i was buying a benton essence because it was on sale. and somehow i got this habit of buying things in two. so it's naturally for me to look for something else. at that time, i was running out of my secret key FTE so buying benton fermentation essence feels rational for me. i've heard people loving this FTE, but a trusted blogger in FTE area doesn't like this, so i'm on the fence about this.

this is the description from sokoglam website: this lightweight, quick absorbing essence packs a punch with galactomyces ferment filtrate, a fermented yeast that can brighten and bring suppleness back to the skin. a high concentration of fermented ingredients, ceramides and hyaluronic acid ensures a visible boost to your skin's elasticity and moisture levels. this fragrance and coloring-free formula is recommended for all skin types, especially sensitive.

the box

description in multiple languages

the packaging: just like the essence, this one also comes in a box, but this one is black. it has description all over the box too. the fermentation itself comes in a black plastic bottle with a pump head covered in transparent plastic cap. the pump is pretty good too. it doesn't squirt the product to all over direction. unfortunately, the bottle is pretty dark so i can't see the remaining products inside. actually, this is my first FTE that comes in a black plastic bottle with pump head. usually they will comes in a transparent glass bottle with screw cap. the size is different too. this only comes in 100 ml, while the other usually comes in 150 ml size.

description in korean

ingredients list (they are cruelty free if you're wondering)

the scent: this is another unscented fermented products. now, i don't have problems with fermented scent, but if you have problem with the usual foul scent that fermented products usually have, then you don't need to worry because this one is completely unscented.

the bottle

another description and expiry date at the back

the product: just like the other FTE, this is watery essence. and although i've seen other pictures, mine seem to be milky white in color, while the other is transparent. but perhaps because i squirt the pump pretty hard so it's a bit frothy at first. and then i just pat it to my face as quickly as i can. so i don't have the chance to see whether or not it turns into transparent watery essence. because this is watery, it's absorbed quickly and sinks in pretty fast too.

the pump head

the result: after being absorbed, i don't feel any sticky feeling although i've read someone mentioned it being a little bit sticky. now i've used this for over 3 months, and i have to say i don't agree with most people. i don't think it's hydrating enough and i don't see any brightening effect as well. somehow i feel that this one is similar to secret key.

the TFE on my hand (you can see that it's milky white)

after patting it in

as you can see, i don't like this one. some people feels this one is soothing, but i've seen the lost duck's picture progress and it did nothing to her redness. as for me, i don't think it's soothing either. and that leaves me puzzled because i like from nature FTE that also contains galactomyces (aside from added saccharomyces and a bunch of other brightening ingredients), but i don't like secret key and benton which both contain galactomyces (and a bunch of other thing). the only difference is innisfree which contains bacillus extract. i know there are difference in percentages, but i don't think it varies much. so i have no idea what to try next. i do like fermented ingredients because i notice difference in brightening my skin and it makes my skin glow, just like FTE and my previous face shop emulsion. so i'm hoping i could find an affordable FTE soon. how about you? do you use FTE in your routine? what's your favorite one except missha?

my sister was going to US for her impending honeymoon and she offered to get me stuff from the US. i immediately put a list for her. i've been wanted to try bad habit after collection but you couldn't order them outside the hush apps. so i asked her whether she could order it through some of her husband's friend but it comes to no avail. i thought, oh well, it's just not my luck. but then she came home and she sent some stuff through some other people. and i'm quite surprised opening her package. she couldn't get me the bad habit one, so she ended up going to sephora and getting me the original huda beauty ones! she got me the warm obsessions and the mauve ones, since i asked her to get me the dupes of them. so, i asked for the dupes but get the original! lucky me! now if you've been reading my blog, then you will know that i never have high end stuff. i do try samples or travel sizes from high end brands, but never the full size, so these eyeshadow palettes are the first high end stuff that i have in my collection.

the description from sephora website: a range of compact eyeshadow palettes, expertly curated by Huda herself, offering beauty lovers a complete day-to-night eye color wardrobe. each huda beauty obsessions eyeshadow palette is packed with a selection of nine highly pigmented mattes and striking shimmers, all with a smooth and blendable texture. the palettes are super compact and lightweight, making them a must-have for your handbag. the large mirror, conveniently-sized palette, and versatile shade collection allow you to create both classic and playful looks that are easy to apply on-the-go.
warm brown obsessions: instantly bring light and warmth to your look with huda's go-to palette. packed with 8 mattes and one shimmer in heated tones of browns, reds, oranges, and copper range flatters any skin tone and eye color.

