3-in-1 Hadalabo Perfect Gel ★

I'm a fan of Hadalabo's products, they're effective, good quality and inexpensive. Their Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion was the first ever lotion I ever tried, and the Hadalabo Skin Conditioner was another amazing item I bought a lot of back ups for ★ Now, I've discovered yet another amazing find, the 3-in-1 Perfect Gel. It can be used as an essence, sleeping mask and moisturizer, though I mostly use it as a sleeping mask.

The jar, inside and the gel. 

It comes in a simple plastic cylindrical jar, which I'm not really a fan of due to hygiene hazards...So if you're a stickler for cleanliness and hate contamination like me, use a spatula or spoon to scoop out what you need, and always make sure it's clean before dipping into the jar.

The ingredients list, all conveniently listed in English. Like many of Hadalabo's products, the Perfect gel is mineral oil-free, colorant-free, fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin. The expiry date is also a long way away, March 2016. 

More into the ingredients. 

Hadalabo's star product is the Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, and many of the other items in their lineup also feature Hyaluronic Acid. The Hadalabo Perfect Gel contains 3 types of Hyaluronic Acid: 

★ Nano Hyaluronic Acid

★ Super Hyaluronic Acid

★ Hyaluronic Acid

These deeply penetrates the skin to provide intense hydration. It also contains Ceramide, an ingredient which moisturizes deeply and prevents moisture loss. Another key ingredient is Collagen, which has long been known to improve skin's elasticity and radiance. Combined, the ingredients in the gel penetrates deeply into the skin to provide long-lasting hydration, and forms a barrier on the surface of the skin to prevent any moisture loss. 

Testing the texture.

The gel is semi-transparent and light in texture, applies very smoothly without leaving any greasy or sticky residue, and is easily absorbed into the skin. I do feel that it's too thick/rich to be used as a day moisturizer or essence, especially given Singapore's heat and humidity, but as a sleeping mask it does its job very well. 

Sleep is when our body repairs itself, so what better way to boost regeneration that during the optimal time of the day? I generously apply the Perfect Gel onto my face and neck, massage it in, go to sleep, and wake up to soft and radiant skin! I could really see a difference in moisture levels and skintone the morning after, all my dehydration lines are gone and my skin is smooth and supple.

Retailing at S$35.90 for 100g of product, the Hadalabo Perfect Gel is a steal and well worth its price, given its effectiveness.

The kind folks from Hadalabo also sent this panda eye mask, it's soo adorable! And extremely soft and fluffy, perfect texture to induce sleep~ I foresee this tagging along with me on many airplane trips!

2013 cosme.net Ranking (First Half Year)

Revealed last week, the 2013 cosme.net Ranking for the first half of the year is finally out! The rankings are based on reviews and ratings by real consumers who share their experiences on cosme.net, Japan's largest cosmetics community/portal. It's not like an award doled out by magazines/editors, but a ranking based on sentiments of regular consumers of the products, so Japanese companies happily place their cosme.net ranking on their products if they manage to get one. If you go to drugstores in Japan, you'll often see cosme.net stickers on various cosmetic products! Plus they have a good mix of Western and Japanese brands, drugstore and department store brands.

Here are the rankings for the Point Makeup, Base Makeup and Skincare sections. I translated the product names from the Japanese names, so don't blame me if their actual English names are something else, I wouldn't know!^^ Also translated the description of some of the 1st place items, complete with the stars and musical notes they used, so don't think it's just me inserting random comments^^

POINT MAKEUP

CHEEKS

[1] Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact N

Cute and girly case, colors can be used as 4 individual colors or mixed together.

[2] Jill Stuart Layer Blush Compact

[3] Paul & Joe Cheek Color

EYESHADOW

[1] Jill Stuart Velvet Crystal Eyes

A well-received, easy to use 4-color set with pigmented and elegant pearly colors.

