i was having my birthday last march, and as usual, i will have my birthday discount from bodyshop. usually i will only stock up on my body butter, but since i already have so many, i decided to try some other products. i was curious about their skincare line. i've tried their seaweed, although it's not a failure, it's just okay and i wouldn't repurchase nor recommend it. then i heard about their drops of youth line. as someone who is in their 30s, anything that promised to delay aging sounds interesting. as this one. it sounds promising as it's said to be a youth enhancer. i've read several good reviews about it too, so i do hope that this will work well on me.

this is the description from the website: target the first signs of ageing with your youth-enhancing concentrate. this refreshing gel-like serum is infused with three plant stem cells, and leaving skin feeling instantly smoother and replenished with moisture. skin unveils a healthy luminosity and a youthful bounce.
99% ingredients of natural origin. 100% vegan. enriched with community trade organic babassu oil from brazil. enriched with three plant stem cells: edelweiss form italian alps, criste marine and replenished sea holly from the brittany coast. easily absorbed. skin texture looks refined, lines appear smoothed, pores look refined. dermatologically tested, non comedogenic.
and this is a bit description from the leaflet i picked up: a quickly-absorbed non-sticky concentrate, that leaves your skin feeling instantly softer.
stem cells are the "renewal engine" of a plant. making it thrive and renew, they are one of the strongest regenerating powers in nature.
edelweiss: known for its protective properties. sea holly: known for its firming properties. criste marine: known for being a skin-renewing champion.

the box

description on the box

the packaging: it comes in a white box with description on the box in english. inside, there's a green glass bottle with dropper head and there's a small card looped around the bottle's neck with a bit of description as well. the bottle really looks fancy. looks like some kind of high-end products. which considering the price, i think it's in high-end price side. there are two sizes, the regular 30 ml and big 50 ml. mine is the regular 30 ml.

another description

ingredients list

the scent: it has noticeable scent, which probably a bit floral but not too fragrant. i can't say that it might be from edelweiss because i never smell one. a bit fresh ocean-y scent too.

the bottle beside the box

label on the bottle

the product: it's a transparent thick serum, which also feels a bit like gel. it's a gel-like serum that's spread easily, change into watery traces. then after it's completely absorbed, it leaves matte finish. it does feel a bit tacky at first, but it's gone after awhile. it's said to use 2-3 drops for the whole face. so, i've tried this 3 times. the first time, i didn't read the instruction so i use a drop for each of my face area. and since i failed the first time, i decided to use 3 drops the second time. then it's another fail. so i decided to use 2 drops and it still fails me. so i'm super disappointed that this one didn't work out for me.

little card attached to the neck bottle

the serum inside the dropper

the result: okay.. now it's the time to explain all those failures. i didn't read the whole ingredients list while i'm browsing it. and i also didn't read it while in store. and that's my biggest problem. it has "alcohol denat" probably the third or fourth ingredients. and it's common in natural skincare products that works to dilute the ingredients and making it fast absorbed, hence the matte finish afterward and super quickly absorption time. and it breaks me out! i thought that if i put soothing products and skin barrier protecting products underneath, it might works, but no matter what i put under it, it didn't work! it does feel very moisturizing, almost as rich as my huxley oil in essence, but since this is fast-absorbing and leaves matte finish, somehow it feels a bit lighter than huxley. the first time, i use it for 3 days and then went overnight to singapore, so i thought perhaps the flight changed my skin. so i take a rest and then try it again. i used it for 3 days and the next day, i got pimples popping all over my face again. so i stopped again, even put it for sale. but it's so expensive i want it to work out for me. so i try again the third time and this one it only takes 2 days and i only have one pimple and i said enough. this is not working.

the serum on my hand

after blending it in

so, fair warning, read your ingredients carefully! i felt stupid for not reading it carefully. usually i check the ingredients especially this year. i decided to avoid certain ingredients and also opt for cruelty products if possible. so since i thought the body shop is a cruelty free and stuff, i became careless and just read and believe positive reviews. oh well. if your skin is quite resistant to alcohol denat and you're concern about anti aging stuff, then you could try this one. there are people out there who love serum so it might be working. but it's very expensive, so perhaps you would want to try it during sale season.

