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 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.

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 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. 

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. 

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.

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

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 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. 

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. 

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.

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 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.

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.

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. 

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.

azarine just released several new moisturizers and even though i wanted to try them straightaway right after they were released, i can't because i have a pile in my stash. however, as i go through them quickly, i can finally buy them. there are three of them but i only interested in two. however, i made a mistake and bought two sets instead of just one. oh well. let's hope i can finish them all.

this is the translated description from their website: azarine intense luminous barrier moisturizer is a day and night moisturizer that is easily absorbed into the skin to treat skin barrier, makes skin looks fresh and helps even out skin tone. benefit: brightening and pore tightening, regulates dehydrated skin's excess oil production.

the packaging: it comes in a light green box with white combination. they give different color combinations for different type. for this one it's green and white. the color combo is applied to the jar as well. the moisturizer comes in a green plastic jar with white plastic screw cap. there's this plastic lid inside with a mini spatula on top of it. however, the lid that's supposed to cover to prevent the moisturizer comes in contact with the air is slightly too small. the outer part doesn't reach to rim so it's hard to lift it off if there's still a bit of moisturizer stuck onto the sides. and the spatula is too small as usual. this one comes in 30 g which is a regular size for a moisturizer.

the scent: i don't think this one is scented but this doesn't have foul scent as well.

the product: it's a cloudy white gel type moisturizer. the consistency is very lightweight. slightly a bit viscous than somethinc supple or elsheskin blue one. it's easy to spread it around and pretty quick to be absorbed as well. 

the result: after it's completely absorbed, it doesn't leave any tacky feeling whatsoever. in fact, one day i let it dry down completely, and it doesn't leave any trace. it doesn't look like i'm putting anything on my face. like it vapors into the air. anyway, this is very lightweight but still hydrating. however, the weather has been so hot this past week that i feel this is not enough. i start to feel my skin dry out a little bit.

this one is really lightweight but still gives a bit of hydration. however, i can't say for the other benefits. all i can say that it is clearly not suitable for dry skin. probably normal skin as well. i doubt my skin can handle it anymore if the days keep this hot. availability wise, this is easy to get as this is a local brand's product. this is very affordable as well. as for me, i don't hate this one, but i don't love it either. perhaps because it feels similar to other products that i've tried before and this one doesn't have a special point about it, so it lacks the sparks point. i won't repurchase this one unfortunately. 

this is the description from their official marketplace channel: formulated with centella asiatica, it is designed to care for acne-prone skin and help reduce the appearance of new breakouts on the face. it has a lightweight and refreshing texture that easily absorbs without causing a greasy sensation. it aids in controlling excess oil and is enriched with ectoin and panthenol to soothe the skin. specifically formulated for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

the packaging: it comes in sage green box with description and ingredients list on the back and sides of the box. this time, there's no telling where it was made but they clearly stated that this one is imported and the company name is clear that it was a foreign company. anyway, the toner comes in a green plastic bottle that's transparent so you can see the remaining product inside. the screw cap is opaque green. the opening of the bottle is big enough to pour the toner onto my palm. it comes in 80 ml which is not much for a toner but it's a decent size. they seal the opening with white plastic stopper but you can pull it out. the opening is big enough to pour out the toner.

the scent: this one is unscented but if i sniff closely, i think i can smell the distinct smell that other cica products have. like medicinal stuff. but very subtle. 

the product: it's a transparent watery toner. it looks like water and feels like water. it's really lightweight and very quick to absorbed. it doesn't leave any tacky feeling or whatsoever after being absorbed.

the result: this one is a so-so product. it's hydrating but not much. but considering how hot these past few days, it is suitable for the weather since it's quickly absorbed not doesn't leave any sticky feeling. it's very lightweight as well so it sinks in quickly. my skin has been reacting badly after my two weeks travel, however once i put on a purifying mask and using this toner, somehow it calms down a bit. 

i think this is a lightweight toner that will suitable for oily skin much better than other skin types. as for helping to reduce acne, i can't say for sure, but i can say that it helps calming down my skin but not entirely prevent acne from popping out again. even though it's nice, i don't think i'd repurchase this one. there are other toners that are similar to this one so i won't worry about finding something similar to this. anyway, it's affordable so if you want to try this and think that it will suitable for you then go ahead. as for me, i won't repurchase. 

