i bought this when i was in japan after reading about it on amabie website. since they are about 100yen each, i grab 3 of them. it's very affordable, so why not gamble a little? i know many of you will think that it's a waste since usually high-end product delivers more satisfying result than cheap stuff, but it won't hurt anyone. plus, i always think that if cheaper product can deliver good result, why should i pay more?

this is the description from alphabeauty website: an anti-aging moisturizing essence/ serum cream contains 3 kinds of beauty collagen for skin nourishment and helps avoid dryness. this is the best choice for value among those moisturizing essence with similar main ingredient.
apparently, the serum is made by a beauty company, called cosme beauty. i've read somewhere that it's japanese company, but the bottle says "made in vietnam". i guess that explain the low price.

the packaging: it doesn't come in any box, so it's only the pump bottle. each has different color according to the serum type. there are 5 of them, and the triple collagen one is pink. it's a pump bottle, the pump part is pink, and there's another transparent plastic cap to cover the pump. they do seal the bottle with plastic, but other than that, none. there's description written at the back of the body, in english and japanese. quite surprising since this one is super cheap, i didn't think that they might put effort in putting english description while there are other products, more expensive than this and they didn't think to put english description on it, even just the product name and variant. it comes in decent 55 ml size, which is quite generous, considering most serum comes in 30 ml bottle.

the pump bottle

the scent: you might be bored with this, but it's scentless. again. as usual.

the product: i thought it would be more viscous, considering this is a moisturizing essence/serum. and i have to say this is quite a runny serum. i think the consistency is more like essence rather than a serum. it's transparent and watery, runny.. so it's easy to spread. it does take a minute or two to be completely absorbed. and takes time to before it doesn't give sticky feeling afterward. i use two and a half pump every night for my whole face and neck.

left: the pump top right: serum on my hand bottom right: after being absorbed

the result: at first, i was afraid that it might be too rich for my combination skin. but turns out, as i'm aging and i do spend a lot of time inside air-con room, my skin is drier than usual, especially at night. unfortunately, the serum doesn't give enough moisture that my skin need. it does hydrate as well as my snail AIO, but i was hoping this would give more moisture, considering it is labelled as triple collagen serum. which is supposed to be more moisturizing than snail AIO. i've tried using this under night cream and sleeping pack. both combination works well, although i have to say that it doesn't give much difference when i use my AIO under my night cream. in the morning, if i use sleeping pack, my nose would be greasy, but the other part of my skin absorbed all the moisture that i put on my face the previous night. luckily it doesn't break me out.

honestly, i have to admit that i expect too much from this serum. although i didn't mean to discredit cheap/affordable stuff, but you get what you pay. this one does help moisturizing my skin, but it doesn't enough. sometimes my skin still seems like it lacks of hydration. i think oily skin might like this as it's lightweight but still moisturizing. but for dry skin, completely steer away from this serum. this will be useless step for you. i definitely won't repurchase this, but i don't regret trying this either.

of course i bought another bubble color when i was in japan! i was impressed with my first time using it, so i decided to get another one. or two. i bought rose tea brown, which i was intended to buy last year but i couldn't find it. i also bought elegant peach again, since i like the color. if i didn't like rose tea brown, i thought it will be easy to color my hair back to elegant peach again, so i did bought two of them.

the description from kao singapore website about rose tea brown: it's categorized in warm brown family. a lovely brown with a tint of pink.

the packaging: it comes in regular cardbox as usual, with the girls pic at front. same girl but different hairstyles and hair colors according to the shades of the hair color. now, since i bought this in japan, everything is in japanese, even the shade name. so i suggest you take the picture of the shade that you wanted to buy before going to japan.

the product: there are several items in the box, just like the other shade. a big pump bottle, a small bottle that you have to pour into the big pump bottle, a hair conditioner, a pair of gloves, a card to allergy test, and a booklet about the bubble color. there's instructions and pictures too, but everything is in japanese. all you have to do is pour the content of the small bottle to the big pump bottle, turning it upside down 5 times (do not shake it), and then put the pump on top. put your gloves and start coloring your hair. they advise to comb your hair beforehand so it doesn't tangle when you color your hair. then start coloring from hair parting down. put a lot of bubble. if you have long hair, use them all. but if you have short hair, use only three quarter of it. massage the bubble to fully lather it, and then wait. after that wash your hair and use the hair conditioner.

the result: this is a copper brown on me. not that brown with pink tint. the elegant peach is reddish brown that i hope for. but this one doesn't. since i have dark hair to begin with, even though this has 3rd level of brightness, it doesn't as bright as i want it to be. under the sun, you can see it clearly, but under shade, only part near my hair parting is the one that is bright.

again, i like how this is very easy to use, although this time it gets messier than before. i even stain my clothes. thankfully my helper can get rid of the stain completely. even though the brightness level is higher than elegant peach, somehow it gives similar result to elegant peach. my husband even couldn't tell the difference. all he could see it brown. hahaha.. but to me personally, i like elegant peach better. perhaps i should try more red or pink shades. i think this will be suitable for anyone, especially for beginner in hair coloring or anyone who wish to color their hair and have virgin hair (never been colored before). the result is visible but not too drastically changed. if you have black hair like mine, try brightness level 2 or 3. don't try level 1 since it won't show much. another repurchase in the future for sure.