if you've been reading my blogs for some time, you might find out that i hunt lululun masks everytime i go to japan. not that they're super best, but it's very affordable and it's a very quick and low maintenance sheet mask that i can use when i want to use a quick masking session. and i've tried almost all of their bulk mask (i've just bought their new green bulk mask), and i've come across their lululun plus mask which is newer. there are two different categories, the essential oil one and the aroma care one. the essential oil masks are easier to find when i found them the first time. i got to try all variants at once, but the aroma care is different story. i end up buying a whole set (probably it's a gift set) so i can try all the aroma care masks. i've tried the rose and the clary sage so this is the third one to try.

this is the description from their US website: stress relief- blend of yuzu essential oils from japan. yuzu is an excellent source of vitamin C and other essential nourishment. the refreshing citrus aroma of yuzu strikes hope in uncertain hearts and soothes daily stress. yuzu ceramide nourishes the skin for a bright and vibrant complexion.
yuzu, a hearty citrus fruit resistant to cold, provides a refreshing scent that gives hope to anxiety and troubled hearts. yuzu ceramide gives moisture and leaves the skin with a bright and smooth luster.
mugwort was prized as a versatile medicine in ancient times. in traditional chinese, it was called "queen of herbs". mugwort extract contains tannins that provides the skin with moisture and smooth away roughness.
ginseng abundant ginsenoside. ginsenoside is extracted from ginseng which has been used for essential health and nourishment for centuries. ginsenoside is also useful for promoting natural beauty as it smooths rough skin and leaves the skin with a healthy-looking gloss and glow.

the packaging: it comes in yellow sachet with yuzu pictured at front. there's description at the back and as usual, everything is in japanese. the packaging is similar to other types from this line. it's also color coordinated according to the type, so if you have several types from this line, you don't have to read the name, just pick the right color.

the packaging

the scent: as expected, it has fresh and fruity scent, but not super citrusy. since this is an aroma care mask, the scent is stronger than usual, but it's not super strong that will make your head dizzy. but if you are sensitive to fragrance or has sensitive skin, you might avoid this one.

the product: the mask is similar to the other mask in this line. it is made of thick but soft material that will adhere well to your face. however, the fit might not be the best. it is wider on the temple and it has weird inner eye tear. it has long nose flap (appreciated it), and a bit long for under chin area but it doesn't cover my lower jaw. it has clear essence and it's very generous. there's some excess in the sachet. the essence is very runny too. it dripped all over my neck when i roll it with jade roller.

left: before middle: mask on right: after

the result: i put it on for about 20-30 minutes and it leaves my skin hydrated and i feel fresher. even though yuzu is described as a source of vitamin c, the mask doesn't brighten my skin that much compared to other masks that i've tried before.

again, lululun line is something that would feel ordinary compared to those juicy taiwanese masks. but if you're looking for affordable and decent japan sheet mask, i'd definitely recommend this as it's affordable and easy to find. i also think it would suitable for all skin types. as for me, you'd already known that i haven't bought any single lululun masks twice, perhaps because there are so many of them that i haven't tried. but if i could choose, i wouldn't repurchase the aroma care line because the scent is stronger than what i usually like. but if you like scented sheet mask, then you should check this out.

if you've read my review about antipodes serum, you might notice that sometimes i'd compare that to ordinary vitamin c serum. i understand that it's not a good comparison since the antipodes one is non vitamin c serum, but both works as brightening serum, so i'm curious about the performance. especially since antipodes one is quite pricey. so let's dive in!

