the box

this is the description from their website: our potent vitamin C serum is formulated with a vitamin C complex with gold and highly stabilized L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and a bioactive fruit blend that helps defend skin from environmental stressors, promoting healthier-looking skin. our vitamin C complex serum instantly hydrates skin and is clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 4 weeks. helps improve appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, for younger-looking skin. helps skin look more radiant and bright. shields skin from environmental stressors. this vitamin C serum features a high concentration of our complex including highly stable, pure L-ascorbic acid and kakadu plum, known as one of the richest sources of vitamin C, to help address signs of aging, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

the bottle

the packaging: even though i found this in target, it comes in a grey box with orange label for the vitamin C. they have different color labels for different product. there's description at the back in english as well as ingredients list. the bottle itself is an opaque grey glass bottle with pump head that's covered with the same opaque grey plastic cap. the bottle is quite tall but slim. there's another description at the back label in english but no ingredients list printed on it. it comes in 30 ml which is the usual size of a serum.

description at the back

the scent: this serum has no scent and luckily it doesn't smell foul either.

the pump head

the product: the serum is a yellowish gel type serum that's quite viscous. but it's still easy to spread around. considering that the serum is yellowish, i use this first because i don't want it to get oxidized before i finish using it. fyi, i don't store it in the refrigerator and it's been hot here during the last week, so let's hope that it won't oxidize the serum. anyway, one of the reason that i was interested in this serum is the added peptide in it. let's say since i'm getting older, my skin likes the added peptide in the vitamin c serum that i've used before this, so i continued looking for the added peptide in other vitamin c serum.

the result: right off the bat, i can feel this serum is moisturizing. it feels as moisturizing as the innertrue vitamin c serum that i used before this one. it gives subtle glow and it works well with my other skincare products. as for the brightening properties, i can't say much because i don't notice anything. it might help fading my acne scars but it works very slow, so if you're looking for brightening serum, you might want to find something else.

this one is quite nice. i quite like it. it's moisturizing and gentle. no tingling whatsoever when i use it. however, if i only want the brightening effect, this is not something that i'd like to recommend. but if you're looking for the antioxidant effect, then this is something that i would certainly recommend. price wise, in the US this might still be considered affordable. but since the currency rate is quite bad for my country's currency, then this is quite expensive. luckily, this works well for my skin, so i'm quite happy with my purchase. anyway, if you don't mind the controversy behind naturium, then you might want to try this, especially if you're looking for a moisturizing vitamin c serum.

This is the description from their website: the power of oriental herbal extracts for skin with a snow-like radiance. One product, five uses! Moisture that penetrates quickly. A medicinal all-in-one gel that prevents dryness and age spots, leading to brighter, more translucent skin. 

- Contains tranexamic acid as an active whitening agent. Inhibits melanin generation, preventing age spots and freckles, leading to skin with a snow-like translucence.

- This one product is all you need after using face wash. An all-in-one gel: one product, five uses (lotion, emulsion, cream, serum, face mask), helping you to achieve beautiful skin more easily.

- This moisture-filled gel penetrates deep into the keratinous layer. Completely moisturizes the keratinous layer, leading to skin with less-obvious pores and dullness due to dryness.

- Containing five moisture components, including oriental herbal extracts and moisturizing collagen GL. A strongly moisturizing all-in-one gel that will satisfy those concerned about dry or rough skin.

- A gentle floral, herbal fragrance.

Key ingredients:

- skin whitening active agent (tranexamic acid)

- five moisture components (coix seed extract, dioscorea panthaica extract, korean ginseng extract, moisturizing collagen GL, and glycerin)

the tub

the packaging: this comes in a blue box. The blue is the same all throughout kose products, not only the sekkisui but also the sekkisei one, so make sure you read the brand name carefully. Or better yet, remember where you bought it. In japan and singapore, sekkisui products are only available at 7/11. anyway, the box is dark blue with description all over the box in japanese. they even make a suggestion of how much you should use the gel. they made a weird slanted line on top to make it easier to rip the top off. it makes it way easier to open the box and to get the tub out of the box. The gel comes in the same blue plastic tub with white screw cap. They seal the cap with tiny sticker on the side, but it’s very stretchy that i can’t pull it with my hand. There’s some descriptions on the box in japanese. The gel comes in 60 g which is slightly more than the usual.