the box (notice that all text is in japanese, and there's color diagram too)

all the bottles inside

left: before right: after

left: before right: after

i gave my brother in a law a wish list when he went to korea along with my mother and sister in law. since my husband didn't go along with them, he told me to give the list to my brother in law. and he had hard time finding almost all of them. but he managed to buy me mediheal mask. and he bought all the variants from line collaboration, a whole box each! i've tried the AC one and i like it, so i decided to try another one.

description from sasa website: mediheal line friends I.P.I lightmax ampoule mask whitens and brightens your skin. the IPI lightmax works on inhibiting melanocytes to make your face clear. the formula contains whitening ingredients including arbutin, mulberry, and vitamin C-AA2G. it removes the pigment, spot, dullness and solves the problem of uneven skin tone. it helps your skin restore radiant and glossiness. the bulgaria rose water owns strong moisturizing power which keeps your face hydrated.

the packaging: since my brother in law bought me the whole box, i got the box. both the box and individual packaging have the same design. this time it's cony at the front. it's pink too. i believe they have this in their regular line, but it's white. there's description at the back of the sachet in english and korean.

the scent: okay, i have to say that i can't decide what kind of scent it is. i think it's baby powder scent, but sometimes i think it's floral. oh well, all i can say that although it has scent, it isn't too overpowering. in fact, i like how it helps me relax at night.

the product: the mask is a thin cotton, a little bit rigid but not too papery. it has cony face on the cheek. the fit is similar to other variant. it has long eye part but it's okay for me. the slit does help me adjusting the mask better. it doesn't have plastic backing so it's a little bit difficult unfolding this mask. the mask adheres very well. it has clear essence, and quite generous too. a little bit left in the pouch but it's not enough to soak a table mask. like the other mask, i can put it on my face for almost an hour and it is still moist. after about 30 minutes, the center part will dry first, but the edges will still moist, quite weird since most of my mask dries quicker on the edges, and not the other way around.

the result: definitely moisturizing but not too greasy and not sticky too. it does brightened my face but the effect is temporary as usual. i also feel tightening feeling on my forehead, don't know why though.

definitely love this variant too. i think it will suit every skin types. even for oily skin can use this. although perhaps they should skip a step, perhaps just top it off with moisturizer afterward. if you have special occasion and you want to look glowing and bright, you can use this mask beforehand. one thing though, i was hoping that they would put line character face on the whole mask, and not just put a little face on the cheek part. i still have two more variants to try before deciding which one is my favorite. have you tried them all? which is your favorite?

the individual packaging

left: before middle: mask on face right: after (notice that my face is slightly brightened)

when i bought my dome eyeshadow brush, i also wanted to buy another brush. actually a couple more brush, but unfortunately the ones that i want weren't available at that time. so when i look around, i remembered that some of those youtuber use tapered brush to apply their powder to set their makeup. i didn't have that brush. i use my elf powder brush with my powder. it works well, but somehow i just want to see if the result would be better if i use tapered brush. plus i don't have any highlighter brush. i try using my angled blush brush, but it doesn't work well. considering that i have to do my own makeup i want to have another brush to practice my highlighting. so i decided to grab this.

this is the description from kaycollection website: its tapered shape covers all of the curves of your face, making precision in highlighting, contouring or applying powder all over your face.

the packaging: this one is from their professional line, so the brush comes in a plastic tube. there's a sticker label at the bottom that indicates the number, name and description of the brush.

the product: the brush is longer than the eye brush, 18 cm in length. but as for face brushes, it's slightly longer than my other face brushes. the handle is black and it's bigger than my other face brushes, make it very sturdy and feels strong when i grip it. it has silver metallic ferrule. the brush is tapered, so it's pointy at one side. and the bristles.. oh the bristles is soooo sofffftttt.. the softest that i've tried.

the result: okay, since i only have pressed powder, that's the first one that i try. with pressed powder, the brush picks very little amount, thus gives more natural result. i can feel only a thin layer of powder on my face. perhaps it will work better with loose powder since it will only pick a good amount of powder. my elf powder brush tends to pick too much loose powder. the tapered side is perfect to apply powder. now move on to highlighting. since i only have one highlighter at the moment, i can't say much. with my catrice highlighter, it can pack good amount of highlighter, but somehow it's too subtle. i've tried scratching the surface with spoolie and it does improving the pigmentation. but still, it's very subtle. but it's better than my angled brush.

definitely like this brush, although i have to practice more with different highlighter to see its full capability. one thing though, the eye brush is affordable, but this one is more expensive. when i had to pay, i was quite surprised seeing the price, but since it works well, i think it's worth the price.

update: i've tried it with my brand new elf highlighter, and the result is similar to catrice. it give subtle result. the tapered part is a little bit wide, so it's hard to apply it constricted to certain part. when i use the pointy side, the highlighter will just pack on the tip of the brush, so i have to dip numerous time to get the result that i want. since it's very soft, somehow it makes my highlighter messy, too powdery and i get dust all over. i've tried this with contour powder too, and since it's quite wide, the contouring gets a little bit wider than i used to do, especially under the ears, but result is more subtle, softer, blended beautifully. so i guess it's really up to you, what kind of result that you like. you can use this brush with powder, highlighter and contour powder and it will give you more natural and subtle result.

