[SKINCARE REVIEW]: HANASUI FACE SERUM

Hello beauties! It's been quite so long since my last post and now I'm back with another edition of skincare review. I'm pretty excited to share this local skincare brand with y'all, because of their good performance for my skin with affordable price. HANASUI currently has renewed their face serums packaging and formula wherein they come in four different variants to choose based on your skin needs. The series are Vitamin C + Collagen Serum - as a booster for skin firming, Vitamin C Serum - brightens and reduce acne blemishes , Anti Acne Serum - help in reducing redness and inflammation and Whitening Gold Serum - as an anti aging and to strengthen the skin barrier. I've been trying for their two serums for about a month and am now ready to share with you.

Vitamin C+Collagen Serum

This is the first serum that I chose, as my concern is to brighten my dull skin eversince I have dry skin. They have S.M.A.R.T benefits which are Soothing, Moisturizing, Anti Aging, Restructuring, Touch.

Packaging

The serum comes in glass clear blue bottle packaging with pipette as the appllicator and weighted for 20 ml. 

Formula

This serum is formulated with some of my favorite ingredients :

- Phyto Collagen : to hydrate and increase the skin elasticiity

- Niacinamide 2% : help with the uneven skintone

- Stay C®50 1% : knowing as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate that is more stable, so you don't need to worry the serum will oxidize. This formula has function to brighten the skin, as a photoprotective (UV & Blue Light) and prevent hyperpigmentation.

- Fucogel® and Sodium Hyaluronate :  delivers skin moisturizing and claimed to provide you hydration up to 8 hours. 

Texture & Thought

For you might already know, for AM routine, I like to use face serum with the benefit of skin brightening and hydration and this serum cover it all. It has gel dense textured. However it spreads easily on the face but it takes some time to well absorbs. Once absorbs I can feel the hydration immediately and it is stayed for almost a day. What I don't like about this serum is only their strong scent.

Whitening Gold Serum

The reason I chose this as my second serum because their benefit for with the anti aging and strength the skin barrier. I'm quite concern on how to treat my skin barrier. If our skin barrier is broken, the skincare we put on our skin won't work well either. Thus we need to fix our skin barrier first.

Packaging

The serum packed in pumped glass clear bottle. I found my pumped doesn't work well. I need to push with an extra to take the product out. 

Formula

It can be said the key ingredients for this serum are almost the same with Vitamin C + Collagen Serum, the differences are only the amount or percentage for each formulas which higher. Those formulas are Niacinamide 4%, Stay C 50 2% and Phyto Collagen that worked together to as an anti aging (increase skin elasticity, eliminate fine lines, smile lines), strenghten skin barrier, control the exceeds oils and for sure to make skin lightened  and brightened.

Texture & Thought

Just like it's name, it has gold gel sparkly texture. Very smooth to blend and a slightly tacky after absorbing. I can see the small gold particles all over my face after applying. I most of the time use this serum in my PM routine. Eventhough their claimes as an anti aging, I still don't see any differences on my skin. It takes more time to see the results as our skin regenerated every 28 days and it even needs more time depends on your age and your life style. Despite of that, I like the looks of my skin condition in the next morning, it's smoother and brighter. And oh yes, this one also has strong scent.  

In addition, both serums are suit for all skin types from dry, oily, sensitive into combination. You can get the serums on their official online store at Shopee. And that's wrapped my review for this time and see you with the next one ;).

xOxO

cath💓

[SKINCARE REVIEW]: STYLE KOREAN X THE PLANT BASE

Hello People! Last month was my birthday and I was utterly excited when knowing I was selected to be one of the reviewers from STYLE KOREAN's Try Me Review Me event. In this time they collaborate with THE PLANT BASE, one of skincare brand that has been on my wishlist for some quite time. 

ABOUT THE PLANT BASE

This South Korean brand started their business in producing natural soaps. The company then expanded their business into skincare and already exported to over 10 countries. The Plant Base is only using natural plants and certified organic ingredients in formulated their products. While some use refined water, The Plant Base uses plant extracted water which boost up self-regenerate power of all skin type. Their products are also formulated with only natural plants & certified organic ingredients

AC CLEAR MAGIC FOAM A1+

A mild cleanser with claims specially formulated for sensitive and troubled skin type. 

