Archive for December 2023

i saw that the aubree just recently renewed some of their products and added some more. actually i wanted to try their vitamin c serum, but it was sold out so i decided to buy something else. at that time, i just realized i almost finished my toner stash, so i decided to buy their toner alongside their new moisturizers. i have to admit, i buy it impulsively, so i have no idea what to expect from this toner.

this is the translated description from their official marketplace channel: helps to overcome redness, irritated skin, sensitive skin. can be used for acne skin. category: hydrating toner.

key ingredients:

- oat extract: helps to repair skin barrier with fatty acid omega 5 and 6, balances skin microbiome

- hyaluronan-11: moisten the skin

- azulene : reduce inflammation and redness

- allantoin : soothe skin

the packaging: there's no box, just the bottle. the toner comes in a blue plastic bottle that has gradation on the bottom. there's description in indonesian at the back, as well as ingredients list. however, it's printed on a sticker which is attached to the plastic sealing, so once you rip it off, you can't see it anymore. the cap is round, which is not usual, but luckily it doesn't get in the way. they seal the bottle with plastic. but then, they put a special plastic sealing on the opening. it's similar to somethinc's seal on the opening of their cleansing oil travel size, but this one can't be separated, so you can always close it and the toner will be secured inside. you don't need to worry when you bring it while traveling. the toner comes in 100 ml which is normal size for a toner. there's nothing else on the bottle aside from the name at front.

the bottle

the scent: i don't think this one is scented, but there's no funky scent either.

description at the back

the product: this is a milky white watery type toner, similar to studio tropik the blue one. since this is watery, it's easy to pat onto the skin and it's absorbed quickly as well.

the inside seal

the result: this is totally feels like the studio tropik one. since this is not entirely watery, it feels like it's sitting on top of my skin before it's being absorbed. however, it doesn't give slick and slippery feeling afterward. i can see my skin glow a bit after using this toner. since i was using another toner at the same time and that one is more watery than this one, i sometimes use that one first before adding this one. and it works perfectly. the more lightweight toner sinks in and this toner adds more moisture to my skin.

how it looks like on my hand

i really like this toner. which is quite surprising since i thought i don't like milky toner after several so-so encounters with other milky toners. i think this toner will suit all skin types but again, it's a matter of preference. if you don't like milky toner, then skip this one. as for me, i will definitely put this in my repurchase list if i ever run out of products to try. price wise, it's still affordable. the aubree is also a local brand so it's easier to find here.

i wanted to try local brands that's not widely known or still underrated. however, the problem with those brands is that they don't have a lot of products line-up. luckily, at that time, i need some serums and this brand only has serums in their line-up. however, there's only one that i need, so i only buy one.

this is the description from their website: there are days where our skin is just parched, tight, dried and simply thirsty. amino peptide hydra barrier serum is for you! with this serum, we are aiming to instantly hydrate while maintaining natural moisturizing factors (NMF) and reducing trans epidermal water loss (TEWL).

what is it? moisture booster, to maintain balanced NMF and skin microbiome, to reduce TEWL, to increase collagen production, stronger, well-hydrated, plump skin.

for dry, dehydrated skin, tight feeling on skin, fine lines, loss of firmness.

thirst quenching hydration booster - instantly hydrate while maintaining natural moisturizing factors (NMF) and reducing transepidermal water loss. this lush, protective elixir bottle is suitable for anyone with dry/dehydrated skin, skin with fine lines and loss of firmness.

main ingredients:

- 15 amino acids blend: these skin-friendly amino acids prevent moisture loss, maintain skin elasticity, encourage cell proliferation and even out patchy skin tone.

- hyaluronan 11 multi-complex: our blend contains not one, not two, but 11 types of hyaluronic acids that form hydration film on the skin and encourages skin regeneration and elasticity.

- copper tripeptide: promotes collagen and elastin synthesis in normal skin and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

- trehalose: it is a component of NMF that moisturizes and protects skin during an extended period of time.

- 5 beans ferment extract: rich in isoflavones, to promote elastin and collagen production.

- snow fungus extract: acts as a natural moisturizer and increases skin collagen production.

- jeju bee propolis: we also added propolis from jeju island for good measure. it has antioxidant, moisturizing, softening and soothing effects on the skin.