top left: the tube top right: the tapered shape bottom: the label on the tube

i honestly have no idea how i knew masami shouko. but after reading all the reviews, i became interested. all of them saying that it's affordable and the brushes are good. when i was searching on kaycollection website, i was thinking of getting their 219 blending brush. but apparently it was sold out at the store. i was afraid that it's as big as my BH brush that it's such a waste to buy online. and i want to buy their eyeshadow brush stack. it will be perfect for travelling, but again, it's sold out online and at stores. so i decided to ask the store attendant and she suggested this brush. i want to try something from masami shouko, so i decided to buy it. i also bought their tapered brush, which i intend to use with highlighter or powder. but i will tell you about it in other post.

this is the description from kaycollection website: to apply intense colours on the crease or to add depth on the outer crease using darker colours. ideal to create smoky eyes or to smudge pencil liner. natural bristles. size 13,5 cm.

the packaging: this one is from their original line, so it doesn't have special packaging, unlike the professional one. it comes in plastic bag, with description at the back.

the product: it really looks like regular brush. it's shorter than my bh cosmetics brush. it has black handle with silver metallic ferrule before the hair brush. the hair brush is made of natural bristles, which is why it's so soft. it doesn't prick me unlike the blending brush. its shape is also unusual. i never have this kind of brush. it's thick and round, with dome tip. it fits perfectly to my crease, which helps in applying color to my crease. it also helps blending it, although not perfect. i still like blending with my blending brush. sometimes when i'm too lazy to change brush, i also pack color to my lid using this brush. they printed the brand name and brush number on the handle too.

the result: it works well to apply color to my crease and slightly blending it, but for overall blending, i still prefer my blending brush. it also pack color nicely to my lid. but i still can't pack darker color to my outer V since it's quite round, i still need my pencil brush to put color to my outer V.

honestly, i started to like this brush. since it's small, it helps me to put color to my crease. but it's dense so sometimes i put a little bit too much on my crease, which is not good. but because it's dense, it can pack color to my lid. what i don't quite like is the size of the handle. i wish it has the same length as my bh cosmetic one, and it will be perfect. oh and it doesn't shed a bit even after i wash it a couple times since buying it.

the packaging

more close up on the brush

i forgot why i bought this brush set. all i can remember is i was trying to learn how to use eyeshadow properly, and i've watched many youtube tutorials. and every one of them has different brushes to apply different colors. and they say good brush is important when you want to learn to apply makeup, especially eyeshadows. at that time, i only have one shader brush from face shop and one blending brush from body shop. so when i saw this online, i decided to buy it.

this is the description from their website: line, define, shade, and blend eyeshadow with our versatile seven-piece eye essential makeup brush set. a complete wardrobe of professional-quality synthetic and natural hair cosmetic brushes, it offers endless options for creating any eye look that suits your mood, from soft and subtle to bold and bright. you'll be the belle of the ball in the blink of an eye.

the packaging: this comes in a box. all the brushes comes inside a clear plastic bag. no case or pouch included. at the back of the box you can see the name of each brush, which definitely help for me since i have no clue what brush is which at first. but unfortunately, they didn't put the description of the bristles, whether it's natural or synthetic, so i have no clue which one has natural hair, which one has syntethic hair.. but maybe i can guess.

the product and the result: each brush has black handle, the length is enough for me. they are longer than my face shop brush, but almost the same length as my bodyshop one. i have one masami shouko brush, and it's shorter than these brushes. every brush has gold metal ferrule. on the handle, you can read the brand name and the number of the brush written on it.

101 blending brush: this one is fluffy and tapered. at first, the dome shape is perfect, the bristles is soft. but after washing it, some of the hair shed and somehow the bristles is coarser. and when i use it, sometimes it pricks my eyelid. but it works well in doing its job. it blends my eyeshadow well. although i find it too big for my crease, but i can managed.

102 large shader brush: the bristle is flat, it's good for packing colors, although i think the small one packs better because it's denser. lately i watched a video tutorial that use a large shader brush to contour nose bridge. and i tried it with my contour powder, and it works well. but i still use the bodyshop blending brush to blend it. i like to use it to put colors to my eyelid, under brow, and lately to contour my nose.

103 small shader brush: this one is also flat, but slightly fluffier than the large shader brush. i also like to use this on my eyelid, especially on my lower lid. but using separate shader brush for upper and lower lid is too much. so i alternate using the brushes.

104 angled blending brush: this looks like the shader brush, but with angle. it's in between the large shader and small shader. it's not as flat as the large shader, but not as fluffy as the small shader. honestly, this is one of the brushes that i seldom use. i've tried using this to blend contour powder on my nose, but i like the result from my body shop blending brush better. so somehow this one get left out.

