Shiseido Anessa Whitening UV Protector A+ SPF50+ PA++++ Review

UV rays are not good for our skin, so we should use UV filters to protect ourselves. We know that, yet still many of us decides to ignore this knowledge and just rely on low SPF included in moisturisers or make up products. I was like that myself and for a very long time I was relaying on BB Cream's SPF only, but the ugly truth is that we simply don't put enough of BB/CC Cream on our skin to make the SPF work properly. I knew that, but I still resisted the idea of using separate sunscreen, as I got oily skin and I was afraid of putting an extra product on it. Especially that sunscreen brings to my mind greasy lotions that my mum used to slash over me on the beach when I was a kid... but some reviews on Asian skincare blogs proved me wrong. Thanks to one of the Polish skincare blogs, Green Tea Love I decided to cure myself from ignorance and buy my first UV-blocker. It was meant to be Hada Labo UV Whitening Emulsion, but before I managed to order it, the owner of My Asian Skincare Story blog started a little jumble sale - selling of products that she didn't like or had too many of. That's where I spotted Anessa UV protector. The blog owner described it as a suitable for oily skin and it includes my favourite skincare promise of whitening... so there was no other way, I had to have it!

Product description: Sunscreen 2in1 milk that protects skin from signs of ageing and dark spots and acts as make up base. It contains Shisheido-developed M-Tranexamic Acid which suppresses melanin production and prevents freckles and dark spots. Milky formula leaves skin soft and smooth, ready for make up application. Resistant to sweat and sebum, removable with face wash.

The main UV blockers in this product are chemical:  Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, also known as Tinosorb S and Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, also known as Octinoxate or Octyl methoxycinnamate. At the very end of ingredients list we will also find physical blocker: Zinc Oxide.

Product also contains moisturising hyaluronic acid, anti-inflammatory and cleansing thyme extract and turmeric root extract, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin brightening properties.

Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Hydrated Silica, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycerin, PPG-17, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Isostearic Acid, Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Succinoglycan, Citric Acid, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Silica, Ethyl Ascrobic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycerrhizate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Soluble Collagen, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Fragrance, Zinc Oxide Ingredients Analysis [HERE]

Product is in a plastic 60ml bottle. The bottle is sleek white opalescent pink - my favourite colour combination ^^ The milk has a pleasant scent, overall product leaves very good first impression of simplicity and neatness.

The milk has lightweight texture. After application I can still feel in on my face for a while, it needs a moment to absorb into skin. Once it gets absorbed my skin feels great - slightly moisturised, smooth and not shiny (I heard a lot of complaints about different sunscreens that they leave skin shiny). Anessa is giving almost matte finish to the skin - it's not a full matt, but slightly satin-like, very natural looking. It doesn't leave white cast on skin.

Now the best part - Annesa offers quite decent sebum control. As I said above, I was afraid to use UV blockers, because I thought they would increase my skin skin oiliness - however this product was a very pleasant surprise. The sebum control is not mind blowing, but enough to make me feel difference and because I didn't expect any sebum control it really impressed me.
Now for the doubling up as a make up base - well, it won't cover enlarged pores, but thanks to the sebum control, make up is able to look well on my skin for longer. However you must be careful with product choice, as not every BB Cream goes well with the sunscreen - for example Holika Holika Petit Clearing BB is oxidising terribly applied on top of anything. Fortunately ma favourite Tony Moly Petite Cotton BB creates a nice duo with Anessa, Maybelline Satin Liquid Foundation also performs well. Unfortunately I cannot use one of my favourite BB's Lioele Dollish Veil Vita on top of the sunscreen. Because it contains pigment capsules, it requires rubbing skin during application to achieve the right colour. However bear in mind that if you apply anything on top of your filter you shouldn't rub, just gently pat, otherwise you may rub your protection off!

Price: Product is available on Rakuten from 24$ and Amazon from £35.