[2] Lunasol Vivid Clear Eyes

[3] Visee Glam Nature Eyes

EYELINER

[1] K Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner 24h WP

An eyeliner that stays put. The ease of use of the brush is also highly raved about.

[2] Dejavu Lasting Eyeline RN Brush Liquid

[3] KATE Slim Gel Liner Pencil

MASCARA

[1] DiorShow Iconic Overcurl

Gives a beautiful curl even without the use of an eyelash curler ☆ 

The pigmented color gives beautifull separated lashes.

[2] Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Meister

[3] Guerlain Cils D'Enfer

LIPSTICK

[1] Coffret D'Or Rouge Essence 

Shiny and moisturizing and stays on! Another good point is the lipcare functions.

[2] Aube Essence Premium Rouge

[3] Canmake Stay On Bar Rouge

LIPGLOSS

[1] Dior Addict Gloss

Highly transparent and overwhelming glossiness and volume make it well-recommended.

[2] Lavshuca Flower Nectar Gloss

[3] Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited

BASE MAKEUP

BB CREAM

[1] L'Oreal Revitalift UV Block BB

[2] Kose Sekkisei White BB Cream

[3] DiorSnow Whitening UV Protection 50 BB

PRESSED POWDER

[1] Lunasol Skin Modelling Powder Fountation

Fits perfectly like a second skin, for glossy, poreless skin~♪

[2] Maquillage True Powdery UV

[3] Sofina Prima Vista Powder Foundation UV

LIQUID/CREAM FOUNDATION

[1] Lancome Mat Miracle 24H

Gives a fluffy, matte finish ☆ Gives a natural look, like the appearance of bare skin.

[2] Lissage White Liquid Foundation

[3] Addiction Tinted Skin Protector

LOOSE POWDER

[1]Cosme Decorte AQ MW Secret Glow

[2] Est Long Lasting Loose Powder Lucent

[3] Chacott Professionals Beauty Veil Powder

MAKEUP BASE

[1] Coffret D'Or Full Keep Base UV EX

Gives a silky feeling, and is holds up well against sweat and sebum for a long time ♪ 

A matte base that covers pores.

[2] Chanel CC Cream

[3] Guerlain Blanc de Perles Makeup Base SS

SKINCARE

SUNSCREEN

[1] L'Oreal Revitalift UV Block

[2] suisai Perfect UV Day Emulsion II

[3] Shiseido Anessa Pergect Essence Sunscreen

MAKEUP REMOVER

[1] Parado Skincare Cleansing

[2] Cosme Decorte AQ Meliority Repair Cleasing Cream

[3] White Label Placenta Whitening Cleansing Gel

FACIAL WASH

[1] Lush 毎日が晩餐

(I don't know what the English name for this is, plus Lush products in Japan are made and packaged differently and have a different product texture/consistency from the rest of the world)

[2] Meishoku DETclear Bright&Peel Fruit Enzyme Powder Wash

[3] RMK Sherbet Moisturizing Soap

SHEET MASK

[1] Shiseido White Lucent Powder Brightening Mask

*They only announce 1st place for the sheet mask category

ESSENCE/SERUM

[1] Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targering Serum+

[2] YSL Forever Light Creator Serum

[3] Shiseido HAKU Melanofocus CR

LOTION

[1] Aquamoist Hoshitsu Lotion

[2] Hadalado Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion

[3] Meishoku Moisture Carbonate Mist

EMULSION

[1] Clarins White Plus Moisture Emulsion

[2] Albion Exage White White Crystal Milk III

*They only announce till 2nd place for this category

These are the rankings for the first half of 2013. Each year there are 3 rankings, the first half, later half and overall whole year. The overall whole year one has more categories, including eyelashes, nails, eyebrows, concealers, etc. And of course as the years pass you'll see more new items, but there are some items that repeatedly make the list over a few years, even after revamped formulas. A good example would be Jill Stuart's Mix Blush Compact, the old version topped the blush category in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 rankings. Another example is Majolica Majorca's mascaras. Though they're different formulas, Majolica Majorca's mascaras have been #2 in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. 