the palette

the packaging: it comes in a transparent plastic sleeve so you can slide the palette out. the palette itself is a black cardboard palette with the picture of the eyeshadow palette scheme at front and description or ingredients at the back. i have to agree about the description of the size. it's really has convenient size to bring for travelling, and it feels pretty sturdy so you don't have to worry about it being broken. the magnetic clasp is pretty strong so you don't need to worry about it being opened accidentally inside your makeup bag. inside you can get a decent size mirror that's great if you're travelling or for touching ups. inside, there are 9 square eyeshadow pans, without any gap around them and no names either. there are pro and cons about that arrangement. some people say that it makes the pans bigger and weighs more than bad habit one, but the other don't like it since it has no gap so they're afraid that the fall out from using brush might tamper with other shades. and no names make it more difficult if you're using it for tutorials, swatches, or dupe photos.

back of the palette

the color selection: this one is warm brown so you can guess that it has warm brown, red, oranges, copper and gold inside. i have to say the color selection looks cohesive together, and it gives several option on how you can use the palette.

full size mirror and all the pans inside

the texture: let me remind you that this is the first high-end eyeshadow palette that i have so i couldn't compare it to other high brands, so i will just compare this with the rest of drugstore palette that i have and judge itself for being high end product. so, i have to say all of the shades are tightly pressed into the pans so even you're using brushes to use this palette, there's barely any fallouts coming out from this palette. there are 8 mattes in this palette and only one shimmer. the mattes are smooth and although some of them are not swatched well, but it blends well on my lids. and let me tell you that all of the colors are super pigmented so with darker color you might want to use just tiny bits, tap the excess and build it up. the shimmer is probably not entirely pure shimmer as it seems to be chunky glitter pressed into one pan, so using a brush won't give you best result. i find that using finger to apply the shimmer works best for me.

closer look of the pans

the result: with only one shimmer color, i have to say that i have limited option when it comes to lid color as i'm quite used to using shimmer all over my lid. so no matter what color i use on my crease or outer V, i end up only have this gold to use as my lid color. i've tried using all matte, but somehow i don't like how it turns out. i have pretty fair skin so all the color scheme is too warm for me, and it looks full makeup on me so on daily basis it looks to much for me. i still try to tone it down, but i haven't got the right shade pairing that looks subtle enough for daily use for me. i would say that it gives little to no fall outs, so i don't have problem using this after putting my base makeup.

swatches

i have to say that this one really impress me. as high end brand, i'm quite impressed with their mattes as they are soft and blendable but pack a lot of pigments. it doesn't have lots of fall out too. as for the shimmer, it is known that huda's shimmer are interesting. some of them are pressed glitters. so better use your finger to apply the shimmer. the shimmer also feels buttery, swatch well and apply well on my lid. it lasts decently (i don't wear makeup too long so i couldn't say how long this eyeshadow will hold, and i don't use primer either), and i can say even without primer, all the colors are vibrant, last long and doesn't fade out or shift. i do recommend this if you like warmer color schemes, and you have money to spend on this little palette. but unlike natasha denona, i've heard that these little palette from huda even had better formulation than their bigger palettes, so if you want to try huda palette, you won't regret buying their minis. but if you don't have the budget, just try the bad habit ones as they are good as well.

i was scrolling through instagram feed when i saw everyone is making their end of year inventory, including skincare and makeup inventories. and i saw how great people's stash. i got reminded about my own stash. now, i have stash of cleansing oil, cleansing water, and foam, and toner, but i don't have a lot of serum or essence or acid in my stash. usually i will buy one if i'm going to run out on the other. i will buy anything that's on trend that i think will suit me or something that i've read or interested in long time ago and i wasn't in need back then so this is the time to buy. and i've been wanting to add snail or bee products to my skincare routine. i remember trying mizon snail recovery gel and i was impressed how it helps my acne heal faster. so i've heard people praising benton and cosrx snail essence, but considering that the benton was on sale, i bought the benton first. so let's see about this one.

description from nudieglow website: the benton snail bee high content essence is a nourishing essence that keeps your skin hydrated and smooth. made with a high concentration of natural ingredients, including snail secretion filtrate to help repair damaged skin, fade dark spots and hydrate, and the antibacterial bee venom to combat acne, remove acne scars and minimize redness. the addition of aloe and niacinamide also give you a more hydrated and brighter skin tone and texture. suitable for all skin types, especially oily, combination and acne-prone skin.