this is what antipodes claims: this water-based serum helps correct dull, blemished or uneven skin. the revolutionary antioxidant vinanza grape & kiwi helps minimise the appearance of facial redness. exfoliating enzymes from the superfruit kiwifruit and soothing vinanza oxifend from pinot noir grapes leave skin gloriously glowing. meanwhile, mamaku black fern and reishi mushroom of immortality boost healthy cell renewal for true, fresh-faced beauty.
vinanza grape & kiwi is clinically shown to improve skin cell membrane integrity by decreasing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) by 16%, improve skin elasticity by 16%, decrease skin redness by 7% (erythema), and lighten skin by 3,5% (melanin content).

antipodes apostle serum ingredients: aqua (walwera artesian water), aloe barbadensis (aloe vera juice) extract, cyathea medullaris (mamaku black fern leaf) extract, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, amigei (scleroflum gum), vitis vinivera (vinanza oxifend pinot noir grape) extract, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, dehydroacetic acid, benzyl alcohol, xanthan gum, actinidia chinensis (vinanza kiwi kiwi fruit skin) extract, rubus idaeus (raspberry seed) oil, vinanza grape & kiwi (vitis vinifera/grape seed & actinidia chinensis/kiwi skin) extract, gandoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom) extract, sodium hydroxide, pure plant fragrance of green apple & cardamom, benzyl alcohol, cinnamal, citral, citronellol, geraniol, component of essential oil.

full face progress (no noticeable difference between my left and right face right?)

this is what the ordinary claims (on beautybay website): an antioxidant solution to visibly target dullness, uneven tones, and signs of ageing. with a light serum texture, this high-potency blend of pure vitamin c applies smoothly to the skin, delivering antioxidants that help to brighten and reduce signs of aging by stimulating collagen synthesis and inhibiting melanin production.
- ascorbyl glucoside: a water soluble derivative of vitamin c, meaning it has high-stability and is comfortable to use.

ingredients: aqua (water), ascorbyl glucoside, propanediol, aminomethyl propanol, triethanolamine, isoceteth-20, xanthan gum, dimethyl isosorbide, ethoxydiglycol, trisodium ethylenediamine, disuccinate, 1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol.

as you can see above that there's only two similar ingredients between those serum. the aqua is not completely the same though.. the antipodes one is from special source water from new zealand, while the ordinary's water is just regular water. but they put ascorbyl glucoside which is its main ingredients second after the water, while the antipodes one, the main ingredients (the grape, kiwi, mushroom and the black fern leaf extract) is placed all over the ingredients list. but you can clearly see that the antipodes one is large on natural extract ingredients, which supports its claim being vegan and organic and stuff. so if you are concern about cruelty free, organic and natural skincare, you should pick the antipodes one.

the ordinary progress i use three drops for half-face notice the acne scars on my cheek is lighten within a week

as for the packaging, both comes in cardboard box and dark glass bottle with dropper. it's a usual standard packaging for antioxidant serum which is usually sensitive to sunlight and should be keep in the dark and cool place. 

antipodes progress i also use three drops for half my face notice that the acne scars near my ears are not that quickly disappeared even after several weeks

the serum itself though is totally different. the vitamin c serum is almost clear while antipodes gives me quite a fright with being super dark. turns out it's its normal color. phew! as for application, both spreads easily all over my face, and takes a couple of minutes to be completely absorbed. but, i have to say that with the ordinary one, you have to be careful about layering it. some people reported that it pills on them. i never experienced one though, but i don't have that many product to use daily to begin with, so if you are big on skincare cocktail, you might want to try the correct product to layer with it. 

top is antipodes bottom is ordinary you can see both doesn't work on my dark spots, but the ordinary one works better in terms of reducing acne scars

now, the result time. as i've said in my antipodes review, i said that it works okay for some non-vitamin c serum. it's hydrating but not that much. and it doesn't help with my dark spots, but considering that i'm only using this for a month, probably it just need more time. in reducing acne scars, you can see that the ordinary works better and a bit faster. so if you're like me, which is inpatient in seeing progress result, i suggest you pick the vitamin c serum as it works a bit faster. as for the price, the ordinary one is lot cheaper than antipodes, but there are other vitamin c serum that's as expensive as antipodes one. if you ask me, i'd pick the ordinary one over the antipodes, but not based on the performance. i like it better for giving faster result and cheaper. but i might try other vitamin c serum other than the ordinary.