3 skin loving essentials: while ensuring each bottle is multi-targeted serum with beneficial, proven actives, we also ensure that each potent formula is balanced with skin loving supporting essentials. our skin absolutely loves this trio, and that's why they are always included in our youth and glow power series!

- ectoin: for healthy skin, balanced hydration is key. extracted from microorganisms living in extreme conditions, is known to increase hydration, protect against pollution and fight photoaging.

- ceramides: the glue that holds our skin cells together! it increases healthy skin barrier and reduces transepidermal water loss, ensuring stronger, healthier skin.

- squalane: skin's natural antioxidant and protector. not only that, it reduces pigmentation, dryness, and rough skin.

the box

the packaging: it comes in a light green box that has the same design as the bottle. it has .... the serum itself comes in an opaque light green glass bottle. it has the name of the product at front and a bit of description at the back. but no ingredients list. at first glance, i didn't think of anything when i received it. however, after using byoma products, i just realize that it has similar design and style of putting the description. eerily similar, if i might add. the only difference is the material of the bottle and the size. alchemy uses a glass bottle while byoma uses a plastic one. alchemy comes in 20 ml while byoma in 30 ml. both uses dropper to dispense the product and but since alchemy one is smaller, the dropper is also shorter. anyway, i don't have any problem with the dropper so all good regarding the packaging.

the bottle

the scent: this one is scentless and doesn't have funky smell at all

the back of the bottle

the product: it's a milky gel type serum that's a bit viscous but still runny at the same time. it's still runny so i can spread it around my face and neck. but it's not entirely runny that it runs down my face every time i use it. it takes a few seconds until it's completely absorbed.

the serum inside the dropper

the result: this is a moisturizing serum and it layers well with other products that i use. it doesn't leave tacky feeling as well. in fact, it gives a glow after i use it. i don't know why, but after realizing the similarity of the design between this one and byoma, i started to feel that this serum is similar to byoma hydrating one as well. only this is slightly richer.

left: how it looks like on my hand
right: look at the glow

i like this one. i think it'll be suitable for all skin types. you can use it day and night as well, maybe adjust the amount for oily skin if you're using it daytime. as for me, i like this one. it helps counter the dryness effect that the retinol might cause. i only use it night time only and it still ends faster than i want. if only it comes in bigger size. price wise, it's still affordable and since it's a local brand, it's easier to get it here. i would love to repurchase this one in bigger size, but until then.. i'll just put it in my list for now.

i bought a lot of stuff during my trip to south korea so i need to finish all my holiday sets ASAP. anyway, from tatcha, there are only the cleansers left, so i brought one of them while i'm traveling as much as i can. there are two cleansers in the set that i have and when i was about to pick one, i chose the deep cleanse as i was about to go to singapore which is hot and humid. i thought my skin would need deeper cleanser considering how much sebum i'd be producing there. i do worry that it might be too harsh for my skin though.. let's just hope not.

the packaging

this is the description from their website: a deep, gentle exfoliating cleanser of natural luffa fruit and wild rose that lifts dirt, minimizes excess oil, and unclogs and tightens pores, leaving skin soft and hydrated. the deep cleanse gel lathers into a creamy foam to lift away dirt and oil without over-drying. it cleanses with amino acids derived from silk gentle enough for even the most delicate skin, leaving it soft, refreshed and comfortably hydrated.

the descriptions of everything at the back

featured ingredients:

- japanese luffa fruit: a natural beauty multi-tasker beloved by japanese women for centuries, ground fibers from the japanese luffa fruit exfoliate, helping to turn over dead skin cells, deeply purifying and decongesting pores, while the fruit extract beautifies and conditions skin.

- japanese wild rose: in traditional eastern medicine, japanese wild rose is used to bring the body back into balance, improve circulation and even calm the spirit. we found that the antioxidant-rich fruits of this fragrant blossom can balance skin and diminish the look of pores.