Pros:
+ lightweight texture
+ sebum control
+ doesn't leave white cast
+ gives satin, almost matte finish
+ noncomedogenic

Cons:
- a bit pricey
- unavailable on e-Bay

Summing up: I feel really lucky that I could start my adventure with sun blocks with such a good product. It definitely encouraged me to try other Asian sun blocks and if any new sunscreen fails me, I will have that one to come back too. Highly recommended product :)

If you plan to buy it, pay attention to bottle's appearance and product description - my version is the newest one, formula has changed in 2014. The older version has pink bottle and lover protection - SPF32 PA+++.

Anessa has couple of different sun blocks to choose from - if you search for "Anessa" on Amazon or Rakuten you may see both bottles and tubes. The main difference is that products in bottles have milky texture, while products in tubes are gels.

Waterproof milk for face and body

Waterproof gel for face and body

Tinted UV blocker available in two shades

Too Cool For School Rules of Pore Get Ready Dual Primer

Product description: Silicon neatly covers pore and unevenness. Moisture reinforcing complex keeps skin smooth & moist all day long. Sebum absorbing powder wipes out excessive facial oil. Magical pore cover ensures visual changes, no more frequent make up corrections, take sebum under control!

Product is a duo of 50ml primer in squeezy tube and 1.5g of pore balm hidden in tube's cap. I ordered set of 10 sample sachets, which are unfortunately only the primer, so I didn't have a chance to try the pore balm. One sample sachet lasts for approx. three applications.

In the ingredients we can find some good stuff:

• Portulaca Oleracea Extract (also known as wild portulaca or pigweed) - has many benefits on skin: soothing effect, accelerating healing process, improving skin's elasticity. As a natural source of vitamins A, C and E and the co-enzyme Q10, is an excellent antioxidant, fighting premature ageing and protecting skin from enviromental damage.
• Betaine - An amino acid also known as Trimethylglycine or glycine betaine. Primarily functions as a humectant and anti-irritant in cosmetic products. It's able to give superior hydration to the skin, without the residual stickiness often associated with glycerin based emulsions. When used in skin care products, it can temporarily decrease the depth of wrinkles, giving the face a much smoother appearance.
• Sodium Hyaluronate (sodium salt of hyaluronic acid) - is a powerful anti aging ingredient in skin care. It is naturally occurring in the skin, but as we get older it's level decrease causing our skin to age and sag. It has ability to absorb water up to 1000 times its weight, what makes it one of the best moisturising substances known.
• Witch hazel extract - a strong astringent & antioxidant, has antibacterial & anti-inflammatory properties, effective in acne treatments

but considering the presence of silicones and parabens I wouldn't expect any skin miracle effect, however it's good to know they are there.

Full list of ingredients: Water, Cyclomehicone, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Stearyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Talc, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, BHT, Hamamelis Virginina (Witch Hazel) Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrace
Ingredients analysis [HERE]

 In the pore balm we can also find some extracts:

• Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract - it'a a powerful antioxidant, protecting skin cells from the damage caused by free radicals. It is also known to reduce skin swelling and help soothe and condition sensitive skin.
• Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil - essential oil with powerful antiseptic properties, widely used in acne treatments
• Witch hazel extract
• Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Full list of ingredients: Aluminium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Idodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, Dipentarythirtyl Hexahydroxystearate/Hestearate/Hexarosinate, Ceresin, Polyethylene, Tihydroxystearin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Polybglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Sea Water, Fragrance, Propylparaben
Ingredients Analysis [HERE]

The primer has creamy consistency and white colour, but spreads into clear gel texture, does not leave white cast on the skin, actually does not influence skin tone at all. After application skin is nice and smooth in touch and what really surprised me - it does feel moisturising! I know it contains hyaluronic acids, but I didn't actually expect such a nice, moisture feeling.
Unfortunately the primer does not do much to the pores. To be honest I don't see any improvement to my pores at all. My wrinkles are not covered as well. There is also no sebum control, my skin get just as oily as always. The BB Cream is just a little smoother, that's it.

Price: from £12 on e-Bay for full size product, I payed £3 for set of 10 sample sachets.

