Hada Labo Whitening Water Gel

I live in Malaysia. There is more direct sunlight hitting me than anywhere else, which is why brightening products are always welcome. Uneven skin tone, begone!

Name: Hada Labo Whitening Water Gel
Price: RM 69.90 for 50 g
Made in: China

Infused with 4 types of Hyaluronic Acid and multiple intensive brightening ingredients, the Hada Labo Whitening Water Gel promises a luminous, fair and translucent skin through 3 brightening actions:

☑ Anti-redness
Vitamin C rebalances uneven skin, leaving skin perfectly luminous and translucent with natural radiance.

☑ Anti-dark spots
Vitamin B3 boosts radiance and at the same time enhances skin fairness.

☑ Anti-dullness
Carnosine, an anti-ageing substance, reawakens dull skin and improves yellowish skin tone for a more luminous and radiant complexion.

It has a light and refreshing gel texture that sinks effortlessly into the skin. There was nothing to see/feel in terms of residue after 30 seconds of patting, but no signs of dryness creeping in showed that it does some very effective hydrating. Good for people who don’t want a heavy cream – perhaps their skin is oily or they live in a humid tropical climate *clears throat*

To achieve a double brightening effect, pair it together with the newly improved Hada Labo Whitening Essence (RM 74 for 30 g) that contains high purity Arbutin to reduce redness and dark spots, resulting in brighter skin in 4 short weeks.

The blue coloured gel is joy to apply and powerful enough to use as a moisturiser (for me, at least). It isn't too expensive, especially if you find it on offer at any of the leading pharmacies.

The full ingredient list for Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cream:
Water, Alcohol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Water, Butylene Glycol, Solluble Collagen, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Pueraria Thunbergiana Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Butylene Glycol, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Water, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Phenoxyethanol, Tromethamine, Water, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Panthenol, Raffinose, Folic Acid, Cholesterol, Ceramide 3, Phenoxyethanol, Tromethamine, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Betaine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit/Seed Oil, Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Ferula Galbaniflua (Galbanum) Resin Oil, Rose Flower Oil, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Carnosine, Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Isostearyl Isostearate, Cholesterol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ceramide 3, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, CI 42090.

Disclosure: Press sample.

Mise En Scene Perfect Repair Serum Original

Name: Mise En Scène 미쟝센 Perfect Repair Serum Original 퍼펙트 리페어 세럼 오리지널
Price: ₩ 13,000 for 70 ml (×2)
Made in: Korea

Perfect Repair Serum doesn't weigh down the hair and more importantly, doesn't coat the hair with a layer of grease when too much is used. And it is so easy to go overboard with this serum because it disappears so quickly. My hair has never soaked up anything faster!

I work it on damp hair, then blast it dry using the highest heat setting. My hair dryer is one of those thingamajigs that comes with snazzy functions including emitting ions and whatnot, so I don't feel as guilty when I abuse my hair (daily basis at that). Hair feels healthier, shinier and livelier for lack of a better word, haha.

The scent could make or break a product, and I think that the floral-smelling fragrance makes application a joy. It lifts my mood and leaves the ends of my hair happy. Definitely a hair serum to keep a look for!!

The full ingredient list for Perfect Repair Serum Original:
사이클로펜타실록산, 디메치콘올, 디메치콘, C12-15알킬벤조에이트,아르간트리커넬오일, 동백오일, 코코넛오일, 행인오일, 비르씨오일, 호호바씨오일, 올리브오일, 글라이코리피드, 코코-카프릴레이트/카프레이트, 토마토지질, 향료.

Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewing Skin Care

Renowned Japanese brewer, Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewing, has been in business since 1659, but it was not until 2012 that it introduced a skin care line.

Its skin care is enriched with Junmai Ginjo-shu grade sake (naturally rich in Kojic Acid) alongside Amino Acids, Placenta Extract and Arbutin to protect the skin's moisture barrier for a smoother and plumper complexion.