This is the translated description from their marketplace channel: serum with gel texture that’s easy to absorb on the face without leaving tacky feeling. Suitable for normal to dry skin. Focus on hydrating and repairing skin barrier.

The packaging: this one comes in light blue box with a short description and ingredients list at the back. They don’t seal the box with plastic and sticker so it’s easy to take it out of the box. The serum comes in a light blue (the same color as the box) glass bottle with dropper head. However, the dropper is different. It was similar to kiehl’s and my previous kitschy serum. However, the button on top of the dropper is softer than kitschy one so it’s easier to press this one. It comes in 25 ml which is slightly less than the usual serum size, but somehow it feels like a lot less than it’s supposed to be.

The scent: this one is scentless without any funny scent due to its ingredients.

The product: this is exactly just as described, a transparent gel type serum. It’s a bit viscous but it’s still runny enough so it's easy to spread around. I usually use one full dropper and sometimes a bit more if I feel my skin need more hydration, which is a lot lately. This feels slick and easy to glide over my skin. 

The result: this one takes a bit longer to be absorbed but as promised, it doesn’t leave any tacky feeling. It gives a bit of glow afterward, but it totally depends on my skin condition. If my skin is too dry, then it will turn matte afterward. But if it’s okay, then the glow will stay for a bit. 

I’m glad that my skin loves this one as well but I do wish that this comes in a bigger size as I go through it like no time. It works well with my other skincare products and doesn’t pill. It works like it’s supposed to and it’s affordable as well. I think this might be suitable for all skin type, even the oily one as this is quite lightweight. Short story, I just hope they upsize the size and I will be happy to repurchase it.

this is the translated description from their official marketplace channel: sunscreen with SPF 50+ PA++++. maximum protection from UVA and UVB for the skin. contains kaolin clay from tropical country, this sunscreen can help control oil and give shine-free look for 12 hours. contains rice extract to give skin nutrition, prevent acne, and quick to absorbed into the skin without feeling tacky. formulated without alcohol and suitable for sensitive skin.

the packaging: this comes in a dark green box with yellow tab on the side. there are descriptions and ingredients list at the back of the box. the sunscreen comes in the same color as the box. dark green plastic squeeze tube with white plastic flip top. it comes in 30 ml which is not much for a sunscreen. pretty sure i can finish this in no time. one of the reason why i was confident in buying this one despite still have some in my stash. anyway, i have no complaint about the packaging. i just wish it comes in bigger size.

the scent: actually, i've already forgotten how it smells like. in my mind, i remembered this has a subtle fresh/citrusy scent. but i might be wrong. i was testing several sunscreens in a row so my brain couldn't keep up. anyway, nothing weird and nothing overpowering either so whether it's scentless or has subtle scent, it's not a problem.

the product: the yellow one has unique texture, being advertised as airy as cloud. so i wonder if the green one is the same. however, it's not completely the same. it does feel airy just like the yellow one, but this one is more creamy than the yellow one. however, both comes in white cream and this one is a bit thicker. but it's still easy to spread around and it's quick to absorbed, just as promised.

the result: while the yellow one might feels a bit heavy on normal to oily skin, this one surprisingly leaves matte finish after completely absorbed and it feels lightweight. this one really leaves matte finish which i really appreciate especially during hot and sweaty weather. as for the protection, this works okay since i don't experience sunburn or anything.

this is completely a win for me. however, i still wish that it comes in bigger size since 50 ml is too little. if you're looking for a matte finish local brand sunscreen, then i do recommend this one. as for the price, i forgot how much this is, but it's still in the affordable range. though maybe not as cheap as azarine ones, but still.. affordable. definitely putting this in my repurchase list if i ever run out of sunscreen to try.