the box

all description in numerous languages

the packaging: it comes in a box with lots of description in numerous languages. on top of the box you can see the hologram sticker with bar to scan to check whether or not your benton product is genuine since there are counterfeits out there. inside you can see the dark brown plastic bottle with pump head that's covered with transparent plastic cap. the bottle although it is dark in color, it's a see through so you can see the remaining products inside the bottle. there's also another description on the bottle in english and korean. the pump is pretty good. you can control the amount of product that you want to use by pressing the pump as lightly as you can until you get the amount of product that you need. the pump won't squirt essence crazily since the essence is more like gel in texture, but again.. the pump head is pretty okay, so you don't have to worry about it.

ingredients list and direction to use

more in korean

the scent: i would say that this one is unscented. i guess this would be good for sensitive skin or for those who doesn't like fragrance in their skincare products.

the sticker to check whether yours is genuine or not

the product bottle

the product: like i said, the essence is more like gel in texture. it's transparent gel that you could easily spread around your face. it's pretty viscous at first but turns into watery traces after i blend it out.

the pump head with the transparent cap

the essence on my hand

the result: it is absorbed easily but takes a minute or two. afterward it doesn't leave sticky feeling and gives matte finish. i think it's perfect to use in the morning since it won't mess if i have to put makeup on top of it. unfortunately, since it gives matte finish, i don't think it's hydrating enough for me. as well as the brightening effect, i couldn't see it on me. but as i've said numerous time, i've already pale enough to start with so probably that's the cause that i can't see the brightening effect. i would say that this doesn't help much preventing acne but it does help clearing out my acne faster, just like the mizon snail recovery gel.

after blending it, you can see it leaves watery traces

to be honest, i'm on the fence with this one. i do like that it gives matte finish that's perfect to be used in the morning, it does help clearing out my acne faster, but i don't see any other result. i've heard people loving this for its hydrating and brightening properties, unfortunately i don't see both. so i don't think i will repurchase this one until i've finished trying the cosrx one. oh, and since there are counterfeits out there, make sure you check the sticker or just buy it from trusted seller. again, another troublesome that i don't need. but if you like snail essence that's affordable and good for sensitive skin, you should try this one.

i bet all you have known that this is the reformulation of the famous biore sunscreen that everybody loves. and all of you have already know that no one seems to like the new reformulation. that's why at first i was reluctant to try it. i decided to try a bunch of other sunscreen but i haven't found the one that i like just as much as the biore essence/gel. so i decided to get the new reformulation to see what it is that nobody likes about.

this is the description from kao malaysia's website: a non-sticky, amazingly light watery essence that gives a moisturizing and refreshing sensation for a daily superior uv protection. its texture is non-sticky and non-greasy, works great as a smooth makeup base for a naturally radiant skin. it also contains royal jelly, hyaluronic acid and mix citrus essence as moisturizing ingredients for an instantly smoother skin texture and keeping skin continuously hydrated. its all new and improved formulation is now highly resistant towards sweat and water which acts like a strong uv protection veil that firmly stays on your skin longer to prevent premature ageing caused by sunburn.

the tube

the packaging: it comes in usual sunscreen packaging, similar to the older version. it has cardboard backing that has description on it in japanese. the sunscreen comes in gradient darker blue plastic tube with white screw cap. it has spout to dispense the product out. everything else is the same except for the color of the tube.

the back of the tube

the scent: it even has the similar citrusy scent of the old version. since it's been awhile since i used the older version, i can't be sure, but it's pretty similar if i reckon.

the spout to dispense the product

the product: the sunscreen has yellowish tint into the cream/gel. however, i think the older version looks more glossy while the newer version looks a bit matte when i squeeze it to my hand. it melts into watery traces when i spread it out.

the product

the result: it takes a minute or two to be completely absorbed into my skin and afterward it does leave matte finish just like the older version. since it's been a while since i used the older version, i can't be sure whether the after feeling is the same. but i can only say that i don't love this unlike the previous version, but i don't hate it either. it just feels okay, but it's not a holy grail for me. now, some people didn't like the siliconey feeling that they get from the newer version. but i don't feel that it's bothering me.