- japanese leopard lily" found on the cool hillside of japan, this bright bloom has been prized for centuries. used to decorate the streets of kyoto's geisha district during the gion festival, leopard lily has earned the name 'the flower of kyoto'. we've harnessed its special powers to visibly calm skin.

everything on the tray

tatcha mini favorites, what's inside:

- the camellia cleansing oil (50ml)

- the rice wash (50ml)

- the deep cleanse (50 ml)

- the essence (25 ml)

- the water cream (10 ml)

- the dewy skin cream (10 ml)

the tube

the packaging: since i bought this in a set, it comes in pink/purple abstract bag with all the products inside. all the products are placed in a plastic tray so everything is safe and secure. the cleanser itself comes in a light green plastic tube with flip top. there's a bit description at the back in english and french and also the ingredients list. they seal the opening with aluminum foil to make sure it's secure and safe. the opening is just enough for the cleanser to squeeze through and it's safe even when i brought it with me while traveling. it comes in 50 ml which is quite generous and more than enough for two weeks travel.

the scent: this one smells fresh? i can't clearly describe scents, but this smells fresh but not too overpowering. just a whiff when it's freshly squeezed out of the tube.

the flip top

the product: it's a yellowish gel type cleanser with beads of scrub in it. when i first use it, the beads are clearly seen. however, as it comes near the end, the beads seems to fade. not just the appearance, but also the feels.

the seal

the result: as i've said, the beads are more prominent at first. so i can't use my foreo with it at first because the beads would stuck in between the silicone bristles. so i didn't use it with my foreo at first. but then, as the beads started to get softer (well, not totally soft.. just not as harsh as earlier?), i can use it with my foreo and the beads didn't get stuck in between the bristles anymore. as a scrub, this one is not harsh. yeah sure i can feel the beads when i spread it around my face, but as i wash my face, it's not being too harsh on my skin. afterwards, my skin doesn't feel tight or irritated. i can use this daily as promised.

how it looks like on my foreo. unfortunately you can barely see the scrub

even though this is a gentle enough scrub face wash to be used daily, i still won't use this daily if i wasn't traveling. if you're looking for a gentle scrub and don't mind paying lots of bucks for it, then this is a good option. but if you're asking me, it feels like any regular face scrubs out there. only with a hefty price tag. so yeah, i don't think so.

i never think much about my hair care. even postpartum when my hair fell a lot, i still did the bare minimum to care for my hair. however, after my severe hair loss a year ago, i started to search more about hair care. i started to add heat protectant into my routine and regularly use hair mask. lately, i've read somewhere about scalp care and started to look for a scalp brush. at first i thought that any brush will do, but i stumbled upon a video that warn people not to use any brush for their scalp. in the video, the girl explained that instead of buying a plastic brush, try to look for a silicone tip brush. the tip won't be too harsh on the scalp. long story short, i made a short research about what hair tool and hair care products worth buying before i went to south korea and several people mentioned this brand, dr.forhair. so when i saw they had a scalp brush at oliveyoung, i didn't think twice and just grabbed it. i usually never unbox anything until i went back home, but since it'd be two weeks before going back home, i decided to unbox it while i was still in korea.

this is the description from their website: a water-resistant handheld scalp massager with 18 soft, silicone bristles that helps with a deeper scalp cleansing while promoting circulation for healthier hair and scalp. its ergonomic design comfortably fits in your hand while having a wrist strap for stable, secure usage. great to use for a scalp massage to keep your scalp healthy and refreshed. solution for deep scalp cleansing, removing product buildup and scalp impurities.

the box

the packaging: it comes in a transparent plastic box with red accent. there's description at the back but it's in korean. but don't worry, there are pictures, so at least you'll get the idea what they are talking about. they seal the top with sticker. since it's transparent, you can see what the brush look like from the outside. since this brush is made of plastic and silicone, it's super light so don't worry if you're buying this online.

description on the box

the product: as described, it's a round brush that fits in your palm perfectly. the rounded shape makes it easy to grab and hold. there's a strap to secure it, but i rarely use it unless i feel my hand is extra slippery. the spikes on the brush is made of silicone so it looks spikey but it doesn't hurt at all.

the brush

the result: the first time i used it, it felt heavenly. like.. why don't i know about this sooner? the spike massages my scalp just the way i want it to be. enough to scratch the itch part but not hurting it until it bleeds. using it in combination with a scalp scaler works wonder for my scalp.

