i've been contemplating about trying BHA again after my skin got worse awhile back. i've been using retinol at night regularly, but it didn't help much with PMS acne. since i stopped taking contraception pills, my acne got worse around PMS period so i've been thinking of adding BHA into my routine. so when my skin got worse, i bought this serum instantly. back then, all somethinc serums didn't have box, but now they do. so when i bought this, it's already come in box. let's see how it goes.

this is the description from their website: acne treatment solution. an effective salicylic acid core dose serum that functions to 4x action acne combat & reduce stubborn blackheads, by exfoliating & get rid of clogged pores. formulated with maclura cochinchinensis leaf prenylflavonoids which are able to minimize bacteria and reduce excess sebum on skin. this serum is also enhanced with natural soother which keeps the skin hydrated and hence it is perfect for daily use. 

main ingredients:

- new generation of salicylic acid: salicylic acid is the main ingredient in treating acne as it contains anti-bacterial properties that can kill bacteria that cause acne (anaerobic) & essential to help speeds up the exfoliation process.

- natural anti acne: maclura cochinchinensis leaf has been proven to balance skin microbiome, treat oily skin& act as anti-inflammatory. it blocking the acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes) & stopping inflammation.

- natural soother: phragmites & poria cocos are a combination of 2 potent extracts which soothe irritated skin as well as maintaining skin hydration by reducing TEWL & help strengthen skin barrier.

- salicylic acid: is the main ingredient in treating acne as it contains antibacterial properties that can kill bacteria that cause acne (anaerobic) & essential to help speeds up the exfoliation process.

ingredients list: Water, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Pentylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-14 Pareth-12, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Poria Cocos Extract, Phragmites Communis Extract, Citric Acid, Maclura Cochinchinensis Leaf Prenylflavonoids, Sodium benzoate, Sodium Phytate, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Phosphate, Tocopherol

if you read my other posts, you'd figure out that i was buying somethinc mini size products for travelling purpose since i ran out of travel set. luckily, somethinc had most of the stuff that i needed, including the cleansing oil. i never tried their cleansing oil before, so let's see how it goes.

this is the description from their website: deeply cleanse off without clogging pores. a vegan cleansing oil that works well to clean waterproof makeup, sebum, dust and dirt completely. equipped with micelle technology which has the ability to bind dirt and turn it into milky texture when in contact with water, thus making the skin clean without leaving any residue and it is non stripping.

star ingredients:

- squalane: it is a lightweight and non comedogenic oil that does not clog pores. functions as natural moisturizing factors (NMF) to maintain skin moisture and does not strip the skin. squalane also functions as an antioxidant that can prevent skin damage when exposed to UV rays, it helps to keep the skin supple, youthful and hydrated. 

- hydrogenated olea europaea unsaponifiables: it is an oil obtained from olives. rich in phytosterols and glycolipids, which are good for dry and sensitive skin. phytosterols are moleculs similar to cholesterol that nourishes skin, while glycolipids are able to maintain skin moisture.

the packaging: this comes without any box. they probably just seal the bottle with plastic sealing but i can't know for sure since i honestly forgot about it. the bottle is transparent with silver and blue label and purple screw cap for the mini size. they use pump for the full size bottle but the rest of the design is the same between the full size one and the mini one. there's description at the back as well as the ingredients list but the font is so tiny that i don't even bother to read it. the full size one is 100 ml while the mini one is 40 ml. both are decent size. i brought this for 12 days traveling (10 days use since i didn't use it on the plane), and there's some left after i got home. 

the scent: luckily, it doesn't smell like olive oil even though it contains one. i despise the famous DHC cleansing oil because of the scent that i always hold my breath whenever i use it. so, i'm glad this one is scentless without any foul scent.

the product: the oil is quite runny, similar to hada labo one. however, when i brought this with me, i knew that the air in the cabin was freezing cold, and the hotel AC was quite cold, so somehow, it freezes the remnants of the oil around the opening and it became solidified. i almost had a hard time opening it since it froze, but the oil in the bottle didn't. anyway, i'm glad this one doesn't sting my eyes and yes, i use this to remove my mascara as well. it emulsifies a bit after i add water.

the result: cleansing power is good. it can remove my mascara, but it's not the heroine one, so i can't say about the strength since i don't have that mascara in my stash. so far it's the most difficult mascara to remove that i ever tried. as for the rest of my makeup, this one can clean them up without any problem, so yeah, love it. as for non stripping, it depends on the second cleanser for me though, since i always double cleanse. 

again, love this one. i will keep buying it unless i find other travel set that i want to try. if you don't want to commit to the full size or you're looking for traveling stuff, then this might be a good option. if you like cleansing oil, that is. price wise, it's affordable plus somethinc often holds sales, so snatch them while they're on sales. 