Name: Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewing 菊正宗酒造
Price: RM 26.90 to RM 49.90
Made in: Japan

The low pH Skin Care Cleansing Gel (RM 42.90 for 200 g) melts away sunscreen, base makeup and even heavy point makeup (to my utmost delight). It completely erases stubborn waterproof mascaras, one of them being Majolica Majorca's Lash Expander Frame Plus. This product rinses completely clean and leaves my face feeling refreshed.

The luxurious, dense lather – something of which the Skin Care Wash (RM 39.90 for 200 g) has in spades - makes cleansing an indulgent experience, and not so much a chore. Skin feels comfortable after cleansing - never tight or parched - but you will definitely feel the effects if you don't moisturise after. That said, it could be my ageing skin making a fuss, hurhurhur. Formulated without parabens and sulphates, this foaming cleanser is suitable for all skin types.

There is a saturation of lotions in the market, but Skin Care Lotion (RM 42.90 for 500 ml) can compete with the best of them. The strong aroma that permeates the nostrils, and the room (!!!) can be off-putting though; the best description I can come up with is overripe bananas doused liberally in alcohol. Perhaps you may have a different take? You will need a moisturiser if you plan to wear this, even if you are on the oilier side – it is far too light to be used alone.

The Skin Care High Moist Lotion (RM 49.90 for 500 ml) is the beefed-up version of the regular lotion. It is supplemented with ceramides and even has the distinction of being alcohol-free. The jumbo size means it makes a cost effective mask – pour generously over cotton pads and place over puffy, blotchy face to rehydrate and revive. Despite having a superior ingredients over the the regular version, I prefer the latter because it absorbs completely into the skin, without leaving a film behind like this one does.

Skin Care Emulsion (RM 49.90 for 380 ml) is possibly the most intensely moisturising emulsion that I have used in a while. The results for me were really obvious: long-lasting hydration and plumptious, fresh-looking skin. It is quite brilliant, especially considering the price point! Nonetheless, I have to address the elephant in the room: the mineral oil content. You may have to give the emulsion a miss if you cannot tolerate mineral oil in your skin care products.

I wasn't given the Skin Care Essence (￥ 1,944 for 150 ml) to review, as sales just only began on September 1st in Japan (at least, according to kikumasamune-onlineshop.jp), but I certainly wouldn't mind parting with my own cash if I see it on display at Aeon Wellness or SaSa.

The full ingredient list for Skin Care Cleansing Gel:
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate, Carbomer, PEG-20 Glyceryl Isostearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Arbutin, Glutamic Acid, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Leucine, Placental Protein, Arginine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.

The full ingredient list for Skin Care Wash:
Glycerin, Water, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, PEG-32, PEG-6, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Chloride, Decyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Fragrance, Arbutin, Glutamic Acid, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Leucine, Placental Protein, Arginine, Polyquaternium-7, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopherol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol.

The full ingredient list for Skin Care Lotion:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Alcohol Denat., Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Methylparaben, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Fragrance, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Leucine, Arbutin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Placental Protein, Propylparaben.

The full ingredient list for Skin Care High Moist Lotion:
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Maltitol, Methyl Gluceth-10, Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Fragrance, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Arbutin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Placental Protein, Leucine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 II.

The full ingredient list for Skin Care Emulsion:
Water, Glycerin, Mineral Oil, Triethylhexanoin, Arginine, Glycine, Phenoxyethanol, Behenyl Alcohol, PEG-9 Dimethicone, PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glutamic Acid, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Fragrance, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Placental Protein, Leucine, Arbutin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Phytic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Silver Oxide, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Ceramide EOP.

Disclosure: Press samples.

Catalina Geo Color Capsule Make Up Base White

Before - After

Name: Catalina Geo 카타리나 지오 Color Capsule Make Up Base 컬러 캡슐 메이크업 베이스 White 화이트
Price: ₩ 47,000 for 35 ml
Made in: Korea

This is my second go at a white coloured Catalina Geo base (third overall if I include the blue base). I feel like I have said all I need to say previously, so I won't bore you by reiterating any of them here. Aside from the bit next about blending the primer out carefully.

Y'know, instead of having something in your teeth, you have a lot of somethings on your face, which is equally annoying embarassing. So yes, beware of the trail of crushed pearls!