stretchy sticker to seal the tub

the scent: as described, it has subtle floral fragrance. I think all sekkisui products have the same scent, and it’s quite relaxing. I like the scent. It’s very subtle but still noticeable. 

the product: it’s a milky white gel that’s quite thick but still easy to scoop out of the tub. it's easy to spread around as well. keep in mind that this one contains tranexamic acid, so it will promote some brightening effect. this feels thick and sticky at first but as i keep spreading it around, the thick feeling lessen.

the result: but as i'm quite fair to begin with, i won't be able to tell about the effect to my overall skin tone. but i think i notice it helps fading my acne scars faster. in combination with vitamin c serum that i use separately, of course. even though this one is a gel, but surprisingly, it's still moisturizing while still feeling lightweight at the same time. 

i have to say that i didn't like this gel at first. i thought it felt sticky and too lightweight for night time, especially since i use retinol and acid as well. but as i keep using it, i started to like it. it feels moisturizing and even though it's lightweight, it's still enough to use during night time. i can say that the brightening effect shows up as time goes by, especially in combination with vitamin c. so i think if you have problem with dullness or want more brightening effect, then you should try this one. i think this is suitable for all skin types, but i'm not sure whether it'll be enough for dry skin. price wise, kose sekkisui is affordable, but it's a bit hard to find. so, better snatch it if you can find it. 

this is the description from their website: a light and never-sticky moisturizer that locks in moisture just like the clouds above. our fast absorbing and fuss-free formula gives your skin long-lasting hydration without tacky finish. what makes it special:

- snail secretion filtrate helps to repair skin damage and restore skin firmness, which can also enhance the appearance of acne-prone skin. 

- packed with squalane, ceramide, and vitamin e to protect skin barrier from environmental damages

- fresh and airy - formulated for normal to oily skin.

the packaging: it comes in a white/green box. i think they make the box from recycled materials. and the design is quite unique, a retro theme. there's descriptions as well as the main ingredients printed on the side and back. the moisturizer itself comes in a mint see-through glass bottle with pump head that's covered by a white plastic cap. it comes in 30 ml which is the usual size of a moisturizer. there's no description on the bottle aside from the brand name and product name.

the scent: i don't think this has added fragrance, but thankfully it doesn't smell weird either. however, i notice a subtle hint of freshness which is slightly minty? 

the product: it's a white thick gel type moisturizer. even though it's quite thick, it's easy to spread it around. but it won't melt into watery traces like other gel type moisturizer does. this is one is thicker compared to other gel moisturizers that i've tried, but not like dear me beauty that's still like a gel? this one feels like true to skin but slightly thicker? anyway, i don't think this one has cooling sensation, but a couple of times of using this, i feel slightly cooling sensation. but not alway, so i wonder, what might cause the cooling sensation? fyi, in the morning i combine this with vitamin c serum while in the afternoon, i use a brightening serum, so i don't know what kind of combination that might cause the cooling sensation because sometimes i notice it in the morning. then the other day, it's in the afternoon.

the result: this gives hydrating glow. this one is more moisturizing rather than hydrating, thus slightly heavier than what i used to use. but again, my skin is changing. it get dryer so this one gives enough moisture that my skin need. however, if i use another moisturizing sunscreen, this might turns slightly greasy. 

i have to say that this one is so-so. though it performs well, somehow my preference is still a more lightweight moisturizers. so the problem is me. anyway, if you have normal skin, then you might like this. oily skin, perhaps use a pea size or use lightweight sunscreen on top of this. dry skin might not feel this moisturizing enough for their skin. price wise, it's still affordable but personally, i like the one that comes in tubes. it's easier to use that way. and the glass bottle is heavy. not travel friendly. anyway, i like to try other moisturizer since skintific has just recently launched a new moisturizer. perhaps i'd try that one. 