Majolica Majorca Fantastic Fantasy ♪ ♬ Chapter 38, Autumn 2013

Majolica Majorca's Autumn 2013 release, Chapter 38 "Fantastic Fantasy". The collection's theme takes inspiration from Alice's Tea Party (Alice in Wonderland), delivering various surprises in the cute but mildly poisonous world. A girl charmed by a world of dazzling surprises, who gets her wish of transformation fulfilled.

Except for the mascara, everything in the collection is limited edition, and features muted/vintage colors. I love the theme of this, because I love tea, patisseries and tea parties ♪(*´ω｀*) ♬ The collection is slated for release on 21st July 2013 in Japan.

As with all releases this year, the jewel of the chapter is The Little Humming Book III. 

Like the previous two books, it features one cream base, two powder shadows and a lip gloss. The cream base is a pastel pink called Table Napkin. The two powder shadows are a berry pink called Antique Berry and a golden beige called Brick Wall. The gloss is a deep scarlet called Tomato Jam. This retails for 1,575yen with tax.

A new product, Nail Costume. These are nail stickers that can easily be pasted onto your nails. Each comes with a nail file. The three varieties are #1 Teacup, #2 Tablecloth and #3 秘密の住人 (Himitsu no Shujin), which will be sold in all stores that carry Majolica Majorca. These retail for 787yen with tax each.

There's also another 4th design, #0 Omamori, which will be sold exclusively on WatashiPlus, Shiseido's online web store, to be released 21st August.

Majolica Majorca is well-known for their mascaras, and their latest addition is the Lash Expander Edge Meister F, a film type mascara easily removed with just warm water. Majolica Majorca mascaras are well-known for being waterproof, smudgeproof and tough to remove. This version will be removable with just warm water (hope that doesn't include tears!) The mascara features a Duet Comb - a brush with two combs. The main comb is for length and separation, and the little one is for "point catch", especially for lower lashes. This retails for 1,260yen with tax.

Rounding up the collection are two limited edition Artistic Nails (Speedy & Glossy) nail polishes. They are supposed to dry quickly and give a glossy shine, so that you can do nail art soon after. The two limited edition colors are GY971 骨董品 (Kotsutouhin) and RS272 食べ頃 (Tabegoro). These retail for 399yen with tax.

Out of the three 10th anniversary collections this year, this has the quaintest names (to me). Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite stories, and I love tea and patisseries! Tiramisu, Fraisier and Montblanc are my favorite patisseries ♥ (That's why I really liked AMO's eyelashes for the latest AMOYAMO x Eyemazing collection, because the names are derived from Alice in Wonderland and teatime items too (*´ω`*)♪) Can't wait for this collection to hit Singapore!

Anessa Face Sunscreen BB SPF50+ PA+++

Because my Too Cool For School Blending Cream BB was almost finished, I started trying the Anessa Face Sunscreen BB which I bought in Yokohama last September. I can't believe I took so long to start on it, just one use and it became my current favorite BB cream! ♥♥ 

Anessa is made by Shiseido, and is famous for their sunscreens, which have ranked high on cosme.net for many years. I initially wanted to only try the sunscreen, but while I was in Donki I saw the BB cream next to it and thought, why not try it out, since I haven't tried many Japanese BB creams other than Hadalabo's.

I love Donki, because I can spend hours browsing the cosmetics section^^ Lots of items are discounted too, for example the sunscreen was about 1790yen, while the BB cream was 2000yen. The retail price is around 3150yen for the sunscreen and 2520yen for the BB cream. Anyway, I had to try both ♥ 

There was a promotion for the sunscreens, whereby there was an extra mini 12ml bottle of a different sunscreen. I got the Perfect Essence Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++, and it came with a mini bottle of the Perfect UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++. (I just checked their website, in February 2013 a new formula has been rolled out for all the sunscreens, they now offer PA++++! Even more sun protection, hurray~)

The Too Cool For School BB cream had no SPF, so I'd always use the Perfect Essence Sunscreen under. It's my favorite sunscreen, because it's very fluid like essence/serum, non-sticky and is easily absorbed. I haven't tried the Perfect UV one, though it's recommended for activities like sports, going up the mountains/going to the sea, and it's waterproof too.