honestly, this is the best purchase so far from my trip. i boasted about this brush so much that my husband ordered me to buy another one for my sister in law, but i couldn't find the exact same one so i ended up buying from another brand. and another one for my son when we were in japan. anyway, if you're in south korea or you can order online from oliveyoung and you are in need for something for your scalp care, then you should put this brush into your cart order. just try it and you won't regret it.

when i went to japan last year, somehow i couldn't find new and interesting products. so when i found a cosme store, i had no expectation at all. i just wandered around. however, the shop assistant was pretty persistent but still polite. when i was looking around, despite the language barrier, she patiently explained to me about this set that i was looking at. after looking around the whole store, i decided to try the trial set despite never heard of the brand before.

this is the translated description from their wesbite (thus it might sound ridiculous): for those who are interested in cher couleur cosmetics and are using them for the first time, we have prepared a trial set. the set includes the naturepeau series, which gently cares for your skin. a lotion for all skin types that does not contain pigments, fragrances, surfactants or alcohol. the active ingredients prevent acne and rough skin, and balance damaged skin, giving it firmness and suppleness.

what's in the set:

- basic cream (cleansing): removes dirt from oil (makeup and sebum)

- whip soap (facial cleansing foam): removes dirt such as sweat and dust

- reply lotion (lotion): prepares your skin to be full of moisture

- duo cream (cream): protects your skin from losing moisture

the packaging: the trial set comes in a plastic zipper bag. it's transparent with blue lining. there's a big transparent window at front so you can see everything in the set. at the back, there's a bit description but everything is in japanese. aside from the products listed in the set, they also give a pack of their cotton pad, which is supposed to used with the toner for CSM method. anyway, the lotion is a toner. it comes in frosty white plastic bottle with white plastic screw cap. the top part is a bit different. it looks as if it's a pump top, but it's not. the size of the opening is enough to pour the toner comfortably. it comes in 50 ml which is enough for a trial size toner.

the bottle

the scent: as decsribed, this one is scentless and it doesn't have any annoying scent at all.

description at the back

the product: it's watery type toner so it looks like water and it feels like water. it's watery like water so it takes seconds to be absorbed and doesn't leave any trace once it's absorbed. i've tried using it with bare hands and with cotton pad.

how it looks like

the result: this one is hydrating but not so much. because it's watery, once it's absorbed, it feels like vanishing into thin air. especially when my skin is really dry, this won't help much. however, this toner is perfect for CSM method. once, my neck was irritated and i didn't have my whole skincare with me since i was traveling abroad. then i remembered about this toner and tried the CSM method with this toner. a couple times using the toner in CSM method and it worked! it really helps with the irritation.

left: how it looks like
right: after being absorbed, it just vanishes into thin air

i have to say this toner is simple but it works. if you have sensitive skin and prefer unscented skincare product, then this is a good option for you. anyway, this is a lightweight toner so if you have dry skin, then this won't help much. but if you like watery toner that can be layered and you use CSM method a lot, then this is a good option for you. as for me, since cher couleur is not available here and even in japan i don't see it anywhere else aside from cosme store, i don't think i'll repurchase it.

i knew i wasn't supposed to buy a lot of retinol serum in one purchase order but i can't help myself. weird thing about me is that i rarely buy single items. i always buy at least two in one purchase order. that's why i bought (i think it was) two retinol serums in one purchase order. however, i was more excited for this one because packaging-wise, it looks similar to drunk elephant in terms of color combination. however, once the wave caused by those influencers is gone, no one seems to talk about this product anymore, so honestly i got curious. let's see how it goes.

the box

seal on top

this is the description from their website: let's nurse your skin back to health with retinol! this multi-tasking ingredient helps reverse skin damage from environmental factors, leaving your skin strong, healthy and radiant as ever. this 2% actosome retinol variant is perfect for skin that needs an extra boost and power in their retinol treatment! make sure to build up your skin's tolerance to the effects of retinol before using this product.

- 2% actosome retinol: higher effectiveness, lower risk of irritation, speed up skin cell turnover, antioxidant to protect skin against pollution, boost collagen and restore skin's elasticity, diminish wrinkles and fine lines, brighten dull complexion and fade dark spots, improve skin texture and acne.