And here are my old posts in case you are interested in having a nose:
I-Miix Magic Capsule Silky Make Up Base White
Catalina Geo Color Capsule Make Up Base Blue

The full ingredient list for Color Capsule Make Up Base:
Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Thymus Quinquecostatus Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Extract, Allantoin, Mineral Oil, Squalane, Agar, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Cellulose Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance.

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

Shu Uemura Stage Performer Block: Booster & Lightbulb Glowing Face Powder

Shu Uemura is now sold at sephora.my! Pick up the best-selling eyelash curler, the much-vaunted eyebrow pencils or any of the award-winning cleansing oils.

I went down the base makeup road, and nabbed the Stage Performer Block: Booster (RM 160 for 30 ml). Apart from Colorless which I have on hand, this primer is also available in Natural Beige and Fresh Pink to correct any imperfections.

It blocks environmental elements and boosts hydration with the power of botanicals, namely, peony (anti-inflammatory), corn (anti-oxidation) and water lily (moisturisation). It also doubles as a sunscreen with SPF50 PA+++ protection, making this a true multi-tasker.

It takes a gentle approach in aiding radiance by lending the skin a dewy sheen, and so gets tempered down underneath foundation, but on bare skin it is so, so believable. I mix it with my foundation; I can deal with the sheered out coverage, even though I should be out and about in the full coverage ones, hurhurhur. The lightweight texture makes wearing it a comfortable experience.

A light sweep of the puff blew my mind; the Lightbulb Glowing Face Powder (RM 145 for 15 g)'s oil-coated powder particles captured and reflected the light from my skin to mimic a soft-lit glow without the powdery effect.

The finely milled powder is packaged in a jar with a practical screen sifter and comes with a specially designed lightbulb puff by Shu Atelier. The puff allows for better powder pick up and greater pay-off on the skin. Just remember to tap the excess off - it is all about being light-handed.

It doesn't settle in fine lines and does a brilliant job of locking everything in place. What I have noticed, though, is that it is not very good at soaking up oil and taking away shine, which is a shame because this feature is essential to survive the heat and humidity here. If you don't mind a little shimmer in your finishing powders then Shu Uemura's should be right up your alley.

Now on to the before and after pictures; I know how you all look forward to them. Haha!

Bare - Primer - Powder

What is your take on these products?

The full ingredient list for Stage Performer Block: Booster:
Aqua, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Alcohol Denat., Triethanolamine, Stearic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Nylon-12, Palmitic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenoxyethanol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Methylparaben, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Tocopherol, Tromethamine, Ethylparaben, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Xanthan Gum, Myristic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Polysorbate 80, Stearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitol, Carrageenan, BHT, Zea Mays Kernel Extract, Sodium Chloride, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Sorbic Acid, Ciric Acid.

The full ingredient list for Lightbulb Glowing Face Powder:
Talc, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Magnesium Stearate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methicone, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Lauroyl Lysine, Tocopherol, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Hydrated Silica, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Lilium Candidum Flower Extract [+/- Mica, CI 77891, CI 77120, CI 77163, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 45410, CI 15850].

Disclosure: Gift certificate.

Lafine Vegetable Foam Cleansing

Name: Lafine 라피네 Vegetable Foam Cleansing 야채 폼 클렌징
Price: ₩ 14,000 for 120 ml
Made in: Korea

Ahhh, the cleanser that would have ranked first in 2015, if not for the pesky scrubby beads. I am still of the opinion in 2016. Maybe even more, because the cleansing device that I pair it with simply vaporises the beads. I can't even feel them or see where they went to. It is brilliant really! And for that, I would award it 6 stars (up from 5 in 2015, ha!) à la @cosme (Japanese beauty portal, where products with 7 stars are even rarer than an Articuno).

Read my old post here.

The full ingredient list for Vegetable Foam Cleansing:
Water, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Sorbitol, Lauric Acid, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Potassium Hydroxide, Myristic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Cocamide DEA, PEG-150 Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Catalpa Ovata Bark/Leaf Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sabvus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Oenanthe Javanica Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Butytene Glycol, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Iron Oxides, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chromium Oxide Greens, Iron Oxides, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, CI 19140, CI 42090.

