. 

the product: as described, all the pads are dual-sided. one side is embossed, the other is smooth. but for me, the difference is almost invisible to my eyes. i have to trace it with my finger to make sure which side is embossed and which one is smooth. anyway, even though they said it's embossed, it's very gentle, so don't think that it will be harsh to your skin. all pads are soaked evenly with the essence, even if you don't turn it upside down before using it. as for me, i don't regularly use it twice a day, usually depends on my skin condition. if i see my skin is rough, i will use it twice a day. but if i don't, i will use it at night only. 

the result: as this one is quite gentle, (yeah sure they say it's a peeling pad, but trust me, korean peeling pad are way gentler than the western), i don't see the difference instantly. however, as i keep using it regularly, i can starting to see the difference in my skin texture. i can say that my skin looks smoother that. it's used to. i start to experience less acne especially around my period. this pad in combination with retinol every night definitely a game changer for my skin. 

i have to say that if you're new to acid or exfoliation world, or you want to start with something gentle but don't know where to start, i can say that this pad is a good option to choose. this pad is quite gentle but it still works as promised. plus, it's easy to use since it comes in a pad form. i definitely will repurchase this one if i can get my hands on them again as mediheal is not available here yet. price wise, it's on the mid price section, but considering that it comes in big size and lasts you quite a while, then it's a good bargain. especially if you're in korea, oliveyoung has regular sales, and these pads are usually on sales as well. 

this is the description from their website: a next-generation retinol oil that boosts the look and feel of skin plumpness, while improving the appearance of wrinkles, redness, and pores for visibly younger-looking skin. luna works throughout the night to deliver visibly youthful, luminous, even-toned skin in the morning. trans-retinoic acid ester complex reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles, while visibly improving the signs of premature aging: fine lines, uneven texture, age spots, dryness, and dullness. balanced with blue tansy and german chamomile essential oils, both rich in soothing, blue azulene, visible redness and the signs of sensitivity are neutralized, for a calm, even-toned complexion.

key ingredients:

- trans-retinol: belongs to a class of chemical compounds termed retinoids, it's the potent ester of all-trans retinoic acid. helps fight the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, promote skin elasticity, and stimulate exfoliation for clearer, smoother skin. not appropriate for use during pregnancy.

- blue tansy, german chamomile, and cape chamomile essential oils: deep blue-green oils, rich in potent azulene. wonderful for soothing the look of surface redness.

- avocado seed oil: great for plumping fine lines. rich in anti-aging vitamins B,C,D,E, and A.

- chia seed oil: richest botanical source of omega 3. powerful source of ALA, which helps minimize the appearance of lines.

the packaging: since i bought this in a set, it comes in a white box with magnetic clasp. there's a cardboard sleeve where you can see all the products inside pictured at front. there's descriptions of everything at the back as well as the ingredients list. luna itself comes in a dark blue glass bottle with tiny white dropper to dispense the oil. the material is quite dark, probably to preserve the retinol oil inside. there's a bit description at the back of the bottle in english and french. the mini size comes in 10 ml, which is a lot for an oil. 

the scent: i have to warn you, that this smells bad. it takes me a couple of days before i can adjust to the scent. 

the product: it's just as described. it's a blue oil that has runny consistency. since it's runny, it's easy to spread around, but since it's oil, you have to work quickly before it dries down. since the dropper is tiny, the drops are tiny as well. i need like one drop per area, so i use at least 5 drops for my whole face. i don't use this on my neck because it's sticky. i feel uncomfortable if i use it on its own. so i smear some moisturizer first then add a bit oil for my neck. 

the result: after using this retinol oil for almost daily, except for the weekend, i start to notice a difference in my skin texture. i no longer experience bad breakouts during my period. although i can't solely give credit to this retinol oil because i also start to use exfoliation pads and i exfoliate with gentle AHA serum once a week. however, i can say that this retinol oil plays a part as well. on parts when i don't have acne, i can see my skin is glowing. i was afraid of the dryness but since i've followed some new routine (including using vitamin c twice a day), my fear was proven wrong.