- aloe vera extract: boost skin hydration, treat dryness, soothe redness on skin, reduce inflammation, calming and healing properties.

- vitamin e: antioxidant to protect skin against pollution, strengthen skin barrier, moisturize and hydrate the skin, calm and soothe inflammation, calming and healing properties.

the bottle

the packaging: it comes in a white and red box, which is the same color combination as the bottle. there's description and full ingredients list on the back and sides of the box. they seal the box with foil sticker on top. the bottle itself is a white plastic bottle with ingredients list printed at the back with red plastic cap. the cap is covering the red pump head. they seal the opening of the pump with tiny plastic that you can pull out so you can dispense the serum. the bottle is quite fat and short but the opening is quite small. i have to be careful not to push the pump too hard or it will squirt the serum everywhere. they have this small knob on the pump head so it's easier to push the pump on the right spot.

ingredients list

the scent: i think this one is scentless, but there's a hint of that usual retinol serum scent. but it's really subtle and after a while, i think my nose is completely used to it by now.

the plastic seal on the opening

the product: it's a pale yellowish liquid serum. i'm quite surprised to see that it's liquid. not completely watery, but more lotion like in consistency. since it's quite watery, it's easy to spread around with my bare hands. this one sinks in rather quickly.

i don't know why it doesn't look yellowish here. but IRL, it looks yellowish

the result: after completely absorbed, i can feel that this one won't be drying for my face. i can feel the moisture that it gives right away. however, i still take precaution and only use this every other day. although, there are some days that i forget to skip it and use it two days in a row. and i have no problem with it. after using this regularly, i notice that this one makes bumps on my skin disappears. tiny bumps that will grow into acne is gone overnight. however, i don't think it can help prevent the blemishes particularly the hormonal ones. i keep getting blemishes around my period and it doesn't get better either.

after blending it around

i have to say that i quite like this retinol serum. it really helps with tiny bumps and effective to make them vanish overnight. it's quite gentle as well. i just wish it can help preventing it as well. anyway, if you're looking for a good retinol serum, especially from local brand, give this one a try. they have a gentler version as well, in 1% actosome. so try that one if you're a beginner. but for me, 2% is perfect. definitely going to repurchase this if i ever run out of products to try.

i didn't realize that my stash of vitamin c serum has come down to its last piece when i use my cocokind vitamin c serum. anyway, it's been awhile since i'm using a local vitamin c serum, so i decide to find ones that i haven't tried before. unfortunately, lately not much vitamin c serum that i haven't tried that was interested to me. so i decided to try just two among the stuff that i haven't tried. i wanted to try the azarine one but it was out of stock. a little update though.. i managed to buy it so there are three that i will try this time. anyway, one of them is bhumi. actually i wanted to try some products from bhumi but somehow either they were out of stock when i wanted to buy them or i lost interest in them after awhile. anyway, since i saw the vitamin c serum, i figured why not try it.

the box

this is the translated description from their website: c+ brightening booster with 10% vitamin c + 3% alpha arbutin. for all skin types. c+ brightening booster is a concentrate liquid (booster) to brighten face and can be used with your choice of skincare line. contained 10% vitamin c (ethyl ascorbic acid) as the newest ingredient that's more stable and not irritating nor drying the face. acts to brighten and as antioxidant to give nutrition to the skin. 3% alpha arbutin to help vitamin c in brightening the face maximally and perfectly. able to suppress melanin production in the skin so skin tone is even, reduce acne scars and dark spots due to early aging. enriched with 2% of honey to soften and detoxify the skin. the booster that will change your skin care game!

the sticker seal on top

the packaging: it comes in a yellow box with description and ingredients list printed on the back and sides. the bottle has the same color as the box. the serum comes in yellow plastic bottle with pump head. however, the pump head can't be bent to hide the dropper head. instead, it is still out there, so all i need is to push the pump head and the serum will come out. i can't say for sure if it affects the serum. like does the air come in contact with serum all the time? anyway, the serum only comes in 18 ml which is not much compared to other serums in the market.

the bottle

the scent: this one doesn't have have acidic or citrusy scent. in fact, i don't think this one has a specific scent.

