SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence

Through extensive studies, SK-II discovered that UV exposure causes damage to the skin, leading to visible and hidden age spots and dark and dull skin tone. These issues in combination create skin clouds that blocks the skin's aura even amongst panelists in their 20s.

Name: SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence ジェノプティクス オーラ エッセンス
Price: RM 790 for 50 ml
@cosme rating: 6.1 ★
Release date: 21.2.2016
Made in: Japan

These discoveries lead to the launch of GenOptics Aura Essence; containing an infusion of Prunus Extract and Pitera™, in addition to D-melano P3C™ and Inositol to mitigate melanin formation and increase clarity in cells. The formula penetrates deeply into the skin, efficiently delivering the ingredients where they are needed.

The new auto-fill dropper is specially designed so that one full pump dispenses the optimal dosage. It may look like a lot, but it sinks into the skin so quickly that one wonders where it has all gone. And this is coming from a combination skin's perspective! I follow it up with a hydrating serum, or I could go straight to my moisturiser, the SK-II RNA Power.

In conjunction with the new release, SK-II upgraded its Magic Ring program with a 'Cloud Meter', where 'cloud areas' measure UV induced damage while 'aura areas' measure the brightness of the skin. Unfortunately, the Magic Ring tool that I happened upon during the launch did not receive the upgrade, so I will not get to quantify my brightness level in this post...

To the delight of my little heart, there may not be a need for the Cloud Meter after all, for even my naked eyes noticed a difference! While my complexion looks more radiant, it is not nearly enough for me to go out bare faced (all those pesky spots dotting my cheeks need to be cleared away first!). Then again, I have only been using it continuously for 2 weeks, and apparently, marked results will be visible after 8 weeks.

The SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence is available in 30 ml and 50 ml bottles for RM 555 and RM 790 respectively.

The full ingredient list for GenOptics Aura Essence:
Water, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Triethylhexanoin, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Nylon-12, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Boron Nitride, PEG-20 Sorbitan Cocoate, Panthenol, Inositol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Polyacrylamide, Aminomethyl Propanol, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Benzyl Alcohol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Prunus Domestica, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Hexyldecanol, Fragrance, Laureth-7, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Methylparaben, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, CI 77891.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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SK-II RNA Power Essence & RNA Power

Skin laxity causes wrinkles to form. Once wrinkles appear, the skin doesn't have a smooth canvas to bounce light off, resulting in a lack of radiance. It directly correlates to other signs of ageing too including dryness, sallowness, lack of resilience, visible pores, sagging skin, roughness and loss of tightened facial contours.

SK-II has come out with the the R.N.A. (Radical New Age) Power boutique in order to help the skin regain its natural firmness. It utilises the power of Pitera™ × Radical New Age Complex to achieve lengthwise and crosswise firmness* by rejuvenating skin cells and promoting structural protein synthesis in every cell, all layers of the skin.

If the moisturiser is the anchor of an anti-ageing regimen, the essence would be the critical first line of defence against ageing concerns. The R.N.A. Power Essence is an white-coloured watery liquid. It takes its sweet time to absorb (not to say that it is slow, it just needs some patting before it sinks in) and leaves the skin brimming with nutrients.

I find that it offers enough moisture on its own (I have dehydrated bordering on dry at times skin), but experiment first before you decide that it alone is sufficient (and by alone, I mean skipping other essences).

The R.N.A. Power has a buttery texture – visualise a jar of balmy butter and you will have it! It nourishes the skin without being overwhelming.

That said, my face gets a bit sticky when I slather the rich formula on a little too heavily... so I have got to control the amount I put on. SK-II says they have a natural olive fragrance, but naturally my nose doesn't know any better - it thinks that is is smelling fermented products (in a good way of course otherwise you wouldn't hear the end of it).

The brand wasn't exaggerating when it said that results can be seen from day two. I used them over my usual suspects, and woke up with firmer skin. The firmest I have had since... hmmm, years probably? I kept touching my face because I was so pleased, haha!

Ten days on, and the outcome has gotten more pronounced. There was a definite improvement in my skin – it feels firmer (which is given), smoother, bouncier and overall, healthier. Even makeup goes on easier these days! Not surprising considering how good the canvas underneath looks! Heh! And if this is the effect after ten days, just imagine what will happen when I use it for a longer period of time *rubs hands in glee*

I have also found them to be an acceptable alternative to sleeping *shifty eyes* While it isn't advisable to skimp on sleep, sometimes, life can take a toll, so it is nice to know that I have some products to fall back on that are able to fake a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed visage.

Okay, so what is the catch? The price: the 30 ml R.N.A. Power Essence goes for RM 419 whereas the 50 g R.N.A. Power costs RM 373. I know, I know, this can be lot for most. But they are well worth the premium price tag! I am currently mulling over when to replenish my supply (do they offer coffrets for Christmas?). Why?
① They work,
② I don't have an upper limit when it comes to skincare (well, unless it breaches the 4 digit barrier haha!), and
③ They are replacing several products which in total could cost more than RM 792 and will (most possibly) lengthen my routine.

Interested? You can find them at all SK-II counters with prices starting from RM 373. Perhaps wheedle the beauty consultant for a sample first before plonking down your card?

* Lengthwise firmness results in an improved appearance of wrinkles and visible lines, while crosswise firmness results in less visible pores

Disclosure: Press samples.

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