i have to say that this one becomes best sellers for a reason. it's working and it's not drying my face either (as long as i don't exfoliate my skin daily and use hydrating serum afterward). unfortunately, i don't have any progress photos because i didn't expect anything at first. i think it'll be just ordinary, just like other retinol serums that i've tried before. anyway, this one is definitely on the expensive side, so if you really have the budget, then you could try it if you're looking for a retinol in oil format. as for me, i'd like my retinol in serum format, so i'm glad i get the chance to try this one. however, i won't repurchase it for now.

this is the description from their website: outstanding toner exfoliates dead skin cells and leaves skin replenished with long lasting moisture. experience simple but exceptional skincare everyday. water-type texture. absorbs into skin instantly with no sticky finish. deep-sea water helps keep the skin's moisture balance: pure and highly concentrated 72 types of nature-derived minerals (magnesium, calcium, zinc) through patented mineral water manufacturing technology using membrane filters. our patented technology, hatching EX-07, controls excess sebum and efficiently exfoliates grime, dry and dead skin cells. panthenol, allantoin, and betaine provide soothing care for tired and irritated skin.

main ingredients:

- chondrus crispus extract, known as red algae, is rich in protein, vitamins and antioxidants

- saccharum officinarum (sugarcane) extract helps minimize blemishes and keeps skin hydrated

the box

the packaging: since i bought this as a set, it comes in a box with the picture of the products at front. it also states that it comes with a bonus, which is the mini size of the full size toner. there's description at the back in korean. the toner itself comes in a transparent plastic bottle with the label that has the same design as the box. i think the whole dokdo series has the same design, so you really need to be careful to read the description, which is in korean, unfortunately. anyway, the full size comes in 200 ml and the mini size is 50 ml. if you check their website, they offer three sizes for the full size, 100, 200 and 500 ml. anyway, for the full size bottle, they cover the hole with some sealing, while they don't do the same thing for the mini.

the full size and the mini

the scent: this is unscented and fortunately it doesn't have any foul scent either.

the full size bottle was sealed

the product: as described, this is a watery toner. it looks like water and the texture is just like water. okay, now a bit confession. since i thought this is a watery toner, i just use my hand to pat this all over my face. however, as i read the description, they say that this is slightly exfoliating. makes me wonder if i should switch to cotton pad instead of using my bare hands. anyway, it's just as described, absorbs into skin instantly without sticky feeling.

the result: i have to confess that i've finished a bottle of the mini size before knowing that this one can act as a light exfoliating toner. so i only use this with my bare hands. i pour some before patting it to my face. as a hydrating toner, this one is super lightweight. i even use two or three layers for my whole face and neck. then, after i realized that i could use this as an exfoliating toner, sometimes i use a cleansing cotton pad with this toner. i do see some dirt on the cotton pad, but not as bad as when i use an exfoliating toner with the cleansing cotton pad.

honestly, i'm on the fence with this toner. it has so much hype that makes me want to understand what the hype is all about. but this toner feels... ordinary. i don't see why people love it so much. it's not much hydrating, i have other toners out there which are more hydrating than this. and as exfoliating toner, this one is not much. so i really can't think of a reason why people like this toner so much. i think this toner might be suitable for oily skin since this one is so lightweight. for other skin types, this might not help much, but you can layer it. but i don't think it'll be enough. anyway, this is not available here yet, so the price might be much different than in korea. it will be more expensive here with the exchange rate and all. as for me, i'm glad i get the chance to try it, but i won't repurchase it.

this is the translated description from their website: facial toner that is formulated with ingredients such as polypeptides, vitasource, kombucha, and HPR (hydroxypinacolone retinoate) with main function to prevent aging signs such as dark spots, fine lines, dull skin, and also help rejuvenate skin and keep it moist. this toner can be used by all skin types and can be used at night as well.

key ingredients:

- HPR (mydmxypinacotosse retinoate): gentle retinol, helps to fight fine lines, hyperpigmentation and acne.

-vitasource: pure compound from chinese skullcap roots to rejuvenate skin to look ten years younger.