the box

this is translated from their website: serum concealer to cover and to spot-less, no crease serum concealer. ultra light. high enough to cover dark spots and acne scars. 3% cica + 2% B3 + HA serum. acne safe and clean (safe for acne skin). long lasting, waterproof. creaseless and eyebag-less. pigmented enough to cover, light enough to layer. serum that brightens and hydrates - cover spots and redness on face, smooths and evens out skin tone. formulated with cica, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid that helps to hydrate and maintain skin health. 

there are 9 shades to choose from. 

ingredients list at the back

the packaging: since mine is the BT21 version, the box has BT21 picture at front, shade name on top and description at the back. the concealer comes in unusual shape. it comes in slim block shape which is weird since usually concealers come in cylindrical tube. again, there's a BT21 character at front (the original version only has spotless written at front) and shade name at the bottom. anyway, the bottle is quite short, and it has twisted cap connected to the wand to apply the concealer. the doe foot is small but it's perfect to spot conceal and pick up just the right amount of product. the size is ...

the shade: there are 9 shades to choose from, ranging from light, medium to deep and each category is differentiated to cool, neutral and warm tone. mine is C1 carbonara which is cool light one. well, i pick the one that match my skin tone because i don't intend to brighten my face. i want something for under eyes but not to brightening but i can use it as spot conceal as well, especially if i'm too lazy to do my base, then i'll just use concealer on problematic area and set it with powder. anyway, the shade is okay for me.

shade name

the product: the concealer is on the runny side. the last time i used concealer was the catrice one and it's pretty thick. compared to MUR one, this one is a bit thicker. for me, the consistency is just right, not too runny but not too thick. 

the wand

the result: i think it has medium coverage. it can cover my dark under eyes as well as the redness on my face and around my acne. it definitely has more coverage than MUR one but not as thick as catrice that it's hard to blend. this one is easy to blend, either with finger or with brush. even though it's said that it contains skincare benefit, i don't use it regularly to see the effect, but i can agree that it doesn't dry out the skin around acne area. usually concealer will make it dry and when i set it with powder, it cracks after a few hour, but i don't experience that with this concealer.

i have to say i'm satisfied with this concealer. i'm relieved that the shade match me. even though that they're only 9 shades, i heard that they're considering to add more shades, so maybe if you can't find your match before, wait a little bit until they extend the shades. anyway, i'm worried about the shape since it's unusual. can i get all the product inside until it's empty? or will some left inside the tube and can't be scraped off? anyway, you can buy them from sociolla or their official market place. the price is slightly more expensive than other brands, but it's still reasonable. i'm not someone who use concealer on daily basis, so maybe i won't repurchase just because i don't use concealer much. i just bought this out of curiosity and i'm glad that it fits my expectation. if you're looking for concealer with decent coverage that's suitable for daily wear, i suggest you give this a try.

this is the description from kokorojapanstore website: prevents stains and freckles from sunburns. it also prevents UVA that causes low tension and elasticity. it flutters like water and quickly blends with it. for smooth skin like bare skin. smooth powder formula. it fits quickly so you can quickly change up your makeup. no white residue. protects your skin from dry damage caused by UV rays. moisturizing ingredients: penetrating hyaluronic acid. for face and body. can also be used as a makeup base. fragrance free, color free, allergy testes. it can be removed by using soap, facial cleansing and full body cleaning agents. not waterproof. 

the packaging: it comes in plastic pouch because mine had a bonus sample size of another sunscreen type. usually it will only comes with a cardboard backing and covered with transparent plastic. description at the back of the pouch was all japanese so i can't understand a thing. thanks to google translate, i managed to find that the sample is for more waterproof activities, while this one is more suitable for daily. anyway, the sunscreen comes in light blue plastic bottle with screw cap. it has short spout to dispense the product. there's description as well as ingredients list at the back of the bottle but everything is in japanese. it comes in 100 ml which might sound a lot, but might not be the case if you keep reading.

the scent: this one doesn't have any distinctive scent, but i'm not sniffing closely, so it might have subtle scent.

the product: this one is liquid. so it's watery. once you tip the bottle upside down, the sunscreen will trickle out from the spout. you have to shake it first before use though. since this is liquid, obviously you will need more to cover the bare minimum requirement, that's why i say that 100 ml might not sound a lot since you have to use more. 

the result: this one is quick absorbing since it is liquid and once absorbed, it leaves matte finish and doesn't feel sticky at all. this holds well under hot and humid weather and i think it's still okay for reapplying. it doesn't feel heavy at all. at first, it will look white but as i keep spreading it around, it eventually sinks in without any white cast. however, i'm quite fair so you might want to check with people with darker skin tone to make sure that this one really doesn't leave white cast.