105 pencil brush: this is the brush that i reach most along with the shader and blending brush. particularly since most tutorial videos that i've watches always using this kind of brush to pack darker color on the outer V. this is the only brush that has white hairs, which make me go crazy since i always use this to pack dark color, the hair definitely become dirtier each time i use this brush. at first, it's slightly tapered, pointy at one side, but after washing it, this is another brush that sheds some hair. at some point, i think it doesn't have the original shape, but it doesn't affect the result. it packs color well to my outer V and slightly blends it too. but i think if i keep washing and using this only pencil brush in my collection, i might have to replace it sooner that the rest.

106 fine liner brush: this is one brush that i never use. it's small and thin, like eyeliner brush. if i had time, i could use this to put highlighter on my inner corner, but i always in a rush, so i use my finger to put on the highlighter. this brush will be great to use with eyeliner, to give detail or highlight inner corner. but i never use it.

107 small angled brush: this is another one that i almost never use. this brush will be perfect to use to define your brows, but since i only use brow pencil to define my brows, this brush is useless to me. it's flat but has angle like the angled blending brush. i've tried using it to apply my eyeliner, but it's too flat. and the brush is not stiff enough to apply straight line. anyway, if you use brow gel, this might be useful brush for you.

overall, i like that i can use most brushes to help me improve my makeup skill. and definitely improve my eyeshadow application too. for that price, i think it's a good bargain. if you're looking for a complete eye brushes for beginner, i can recommend it. it's quite complete, it has every brush that you need to apply your eyeshadow. i don't regret buying them, although i was hoping the blending isn't that prickly and the pencil brush doesn't shed that much. other than that, i'm quite happy with my purchase.

the outer box there's description at the back

top: all the brushes still inside their plastic bottom left: blending brush bottom right: large shader brush

top left: small shader brush middle: pencil brush top right: small angled brush bottom left: detailer brush bottom right: angled blending brush

i bought this when i went to japan. everyone seems to buy one when they visit japan. little that i know that this one is disappointing. although some people seem to get good result with this hair oil, i don't.

the description from amazon: the tsubaki, or camellia flower, is packed with oleic acids that are extremely compatible with our own skin. japanese men and women commonly use camellia oil to moisturize their skin, face and hair. massage a few drops indo damp clean hair ends to nourish dry hair, split ends, and dull strands.

the packaging: it comes in a yellow box with camellia flower pictured at front. every text on the box is in japanese. the oil comes in a glass bottle with screw top. it has reverse drop opening at top to dispose the product. i don't know that there are more than one size, i got mine in 60 ml, which is the big size one. some complains about the reverse dropper, they said that it didn't dispose the same amount of oil every time. at first it will drop very little oil. but then it will drop bigger drop of oil. there's a booklet inside that give complete description about the other products from oshima, turns out there's more than just hair oil. and there are pictures too, about several ways to use this hair oil. unfortunately everything is in japanese so i have no idea what they said.

the scent: i believe this one is scentless too.

the product: the oil is pale yellow, it has same consistency as loreal oil, if not slightly runny. not too viscous and not too runny either. i put about 4-5 drops on my hair ends. when you use it on damp hair, it won't leave your hands greasy, but if you put it on dry hair, then you might want to wash your hands afterwards since it might be too greasy for your hands.

the result: i use it several ways. on damp hair, on dry hair, on my scalp. so let's review one by one. on dry hair, it will be too much even though i only use it on my hair ends. it will weigh down my hair and make it greasier, i even have to wash my hair quicker than usual since my hair will get oily. on damp hair, it is slightly better. if i use too little, i won't notice the difference. but if i use too much, then my hair will be greasy. and then i get dandruff on my scalp. i read on some blogs that the oil will help with dandruff. all you have to do is put it on your fingertips and massage it to your scalp. and i try it. i use very little oil since i'm afraid it will make my scalp greasier than ever. and it really helps. but since i'm exercising almost everyday, this make my hair greasier faster too.

after using this several ways and times, i have no idea why this oil can be a bestseller since it doesn't work well for me. i know you might say that it might give different result to different people, but i think i've tried every way there is, so i don't think it's the reason. when i was looking for other reviews, some praises this oil but not many, and there's another person that hate this oil just like me. so.. definitely don't grab this oil the moment you see this oil.

the outer box

the bottle and the inverted dropper

the instruction booklet that comes with it

the whole other products from oshima that contain camellia oil

when i asked my sister to buy me from nature FTE from koreadepart, i also asked her to buy petitfee eye patch. i bought two, the black pearl and the premium gold. i've tried the black pearl one, and i'm not too impressed, so let's see about this one.

the tub, spatula and the eye patches

the outer box, description and ingredients in korean and english

no significant changes on before/after i only feel my under eyes are better moisturized

i was looking for another good first essence. i have good luck with innisfree soybean energy essence but the light version isn't suitable for me. unfortunately, the price of this essence is getting pricier each day. i have to find other affordable first essence since hydrating lotion is just meh for me. i can still buy hatomugi for hydrating lotion, which is super cheap and last a long time. but for first essence i truly have no idea. somehow i always put secret key on the end of the list, but considering the latest situation with the customs here, i probably will buy that after finishing this one. since i have pretty limited option, i was torn between a true black tea essence and from nature age treatment essence. both brands are new for me, so i heavily relied on other reviews. i asked @vanity.rex who first put both options into my radar, and she suggested from nature one. so i asked my sister to buy it for me from koreadepart since it's only available there (which can ship to singapore) and it was on sale.