- polypeptides: peptide combination to maintain skin elasticity, help regenerate skin, and moisten skin

- kombucha: high antioxidant from tea to slow down early aging, treat acne and skin barrier. 

the packaging: all azarine toners come in the same packaging, only different color. for the polypeptide, it comes in a dark red plastic bottle. they secure it with plastic wrapping. there's a decription at the back in indoensian as well as the ingredients list. inside, there's an attached pump head just like the blue one. this also comes in 80 ml just like the other one. this time, there's no problem with the pump as this one is thinner in consistency.

the scent: this one doesn't have any scent as well. it doesn't smell weird either.

the product: like i've said before, this one is a watery toner. that's why this time the pump works well. i don't have any problem with it. it soaks up the cotton pad well. but again, it may squirt a bit. i can't seem to operate the pump head correctly. anyway, i have a mixed feeling about this toner. this looks and feels like water, which is not something that an anti-aging product has. usually, it will be thick and rich. but this one is lightweight.

the result: this one feels like any other hydrating toner. it's lightweight, hydrating and a bit moisturizing, but not too much. maybe i can use this daytime as well, but i never risk it. i decided to just use it at night, considering i use retinol serum almost every day now. this one can layers well with my exfoliating pad and other skincare products. i have no problem nor getting irritation from this toner.

i have to say this one works well, however, i do wish that i can use it day and night, and without the cotton pad. i just wish they change the packaging. the pump head might be okay for an exfoliating toner, but for a hydrating toner? er... not so much. i think it will be suitable for all skin types despite being marketed as an anti aging toner. this one is quite lightweight so even oily skin can try it. price wise, it's very affordable. availability wise, since this is a local brand, it's easier to find it here. however, i don't think i'll repurchase since i don't feel any difference between this toner and other hydrating toner that i've used. and i also don't like the packaging, so i think i'll pass.

this is the description from their website: the best mix between active & natural ingredients reduces the appearance of uneven skin tone. contains sugar maple extract as a natural form of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to help remove bacteria and dead skin cells and repair damage caused by free radicals. tranexamic acid that reduces appearance of hyperpigmentation that causes uneven skintone. these ingredients won't affect your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. 

formulated with:

- tranexamic acid - spots treatment, strengthen skin barrier

- sugar maple extract - removes bacteria, damage repair

- sugar cane extract - natural antiseptic and exfoliant

ingredients: aqua, glycerin, sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, xanthan gum, butylene glycol, gluconobacter/ honey ferment filtrate, propanediol, tranexamic acid, triethanolamine, vaccinium myrtullus fruit leaf extract & saccharum officinarum (sugar cane) extract & citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract & citrus limon (lemon) fruit extrat & acer saccharum (sugar maple) extract, dmdm hydantoin

the packaging: it comes in a bright yellow box with the name of the product at front printed in retro style. they had this stripped lines printed on one side so i can peel the strip off to open the box. however, they don't press it firmly so i can't peel the strip in one go. and i ended up peeling it little by little. which is annoying as it leaves me with a bunch of trash. anyway, the serum is secured inside and it feels like opening a book and you find it strapped inside the hidden compartment. the serum comes in a bright yellow plastic (but it feels heavy like glass?) bottle with white dropper. there's a bit description at the back of the bottle. it comes in 15 ml which is just half of the size of the usual serum out there. i doubt that it will last for two weeks if i use it day and night. anyway, i don't have problem with the dropper but it's so short that i haven't finished the serum and it can't pick up the serum. so i have to pour the rest onto my palm afterward.

the scent: the brand promises no added fragrance and this one is really scentless. without any foul scent because of the ingredients.

the product: the serum is a runny gel type serum that looks a bit yellowish in the dropper. it's quite runny so it's easy to spread around my face. i never try tranexamic acid before so i don't know the do's and dont's of using it, but so far, i have to problem combining it with my other skincare products. it even doesn't clash with my retinol serum. i forgot to put down the date when i started using it, so i can't determine whether it's less than two weeks or more.

the result: as i've said, i don't know the duration of use, so i can't determine whether their claim is true or not. anyway, as i've said, this one is quite gentle so i don't have any problem with it, even though i use it with my retinol serum. even though this is runny thus being lightweight, it's still a bit moisturizing as well. since it's not much, probably i haven't used it for two weeks as recommended. but i can see how it brightens my whole complexion for a bit. i can even see my acne scars start to fade. i think it'll work if i keep using it. 