Onto the BB cream! I like how the underside of the cap is solid instead of being empty like most screw-cap cosmetics. There's 30g of product and its main function is actually to act as a suncreen. There are two colors - Light and Natural - but at Donki I only saw Natural, so that's what I got. The Anessa Face Sunscreen BB is actually more like a tinted moisturizer than a BB cream, with high sun protection.

Ingredients and benefits.

Main benefits:

★ High UV protection - protects delicate skin against sunburn and sun damage

★ Moisturizing - contains hyaluronic acid and collagen

★ Covers pores

★ Corrects skin tone

★ Can be used as a make up base or as a foundation

★ Resistant to sweat and sebum

Oiliness test.

It's very non-oily, which works great in Singapore's humidity.
It's also very light, so my face doesn't feel like it's smothered by cream :D

I don't know what to call this test, but just wanted to show that it doesn't "melt" or fall off after contact with the environment, or that the more liquid components won't sink to the bottom and cause the blob to fall off the paper?

Consistency test.

It's lightweight and very creamy, but spreads easily and blends into skin without difficulty.

I have a preference for creamier BB creams, because for me thinner BB creams tend to streak...

Color/blending.

The Anessa Face Sunscreen BB is actually a lot darker than most BB creams I've seen, but over time it blends into my skin. The main function is to act as a sunscreen, and it's made to have a "natural" color. Despite claiming to be more for sun protection than makeup, the BB cream's coverage is medium and is buildable, and it's pretty decent at covering redness and evening skintone ♥

The BB cream dries semi-matte, which is my preferred type of finish 　ε(๑^ᴗ^๑)з

When I use this I do not top it off with loose powder, because it sets pretty well. And after 10hours of wear it still stays in place, and doesn't melt or streak. For me, this is a great BB cream, perfect for Singapore's humid weather. It's also lightweight, blends very well and looks natural, and the finish is semi-matte and non-oily ♥ 

I have combination skin and live in extremely humid and warm weather, and I really like the texture of this BB cream. However, for people living in temperate climates of have dry skin, I think you might find this a bit drying?

June's Little Black Beauty Box: The Asia Style Collection Box ★

One of the newer beauty subscription boxes around, I think The Little Black Beauty Box has the most gorgeous box, the box really looks like a book! It even opens like a book. After taking out the items I'm using it as decoration hehehe. The June box is the 4th box, and the theme is Asia Style Collection.

The Little Black Beauty Box is a project by Sharon Au; a collaboration between Mediacorp's StyleXStyle and the department store Robinsons. For S$19.90, it's a steal! However the boxes are made in very limited quantities each month, and they're always sold out! (*´д`*) Been wanting to get it but April's was sold out, May's was sold out...thank goodness I was able to get this! 

The bottom of the super gorgeous box, it really looks like a book! 

Even the side/spine has words that  make it like a book.

The items are neatly packed inside with crepe paper.

Info card introducing the theme of the box, and behind it is a checklist of offers from participating brands.

Sadly the box does not come with a card listing the items in the box...

All the items in the box.
Quite a generous variety and quantity, don't you think so?

Plus many of the items are newly launched ♡

Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion SPF50+ PA+++
Been wanting to try the BB cushion, because the texture seems so unusual! (*´ω`*)♪

FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil

Kose Sekkisei Sun Protect Gel SPF50 PA+++ 

Forgot to take a close up photo for Kose!