i was going for an overnight trip with my husband to singapore. since we didn't bring any kids along, i had the time to stroll around the drugstores and bought some things. and apparently, at that time, there's a promotion at guardian. i got a pouch and some travel size items to try as bonus for my purchasing. i've tried the cetaphil cleanser years ago, but the rest is new to me. one of the product that immediately caught my eyes is the antipodes serum. i've heard good things about antipodes, but the price is stopping me. and i didn't know that there's a travel size for their product! oh well, at least i got one right now, so obviously it's the first one i tried among all other things.

this is the description from their website: this water-based serum helps correct dull, blemished or uneven skin. the revolutionary antioxidant vinanza grape & kiwi helps minimise the appearance of facial redness. exfoliating enzymes from the superfruit kiwifruit and soothing vinanza oxifend from pinot noir grapes leave skin gloriously glowing. meanwhile, mamaku black fern and reishi mushroom of immortality boost healthy cell renewal for true, fresh-faced beauty.
vinanza grape & kiwi is clinically shown to improve skin cell membrane integrity by decreasing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) by 16%, improve skin elasticity by 16%, decrease skin redness by 7% (erythema), and lighten skin by 3,5% (melanin content).

the box

the packaging: it comes in a green-patterned and white combination box. there's a bit description on the sides of the box. this one is only 10 ml while the full size is 30 ml. the bottle is a dark brown glass bottle with dropper to dispense the product. it has white label that also has a bit description on it. the dropper works okay until it's almost gone. it can't reach the bottom of the bottle even when i tilt the bottle.

the bottle

the scent: this one has fruity or acidic scent. possibly because it has several fruit extract in its ingredients.

back of the bottle

the product: i have to admit, i'm quite surprised to see the serum color. since it's a brightening serum, i thought it has some sort of vitamin c in it, which is supposed to be clear or bright and if it turned brown or dark, then it's already bad. now when i try it the first time, it is a dark orange almost brown in color. i thought it's already bad! but i checked their website and other review. it's the real color.. it's not bad. phew... and i thought since it's quite thick in the dropper, it would have the same consistency as my ordinary vit c serum. but after i spread it around, it turns watery instantly. it spreads easily and leaves watery traces.

the serum inside the dropper

the result: although it leaves matte finish, it leaves slightly tacky feeling. it's hydrating but if you have dry skin, you might need to add another nourishing serum as this is quite lightweight to be used on its own. i don't see any changes in my dark spots, but it's okay since this is a non vitamin c serum, so i'm not hoping much on that aspect. i have to agree though that it helps with redness on my skin. the whole bottle is enough for one month half-face comparison (i use three drops on half of my face) and i only have two days uses for my entire face.

serum on my hand

after blending it in

i have to say i'm pretty pleased with my first try. although, checking the price again i'm pretty sure that i won't buy the full size. it's way too pricey for my collection. i'd better buy another affordable vitamin c. i can say that this is suitable for any skin types, but for dry skin, you might want something else to layer on top since this one is not too nourishing. it layers well under my other skincare, so you can definitely layer this with something else. if you have the budget and you're all into vegan or organic skincare, then antipodes is something you might be interested on. it's worth the price. but if you're on tight budget like me but still want some antioxidant and brightening skincare, there are other vitamin c serum on the market that you can try. as for me, i'm glad i could try the travel size. i think guardian singapore is selling the travel size as well, but correct me if i'm wrong. the travel size price is more affordable, so it's entirely up to you whether you're willing to plunge the full size or committing to travel sizes or picking something else.