this is the description from koreadepart: galactomyces ferment ingredient 95,7% gives bright and clear skin care. purify skin tone and balance with ferment essence. gives own skin rhythm for moisture elastic skin care.


the packaging: it comes in red box. the essence comes in frosted glass bottle with metallic cap. i'm totally bored with this similarity. seems like every brand that tries to copy sk-II can't come up with new and fresh design even though they are making similar product. i was glad that innisfree didn't copy the design, although it's still in white plastic bottle with dark colored cap but the text is on the side, unlike sk-II that's at the center of the bottle.

the box

the scent: i think it's scentless. good thing though since no one like fermented stuff's scent.

the product: it's watery like water, so i have difficulty control the amount of product that i want from the big opening. it has some slip feeling when i apply it on my face. it takes a few minutes to be absorbed but once it's absorbed it doesn't leave sticky feeling. even though the instructions said to use it with cotton pad, no way i will use cotton pad. i pour it straight to my hands and pat it on my face.

the bottle see how similar it is to SK-II?

the result: at first i was disappointed because it only hydrates my skin, just like hydrating lotion. i don't see any brightening effect or glowing effect that i get mostly from first essences. but i keep using this once a day in the morning, and then a couple week ago, i notice my skin look brighter.. glowing. exactly what i hope from first essence.

left : me couple months ago right: me two months after using this FTE

so, definitely like this essence. it's exactly as vanity rex said about this toner. it's brightening/glowing effect is visible. and it's cheaper.. way cheaper than my previous innisfree. but i think it's the same price as secret key. that's why perhaps i will try secret key one after finishing this one. my only problem with this essence is i have to order it from my sister that lives in singapore since almost no online shop sells it here. other than that, i love this essence.

i bought this mask when i was in japan along with the imperial bird nest variant. i read so many good reviews about my beauty diary that i grabbed them every time i see them in japan. this year i bought the sake and black pearl one. unfortunately the selection is not that variative in japan. so i can only grab one or two variants each time i went there.

this is the description from beautibi website: hyaluronic acid - utilizing cosphingo liposome technology and combined with aquatoad - penetrate deep to reach dry, coarse cuticles, achieving optimal immersive skin hydration. the result is a tender, bright texture of fully hydrated skin. the diverse hyaluronic acid hydration ingredients and liposome technology reinforce the supple, tender feel of skin after deep hydration, thereby presenting exquisite, flawless radiance of the skin. liposome hyaluronic acid also known as infiltration of hyaluronic acid, the use of small molecule hyaluronic acid liposome technology to complete coated liposome through structural characteristics and skin keratin similar layer, can quickly penetrate through the horny barrier assist hyaluronic acid to dry skin dry location, completely water from inside out, water, water lock continued to maintain skin moisturizing power. hyaluronic acid is an important moisturizing bottom of muscle stretch factor, liposome can enhance penetration through skin barrier, to create the perfect match between the two most perfect skin moisturizing formula.

the packaging: i bought the 5 pieces in a box one. the box is light blue with a description at the back. luckily the name of the variant is in english, but the rest is in japanese. the individual packaging has the exact design as the box.

the scent: it has subtle floral scent, but goes undetected once you put it on your face.

the product: the mask is a thin silk with plastic backing, which is helpful since it makes the unfolding process easier. the mask itself doesn't have any slit. it has short forehead and narrow jaw, so if you have big face, this might fall too small for your face. the eye holes are small, but it's okay. i can fit it to my face just fine. it can fit my face comfortably. the mask adheres well. it has lots of clear essence. there's some left but not too much. not enough to soak a tablet mask. it's a bit viscous so i have to dilute it with my hydrating toner if i want to save the remaining essence to soak a tablet mask. for the first few minutes, i have to slightly lie down since the essence makes the mask slippery and dragging it down when i was sitting up. there's cooling effect when i first put it on my face.

the result: i put it on for about 30 minutes and it's still damp. after taking it off, i rub the remaining essence for about 5 minutes and then i can feel it leaves slightly sticky feeling. after the essence is being absorbed, i can feel my face is well hydrated, my pores appear smaller.

definitely love this mask. i can see why everyone loves my beauty diary mask. if you have more than 15 minutes to pamper your skin, then try anything from my beauty diary. it will give you the me-time that you need to relax before heading to bed. i think this variant will suit every skin types, but for super oily skin, maybe you might want to skip a step or two. or just put your moisturizer on top of this and go to sleep. when i use this mask, i have some dry patches, and it helps a bit. the next day i still have to soak tablet mask in my hydrating toner to hydrate my skin further, and the next day the dry patches are all gone. definitely will buy this again when i see it. and this one is available at guardian. as for price, i think it's cheaper in japan.