Holika Holika Luminous Silk BB in 01 Light Beige SPF42 PA+++

Holika Holika Black Caviar Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Holika Holika Miracle Real Skin Finish

Holika Holika 3D Aura Bright Patch

Holika Holika 36.5° Fermentation Cordyceps Sinensis Mask Sheet

Holika Holika $10 Gift Voucher

Tonly Moly Intensive Firming Care C Zone Patch

Tony Moly Intensive Firming Care Lip Smile Patch
So many masks!

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ PA+++

Sebamed Feminine Intimate Wash

Sebamed Olive Face & Body Wash

Anna Sui Secret Wish perfume sample 

Kinohimitsu Collagen Drink

It actually tastes kinda nice chilled! It has a fruity flavor to mask the taste of the collagen. I've previously bought collagen powder from Japan, but stopped taking it after a few cups because the taste of the collagen was to strong for me... (*´д`*)

Redoxon Anti-oxidant tablets 

If you're interested, the themes of the boxes so far:

★ March: The Whitening Box, featuring whitening products, in light of Robinson's Whitening Fair which was held around when the box was released.

★ April: The Star Power Box, featuring "A-list coveted beauty treats", in view of the Star Awards which on around the month box was released.

★ May: The Spring Awakening Box, featuring items inspired by "all things fresh and beautiful".

★ June: The Asia Style Collection Box, featuring Japanese and Korean brands, in view of the Asia Style Collection show which will be held next week on 22 June (Tokyo Girls Collection! Rola and Tsubasa!!! Girls Generation! 2NE1! AI! Thelma Aoyama! Looking forward to the event ♡)

★ July: The Men's Grooming Box, guess it will be featuring men's products?
★ July: Stardust Edition, a special limited edition box featuring Japanese and Korean brands, in view of the Asia Style Collection show, a collaboration with John Little's Stardust corner?  

Albion Skin Conditioner Essential ♥

Working like medicated toners/lotions, skin conditioners are an amazing invention! Been using the Hadalabo Skin Conditioner on-and-off since 2011, when I totally hoarded it. (Good decision, it's still not available in Singapore).

The most well-known skin conditioner is the one made by Albion, their Skin Conditioner Essential, and it's so famous that when people say スキコン (ski-con), they mean the Albion one. I've been wanting to try it for a long time, finally got it, and ohemgee the wonders it has done so far! ♥ My skin has become noticeably clearer and smoother, the redness has reduced, pores have become smaller, and dehydration lines have disappeared. This is really amazing...plus it smells wonderful too! ♥ 

The bottle and the box. Apparently the basic packaging hasn't changed since the introduction of the product in 1974...which is why the packaging and font kinda look old-fashioned. Up till a few years ago I only ever knew Albion as the company that made Paul & Joe cosmetics (I love Paul & Joe, their packaging is sooo floral and pretty and the quality is great. It was like "the" Jill Stuart before Jill Stuart started). A stark contrast in image, but because of the prestige/ history of the product, I guess the "trusted" old-fashioned image sells.

The effects of the skin conditioner: 

★ 肌荒れ・荒れ性/ Targets rough, dry skin

★ クリアな肌/ Clears skin

★ 日焼け・雪焼き後のホテリを防ぐ/ Prevents flushness after sunburn or snowburn

★ 肌を引き締める/ Tightens skin

★ ニキビを防ぐ/ Prevents pimples

★ みずみずしい肌/ Fresh, youthful skin

My awkward translation: "The skin conditioner supports the skin, and is a lotion that leads to moisturized and healthy skin. It is a lotion aiming for long-lasting, true beauty; a lotion that can be used for all seasons and ages, for whatever skin problems: to treat irritable skin, to prevent flushness from sunburn and snowburn, and to prevent skin troubles like pimples."

薬用 means for medical use/pharmaceutical, so this is kinda like a medicated toner. The product is vacuum-sealed at the top for hygiene purposes, always a plus point for me. I love products that come with sealed openings.  On the back of the bottle you have the product description, it's a lotion/toner, for sensitive skin. I got the 165ml bottle, which costs 5,000yen (5,250yen with tax) in Japan. Good news is that Albion is available in Singapore (Takashimaya Cosmetics Dept), though it costs S$82 for the 165ml bottle.