lately naruko is booming here in indonesia thanks to several influencer. though they now sell naruko here in watsons store, unfortunately the price is ridiculously high and the line that i'm fond of, the red one - which i completely forgot the name, is not available here in indonesia. if you're curious, currently there are only 3 lines in indonesia, the narcissus (pink one), the green tea (green one), and magnolia (the white-ish one). now, i bought these mask sheet before naruko gets popular here, i've tried the other two, so this is the last one. i keep this one for last because i saw @kaepratiwi used one, and it has jaw lift part, so i have to spare some time to test it because the last time i use something similar, it irritates my ears. okay.. let's see how this one works.

the description from watson website: this elastic mask is designed for firming and brightening skin. its anti-gycation and anti-oxidation effects improve skin's overall clarity to deliver a bright complexion. benefits: brightens, corrects dark spots and soothes wrinkles. creates a bright and translucent complexion.

the packaging: i bought the individual mask, though you can buy a box of several masks. i believe there are 4 or 5 masks in a box. both the individual packaging and the box has the same design. it's also color coordinated according to the line. for magnolia, it's white-ish/greyish. at front, there's nothing but a small text on the side that indicates the mask name. and at the back there's a load of description and ingredients list. the description is in mandarin, but the ingredients list is in english.

the packaging

the scent: well, i don't know anything about flowers, so i don't know how magnolia should smell like, but this one does have subtle floral scent.

left: before middle: mask on right: after

the product: the mask is a soft thick cotton mask that's soaked in essence. i can't really tell whether it's a clear or milky essence because there's no excess in the pouch. since this is a lifting mask, it has added under jaw part that has ear loop. there's another ear loop on the side for you to tighten the mask around your cheek. though the mask is pretty thick, it doesn't feel uncomfortable having both ear loops on my ears. and it stretches quite well. i don't need to cut the ear loop so it can fit my face. but if you have bigger or wider cheek part, you might need to cut it a little bit. it also have slits on some part so you can adjust it.

left: the under jaw part right: the double ear loop

the result: after about 15 minutes, i take it off. it's definitely a brightening and hydrating mask. i can feel my face is tightened, my pores shrink a bit. and the brightening result is visible. i can say that among naruko's masks that i've tried, this is my favorite. oh, and i forget to mention that both earloops don't irritate my ears unlike the sexylook one.

i can say that this mask is targeted for all skin types, but especially for those who want brightening and tightening effect. it's not too moisturizing for oily skin so all skin types can try this mask. as for the price, this might not be super affordable mask, but if you need something for special occasion, i do recommend this. oh, and it's not super pricey like sulwhasoo either, so it's completely up to your budget. as for me, if i were to buy the box, i will get this one.

i got the opportunity to try annie's way probably a year ago. i like the result, so i was thinking of trying more options. fortunately, the travel size sachet is sold at singapore's guardian, so i decided to buy couple more option to try. the first one to try is the charcoal and vit c anti oil jelly mask.

this is the description from yesstyle website: controls oil, deep cleaning and whitening. cleanses and tones skin in only 20 minutes. gently melts away dirt and acne. easily removes blackheads without the help of peel-off mask. the jelly texture helps calm and contract pores, eliminating redness and renewing skin. draw out oil, dirt and toxins and softens skin. shrinks follicle walls to purify pores. hydrates skin and leaves it feeling firm and smooth. moisture loss, oily complexion.
charcoal powder: with its strong absorbability and activeness, charcoal powder can buff out dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and pores cleaner and tighter.
glycyrrhiza glabra root extract: licorice is very effective in reducing the production of melanin and suppressing the activity of tyrosinase, and it is also an effective antioxidant.
when used in cosmetics, it can whiten skin and fight against signs of aging.
magnesium ascorbyl phosphate: helps dilute pigment precipitation. inhibits the formation of melanin and significantly eliminates dark spots.
sodium hyaluronate: delivers deep moisture and hydration to your skin.