the individual packaging

left: before middle: mask on me (i have to slightly facing up so it won't slide down my face) right: after

last year, i focused more on skincare when i did my haul. this year, i want to try some makeup too. especially since i'm buying new stuff thanks to old and expired products that i have to toss. so i did my research. i was planning to buy another blush, because one blush is not enough (i just bought catrice at that time, and haven't got the cheek stain) when i stumbled across canmake. reading their most reviewed cream cheek make me want to try another cream cheek product again. last time i tried a cream blush, it didn't work out well. it disappeared on hot days and only stayed for a few hours. i was torn though between this one and the new cream cheek tint. but unfortunately, the new product doesn't have a lot of review so i have difficulty finding the right shade for me. so i decided to stick with this one and at the store, i got the chance to swatch the color and decided no 5 was right for me so i grabbed it. oh, and if you're wondering why i have to do a thorough research, it's because of my kids. shopping with husband watching over two toddlers mean you have to be quick, even for doing swatches. so i only swatch one or two products and then decide quickly. that's why i have to narrow it down beforehand.

this is the description from their global website: creates a complexion that exudes health from deep within your skin, like a fountain of happiness. blends in with your skin as though melting into it, ensuring that your complexion stays looking dewy-fresh for hours on end. surprising texture! a melting gel-type formulation that becomes dry after application. the melting gel-type texture, which is silky-soft on your fingers, becomes dry from the instant you apply it to your cheeks! contains masses of emollient agents that are highly compatible with your skin (squalene of vegetable origin and amino acid-based emollients), enclosed in a special stretchy gel, which not only protects your skin from drying out, but also improves the blusher's adhesion to your skin, making it longer-lasting. highly compatible with all foundations. gel-type formulation for vibrant color that looks just as it does in the container. melts into your skin, revising your complexion to make it look as though it has been lit from within, and lasts for hours and hours.
sweet apricot: an apricot orange that will give you the impression of a cute, free girl.

the packaging: okay, this one is super affordable, only 580 yen, so i was quite surprised that it was small! as small as my single eyeshadow from catrice. the container is transparent gem-like plastic container, so you can see the color of the cream blush inside. at the back there's the description of the shade's name and number in english (thankfully!) so you don't have to guess. the rest is in japanese. since it's small, it feels flimsy. it's has cute detail though, like the bow on the opener. cute but not that practical since if you have big finger, you might have some difficulty to open the container.

the scent: scentless, of course.

the product: it's a cream blush alright, very creamy on my touch. but when i swatch it on my hand, it feels powdery. i guess their description is right. it transforms into powder when you apply it on your skin. perhaps that's why it can last longer than my previous cream blush. it's easy to blend. i like to use my finger because i'm lazy just that.. and it's easy to use with finger. travel friendly too since you don't have to bring any brush with you. unfortunately, since it's so small, no mirror. on the pan, it looks apricot slightly toward coral, with micro glitter in it.

the color payoff: yes, it's vibrant. on one swatch, you can see exactly the color that you see on the pan. but it blends nicely. and it's buildable too. you can put more layer if you think that the first layer is too sheer for your taste. if you're worried about the glitter, then worry not since it doesn't show that obvious. if you take a close up look, then you might see the glitter shining on your cheeks. but from distance, you can't see it.

the result: it gives nice apricot flush on my cheek. almost like what i hoped for. i actually wish it was a bit lighter. but it is okay. it lasts for hours too. even on hot weather, on top of powder foundation or just bb cushion. sometimes i do top if off with powder, but sometimes i don't and it doesn't make significant difference. okay, maybe not all day, but 5-6 hours, which is super good compared to my last cream blush.

definitely can see why it's such a bestseller there. it has cute packaging, and the color is true to pan, cute color too. and it lasts quite some time. and not to mention that it's affordable. although i have to say that the color shades selection if more toward teen to early 20s with some little choice for more mature women. unfortunately, although it's available in indonesia, the price is twice more expensive than in japan. so, if you're heading to japan, definitely grab at least one.

the packaging

the pan (i can't show you the close up pic of the bow, but on the right pic, you can see the bow on the top lid)

arm swatch: left -heavily swatched, right - blended

on my cheek

although i've reviewed the sample of the light version, i want to add new thoughts about this FTE.
i've mentioned in my previous post that this one is runnier than the original one, just like water. but it doesn't give much difference in absorption rate. both are being absorbed pretty quick. but somehow, i think the original version gives more hydration than the light one. but perhaps it's my aging skin that i need more hydration than before. so, i think the light one definitely works better for those who live in hot and humid weather or have oily or combination skin.

now, the light version has more fermented soybean in its ingredients, but i notice that the original one bring brightness to my face, better than the light version. i think my skin was glowing when i used the original one, but now, it's just ordinary. as for the rate of usage, since this one is pretty runny, i use it quicker than the original one. i've used this for two months and a quarter of the bottle has gone. and this is the 150 ml one, while i used 80 ml of the original one for more than 6 months.

bottom line, i like the light version as much as the original one, but i think the original one will be more suitable for me now than the light one. but i don't know if i'm gonna repurchase this, since i've been curious about the face shop the therapy anti aging line, and they have first serum too. so i will wait around and then decide which one to buy later.

i bought this mask along with some other masks while i was in japan. i grab this mask merely because it's rated as best sellers there. so without hesitation, i grab two variants, the q10 (i have reviewed it in other post) and the vitamin C. when i was back in japan couple months ago, i decided not to buy more even though i found new variants that i would like to try (the purple one - tranexamic acid, and the pink one - hyaluronic acid). not because i found that this mask is no good, but because i got too many stuff already. our luggage is super duper full.

