Recent Beauty Haul

Well, I haven't been doing a lot of makeup shopping lately... *Doh! So not true!* I was just too lazy to post them all here.

Here's some of my new babies, recently purchased from local department stores and eBay. From left to right:

1. Etude House Dr. Oil Solution BB Lotion SPF 20/PA++
Somehow, I am always attracted to Korean makeup/skincare brands, especially Etude House and Skinfood. Even more than the Japanese ones. Or, perhaps my drooling years over Japanese brands have passed. I guess.
Etude House products have never completely failed me. Though some of them don't live up to my high expectations, they still perform quite okay. So, I decided to buy this primer a few weeks ago when I was browsing for a new primer. Monistat just feels a bit too silicone-y for me lately.

(pictures will be posted tomorrow)
This product has pink-greyish color, which I thought would be a total disaster on me. But no, topped with foundation, the color of this product is perfectly concealed. Thank God! The texture is similar to most bb creams, easy to blend, but turns matte pretty quickly. Oil control is also good. My nose needs a little touch up after 10AM, which is okay for me. Additional SPF 20 is not so bad either, though I'd still apply another sunblock prior to this.

2. Kanebo Lunasol Water Cream Foundation in YO03
I posted my review on this foundation a few months back. I begged my friend, Amalia, to give hers to me because she said it was too light for her (OC03), and fell in love with this thing. It was actually too light for me as well, but I just loved it so much! I finally bought my own jar, in YO03, because I thought this would be a better match for my yellow skin tone. Turns out this is also too light for me, like the OC03. Better in tone, but still too light. I had to mix it with my NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Tahoe to make this shade works better. Anyway, I don't regret buying this. Love, love! :)
(pictures will be posted tomorrow)

3. Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in #153
Hmm... As much as I don't regret buying the Lunasol one, I still craved for a new foundation which matched perfectly to my skin tone. *Excuses, excuses... :p*
So, after lemming and reading more reviews, I went to buy this. I have been considering to buy this foundation since last year, so I am happy to finally did it! The shade is P-E-R-F-E-C-T for my NC40-42-ish skin. Blends verrry easily on top of Etude House Dr. Oil Solution primer, creating a smooth satin finish.

(pictures will be posted tomorrow)
I have read reviews saying this foundation screams "makeup" on them, whereas the brand claims this product gives the most natural look, even in a flashed photography. I think those people just chose the wrong shades. Because if you are lucky to find the perfect match, this is invisible. I'd say this gives me the "my skin but better" effect. I had to look closely to a mirror to check whether this foundation is still on, or has gone completely. Well, it's still on! I did touch up after 1PM with my Silky Girl Pure Fresh Oil-Control Pressed Powder, but I can still see the foundation on me.
I use my skunk brush to apply this and it gives me sheer result. I will try using another brush (blending brush or flat top) next time! I think I'm gonna wear this pretty often to the office. :)

4. Hada Labo BB Cream SPF 32/PA+++ in Natural Ochre
If you read my first post on this blog, you'll know how much I love this brand! So when I read good reviews on the bb cream, I just had to buy it! Some ladies in femaledaily forum have been raving this bb cream, especially the one in Natural Ochre shade. As most of you out there probably know, bb creams tend to have light and pinkish color. So, us, medium to dark Asian girls, have a hard time finding a bb cream that won't make us look like wearing a mask. Though every bb cream out there promises the color will blend and gradually adapt to our skin tone, most of them don't.
I haven't tried this on my face but I think the color IS a bit darker and yellowish than the bb creams I previously owned. Will post pictures of the product tomorrow!

Singapore Haul, 06-09 May 2011

I had a chance to go to Singapore last weekend. I was so excited because it means Watsons' tour for me! Yep, since I had to go without my family, I thought I might as well spend my money (not too much, though) in Watsons than going to tourism places alone.
After writing, editing, re-writing again my wishlist, here's what I ended up buying:

From left to right:
1. My Beauty Diary Bird's Nest Mask (S$14.50)
I have been reading great reviews on this mask. The bird's nest is supposed to whiten your skin, but I can't really tell for sure as the package is written in Chinese. But I do see the kanji of "white" on it. So I guess I'm on the right track. There are 10 sheets in the box (threw away the box to save space in my luggage), and I gave two to my sis-in-law.

2. Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus (S$25.90)
I have been using Majolica mascara for several months now and I must say it is one of the best. What I love about Majolica's mascara is the super waterproof formula! This is the newest formula for lengthening the eyelashes, with 2 kinds of brush on the end. One is coil type and the other is comb. Dunno the effect yet as I have not opened this up. I still use my old mascara, which I think might last for another 2-3 months.

3. Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Face Wash (S$12.90)
Got this a little cheaper, S$23.00 for 2 tubes, and shared the other tube to my dear friend, Arie. If you hadn't, please do read my previous post about Hada Labo. This is my favorite face wash ever! My all time favorite face wash in the world. Seriously!

4. Hada Labo AHA/BHA Face Wash (S$12.90)
This is my second favorite face wash after the SHA one. Ran out of it, so I'm really happy to get this.

5. Shiseido Aqualabel Deep Clear Oil Cleansing (S$18.50)
I was so excited to try the brand. Bought the Clay Face Foam Wash and the Lotion S before, only to find out they don't suit me. But I'm still curious to try the cleansing oil, as some of my friends say it's good.
Well, tried this. Like it. Not loving it. Why? The consistency is light, almost like water, which I like. Kind of similar to my favorite cleansing oil, UNT Huile Demaquillante. But... it is strongly fragranced! Which I hate. As for the cleaning part, it seems to be quite clean, but still doesn't beat UNT's.

6. Kanebo Kate Mineral Powder Foundation Refill (S$25.50)
I bought the refill in shade OC-D and put it in my Kanebo Fair Crea case. It has SPF in it but I forgot how much. And to lazy to google it now, haha! I was planning to pair this with my Kanebo Kate Lasting Liquid Foundation which was too dark for me (OC-G), but have never got to try them together yet.

7. Silky Girl Oil Control Pressed Powder (S$8.90)
The star of the haul! I read the review on Kimoko's blog and decided to try it in Natural shade. This is a great steal! Very cheap but performs unexpectedly. Keeps my face matte all day long and does not oxidize. And the color, though looks pretty light in the pan but suits my skin perfectly. Love!

8. Mentholatum Sunplay Water Kids Sunblock Lotion SPF 30 PA++ (S$12.90)
Bought this for my boy, for swimming and playground time. Not opened yet, so I dunno the consistency etc.

9. Biore UV Perfect Face Milk SPF 50+ PA+++ (S$15.50)
This is another star of the whole purchase. I bought my first bottle a year ago in Singapore, but only tried it once. I found the consistency to be thicker than the blue bottle (Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF 50+ PA+++) so I figured the result would be more oily. But, boy was I wrong! This one creates nice and matte canvas for makeup, with very very little white cast and helps my makeup last long hours!
I ended up selling the one I just bought here to a friend who needs a sunblock, since I still got my last bottle almost full anyway. And I still have three other sunblocks (Aqualabel, Nivea Japan and Neutrogena) in my drawer. :) But, I will surely buy this again. And again!

There you go! Not too much, right?
Anything here inspire you for your next haul? :D

Hada Labo, Whaddaya Wanna Know?

Well, I’ve been getting lots of questions regarding Hada Labo Products since my skincare arsenal was posted in Fashionesedaily. Come to think of it, maybe even before that article was posted. :p

I did try to answer the questions the best way I can, but I am far from claiming that I was 100% accurate. Just for personal record, I am writing here some of the questions I’ve been getting and my best way in answering those questions.

WHAT IS HADA LABO?
Hada Labo is a Japanese drugstore brand created by The Mentholatum Co. and Rohto Pharmaceuticals Co., to make a good quality skincare product, backed up by excellent technology.
Hada Labo was launched in 2004 in Japan and was exceptionally well received in a short span of time. Beauty lovers very quickly embraced the brand, and Hada Labo has proven to be a success with its Super Hyaluronic Moisturizing Lotion becoming the No. 1 Face Lotion in Japan.
Hada Labo stands for the lifestyle philosophy of “PERFECT x SIMPLE”, a skincare range that brings back to the basics – perfect, simple and confident. Hada Labo emphasizes simplicity in its skincare process, removing all the unnecessary additives, colorant, fragrance and mineral oil that will burden the skin.
(information taken from www.hadalabo.com.sg)

THE COMPLETE RANGES
Hada Labo has quite many ranges for different skin needs. They are:
1. Hydrating Care (Gokujyun): Super Hyaluronic Range, also available in light type (lotion only, for oily skin).
2. Whitening Care (Shirojyun): Arbutin Range
3. Sensitive Skin Care: es Range
4. Anti Aging Care (Gokujyun Alpha): Alpha Retinol Range
5. Exfoliating Care (Tamagohada): AHA/BHA Tamagohada Range (only available in cleansing oil and face wash/foam forms)
6. UV Care (2 types available, milk SPF 50+/PA+++ and cream SPF 30+/PA+++)
7. BB Series (2 types available, milk and cream, both with UV protection and there are two color choices, beige and ochre)
Click HERE to see the complete products from Hada Labo, but they are of course in Japanese. :)

The hydrating care, whitening care, sensitive skin care and anti-aging care have full range from face wash or foam wash, lotion, milk, essence, cream, and mask. While other ranges have only what was mentioned above.