TEXTURE

It has white, creamy and thick texture with a nice scent like tea tree. So pleasing! It lathers up into soft foam with lots of bubbles. 

PACKAGING

Comes in a squeeze tube and weighted for 120ml.

KEY INGREDIENTS

●Contains of Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract (44%) as the key ingredient for antioxidant as well as soothing effect.

●Completed with various active ingredients of AHA/BHA with its powerful for deep cleansing and remove dead skin cells. 

Besides, TPB also has some of patented ingredients such as :

● Inflax : acts as the antioxidant and provides skin revitalizing

●Phyto-Oligo : the Althaea Rosea Root and Aloe Vera extract help in moisturize and soothe the skin. 

MY THOUGHTS

●I initially used it twice a day but after a couple of days I feel it dries my skin. I was thinking it might be because of its active ingredients. I then minimized the usage only on PM and some other days on AM. It's not a daily cleanser kind of type for my dry skin.

●However, it's a nice and gentle cleanser to be used. It does perfectly cleanse the impurities of makeup and dust. Skin feels squeaky clean and refreshed. 

AC CLEAR PURE N SKIN

A clear toner with its benefits for skin purifying, balances skin's pH level, treats some trouble skin and controls the excessive oil.

TEXTURE

Clear, watery toner with a mild mix citrus-y and mint scent. It sinks quickly into skin, leaving it refreshed.  

PACKAGING

It's housed in 180ml mint green plastic bottle, where you can see clearly the amount of the product.

KEY INGREDIENTS

●Among the other AC Clear products, this toner holds the high percentage of Centella Asiatica extract (90%), protects skin barrier and reliefs skin.

●Some other soothing agents are Panthenol and Allantoin, these are also my helper when my skin gets irritated. 

●The other noticeable ingredients are Ulmus Davidiana Root as an anti-inflammatory and some essential oils (rosemary, basil, tea tree, peppermint). 

MY THOUGHTS

● I really enjoy using this toner. I can feel the soothing sensation upon application, it feels so relaxing. Leave my skin refreshed and prepare for the following steps.

●I also like to use it with the Chizu Saeki Method (CSM) by placing the cotton pads on my problematic areas. It helps in healing the acne I had. 

● The lightweight formula makes it comfortable to use it in many layers. But this toner doesn't hydrate my skin enough, I have to use 4 or even more layers to get the hydration level I want. But it's ok, as I can adjust with my serum or moisturizer. 

AC CLEAR MAGIC CICA CREAM

It's an ointment cream with functions as a blemish treatment, repairing and reinforcing skin barrier as well as firms the skin. 

TEXTURE

It has a thick, buttery consistency that glides smoothly on skin. Has a slight natural tea tree scent. 

PACKAGING

Encased in squeeze tube for 60ml of size. 

KEY INGREDIENTS

●Formulated with 55% Cica Extract gives an excellent work for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, soothe and protect skin.

●Green tea powder, loaded with Vitamin A & C, works as antioxidants and to keep skin healthy.

●Neoendorphin, a patented ingredient for wound healing and skin regeneration. Essential oils and tons of fruit extracts are also included in this cream for moisturizing and control sebum properties.

MY THOUGHTS

●This cream does the jobs as it claims. It helps me in healing my acne which appeared around my cheeks. I can see in the next morning, the acne is slowing down diminishes.

●I apply this cream in two different ways, either only on my problematic area or all over the face.

● It takes some time to sink on my skin, eventhough i apply a thin layer and it leaves a shiny dewy finish. Skin also feels soft and plump.

● In my case, this cream doesn't work well with makeup. Thus, I prefer to use it on PM only. 

AC CLEAR MOISTURE PURE N CREAM

A face cream with its claim to deliver skin moisturized for 24hours with the soothing and calming effect to treat the irritated skin. It's also formulated o protect skin's barrier and help with sebum control.

TEXTURE

Lightweight gel cream in translucent with a smell of tea tree and peppermint, very relaxing. 

PACKAGING

This tube packaging is a new house for this cream, because the old one was packed in a jar. It's a plus point as it will keep the product hygiene and free contaminated from germs. It has 100ml of size, such a generous amount for a moisturizer. 