this is the description from their website: premium white truffles carefully extracted from piedmont, italy, infused with tocopherol (vitamin E) make d'alba's signature ingredient trufferol. full of antioxidants, white truffles are 6 times more effective than well-known propolis. certified vegan after meticulous texting by italian v-label, dermatologically tested, and hypoallergenic. it delivers a luxurious vegan experience that makeup artists and celebrities love. a 20M global bestseller with over 100.000 reviews on the official d'alba website. surfactant-free, the double layering of the serum and oil levels instantly moisturizes the skin with a refreshing, glowy finish. shake the serum and oil layer well before use. 

- serum layer: italian white truffle extract, niacinamide, and chia seed extract for skin relief, elasticity, and glow.

- oil layer: avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, and other plant-based oils to lock in moisture and radiance. 

convenient to use: the misting spray nozzle has easy application, allowing the spray serum to land pleasantly light on the skin. multifunctional: mist + serum + setting spray. it is suitable for every step of your skincare and makeup routine. 

benefits: anti aging, improve moisture level, ultra-hydration, elasticity, light finish, antioxidant, all-in-one care, can be used before, during, after makeup whenever, wherever and anytime. spray-type container for convenient use.

the packaging: it comes in a white box with description in korean and ingredients list in english. but since i bought this here, there's a sticker with indonesian description on it. they seal the box with plastic. and then the serum spray comes in transparent plastic bottle with spray mist head that's covered by another transparent plastic cap. since it's transparent, you can see the two-layers serum from the outside. i'm quite surprised to see the oil layer is less than what i think it'd be. anyway, the smaller size is only 50 ml while the full size one is 100 ml.

the scent: i can't be sure since several products in my routine are scented, but i think this one smells a bit fragrant but not too much. 

the product: the spray head mist works really well. compared to other mist that i have in my collection, this one sprays stronger and gives slightly bigger droplets compared to the other one. i could feel the droplets on my face like water being sprayed to my face. as instructed, i have to shake the bottle real well to mix the two layers before spraying it to my face. since the oil layer is yellow and the serum layer is transparent, i can see the yellowish mixture being formed when i shake it well. but i have to spray it as soon as possible so it won't be separated before i spray it to my face. anyway, whatever you do, don't let it go into your eyes. it hurts like hell when it hits my eyes.

the result: at first, i don't feel anything. then i think, i use it too little. this is a face mist so it's not supposed to be used as toner. but i did. anyway, i decided to spritz a whole lot more and it works. i started to feel the effect. it feels hydrating and moisturizing. it does feel more moisturizing compared to lumene face mist that feels just like water. 

if you have dry skin, then this is a good option to top up the hydration and moisture that your skin need. i think this might be suitable for all skin types, but don't use this as toner because you'll end up finishing this one faster than possible. it's another good thing that they sell smaller size so you can bring it in your purse or while you're travelling. price wise, the 50 ml is still affordable, but the full size one is quite pricey. however, i heard that if you buy this straight in korea, the price is quite affordable and it usually comes in 1+1 package deals. if you happen to be in korea, then buy them. as for me, it's enough to satisfy my curiosity but not enough for me to repurchase this. 

this is the description from their website: it's eye-mportant to be scandalous. with precised microtip to achieve a perfect line! intense pigmentation waterproof eyeliner in only one swab! worry not, it is formulated to be water-resistant, smudge-proof and long lasting! equipped with sharpener to do its job to sharpen this creamy gel liner. #YourOnlyLimit. 

quick facts: micro tip to line and define easily, easy control grip and creamy glides, smudge-proof and water resistant, color choices for every occasion, suitable to draw in waterline, equipped with sharpener, dermatologically tested.

the packaging: it comes in brown/yellow box with the name of the product written at front and the shade name somewhere on the box. the eyeliner itself comes in a pen shape. it's brown with the same brown plastic cap as well. at the bottom, you can pull it off to reveal the sharpener. they printed the shade name near the bottom.

