since i had good experience with the true to skin moisturizer, i was curious with their other products, so the next one that i tried was their toner/essence. i didn't read any other reviews before buying this one, so it was a blind buy, totally blind. let's see how it goes.

this is translated from their website: mugwort cica soothing and hydrating essence toner formulated with natural ingredients and balanced pH with essence-like texture. with natural ingredients that moisturizes, helps to treat acne, soothes inflamed skin, your skin will be soft and moist with this toner. main ingredients: mugwort, cica, cactus extract. 

the bottle

the packaging: the toner didn't come in any box, it just came in the bottle. it's a transparent light green plastic bottle with screw cap. the body is see through so you can see the remaining product inside. there's description at the back in indonesia as well as the ingredients list. they seal the whole bottle with plastic sealing. they also seal the inner opening, so it's completely secure. it comes in 100 ml which is the usual toner size. 

description at the back

the scent: i don't think it's scented. however, it doesn't smell unpleasant, which is a good thing considering that it claims that it uses natural ingredients. somehow all natural ingredients can smell unpleasant.

the product: this is a watery type toner. it looks like water and feels like water. since it's watery, it's easy to absorbed and doesn't leave tacky feeling afterward. once it's absorbed, it gives slight sheen to skin, but nothing to glowy.

the result: even though this is watery, this packs a punch. it's still lightweight so you can still layer it up to your need. it gives hydration and a bit moisture. it's more moisturizing compared to muji toner, but i think it's comparable to erha essence, somethinc supple toner but not as plumping as studio tropik probiome. if i can describe it, this feels like water that fills your body and then slowly fills it up so you can feel yourself full. i do agree that after using this regularly, i can feel my skin softer and smoother. as for the soothing effect, it's not that recognizable. 

i have to say that this one impresses me as well. i think it's suitable for all skin type, but for dry skin, you might want to layer additional toner or serum. i have to say that even though this is watery type toner, but it certainly not unforgettable. price wise it's affordable. as for availability, i bought this from sociolla, but i think you can find them at their official stores/marketplace as well as some online stores. for me, definitely will repurchase if i ever run out of stuff to try. however, it might take awhile since somethinc just released more products. it's hard to catch up with them, really. anyway, true to skin doesn't have lots of products in their line, but so far, i like them all! hope they can expand their products in the future. 

this is the description translated from their website: using anti bacterial breathable technology and not easily oxidized even used daily. medium to high coverage that can blur pores and fine lines in one tap and gives long lasting skin matte finish. formulated to be non greasy, non cakey, non cracking, and has oil control, flawless human skin without oil excess will be yours in a blink of eye. flawless skin all day, feels lightweight and protected from the sun, everything in one hooman breathable cushion SPF 35 PA++++. #youronlylimit 

comes in 12 shades.

the packaging: it looks just like the copy paste one. the only difference is the color. the compact is bluish, while the copy paste one is greyish. it comes in a box that has the same design as the compact. there's description and shade names on top of the box. inside, you can fine the square plastic compact and when you open it, you can find one cushion puff sealed in a plastic bag, mirror inside the compact and the seal on top of the mesh cushion. just like any other cushion, it only comes in 15 ml.

the color: my pick is perle one. yes, it has the same shade as the copy paste one, so it's easier to juggle between the two. and sadly, now, i threw away my copy paste so i can't take comparison picture. according to their description, perle is for cool fair-light skin tone. it matches my skin perfectly. 

the product: as i've told you, it's a mesh cushion. they put plastic separator between the cushion and the puff and sealed it with sticker at first. you can control the amount of product by controlling the pressure that you put on the mesh. i have to say that the coverage is medium and buildable, but i think i'll still need another concealer to cover my acne scars, but it's okay for my under eyes. but i don't use brightening concealer for under eyes, so my preference might be different from yours. 

the result: yes, this one is just like promised. it gives matte finish, though i won't say that it's completely matte. more like satin finish, but it's very different from the dewy look that the copy paste gives. it's non greasy and non cakey. i don't find it cracking after all day using it. however, i think it'll rubbed off by my mask at the end of the day. but i have to agree though that it has minimal transferring. i use dark mark during my trip and i don't see any makeup transfer on my mask. 