this is the description from kose cosmeport website: active whitening ingredient: formula with stable vitamin C. formula with eight types of amino acids. the perfect fitting mask prevents spots and freckles from sunburns and works to nourish translucent, beautiful white skin.

the packaging: i bought the 5 masks in a box, for vitamin C variants, it's yellow. the individual sachet has same design as the box. and everything is in japanese. luckily there's a big "C" letter so i was kind of get the impression that it's vitamin C. the individual sachet is also smaller compared to my usual korean mask sachet. and it also has side opening just like the q10 version.

the scent: i was hoping that this one smells citrusy, like most products that contain vitamin C and its derivative, but just like any japanese products, this one is scentless.

the product: the mask is medium thickness, from cotton. the fit however, is a little off for me. it has too many slits. it has big temple part and big mouth hole. it also has useless eye flaps. i have hard time adjusting this mask to my face. the essence is clear, although when it was unwrapped, i kind of think that it has an orange tinge to it. it's generous too but not dripping wet. at first it adheres well, but after about 10 minutes, it start to dry and the edges will hanging loose from your face.

the result: just like the other type, this is a quick working mask, which supposedly to deliver its benefit in 5 minutes. that's why it's dried so quickly. i have to say in about 10 minutes, it manages to moisturize my skin and slightly brightened it too. no breakout when i use this mask.

i think this mask will be suitable for any skin types, even oily skin types. i think this mask will suit those who wants to use mask but in a rush, or doesn't have lots of time to pamper themselves. this will make good daily mask. but if you want to pamper yourself after a long tiring day and have lots of time to put extra care for your skin, then skip this mask. or if you're looking for a before special occasion mask. this is not any of them. anyway, this is an affordable mask. this one tends to come in pack, 5 masks in a box or 22 or even in a big packaging like wet tissue one. i just can't digest why it's such a bestseller there. have you tried this mask? do you like it? please tell me..

outer box

individual packaging

left: before middle: mask on right: after

okay, i'm lying. i thought i will be satisfied holding on to my revealed palette. but with everything else in my vanity is new, i'm aching to find something new. new eyeshadow palette. i've been so busy with kids that i didn't know what's in trend anymore. so, i looked up and then i stumbled across makeup revolution. this brand is completely new to me. i never heard about it. so i searched for more information. turned out they have dupes for famous brands, like too faced and urban decay. and everyone keeps commenting how spot on their part in dupe part. i have coastal scents revealed palette which is a dupe for urban decay naked 1 and 2. so obviously, i want to try the dupe for naked 3. but it looks too pink. what if i wanted something nude or neutral? so i was looking again and found out this branch from tambeauty, i heart makeup, a sister brand of makeup revolution. and they have this chocolate line which is a dupe of too faced chocolate bar palette.

i started to look for swatches. and i loooovvveee chocolate, so i was hoping to get something that looks chocolate. i was thinking about the salted caramel or chocolate vice one, but i always drawn to the naked chocolate. it was the white chocolate one. in reality, i don't like white chocolate, so i was kind of hesitating because of silly reason. so i asked my husband, and he said to get both. i need some rewards for taking care of 3 children without him for about 10 days, and they chose to be sick when he was away. so i decided to grab both the iconic 3 (which is the dupe of naked 3) and naked chocolate to reward myself.

this is the description from their website: the love affair with chocolate continues with the stripped back eyeshadow collection in our collectable chocolate bar palette. naked chocolate is here. containing 16 stunning eyeshadows for perfect bare to smokey eyes, mixture of shimmer and matte shades. 3d chocolate palette with full size mirror and applicator.

the packaging: it comes in a half-melted white chocolate-look alike box. unfortunately at the back of the box, there's no shades diagram, unlike several older chocolate palettes. when you pop out the palette, it really comes in a 3d chocolate bar, white chocolate one to be exact. half of it is melted. at the back there's only a label of it. when you open it, you can see big mirror staring back at you. it's soooo big. really helpful when you bring this palette when you're travelling. there's a plastic cover where there's the shade names printed on it. i have mix feeling about the names. i like when a brand gives names to their shades. it makes it easier to watch tutorials and reviews. i don't have to count the shades to figure out which one to pick. but, i don't like the names they're giving their shades. it doesn't seem logical. some names are chocolate related, like choc-fest, sweet shop, and sugar (previously suger). but some seems like all over the place, e.g. smoothly and way. what kind of name is "way"? and they change the name too. wonka was previously white, while sugar was previously suger. so you know which version you get when you see your shades' name. it also has double-ended sponge applicator. i know some of you wish that they give brush instead of sponge or just get rid of it completely so there will be more space for them to put the names ON the palette instead of on flimsy plastic film.

the outer box (earlier chocolate bars have the color diagram at the back of the box)

palette on my hand

the scent: it has a hint of white chocolate smell. but it only smells when you open the palette. i don't smell it when i put the eyeshadow on my eyes. plus it smells synthetic though.

top: flimsy plastic film with the name of the shades written on it bottom: look how gorgeous it is!

more pictures won't hurt, right?