the color: there are three color options to pick, black, brown and gold. i pick brown because i'm kind of bored with black and black is too intense for daily, so i choose brown. 

the product: they say that it has micro-tip. but i doubt that it's micro. it's the usual tip that all pencil eyeliners have. again, since this is creamy, the pencil is quite soft so the tip gets blunt easily. and the sharpener.. since the pencil is so soft, the sharpener can't work well. that's why i keep it blunt since i don't bother sharpen it.

the result: i do have to agree that this one is creamy and easy to glide. it's not irritating even when i use it on my waterline. in fact, i only use this on my waterline because i can't sharpen the tip so i only use this on my waterline and use another liquid eyeliner to draw the end on my eyelash. anyway, since it's soft, i end up broke the tip when i try to sharpen it. and i didn't bother to try again afterward. no matter how hard i try to sharpen it, i can't seem to sharpen it to its original shape. anyway, it works well on my waterline, it doesn't smudge and it lasts almost all day as well. around 6-8 hours. i can't say about the water resistant though.. 

anyway, it's been awhile since i try a pencil eyeliner, so i kind of forget how it feels to use one. however, now i remember why i stop using a pencil eyeliner. i can't draw the extended end like a kitten eyeliner that i always do. that's why i decided to only use this on my waterline and it works fine. it looks natural and it stay all day. if you're a beginner and like a pencil eyeliner, then this is a good option for you. it's easy to use, it's pigmented and creamy and it's affordable and easy to get. as for me, i don't think i'll buy pencil eyeliner ever again. i'll just stick to liquid eyeliner from now on. 

this is the description from their website: crafted by hands. an innocation 1200 years in the maing, yamato takumi brush is created by traditional craftsmen from the kumano region of japan, who hand blend custom-made fibers to achieve the best for firmness, flexibility and softness. no more panda eyes. using the most advanced japanese water-proof technology, our WP film hybrid polymer maintains the perfect line alld ay against any water, sweat, humidity, tears and oil. the line you draw will lead to a new chapter. surpassing race, gender, age, everything... you can draw, paint and play. to maximize your freedom, we removed the frames and searched the potentials. we reinvented the functions, it's your turn to be unframed. 

brown-black: softer than black, stronger than brown. brown-black creates compeling depth. comes off easily with warm water. ergonomic octagonal packaging designed for easy application. innovative dry-free formula won't stain the skin.

the packaging: it comes with the usual japanese eyeliner packaging. but, instead of all plastic, the front is made from paper (maybe it's a recycled paper?) and plastic backing. you can rip the plastic to take out the eyeliner. there's description at the back in japanese as well as a small transparent window at the back so you can see the product from the back. the color of the packaging varies for each shades. for brown black, the paper is red. 

the shades: there are 16 shades to select from, and it's not just regular options like brown and black, but also interesting colors like blue, maroon, white and beige. i pick brown black because i intend to use it daily, but i'm curious about their maroon or navy shade. ugh.. i wish i'm brave enough to use it.

the product: the eyeliner comes in octagonal pen shape. i don't know about the reason, but if they say it helps the grip, then they might be right. it helps to grip the eyeliner easier. it's dark brown pen with red accent. the tip is a brush tip, which is usual for japanese eyeliners. even though it's a brush tip, it's easy to use and control. i can draw thin and thick lines easily. 

the result: the color comes out opaque and if you let it dry, it won't budge. i stays all day as long as you don't rub your eyes. back when i was in singapore, i got drenched by rain, but the eyeliner stayed as long as i didn't rub my eyes. but it washes off easily with soap. although i always use cleansing oil to be safe.

again.. this one is great. almost all japanese eyeliners that i've used are great. i swear, i shouldn't have stopped buying them. however, this one is slightly pricey, so if you feel this is too expensive for an eyeliner, then you should find other eyeliners since there are other eyeliners as good as this one. as for me, i'd probably try this one in another shade. anyway, this eyeliner is good for anyone, even a beginner. so grab it if you want to try it. as for availability wise, i found this in singapore aside from japan, so you might want to check whether it's available in your country as well.