i have to say that i like this one, even though i don't quite like that it comes in liquid so i have to apply it in layers to get the bare minimum requirement. it's a bit time consuming whenever i'm in such a rush in the morning. unfortunately, they've discontinued this one. but i've heard that biore launched similar sunscreen like this, so probably it's similar? i'll do another sunscreen hunting when i can visit japan, so for now let's just finish this first. if you happen to find the remaining batch of this one, snatch it and try it yourself if you have combination to oily skin and live in hot country. it will surely suitable for you. 

this is the description on their website: toner and essence in one product. effectively hydrates the skin, brightens the skin, maintain healthy pH level of your skin, nourishment from carefully selected non-irritating plant extracts. contains a variety of hydrators (glycerin, butylene glycol, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, portulaca oleracea extract, panthenol, mulbery extract, centella asiatica extract, sodium hyaluronate), skin brighteners (mulberrry extract, licorice extract, raspberry extract), wound healing agent (centella asiatica extract).

ingredients list: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, 1,2 - Hexanediol, Panthenol, Morus Alba Fruit (Mulberry) Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin

this is the description translated from their website: with main ingredients granactive retinoid 1% and peptide and beta glucan, whitelab intensive care serum uses granactive retinoid 1% which is the newer generation of advanced retinoid that gives similar benefit as retinol but with minimum irritation and effective to be used daily. with granactive retinoid 1%, it can help reducing aging signs such as wrinkles and fine lines on the skin and helps fade acne scars. peptide helps increase skin elasticity and tighten the skin. while beta glucan helps to strengthen skin barrier and smoothes and brightens the skin.

ingredients list: aqua, isohexadecane, caprylic/ capric triglyceride, propanediol, niacinamide, polyacrylamide, aluminum starch, octenylsuccinate, hydroxypinacolone retinoate (1%), glycerin, trimethylpentanediol/ adipic acid copolymer, PEG-6 caprylic/ capric glycerides, c13-14 isoparrafin, c9-11 pareth-6, sodium PCA, DMDM hydantoin, dimethyl isosorbide, allantoin, dipotassium glycryrrhizate, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, beta glucan, sodium hyaluronate, xanthan gum, parfum

the packaging: just like other whitelab products, it comes in a white box with distinctive design for whitelab that's similar all across their products. there's description at the back as well as the ingredients list printed on the box. the serum comes in transparent glass bottle with label that has the same design as the box. since it's transparent, you can see the remaining product inside. it only comes in 15 ml, which is half the size of usual serum, slightly less than somethinc serums that come in 20 ml. this serum uses dropper to dispense the product and i have no problem with the dropper.

the scent: every whitelab products has signature scents, that's slightly floral. the scent is subtle and for me it's enjoyable. but if you're sensitive to scent, then you should skip this one.

the product: the serum is a yellowish milky gel type serum that's quite viscous. i use the whole dropper for my whole face and neck. even though it's viscous, it spreads around easily but it takes a minute or two to be absorbed. afterward, it's a bit tacky but not too much. i can still layer it with other skincare products in my routine without pilling or anything. looking at the ingredients list, it contains other stuff as well like niacinamide, glycerin, sodium PCA, several types of peptides and even beta glucan and allantoin. 

the result: i start using this every other day since i've tried other retinoid products. after two weeks, i use this every night and it doesn't give my any problems. i don't experience any dryness or other reactions from using this retinoid. fyi, i use hydrating toner, retinoid, moisturizing serum and then a moisturizer that contains retinyl palmitate. even then, it doesn't react badly. i can see that combined with BHA that i use in the morning, it helps with hormonal acne that i usually get around my period. i don't get it as bad as before. and it helps speeding up the healing process if i ever get acne. another effect that i notice is that my skin looks glowing. i thought it's only a dream to see my skin glowing, but i start to get see it, especially on my forehead and cheeks area. as if i'm using highlighter from the inside. i just wish the skin around my lips and chin experience the same thing. sigh. i think using mask regularly still cause maskne on me. 

anyway, i can say that this retinoid is quite gentle. i can use it daily without experience any dryness. if you're beginner in retinol, then you can give this a go. only if you don't mind with scented skincare product, that is. it's very affordable as well, so it won't break your wallet. whitelab is also easy to get from their official channels and several online shops as well. i have other retinol serum in my stash, so i'd probably won't repurchase this again. but this is one of my favorite. 

this is the description from their website: your ultimate eye game changer. ultimate game changer instantly helps correct fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness around the eyes area as it's equipped with potent antioxidants from korean red pine and resurrection stem cells, also powerful 6-potent peptides: 

- copper tripeptide-1 (copper regenerating peptide): increases collagen and elastin production