KEY INGREDIENTS 

●Enriched with 76% of Cica Extract known in providing skin healing and anti-inflammatoty.

●This cream also has Niacinamide to help in improving the appearance of uneven skin tone and brightens the skin.

●The other notable ingredients are Adenosine as an anti wrinkle; the Natural Protector patent ingredients for moisturizing and sebum controlling and lots of Essential oils.

MY THOUGHTS

●My skin loves this gel cream that much. The light texture, make it spreads easily into face, absorbs fast and leaves my skin plump and soft.

●The immediate cooling sensation upon applying is what I like the most from this cream. 

●Unlike the Cica Magic Cream, it dries matte on me when fully absorbed and works well under makeup. 

TIME STOP COLLAGEN AMPOULE

An anti-aging ampoule that is rich in nutrients to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

TEXTURE

Brownish, viscous and its consistency reminds me of honey. It has no detectable scent.

PACKAGING

Housed in a twisted dropper plastic bottle with gradation of rose gold and silver, which makes this packaging looks luxurious. It's sized for 20ml. 

KEY INGREDIENTS 

●Enriched with 76% of Hericium Erinaceum (Mushroom) Extract as the main ingredient, with its benefit to rejuvenate skin and provide skin protection from external factors.

●The other formulas as the anti-aging properties are Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Schizophyllan and the patented ingredients Syn-Coll as well as Adenosine.

●It's also completed with Hyaluronic Acid, known for its powerful in delivering hydration.

MY THOUGHTS

●I've enjoyed using this ampoule day and night. 

●It's quickly absorbed into my skin and there's a bit of a tacky feeling. Yet, it's still convenient to be mixed with other skincare and can be used as a booster.

●It has a moderate hydration level for me.

●As for anti-aging claims, I haven't yet seen any significant improvement. Really need more time for this one. Definitely will give you guys an update.

TIME STOP PEPTIDE EYE CREAM 

An all-in-one anti aging eye cream that can be used to treat eyes area, entire face and neck lines. Gives a radiant looking and rejuvenating look.

TEXTURE

It has gel watery texture, lightweight, sinks fast onto skin.

PACKAGING

The packaging is simple yet pretty. Comes in rose gold slim tube. It's weighted for 30ml.

KEY INGREDIENTS 

●Contains of 36% Rose flower extract for skin soothing & regenerating.

●10% Honey extract to provide deep moisturizing and prevent skin aging.

●Adenosine as the anti-wrinkle and Niacinamide for brightening effect.

MY THOUGHTS 

●I love tis eye cream! It makes my eyes area hydrates and looking so bright.

●It blends well with my concealer.

And that's all my reviews for The Plant Base products. Should you wanted to try those products, head up to Style Korean Website. Thank you and see you on my next post. Stay safe!

xOxO

Cath

[SKINCARE REVIEW]: ASTALIFT JELLY AQUARYSTA

Hello People, it's May already and welcome back to my new post with a skincare brand from Japan "ASTALIFT". If you heard about FUJIFILM, I believe what comes first from your mind is about their photography. But, since 2007 they have evolved their business line into cosmetics wherein they connect between photographic film and skincare. This time in collaboration with Clozette Indonesia, I got a chance to try one of their best selling products, ASTALIFT JELLY AQUARYSTA with their renewal formulation. Interesting enough to get to know more? Let's start!

A bit story for the birth of ASTALIFT, they have dedicated for researching and developing it for around 80 years. In creating this brand, they're using four different technologies; nanoparticle formulation, various collagen, anti-oxidation and optical analysis technology, and when it all combines, it delivers beauty to all of us.

Let's now talk about the product. As the signature product of Astalift and has been raved by many beauty enthusiast, no wonder, this Jelly Aquarysta has won in some beauty awards. This is not an ordinary jelly. It has multifunction benefit as an anti-ageing skincare, Pre-serum or skin booster that helps in optimizing the next skincare step and as make up primer. 

So what is the differentation with the previous one? This new version has higher 10% of Ceramides ingredients and stronger antioxidants using Asenyaku extract. Ceramides is known with its benefit to protect and strenghten our skin barrier. While the antioxidant acts to protect our skin from the exposure of sun rays. 