Disclosure: BNTGirls sample. Head on over to BNTNews for more exciting news, may it be K-Beauty, K-Fashion or K-Pop!

Boss The Scent For Her Eau De Parfum

Like a perfectly cut dress worn over bare skin to frame the figure, Boss The Scent For Her is founded on a desire to seduce. German model Anna Ewers is the perfect embodiment of the Boss woman's dual aesthetic - strong yet sensual, with an ability to captivate wherever she goes.

Name: Boss The Scent For Her Eau de Parfum
Price: RM 427 for 100 ml
Made in: UK

ღ The Fragrance
The delicate and alluring peach morphs into something creamier and cozier as the cocoa note unfolds. This fragrance celebrates femininity in a new way, inviting lightness and headiness into a harmonious synthesis with modernity. It is an ode to summer in the most refined form!

◆ Top notes: Honeyed peach, Freesia
◆ Heart notes: Osmanthus
◆ Base notes: Roasted cocoa

It won't be irresistible to everyone (some reviewers likened it to a shower gel!), and it doesn't quite have the lasting power of Boss's Orange Woman Eau De Parfum (one of my favourites), but if you are after something juicy and fruity with an unusual twist (it is all about the roasted cocoa!) then do stop by and try it.

ღ The Flacon
The sleek, sophisticated lines of the flacon acts as a frame to the cap on top, which also serves as a feminine take on the iconic Boss cufflink, while the champagne rose juice entices into a closer look.

ღ The Collection
It is very pretty, and makes a superb Christmas present if you are already thinking along those lines!

◆ Boss The Scent For Her EdP 30 ml RM 214
◆ Boss The Scent For Her EdP 50 ml RM 311
◆ Boss The Scent For Her EdP 100 ml RM 427
◆ Boss The Scent For Her Shower Gel 200 ml RM 128
◆ Boss The Scent For Her Body Lotion 200 ml RM 139

ღ The Composition
The full ingredient list for Boss The Scent For Her Eau de Parfum:-
Alcohol Denat., Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Benzyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, BHT, Limonene, Citronellol, Linalool, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Citral, Geraniol, CI 15985 (Yellow 6), CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2), CI 17200 (Red 33).

Disclosure: Press sample.

Softlips Cube Fresh Mint & Strawberry

Y'know a product originated from the West when it has 'gluten free' and 'cruelty free' labels because this trend has yet to catch up in the East!

Name: Softlips® Cube 5-in-1 Lip Care SPF15
Price: RM 18.90 for 6.5 g
Made in: USA

Formulated with the Lip Perfecting Technology, Mentholatum's Softlips Cubes set out to hydrate, replenish, smooth, protect and add shine to the lips. These balms aren't sticky and I find them to be decently moisturising, however, I feel the need for reapplication once they wear off.

Icy cool Fresh Mint

The unique ice cube cap is super cute and closes with a satisfying 'click' but becomes a source of rage (hurhurhur), when nicks appear on the rounded dome because of repeated smushings against the sides of the cap during the opening and closing process.

Deliciously sweet Strawberry

If dirty caps don't bother you, then visit the nearest Watsons to scoop up them up!

Active ingredients:
Dimethicone 2%
Octinoxate 7.5%
Oxybenzone 3%

Fresh Mint inactive ingredients:
Ozokerite, Petrolatum, Octyldodecyl Olivate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Octyldodecanol, Myristyl Myristate, Myristyl Lactate, Squalane, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Flavour, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Stearyl Olivate, Myristyl Laurate, Myristyl Alcohol, BHT, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Menthol, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PEG-8, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Sodium Saccharin, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E).

Strawberry inactive ingredients:
Ozokerite, Petrolatum, Octyldodecyl Olivate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Octyldodecanol, Myristyl Myristate, Myristyl Lactate, Flavour, Squalane, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Stearyl Olivate, Myristyl Laurate, Myristyl Alcohol, BHT, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Menthol, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PEG-8, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Sodium Saccharin, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E).

Disclosure: Press samples.