oh yes, i'll definitely repurchase this one. know i hope that they will release the refill. it's a waste to keep buying the whole compact, don't you think? anyway, if you're looking for a matte finish one, or if you're bored with all the dewy glossy look, you can try this one. price wise, still affordable for me. again, buy on sales if you want to snatch it on a good deal. i know the shade selection is not as wide as western one, but for a local brand, i think it's enough to cater most skin tone. look at me, i can finally find one from local brand!

this is the description from their website: fss weightless sunscreen SPF 50 PA ++++ is a daily water-based sunscreen that is specially formulated to be ultra-lightweight, fast-absorbing with high level protection against UVA and UVB. this sunscreen guards your skin without leaving any white cast or greasiness. the low-irritant formula also makes it suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

ingredients: aqua, butylene glycol, glycerin, dicaprylyl carbonate, dibutyl adipate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, hydrogenated polyisobutene, 1,2-hexanediol, niacinamide, portulaca oleracea extract, ethylhexyl triazone, polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, silica, cetearyl olivate, cetearyl alcohol. sorbitan olivate, centella asiatica extract, methyl glucose sesquistearate, sorbitan stearate, glyceryl stearate, lavandula angustifolia oil, disodium EDTA, adenosine, allantoin, panthenol, caprylyl glycol, tocopherol.

the packaging: since i got this as GWP, the sample/mini size just comes in the tube without any box. i don't know whether the full size comes in box or not. the sample/mini size packaging is the miniature of the full size one. it comes in light yellow beige plastic squeeze tube with a splash of blue on the body. there's a short description at the back. they seal the cap with a sticker. it comes in 7 ml which is quite small for a mini. but luckily it lasts well throughout my trip which is around 10 days. fyi, i just use it in the morning and i use other sunscreen for touching up.

the scent: this has the usual sunscreen scent, if you know what i mean. it has a bit citrusy or common sunscreen scent. i can smell it since i whiff it up close, but i don't smell it when i put it on my face.

the product: the sunscreen is a lightweight runny gel type sunscreen. it's thicker compared to my previous skinaqua suncreen. it's easy to spread around and it leaves a bit white cast at first, but as i keep massaging it into my skin, it goes away. now, i have fair skin tone so even if it has permanent white cast, it won't shown on me. so if you have darker skin, please find other darker skin tone reviewer to see how it goes on their skin to be sure.

the result: this one is definitely moisturizing. since i'm traveling to somewhere cooler than where i live, it works fine over my moisturizer. so my routine throughout my traveling is toner, vitamin c serum, moisturizer then this sunscreen. but back home, i have either to dial down the moisturizer or skip it altogether especially if the weather is too hot. it leaves a bit tacky feeling but it doesn't pill or anything under my makeup. during traveling, my makeup is still intact even though i wear mask most of the time. but here, during mid day, i can see my makeup melt especially around nose area where the skin touches the mask most. as for the protection, it works okay. but i still recommend touching it up though. 

i have to say that this is a decent sunscreen. fyi, this is a chemical sunscreen. if you have normal to dry skin, i think it will work better for you rather than for oily skin. but maybe it can work if you skip the moisturizer. anyway, i think i'll try other sunscreen. i still have some sunscreen from my previous japan haul that i need to use up real quick. so, luckily i got this in mini size as i won't purchase the full size for now. price wise, it's still affordable, though azarine one is cheaper. anyway, FSS is a local brand so you can buy them straight from their official website/marketplace or via sociolla. 

this is the description translated from their website: studio tropik skin barrier cream is a moisturizer that acts like your 'cherry-on-top' skincare routine. used last in your skincare step, the skin barrier cream is a moisturizer that locks moisture in your skin and strengthen skin barrier to maintain your skin health. fresh skin barrier cream contains squalane and herbs, it has the texture of fresh water cream that's suitable for normal to oily and acne prone skin. gives soothing effect to skin.

key ingredients:

- sugarcane squalane - barrier protecting emmolient. helps to lessen fine lines and increase skin elasticity, moisture and soften the skin without blocking the pores.