after blending it in

i have to say that i have mixed feeling about this one. it's pretty lightweight, absorbed fast, and leaves matte finish. although i'm not sure that it's completely sweat resistant since it wasn't that hot when i tested this sunscreen. but it works okay. i think if you don't mind the extra added alcohol and silicone then you should try it especially since this is affordable and since the predecessor is pretty famous, you could get this one easily online. but if you don't like those added ingredients, then skip this. as for me, perhaps i would buy this if i ever ran out of my sunscreen. there's a grocery store near my house that now selling this sunscreen, so it's more easily to get now. but if i had any other options, i would rather use the other option than this one.

if you've read my other posts, you might know that recently i'm slacking in many areas. i'm way behind my review posts, and i don't use my sample the way i used to. i have many of them in my stash. some of them even expired. that's why i decided to use one at least in two weeks. there's one brand sample in my stash that i'm interested in so i decided work from there. it is kicho. i've tried their eye cream sample and i don't like it, so i have mixed feeling about this one.

this is the description from hermo website: formulated with kicho's 7 patented natural protector complex to provide significant hydration and refinement of skin texture and tone. soy phyto placenta water's nutritional extracts soothes stressed skin. clinically proven to add to the skin's moisture reservoir kicho phyto natural moisture cream gives hydration that lasts throughout the entire day. used at the last stage of basic skin care, it forms a protective layer to give a fresh dewy look all day long. skin appears bright and smooth. dermatologist tested. for all skin types. formulated without parabens, benzophenone, alcohol, silicone, artificial dyes, and animal ingredients.

the packaging: the sample comes in regular white square sachet. it has tiny text that indicates the brand name and the type of sample. at the back there's another tiny text with a bit of description. but it's really tiny so i don't try reading it even though it's in english. the full size jar however looks very sophisticated, very minimalist and it comes in 50 ml, just like any other moisturizer.

the sample sachet

the scent: it smells like ginseng, but only if you sniff it really close. somehow it reminds me of sulwhasoo products. although i'm not sure if they smell the same since it's been awhile since i use any of sulwhasoo product. but let me assure you, it's very subtle.

the product: it's a white cream, but pretty thick. it feels balmy. a bit hard to spread out, similar to the eye cream. a bit hard to spread this out.

the cream on my hand

the result: when i put it on my hand and spread it around, it sorts of melts and leaves watery traces. but on my face, it gives matte finish after it's completely absorbed. it doesn't feel sticky, but i can feel there's a layer on my face, like waxy feeling. the feeling that you get from touching candle, if that makes any sense.. it's moisturizing alright, but i only have one sachet, so i can say anymore about it. and the sample is quite stingy. it's only enough for one use, and i don't think it's even enough if you have bigger face than mine.

honestly, i can't conclude anything about this cream aside that i don't like the feeling that it gives me. and after searching for the description, i found out about the price, and it's quite expensive, way above my budget, so definitely won't try the full size. i think you should try getting a sample before buying it, but i think if you're looking for natural products, free of paraben and alcohol, and probably cruelty free too, then you can consider getting this one.

i honestly forgot when i bought this mask. i always searching for my beauty diary masks every time i went abroad. i like them that's why i always look for them. and the other day, i was looking at my stash and somehow this one get drown in my pile of masks. i almost forgot that i had this mask. and then i was searching about the description of this mask, and i couldn't find any. so i think we're going blind here. i think they renew this one into natto fermented one that i also have in my stash.

the packaging: it comes in a box (since i bought the whole box) which i think has 5 masks in it. let me remind you that probably this is the 2015 version that comes in smaller sachet. this one comes in a yellow box/ sachet with picture of a jar with soybean flowing from inside. at the back, description is written in japanese. well.. since i bought it from japan, i'm guessing the box only has japanese description as well. the sachet is slimmer than the 2016 version.

the packaging

the scent: this one smells quite fragrant and it stays that way as long as i put the mask on my face. it's something that you might want to consider if you're sensitive with scent.

the product: the mask is made of thin material, very flimsy. fortunately, it comes with a plastic backing that makes the unfolding process super easy. the fit is smaller, and it has weird inner eye slit, narrow mouth hole and narrow jaw part. although it doesn't have any more slit, i don't have difficulties adjusting it on my face. the essence is clear type essence and it soaked the mask perfectly.

left: before middle: mask on my face right: after

the result: i put this one for about 40 minutes. and after that i could feel my face is well moisturized. i don't notice any brightening effect.

again, i do like this mask, but the scent might be too fragrance for me. if only they tone it down a bit, i would put this one in my repurchase list. i think this mask will suit any skin types. if you like thin and juicy mask, then you should get one and try it yourself. i think the price is quite reasonable and i've bought MBD masks in two different countries and i don't find any difference in price despite of different currency. so, yeah..definitely grab one.