the product: when you open the palette, you can see this beautiful palette, with various shimmery and matte shades, it has mix of neutral colors, both warm and cool tone. when you touch it, it feels buttery and smooth. and you only need one swipe to pick the pigment. oh wait, almost everything. there are some shades that needs a little bit rubbing, but mostly it is wonderful. all 16-colors are placed in decent-size pan. some are a little bit powdery, but it's not annoying. i have to say that this one is more pigmented than my iconic palette. here's all the shades:
- smoothly: a light pink shimmery, a bit powdery. this shade blends into my skin tone. but i can still use this as base.
- divine: some described this as rose gold, but i can't say for sure. it's shimmery for sure, and it has good pigmentation without any fall out too.
- adorable: shimmery beige, again, this is similar to my skintone so it's barely showed.
- buttons: shimmery dark brown, good pigmentation without any fallout.
- frosted choc: bronze, good pigmentation with no fallout.
- double dip: shimmery gold brown, good pigmentation.
- toblerone: matte taupe brown, good pigmentation but need to build up, slightly powdery as most matte shades do.
- wonka: matte dark brown, very pigmented, use with light hand
- way: pale metallic yellow gold, with brush, it's barely shown, but with finger, i can use this as highlight. need to scrub a little bit though.
- milky: matte purplish taupe, a bit powdery, average pigmentation.
- sugar: dark brown with red shimmery powder, like wonka with red dots. good pigmentation without any fallout.
- sweet shop: matte medium brown, good pigmentation.
- delight: shimmery dark green brown, good pigmentation.
- choc fest: matte reddish brown, very pigmented, use light-handed.
- dipped: light brown shimmer, good pigmentation without any fall out.
- mochalover: darker than dipped but similar, good pigmentation too.

a little close up with the plastic on top

close up on the left side

left part of the palette and swatches on my hand

the result: this is another good buy for makeup revolution. it has neutral colors with several bold colors, which make it different from my revealed palette. i like that they add bronze or purplish hue to this palette, since that what make it different from my revealed palette. it's pigmented even without primer. but using primer will definitely make the color pop more and last longer.

close up on the right side

right part of the palette and swatches on my hand

overall, i recommend this palette. if you're looking for neutral eyeshadow palette but you get bored with taupe and brown, then grab this one. it has mauve and gold and bronze to mix with your neutrals. although this chocolate bar doesn't dupe for anything in market (unlike their siblings, which mostly a dead dupe for too faced chocolate bar), several people thought it's a dupe for lorac unzipped, which i can't say anything about it since i don't own any lorac palette. but dupe or not, it's still a good eyeshadow palette. it's cheap but it has good pigmentation.

when i went to japan the first time i want to find hair styling product, the one that help minimize frizz and then when i straightened my hair, it will give that glossy look, like the one that i get from the hair salon. but when i was there the first time, i didn't have time to look carefully and i took the wave defining foam by mistake. the second time, i made sure that i picked the right item just to find out that it doesn't work just the way i want. the one that i pick is liese straight style mist.

description from cosme: a hair mist for blow drying your hair that uses the power of heat to straighten frizzy hair. it is blended with heat protection ingredients to protect the hair against heat. it has a fruity floral scent. it is good for frizzy and out-of-control hair.
instruction from kao website: spray straight style mist generous onto bot inner and outer layers of hair. hold hair dryer from above and brush hair in small bundles gently with a medium-tooth, round brush from root to tip.

see.. it's supposed to used with blow dryer! while i don't have any hair brush suitable for blow drying. ouch.. but that doesn't mean that buying this stuff is a waste. let's find out more.

the packaging: while the wave defining is fat and short, the hair mist is slim and tall. it has the same color scheme as the wave defining one (which is pink and white). all the text on the bottle is in japanese as always. when you open the black cap, you can see that it's just like a regular spray.

the scent: again, finally a nice-scented japanese product. i think both products smell similar. if you're worried that it might smell too much, then worry not. you can only smell the scent when you sprayed it. but once the mist is completely absorbed, then you can't detect it.

the product: it's just like regular hair mist. you just have to spray it to your hair ends when your hair is damp then blow dry your hair. i have tried it two ways. the first one i use it with hair straightener. the second one with regular hair dryer. after sprayed into damp hair, it doesn't leave sticky feeling. and after completely dried, it also doesn't leave sticky feeling.

the result: when being used with hair straightener, i also use hair oil on hair ends. and the hair oil messes up the whole thing. when my hair is wet, i don't think that the hail oil will mess everything up. but when i start straightening my hair, the end limps. it dries flat. and then couple hours later, the straightening effect is almost gone. and the next day, my hair is completely ruin, and i have to wash it again. then i try without hair oil. and blow dry. and it works better. my hair end dried frizz-less. not completely frizz free, but the hair mist tames my hair a bit. if i use brush, i imagine it will work better. no limping hair and it is still fresh for about 2-3 days.

so, although it doesn't give me that straight, frizz free hair and glossy look, but i'm starting to like it. i just hope i have hair brush to make it work better. i just have to say goodbye to that hair oil because it messes the whole things up.

the bottle

left: me with wet hair right: me after blow drying my hair after using the hair mist

hair mist and the hair brush that i use

after using a hair brush: it does straighten my hair more!