- panthenol - anti inflammation. helps hydrate the skin and lessen itchiness and skin inflammation.

- mugwort - high in antioxidant. acts as anti-inflammatory. soothes and lessen skin redness.

- cica - soothe redness. anti-inflammatory and helps speeding up acne healing process without making the skin dry.

- black cumin seed - calms acneic skin. prevent P. acne growth, speeding up skin healing process and thicken skin epidermal layer for a strong skin barrier.

- bisabolol - calms and soothes redness. helps soothe redness and brighten the skin.

ingredients list: aqua, dicaprylyl carbonate, butylene glycol, squalane, glycerin, panthenol, hydroxyethyl acrylate/ sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, bisabolol, centella asiatica extract, artemisia vulgaris extract, nigella sativa seed extract, farnesol, 1,2-hexanediol, ethylhexylglycerin, propylene glycol, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, citric acid, chlorphenesin, phenoxyethanol, CI 77288, triethyoxycaprylylsilane.

the packaging: it comes in a light yellow/moss green combination box. you can open the box completely, which i think is the latest trend in skincare packaging. there's description on the box in indonesian as well as additional information on the inside of the box. they seal the box with hologram sticker. the moisturizer itself comes in a moss green doff plastic tub which is quite bulky in my opinion. it's quite difficult to unscrew the lid at first but there's no problem afterward. the reason why the tub is quite bulky is because they attach the plastic cover to the body of the tub. then they provide a small spatula that can be hooked on the cover so you won't lose it. anyway, it's a good idea to provide a spatula and hooked it to the cover, but it makes the tub bulky and not travel friendly. for me personally, i don't quite like the bulky packaging, but it'll be okay if you just put it on your vanity. it comes in 50 g which is more than usual moisturizer size that's around 30 g. 

the scent: i don't think it has distinctive scent, just probably because of the ingredients but nothing foul or annoying. there's no added perfume in the ingredients list as well so it'll be good for sensitive skin as well.

the product: the moisturizer itself is also green. it's light green gel type moisturizer. the consistency is somewhat similar to true to skin moisturizer or slightly thinner than somethinc ceramide one. but it's thicker than somethinc onsen one and elsheskin one. it's watery type so it melts once you spread it around.

the result: this one is definitely suitable for oily to normal skin type as it's quite lightweight but still moisturizing. honestly, i don't know with the soothing effect, since i don't think it works on me. however, i don't think it helps speeding up the healing process as i felt the same unless i use special product for treating the acne. 

honestly, since i've tried other light moisturizers before this one, somehow this doesn't feel so special. it feels just ordinary. i can even say that i have other moisturizers that i like better than this one. and honestly, with the bulky packaging, i don't think i'll repurchase this one. i'd still like elsheskin and true to skin one better, and maybe the somethinc onsen one. price wise, this might be more expensive than other brands, but considering the difficulty of the packaging and the size, i think it's still reasonable. 

this is translated from their website: whitelab c-dose+ brightening serum with ethyl ascorbic acid (EAA) 2%, ferulic acid, hyalucomplex-10, and marine collagen helps brighten and even skin tone and protect skin from free radicals' bad influence. combination of EAA and ferulic acid synergically forms antioxidant complex that's good for skin so it looks bright and lessen aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles.

hero ingredients:

- EAA 2% - vitamin C derivative that is more stable and not easily degraded and not irritative. EAA can brighten skin as well as reduce dark spots or acne scars and even out skin tone. working by inhibit enzyme that works in melanin formation and accumulation.

- ferulic acid: fenolic complex that is found naturally in wheat, rice, orange and apple's skin. acts as natural antioxidant. synergically works with vitamin C to form antioxidant complex that protect skin from free radical bad influence to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

- hyalucomplex-10: consisted of 10 types of hyaluron molecule that can penetrate different skin layers at the same time and form moisture barrier so it maintain skin moisture all day long.