WHAT IS LOTION, MILK, EMULSION, CREAM AND ESSENCE?
Japanese skincare brands have different terms in naming their products.

Lotion is a pre-moisturizing step in Hada Labo ranges. Some people compare this term with toner, which I think is not entirely accurate. Western term “toner” usually comes with function of clarifying or purifying. It is actually the final step of cleansing, to remove the remains of cleansing milk or makeup.
Japanese lotions add moisture level to the skin, and in the Hada Labo ranges, lotion adds water level in your skin with its Super Hyaluronic Acid content. That’s why you are not advised to dab it with cotton pad, but directly from your palms instead. It is to get all the lotion absorbed within the skin and makes it moist.

Milk or emulsion is a term used in Japanese skincare for moisturizer. Milk functions as a lock to the lotion, making sure the water level in the skin is kept stable for a good 6-12 hours.

Cream is the double moisturizing step in Japanese skincare, to be used mostly at night. Some brands recommend the cream to be used in the morning as well.

Essence is comparable to the term serum. It contains higher concentration of ingredients to achieve faster result.

WHAT I HAVE USED SO FAR

Hydrating Care: Super Hyaluronic Acid Face Wash
This face wash is heaven for me! It’s simply the best and most comforting face wash I have ever used in my whole entire life. It is ultra soft, feeling extremely clean afterwards and leaving the skin moist and fresh.

Exfoliating Care: AHA/BHA Face Wash
At first, I was on the fence whether I like the SHA Face Wash better or this one better. This face wash feels squeaky clean and lathers much thicker than the SHA one. But due to the super comforting effect, I’d say the SHA Face Wash is my HG face wash.

Hydrating Care: Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
This lotion is clear and colorless, has a bit of acidy smell and runny in texture. 3-4 drops of this is enough to cover my face and neck area. Hada Labo has a unique way for applying lotion. That is with slapping the face method. This method is to get the lotion fully absorbed into the skin, otherwise it will just sit on your skin and will take ages to absorb/dry.
This lotion will make my skin really moist and comfortable, but not oily.

Whitening Care: Arbutin Lotion
This lotion is a bit whitish, compare to the colorless SHA lotion. It has stronger acidy smell, but nothing to an annoying extend. It absorbs faster than the SHA one, but somehow leaves the skin feeling more sticky. I alternate the use of this lotion with the SHA one, but due to the stickiness I prefer more to use this at nights.

Hydrating Care: Super Hyaluronic Acid Milk
This milk is very moisturizing! It is light in texture, and you only need a pea size to moist your face and neck.

Whitening Care: Arbutin Milk
Again, this milk feels stickier than the SHA one, but texture wise it is still light. I opt to use this at nights since I found using it during the day makes my skin turn very oily, and my skin IS already oily. So, I prefer to use the SHA one better for day times.

Whitening Care: Arbutin Essence
This essence has thicker texture than the milk, comes with a pump bottle and one pump is all I need every night. I have been using this religiously for about a month now, but I haven’t been getting comments from my friends to proof my skin is whiter. So, I guess I’m gonna need to finish the whole bottle and see it from there.

OVERALL VERDICT
I love Hada Labo products! So much, that I’d keep using them for at least a full year. (Hey, that’s good enough, remembering that I normally switch my skincare every 3-6 months :p) And I’ve stocked up 2 bottles of SHA lotion, so I guess I’m covered for the next two years, actually. :p
For drugstore brand, I’d say Hada Labo is great. I see satisfying result within a week, especially from the lotion and milk. My skin is moist (still oily, but not dehydrated anymore), really soft to the touch and supple. Really remarkable improvements for me.
As for the whitening effect, I haven’t noticed anything yet. My age/sun spots are still there, my acne spots are fading but I exfoliate my skin regularly so I wouldn’t give the credit solely to Hada Labo. But again, I only use the whitening range at nights, due to their stickiness on my oily skin. So, I will keep using the arbutin lotion, milk and essence for at least a full bottle each and give my final verdict then.

FYI, my mom has been using my SHA Milk (only the milk) for 2 months now and her skin has improved sooo much! Her skin looks brighter than I could ever remember, super soft and much younger. She never really taken good care of her skin after she hit 40, which is 20 years ago, but she did use another drugstore brand, Olay. Her skin never looked this good with Olay! So happy for her! :)

Pictures are taken from:
http://www.rohto.co.jp/hadalabo/products/index.html#