Pros:
+ contains hyaluronic acid and feels really moisturising on the skin
+ skin is nice and smooth after application

Cons:
- does not cover enlarged pores well
- no promised sebum control

I think that this product rally has to go in duo and maybe with the pore balm it would work better. It's a shame that the sample offers only the primer. If you are looking for simple primer with some moisturising properties this may work for you, but if you want to cover enlarged pores I would suggest to try the product as a whole (duo) or maybe try the Magical Pore Balm on it's own:

I think I will pass on this product, especially that I prefer tinted primers, as they help me to even out my skin tone and cover my scars better. Skin Food's Black Egg Pore Gel Base worked much better for me.

Rohto Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Shirojyun Lotion

Hello ^^
Today I would like to review for you my first Japanese product: Hada Labo lotion. Hada Labo products have great opinion across many reviewers and are well know to everyone interested in Asian skin care products.
Hada Labo products are available on-line on e-Bay and Amazon, however be careful as many of them are offered by sellers from Thailand. As I said in my What you should be careful about when buying on e-Bay post, I always make sure I buy cosmetics from country of origin. With that particular product I've been lucky, as one of my colleagues was on holidays in Japan and kindly agreed to buy Hada Labo for me :) He said that Hada Labo lotions are so popular that they can be bought basically everywhere, not only in drugstores, but in places like railway stations as well! 

Product description: Fulfil your dreams of a white, perfect skin with Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening range that contains Arbutin to help fight dark spots and brighten up skin tone. Also contains Vitamin C to enhance skin fairness and reawaken dull skin caused by exposure to UV rays.

Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful anti aging ingredient in skin care. It is naturally occurring in the skin, but as we get older it's level decrease causing our skin to age and sag. It has ability to absorb water up to 1000 times its weight, what makes it one of the best moisturising substances known. Arbutin brightens up skin tone and Vitamin C

protects skin cells and skin's support structure from UV-related damage, improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, reduce inflammation and promote collagen production. 

How to use: Use twice a day after cleansing face. Apply on palms and gently pat onto skin until thoroughly absorbed.



The lotion comes in 170ml plastic bottle. It doesn't have any other external packaging, the top of bottle is thermally wrapped in plastic.

The lotion has very watery consistency, whitish colour & subtle, hard to describe scent. I must admit that I find application a bit problematic, I'm very clumsy and always spill a little :P But even though I waste some of it one the floor, the product is very efficient. I use if from over a month and used up only 1/4 of the bottle.

Tapping lotion in the skin brings an immediate relief to skin dried out after cleansing. Depending on how much you use the application may take longer - on the beginning I was using too much and had to pat my face for a while. The amount shown on the picture is just about right for me - moisturises well whole face, I have to pat for a moment, but not too long. Straight after application skin is a bit sticky (both face & hands), but this feeling fades away after a moment or as soon as we top it up with another product.
What I really like about this lotion is the weightless feeling of ultimate moisture. Before I started using light moisturising essences like that (I was using Missha First Treatment Essence before Hada Labo) I often had problem with dehydrated skin - in the middle of the day under the sebum (I have oily skin) I would feel that my skin is tense, dehydrated. With Hada Labo I don't have this problem any more.
As for it's whitening properties - I definitely can see improvement in my skin, my acne scars faded. It's not a dramatic change and it takes a while to notice it - if I would use other products from line it would probably be more significant.

Price: from £13 on e-Bay (incl. postage), my friend payed for it in Japan approx. £8.

Pros:
+  moisturise skin
+ weightless
+ it does brightens a little
+ a little goes a long way

Cons:
- easy to spill during application
- a bit sticky after application

In general I'm really pleased with this product. Even if it wouldn't brighten my skin I would still be happy with it, thanks to it's moisturising properties. I am tempted to try other Hada Labo products :)

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Arbutin, Sorbitol, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ester, Methylparaben, Disodium Succinate, Styrene/VP Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Succinic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Hada Labo Lotion is available in three versions: original Hyaluronic Acid one (white), whitening one with arbutin (blue one, my choice) and anti-ageing one with Retinol (red). In general all of them contains Hyaluronic Acid, so all of them are good for giving your skin extra moisture :)

Enlarged pores problem? Mizon Pore Refine Deep Cleansing Foam & Pore Control Peeling Toner.