i might have not tried tranexamic acid before, but after using this serum, i'm open to trying another one. it's gentle and it works well. i can see how it starts to fade my acne scars. however, it's too little, so i hope they make a bigger size and it'll be okay. anyway, i think it's suitable for all skin types and it works well with my other skincare products, so i will assume that it won't cause any problems with other skincare products. since this is a local brand, it's easier to get them especially directly from the brand. price wise, it's affordable, but price per ml might not be since it's only half the usual serum size. as for me, this is a good brightening serum, but it makes me want to try other tranexamic acid out there. i will update you about it later. 

this is the description from olive young: this is a water sunscreen which contains 49.8% cream made with calming plants. the sun protection factor is SPF 50+ PA ++++. this product completed a non-comedogenic test, has a primary skin irritation index of 0.00, and it lasts for 10 hours. it hs 95% satisfaction with its application as easy as applying skincare products, 100% for not feeling stuffy even when applied in large amounts, 100% for quick absorption and refreshing feeling, 100% for moisturized and soothed skin, 100% for a fitted makeup that does not get cakey. it shows 92,77% durability when used once. non-irritating cooling care is possible all year round, reducing the temperature by 4.05 C right after one use. it retains 98,9% moisture even in high-temperature and dry environments. easy to wash off with cleansing foam without having to worry about acne and environmentally friendly. reef safe product. it can be used safely for acne-prone skin. this is a reef safe product that does not contain 23 types of fragrance allergens, reducing sebum by 28.16%, reducing blackheads by 16,06% and reducing whiteheads by 24,29% after one use. formulated with soothing cream, it has a sheer base that is fresh and moist until the last moment. it is recommended if your skin feels oily and needs something lightweight for summer, or if your skin feels dry and needs a layer of moisturizing film for winter or during the change of seasons.

featured ingredients:

it contains 49,8% of calming plant formula that has a powerful synergy effect of the concentrated houttuynia cordata extract, centella asiatica, and licorice extract with madecassoside, calming the skin irritation just after one use. it is safe to use as it as a naturally-derived pigment that soothes the skin. it replenishes moisture with a 10-layer watery film, locks in the moisture with selaginella lepidophylla, and fully moisturizes dry skin. it contains anastatica hierochuntica extract that helps hold and retain moisture. it contains 10 kinds of hyaluronic acid that help with moisturization.

the packaging: as i've said, i bought the 1+1 deal, so the box is a light green with the picture of the product inside at front. there's description at the back in korean as well as the ingredients list. inside, there are two tubes, both 50 ml in size. the sunscreen comes in a light green plastic squeeze tube with screw cap. another description at the back of the tube. there's a spout to dispense the sunscreen and everything works well. 

the scent: i think this one is scentless but of course there's some scent from the ingredients. fortunately, it's quite subtle and not annoying at all. it doesn't have that specific scent that most sunscreens have.

the product: it's a white creamy gel type sunscreen. i don't know whether it's the lighting or the tube, but somehow it looks a bit greenish in my eyes. it's slightly thicker than my previous azarine sunscreen but it's still easy to spread around. it's quite creamy so i was afraid that it would make my skin oily at first. but later i found out that it wasn't a problem. 

the result: this one gives a bit glow but it settles down to satin finish once it's completely absorbed. again, i don't have any problem with oiliness even though it is creamier than my previous sunscreen. this also doesn't leave white cast as well. right after spreading it around, it doesn't give any white cast. however, i'm quite fair to begin with, so if you have darker skintone, you might want to check the review from someone who has deeper skin tone than mine. when i start using this sunscreen, my skin was not in good condition, but i kept using this suncreen. and after awhile, my skin condition gets better. so i can vouch that this sunscreen is acne-friendly. 

i have to say that i like this sunscreen. although it's creamier than my preference, but it's still pass the bar for me. it doesn't leave white cast, it doesn't make my skin greasy as the day goes by, and it doesn't irritate my skin when i get acne. if i can get it here at reasonable price, i will definitely repurchase this. i think this is suitable for all skin types, but if you have super oily skin, you might want to try the tester first and try whether it suits to your liking. however, i can vouch that this sunscreen can bear hot weather because it's been hot for a week or two when i used this sunscreen. i forgot the price, but i'm sure it will be much more expensive if it becomes available here. availability wise, for now, it's not available here yet, but if you're in korea, it's widely available in olive young.