And as mentioned earlier, Fujifilm is using Nano technology to create the Nanoparticles for the ingredients. Those ingredients are Human-type Nano-Ceramide, Nano-Astaxanthin and Nano-Lycopene. With this Nano size, it deeply penetrates on the layer of the skin, so the product work as it's said and given the result faster. It holds well the skin moisturization.

The other powerful ingredients on this product are Collagen and Damask Rose. As an anti aging propreties, Collagen acts in reducing fine lines, wrinkles and other signs. 

This product suits for all skin types and all ages. It also can be used to those who are on fasting. As it will keep your skin hydrated and able to minimize the acnes that might appear during fasting month.

TEXTURE

It has gooey orange jelly texture with a rose smell. Very feminine. Feels light and easily spread on face. The absorption is pretty fast and doesn't leave any stickiness or whatsoever on my skin. It's convenient to use both AM/PM.

Another interesting thing for this texture is, no matter how brutal you scoop the product out, this jelly will come back to the smooth form, just like the first time you opened the product. 

How to use it? I use it on the step after toner, by simply scoop the product at this small pea size and place on my palm. Rub it on my palm and apply with upper motion to the face. Gently pat pat afterwards and wait until it well absorbs. I'm then ready for my next skincare step.

PACKAGING

The Astalift Jelly Aquarsyta has a well designed and luxury packaging. It's housed in red sturdy and thick acrylic, equipped with a spatula to make it hygiene when you scoop out the jelly. I also like how this one comes with a clear holder to place the product and yes, it's seen beautifully on my stash.

The information about the products are printed inside and outside the cardbox, but all written in Japanese.  

This product comes in two sizes, mine is in 40gr with retailed price IDR 1,473,000. Don't worry if you run out the product as they provide the refill with affordable price.

FINAL THOUGHT

I really enjoy applying this kind of jelly product to my skin. Whenever I use this product, I can jump into simple skincare step (or knowing as skipcare), because it well hydrates my skin during the day. Really. Besides, my skin feels so smooth and plump, eventhough I just use it for around two weeks. I know it sounds crazy, but this is the result that can be seen fast. Ever since it's loaded with antioxidant and has multifunction as makeup primer, I use this in my morning routine. Makeup stays nicely, no crack, no worries. 

You can also try and find this product on offline store at SOGO Central Part and Lotte Shopping Avenue or you can also shop the product online at their official store at Tokopedia and Shopee Mall.

Here comes to an end, hope you guys enjoy reading my thought about Astalift Jelly Aquarysta and see you on the nex post !

xOxO

Cath💓

[REVIEW] : MEDIMINE DERMA CONTROL SERUM

Hello my beautiful readers, it's gonna be my first blog post in 2021 after taking a break for quite long time. Hopefully all of you are doing fine now in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. Today, I'm going to share with you the new skincare brand from South Korea, MEDIMINE, which I've been trying this product for the past one month. Let's dig into details!

Medimine itself is a brand from Mine Clinic in Seoul, South Korea. The brand comes with tagline "Dermatological Solution" as it was developed through the research and well experienced dermatologist as well as stem-cell experts. Their products are derived from selected natural ingredients with no additives and harmful substances and they have ensured it's effective for all skin types, even for the sensitive skin. 

We know that if our skin barrier is in damage and we don't treat it well, all the skincare we use might not absorbs and work well into our skin. Therefore we need to find the products to repair our skin barrier first. Gratefully, Medimine has listened to our concerns and after the 3-years of long journey, they finally launched DERMA CONTROL line that consists of Toner, Serum and Enriched Cream. This line was created as the solution to maintain and repair damaged skin barriers. This time I've got a chance to try their Derma Control Serum.

MEDIMINE DERMA CONTROL SERUM

TEXTURE

At first glance, i thought it has gel kind of texture as there were bubbles can be seen through the bottle. But I was wrong. Once I pump out the product, it has clear, watery and light texture with no fragrance. 

PACKAGING
This whole line has minimalist design. As for the serum comes in clear plastic bottle pump in square shape with dark blue cap. It gives me an ease to see the remaining product in the bottle. While for the expiry date can be found on the bottom of the bottle or on the cardbox.