A lot of people has problem with enlarged pores. If you are one of them I have a bad news and a good news for you. The bad news is, that the size of your pores is depending on your skin type and there is nothing you can do to change it permanently. For example my forehead has visible pores and no matter what I use, they always look like that - it's just the structure of my skin. The pores on my cheeks near nose are even more visible, BUT I manage to control the size of them. And here is the good news: pores appear bigger because of excessive sebum and waste in them = you can minimise appearance of them by properly cleansing. And here is where this Mizon's products come handy :)

Mizon Pore Refine Deep Cleansing Foam

 

 

Product description: Minty cooling foam containing kaolin and charcoal that effectively absorb excessive waste, sebum and dead skin cell in pores and help keep skin clean while killing bacteria. Shooting botanicals leave skin moisturised and smooth.

Mizon's 'Genuine product' sticker.

The foam has fresh and minty smell, a little bit like a toothpaste :P It has thick and creamy consistency, a little amount easily leathers up in nice, thick foam. As you can see on the pictures, it contains tiny little particles (I suppose it's charcoal related?), but you can hardly feel them, so this is not exfoliating product. It leaves skin refreshed and squeaky clean. As for the cooling effect - I delicately stings skin, but tings not in a painful harsh way, but in a nice refreshing way.

Price: £5-6 on e-Bay.

Pros:
+ a little goes a long way
+ cleanse very well, leaves face squeaky clean
+ refreshing feeling
+ nice scent
+ leathers up well into thick foam
+ cheap

Cons:
- can be a little drying/harsh for sensitive skin

I was using this product before I started to double cleanse with oil. It's good to remove all the make up - I'm a hardcore and used it on my eyes as well (takes off mascara), but be careful with that as it stings if it gets into an eye. I don't plan to repurchase so far, as since I use double cleansing I choose more mild foam (oil does the "dirty job"), but I bear in mind this foam as a really good one. If you don't double cleanse and want just one good cleansing product - this is a good choice. It does minimise pores a little, however effect is MUCH better if used with toner.
  It contains Lauric Acid and Pottasium Hydroxide that may be recognised as a potential irritants/acne triggers, however I didn't notice any influence on my acne or irritation while using this product.
  Ingerdients: Aqua, myristic acid, kaolin acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, potassium hydroxide, cocamidopropyl betaine, hydroxyethylcellulose, charcoal powder, sodium hyaluronate, beta glucan, vaccinum myrtillus fruit/leaf extract, saccharium officinarum (sugar cane) extract, acer saccharum (sugar maple) extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract, citrus medica limonium (lemon) fruit extract, amica  Montana flower extract, Artemisia absinthium extract, achillea millefolium extract, gentian lutea root extract, carica papaya (papaya) fruit extract, gypsophila paniculata root extract, hedera helix (ivy) extract, hydrolyzed extension, collagen, disodium edta, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexyl glycerin, tropolone, fragrance
Ingredients analysis [HERE]

Pore Control Peeling Toner

 

Product description: Specialised formula removes makeup residue and calms skin after cleansing, while balancing skin pH. It keeps skin oil free and fresh all day long.

First of all I must say that I absolutely LOVE the sleek square bottle design. It's not well visible on the photo, but bottle is coloured in gradient green (darker on the bottom and lighter on the top), and the silver "Pore" word is holographic. It has such a elegant and modern look! The only downside is the size of the bottle - I consider 80ml as quite small for a toner. Gets used up much quicker than foam.

Mizon's 'genuine product' sticker.

The toner has a very handy pump dispenser, which reaches right to the bottom of the bottle, so we can easily use it the the end. I was using six pumps of product on a cotton pad to tone my face. Toner has citrusy smell with a hint of alcohol, but in general smell is quite subtle and not bothering.
When I was using just western products, the toner was qualifying for me as a cleansing product and astringent. I noticed that Asian toners are more on the skincare side, but some of them are still more cleansing (the containing alcohol ones) and some of them are more moisturising and caring. This one is more on the astringent side, which is fair enough as it's supposed to control pores.
The toner gives refreshing feel to the skin. When used on it's own slightly minimise pores and has a bit of moisturising touch to the skin. When used with foam it has great impact on my pores on the cheeks (the ones on the forehead don't react to anything...).