- acetyl hexapeptide -8 (botox-like effect peptide): reduces wrinkles by up to 11%

- acetyl tetrapeptide-5 (puffy eyes reducing peptide): reduces eye bag volume by up to 24,2%

- palmitoyl tripeptide-38 (wrinkle filling peptide): reduce wrinkle volume up to 21,1% in 2 months

- palmitoyl tripeptide-1 & palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (dark circle reducing double peptide): combining 2 peptide to reduce panda eyes by 19%

enriched with acacia senegal gum & hydrolyzed rhizobian gum which function as a natural eye tightener & encapsulated ceramide that can smoothen, tighten, and hydrate the eye area. a lightweight cream-gel with ceramic tip that provides cooling sensation for a fresher eye look. 

main ingredients:

-wrinkle filling peptide (palmitoyl tripeptide-38): an essential component that stimulates the production of 6 major skin tissues. it is able to increase collagen production, repair damaged skin tissue, increase skin moisture and elasticity.

- botox-like effect peptide & copper regenerating peptide (acetyl hexapeptide-8 & copper tripeptide-1): acetyl hexapeptide-8 is able to inhibit the formation of wrinkles in 14 days (known as botox-like effect). copper tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) helps heal wounds, contains anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties.

- dark circle reducing peptide (palmitoyl tripeptide-1& palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7): a combination of 2 matrix peptides that strengthen the skin in the eye area and reduce pigment from blood that causes dark circles.

- puffy eyes reducing peptide (acetyl tetrapeptide-5): works by preventing protein deficiency while strengthening the eye-area skin so that it's effective in reducing eye bags in 28 days, dark circle in 14 days, increasing elasticity and hydrating the eye area.

- natural eye tightener (acacia senegal gum, hydrolyzed rhizobian gum): the combination of these two strong polymer structures is clinically proven to tighten skin and reduce signs of aging, tightens skin quickly (instant lifting effect), reduces the appearance of crow's feet.

- encapsulated ceramide (ceramide NP): more stable so that it can fulfill the needs of ceramide in skin as it contains anti-inflammatory properties, provides optimal moisture and strengthens skin barrier.

- resurrection plant stem cell (myrothamnus flabellifolia callus culture extract): functions as an antioxidant that protects skin from oxidative damage, uv rays and pollution. also protects DNA, making it suitable as an anti-aging agent.

- pinus needle extract (pinus densiflora leaf extract): pine densiflora contains phenolic compounds (gallic acid) and flavonoids (cathechins) which are antioxidant, help soothe skin and help brighten skin.

- panthenol: it's also known as vitmain B5. it hydrates the skin optimally because it functions as a humectant which is a compound that can attract and retain moisture in the air into the skin. panthenol can coat the skin so that it keeps the skin smooth and soft.

ingredients list: Water, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Panthenol, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Callus Culture Extract, Cetearyl Glucoside, Hydrolyzed Rhizobian Gum, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Steareth-20, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Ceramide NP, Caprylyl Glycol, glucose, Citric Acid, Copper Tripeptide-1, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Potassium sorbate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, 1,2-Hexanediol

key ingredients:

- neem tree: it contains more than 130 different biological compounds with antioxidant properties to protect the skin. the vitamins and fatty acids in neem leaves can also improve, maintain skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. it also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to support acne treatment. 

- cleome gynandra leaf extract: is a molecule with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that work to maintain the quality and quantity of sebum/oil on skin. cleome gynandra leaf extract is also able to reduce inflammation that leads to acne formation.

- maclura cochinchinensis: contains bioflavonoids which is proven to treat oily skin that causes acne and blackheads as well as balancing the skin microbiome. it works by inhibiting acne-causing bacteria C.acnes and stopping inflammation.

- korean anglica, green tea, lotus leaf, guava leaf: a combination of natural anti-acne ingredients, namely lotus leaf extract, green tea leaf extract, guava leaf extract and angelica extract. it's clinically proven to inhibit the growth of acne-causing C.acnes bacteria that is equivalent to benzoyl peroxide, which does not cause any irritation.

- tea tree oil: contains a number of compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, which is proven to kill certain bacteria, viruses, fungi and is also used to help reduce acne.

- 50% korean green tea: is famous for its EGCG content, one of the polyphenols that has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. in addition, green tea extract acts as an effective free radical scavenger so that it can prevent skin cell damage.

- provitamin b5: is able to hydrate skin optimally and can coat skin so that it gives the skin a smooth effect.

ingredients list: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Glycerin, Water, Propanediol, Methylpropanediol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Panthenol, C12-14 Pareth-12, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Angelica Gigas Extract, Cleome Gynandra Leaf Extract, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Maclura Cochinchinensis Leaf Prenylflavonoids, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol