AMPM Vitamin A Pore Refining Mask

One weekend, klutzy me almost collided with a fellow shopper. I got a good glimpse of her (flawless) complexion (with nary a pore) in the 5 seconds we gaped at each other. Vitamin A Pore Refining Mask was immediately purchased succeeding this incident...

Naruko says:
Vitamin A Pore Refining Mask is a white creamy clay mask which contains essential nutrients and small round PE particles to help improve your skin's metabolism and dullness. It instantly gives you the baby-soft skin that you've always dreamed of.

(Source: naruko.sg/)

Name: AMPM Vitamin A Pore Refining Mask 維他命A毛孔緊提面膜
Price: NT$ 469 for 60 g
UrCosme rating: 5.1 ★
Made in: Taiwan

This mask expires within six months due to the lack of preservatives. It is recommended that you use this mask twice a week or thrice if your skin needs the extra attention.

The mask goes on creamy and grainy. To my recollection, the texture resembled a product that I featured in the past: b.liv by cellnique Glow and Shine. They are both masks with exfoliating bits but their functions could not be more different!

I noticed immediate results after rinsing off. Besides looking brighter, my skin also feels smoother and cleaner. On the downside, it is only a temporary measure to inhibit the appearance of pores. I have finished my tube and they are as prominent as ever.

It is one of those rare duds from Naruko and luckily it does not cost a fortune at NT$ 469 a piece.

The full ingredient list for Vitamin A Pore Refining Mask:
Water, Isononyl Isononanoate, Propanediol, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Hectorite, Lactic Acid, Cordyceps Sinesis Extract, Trametes Versicolor (Mushroom) Extract, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Lactate, Titanium Dioxide, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Urea, Panthenol, Potassium Hydroxide, Polyethylene, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Salicylic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Mandelic Acid, Methylisothiazolinone, Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus), Marjoram (Origanum Marjorana), Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris), Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea), Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis), Ho Wood (Cinnamomum Camphora).

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NRK Hand Creams: HA Brightening & Hydrating, Peptide Nourishing & Smoothing

From beauty specialty stores to department stores, you will be inundated with an array of hand creams. It is time to ditch them and head towards your nearest computer (or pharmacy) for Naruko has once again brought out the big guns when formulating their latest release.

ღ HA Brightening & Hydrating Hand Cream

Name: NRK HA Brightening & Hydrating Hand Cream
Price: RM 8.90 for 30 g
Made in: Taiwan

HA Brightening & Hydrating Hand Cream is a fluid, runny white cream that sinks in easily, leaving no residue. It has a faint almost undetectable scent. I, for one prefer my hand creams to smell fabulous (Raspberry Chocolate Cookie anyone?) but it slowly grew on me.

Do note that mineral oil features quite high up in the ingredient list. I know many are able to use mineral oil based personal care products without any problems, so it is just one of those things that vary in accordance with your preference.

The full ingredient list for HA Brightening & Hydrating Hand Cream:
Purified Water (Aqua), Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Dimethicone, Steareth-21, Shea Butter Oil, Steareth-2, Jojoba Seed Oil, Petrolatum, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Talc, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Arbutin, Fragrance, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dibutyl Hydroxy Toluene, Disodium EDTA, Methylisothiazolinone.

ღ Peptide Nourishing & Smoothing Hand Cream

Name: NRK Peptide Nourishing & Smoothing Hand Cream
Price: RM 8.90 for 30 g
Made in: Taiwan

Peptide Nourishing & Smoothing Hand Cream has an emollient, balmy texture than that of a cream. Even though it takes some work to spread, it does not leave behind a sticky film once completely absorbed. Of the two creams, this is by far the better option if you are blighted with dry hands.

I can't say much about the evening fine lines claim but just the thought of it is good enough for me.

The full ingredient list for Peptide Nourishing & Smoothing Hand Cream:
Purified Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter Oil, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylisothiazoilnone, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Disodium EDTA, Dibutyl Hydroxy Toluene, Collagen Extract, CI 19140, CI 42053, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8.

On the downside, they lack SPF, which is extremely important in this hot climate. Aside from this one shortcoming, I really like them and find them worth buying. Just to top it all off, these hand creams are a steal at RM 8.90 each!

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Naruko Review: Tea Tree Oil Out Acne Clay Cleanser, Tea Tree Oil Out Balancing Serum, AMPM C12 Two-Step Line Reducing Set

Naruko is the brainchild of skincare guru 牛爾老師, a frequent guest on the Taiwanese beauty talk show 女人我最大. I am crazy over Naruko and with good reason. Their products are inexpensive and they work very well.

ღ Tea Tree Oil Out Acne Clay Cleanser

Name: Naruko Tea Tree Oil Out Acne Clay Cleanser
Price: RM 29 for 120 ml
Made in: Taiwan

The cleanser has a soft moldable almost creamy clay texture and even with the ingrained scrubby beads it is extremely gentle on my skin.

Upon application, it gives a cooling minty sensation and smells absolutely refreshing. I am rather used to the scent of tea tree in my skincare so I am immune to it but it might not be your cup of tea.

My face feels clean and fresh after using it and it does not strip moisture from my skin whatsoever. It is multi-purpose, besides its main function as a cleanser, it can act as an exfoliant and a weekly clay mask.

I tend to break out less after using this cleanser and I have already repurchased a second tube. It has cemented itself as one of my favourite cleansers ever!

The full ingredient list for Tea Tree Oil Out Acne Clay Cleanser:

ღ Tea Tree Oil Out Balancing Serum

Name: Naruko Tea Tree Oil Out Balancing Serum
Price: RM 52 for 30 ml
Made in: Taiwan

The super lightweight runny texture aids in hastening absorption.

As with the cleanser, this serum also contains peppermint essential oil which is cooling and this helps to calm the skin somewhat. However, that is the only thing it does. This serum does not check off the other claims in the description - it does not do a thing to curb breakouts, lighten pigmentation or refine pores.

I guess I was expecting too much after watching YouTube gurus rave about this serum...

The full ingredient list for Tea Tree Oil Out Balancing Serum:

ღ AMPM C12 Two-Step Line Reducing Set

Name: Naruko AMPM C12 Two-Step Line Reducing Set
Price: RM 99 for 60 ml
Made in: Taiwan

Step ① C12 Ultimate Line Reducer

It has a silky smooth consistency as with most silicone loaded serums. The high concentration of Vitamin C in Step ① (12%) makes my skin tingle whenever I apply it.

Step ② Vitamin C Serum Enhancer

Step ② has a fluid texture. It needs a little bit of patting before it absorbs completely.

Steps ① and ② come in toothpaste squeeze tubes. This design keeps out sunlight as well as prevents oxidation and contamination. They both smell like chewable Vitamin C supplements that I used to eat as a child.

The two tubes used in conjunction gave me wonderful results. I wake up with super firm skin and I noticed this even from my first usage. I did not notice much effects clarity wise nor does it brighten my skin. I only use these serums during the night time, which is why they lasted quite some time.

I will repurchase once I am done with the other serums in my stash. They are the perfect anti-ageing tool!

The full ingredient list for Step ① C12 Ultimate Line Reducer:

The full ingredient list for Step ② Vitamin C Serum Enhancer:

If you are interested in purchasing Naruko, you can get it from naruko.my or Watsons.

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