the packaging: since i bought the travel size, it comes in a plastic pouch. it's covered by a carton paper that has description at the back of it. inside, there's a plastic pouch with a sticker that is color coordinated according to the type. for charcoal and vit c, it's black. there's another description at the back of the pouch but since the plastic is transparent, it's a little bit hard to read it. although it comes in 35 ml, since you need to apply this quite thick, one pouch will only last for about two uses.

the carton paper

the scent: this mask is unscented, so clearly good for sensitive skin and nose.

the plastic pouch inside

the product: the mask is transparent black jelly mask, really like jelly. it's quite thick so it's a bit difficult spreading it around. you're supposed to apply it thickly and wait for about 10 minutes for it to dry a bit then scrape... yes, scrape it off your wash. don't ever try it wash off because it's useless. and this is where a spatula makes a different. if you purchase the full size tub, you can get the long spatula for free. but if you bought the travel size, then you won't get the spatula. and let me tell you, the spatula is essential. i've tried using other spatula that i have but it couldn't scrap the mask easily. and it makes taking the mask off is a hell lot of work.

left: before middle: mask on right: after

the result: after i managed to scrape the mask off, i can clearly see that my face is brighter. probably because of the vitamin c. as for the oil control, i don't use it regularly to see the effect, but i can see my skin is smooth and my pores is definitely tighter. but it's not as tight as after using a clay mask.

i think this mask might benefit lots of skin type. since it has charcoal, combination to oily skin might like it. and even normal to dry skin can try this too since it's not too drying, unlike clay mask. and who doesn't like brighter skin? i bet everyone does. and not forgetting that this one doesn't have fragrance so even sensitive skin can try this. now, the idea of using jelly mask is not that convenience especially when you don't have the full size tub, but if you're willing to jump in buying the whole tube just for the spatula, then so be it. as for the price, this one is on the middle range, so if you're tight on a budget, you might want to try the travel size first. as for me, i think i still like my clay mask.

i bought so many my beauty diary masks everytime i see them. i have good experience with them so far, so i like to stash something from them time to time. there are so many variations that i haven't tried so i never repurchase anything from them. and i completely forgot when i bought this one. and i have no idea is there any difference between this one and the fermented soybean one. i can't find a good answer for that, so if you knew something, please do tell me. but in the meantime, let's see about this one.

this is the description from mochibeaute website: my beauty diary natto mask reduces signs of aging and restores skin's firmness and resilience to give your face a soft, youthful luster. the formula is enriched with natto extract, which contains rich botanical collagens, isoflavones (organic plant compounds), and rich anti-oxidizing proteins, all of which protect the skin from harmful environments and prevent aging effects. bio-active ingredients like watercress, alongside red and brown algae extracts, brighten and soothe the skin. cosphingo, a patented long-lasting moisturizer extracted from seaweed, provides hydration. this natto mask has a light, pleasant floral scent. free of paraben, preservatives, alcohol, and fluorescent agents.

the packaging: this comes in a yellowy-beige sachet with the picture of the natto at front. description at the back is in mandarin, but the ingredients list is in english. the box has the same design as the individual sachet. but compared to the previous batches that i bought from japan, this one comes in wider boxes and wider sachet too.

the packaging

the scent: it does smells fragrant just like stated, but it's not overwhelming. but if you're sensitive of scent, you should think about it.

the product: the mask is thin as the usual MBD masks, but it's not as thin as usual. the fit is similar as the new version. it has wider temples, long forehead, narrow jaw and longer nose flip. there's slit to make it easier to adjust the mask. it does have milky white essence, which is why it looks thicker than usual and not so transparent.

left: before middle: mask on right: after

the result: i have to say that after jude aka fiddysnails mentioned that she doesn't like the milky essence mask from MBD, i realize i don't too. it's moisturizing and super rich to my skin, which i think cause my skin breaks out after using this.

i do like MBD masks, but i think someone with dry to super dry skin will love this more than i do. i don't think i will repurchase this variation, but i will keep buying MBD masks that i haven't tried. if you haven't tried any MBD mask, i suggest you should try them. i believe they are easy to get online and offline. and they're pretty affordable too.