There are 3 sizes available:

110ml - 3,675yen with tax

165ml - 5,250yen with tax

330ml - 8,925yen with tax

The instructions say to use it after cleansing and emulsion/moisturizer, but I like to use it as the first step, before emulsion/moisturizer and essence/serum. I guess you could use your hands (like the Hadalabo one), but the instructions recommend pouring it generously on a cotton pad, and patting in all over your face. 

I love the smell, and because of the menthol there's a cooling sensation after patting the product on. It's not an extreme mentholly cooling feeling, but rather it's a nice, gradual, fresh feeling? I use the cotton method, though sometimes I'll soak a few cotton pads and leave them all over my face for about 15 minutes, kind of like a mask. The result is amazing! ♥ The brightening effect is instantly noticeable, and right after application my face feels sooo smooth, plus the heavenly floral scent stays for awhile.

Ingredients: Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Water, Alcohol, 1,3-Butylene glycol, Gluthathione, Witch hazel extract, Horse chestnut extract, Job's tears extract, Menthol, Carrageenan, Sesquioleate sorbitan, PEG castor oil, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Fragrance.

The product itself is milky-colored, of a very liquidy consistency. The product contains no coloring, I guess it's milky color is due to the Job's tears (鳩麦/hatomugi, similar to barley). It kind of does look like barley water, doesn't it? It smells amazing ♡ Kind of floral, kind of powdery; a very lingering, luxurious scent, I love it! ♥ The makers were aiming for a floral bouquet scent that leaves a deep impression, and they totally nailed that! Some people might find the scent overpowering though, but for me it's a wonderful scent (♥´౪`♥)

 The Albion logo, a simple AL. 

The tagline for the Skin Conditioner is 365日、好き。スキコン。(Sanbyaku-rokujuu-go nichi, suki. Sukikon.) Which means "365 days, I like it. Ski-con." It's a pun hahaha.

An interesting fact about the company name: Albion is an old name for Great Britain, which derives from words meaning white and land. The company took this name because they feel that whitening/brightening is the starting point in the pursuit of feminine beauty, which is quite true for many Japanese/Korean skincare companies, as many products are created to achieve fairer and clearer skin. Fair not in the sense of white, but in the manner of glowing/translucent.

More of the pretty bottle. The Skin Conditioner Essential is Albion's star product. There's a flower embossed on the body of the bottle, it's really pretty! I know that sounds superficial, but having things with nice packaging makes me feel happier when using them (*´ω`*)♪ Isn't that the reason why so many people like Jill Stuart and Paul & Joe? But of course, the products themselves are great too, which is what makes people love them even more! ♥

Comparing it with the Hadalabo Skin Conditioner, I absolutely LOVE the Albion one! ♥ The smell is sooo amazing, it seems to work faster and has more visible improvements, and I like the texture/ feeling it gives more. The Hadalabo scent is a medicated scent, which I also kinda like, but the Albion scent leaves me feeling all dreamy and happy too~ ♬

Buuuut the down-side is that the Albion one (5250yen for 165ml) costs about 3 times as much as the Hadalabo one (1575yen for 170ml). However, for availability, the Hadalabo one is not available in Singapore, though the Albion one is. But, if you're young, the Hadalabo one is good enough, since you don't have that many problems when you're younger too! If you're older, indulge! Your skin will love you for it, or at least mine does ♥ Anyway, both have the same active ingredient: Dipotassium glycyrrhizate.

I cannot fully describe how amazing this skin conditioner is; I love how much clearer and more radiant my skin has become, and the bottom line is that I'd definitely repurchase this~ ♥ One bottle can last a really long time (unless you use it as a mask everyday), so it's definitely a worthy investment.