ingredients list

the product: the serum is a transparent liquid type serum that's only slightly viscous. i have no problem dispensing the serum out. the serum spreads out easily and it's absorbed within minute. i use one to two pumps for my whole face and neck.

the pump head

the result: this one is really gentle. i don't feel any tingling whatsoever since the start. i also feel that this one is slightly moisturizing but not much. however, as something that has both vitamin c and arbutin, i do find that this one is lacking in its ability to brighten or lighten up dark spots or acne scars. i find that this serum works really slow.

left: you can't see it right? since it's transparent
right: a bit glow at first but nothing else

this serum is quite gentle so if you're a beginner in vitamin c, then this is a good option for you. another plus that this contains arbutin, so it should have a double-edge sword against hyperpigmentation. but sadly, it doesn't work well in brightening or lightening up my acne spots. i do think it's suitable for all skin type and can be used day and night, but for me this one works too slow for my liking. i've already missed my previous vitamin c serum, might it be the cocokind or the naturium. anyway, it's clear that i'm not fond of this serum and won't repurchase this. price wise, bhumi is slightly more expensive than other local brand, but it's still affordable.

i bought this essence since i have no idea what to buy in terms of essence or hair serum to prevent hair loss. i wanted to try the loreal one, but i have no idea which one to buy. the anti hair loss? or anti hair fall? what's the difference? anyway, i decided to but this one because i was buying the shampoo as well. even though i never heard of this essence, let's give this a try.

the box

this is the description from their website: moist diane perfect beauty extra hair fall control scalp revitalizing essence. reduces hair fally by 96% after 4 weeks usage, helps increase blood circulation of hair regeneration, reduces scalp redness, sebum and dandruff.

- strengthen hair to prevent breakage: contains feather keratin in a lightweight nano-repair formula and botanical serum (rose, sakura, pomegranate, pearl, yuzu and ginseng extracts) that restores nutrients to root of the hair, maintaining hair's length for resilient and manageable locks.

- help boost hair growth and maintains healthy scalp: formulated with anti-inflammatory wasabi flavone that increases micro-circulation of the scalp and fortifies hair follicles to help generate hair growth. it balances the scalp to reduce dandruff and scalp sensitivity for a healthy environment to help prevent further hair fall.

desription and ingredients list at the back

the packaging: it comes in a pearl white (or silver?) box with a cutout window at front so you can see the essence from the outside. there's description at the back but it's already translated to indonesian since i bought it here through sociolla. there's a complete ingredients list as well. they cover the box with plastic sealing. the bottle itself is a maroon plastic bottle with white pump head. there's a spout attached to the pump covered in a transparent plastic cap so it's secure. it comes in 50 ml. i don't know what's the rule with hair essence some is quite big in size (kerastase one is 150 ml) but some is just 50 ml. so i don't know what's the regular size for a hair essence. anyway, the spout works well until the end so i have no problem with the packaging.

the bottle

the scent: this one smells fragrant. usually japan's hair products are scented so if you're sensitive to scent, you might want to just skip this. i'm bad at describing scent, but it's floral type and it's quite noticeable. however, i have no problem with it. it just smells lovely.

description at the back in japanese

the product: it's a liquid type essence, hence easy to squirt out using the pump. when i used the kerastase, i feel a bit tingling afterward, but this one... i feel nothing. i don't feel anything afterward.

pump head

the result: this feels like a toner for my scalp. however, as a hair fall control essence, i don't think that it's helping much. i still suffer hair fall, but it's not as bad. perhaps because i've just used other essence before this, so somehow during the beginning, i don't notice the difference. but after a while, i started to notice that this one doesn't work as good as the essence prior to this one.

left: before
right: after
you can see that i've just dyed my hair again, so it might interfere with the result

i have to say that it might not be working for me, but it might for you. and i think, using it in combination with the shampoo and treatment will work better. anyway, i didn't buy this in japan, but from sociolla. even though moist diane is a japan product, you can find them at guardian or sociolla. even in japan, i couldn't find this type. price wise, this is obviously cheaper than other hair fall essence that i've tried before, so if you're looking for a budget one, maybe you can try this one. as for me, i won't repurchase this one because i've found something else when i was traveling to korea.

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