Price: £8-9 on e-Bay.

Pros:
+ elegant packaging
+ refreshing feel
+ has impact on pore size

Cons:
- I didn't notice any extra sebum control, my skin was as oily as usual
- small capacity - for that price we can get at least 100ml, or even 210ml like Mizon's Witchhazel toner. I think we are paying for the pretty bottle here :]

It contains Alcohol and Salicylic Acid that may be irritating for some skins. For my skin alcohol is almost neutral and my skin loves Salicylic Acid.

Ingredients: Aqua, alcohol, glycerin, sodium lactate, peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, glycolic acid, salicylic acid , theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) extract, copper tripeptide-1, collagen, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower/ leaf extract, carica papaya ( papaya) fruit extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, disodium edta, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexyl glycerin, tropolone , fragrance 
Ingredients Analysis [HERE]

In general this two are a great products for pore control. I ordered foam first and then toner and I noticed that used together they have much better influence on pore size. However, as I said on the beginning of my post we can not change our pore size permanently, so the effect won't last after you stop using the products. I also didn't notice any extra sebum control, my skin was as oily as usual while using this products. Unfortunately used together they have a bit more drying effect on the skin than used separately, so if you want to give them a go, make sure you have some good moisturiser handy.

The whole Mizon's Pore Line.

The line contains also Pore Refine Silky Smooth Essence and Pore Tightening Lotion.
Note: On many websites the recommended order of use is Foam > Toner > Essence > Lotion, however Essence contains silicons and sun screen, so I would recommend using it last. If you put silicone first, the ingredients from Lotion won't be able to reach the skin.

Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

I was looking at this type of product from a while now and finally ordered some samples. And honestly, this is my discovery of the year. I am not sure if I will be able to fully describe how much I love this product xD

Product description: Back to the Basics, a Stepping Stone to a Healthier and New Skin.
Contains 80% Fermented Yeast Concentrate, “FISSIONE", which absorbs into skin instantly to energize your skin. THE FIRST TREATMENT ESSENCE improves fine lines and skin tone. Miracle water “FISSIONE” hydrates, restores, rejuvenates, and gives you a glowing complexion.
How to use: After wash your face, at FIRST step to your skin care routine, use palm of your hand absorb gently and evenly onto your face.*
 * this is an original description form Missha US website. You will often find that description of Asian products are written in "funny English".

So, the story is, that people who were producing sake noticed that their hands, which had constant contact with yeast used for sake fermentation, are looking much younger and healthier than the rest of their bodies. And that's how the yeast extract became a cosmetic ingredient. The yeast in this particular essence is Saccharomyces, order Saccharomycetale, family Saccharomycetaceae. Other popular fungi used in cosmetics in Galactomyces, from the same order but different family (Dipodascaceae).

The whole ingredients list is pretty impressive. Saccharomyces is on the first place, then we have loads of other skin-loving ingredients like:

• Licorice extract - has anti-inflammatory properties and has ability to interrupt the stimulation of an enzyme that activates melanin production, so it's effective for improving dark spots and hyperpigmentation
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - offers multiple benefits for ageing skin- can improve skin's elasticity, enhance skin's barrier function, help erase discolourations, and revive skin's healthy tone and texture.
• Amaranth Oil - Has anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in Squalene, that has ability to lock in moisture and prevent water loss from skin. Contains Omega 3 and 6 which accelerate cell regeneration.
• Elm root extract - has anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties
• Kava Extract - Kava is a psychoactive plant, native for western Pacific cultures. Kava is consumed as a drink with with sedative and anaesthetic properties. Because of it's psychoactive properties kava-based products are banned or controlled in some European countries. In skin care products has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Betroot Extract - Beetroot's pigment, betalain is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and fungicidal. Lycopene found in beetroot juice maintains the skin elasticity and protects the skin from sun damage.
• Centella Asiatica (also known as Gotu Kola) extract - an effective anti-photo ageing agent, mainly due to enhancement of collagen, which amount in skin decreases with age. Listed in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to combat excessively dry skin. Has anti-inflammatory properties, suitable for sensitive skin.
• Portulaca Oleracea Extract (also known as wild portulaca or pigweed) - has many benefits on skin: soothing effect, accelerating healing process, improving skin's elasticity. As a natural source of vitamins A, C and E and the co-enzyme Q10, is an excellent antioxidant, fighting premature ageing and protecting skin from environmental damage.
• Chamomile - well known for it's skin soothing properties
• Rosemary extract - has moisturising properties, supports healthy collagen development to fighting off skin-damaging free radicals.
• Phellodendron Amurense (Cork Tree) Bark Extract - traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat different forms of inflammation and bone pain. Contains peptides with anti-oxidant properties and berberine with antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
• Cassia Alata (Candle bush) leaf extract - has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. Used to treat various skin problems, including syphilis sores, psoriasis, herpes, chronic lichen planus, scabies, shingles, eczema, rash and itching.
• Adenosine - helps prevent wrinkles, reduces UVB sun damage, increases the production of elastin and collagen reducing skin sogginess and improving tone
• Hyaluronic Acid - is a powerful anti ageing ingredient in skin care. It is naturally occurring in the skin, but as we get older it's level decrease causing our skin to age and sag. It has ability to absorb water up to 1000 times its weight, what makes it one of the best moisturising substances known.

Full list of ingredients: Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Propanediol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Niacinamide, Polyquaternium-51, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Raffinose, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Glycerin, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Tromethamine, Water, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Acetic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate
Ingredients analysis: [HERE] 

The idea of beautiful skin in Asia is a dewy, clear complexion, that glows from within. You can see what I am talking about on the picture above. Although this pic is for sure airbrushed this is what a perfect skin should look like and products like this one is supposed to give the skin that beautiful glow.

I had one sample randomly kicking about, a free gift to some e-Bay order. I decided to give it a go when I run out of toner. It lasted for two applications, would last longer but genius Ninja was not careful enough and spilled half of it =.= because I liked the form of product, but couldn't really tell much about how it works after just two uses, I ordered set of 10 samples (1ml each) from e-Bay.

The product has very runny consistency, just like water. So the sachet form of sample is very inconvenient - easy to spill.  Learnt from the experience of spilling the first sample, when I received my 10 samples I decanted them into empty bottle after toner, with spray applicator. Unfortunately I already used it all, so I can't show you a picture, sorry!

Product is almost non-scented. I mean, there is some scent to it, but it's very very subtle and hard to describe. Not bothering at all.
Product has "4 weeks" guarantee - it promises to turn your skin into "new skin" in 4 weeks time. My sampled lasted me for over a week and for the results I experienced - I totally believe in their promise. Every day, in the morning and in the evening I was dispensing three sprays onto my face and gently patting product into skin until absorbed. It takes maybe like 30 seconds to absorb. Using this product I experienced the whole new level of moisture - it leaves skin slightly sticky, but not disgusting, greasy glue like sticky, but well moisturised and supple kind of sticky. I don't know if you know what I'm talking abut, but trust me - it's very pleasant feeling. The product is almost weightless - I can feel that my skin is moisturised, but there is no residue to it. Any products applied after First Essence are still absorbing into skin well.
Because I used it only for week, I cannot tell much about wrinkle improvement - however me skin definitely feels different - it's well moisturised, and this feeling last whole day. Literally WHOLE DAY. Sometimes I can feel in the middle of the day that after layer of sebum there is dried and tense skin. Not with this product. Seriously, this is my moisturising holy grail. So the other name of the product: "miracle water" is very suitable. My skin is slightly brighter, radiant and very nice and soft in touch.

Price: the full 150ml bottle is available on e-Bay from £20. You can also grab 30ml sample bottle for £6 or set of 10 sample sachets (1ml) for £3.

Pros:
+ absorbs fully, no residue
+ well moisturises skin
+ leaves skin soft and radiant

Cons:
- the sample sachets are not very handy and it's easy to spill

I totally love love LOVE this product <3 I am sooooo buying this in the full size!