- marine collagen that's easier to penetrate the skin and help maintain the softness and moisture of the skin and help maintain skin suppleness.

ingredients list: aqua, 1,2 propanediol, cyclopentasiloxane, ethyl ascorbic acid (2%), aluminium starch octenylsuccinate, polyacrylamide, artemisia capillaris flower extract (raykami), ferulic acid, marine collagen, soluble collagen, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, oligo sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, dimethylsilanol hyaluronate, potassium hyaluronate, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, sodium PCA, allantoin, trimethylpentanediol/adipic acid copolymer, daucus carota sativa (carrot) root extract, glycine soja (soybean) oil, glycerin, xanthan gum, phenoxyethanol, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, c13-14 isoparaffin, laureth-7, 1,2-hexanediol, pentylene glycol, perfume.

the packaging: it comes in a white box that has the similar design among all whitelab products. they seal the outer box with plastic as well. the serum comes in a dark brown glass bottle with dropper to dispense the product. the label has description as well as the ingredients list. anyway, i have the problem with the packaging due to the reason that you'll see later. anyway, i don't think they should use dropper to dispense the product, maybe pump or something else. this only comes in 20 ml as well just like somethinc.

the scent: as you can see in the ingredients list, they list perfume at the end of the list so it's definitely scented. it smells floral, but i don't mind. it's quite noticeable but it's not overwhelming. but if you don't like scented products, there are plenty options out there.

the products: the serum is milky white gel type serum that's quite viscous. that's why it's hard for the dropper to pick up the serum. i have to pinch it for a several seconds before releasing it to pick up the product and then it only pick up a drop or two. i ended up pouring the serum straight from the bottle to my palm. the serum is easy to spread around though. it takes a few seconds to sink in and doesn't leave tacky feeling.

the result: right off bat this feels moisturizing. a tad more moisturizing than the somethinc one. during the times i use this serum, the weather is getting hotter in my place, so i have to say that i'm not fond of using this during the daytime, but it was okay in the afternoon. however, i don't notice any brightening effect. it seems to change a little at the end, but it's only just slightly bit. i can see the effect from somethinc one better than this one.

anyway, this might be one of the mild one vitamin c serum. i don't feel tingling or anything when i use it. and it's quite moisturizing, so if you're a beginner and looking for a mild vitamin c serum, then you should start using this one. price wise, it's still affordable and it's easy to find. i just hope they change the packaging though. as for me, i don't think i'll repurchase. 

the description from their website: bee glow essence power combined with natural 60% vita propolis and manuka honey has long been the main key in treating acne, breakouts, also reducing excess sebum. enriched with bee venom which has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. this is a potent serum as it intensively nourishes skin, makes skin healthy and glowing as well as preventing premature aging. 

star ingredients:

- propolis extract: known as bee glue, it is a natural ingredient that contains a complex mixture of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial & antioxidant that reduces acne.

- sweden bee venom: bee venom is produced by honey bees and contains peptides as the main composition. bee venom contains melittin which functions as antimicrobial as well as anti inflammatory, hence it can reduce acne-causing bacteria and prevents irritation.

- manuka honey extract: produced by bees that pollinate manuka flowers. manuka honey is special because it has UMF content which can inhibit bacterial growth and reduce local inflammation caused by acne.

- green tea extract: it is famous for its EGCG compound which is a polyphenol that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. thus this compound is able to improve skin texture, soothe skin, treat acne and prevent skin cell damage.

- rice bran water: rich in vitamin B and vitamin E which help smooth out, brighten skin, reducing the appearance of signs of aging. rice bran water has a soothing effect on skin.

- licorice extract: contains high concentrations of flavonoids such as glabridin which provides antioxidants that functions as free radicals neutralizer. it can also soothe and help brighten up skin.

- caffeine: powerful antioxidant known for its anti aging benefits. caffeine can also reduce redness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles. 

ingredients list: propolis extract, methylpropanediol, camellia sinensis leaf extract, water, 1,2-hexanediol, oryza sativa (rice) bran water, butylene glycol, ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Betaine, Honey Extract, Xanthan Gum, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Phenoxyethanol, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract, Lawsonia Inermis (Henna) Flower/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Allantoin, Bee Venom, Tocopherol