last time i went to japan i decided to get the hatomugi. while it works okay for me, and i managed to finish it just in time, i don't see much difference from using it, hence the reluctance to repurchase. i decided to get something else. i was in between cezanne one or kikumasamune. but i couldn't find the cezanne one, so i thought, while i grabbed the essence, why not grab the lotion too?

the sticker of approval from cosme

this is the description from amazon: kiku-masamune sake brewing skin care lotion high moist is an ultra hydrating japanese lotion with sake. the lotion contains the same concentration of kiku-masamune's famed dry sake (japanese rice liquor) as the regular version, which is high in kojic acid to hydrate, soothe, smooth and brighten the skin. it features a rich, alcohol-free, slightly acidic formula with a blend of ceramides, amino acids, arbutin, and placenta extract to naturally protect the skin barrier against moisture loss and free radical damages. the lotion generous size makes it economical for use on the face and body, and as a 5-minutes lotion pack. japanese-sake-based hydrating toner. ethanol free. provide ultra hydration, healing and whitening.

the bottle

the packaging: as usual, japanese people is very practical about their packaging. it comes in a big plastic bottle with a pump head. there's a regular version and this high moist version. the difference is in the color. the high moist one is in pink bottle while the regular one is in white bottle. there's a big sticker on top of the bottle that indicates that it's a cosme-award winner. at the back there's a lot of japanese text, so i don't know anything about it. the pump head however, is bad. many people complaints about it. on my first try, it squirts the toner everywhere so i decided to ditch the full size bottle and decant it to smaller spray bottle. turns out that the pump has malfunction. many people complaints that they couldn't control it but ratzillacosme said that the newer version has improved pump, but there's no telling whether you get the newer version or not since everything else stays the same. it also comes in jumbo size just like hatomugi which makes it very affordable.
the scent: okay, it smells just like the essence. it has this sweet fragrant scent that for me, very similar to sake. the scent is quite strong, so if you don't like fragranced toner, you might want to skip it.

the back of the bottle

the product: the toner is just a regular watery toner. it's milky white and very easy to spread around my face. it is absorbed quickly too. and after being completely absorbed, i can feel a layer of moisture all over my face. this is the difference with hatomugi. the hatomugi one, once it's being absorbed completely, i can't feel anything on my face. while this one, i can feel the moisture that it gives to my skin. now, if you're looking at the ingredients, you might notice that it has ceramides, which is moisturizing, and a bunch of brightening ingredients, such as sake, licorice root, and arbutin. but there's one intriguing ingredients, placenta extract. now, if you're concern about ingredients, you might start asking whose placenta? (well, unfortunately, i was buying it without any information about the ingredients) unfortunately, i found two different answers for it. i read from cosmeperks that it is derived from pig (you can read it here) but coffeeandhonestea suggested that it's from horse (read it here). either way, it's definitely not cruelty free and probably not halal.

the pump head

the result: i like it better. as i've stated before, i can feel there's a layer of moisture on my face after patting it all over my face. but i still like to layer it on my drier days. i do also use this to help soak my sheet mask tablet and it works just as well as hatomugi since this one is also watery in consistency. but i don't notice the brightening effect even though i'm using it with the essence. but i'm not the right person to test that effect, since i'm quite fair to start with. so any brightening products usually barely have noticeable effect on me. but i can definitely say that it doesn't help in fading dark spots or acne scars.

the toner on my hand

after patting it in

at this point, i like how it helps hydrating my skin. but it doesn't give anything else. plus it has that controversial ingredients. so i don't think i will repurchase this one. i also have been eyeing muji toner that everyone's been talking for quite some time, so i think i'll steer my wheel and try that one. or i will try the cezanne one if i could get it in decent price. if you have no problem with the scent and the placenta extract inside, then you should get it. especially if you're into huge size bottle and affordable price like me. however, if you only use cruelty free or having concern with halal products, then turn your eyes away from this as it's definitely not cruelty free and is not clear whether it's halal or not. as for availability, kikumasamune is not quite easily found in drugstore. i bought mine at beauty section in tokyu hands, so you should probably try cosme store or tokyu hands or ainz tulpe. but you can also get it online as i think it's more available online than the cezanne one. just keep in mind that it won't be as affordable as in japan when purchasing online.