There is loads of similar yeast-based essences in Korean cosmetic market. The craze was started by posh Japanese brand SK-II. SK-II Facial Treatment essence was the first product called "miracle water", containing Galactomyces - they even patented their main ingredient and called it Pitera. Unfortunately the original SK-II essence is very expensive - the 150ml bottle costs over £70! 

SK-II has 7-day results promise.

Other well known SK-II dupe is made by Secret Key. Their Starting Treatment Essence also contains Galactomyces and can be bought for as little as £11 on e-Bay. There are good reviews about it on different blogs, so if you are on a budget I think this may be worth trying.

Skin Food Royal Honey Premium Kit Review

Hello honeys :)
Quite a massive review ahead! I was actually quite sure I already wrote about it, but I was trying to refer to it in another post and guess what, it's not there :] It can't wait any longer!

Premium Kit contains 4 pieces: Toner, Essence, Emulsion and Cream. I will review them in the order of use.

PS. If you wonder why this set has so many pieces, what is essence and emulsion etc. there is a post about cosmetics layering coming. I will link it here when it's done.

Royal Honey Toner

You can see full size product [HERE]

Product description: A treatment toner with royal black honey and royal jelly extracts that hydrates and transforms skin into a nice honey-glazed complexion.

The sample size is 20ml. Toner has slightly thicker consistency than average water-like toner, but it's still very runny (runny enough to make it very hard to make picture without wasting the product lol). It has very subtle smell, I could smell something honey-like in it, but my sensitive nose smells alcohol in it as well. It absorbs into skin quite well, but leaves skin a tiny little bit sticky. It cleans face, as sometimes I could see on a cotton pad some dirt left over after face foam.

Pros:
+ moisturise skin
+ cleansing
+ nice smell

Cons:
- slightly sticky
- contains alcohol (fortunately not as a top ingredient, like some toners do)

INGREDIENTS: WATER, HONEY EXTRACT, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG/PPG-17/6, COPOLYMER, ALCOHOL, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERING, GLYCERETH-26, ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT, GLYCERYL ACRYLATE/ACYRLIC ACID COPOLYMER, BETA-GLUCAN, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, YEAST EXTRACT, BIS-PEG-18, METHYL ETHER DIMETHYLSILANE, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, TRIETHANOLAMINE, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, DISODIUM EDTA, SODIUM HYALURONATE, METHYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL, CI 19140, CI 15985, PARFUM
 Ingredient analisis: http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_8e40135359.html

Royal Honey Hydro Essence

 You can see full size product [HERE]

Product description: A hydrating treatment essence with royal black honey and royal jelly extracts that replenishes moisture and transforms skin into a nice honey-glazed complexion.


This essence has consistency of very runny clear gel. It has very subtle, sweet smell. It absorbs into skin quickly and completely. Somehow it reduces stickiness of toner :) In general whole Royal Honey range is rather aimed at driers complexion types, but I think that this product can be easily used by every skin type. I have very oily skin and this essence moisturised it a little bit, without leaving heavy or oily feeling. BUT essences in general are very light and supposed to be absorbed completely, so if you are looking for short skincare routine, with only 1 or 2 moisturising products, this product may not be moisturising enough.

Pros:
+ quickly and fully absorbs
+ reduces stickiness left by toner

Cons:
- so light, that can't really be used on it's own, must be followed by other moisturiser (but this is typical for essences, so it's not really that much of a con)
- not very efficient - from whole set this run out first

Royal Honey Emulsion

 You can see full size product [HERE]

Product description: A treatment emulsion with royal black honey and royal jelly extracts that moisturises and transforms skin into a nice honey-glazed complexion. 

Essence has a consistency of very light cream, opaque colour. It has very synthetic smell, slightly sweet, but not so obviously honeyish like other products. A little goes a long way - when other products almost run out, I am hardly in the middle of the essence. But the packaging annoys me - it's hard plastic, so I can't really squeeze it, shaking doesn't really help as well, so I ended up picking it up from bottle with cotton bud. Hygienic, but annoying and time consuming, as I have to dip the bud at least twice to get the right amount of product. In full size version you may experience same problem, as it's glass bottle without any applicator. WHY? =.=

Pros:
+ nicely moisturise
+ lightweight
+ a little goes a long way

Cons:
- synthetic smell
- it's hard to get product out of bottle


INGREDIENTS: WATER, GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, HONEY EXTRACT, MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL, ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT, LANOLIN, GLYCERYL STEARATE CITRATE, BETA-GLUCAN, SORBITAN STEARATE, PEG/PPG/POLYBUTLENE GLYCOL 8/5/3, GLYCERIN, GLUCOSE, DIMETHICONE, CYCLOHEXASLOCHANE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, YEAST EXTRACT, OCTYLDODECYL LAUROYL GLUTAMATE, DIGLYCERIN, CARBOMER, BIOSACHARIDE GUM-1, POLYACRYLAMIDE, LAURETH-7, C13-14 ISOPARAFFIN, TRIETHANOLAMINE, SUCROSE COCOATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ALCOHOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HYDROGENATED LACITHIN, DISODIUM EDTA, GLYCEROPHOSPHOCHOLINE, SUCROSE LAURATE, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, CREATINE, MANNITOL, LYSOLECITHIN, CERAMIDE 3, SODIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, CI 15985, CI 19140, PARFUM
Ingredients analysis: http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_0ce1135371.html

Royal Honey Hydro Cream

You can see full size product [HERE]

Product description: A hydrating treatment cream with royal black honey and royal jelly extracts that replenishes moisture and transforms skin into a nice honey-glazed complexion.

This product is has rich, but rather gely than creamy consistency. It has nice and subtle honey-like scent. A little goes a long way - the amount shown on the picture was enough for the whole top of my palm. It moisturises very well, but is slightly sticky and leaves face shiny, so I was using it only at night time. Also it's quite "heavy duty" moisturiser, so I was using it only when I felt my face is quite dry, for a regular use it's to heave for my oily skin and could break me out.

Pros:
+ very nourishing and moisturising
+ a little goes a long way
+ lovely scent

Cons:
- slightly sticky
- leaves face shiny
- too rich for everyday use on my oily face (but this is fault of my face lol).

INGREDIENTS : WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, HONEY EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, OCTYLDODECYL MYRISTATE, GLUCOSE, HYDROXYETHYL UREA, PHYTOSTERYL/BEHENYL/OCTYLDODECYL LAUROYL GLUTAMATE, ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT, BIS-PEG-18 METHYL ETHER DIMETHYL SILANE, DIMETHICONOL, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, BETA-GLUCAN, HYDROLYZED VIOLA TRICOLOR EXTRACT, TRIETHANOLAMINE, YEAST EXTRACT, CARBOMER, DISODIUM EDTA, NATTO GUM, TOCOPHERYLA ACETATE, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, ALCOHOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, CREATINE, GLYCEROPHOSPHOCHOLINE, MANNITOL, SUCROSE LAURATE, CERAMIDE 3, LYSOLECITHIN, SODIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE, METHYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL, CI 19140, CI 15985, PARFUM
Ingredients Analisis: http://www.cosdna.com/eng/cosmetic_9001135374.html

 Summary

 In general this line is dedicated for rather dry complexions. I have an oily skin, but it tends to be dehydrated or dried out in some places - I've bought this set to find a product for my "dryer days" and it worked well for me this way. I was thinking about getting some full sized products from this set to use as my PM routine, but I decided to test out some other products first and preferably look for something anti-aging or/and brightening.
If you would like to introduce some honey into your skincare routine, but you don't want to invest money in the whole set, I would recommend:
- for an every day moisturising, for all skin types: toner + essence or toner + emulsion, or essence + emulsion.
- for heavy duty moisture any from set + cream.

Overall I really enjoyed testing out this product. It's actually the first time I had chance to experience product layering with product from the same line. If you ever have chance to catch set of samples - go for it (don't put it away because of your skin type - every skin needs some heave duty moisturising from time to time) ;) it may also be a nice gift.